Milk Messenger: March/April 2022

MARCH / APRIL 2022

VOL. 104

DOWN TO EARTH KOPPENOL DAIRY FARMS, MMPA TOP QUALITY AWARD WINNER

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MMPA HOSTS ANNUAL DELEGATE MEETING

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MMPA DAIRY FARMERS NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED

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features

14 MMPA hosts Annual Delegate Meeting MMPA delegates gathered for the 106th Annual Delegate Meeting of MMPA on March 24 to recognize award-winning members, to hear business development updates and to conduct cooperative business.

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MMPA DAIRY FARMERS RECOGNIZED IN NATIONAL QUALITY AWARD PROGRAM Twenty-one MMPA members were awarded National Dairy Quality Awards, making up nearly half of the total award winners.

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DOWN TO EARTH: KOPPENOL DAIRY FARMS NAMED MMPA TOP QUALITY AWARD WINNER

Koppenol Dairy Farms down to earth attitude and dedication to quality milk earned them the MMPA Top Quality Award.

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contents

KIP AND ROCHELLE SIEGLER RECEIVED THEIR 2021 OUTSTANDING YOUNG DAIRY COOPERATORS AWARD AT THE ANNUAL MEETING.

KOPPENOL DAIRY FARMS WAS NAMED MMPA TOP QUALITY AWARD WINNER. THE FARM HAS AN AN AVERAGE SOMATIC CELL COUNT OF 41,000.

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EDITOR’S NOTE

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U.S. ANNUAL MILK PRODUCTION DATA

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MILK MINUTE

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YOUR DAIRY PROMOTION AT WORK

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FREELINERS & CLASSIFIEDS

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FARM SUPPLY STORE

Taking Charge of Change

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QUALITY WATCH

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NEWS & VIEWS

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LEGISLATIVE WATCH

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STAFF

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MMPA ELECTION RESULTS

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MEMBER MOMENT

How is MMPA’s Cover Crop Project going?

“The impressive showing of members in the award program is because of our member’s dedication to quality and their tenacity in overcoming the daily challenges of dairy farming.”

DEAN LETTER, MMPA DIRECTOR OF MEMBER SERVICES (PAGE 18)

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VOL. 104

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Milk Messenger (USPS # 345-320) is published bimonthly by the Michigan Milk Producers Association, 41310 Bridge Street, Novi, MI 48376-8002. Periodicals postage paid at Novi and additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Milk Messenger, PO Box 8002, Novi, MI 48376-8002.

President and Chief Executive Officer Joe Diglio Managing Editor Sheila Burkhardt, Senior Director of Member and Government Relations

Editor’s Note

BY EMILY KITTENDORF

If there’s anything we’ve learned in the past couple years, it’s that change is inevitable.

Dairy farmers may know it best with the volatile market they successfully operate in every day. Most times it’s not about the change itself though, but the attitude about it that dictates the outcome. As revealed during the 106th Annual Delegate Meeting at the end of March, MMPA is set to take charge of change as we continue to face supply disruptions, labor challenges and an evolving consumer.

On the Cover During the Annual Meeting, Koppenol Dairy Farms in Coopersville, Michigan, was recognized as MMPA’s Top Quality Award Winner. The Koppenols achieved the lowest somatic cell count among the membership for the second time in their history. Learn more about what they do on their farm to achieve success and focus on quality despite the ever-changing market environment around them on page 20.

Inside this Issue The Koppenols aren’t alone in producing high quality milk. MMPA members received nearly half of all National Dairy Quality Awards, a true testament to the prestige of the Top Quality Award Winner and the hard work every MMPA member puts in on their farms (pg.18). Other outstanding MMPA members were recognized during the Annual

Editor & Advertising Manager Emily Kittendorf, messenger@mimilk.com, 248-474-6672, ext. 234 Publication Designer reZüberant! Inc., Stacy Love rezudesign.com Printing Foresight Group, Stacey Trzeciak staceyt@foresightgroup.net Publication Office MMPA Milk Messenger P.O. Box 8002, Novi, MI 48376-8002 p: 248-474-6672 f: 248-474-0924 e: messenger@mimilk.com w: mimilk.com Established in 1916, MMPA is a member owned and operated dairy cooperative serving dairy farmers in Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin and Ohio.

An Equal Opportunity Employer – F/M/V/D Subscriptions: mimilk.com/subscribe MMPA members - 50¢ per year Non-members - $5 per year Circulation: 2,600 (ISSN 0026-2315)

Meeting (pg. 14), including milestone members reaching 35 and 50 years as MMPA members and 2021 Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator finalists. And finally, flip to page 24 to see an overview of dairy’s numbers in 2021. The best way to approach change that is yet to come is by understanding what got us to where we are today.

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MILK MINUTE

Taking Charge of Change

BY DOUG CHAPIN, MMPA BOARD CHAIRMAN

W

e have several unknowns in the marketplace today. We’re still facing supply chain and logistic issues from the COVID-19 pandemic, and now are dealing with inflation and the conflict in Eastern Europe.

All of these cause worry and concern, but I think we should take a minute and acknowledge the strong position that dairy is in today.

Here, within the U.S., the average person consumed 655 pounds of dairy products. That is a 22 percent improvement since 1975, and an all-time high. Our consumers may have changed the products that drive that consumption, but our dairy products are desired and sought out by our customers, who recognize the nutrition, taste and value of dairy products.

We are a staple of almost every home in America.

DOUG CHAPIN

We also experienced a record year in exports by exporting over 17 percent of the milk we produce. We set a record in both value and volume of dairy leaving the U.S. The world also recognizes and desires the nutrition, taste and value that United States dairy can provide.

This progress is a result of taking charge of change within the industry. The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) is heading up efforts to make a positive change in their approach to the Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO). They are not content to just tweak it but want to make changes that set us up to move forward in the coming years. NMPF is committed to a plan that works for producers and it is important that the industry goes forward together. We cannot allow the industry to become divided by regional issues.

We must be one voice to accomplish the modernization of the FMMO. An area where your association has taken charge of change is in the purchase of Superior Dairy on December 31, 2021. The acquisition was the culmination of years of working together. Superior’s management team and MMPA’s board of directors met several times over the preceding years. After months of discussion, the path forward was clear.

Everyone from our board of directors and our management team to Superior’s management team and ownership, was aligned on the acquisition of LEL and their three subsidiaries: Superior Dairy, LEL Logistics and Creative Edge.

Today, we can use our combined strengths of innovation, processing, marketing, management and a premium milk supply not only to better serve customers but also bring value to all of our member owners. With the purchase completed and behind us, we are looking to the challenges ahead of us. The alignment that all parties had at the purchase, was based on the opportunities in front of us.

I know 2021 was a year of tight margins and I know the dairy markets have been difficult the last several years. I’m not going to deny that we had challenges in the past, that we have challenges yet today and we will have challenges facing us tomorrow. I just hope that as dairy producers, we can take some time to recognize that today we have record prices, record exports and record per capita consumption here in the U.S. We need to relish in that success knowing that the market doesn’t change the focus of your board of directors or management team. We continue to search for opportunities to increase the value of our milk and grow and strengthen the co-op. We are always looking at ways to take charge of change.

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Dairy Care ACADEMY

Dairy Care Academy is ONLINE, ON DEMAND! Help your farm meet training requirements for the FARM program by accessing the on-demand, FARM program compliant online training platform. The curriculum covers six different topics and is available for unlimited use whenever a new employee is hired, retraining is necessary or simply to brush up on your skills. Watch videos, complete a quiz and receive a printable certificate for each of the following topics:

MILKING PRACTICES

DAIRY STOCKMANSHIP

FITNESS TO TRANSPORT

NON-AMBULATORY

ANIMAL MGMT

CALF CARE

EUTHANASIA

Access the online platform on the member portal at producers.mimilk.com or by contacting your member representative. milk messenger / MAR-APR 2022

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QUALITY WATCH

How is MMPA’s Cover Crop Project going?

