Michigan Milk Messenger: June 2016

Michigan 2015 Milk

T H E O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F M I C H I G A N M I L K P R O D U C E R S A S S O C I AT I O N

MESSENGER

VOL. 98 | ISSUE 12 | JUNE 2016

Shoulder TO

Shoulder

MMPA CELEBRATES FOUNDING DATE

mimilk.com

Michigan Milk

MESSENGER Columns 4 MMPA Matters June Dairy Month Promotions and Beyond

6 Quality Watch The Hidden Costs of Cutting Milk Quality Corners

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8 News & Views 10 Legislative Watch

June Features 14

A Salute to Milk Haulers

16

From “Butter Bees” to “Milk Life!” Members Promote Their Products

18

Shoulder to Shoulder: MMPA Celebrates Founding Date

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Managing Editor ............................................... Sheila Burkhardt

41310 Bridge Street

Editor ..............................................................................Allison Stuby

P.O. Box 8002

f: 248-474-0924

Advertising Manager .....................................Nancy Muszynski

Novi, MI 48376-8002

w: www.mimilk.com

p: 248-474-6672

Circulation .................................................................................... 2,843 An Equal Opportunity Employer – F/M/V/D Michigan Milk Messenger (USPS 345-320) is the official publication of Michigan Milk Producers Association, published monthly since June 1919. Subscriptions: MMPA members, 50¢ per year; non-members, $5 per year.

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MESSENGER | JUNE 2016

Periodical postage paid at Novi, MI and at additional offices.

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

(ISSN 0026-2315)

22 22 Transparency Builds Trust: Lessons from the 2016 MMPA Dairy Communicator Meeting

Departments

Cover Story

28

Merchandise

Current and former MMPA

29

Quality Premiums

members gathered on

24 Former MMPA President Elwood Kirkpatrick Dies at 79

30

Freeliners

May 23 at Michigan State

32

Classifieds

University, marking the

33

Policies

cooperative’s founding

34

Market Report

date. Learn more about the

35

Staff

historic day on page 18.

26 Your Dairy Promotion at Work: Addressing the Teen Calcium Gap

Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) Michigan Milk Producers Association, established in 1916, is a member owned and operated dairy cooperative serving approximately 2,000 dairy farmers in Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin and Ohio.

Board of Directors Officers

Directors-At-Large Ken Nobis, St. Johns ...........................989-224-6170 or 248-474-6672, ext. 201 Rodney Daniels, Whittemore........................................................ 989-756-4935

Ken Nobis, President

Gertie van den Goor, Marlette ...................................................... 989-550-8453

Mark Halbert, Vice President

Mark Halbert, Battle Creek ......................................................... 269-964-0511

Eric Frahm, Treasurer Joe Diglio, General Manager/ Secretary Josep Barenys, Assistant Treasurer Todd Hoppe, General Counsel

James Reid, Jeddo ....................................................................... 810-327-6830

District Directors 1. Hank Choate, Cement City ...................................................... 517-529-9032 2. Tim Hood, Paw Paw ................................................................ 269-657-5771 3. David Pyle, Zeeland ................................................................. 616-772-1512 4. Corby Werth, Alpena ............................................................... 989-464-5436 5. Doug Chapin, Remus ............................................................... 231-972-0535 6. Tony Jandernoa, Fowler ........................................................... 989-593-2224 7. Eric Frahm, Frankenmuth ......................................................... 989-652-3552 8. Scott Lamb, Jeddo ................................................................... 810-327-6135

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MMPA MATTERS

June Dairy Month Promotions and Beyond

BY KEN NOBIS, PRESIDENT

National Dairy Month was started 79 years ago. The month of June received this designation because the end of the school year always caused milk production to exceed milk consumption.

Promoting milk as the schools went on summer vacation was a good idea. What is different today is that we have a flush in milk production every month, not just in the spring, around the globe without a corresponding increase in consumption. It would be nice if National Dairy Month could take care of this ongoing situation, but it is more complicated than that.

The European Union’s 28 nations (EU-28) increased milk production 5.62 percent in the first quarter of 2016, and this followed an increase of 2.54 percent in 2015 and 4.79 percent in 2014. A milk quota system of production controls that had been in place in the EU since April 2, 1984 was discontinued on March 31, 2015. Production increased significantly in 2014 leading up to the ban, then moderated somewhat in 2015 but, based on the 5.6 percent increase in the first quarter of this year, has accelerated again as pay prices in the EU plummet.

“When will milk production return to a position that balances milk consumption globally? Only time will tell. In the meantime, June Dairy Month promotions help as we ‘market our members’ milk to the greatest advantage possible.’”

In our country we have a similar track record of increasing production when prices fall, to meet the needs of cash flow. Increasing production doesn’t make sense when the market is saying “enough,” but dairy producers have a history of increasing production when prices are good, too. U.S. production was up 1.3 percent for 2015 and Michigan was up 6.7 percent in 2015, but looking at the March production numbers we appear to be increasing even faster this year both at the national and state level.

The Oceana countries of New Zealand and Australia, on the other hand, decreased milk production in their 2015-2016 cycle, less than anticipated but nevertheless a decrease. Projections for the upcoming annual production cycle are for a reduction of 4 percent, but at this early stage it doesn’t look like the decline will match the projection. The bottom line indicates that production continues to outpace consumption, globally.

On the bright side, U.S. per capita consumption remains stable, allowing us to see a gain in total use of dairy products that is equal to population growth. However, export volumes are declining for several reasons. One is that the EU-28 and Oceana dairy products are cheaper than ours, and they are our major competition for the export market. Their producers’ milk value is less than what we receive in the U.S. EU butter, for example, is about half the value of U.S. butter, and the price differential is far too large to make up for with CWT. The upper Midwest (including Michigan) all the way to the east coast of the U.S. is pinched for processing capacity. MMPA processes all the milk that our members produce, but we are at capacity.

This means that if we experience a glitch in the operation, we might not be able to process all that our members produce on occasion. I am asked often why we can’t always process all the milk that we are producing, and I have provided this background information to illustrate that there are no easy answers. Building new facilities seems like an obvious answer, but it only helps the value of our production if there is a ready market for the milk that is processed. MMPA continues to seek new markets for our milk. Our highly skilled sales staff works with new customers and continues to work with our valued current customers. Our product is second to none.

The milk production and consumption that affects our co-op does not end at the state lines of Michigan, Indiana, and Wisconsin, or even at the ends of our nation, and we must accept this reality.

When will milk production return to a position that balances milk consumption globally? Only time will tell. In the meantime, June Dairy Month promotions help as we “market our members’ milk to the greatest advantage possible.”

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE HISTORY OF JUNE DAIRY MONTH ON PAGE 16.

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QUALITY WATCH

The Hidden Costs of Cutting Milk Quality Corners

BY CHRISTY DINSMOORE, MASTITIS MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST AND NORTHEAST AREA SUPERVISOR

Every farm is looking for ways to tighten the belt in these times of slim dairy margins, but sacrificing milk quality can cost in the long run. You cannot afford to have poor quality milk on your farm.

Each time Somatic Cell Counts (SCC) doubles greater than 200,000, milk production drops approximately 1.5 pounds per 2+ lactation cow per day. Less milk equals a smaller milk check.

Higher SCC milk lowers component percentages (protein and butterfat) and decreases

“Every farm is looking for ways to tighten the belt in these times of slim dairy margins, but sacrificing milk quality can cost in the long run. You cannot afford to have poor quality milk on your farm.”

cheese yield. Cheeses made from milk with high cell counts may have a higher incidence of off-flavor products. Enzymes produced by somatic cells break down protein and shorten the shelf life of products. Less components equals a smaller milk check.

Two dairies with somatic cell counts of 100,000 and 301,000, have a difference of +$0.45 and -$0.30 in SCC premiums. The values of these premiums holds a significant advantage to operations striving for a low SCC. Here are some of the more common causes of poor milk quality: • Cutting corners: Skimping on pre and post-dip usage and doubling up on towels for

prepping or splitting mastitis treatment tubes is playing with fire in both the short and long run. By culling even one high SCC cow can pay for many gallons of teat dip and extra dry cow tubes.

• Poorly functioning milking equipment: Udder infections and costly breakdowns

can be the result of milking equipment not functioning properly. Prevent problems by following a regular maintenance schedule.

• Not enough attention to cow immune systems: Do not cut back on vitamins or

minerals that are critical to boosting cow immune response to mastitis infections. Cows that do not have a healthy immune system cannot fight off many different infections including mastitis.

• Improperly trained employees: Employee training is difficult to value in day to day

dairy operations. But lack of training can cost money in big ways. Take inframammary infusions, how quickly does the five second scrub per teat with an alcohol wipe go by the way side? New mastitis infections can be caused by leaving out this simple step.

