By Chris Wack 



  General Mills said Tuesday it has started a three-year regenerative dairy pilot in western Michigan, a key sourcing region for its fluid milk supply. 


  General Mills said it has partnered with consultants Understanding Ag and dairy cooperative Foremost Farms to pilot regenerative practices and provide support to participating dairy farmers. 


  The food maker said implementing regenerative practices on dairy farms requires a holistic approach to managing land, cows and manure. This is the third regenerative agriculture pilot that the company has launched, and the first for its dairy ingredient supply, since making a commitment in 2019 to advance regenerative agriculture practices on 1 million acres of farmland by 2030. 


  The three dairy farms in the pilot, which collectively manage more than 14,000 acres, were chosen for their proximity to General Mills' dairy manufacturing facility in Reed City, Mich., which produces a variety of Yoplait products. 


  As the pilot begins, Understanding Ag consultants will meet with each dairy farmer to co-develop and implement custom regenerative management plans for a portion of their operation. Throughout the pilot, partners will monitor data and measure impacts to soil, biodiversity, water, animal well-being and farm profitability. 


  Write to Chris Wack at chris.wack@wsj.com