WE ASKED THE EXPERTS:

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Sarah Michalek

Kristin Poley

David Mageean

MMPA Sustainability Supervisor MMPA’s Cover Crop Project was established in 2020 to demonstrate what MMPA members are doing for soil health and carbon sequestration through cover crops. Members enrolled in the program receive monetary compensation in return for planting cover crops on their fields.

In June 2021, we launched the second year of the project with a virtual field day hosted in conjunction with Michigan State University Extension. It was a great opportunity for farmer-to-farmer learning and sharing experiences, both good and bad, with peers.

For our second year in the program, we listened to farm feedback and the program sponsors eliminated the requirement for farms to enroll the same field for consecutive years of cover cropping.

Instead, participants now must just commit a similar number of acres for the duration of the program.

With these changes, we now have 30 farms participating in the program and over 3,200 acres enrolled. We look forward to another year working with our project sponsors, Unilever and BarryCallebaut, as well as technical assistance provided by the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan. If you are interested in enrolling for our program’s third year, please contact me at 248-305-0537 or smichalek@mimilk.com.

Corn Marketing Program of Michigan Cover crops, like cash crops, require careful management but can provide a wide variety of environmental and economic benefits.

Environmental benefits of cover crops include reducing erosion by keeping living roots in the soil and keeping the soil covered. This can improve water quality by reducing sediment and nutrient loading in surface water. Cover crops also improve soil water storage and promote water infiltration, which can further reduce erosion. Over time, cover crops add organic material to the soil, which increases overall soil health.

Adding cover crops to your rotation can take time to optimize, but ultimately, this can reduce the need for some inputs.

Rye, for example, planted at high density can suppress weeds, which reduces dependency on herbicides. In addition, cover crops maximize nutrient cycling and can capture both nitrogen and phosphorus from fall applied manure. Some species, like radishes, are especially helpful for scavenging leftover nitrogen.

Cover crops also present an opportunity particularly beneficial to dairy producers.

They allow for more time throughout the year to apply manure to fields and represents an additional quality forage option. I would recommend considering rye or triticale to get started. Before incorporating cover crops though, consider your goals and create a management plan.

You can contact me at kpoley@micorn.org with any cover crop questions.

Lambarth Farms On our farm, we plant a lot of cover crops to give back what we take from the soil. We focus a lot on the condition of the soil because there are more living organisms in the soil than there are human beings on the plant. The price of fertilizer is also a driving factor.

Cover crops, or really anything green, pulls nitrogen out of the air and puts it into the soil so they are fertilizing the land for the next crop.

After implementing cover crops, we no longer have to buy chemical fertilizer for our fields. Cover crops also prevent soil compaction, help retain root structures, and allow us to spread manure earlier in the spring. One of the many reasons we use cover crops on our farm is because it lets us utilize the moisture that comes from the rain over the whole season.

In my opinion, if you have something that is going to pull nitrogen from the air, feed the soil, retain moisture, prevent soil erosion, and break up soil compaction, why shouldn’t I plant a cover crop? While there is no system that is perfect and every farm is different, we are all still going for the same goals of making a profit and producing a really good product. Cover crops can help achieve those goals, while being sustainable.

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Your cooperative farm supply source, available online mimilk.com/farm-supply-store

ONLINE PRODUCTS INCLUDE Sanitation Chemicals

Udder Care & Milk Prep

Minerals & Milk Replacers

Hoses & Filters

Inflations & Rubber Parts

Testing Equipment & More

Shop the Farm Supply Store online!

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Browse a wide variety of products available at competitive pricing and just a click away.

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Minimum order for direct shipments reduced to $250.

Flat-rate shipping of $10 on orders under $250. The MMPA Farm Supply Store sells products only to customers in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Wisconsin.

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The store is a cooperative resource, returning all profits back to member-owners every February along with cash patronage refunds.

1996 Gover Pkwy, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858 989-317-8370 » fssonline@mimilk.com www.mimilk.com/farm-supply-store

NEWS & VIEWS

MMPA Awards Scholarships to Michigan State University and Purdue University Students Two students at Michigan State University and one student at Purdue University were awarded scholarships, thanks to the Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA). As a long-time supporter of dairy education, MMPA annually sponsors scholarships for members, their children and employees enrolled at Michigan State University (MSU), Ohio State University and Purdue University.

For the 2021-2022 academic year, MMPA awarded three scholarships, totaling $5,500, based on academics, involvement in the dairy industry and letters of recommendation.

The scholarship fund aims to assist students pursuing a career in the dairy industry.

“MMPA is working to make the future of Michigan’s dairy industry even stronger than it is today by supporting the education of future dairy industry leaders. These scholarships encourage the next generation to equip themselves with new skills and pursue careers in the dairy industry following graduation,” said Joe Diglio, MMPA President and CEO. MSU scholarships available are for students enrolled in the Dairy Management Program.

According to the MSU Institute of Agricultural Technology, the program delivers innovative, educational programs that develop careerready graduates through intensive, practical learning and skill enhancement.

The Purdue University scholarships are available for a student at Purdue University who is a member or the child of a member of MMPA enrolled in an agriculturerelated major.

Scholarship applications for the 2022-2023 academic year are due Sept. 1 for the MSU scholarships. For the Purdue University scholarship, applications are due Jan. 1 for freshmen students and due Feb. 1 for current students. Efforts are underway to launch a scholarship at The Ohio State University for members or a child of an MMPA member enrolled in an agriculture-related major. Details of the scholarship will be placed on the MMPA website when the scholarship is launched.

In continuation of MMPA’s efforts to support youth development and education, MMPA is a supporter of the Michigan Dairy Ambassador Scholarship and Leadership program and the Michigan Dairy Memorial and Scholarship Foundation.

Scholarship Recipients: • Tyler Klopfenstein, Galien, MI, MSU First Year Employee, Scholarship Recipient • Rachael Bosse, Moline, MI, MSU Second Year Employee, Scholarship Recipient • Miriam Cook, Pewamo, MI, Purdue Scholarship

“MMPA is working to make the future of Michigan’s dairy industry even stronger than it is today by supporting the education of future dairy industry leaders.

These scholarships encourage the next generation to equip themselves with new skills and pursue careers in the dairy industry following graduation.”

JOE DIGLIO, MMPA PRESIDENT & CEO

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MMPA producers scoring 95 percent or higher on Grade A Surveys and Federal Check Ratings GOMA DAIRY FARMS* PARAMOUNT ENTERPRIZES DAIRY LLC TERRI HAWBAKER* THOMAS M COOK SIMON DAIRY FARM LLC

MMPA Distributes Cash Patronage Refunds MMPA recently paid $1.1 million in cash patronage refunds to its dairy farmer member-owners. This cash allocation represents 100 percent of the Farm Supply earnings and 25 percent of the milk marketing earnings. All members who marketed milk through MMPA for fiscal year 2021 received a portion of the allocation.

Cash patronage funds and equity allocations are based on the amount of milk each individual member farm marketed and on the supplies purchased through the cooperative during the year in which the earnings were achieved.

Under the current board policy, the non-cash balance of the equity allocation will be revolved back to the members in future years.

This payment, in combination with the additional $3.2 million allocated to Equity Capital Retains, resulted in a total $4.3 million allocated to members from business conducted in fiscal year 2021.

P H FARMS LLC HOGAN DAIRY FARMS LLC CAROL A HOCHSTETLER* ALFRED E & SUSAN J GINGERICH* MARLIN E & IDA J GINGERICH* NORWOOD CENTENNIAL FARMS LLC BOSS DAIRY FARMS INC CEDAR LANE DAIRY FARMS LEMAJRU DAIRY FARM LLC GALLAGHER DAIRY FARM INC BARRY TOYER DEREK BREWER JOSEPH A & MARY H GINGERICH *100

2022 Milk Check Deposit Dates (Updated) April 18 and 26

September 16 and 26

May 17 and 26

October 17 and 26

June 17 and 27

November 17 and 25

July 18 and 26

December 16 and 27

August 17 and 26

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LEGISLATIVE WATCH

Consensus Needed to Modernize Milk Pricing The National Milk Producers Federation’s (NMPF) work is informed by the lessons of the past two years, which have been challenging for our industry, to say the least. That experience is a major – but far from the only – motivator behind a significant undertaking of 2022: Working to modernize the Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) system. producers and consumers, and that accounts for the unique needs of producers and cooperatives through a referendum process to approve any proposed changes.