Times are tough but don’t make them harder by having poor milk quality.

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MESSENGER | JUNE 2016

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JUNE JUNE2016 2016| |MESSENGER MESSENGER

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NEWS & VIEWS

NEWS & VIEWS

MMPA Receives MAE4-HYS Partnership Award

Great Dairy Adventure – Sign Up Now to Volunteer!

Mark your calendar for the 19th Annual Great Dairy Adventure on Wednesday, July 20, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. This event is geared to families, daycare centers, summer camps and anyone who wants to learn more about dairy farming and sample free ice cream and other dairy products.

Attendees will have a chance to try milking a cow, create a variety of craft projects, experiment with dairy recipes, pet baby calves and learn about the steps milk takes on its journey from cow to grocery store to family table. There will be samples of dairy foods, giveaways, and handson activities teaching the nutritional benefits of dairy foods. MSU student athletes will also be on hand for autographs. Attendees will learn about the steps milk takes on its journey from cow to grocery store, and have a chance to ask dairy industry experts questions about how milk is produced and processed into several types of dairy products.

MMPA has been a long-time support of youth development by partnering with Michigan State University Extension and 4-H. For more than 80 years, MMPA has been active to support and educate the next generation of youth in agricultural science through countless programs, donations, volunteers at youth events, and much more. As the co-op celebrates their centennial anniversary, the Michigan Association of Extension 4-H Youth Staff (MAE4-HYS) presented the Partnership Award to MMPA during the spring award recognition dinner in April. The Partnership Award recognizes individuals or groups outside of MSU Extension who have made an outstanding contribution to the MSU Extension 4-H Youth Development Programs.

MMPA provides multiple types of support to numerous 4-H programs. Members and staff from the co-op are invested in seeing youth succeed and provide great support for 4-H programming. Since 1935, MMPA has been opening their doors to host the 4-H/MMPA Milk Marketing Tour, which allows youth to see a different side of the dairy industry than what they may be accustomed to. Michigan’s two-day 4-H Milk Marketing Tour is the longest running event of its kind in existence. The first tour took place in 1922 and MMPA became the primary sponsor in 1935. During this two-day annual event, up to thirty youth learn about what cooperatives are, how they function, and have the opportunity to “build” their own co-op using all the knowledge gained during the tour.

The Great Dairy Adventure is part of the annual Michigan Dairy Expo, which takes place July 18-22.

Students from 4-H clubs and FFA chapters across the state take part in educational skills contests during the week, and hundreds of cows will be exhibited by their owners in various breed shows.

MMPA MEMBERS INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING AT THIS YEAR’S GREAT DAIRY ADVENTURE MAY CONTACT JESSICA WELCH AT 248-474-6672, EXT. 303 OR JWELCH@MIMILK.COM.

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MMPA SR. DIRECTOR OF MEMBER AND GOVERNMENT RELATIONS SHEILA BURKHARDT (CENTER) AND MMPA BOARD MEMBER CORBY WERTH (RIGHT) ACCEPTED THE PARTNERSHIP AWARD AT THE MAE4-HYS BANQUET ON APRIL 26. MMPA WAS NOMINATED BY MSU EXTENSION 4-H EDUCATOR MELISSA ELISCHER (LEFT).

Farmer-Owned Cooperatives to Explore Joint Ownership of Michigan Cheese Plant Three farmer-owned dairy cooperatives announced in late May that they have committed to exploring joint ownership and operation of a major cheese processing plant in the state of Michigan. The three cooperatives are Foremost Farms USA, Baraboo, Wisconsin; Dairy Farmers of America, Kansas City, Missouri, and Michigan Milk Producers Association, Novi, Michigan. All three have farmer-members located in the state.

Greg Wickham, chief financial officer, Dairy Farmers of America, said, “Strategically, Michigan is well situated geographically to serve not only major U.S. markets, but also global markets. In addition to the quality milk supply in the region, it has a solid transportation infrastructure, one well served by major highways and various ports.”

This decision is driven by the growing milk supply in Michigan, the lack of available processing capacity within the region, market accessibility and transportation benefits.

accommodate the growing milk production in

“Michigan dairy producers own some of the most progressive and efficient dairy operations in the world, and they have positioned themselves to be a long-term supplier to domestic and global markets,” explained Michael Doyle, president & CEO, Foremost Farms USA. “Collectively, our respective organizations are extremely pleased we can come together to positively address this growing market.”

Market Challenges Continue The USDA announced last week that the Class I price for May is $13.70 per hundredweight, down 4 cents from last month and $2.13 from last year.

“We are excited to potentially leverage the strengths and assets of our three cooperatives in order to Michigan,” said Joe Diglio, general manager, Michigan Milk Producers Association. “Working collaboratively helps enhance our ability to better serve dairy producers in this region and align the marketing strengths of our organizations together.”

The plant is expected to process 6 million pounds of milk a day and make 220 million pounds of American-style cheese annually.

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LEGISLATIVE WATCH

Dairy Industry Urges Continued U.S. Focus on Defending Common Names Rights The dairy industry welcomed an assessment of the Obama Administration’s fight to ensure that the EU’s geographical indication (GI) initiatives with other countries and regions do not undercut U.S. industries’ market access opportunities.

T

he Special 301 Report is prepared annually by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR).

It identifies trade barriers to U.S. companies and products due to the intellectual property policies, such as copyright, patents, trademarks and geographical indications in other countries. Increasingly, those barriers are taking the form of GI restrictions that risk preventing food companies in many countries from using generic names that have been in commerce for generations.

Decades after parmesan, feta and asiago became household favorites in

the United States, Europe now argues that these names, and others, can only appear on cheeses produced in Italy and Greece, thus blocking U.S. sales of the products to the European Union and increasingly affecting sales to various foreign markets. The U.S. government has been using a variety of tools to combat these types of barriers to U.S. exports, as well as to promote the importance of balanced and thorough due process procedures for the consideration of GIs. Although much work remains underway, to date these efforts have yielded concrete results including last year’s agreement in the Trans-Pacific

2016 MMPA Advisory Committee

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District 1

District 5

Bruce Lewis, Jonesville ....................................... 517-869-2877 Jeff Horning, Manchester .................................... 734-428-8610 Art Riske, Hanover .............................................. 517-524-6015 Clark Emmons, Fayette, OH................................ 419-466-4471 Jeff Alexander, Hanover ...................................... 517-740-9981

Mike Rasmussen, Edmore .................................. 989-304-0233 Lyle Vanderwal, Lake City ................................... 231-328-4926 Tom Jeppesen, Stanton ....................................... 989-506-5287 Bruce Benthem, McBain ...................................... 231-825-8182 Amy Martin, Leroy ............................................... 231-388-0496

District 2

District 6

Michael Oesch, Middlebury, IN ............................ 574-825-2454 Mark Crandall, Battle Creek ................................ 269-660-2229 Richard Thomas, Middlebury, IN ......................... 574-825-5198 Don Bever, Delton ............................................... 269-671-5050 Heather Wing, Bellevue ....................................... 269-660-0498

David Reed, Owosso ........................................... 989-723-2023 Jamie Meyer, Ionia .............................................. 989-640-3372 Kris Wardin, St. Johns ......................................... 989-640-9420 Aaron Gasper, Lowell .......................................... 616-897-2747 Steve Thelen, Fowler........................................... 989-682-9064

District 3

District 7

Tim Butler, Sand Lake ......................................... 269-330-5538 Bill Gruppen, Zeeland .......................................... 616-875-8162 Burke Larsen, Scottville ....................................... 231-425-8988 Bill Stakenas, Freesoil ......................................... 231-425-6913 Gary Nelsen, Grant.............................................. 231-834-7610

John Bennett, Prescott ........................................ 989-345-4264 Mark Iciek, Gladwin ............................................. 989-426-5655 Eric Bergdolt, Vassar ........................................... 989-652-6500 Steve Foley, Millington......................................... 989-871-4028 Rodney Fowler, Chesaning ................................. 989-302-2299

District 4

District 8

Marvin Rubingh, Ellsworth ................................... 231-588-6084 Jeremy Werth, Herron ......................................... 989-464-4022 Dave Folkersma, Rudyard ................................... 906-630-1957 Russ Tolan, Ossineke .......................................... 989-471-2993 Ron Lucas, Posen ............................................... 989-379-4694

Darwin Sneller, Sebewaing.................................. 989-977-3718 Bill Blumerich, Berlin............................................ 810-706-2955 Michael Bender, Croswell .................................... 810-404-2140 Patrick Bolday, Emmett ....................................... 810-395-7139 Michael Noll, Croswell ......................................... 810-404-4071

MESSENGER | JUNE 2016

Partnership on groundbreaking GI provisions and the announcement earlier this year of a breakthrough on GI issues with an important Central American Free Trade Agreement partner, Honduras.

