The Northland College Center for Rural Communities received a $5,000 grant from AgStar Financial Services to head up a market study to estimate the demand for locally produced and grass-fed and organic dairy products across the Chequamegon Bay region.
“Many small farmers are struggling in the region, and transitioning to a diversified dairy market may offer a more stable revenue source,” said Robin Kemkes, faculty research associate at the Center for Rural Communities, who will be heading the project. “The study will determine if this is feasible.”
Kemkes said that student-research assistants, staff, and faculty will be contributing to this effort.