JIM MULHERN

F

MMOs, the bedrock of orderly milk marketing, showed signs of stress during the pandemic and are ripe for review after more than two decades without any significant updates. NMPF is the natural leader of this discussion and the logical place to formulate a plan.

But it’s critical, as serious discussions get underway for what would be the first major changes to FMMOs since 2000, to understand what the conversation needs – and what it doesn’t.

First: We support federal marketing orders, which have promoted orderly milk markets for nearly a century.

A well-functioning federal order system at its best works as a model of the industry itself, providing a fair and transparent program that benefits

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And just as the industry changes, the FMMO system must adapt to reflect the new realities in today’s milk markets.

The reasons for modernization are many.

The current Class I mover needs to be reviewed, as $750 million in farmer revenue losses during the second half of 2020 compared to the previous mover formula attests. Make-allowances that address the cost of processing milk into manufactured products haven’t been changed in years and may need adjustment, as suggested in a recently

released, USDA-commissioned study.

The average fat and protein levels in milk from the farm are higher today than they were in 2000, but current federal pricing formulas don’t accurately reflect this increased component content.

These are only a few top-line concerns from a much longer list. Many recent headaches for farmers over the past several years, from the block/barrel spread to negative PPDs and the resultant widespread de-pooling were in part an effect of federal orders, but not caused by them; and tweaks to the program could have positive impacts that ameliorate these types of issues in the future.

In response, NMPF has been taking the lead in delving deeply into these and other issues, convening its Economic Policy Committee and Board of Directors to examine the critical issues and determine those best addressed through a national marketing-order hearing and which may be separate issues or ones best addressed through regional order hearings. We’ve spent the past several months soliciting farmer and co-op

insights and creating a task force of co-op technical experts who have been delving into marketing orders from top to bottom.

The one thing everyone can agree on is, a lot of suggestions can be laid on the table. That’s the easy part. But once that happens, conversations quickly become more complicated. That’s where we’ll need patience, and a heaping amount of good faith engagement, in the months ahead.

Dairy is a complex industry. Sometimes farmer and processor interests diverge; at other times, through a cooperative, the farmer and the processor is the same person. Industry structures vary widely by region. A strength of the marketingorder system – and a compelling reason to keep it robust – is that it’s decentralized, with different regions customizing their orders to meet their unique needs.

But that local strength inevitably complicates a national effort. That’s why it will be incredibly important to avoid zero-sum thinking throughout this process – the moment one party sees someone else’s gain as guaranteeing their loss, consensus becomes impossible.

There are many ways to create winwins that benefit all farmers or find solutions that balance any tradeoffs by bringing benefits in various ways. This is Compromise 101 – it’s basic, but also very difficult. It’s also central to succeeding in national marketing-order hearings. Without it, everyone could save time and turmoil by avoiding tough talks altogether.

And that brings up a second point.

FMMO discussions need to focus on seeking solutions rather than on posturing for undefined “change” that doesn’t materialize when it’s time to make complex decisions.

In the past year, a few industry observers have talked up the need for “reform” or “simplifying” federal orders without offering specifics of what that may mean.

If the net effect of federal order reform is to lower prices, that’s hardly the kind of change we’re interested in advancing.

Individual initiatives certainly have their

“

FMMO discussions need to focus on seeking solutions rather than on posturing for undefined “change” that doesn’t materialize when it’s time to make complex decisions.

Advisory Committee DISTRICT 1 Art Riske............................................517-524-6015 Clark Emmons....................................419-466-4471 Samantha Mamarow.........................734-845-6275 Scott Ferry.........................................517-214-3298 Dan Minnis........................................517-719-5894

DISTRICT 2 place – you can’t craft the best policies if ideas aren’t proposed in the first place.

But proposals that merely benefit the proposers, without careful consideration of broader implications, won’t translate well when offered across the full range of dairy farmers. And calls for change are quickly reduced to grandstanding if specifics don’t materialize in a reasonable amount of time.

This is where NMPF and its members become indispensable to any solution that works for dairy farmers.

As the one dairy organization that truly represents dairy’s full diversity – farmers of all sizes, all regions and all marketing orders – we are bringing the broadest array of serious voices to the table to craft the nationwide consensus needed to make pricing improvements a reality. Our goal is a presentable plan to modernize the FMMO system. When that occurs, it won’t be loved in all ways, by all producers. But we can guarantee it will bring progress, with tangible gains for dairy farmers, and be a plan that advances the needs and interests of the dairy community.

It’s a big job, but together we can do it. We’ve been through a lot together, and we’ve learned a lot. It’s time to take these lessons and build a better future for dairy, with the consensus that always brings out our best.

SOURCE: JIM MULHERN, NATIONAL MILK

Danny Ransler...................................269-998-3802 Josh Gamble......................................574-360-7828 Richard Thomas.................................574-202-5198 Mark Crandall....................................269-660-2229 Michael Oesch...................................574-825-2454

DISTRICT 3 Burke Larsen......................................231-425-8988 Jonathan Acker..................................616-648-7037 Max Carlson.......................................231-638-2183 Arden Eadie.......................................616-550-3875 Gary Nelsen.......................................231-834-7610

DISTRICT 4 Ron Lucas..........................................989-379-4694 Dave Folkersma..................................906-630-1957 Paul Ponik.........................................989-464-5924 Marvin Rubingh.................................425-533-8106 Russ Tolan..........................................989-471-2993

DISTRICT 5 Jack Jeppesen....................................989-330-1905 Trevor Bollinger.................................989-621-2981 Mark Bontekoe..................................231-510-0764 John Black.........................................231-846-7252 Amy Martin.......................................231-388-0496

DISTRICT 6 Steve Thelen......................................989-640-1075 Renee McCauley................................616-283-6411 Ken Wieber........................................989-292-1187 David Reed........................................989-274-8147 Brad Ritter.........................................586-405-4749

DISTRICT 7 Chris Daniels......................................989-240-5031 Philip Gross........................................989-289-0670 Jason Elenbaum.................................989-274-1974 James Weber.....................................989-297-1850 Rodney Fowler...................................989-302-2299

DISTRICT 8 Mike Noll...........................................810-404-4071 Jeremy Sharrard.................................810-404-5076 Bryan Schulte....................................989-551-8200 Darwin Sneller...................................989-977-3718 Bill Blumerich....................................810-706-2955

PRODUCERS FEDERATION

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ANNUAL MEETING

TAKING CHARGE OF

CHANGE

MMPA delegates gather to conduct association business

T

hrough navigating challenges in the supply chain to seizing partnership opportunities, the Michigan Milk Producers Association was focused on leading the cooperative through the new landscape of 2021 through the fiscal year. MMPA delegates who gathered for the 106th Annual Delegate Meeting of MMPA on March 24 at the Lansing Center in Lansing, Michigan, learned how MMPA is taking charge of that change for the betterment of all cooperative stakeholders.

MMPA delegates and guests learned how the financial success achieved through 2021 laid the groundwork to drive more change within the industry through 2022 and beyond, which included the acquisition of three new subsidiaries: Superior Dairy, Creative Edge and LEL Logistics. The new combined organization creates a manufacturing and innovation campus

with four facilities in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana and will provide a greater focus on go-to market strategies.

2021 was full of change—for our communities, our consumers and our cooperative. MMPA delegates gathered to conduct business during the Annual Delegate Meeting to take charge of that change for the betterment of all cooperative stakeholders.

RIGHT: MMPA MILESTONE MEMBERS, MARTIN FOX (L) AND MICHAEL RASMUSSEN (R), WERE RECOGNIZED FOR THEIR 35-YEARS OF MEMBERSHIP WITH MMPA AND SHARED THEIR WISDOM AND INDUSTRY INSIGHT WITH MMPA DELEGATES.