Tom Suber, president of the U.S. Dairy Export Council said, “U.S. dairy exporters believe it is critical for USTR to maintain a strong focus on the importance of firmly rejecting barriers to U.S. products driven by our competitors’ desires to use GIs to monopolize the use of common food names around the world. This year’s Special 301 Report rightfully spotlights some of the progress being made in addressing this challenge. At the same time, much work remains, including ensuring that TPP partners fully abide by the intention of the TPP GI commitments and that the EU reforms the flaws in its own GI policies that negatively impact the rights of common name users.”

“Our dairy industry has been gearing up to compete globally and open markets to our products. It’s vitally important that U.S. trade policy reject the EU’s attempts to slam doors shut in areas in which we are increasingly competing head to head against their producers,” said Jim Mulhern, president and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation. “The barriers to our products are the result of deeply problematic EU GI policies that give short shrift to the rights of common name users. These deficiencies must be addressed as U.S. work on this important issue continues.”

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Northern Indiana Dairy Trail Offers Close-Up Look at Modern Milk Production

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ndiana consumers will be given a chance to learn where milk comes from and how it is produced by journeying along the Northern Indiana Dairy Trail for an up-close look at modern milk production. The event, to be held on two consecutive Saturdays in June plus one more date in early October, will feature farm tours, educational displays, children’s activities and dairy product tastings.

The farm tours will be led by hardworking dairy farmers—including members of the Michigan Milk Producers Association—who will answer your questions on such topics as animal care, farmers’ community involvement, the environment, and family farming.

to see the dairy industry grow and prosper in northern Indiana. The sixcounty region of Elkhart, Kosciusko, LaGrange, Marshall, Noble and St. Joseph has more dairy farms than any other region of the state, and these volunteers want to recognize the important contributions of dairy farming to the local economy and to create opportunities for dairy farmers to interact directly with consumers regarding key messages.

As an added attraction, visitors can take part in special activities celebrating the 200th anniversary of Indiana’s statehood.

The Northern Indiana Dairy Trail will take place on 11 dairy farms in northern Indiana over the span of two consecutive Saturdays — June 18 and 25, from noon to 5 p.m. As a salute to Indiana’s bicentennial, the committee is also planning a special celebration when the statewide torch relay begins the day at an Elkhart County centennial dairy farm on Tuesday, October 4 at 8 a.m.

This special project is being organized by a committee of volunteers who love dairy farming and sincerely want

At each stop along the dairy trail, visitors will enjoy free milk and yogurt.

MMPA MEMBER AND 2015 TOP 10 OYDC LAURA YODER AND HER DAUGHTER HADLEY ARE KEEPING THE FAMILY TRADITIONS ALIVE AT MYBROOK FARM IN MIDDLEBURY. AS PART OF THE NORTHERN INDIANA DAIRY TRAIL, THE MMPA MEMBER FARM WILL HOST A SPECIAL TORCH RELAY CELEBRATION AND OPEN HOUSE ON OCTOBER 4. (PHOTO BY JACKIE BARBER)

OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULE: SATURDAY, JUNE 18 Knollbrook Farms John and Cynthia Adam, Nate and Alyssa, Nick, Luke and Faith 15463 C.R. 46, Goshen, IN Beer Dairy Inc. Fred and Pat Beer, Jeff Beer, Regg Beer, Heidi Beer 9194 Orn Road, Milford, IN Gingerich Dairy LLC Merrill and Phil Gingerich, Jeremy Byler 12836 N. 400 W., Milford, IN Perkins Twin Creek Farm Inc. Kirk, Rod and Todd Perkins 11045 E. 425 S., Wolcottville, IN Nor-Bert Farms Roger and Deb Dankert, Jeremy Dankert, Monty and Jennifer Freeman and families 7081 1B Road, Bremen, IN Metzger Dairy Inc Jack D., Mary, John, Jack J., Susan and Ashton Metzger and Carmen Kreager 4837 W. 100 S., Kimmell, IN

SATURDAY, JUNE 25 Oneeda Farm LLC Roger and Camille Hibschman (Madison and Lauren) 71957 C.R. 35, Syracuse, IN Stutzman Dairy LLC Harry Stutzman Jr., Darin Stutzman, Elmer Miller Jr. 1360 N. 850 W., Shipshewana, IN Homestead Dairy Floyd and Deb Houin, Tana Houin, Brian Houin, Matt Houin, Joel Gawronski and Ryan Rogers 11505 13th Road, Plymouth, IN Phares Farm Steve and Clint Phares 6043 N. 100 W., Albion, IN Ted and Karyn Hesters 71910 S.R. 23, Walkerton, IN

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4 MyBrook Farm Mike and Judy Oesch, Ryan and Laura Yoder 57922 C.R. 43, Middlebury, IN THE NORTHERN INDIANA DAIRY TRAIL HAS BEEN ENDORSED AS AN OFFICIAL LEGACY PROJECT BY THE INDIANA BICENTENNIAL COMMISSION. PARTNERS AND SPONSORS INCLUDE THE AMERICAN DAIRY ASSOCIATION INDIANA, INDIANA DAIRY PRODUCERS, PURDUE UNIVERSITY COOPERATIVE EXTENSION, MICHIGAN MILK PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION AND OTHERS.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE NORTHERN INDIANA DAIRY TRAIL AND THE 12 HOST FARMS, VISIT WWW.DAIRYTRAIL.COM.

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A SALUTE to MILK HAULERS From the farm to the plant to the dairy foods on your table, there is a vital link rendering the whole system possible: milk haulers. And during times characterized by a surplus of milk, haulers join in on the struggles of the industry, bearing unique challenges of their own. Yet on MMPA farms, in MMPA offices and in MMPA milk processing plants, the dedication of haulers during the past year has not gone unnoticed.

On the Farm

On the Road

The farm is the place it all starts.

Once the cows are milked and the bulk tank is filled, it’s up to the milk haulers to move it on to the next destination. And with haulers in and out of the farmer’s milk house every day, it’s often said strong relationships are formed, with haulers and farmers alike looking out for each other and working toward similar goals. From sharing ice cream with farmers’ children to assisting with changes on the farm, some haulers go above and beyond to help out their farmers.

Once the milk truck leaves the farm, it’s up to the MMPA dispatch team to work with haulers and fulfill daily customer and plant needs. The Michigan milk supply has increased significantly over the past few years.

Despite changes in customers and outlets for milk, MMPA has been able to accommodate much of the excess by finding new homes and increasing processing capacity at the plants.

“Our hauler is reliable and always looking out for us. He wants our farm to do well. We are about to undergo an expansion in the herd and he is all for it, even purchasing a bigger truck to accommodate more milk. We have a strong relationship and he engages in our lives. We couldn’t do it without our hauler, he is a big part of our operation.”

“At the most basic level, the dispatch team works to move our milk where it needs to go as economically as possible. When the plants are backed up, we use every resource at our disposal to lessen the impact on haulers and producers. We appreciate our haulers’ patience and understanding with the daily changes that can occur in the market. Our haulers do a remarkable job balancing their time and resources to fulfill the needs of the co-op.”

—Regina Coffey, Rolling Acres Dairy Farm

—Matt Sweet, MMPA Dispatcher

To the Plants When the haulers aren’t making a trek to a customer’s operation, the milk often finds its way to an MMPA plant.

The MMPA processing plants in Ovid and Constantine are humming near or at capacity every day to accommodate the needs of members’ milk.

Constantine is currently processing around 1.9 million pounds of milk per day, including the reverse osmosis (RO) system. Five years ago, the capacity was around 950,000 per day.

At the Ovid plant, they run about 4.7

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MESSENGER | JUNE 2016

to 5 million pounds of milk through the plant per day. The plant was tasked with accommodating an additional 160 million pounds of milk in 2015 over 2014. At the plants, management has worked to support the needs of haulers with hauler lounges, duel sampling stations and call lights.

“The haulers have a lot of value to MMPA, they are where our process really starts. From the farm to plant, haulers are key. Without them we wouldn’t even get milk in the door to process.” Constantine haulers are willing to work with us, they’re supportive and always willing to help.”

—Dave Davis, MMPA Constantine Plant Manager

“Our milk haulers are key contributors to MMPA. Minimizing wait times is critical for both haulers and producers.

We want to impact the bottom line for producers as much as possible and do not want to tie up their assets because of an issue impacting the plant. I appreciate their patience and their feedback, as we know this is a challenging time for everyone in the industry.”

