Chapin Family Farms
Remus, MI
At a time when there were more questions than answers about the H5N1 virus in dairy cattle, when any dairy farmer who spoke about the outbreak risked becoming the face of the new disease, Doug Chapin stepped up.
Chapin has been critical to the dairy industry in Michigan and across the country for his role throughout the H5N1 crisis since its inception in March. He advocated to legislators and regulators for a science-based regulatory approach; he regularly spoke to media about the effects of the outbreak; and he helped maintain industry relations within the agriculture community both in Michigan and more broadly.
“Our objective was to make sure that the response made sense and was manageable by our dairy producers to make sure that they could operate within the guidance that Michigan was putting out and to work with the USDA,” Chapin said. The dairy’s industry collaboration within Michigan and with federal partners including it Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), also helped scientists collect the information they needed to learn more about the virus.
“We did not want to be in the way of learning more, so we tried hard to make sure that all those channels were open,” he said.
Michigan faced the added complexity of having both dairy herds and some commercial poultry facilities facing the H5N1 outbreak at the same time. “A big piece of the H5N1 response in Michigan, I think, was to recognize that it was important for dairy to be a good neighbor to the poultry industry and make sure that we did address the situation so that they could remain in a profitable state, too,” Chapin said. Cooperation was, and continues to be, crucial to allow both Michigan’s dairy producers and poultry producers to remain operational.
Chapin moved naturally into this role as an industry voice due to his dedication to service and leadership. Chapin sits as the board chairman for the Michigan Milk Producers Association. This role has led to the executive committee and board of directors for the National Milk Producers Federation. He serves in additional leadership roles for the U.S. Dairy Export Council, and the National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program.
It was through his work on the NMPF board of directors Economic Policy Committee that Doug was first introduced to a separate pressing industry issue: the need for Federal Milk Marketing Order reform.
“I think it was clear that the FMMO needed to be updated,” he said. During the FMMO reform hearings this year, Doug provided testimony advocating for the “higher of” Class III or IV proposal for the Class I mover, supporting his testimony with data and his farm’s experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. USDA’s proposal, which isn’t final, should “make it much easier to stay updated in the future,” he said.
Chapin is encouraged by the industry’s move toward change—from FMMO reform to sustainability efforts to meeting customer needs. “I’m pretty optimistic about where dairy will be in the future,” he said. As for right now, Chapin said he thinks dairy is in a good position in the marketplace. “We are delivering so much that the consumer is really looking for. And with innovation, we’re delivering it in packages that I think fit everybody, whether it’s low fat, or fat free, or lactose free.”
Chapin’s excitement for the dairy industry is palpable. Earlier this month, Chapin was awarded NMPF’s 2024 Farmer Communicator of the Year award in recognition of his leadership and contributions throughout the H5N1 crisis and FMMO reform. “As a leading voice for Michigan’s dairy industry, Doug Chapin steps forward when the industry needs representation,” Michigan Milk Producers Association said in its nomination letter. “He regularly meets with reporters, legislators, customers and his peers to ensure that the concerns and achievements of dairy farmers are heard and recognized.”
When asked about the next generation of dairy industry communicators, Chapin said he believes that the dairy industry has its own best advocates.
“I think the dairy industry is always in need of leadership,” he said. “So, if someone feels like they have help to offer, information to offer, assistance and projects to offer, I encourage them to get involved.”
Chapin operates Chapin Family Farms LLC in Remus, Michigan with his wife, Cheri, and their son, Sam. Their son, Will, is also involved in the operation. The Chapins milk 900 Holsteins and farm about 3,200 acres.