Milestone Members During the Annual Meeting, MMPA members reaching 35 and 50 years of membership were recognized.

35- Year Members

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50-Year Members

• Everett W. Bone, Frankenmuth Local, District 7

• Peter Kurncz, Mid-Michigan Local, District 6

• Richard Fettig, Upstate Local, District 4

• Duane G. Cumper, Mid-Sanilac Local, District 8

• Bruce Litwiller, Alma Local, District 5

• Wayne Hecksel, Muskegon Local, District 3

• John W. Cumper, Mid-Sanilac Local, District 8

• Jane Sias Mamarow, Saline-Ann Arbor Local, District 1

• Richard Heyboer, Lansing Local, District 2

• Brian Eldred, Alma Local, District 5

• Michael J. Rasmussen, Alma Local, District 5

• Donald Judge, Alma Local, District 5

• Jack Fisk, Grand Rapids Local, District 3

• Gary Schultz, Mid-Sanilac Local, District 8

• Kenneth Van Polen, Evart Local, District 5

• Martin C. Fox, Clare-Mt Pleasant Local, District 7

• Iris R. Stout, Adrian Local, District 1

• Fred Heinze, Mid-Michigan Local, District 6

• Carol Baker, Hillsdale-Litchfield Local, District 1

• James A. Huggett, Barry-Eaton Local, District 2

• David Klamer, Grand Rapids Local, District 3

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MMPA Annual Meeting 2022 1

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MMPA PRESIDENT AND CEO JOE DIGLIO DISCUSSED HOW MMPA IS TAKING CHARGE OF CHANGE THROUGH THE ACQUISITION OF SUPERIOR DAIRY, CONTINUOUSLY ASSESSING NEW BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES AND REMAINING ALIGNED IN PURSUING A VISION

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JOE DIGLIO

ERIC FRAHM

MMPA TREASURER ERIC FRAHM PRESENTED MMPA DELEGATES WITH A REPORT ON THE CO-OP’S FINANCIALS RESULTS FROM FISCAL YEAR 2021.

THE REPORT EMPHASIZED THE CONTINUATION OF MMPA’S STRONG FINANCIAL POSITION.

3 MMPA BOARD CHAIRMAN DOUG CHAPIN PROVIDED AN UPDATE ON INDUSTRY AND MMPA ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING THE ACQUISITION OF SUPERIOR DAIRY, CREATIVE EDGE AND LEL LOGISTICS. HE ALSO COMMENTED ON EFFORTS BY NATIONAL MILK PRODUCERS FEDERATION TO HAVE A UNIFIED APPROACH TO MODERNIZE THE FEDERAL MILK MARKETING ORDER SYSTEM.

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DOUG CHAPIN

4&5

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AARON GASPER

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BUSINESS CONDUCTED BY THE DELEGATES INCLUDED THE ADOPTION OF THE 2022 MMPA RESOLUTIONS AND ELECTION OF BRUCE BENTHEM OF MCBAIN, MICHIGAN, AND REELECTION OF AARON GASPER OF LOWELL, MICHIGAN, TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS IN A THREE-YEAR, AT-LARGE POSITION. DURING THE BOARD REORGANIZATIONAL MEETING FOLLOWING THE ANNUAL MEETING, DOUG CHAPIN WAS REELECTED CHAIRMAN OF THE MMPA BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

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BRUCE BENTHEM

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2021 OYDC & Runner Up

MMPA Annual Report: 2021 in Review Heritage Ridge Creamery Cheese Places in National Championship Cheese Contest Colby-jack and Pepper-jack cheese produced under the Heritage Ridge Creamery brand at Michigan Milk Producer Associations’ Middlebury, Indiana, cheese plant snagged two third-place awards in the National Milk Producers Federation cheese contest.

MMPA Milk Production Increases MMPA milk production in fiscal year 2021 increased 3.24 percent compared to the prior fiscal year, with the later part of the fiscal year showing small growth rates.

2021 OUTSTANDING YOUNG DAIRY COOPERATORS KIP AND ROCHELLE SIEGLER RECEIVED THEIR 2021 OUTSTANDING YOUNG DAIRY COOPERATORS AWARD AND SHARED INFORMATION ABOUT THEIR FARM, PASSIONS AND FOCUS ON FAMILY WITH MMPA MEMBERS.

MMPA Donates Milk to Support Benton Harbor Residents MMPA partnered with Kroger Michigan Dairy, the United Dairy Industry of Michigan and the Food Bank Council of Michigan to donate milk to the residents of Benton Harbor, Michigan to help in their efforts to combat lead.

MMPA Dairy Care Academy Launched On-Demand Training Dairy Care Academy, a free MMPA employee training program, launched an online training platform available on-demand at any time.

MMPA Butter Earns National Recognition In the World Dairy Expo Championship Dairy Product Contest, MMPA won first place in unsalted butter from the Ovid, Michigan plant, while butter from the Constantine, Michigan plant earned second place for salted butter.

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2021 OYDC RUNNER UP NOLAN WIEBER OF POMPEII, MICHIGAN, 2021 OYDC RUNNER-UP, WAS PRESENTED WITH A PLAQUE. FROM LEFT: JOE DIGLIO, MMPA PRESIDENT AND CEO; NOLAN WIEBER, 2021 OYDC RUNNER-UP; AND DOUG CHAPIN, MMPA BOARD CHAIRMAN.

MMPA Election Results As a democratically controlled cooperative, MMPA members elect leaders from among their peers, establish annual policy resolutions and are responsible for approving changes to MMPA bylaws. At the District Delegate Meetings and the Annual Delegate Meeting, members elected representatives to serve on the MMPA board of directors and district officer positions.

In addition to voting on resolutions and at-large positions on the MMPA board of directors, delegates voted to approve a bylaw amendment proposed by the MMPA board of directors that would reduce the number of members required for the board to form a new local.

District 5 Chairman: Mike Rasmussen Vice Chairman: John Black Secretary: Gordon Dick Credentials Committee: Tyler Wilson Resolutions Committee: Bruce Benthem, John Black, Amy Martin, Tyler Wilson Advisory Committee: John Black, Amy Martin

District 6 Chairman: Ken Wieber Vice Chairman: Brad Ritter

MMPA Board Member Election Results

MMPA District Officer Election Results

Secretary: Jamie Meyer

MMPA delegates recently elected four members to serve on the MMPA board of directors. At the 106th Annual Delegate Meeting on March 24, two director-at-large positions were up for election. Delegates elected the following members to serve a three-year term:

MMPA delegates elected officers and committee members during the District Delegate meetings in February 2022.

Jandernoa, David Reed, Ken Wieber

District 1

Chairman: John Bennett

Credentials Committee: Leroy Schafer Resolutions Committee: John Hufnagel, Kyle Advisory Committee: David Reed, Brad Ritter

District 7

Chairman: Clark Emmons

Vice Chairman: James Weber

Vice Chairman: Scott Ferry

Secretary: Rod Fowler

Secretary: Art Riske

Credentials Committee: John Bennett

Directors-At-Large:

Credentials Committee: Samantha Mamarow

Resolutions Committee: John Bennett, Jason

Bruce Benthem of McBain, Michigan Aaron Gasper of Lowell, Michigan

Resolutions Committee: Eric Bleich, Clark Emmons,

Elenbaum, Rod Fowler, James Weber

Scott Ferry, Art Riske

Advisory Committee: James Weber, Rodney Fowler

Advisory Committee: Scott Ferry, Dan Minnis

Board members elected to serve three-year terms during District Meetings in February are:

District 5: Doug Chapin of Remus, Michigan

District 8: Scott Lamb of Jeddo, Michigan

During the board’s reorganizational meeting, held after the annual delegate meeting, the following officers were reelected/elected:

Board Chairman:

District 2 Chairman: Danny Ransler Vice Chairman: Jesse Ramer Secretary: Richard Thomas Credentials Committee: Brad Crandall Resolutions Committee: Brad Crandall, Josh Gamble, Danny Ransler, Richard Thomas Advisory Committee: Mark Crandall, Michael Oesch