—Colt Johnson, MMPA Ovid Plant Manager

2016 Milk Hauler Awards The following milk haulers were recognized at the spring hauler meetings for their service to MMPA and MMPA members.

Congratulations and thank you for your years of continuous service!

LIFETIME John J. Pavlik Marvin Plagens 55 YEARS Robert Schapman

FROM EACH STOP IN THE

50 YEARS Wayne Cook

MMPA SUPPLY CHAIN,

45 YEARS David Rasmussen

THANK YOU TO THE

40 YEARS Jack Gantz

DEDICATED MILK HAULERS

35 YEARS Gene Krug Joel Styma

WHO MAKE IT ALL POSSIBLE.

25 YEARS Rex Lombard Lucy Lynema 15 YEARS Larry Grice Matthew Johnston Paul Mier 10 YEARS Jay Gantz Mike R. Hebeler Paul Kowalewsky Rex E. Lombard John M. Pavlik

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POWER of the Past. » VISION for the Future.

FROM “BUTTER BEES” TO “MILK LIFE”

Members Promote Their Products

BY MELISSA HART

MISS REA, DAUGHTER OF PERCY READ, PRESIDENT OF THE GRAND RAPIDS PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION DEMONSTRATED HOW TO MILK A PRIZE GUERNSEY WITH LINDA WARE, JEANNE BRADLEY, MAYOR GEORGE WELSH AND NEIL LAMOREAUX AS GALLERY FANS. THIS TOOK PLACE IN FRONT OF THE AIRCRAFT, ‘THE DAIRY QUEEN’ THAT TRANSPORTED LINDA WARE AROUND MICHIGAN DURING HER 1940 JUNE DAIRY MONTH CELEBRATION VISIT TO MICHIGAN.

Before “Got Milk?” Before “Three-A-Day.” Before “Milk Life!”

Before bumper stickers touting milk drinkers are better lovers and before influential athletes and Hollywood stars donned milk mustaches. Before June was declared Dairy month, milk promotion in Michigan was birthed out of a nutritional need and more profit potential through the Dairy Council in the Detroit Territory.

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MESSENGER | JUNE 2016

I

n May of 1924, M.O. Maughan, the Secretary of the National Dairy Council proposed that Michigan follow in the footsteps of other major cities and create their own Dairy Council to improve the health of the people by educating them to a greater use of milk and dairy products.

Armed with the statistics that nearly one in three children in the United States were undernourished, and a resulting proven increase in the milk producers bottom line the Dairy Council proposed a one cent per hundredweight deduction on fluid milk sold with the distributor paying the same amount.

On the front page of the March 1925 Michigan Milk Messenger a special call delegate meeting was announced in order to vote on the Dairy Council proposition. The proposal said:

We have many times discussed advertising milk in Detroit. Shall we do it and thereby expect to: • Stabilize our fluid milk market.

• Create more favorable sentiment toward the milk industry • Tell the public the secrets of health in milk.

• Eventually cause the use of more milk in Detroit.

• Tell the facts about our business so the public will pay a fair price for milk.

At the meeting in April of 1925, Maughlan outlined the benefits of a dairy council and remarked that while doctors, nurses and dieticians are for milk consumption, the consumer is not educated to the exceptional value of milk. In an overwhelming vote for the new dairy promotion arm of MMPA, the delegates agreed to the funding and looked forward to the council teaching the consumer about the goodness of dairy through schools, women’s clubs,

movies, newspapers, playgrounds, radio ads and personal phone calls to housewives encouraging them to increase her purchases of milk for the family.

Six years later the first radio program promoting milk was aired on WJR in Detroit with fifteen minutes devoted to the benefits of milk voiced by Dr. Henry Vaughn, Detroit’s Health Commissioner.

In that same year there was an oversupply of butter. With the help of the National Butter Industry Committee, Michigan dairymen organized to promote butter consumption through the 100 Percent Dairy Club. They asked MMPA members to sign a form pledging to use butter and no dairy substitutes and their names would be on an honor roll in the Michigan Milk Messenger.

Getting even more aggressive, a Butter Bee was formed where dairy producers canvassed their home counties going door to door and farm to farm promoting the use of dairy products.

Milk promotion blossomed when in 1939, June was declared National Milk Month and in 1940 Michigan celebrated National Milk Month with a visit from Hollywood celeb Miss Linda Ware. The young actress was flown around the state stopping in Lansing to meet Governor Dickinson and ending up in Detroit where she concluded the day with a radio broadcast. The American Dairy Association (ADA) was formed that same year to promote U.S. milk products to consumers through advertising and retail promotions.

As dairy promotion expanded in the 1950s Congress approved funding to increase the present levels of milk consumption among children. In 1955, the first milk vending machines were put in place in Ag Hall and Shaw Hall on the campus of Michigan State College where milk outsold the soft drinks by nearly 500 units.

JUNE 1939 WAS DECLARED NATIONAL MILK MONTH.

IN THE FIFTIES, THIS ADVERTISEMENT WAS SEEN ON BILLBOARDS, BUSES AND STREETCARS AS WELL AS IN DAILY NEWSPAPERS IN THE DETROIT AREA.

The sixties advertising sought after consumer’s vanity where billboards would have the simple message: “Some guys Drink Milk, Some Don’t.” The strong, successful, athletic and the popular would be identified as milk drinkers. The weak, unsuccessful, unathletic and the social failure would be shown as a non-drinker of milk.

MMPA billboards and advertising spots were influential and the 1983 Farm Bill established the advertising checkoff program, giving way to the current promotional efforts of the National Dairy Council and the United Dairy Industry of Michigan. And the participation of MMPA members continued to grow. In the late 1970s, MMPA established the Dairy Communicator program to form a network of dairy farmers promoting through grassroots efforts in their local communities.

From the first dairy council of 1924 through today’s various promotion groups, MMPA has played a vital role in promoting that milk does a body good.

JUNE 2016 | MESSENGER

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POWER of the Past. » VISION for the Future.

Shoulder TO

Shoulder “We issue this call to all milk producers in Michigan to gather at the Michigan Agricultural College, East Lansing, Room 402, Agricultural Building, on Tuesday, May 23, 1916, at 11 a.m.”

T

he members of the Livingston County Milk Producers’ Association adopted a resolution and meeting notice and shared it with the world via pages of the Hoard’s Dairyman on April 22, 1916.

Four hundred dairy farmers came from all parts of southern Michigan. Some arrived by train in Lansing. Others came in motorcars — such as Ford’s Model T — that had bumped along muddy, deeply rutted wagon roads to get to the campus.

Among this “large and enthusiastic” group were those whose livelihood came

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MESSENGER | JUNE 2016

primarily from farm enterprises.

But Michigan’s dairymen of 1916 also included bankers, statesmen, manufacturers, insurance salesmen and law enforcement officers — men who operated dairy farms while also pursuing other jobs.

Regardless of their background, these men knew how to “get on their feet and state their position with clearness and no little eloquence,” Hoard’s Dairyman reported. “The thought was repeated over and over again that the producer was getting the small end of

the horn that his principal occupation and purpose of existence was seemingly to blow large profits for the distributor.”

With a primary goal of securing a better price for producers’ milk, a statewide organization open only to dairy farmers was born—the Michigan Milk Producers Association. The new association had nearly 200 dues-paying members and its first board of directors at the conclusion of the daylong meeting.

“If the temper of the … milk producers present at this meeting is evidence of

Editor’s note: This article is an excerpt from the MMPA history book, Stronger. Together., written by Donna Abernathy.

the feeling existing generally among their neighbors, we believe the new organization will grow in strength and its members [will] stand shoulder to shoulder in the co-operative endeavor,” the Hoard’s story predicted.

MMPA was originally formed as a federated association — a statewide organization composed of many local associations that were autonomous, farmer-governed groups. R.C. Reed, appointed as the new association’s field secretary, had the job of organizing these local groups.

Each local association paid a $5 annual membership plus 50 cents per individual member to join the state MMPA. Individuals paid dues of $1 per year to sustain local operations.

The state association would serve as the selling agency for all member milk.

The association, with member approval, set a milk price based on generating a fair return over production costs. Then, it was the association’s job to get dealers to pay the target price.

Local associations acted autonomously in most respects. Each had its own executive committee plus four other committees. The marketing committee worked with the state association to determine prices and sell the local members’ milk collectively. The herd improvement committee arranged cow testing and breeding. The sanitation and health committee led cleanliness reforms on farms and in milk barns.

The cooperative purchasing committee

secured feed and other supplies in carloads to save members money.

By MMPA’s first annual meeting on Oct. 17, 1916, the success in member recruiting was apparent. The auditorium in the MAC Agricultural Building was filled to overflowing as almost 1,000 milk producers “from nearly every county in Southern Michigan” attended.