District 3 Chairman: Glen Sparks Vice Chairman: Dan Mauer Credentials Committee: Glen Sparks

Board Vice Chairman:

Eadie, Ken Leseman, Glen Sparks

Treasurer: Eric Frahm

Secretary: Sheila Burkhardt

Assistant Treasurer: Tom Downey

Chief Operations and Business Development Officer: Greg Soehnlen

Chairman: Darwin Sneller Vice Chairman: Mike Noll Secretary: Sara Lee Credentials Committee: Mike Noll Resolutions Committee: Bill Blumerich, Mike Noll, Gary Protzman, Sara Lee Advisory Committee: Darwin Sneller, Bill Blumerich

MMPA Districts MMPA Districts

Secretary: Burke Larsen

Doug Chapin Tony Jandernoa

District 8

Resolutions Committee: Jonathan Acker, Arden

4

MMPA Districts

Advisory Committee: Arden Eadie, Gary Nelsen, Max Carlson (partial term)

District 4 Chairman: Marvin Rubingh

Vice Chairman: Ron Lucas Secretary: Jonathan Miller Credentials Committee: Ron Lucas Resolutions Committee: Ron Lucas, Jonathan Miller, Marvin Rubingh, Russ Tolan Advisory Committee: Marvin Rubingh, Russ Tolan

3

5

7 6

2

8

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MMPA MEMBERS RECOGNIZED WITH NATIONAL DAIRY QUALITY AWARDS Twenty-one Michigan Milk Producer Association (MMPA) members were awarded National Dairy Quality Awards, making up nearly half of the total award winners. These MMPA members were among 47 nationally recognized farms in the annual award program and were selected from a pool of 86 applicants nationwide.

T

he National Dairy Quality Award program recognizes farms who have produced highquality milk consistently in three tiers: platinum, gold and silver. This year, MMPA members earned one platinum award, eight gold awards and twelve silver awards. The awards presentation took place during the National Mastitis Council Annual Meeting in San Diego, California.

MMPA’s large representation in the National Dairy Quality Awards is a testament to MMPA’s dedicated field staff and the hard work of the cooperative’s farms.

PHOTO CAPTION: PLATINUM AWARD WINNING CRANDALL DAIRY FARMS LLC IN BATTLE CREEK, MICHIGAN. FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: MARK CRANDALL, KELLEY WAGNER, THOMAS WAGNER, STACEY KOYL, BRAD CRANDALL.

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“This year’s National Dairy Quality Awards results underscores our members’ commitment to producing

the highest quality milk possible,” Dean Letter, MMPA director of member services said. “The impressive showing of members in the award program is because of our member’s dedication to quality and their tenacity in overcoming the daily challenges of dairy farming.

Congratulations to our twenty-one members recognized!”

MMPA offers a portfolio of member services to help members produce the highest quality milk possible. MMPA’s team of field representatives provide an on-farm partnership that helps each member achieve milk quality and herd health goals. MMPA also offers a quality premium incentive for its members producing higher quality milk. In fiscal year 2021, total producer incentive premiums including quality totaled $23.6 million.

The National Dairy Quality Award program evaluates farm applicants for measures of quality, systems of monitoring udder health, milking routine, protocols for detection and treatment of clinical and subclinical cases of mastitis and strategies for overall herd health and welfare. MMPA winners were nominated by their member representatives.

PLATINUM AWARD Brad, Mark and Larry Crandall, Battle Creek, Michigan

GOLD AWARDS Don Beattie, Holton, Michigan Jeff, Earl and Mason Horning; Katelyn Packard, Manchester, Michigan Burke and Lisa Larsen, Scottville, Michigan Michigan State University, Lansing, Michigan Tjerk and Ramona Okkema, Blanchard, Michigan Mark and Jolinda Ramer, Hale, Michigan David Schultz, Sandusky, Michigan Kris and Carla Wardin, St. Johns, Michigan

SILVER AWARDS Charles Bode, Marion, Michigan Michael Bosscher, McBain, Michigan Ron Brinks, McBain, Michigan Dale, Bonnie and Kurt Brinks, McBain, Michigan

Focused on you.

Alan and Deborah Koppenol; Ken Raterink,

Our commitment to producers has never been stronger, and GreenStone is ready to help you succeed in 2021 and beyond. By focusing on the needs of our members, we provide cooperative benefits in addition to the value of our unique financial products and services.

Contact your local team to discover the benefits of membership today.

Coopersville, Michigan

800-444-FARM

Sam, Doug and Cheri Chapin, Remus, Michigan Paul and Betty DeMann, Martin, Michigan Steve, Phil, Kevin and Joel Gross, Weidman, Michigan Norm, Kim and Derrick Hammond, Dowling, Michigan Bill and Jason Hardy, Stanton, Michigan

Allen and Aaron Slater, Holton, Michigan Dave and Rick Tacoma, Falmouth, Michigan

“

This year’s National Dairy Quality Awards results underscores our members’ commitment to producing the highest quality milk possible.

www.greenstonefcs.com GreenStone FCS is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

DEAN LETTER, MMPA DIRECTOR OF MEMBER SERVICES

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COVER STORY

DOWN TO EARTH

BY EMILY KITTENDORF

KOPPENOL DAIRY FARMS’ DOWN TO EARTH ATTITUDE AND DEDICATION TO QUALITY MILK EARNED THEM THE MMPA TOP QUALITY AWARD IN 2022

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T

here is no one size fits all approach when it comes to farming. There isn’t a guaranteed route to success.

There isn’t a single practice that can bring you to the top of the ranks for milk quality. It all comes down to what fits you and your operation. As a farm who chases quality milk, and this year’s MMPA Top Quality Award Winners, the Koppenol family may know that best. milk milkmessenger messenger//MAR-APR MAR-APR2022 2022

2121

“Every farmer has his own practices,” Al Koppenol said. “When looking around, I am amazed that somebody can skip certain steps and still do a great job.

Farming is a unique business because of that.”

Despite the differences, Al, along with his wife Deb, daughter Robin and farmhand Ken Raterink, know what works on their farm in Coopersville, Michigan. This past year, their herd produced the highest quality milk of Michigan Milk Producers Association with an average somatic cell count of 41,000.

“Like I said, everything doesn't work on my farm that seems to work on the neighbors, but I find out what works and then I go with it,” Al said.

For the Koppenols, a major key to their success is enjoying their work and relying on family. With three children of

their own and 10 grandchildren, hands are plentiful on the farm and farming is a family affair.

“For some of the grandkids, farming is in their blood,” Al said. “The boys will take and windrow sand. I don’t know if they’ll ever farm, but it is neat to see that they have picked up something from that. And all of them have helped us somewhat, somewhere, along the way.”

In addition to the Koppenol’s focus on family, is their reliance on faith and prayer to face the challenges that are unique to farming.

“The Lord is a big part in how the weather conducts itself for us,” Al recognizes. “If we don't get the crops in on time or don't get the rain we need, every year is a unique year.”

“

Al has two secrets to success.

First, ‘take advice from different sources and try to be open-minded.’ And second, ‘try to enjoy your job and by enjoying your job, you will do a better job.’

Despite the uniqueness, the Koppenols do have a couple tried and true practices that they rely on to produce quality milk. Al has two secrets to success. First, “take advice from different sources and try to be open-minded.” And second, “try to enjoy your job and by enjoying your job, you will do a better job.”

Making Proactive Choices Al’s focus on enjoying his job lends to making proactive decisions to ensure the health and safety of his herd and employees. Happy cows and happy employees are two fundamentals for the Koppenols, and really every dairy

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farmer, to maximize the enjoyment they get from a job that can be difficult at times.

“I want cows that can be milked by somebody else and they’ll be done right. We also want them to be able to adapt and have sound feet,” Al said.

“If they have an issue this year, they'll have it next year.”

For example, a cow that’s slow to milk out has a higher risk of developing mastitis, an infection in the udder, and Al and his team proactively prevent problems before they happen.

The Koppenols rely on a genetic servicer that matches their cows with bulls that can bring out desired traits, helping guarantee that their herd is “an honor and joy to milk.”

Finding Joy in the Process Finding joy in the process is something every Koppenol involved in the farm has in their blood.

“When I was a kid, I would go out in the barn and I'd feed this cow a flat of hay and I’d sit there and watch her eat it. And I look back and it's just part of me,” Al said. “I can't tell one car from another, but I can tell my cows from the other.”

This passion for the industry and the work he does is one of the many reasons Al cites for the Koppenols receiving the prestigious award twice in the past decade. First in 2016, and now again in 2021.

“If you can enjoy it, then the rest comes too,” Al said. “I look back and I produce more milk in one day than my dad probably did in a week and maybe even longer.” And Deb is quick to interject, “And the quality can be good too!”

With their extensive history in dairying stretching three generations in the Coopersville area, the Koppenols recognize the changing times and the effect it has had on milk quality, all indicating the continued improvement in the years to come.

“If I look at somatic cell counts 30 years ago, I wouldn't have believed that MMPA as an organization could have them down where they are, but when I look back at what I've done versus where my dad was, we have come a long way,” Al said. “A lot has gone in to get the somatic cell counts down and a lot will go into getting any other problems solved, but it will take tiny steps.”

Recognizing the challenges that are ahead in the industry fuels the Koppenols even more when it comes to producing quality milk.

“With all the different types of milk that they're trying to come up with, we have to do a good job,” Al said. And with a laugh, “I don't think almond milk has a high somatic cell count.”

With the challenges ahead, an evervolatile market and strong legislative headwinds, Al shares this advice, “pay attention to everything you do, try to be consistent and pray.”

“

A lot has gone in to get the somatic cell counts down and a lot will go into getting any other problems solved, but it will take tiny steps.

For those farmers looking to make a difference in their milk quality, “don’t expect it to jump from 300,000 to 50,000 in one night, because it’s not going to. It’s a slow process. You have to work at it. But, it can be done.”

PAGE 22, TOP: AL KOPPENOL ENJOYS DAIRY FARMING AND HAS A PASSION FOR THE INDUSTRY. THE ENJOYMENT HE GETS FROM HIS JOB IS ONE OF THE MANY REASONS HE CITES FOR RECEIVING THE QUALITY AWARD. PAGE 22, BOTTOM: KOPPENOL DAIRY FARMS IS A FAMILY AFFAIR WITH AL, HIS DAUGHTER ROBIN AND HIS TWO GRANDCHILDREN, NATHANAEL AND MICHAEL, HELPING REGULARLY WITH MILKING AND OTHER FARM CHORES. PAGE 23, TOP: AFTER MILKING IN STANCHIONS FOR ALL OF HIS EARLY LIFE, AL KOPPENOL INSTALLED AN AUTO-TANDEM PARLOR, MILKING FIVE ON A SIDE, IN THE EARLY 2000s.

PAGE 23, BOTTOM: DEB KOPPENOL MANAGES THE FARM'S CALVES, FEEDING THEM TWICE A DAY AND ENSURING THAT THE FUTURE OF THE MILKING HERD REMAINS STRONG AND HEALTHY.

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ANNUAL MILK PRODUCTION

2021 U.S. Milk Production 226 BILLION POUNDS OF MILK (+1.3% OVER 2020, + 12.8% SINCE 2012)

9.45 MILLION MILK COWS (+0.6% OVER 2020, +2.3% SINCE 2012)

23,948 AVERAGE POUNDS OF PRODUCTION PER COW (+171 OVER 2020, +10.2% SINCE 2012)

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RANK

STATE

TOTAL MILK PRODUCTION (MILLION POUNDS)

PRODUCTION CHANGE OVER 2019

NUMBER OF MILK COWS (THOUSAND HEAD)

PRODUCTION PER COW (POUNDS)

1

CALIFORNIA

41,864

1.3%

1,719

24,354

2

WISCONSIN

31,702

3.1%

1,274

24,884

3

IDAHO

16,412

1.1%

652

25,172

4

TEXAS

15,599

5%

622

25,079

5

NEW YORK

15,540

1.6%

627

24,785

6

MICHIGAN

11,952

2.3%

441

27,102

7

MINNESOTA

10,548

3.7%

461

22,881

8

PENNSYLVANIA

10,114

-1.6%

474

21,338

9

NEW MEXICO

7,804

-4.5%

318

24,541

10

WASHINGTON

6,504

-4.6%

271

24,000

11

OHIO

5,643

0.4%

257

21,957

12

IOWA

5,538

3.1%

226

24,504

13

COLORADO

5,271

2.3%

203

25,966

14

ARIZONA

4,818

-1.5%

198

24,333

15

INDIANA

4,532

4.6%

192

23,604

+3.1% PRODUCTION CHANGE OVER 2020

+2.3% PRODUCTION CHANGE OVER 2020

+0.4% +4.6%

PRODUCTION CHANGE OVER 2020

PRODUCTION CHANGE OVER 2020

States in the MMPA milkshed MICHIGAN

OHIO

INDIANA

WISCONSIN

#6

#11

#15

#2

IN TOTAL MILK PRODUCTION

IN TOTAL MILK PRODUCTION

IN TOTAL MILK PRODUCTION

IN TOTAL MILK PRODUCTION

#1

#25

#16

#6

IN PRODUCTION PER COW

IN PRODUCTION PER COW

IN PRODUCTION PER COW

IN PRODUCTION PER COW

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YOUR DAIRY PROMOTION AT WORK

YOUR DAIRY CHECKOFF AT WORK NATIONAL UPDATES –

LOCAL UPDATES –

Your Dairy Checkoff Podcast

National Milk Day

Nine episodes give overviews of the ways in which your dairy checkoff is connecting with thought leaders, working through partners and talking to consumers. At www.dairycheckoffpodcast.com you can find these episodes:

UDIM marketed National Milk Day leading up to winter vacation, to gear schools up for the return of students in January. Promoting our Milk, It’s Spot On marketing kits, school nutrition departments were encouraged to celebrate on January 11 and share their celebration for a chance to reward their staff.

• Reaching Gen Z: Through the World of Gaming • What is the #1 factor driving school milk consumption?

• Does increasing pizza chain sales really help dairy farmers?

• Does dairy benefit from the NFL partnership?

• Is the dairy checkoff really working and worth the money?

• Dairy donations feel good but do farmers benefit?

• Have you ever had 800,000+ visitors on your farm?

• Does dairy fuel elite athlete performance?

• Dairy Innovation: Who is doing it and how does it work?

Over 60 schools participated by hanging posters, placing clings on windows and mirrors, and dressing up with cow aprons and pants. Schools used their creativity with what’s included in the kit and more to highlight the amazing nutrition milk brings to meals.

“Students had so much fun celebrating this promo that we are planning on adding this to the calendar next year too!”

VIVIAN COLLICK, KINGSLEY AREA SCHOOLS

National School Breakfast Week

American Dairy Association Indiana (ADAI) held a National School Breakfast Week webinar with our partners at IDOE and No Kid Hungry Indiana to prepare for celebrations during this exciting week with schools across the state. National School Breakfast Week is March 7-11, with the theme of, "Take Off With School Breakfast." Franklin Community Schools were chosen to have a special celebration with ADAI and our partners to encourage students to start their day off right with a breakfast full of dairy foods.

In partnership with No Kid Hungry

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UNITED DAIRY INDUSTRY OF MICHIGAN

Indiana, we are collecting stories of school breakfast champions across the state to celebrate those who are doing all they can to make sure students start the day off with a healthy meal. Schools are able to nominate food service heroes in their cafeterias to win prizes and receive statewide recognition as Indiana’s School Breakfast Heroes.

Leveraging Assets to Support Partner Donations for Dairy

Detroit Lions Legend Lomas Brown visited Gleaners for their final Double Your Donation Day of the year. A brief TV segment with Fox 2 news reporter, Amy Adams, sent phones ringing off the hook. Lomas is a long-time supporter of UDIM’s work supporting children in schools as part of Fuel Up to Play 60. The connection for him to feeding students is natural as he sees it in his own work with students where he volunteers coaching on STEM projects. It was a great opportunity to leverage our partnership with the Detroit Lions to support Gleaners in their efforts raising funds to feed families and ensure they have cold milk in their fridge.