They represented more than 80 local associations that had formed in the few weeks since MMPA was founded. Other local associations were forming as fast as Reed could process requests.

In the 100 years that followed the first official meeting of MMPA, the methods of marketing milk and organizing the cooperative have changed, but the goals have remained the same.

JUNE 2016 | MESSENGER

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[

MMPA CELEBRATES \ FOUNDING DATE: MAY 23, 1916

O

n May 23, 2016, MMPA recognized its 100th Anniversary at the Justin Morrill Hall of Agriculture at Michigan State University (MSU).

The cooperative was founded in that same building 100 years prior on May 23, 1916. At the event, MMPA announced the contribution of $100,000 toward animal agriculture research programs at MSU. “With great pride MMPA marks this occasion and we celebrate the day when the innovative dairy leaders of 1916 began our cooperative,” said Ken Nobis, MMPA president and dairy farmer.

“Today, we acknowledge our humble beginnings and the vast challenges and

opportunities that have shaped our organization to this day. Tomorrow, we will continue to work on behalf of our dairy farmer member-owners and support the agriculture and dairy industry.”

In recognition of MMPA’s 100th anniversary, Nobis announced MMPA’s planned donation of $100,000 to MSU. The contribution is designed to work in conjunction with the efforts of the Michigan Alliance for Animal Agriculture. The funding will support research for the advancement of the animal agriculture industry, in priority areas such as bovine tuberculosis, sustainability and workforce development.

“One hundred years after its first meeting on this campus, MMPA continues strong in its unwavering support of MSU and its research.

We are grateful to this organization and for the partnership we’ve formed over this past century,”

CURRENT AND FORMER MMPA MEMBERS GATHERED AT THE CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION TO COMMEMORATE THEIR COOPERATIVE’S FOUNDING AT AGRICULTURE HALL.

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MESSENGER | JUNE 2016

“One hundred years after its first meeting on this campus, MMPA continues strong in its unwavering support of MSU and its research. We are grateful to this organization and for the partnership we’ve formed over this past century.”

—George Smith, associate director/interim dean, MSU AgBio Research

said George Smith, associate director and interim dean of MSU AgBioResearch. “MMPA leadership has been instrumental in advocating for additional funding for animal agriculture research and its potential economic return for the State of Michigan. We look forward to strengthening our partnership with MMPA and enhancing the Michigan dairy industry over the next 100 years.”

The anniversary celebration called attention to MMPA’s strong relationship with MSU from its founding date to present-day partnerships and initiatives.

“On behalf of the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR), we wish MMPA congratulations on celebrating its centennial,” said Doug Buhler, MSU CANR interim associate dean. “It is through partnerships between industry and education that we can ensure a well-versed workforce and stable and safe food supply for Michigan’s residents.”

Among other MMPA leaders and agriculture industry partners, Sen. Joe Hune, Chairperson of the Michigan Senate Agriculture Committee, was in attendance to congratulate the cooperative on its anniversary and present the association with a legislative proclamation acknowledging MMPA’s role within the state.

“Congratulations to MMPA on celebrating 100 years of their organization,” Hune said. “MMPA has been a vital asset to the dairy market in our state and I wish them another successful 100 years of protecting and promoting the welfare of our dairy farmers and agriculture industry.”

SEN. JOE HUNE CONGRATULATED MMPA ON THE ANNIVERSARY AND PRESENTED LEGISLATIVE PROCLAMATIONS FROM THE MICHIGAN HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND MICHIGAN SENATE.

MMPA began recognizing its anniversary at its 100th Annual State Delegate Meeting in March, where it was announced MMPA would donate 100 gallons of milk per day for an entire year to the Food Bank Council of Michigan. MMPA released a history book and video detailing 100 years of MMPA history and the evolution of the cooperative at the annual meeting.

Continuing the celebration, an open house at MMPA’s milk processing plant in Ovid is slated for this summer.

TOP AND MIDDLE: AMONG THE 60 ATTENDEES AT THE CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION WERE MMPA MEMBERS, AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY PARTNERS, MSU STAKEHOLDERS AND LEGISLATORS. ABOVE: MMPA ANNOUNCED A $100,000 DONATION FOR APPLIED RESEARCH AT MSU AT THE EVENT. PICTURED IS MMPA PRESIDENT KEN NOBIS (LEFT) WITH ASSOCIATE DEAN/INTERIM DEAN OF MSU AGBIORESEARCH GEORGE SMITH (RIGHT).

JUNE 2016 | MESSENGER

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» Transparency Builds Trust « LESSONS FROM THE 2016 MMPA DAIRY COMMUNICATOR MEETING As a dairy farmer, you know your product is wholesome and nutritious. You know you put animal care above all else. And you know you are good stewards of the environment. But when continual demands from uninformed consumers make their way down the pipeline and impact the way you dairy, it can be hard to understand the consumer’s motivation.

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MESSENGER | JUNE 2016

At the 2016 Dairy Communicator (DC) meeting, the approximately 60 DCs in attendance learned about what drives consumers based on research from the Center for Food Integrity (CFI). And the key is transparency.

updates on MMPA and the dairy checkoff. Rounding out the day was Elaine Bristol, program manager for the Michigan Ag Council, who unveiled the new Michigan Grown marketing campaign.

The CFI’s Donna Moenning headlined the meeting, providing information on building consumer trust through transparency to the DCs. Also at the April 14 meeting, MMPA President Ken Nobis and United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM) Director of Industry Relations Jolene Griffin provided

At the annual meeting, MMPA’s DCs gather to swap dairy promotion ideas and gather new information in preparation for another year of fairs, farm tours, school visits, social media engagement and addressing consumer concerns. Moenning’s presentation provided the DCs with the appropriate

research to understand what consumers crave and how to connect with them.

“Consumers certainly are asking more questions than ever before about food, what’s in it, how it’s produced and who’s producing it,” said Moenning.

“They simply want to know that the people producing their food are doing the right thing.”

CFI’s Consumer Trust Study analyzes consumer attitudes and stays abreast of relevant issues to understand trust and learn ways to engage with consumers in new ways. The research explored transparency in relation to food safety, environmental impact, animal wellbeing, impact of food on health, labor and human rights and business ethics.

The results demonstrated consumers hold food companies primarily responsible for “trust-building transparency.” An area of particular note is animal well-being, consumers expect transparency from food companies—not farmers—to demonstrate food production animals receive proper care.

The research also explored what issues consumers focused on when purchasing food. Understanding what issues are most prevalent in their minds helps the food and agriculture industry learn how to address these concerns.

“A top concern among consumers is finding healthy affordable food. Yet of the 18 issues presented, the lowest concern was for having enough food to feed people outside of the U.S. How often do we hear people in agriculture say: ‘We need to do “this” because we have a growing world population and need to increase food production.’

That is a key piece in understanding consumers today,” Moenning explained.

So how do we properly engage with these consumers? Moenning explained the vital element is values. Farmers are driven by their values, and so are consumers. Using those values to connect is the key to demonstrating the motivation behind your on-farm practices and the way you produce food.

Moenning reminded the DCs food is personal. The first priority for consumers is feeding their own family.

Connecting with the public on this “value’ rather than world food needs is important to our communication efforts.

“As we understand our consumers, how do we embrace their concerns?

It’s all about shared values. Your values are the door that opens you up to engagement with consumers,” Moenning asserted. “Our stories, our values have an impact.”

MMPA Dairy Communicator Service Awards MMPA’s team of dairy communicators, nominated by their local, work to promote dairy and communicate in the interest of dairy farmers in their communities since the late 1970s. At the network’s annual meeting, MMPA honors those communicators reaching a service milestone.

30 YEARS Cheri Chapin, Alma Local Geraldine Emmons, Adrian Local 15 YEARS Connie Lucas, Hillman Local Joy Marvin, Adrian Local Judy Oesch, Constantine Local 10 YEARS Shelly Messing, Huron Local Virginia Ankley, Mid Thumb Local 5 YEARS Amy Martin, Evart Local

TOP OF PAGE: DONNA MOENNING PRESENTED INSIGHTS FROM THE CENTER FOR FOOD INTEGRITY’S RESEARCH TO THE MMPA DAIRY COMMUNICATORS. DAIRY COMMUNICATORS SHARED IDEAS AND SWAPPED STORIES OF DAIRY PROMOTION IN ROUND TABLE SESSIONS. OPPOSITE PAGE: THE 2016 DAIRY COMMUNICATOR SERVICE AWARDS HONORED (L-R): JOY MARVIN, GERALDINE EMMONS, VIRGINIA ANKLEY, CONNIE LUCAS, CHERI CHAPIN AND SHELLY MESSING.