Lactose Intolerance Awareness Month

ADAI used the month of February to shed light on the opportunities in dairy for those with Lactose Intolerance.

Since many people think that being diagnosed as Lactose Intolerant means giving up their favorite dairy foods, we shared facts about the choices available to still enjoy dairy through our online communications, reaching thousands.

The amount of lactose in dairy products are not all the same and there are several choices that could be right for consumers following a low-lactose or lactose-free diet.

Halftime Show Sponsored by UDIM is a Slam Dunk

In front of a full student section, two University of Michigan students took part in a You’re Gonna Need Milk For That (YGNFT) dunk contest. The finalists were selected from social media voting in a bracket-style competition that was open only to current U of M students. In the end, both finalists electrified the crowd with their dunks, and both students received a scholarship to help fund tuition.

The YGNMFT dunk challenge serves as a unique and innovative way to utilize our athletic contracts to engage our target Gen Z demographic while engaging the entire student body at the university level and giving back to the young people that call our state home.

#FarmTourFridays are Back!

The first virtual farm tour of the year featured farmer Michael Poland and his unique farm story in February. Even though he's from Maine, Michael Poland moved his dairy herd to Indiana in 2002 after attending Purdue University because he saw what a great place it was to dairy farm. The Polands milk around 300 cows in two different ways on the same farm: a rotary parlor and robots. Michael majored in engineering and credits his studies with making him a better dairy farmer. They designed their barns with ultimate cow comfort in mind, using advanced technology to feed and water the cows, clean the aisles, and more. Over 1,000 students attended and asked questions throughout the tour. We are excited to continue offering this popular program in 2022.

Milk Means More Meets the Motor City Cruise

UDIM enjoyed the Motor City Cruise vs.

Grand Rapids Gold G-League game at the Wayne State Fieldhouse on January 24, a battle between not just in-state rivals, but two UDIM partners. The game was also a “You’re Gonna Need Milk for That” themed game, featuring in-arena signage, a themed t-shirt giveaway to all attendees, exit sampling with milk and lattes, and, of course, an appearance from Mootilda! UDIM pledged to donate 10 gallons of milk for every point that each team scored, 2,330 gallons of milk were donated to Gleaner’s and the Kids Food Basket in West Michigan!

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FREELINERS AND CLASSIFIEDS

TO SUBMIT FREELINERS AND CLASSIFIED ADS, CONTACT MMPA VIA EMAIL AT MESSENGER@MIMILK.COM OR VISIT MIMILK.COM/FREELINER-CLASSIFIED.

Freeliners Freeliners Policy The Freeliners column is open to current MMPA members who wish to advertise—at no charge—goods or services relating directly to their dairy farm operations.

• An item submitted will be published for no more than two consecutive issues (one issue, unless otherwise requested). After that, it will be withdrawn.

• It will be published again for no more than two consecutive months only if the member resubmits the item by writing or calling the Novi office.

• Reference to a name of a firm or other commercial enterprise with which a member is involved will be deleted, with permission of the member.

• If the member does not wish such deletion, he/ she may choose to have the item published as a Classified Ad at the regular per-line rate.

• Freeliners must be received by the 10th of the month preceding desired month of publication.

2009 NEW HOLLAND H7450 DISCBINE, drawbar swivel

1 CASE OF BOUMATIC MAGNUM 400 VENTED INFLATIONS.

hitch, good rolls, one owner, $15,300. Call 989-305-2659.

PN 8510895. QTY. 100. Best offer. Call 810-728-6237.

LELY A3 NEXT ROBOT - $34,000. Chisel Plow 9 shanks

FOR SALE: HIGH QUALITY HAY, 1st, 2nd & 3rd cutting

$4,000. Milk Compressors 5 horse 2012 models 1,000

stored in plastic bale wrap. $95 a bale. Call 231-414-1140.

each. Call 989-313-7323.

FOR SALE: 1,000-GALLON DE LAVAL BULK TANK with DOUBLE 16 SURGE MAG 40 with all vacuum pumps, air

compressor and tank washer. $2,000 or best offer. Call

compressors, free heaters, H20 softener, a 2,000 gal

231-414-1140.

and 4,000 gal bulk tanks with all units and washers, Dematron take offs, 32 ft air crowd gate, Mirafount H20’s,

FIVE HOLSTEIN SPRINGING HEIFERS. Due in April. Call

gates, fans, lights. Parting out or take all. Midland, MI

810-724-8825.

989-980-0793.

SEMEN #54BS557 - Get Lucky - $15.00. Call 810-724-8825.

FOR SALE: HOLSTEIN BULLS ready for service – Gross Farms Registered Holsteins. Delivery available. Call 989-

Classifieds

289-7011.

H&S 9-FOOT MERGER. Good condition, field-ready, stored inside. Kuhn 4220 rotary rake like new. $9,000 OBO. Call 810-728-6237.

Classifieds Policy Cost for classifieds is $25 for the first 35 words and then $5 for each additional word. Payment due with order. All ads must be received by the 10th of the month preceding desired month of publication. MMPA neither sponsors nor endorses products or services advertised in the Milk Messenger.

LEGENDAIRY. No bull.

Co-Products Menu

Soybean meal, canola meal, hominy, oat hulls, wheat midds, citrus pulp, malt sprouts, beet pulp, soybean hulls, cereal feed, cottonseed, distillers, gluten feed, wet feeds and more!

Non-GMO

products available

Contact merchandisers at ZFS, Inc: MI/IN/OH: 866.888.7082 WI: 800-523-6760 www.zfsinc.com/divisions/ingredients

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OPPERMAN GROOVING: We can fix your scabbled floors. Diamond sawed grooves, no hammering or cracking of concrete. No hoof damage. Call Opperman Grooving Inc., Portland. 517-647-7381.

DAVIDSON CEMENT GROOVING, INC: No water needed. Wider, rougher grooves for better traction. We also offer texturing for your previously grooved floors. 3 operators will travel Michigan and other states. No interest payment terms. Est. since 1987. Call 1-800-365-3361.

CONCRETE GROOVING BY TRI-STATE SCABBLING, home of the 2” wide groove. Best traction, lowest prices. 800-554-2288. www.tristatescabbling.com A SURE WAY TO KEEP YOUR COWS UPRIGHT! Concrete grooving/texturing provides high quality traction in new and old concrete, fast service.

NIENOW GROOVING. Call Cliff at 989-635-1494.

Classifieds - continued FOR SALE: NEW & USED MILK TANKS. We stock all sizes, makes, models. Special prices to co-op members, corporate & private farms. Contact us anytime day or night. Special on 2000 gal. Muellers for $13,900 & up. 2700 & 4000 gal. Muellers call for quote. 800-558-0112.

STRAW & DRY HAY (large & small bales).

Feed Oats, Feed Barley and Corn Silage.

Delivery Available. Call 989-723-1886 or 989-277-1414.

ALFALFA HAYLAGE (excellent & fair grades) & CORN SILAGE. Please call 989-723-1886 or 989-277-1414.

NEW KATOLIGHT PTO GENERATOR, 60 KW, keep everyone warm and producing if there is a power outage. Call Brent at 248-770-5122.

HOOF TRIMMING - 20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE. Also doing fly control and cement grooving.

Gibson Hoof Care (Tom) 989-239-6843.

SEED CORN - "Minnesota 13" Open Pollinated 85 Day Yellow Field Corn Seed. High Protein, High Yield, High Fat, Fast Drydown. Great Digestibility! 80,000 graded seeds $100.00 JanksSeeds.com 989-284-5052.

DAIRY QUALITY HAYLAGE FOR SALE. Will deliver. Call 269-491-3392.

Hoof Care The MMPA Farm Supply Store stocks the following products to help our members provide proper hoof care for their herd. Please be aware that pricing on these products changes monthly so please call for the most current price.