JUNE 2016 | MESSENGER

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Former MMPA President Elwood Kirkpatrick Dies at 79 Former dairy industry leader and MMPA President Elwood Kirkpatrick, of Kinde, Michigan, passed away on May 16 at the age of 79. Kirkpatrick served the dairy industry for over 28 years in various leadership positions, including 26 years as president of Michigan Milk Producers Association.

Throughout his presidency, Kirkpatrick served the cooperative and dairy industry on both state and national levels through his involvement in a number of agriculture and dairy related organizations.

Kirkpatrick was elected to serve on the MMPA board of directors in 1979 where his aptitude in finance quickly earned him the respect of fellow board members who elected him as president of MMPA in 1981. He continued to serve as MMPA president until his retirement from the board in March 2007.

ELWOOD KIRKPATRICK

“The dairy industry lost a great leader. Elwood Kirkpatrick made a tremendous impact on the dairy industry on both the state and national level. He played an important role in shaping today’s dairy industry, and his vision will live on.”

Ken Nobis, MMPA President

In Michigan, Kirkpatrick served as chair of the Michigan Dairy Industry Committee, was a member of the United Dairy Industry of Michigan board of directors and had served on the Michigan Agriculture Commission.

On the national level, Kirkpatrick served on the executive committee of the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) for 23 years, including serving as NMPF vice president from 1983-2003.

An example of his leadership character emerged in the late 1980s when he helped lead the charge to unify the promotion and marketing efforts of the U.S. dairy industry, bringing together the activities of the United Dairy Industry Association and the National Dairy Board through the formation of Dairy Management Incorporated, creating greater efficiencies in the national dairy promotion program.

Kirkpatrick accomplished many notable successes for the dairy industry, but one of his most influential roles was serving as the first chairman of the U.S. Dairy Export Council. From its inception, Kirkpatrick worked tirelessly to establish and grow the U.S. dairy export sector. At the time of its start, dairy exports represented less than 3 percent of annual U.S. milk production. Today, exports of U.S. dairy products exceed over 15 percent of U.S. milk production.

Kirkpatrick served as Chair of the U.S. Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade in Animals & Animal Products (ATAC) and was a member of the U.S. Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee for Trade (APAC).

As an accomplished dairy farmer, Kirkpatrick had been recognized with Michigan State University’s “Dairy Farmer of the Year” award in 1986 and the “Distinguished Service to Agriculture” award in 1987.

Upon Kirkpatrick’s retirement in 2007, the MMPA board of directors established the Elwood Kirkpatrick Dairy Science Research Fund at Michigan State University. The endowment fund pays tribute to Kirkpatrick’s dedication to advancing the research needs of the dairy industry. Kirkpatrick was instrumental in the establishment of the Revitalization of Animal Agriculture Initiative signed into Michigan law in 1993.

Kirkpatrick was born in Dwight Township on January 30, 1937 to the late Ross A. and Eula (Arnott) Kirkpatrick and was a lifetime dairy farmer.

He is survived by his wife, Michelle Kirkpatrick of Dwight Township; daughters: Lisa (Craig) Iden of Kinde and Rebecca Waling of Texas; sons: Dean (Maureen) Kirkpatrick, Ron (Andrea) Kirkpatrick, both from Kinde and Brad (Amy) Kirkpatrick of Traverse City; granddaughters: Corey, Casey, Brooke, and Natalie; grandsons: Randy, Dallas, Sean, Eric, Derek, Nathan, Colin and Ryan; and a special cousin, Beverly (Arnott) McFarland from Bay City. He was preceded in death by his cousin, Leslie Arnott.

Memorials may be offered to Heartland Hospice or to the Bad Axe Free Methodist Church.

A tribute to Kirkpatrick and his time serving the state and national dairy industry will be published in the July issue of the Michigan Milk Messenger.

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MESSENGER | JUNE 2016

YOU HAVE ROBOTS? We have feeding solutions that work.

ADM has the experience and products The Dick family, owners of Dick Haven Farm in McBain, MI, are nationally recognized for producing high-quality milk.

that will help you meet important robot feeding objectives—nutritional integrity, pellet durability and alluring palatability, but don’t just take it from us.

Ask those that really matter—our customers.

“Product consistency and a firm pellet with no feed refusals is important. The ADM pellets flow well in our system and our cows clean it up,” reports Dale Dick.

The Westendorp family, owners of Westvale-Vu Dairy & Mooville

Whether it’s an ADM . . .

• customized pellet specially tailored to your operation • product manufactured with our patented cold pelleting technology that allows higher inclusion rate of liquid palatants • or standard, pelleted, robotic feed, ADM can help your cows provide you with the best returns on your robotic milking investment.

For more information on ADM robotic milking system products, contact Bill Earley at 800-777-7692 or email bill.earley@adm.com

Creamery in Nashville, MI, produce high-quality products from healthy, comfortable, productive cows. “We demand high-quality, palatable pellets that work in our robotic system. With ADM pellets, the quality is right and the price is competitive,” says Carlyle Westendorp.

www.admani.com • 800-777-7692 JUNE 2016 | MESSENGER

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YOUR DAIRY PROMOTION AT WORK

Addressing the Teen Calcium Gap

As with all audiences, we need to talk with the teens multiple times, in multiple ways to get the message to become a behavior. Another aspect of the program is sharing information via text messaging and social media, where we are connecting on a regular basis.

We are engaging with teens through @conquerwithmilk on Instagram and Twitter with inspirational messages and how milk can help them reach their goals.

Through continuous efforts to create lifelong milk drinkers and drive immediate sales of fluid milk, the United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM) looked at areas of greatest opportunity. One of those is connecting with teen girls. As their need for calcium and vitamin D increases, their milk consumption usually decreases, and this is known as the Teen Calcium Gap. The future health of these soon-to-be adults is in jeopardy as bone growth is exponential in the teen years, second only to infancy. Lack of bone-building calcium can lead to increased risk of fractures now and osteoporosis in adulthood.

Through UDIM’s connections with physicians and other healthcare professionals, we learned many are not even aware this is a problem and even fewer are talking to teen girls about the issue. Working with healthcare professionals as influencers in the lives of teen girls will provide the best opportunity to share the benefits of milk in the diet, especially because most teens see their physicians at least once a year for sports physicals, immunizations and skin issues.

A BOX CONTAINING MILK AND CALCIUM MESSAGES WAS SENT TO 2,000 PHYSICIANS ACROSS THE STATE TO SHARE WITH THEIR PATIENTS.

To help spread the word, we sent an informational mailing to 2,000 primary care physicians across the state, highlighting the importance of the calcium gap problem and providing a simple way for them to talk to teens about consuming more milk. The mailing included a sample milk travel tumbler and a voucher for teens to take home. The provider can use the sample to discuss the importance of bonebuilding calcium and how milk is an easy solution to get the much-needed nutrient. The teen can use the voucher, with a personal code, to order their own mug via a fulfilment webpage.

INSTAGRAM POSTS FEATURING ALLISON SCHMITT AND LEAH O’CONNOR GENERATE HIGH INTEREST AND ENGAGEMENT FROM OUR TEEN FOLLOWERS.

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MESSENGER | JUNE 2016

As dairy spokeswomen, elite athletes and ‘world-conquering’ milk drinkers, Allison Schmitt and Leah O’Connor are featured in this campaign to help connect to the teens, and encouraging them to post their own milk-conquering photos to win prizes and engage their friends in the campaign. The social channels regularly feature recipes, nutrition information and prizes.

To reach more teens with these important messages, we incorporated the social media campaign into our existing high school chocolate milk grants and in-school posters to encourage students to follow us and learn the importance of milk in their diet.

Every day the staff at UDIM works hard on your behalf to connect consumers and health professionals to the product you produce. If you have questions about this program, contact janice@ milkmeansmore.org.

IN

FEED D E T TEGRA

ION T U L O S

S

R E H T E G O T L

L A T I RT A P BRING A OU Y T E S TO

Dan Wiersma, MS DuPont Pioneer Livestock Specialist

ANSWERS FROM FIELD TO FEEDOUT

BALANCED AGRONOMY AND NUTRITION

DESIGNED FOR DIGESTIBILITY

Pioneer.com/SilageZone PIONEER® brand products are provided subject to the terms and conditions of purchase which are part of the labeling and purchase documents. ® TM SM , , Trademarks and service marks of DuPont, Pioneer or their respective owners. © 2016 PHII. DUPPFO15030_VAR1_060116_MMM

JUNE 2016 | MESSENGER

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MERCHANDISE

Special Orders: Many of you know our merchandise department as a supplier of CIP cleaners, teat dips, inflations, towels, calf feed and many other commonly used items. What you may not know, is that we are able to order many specialty parts as well. We work with several well-known vendors such as Coburn, Schlueter, Udder Tech, E-Zee Milking and Nelson-Jameson. This allows us access to a number of parts and other needed items including: milking claw parts, pulsator rebuild kits, milk pump rebuild kits, milking buckets and vacuum hose. While most of these companies do not sell to individuals they do have online catalogs that can help determine what parts are needed. Once you have decided on the item you would like, you can simply call the warehouse with the part number and quantity and we will place the order. Listed below are websites for some of these companies, take a look at what they have to offer, you may be surprised by the selections available.

Chemical, Sanitizer and Teat Dip Contact Information These are service personnel only.

Order your Member Merchandise supplies through your hauler.

ECOLAB 24 -Hour Medical Emergency Hotline: 1-800-328-0026

Coburn - www.coburn.com Schlueter - schlueterco.com Udder Tech - uddertechinc.com E-Zee Milking - ezmilking.com Nelson-Jameson - www.nelsonjameson.com

For Service, call the Ecolab Service Message Center 1-800-392-3392 or one of the following service representatives:

New opportunities: We have been approached by Nutrablend (a division of Land O’ Lakes) with an opportunity to provide a new service to our members. Nutrablend currently is our supplier for copper sulfate. In addition to copper sulfate they sell a full line of micro ingredients, minerals and vitamins. Items such as Sodium Bicarbonate, XP Yeast Culture, AS-700 2 GM crumbles, AUREO 50 gram pellets, Clarifly, Energy Booster, MEGALAC and feed grade salt.

These products would be available on a direct ship basis from Nutrablend.

Nutrablend has a truck route that comes into Michigan, Indiana and some of Ohio each week. They typically use common carrier for delivery. All orders would be placed and billed through the MMPA merchandise program. Requirements for a drop ship: orders must be placed not later than Thursday to make the following week’s shipment, orders must be a full pallet (40 bags) of product, pallets can be mixed products (do not need to be all one item), the farm must be able and willing to unload pallets from the truck. If this service has some attraction to you, please call the warehouse at 989-317-8370.

Three Ways to Order your MMPA Merchandise 1. Place order through your milk hauler 2. Call in your order: Duane Farmer, Supervisor .....................................................989-317-8370 Toll Free .................................................................................... 877-367-6455 Orders (Novi) .................................................... 800-572-5824 then dial 2 3. Fax in your order: MMPA Merchandise fax .......................................................... 989-317-8372

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MESSENGER | JUNE 2016

Ben Johnson 4461 Cambridge Dr. Port Huron, MI 48060 810-824-0636 Pat Mitchell 7273 N. Rollin Hwy. Addison, MI 49220 517-403-0928

PREMIUMS MERCHANDISE

MMPA Quality Premium Program

MMPA Member Testing Fees

Somatic Cell Count premiums and deductions (in addition to Federal Order SCC Adjustments computed in the producer pay price) will be paid at the following levels:

Payment for testing will be made through an automatic milk check deduction. All costs are listed per individual sample.

50,000 or below........... +55¢/cwt.

201,000-225,000 .......... +20¢/cwt.

51,000-75,000 ...............+50¢/cwt.

226,000-250,000 ...........+15¢/cwt.

76,000-100,000............+45¢/cwt.

251,000-300,000 ..........+00¢/cwt.

101,000-125,000 ............+40¢/cwt.

301,000-400,000 .........- 30¢/cwt.

126,000-150,000........... +35¢/cwt.

401,000-500,000 ....... -$1.00/cwt.

151,000-175,000 ............+30¢/cwt.

501,000-600,000 ........-$1.50/cwt.

176,000-200,000 ......... +25¢/cwt.

601,000 and greater. -$2.00/cwt.

Cow Tests: $1 Cow samples JUNE be tested for: Culture for Streptococcus agalactiae, Strep non ag, Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase negative staph, gram negative and/or SCC. Additional testing can be coordinated through your MMPA member representative to include:

A payment of 5¢/cwt. will be added for each of the following, if the count is equal to or below: • 10,000 Raw Bacteria Count • 20,000 Pre-Incubated (PI) Count

Raw bacteria count and components.

There will be a deduction of 10¢/cwt. for: • Greater than 100,000 Raw Bacteria Count A high raw count deduction will be waived if the producer has received the quality premium the previous three months for raw bacteria count.

All costs are listed per individual sample.

To qualify for Raw and PI Bacteria Count premiums there must not be any of the following during the month: • Positive drug residue • Abnormal freeze points • High load count shipment or rejected load shipment • #3 or #4 sediment • Raw Bacteria count over 100,000 The count levels for raw and PI will be determined on one test run per month.

To qualify for MMPA SCC premiums there must be: • No abnormal freeze points during the month To qualify for MMPA volume premiums there must be: • No abnormal freeze points during the month • An average somatic cell count of 350,000 or less

All herd tests must be scheduled with the laboratory through your MMPA member representative.

Additional Tests Available: • Mycoplasma Cultures ..........................................................................$13 • Bacteriology Cultures..........................................................................$15 – Includes identification of bacteria and drug susceptibility.

• Bovine Viral Diarrhea - PCR ........................................................................................................$40 - ELISA .......................................................................................................$6 • Johne’s Milk Test - PCR ........................................................................................................$40 - ELISA – cows ........................................................................................$6 - ELISA – tank ........................................................................................ $10 • Bovine Leukosis Test - ELISA – cows ........................................................................................$6 - ELISA – tank ........................................................................................ $10 • Milk Pregnancy ELISA ................................................................... $4.50 Lab test results by mail: $2/month All tests must be scheduled through your MMPA member representative or the laboratory for proper sample submission protocol.

ANTEL-BIO TESTING Loc/Hlr/Producer # ________________________________ Sample Date _____________________________ Member name ______________________________________________________________________________ Sample ID _________________________________________________________________________________ BLV ELISA _________

Johne’s ELISA ___________

Johne’s PCR ___________ Pregnancy ____________

Refer to above for current pricing. The cost of testing is the responsibility of the producer.

This card MUST be filled out completely when sending in samples to be tested by Antel-Bio to avoid potential service charges.

JUNE 2016 | MESSENGER

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FREELINERS To place your freeliner, please fax your ad to 248-426-3412 or email your ad to Muszynski@mimilk.com.

Bulls Registered Holstein Bulls: We now have a nice selection of service age bulls, sired by top AI sires. Green Meadow Farms, Elsie, MI. 989-862-4291 or visit www. greenmeadowfarms.com.

Service age Holstein bulls. Call Steve Alexander, 810-622-8548 evenings or 810-404-8548.

Registered Holstein breeding bulls, all AI sired from top bulls, b&w, red, red carrier and some polled, high production, low SCC herd. Bulls are priced to sell. Ver Hage Holsteins, 269-673-4886 or 269-217-6076, ask for Tim. www.verhageholsteins.com.

Cows & Heifers Milk cows. Herd averaging 89 lbs, 110 SCC, located in Huron Co. 734-776-0285.

Six AI sired heifers due in June and July.

All are bred to Gold Chip. Call 574-3702667.

Equipment Case IH 5100 Grain Drill with Seeder, very good condition, $2,750. Also, J.D. 924 flex-head with full finger auger, $3,500.

517-231-5098 or 517-231-5099.

1416 Oxbo Hay Merger, 2008, good condition, new main pump in 2015, $25,000. Also available, 1416 Miller Pro Hay Merger, 2000, fair condition $13,500.

Will text or email pictures if interested.

616-836-6587.

2008 New Holland BR7060 Round Baler, 4x5, crop cutter, X-tra sweep pickup, Command Plus monitor, net/ twine, preservative applicator, Trelleborg flotation tires, 5500 bales, needs nothing, excellent condition, always housed. $24,900. 989-305-2659.

Dairy Tech Pasteurizer model DT30G 4 years old, good condition, 30 gallon, $4,500. Mensch side shooter for saw dust or sand 3pt or skid loader mount $1,500.

MSU style freestalls 100+or- $5.00ea some pipes and clamps. Call or text Mike, 734 368-7366.

Kuhn Discbine FC283, $7,500. Bou-Matic

2006 Versatile Gen II 2145. Hours: 3905. Call 989 352 8515.

2015 Kuhn Knight Spreader. Side slinger. Call 989 352 8515.

2014 James Way Tank Spreader.

4600 gal. Call 989 352 8515.

2010 Penta Mixer Wagon. Side unloading. Call 989 352 8515.

2015 Cornsilage, 1,000 tons. Call 989 352 8515.

2015 Beat Pulp, 200 tons. Call 989 352 8515.

John Deere 1750 6-row corn planter

electronic sort gate with 200 pedometer ID collars, $5,000. 231-373-4673.

with 2x2 fertilizer and pop-ups, keton seed firmers, field ready, $17,000. 517420-5042.