Copper Sulfate This material is suitable for agricultural use (footbath, etc.). It is comprised of 99 percent copper pentahydrate packaged in 50 lb. bags.

STOCK # 1131

MEMBER PRICE: $91.91/BAG

Copper Plus Copper Plus is a combination of copper sulfate and zinc to help harden hoofs. It is packaged in 50# bags. This product is used in combination with Advantage Concentrate which is available in 15- and 55-gallon containers. It should not be used as a standalone, copper sulfate replacement. When used with Advantage Concentrate, it is effective in reducing lameness caused by hoof rot and hairy heel warts. If you are interested in this product, please contact the Farm Supply Store and we can set up an evaluation with the Vantage Dairy representative.

COPPER PLUS 50#

STOCK # 1017

MEMBER PRICE: $79.19

ADVANTAGE CONCENTRATE 15 GAL.

STOCK # 1016

MEMBER PRICE: $926.06

ADVANTAGE CONCENTRATE 55 GAL.

STOCK # 1019

MEMBER PRICE: $3055.39

THREE WAYS TO ORDER MMPA MERCHANDISE FROM THE FARM SUPPLY STORE 1 Order online at www.mimilk.com/farm-supply-store 2 Call in your order: Main Line: 989-317-8370 Toll Free: 877-367-6455 Orders (Novi): 800-572-5824 then dial 2 3 Fax in your order: 989-317-8372

CHEMICAL, SANITIZER AND TEAT DIP CONTACTS These are SERVICE personnel only. Order your supplies through your hauler.

HAY- LARGE SQUARE BALES $60-1,000 lbs.

Round net wrapped bales $50- 800 lbs. Hay is mixed, Alfalfa, Timothy, Clover. 200 bales available. Call 231-625-2036, David Brown Farm, Cheboygan, MI.

ECOLAB 24-Hour Medical Emergency Hotline: 1-800-328-0026 Service Message Center: 1-800-392-3392 Service Representatives: » Pat Mitchell – 517-403-0928 - 7273 N. Rollin Hwy., Addison, MI 49220 » Jason Wolfe – 540-553-5755 - 1890 Canter Drive, Riner, VA 24149

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MMPA STAFF

MMPA Field Staff

Novi Headquarters

Dean Letter, Newaygo, Member Services Director.................. 231-679-0337

Main Office Local line..............................................................................248-474-6672 Toll free................................................................................800-572-5824

Steve Lehman, Ithaca, Raw Milk Compliance.............................989-330-1638 Ben Chapin, Remus, Field Services Manager........................... 989-289-0731 Doug Soehnlen, Member/Superior Supply Representative.....330-575-4643

President and Chief Executive Officer Joe Diglio.......................................................................................ext. 202

Christy Dinsmoore, Vassar, Supervisor....................................248-513-7920

Member and Government Relations Sheila Burkhardt...........................................................................ext. 208

Frank Brazeau, Oconto, WI......................................................... 906-250-0337 Brandon Ewers, Coldwater, Sustainability.................................231-414-4539 Laura Gucwa, Bad Axe.................................................................248-826-6294 Ashley Herriman, Herron............................................................269-245-6632 Brittni Tucker, Eagle.....................................................................248-880-3785 Sarah Michalek, Dewitt, Sustainability Supervisor.................517-937-9061 Rachel Brown, Charlotte............................................................. 248-826-7243 Alyssa DeWitt, Elkhart, IN...........................................................269-967-7351 Lyndsay Earl, Ludington, Animal Care.......................................231-519-2455 Deb Gingrich, Leroy, Animal Care/Sustainability......................248-520-3580 Lindsay Green, East Lansing, Animal Care /Sustainability ......989-488-8159 Joe Packard, Manchester, Animal Care......................................248-520-3481

MMPA Labs Novi (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.)

Management Information Systems Andrew Caldwell...........................................................................ext. 304 Chief Financial Officer Tom Downey..................................................................................ext. 240 Chief Operations and Business Development Officer Greg Soehnlen................................................................................ext. 341 Director of Business Development Brad Parks......................................................................................ext. 341 Laboratory Supervisor Patti Huttula.................................................................................. ext. 219 Quality Sudeep Jain...................................................................................ext. 305 Member Services Emily Keranen...............................................................................ext. 203 Human Resources Kelly Kerrigan................................................................................ ext. 301

In Michigan...........................................................................800-572-5824 Toll Free............................................................................... 800-233-2405

Sales and Supply Chain Judy Lofgren................................................................................. ext. 333

Ovid (Daily, 6 a.m.-10 p.m.)............................................. 989-834-2515

Credit/Insurance Cheryl Schmandt........................................................................... ext. 210

Constantine (Daily, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.)..................................800-391-7560

Communications Emily Kittendorf............................................................................ext. 234

Farm Supply - Mt. Pleasant

Corporate Controller Jeannie Strain................................................................................ext. 312

Supervisor: Duane Farmer, Mt. Pleasant

Member Relations Jessica Welch................................................................................ext. 303

Main Line..............................................................................989-317-8370 Toll Free................................................................................877-367-6455 Orders (Novi)..................................................... 800-572-5824, then dial 2 Fax........................................................................................989-317-8372 Merchandise Coordinator, Energy Auditor

Katie Pierson, Mt. Pleasant................................................. 989-289-9686 Farm Supply Sales Representative

Jake Riley, Mt. Pleasant....................................................... 248-912-5070 John Lehman, Elsie, Bulk Tank Calibration................................248-444-6775

Manufacturing Plants Canton, Ohio Chris Soehnlen, Plant Manager..............................................330-477-4515

Ovid, Michigan Mike Hedlund, Plant Manager............................................... 989-834-2221 Middlebury Cheese Company, Middlebury, Indiana Bela Sandor, Plant Manager...................................................574-825-9511

If you are unable to reach your assigned member representative, please contact the representatives listed in .your area. Your assigned member representative is listed on your quality statements or can be found by visiting mimilk.com/contact/field-staff and searching by your producer number.

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milk messenger

/ MAR-APR 2022

Board of Directors Officers Doug Chapin, Board Chairman Tony Jandernoa Board Vice Chairman Eric Frahm, Treasurer Joe Diglio, President and CEO Sheila Burkhardt, Secretary Tom Downey, Assistant Treasurer Greg Soehnlen, COO Todd Hoppe, General Counsel Directors-At-Large Carlton Evans, Litchfield 517-398-0629 Aaron Gasper, Lowell 616-291-4092 Bruce Lewis, Jonesville 517-869-2877 Bruce Benthem, McBain 231-920-1615 Kris Wardin, St. Johns 989-640-9420 District Directors 1 Brian Preston Quincy 517-376-1350 2 Tim Hood Paw Paw 269-657-5771 3 Bill Stakenas Freesoil 231-425-6913 4 Corby Werth Alpena 989-464-5436 5 Doug Chapin Remus 231-349-4059 6 Tony Jandernoa Fowler 989-593-2224 7 Eric Frahm Frankenmuth 989-652-3552 8 Scott Lamb Jeddo 810-327-6135

MEMBER MOMENT

Submit your Member Moment to messenger@mimilk.com

A blend of brilliant golden hues enough to make you sigh in awe.

A sunset provides a gentle pause bringing peace to another day gone.

The ever-transforming spectacle brings comfort despite its changing, providing a lesson to be learned for those pausing and admiring.

PHOTO BY: JILL DEMANN, MARTIN, MICHIGAN

milk milkmessenger messenger//MAR-APR NOV-DEC 2022 2021

31

P.O. Box 8002 Novi, MI 48376

PHOTO CREDIT: LISA WARNKE, ''COWS OUT TO PASTURE IN EARLY MORNING''

Prepare your Best Shots!

The 2022 MMPA Photo Contest will be opening soon. Photos reflective of what encompasses our cooperative, like cattle, crops, equipment, dairy events and families working together, are eligible to compete. The submission deadline will be July 1, 2022. mimilk.com

For more information, visit www.mimilk.com/photo-contest.