New Holland 240 Forage Chopper with KP, hayhead & 3 row corn head. Field ready, excellent condition, always housed, $44,000. 989-345-1501.

with rubber conditioning rolls. Like new, 600 acres through, $33,000. 517-4205042.

2014 3016 New Holland hay discbine

60-ft. Patz conveyor with 16-in. belt.

Richard ton 700 dump wagon,

65-ft. Patz cable feeder with 12-in. belt.

Both in good condition, $1,500 each.

231-878-3768.

$7,500. 517-420-5042.

18-ft. silage box. Harsh hoist Deutz feeder. 231-425-6913.

Delaval plate cooler model MP3DE-81 SS stainless steel, 81 plates, $2,100.

Call 231-920-8025.

2009 New Holland Skid Steer L218.

Hours: 2010. Call 989 352 8515.

2009 New Holland TD 5050. Hours: 5637. Call 989 352 8515.

2015 Bobcat 5530. Hours: 1020.

Call 989 352 8515.

Dairy Equipment

Universal Bulk Tank 2,000 gal.

231-826-3641.

1,000 gal. Mueller bulk tank complete, excellent condition. Call 574-370-2667.

Double four herringbone surge milking parlor. All the stalls, rail. Complete 2" stainless milk and wash lines, pvc vacuum system including balance tank, receiver jar, milk pump, claws and lines, pulsators and control, pipeline wash system. Two vacuum pumps, one oilless 10hp, one 5hp oil bath. 10 hp new in last 4 years. Everything complete and still using today. Includes everything but the tank and sink. $15,000. 517-420-0414.

2 Mueller bulk tanks, 1,000 gal and 1,250 gal., both have new style washers. 734-231-0633.

Misc.

5 Calftel Calf Hutches. 10 Vic fiberglass hutches. Several of other brands.

989-871-2915.

Haylage, Corn Silage, Snaplage, and Dry Cow Round Bales. Delivery Available. 231-250-8592.

STRAW: Large square 3x4x8 roto cut bales. Pick up or delivery available.

989-640-3607.

4x5 bales of dry cow hay.

Low potassium, stored inside grass.

989-642-3262

30

MESSENGER | JUNE 2016

JUNE 2016 | MESSENGER

31

CLASSIFIED ADS

Cost for classifieds is $20 per ad, up to six lines. All ads must be received by the 10th of the month before the month of desired publication. Send check or money order for $20 for up to 6 lines with your order. MMPA neither sponsors nor endorses products or services advertised in the Messenger. You may submit your ads by: MAIL:

Classified Ads | Michigan Milk Messenger P.O. BOX 8002, Novi, MI 48376-8002

EMAIL:

Muszynski@mimilk.com FAX: 248-426-3412

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 TRISTATE 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 & old concrete, fast service. Call for your below pricing 989-635-1494.

BLUE RIBBON HOOF TRIMMING, LLC. FOR SALE: 5000-4000-3000-25002000-1500 OH MUELLER LATE MODEL BULK TANK MILK TANKS, complete, will trade. 1-800-558-0112.

WANTED TO BUY: USED BULK MILK TANKS, 200 gallons & larger, Sunset & Mueller, 1-800-558-0112.

DRY HAY & STRAW (large & small bales) & BARLEY FOR FEED. 989-723-1886 or 989-277-1414.

FARMERS: INCREASE YIELDS 7 PROFIT by using the 1# crop production system. Distributors needed. 260-768-8137 ext. 1

ROUNDUP READY II, LIBERTY LINK, AND MCIA 2323 SOYBEAN SEEDS. 989-723-1886 or 989-277-1414.

2012 NEW HOLLAND H 7540 13-FT. DISCBINE. Low acres! Very nice condition! $22,000. 517-543-4770.

2009 H7460 NEW HOLLAND DISCBINE 15’ 7”. Very nice 2 point hitch. $19,000. 517-543-4770.

2013 H7230 NEW HOLLAND DISCBINE 10’ 4”. Very Nice! $19,500.

517-543-4770.

2014 NEW HOLLAND RB450 ROUND BALER, 4x5 BALE. Twine & net wrap.

Excellent Condition. $29,500.

517-543-4770.

Concrete Grooving and Texturing

PTO and Automatic Start Generators

Call: Jeff Brisky - Owner Toll Free: 1-800-294-1202

1-800-248-8070 M-40 South Hamilton, MI 49419

Cell: 1-716-353-1137

www.hamiltondist.com

REGISTERED HOLSTEIN BULLS OVER 100 SERVICE AGE BULLS FOR YOUR SELECTION! A special herd sire or a truck load of breeder bulls.

Ready to go to work on your farm!

• Sired by the top sires from the U.S. and Canada • From our top production cows

GREEN MEADOW FARMS 6400 Hollister Road, Elsie, MI 48831 Phone: 989-862-4291

www.greenmeadowfarms.com

32

MESSENGER | JUNE 2016

POLICIES MERCHANDISE

MMPA Policy on Drug Residue in Milk MILK ON FARM – DRUG RESIDUE SUSPECTED

MILK SHIPPED — POSITIVE DRUGS CONFIRMED

If a member suspects milk in the farm bulk tank contains drug residue:

If a member ships milk from the farm and testing by approved laboratory methods show that the milk contained drug residue, the member will be assessed the penalties imposed by the state regulatory agency and be disqualified for raw and PI bacteria count premiums.

1. Call a MMPA member representative to have the milk in the tank tested. A “hold” must be placed on the tank contents until the test results are known.

OR 2. The member can test the milk on the farm. If dumped, the member must be sure to take the stick reading, record the number of pounds of milk and report the information to their member representative.

• If the tank tests negative (no drugs present), the milk JUNE be released and shipped.

• If the tank tests positive (drugs present), the member representative will authorize the member to dump the tank of milk. The member will be paid 75% of the value of the tank of milk involved.* • If for any reason MMPA personnel must pick up samples at the farm for testing three or more times within 12 consecutive months, the member involved will be charged $25 per trip.

If a loss is incurred by MMPA due to the disposal and/or non-marketability of a load of milk or milk products containing drug residue, then the member responsible will be provided an invoice for the entire value of the loss plus transportation and disposal costs as required by the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance.

This invoice JUNE be submitted to the member’s insurance carrier.

MMPA must receive settlement on the invoice within 90 days of issuance. If settlement is not made within 90 days, the full amount of the invoice will be deducted from the next milk check unless other settlement arrangements are made.

Milk from that member’s farm tank must be tested and found clear of drugs before the next tank of milk can be picked up.

A hauler whose entire load sample shows the presence of drugs will be charged the amount of an average shipment on that load if the individual member samples all show negative.

ALL POSITIVE DRUG RESIDUE SHIPMENTS MUST BE REPORTED TO THE ENFORCEMENT AGENCY.

MMPA Milk Quality Policy QUALITY QUESTIONABLE When a member suspects that the milk in the farm bulk tank is of poor quality they should call a MMPA member representative who will authorize milk in the tank to be dumped. If the member dumps the milk on their own, they must be sure to take the stick reading and record the number of pounds of milk, and report the information to the member representative.

If the milk is dumped, the member will be paid 75% of the value of the tank of milk involved.* In order to receive payment for an added water voluntary dump, the member must install a Swingline Safety Switch. The Swingline Safety Switch can be ordered from the Mt. Pleasant warehouse. The MMPA member representative will verify the switch has been installed.

Reimbursement for the Swingline Safety Switch and the voluntary dump will then be made to the member.

The member assumes all liability for losses incurred as a result of shipping poor quality or contaminated milk.

MILK SHIPPED – HIGH BACTERIA COUNT

If… 1. a load of milk is received (unloaded) at a dairy processing plant and, 2. a sample from the load has a bacteria count of 300,000 or more and, 3. testing of the individual member samples on that load identifies the member or members having a bacteria count of 300,000 or more, then the member or members involved will be charged the value of one-half of one day’s production** and will be disqualified for raw and PI bacteria count premiums. * The member will only be paid for two (2) voluntary dumps in a rolling 12 month period. ** For members using more than one bulk tank, the assessment will be based on the value of milk in the tank or tanks in violation of the MMPA quality policy.

REJECTED LOAD SHIPMENT

If… 1. a load of milk is rejected (not unloaded) at a dairy processing plant and, 2. the milk cannot be sold through normal Grade A channels for reasons of quality which results in the load being sold or disposed of at a loss to MMPA, and, 3. testing of the individual member samples on that load identifies the member or members that caused the contamination or rejection of the load, then, the member or members responsible will be charged the full value of the loss to MMPA plus transportation and disposal costs, and be disqualified for raw and PI bacteria count premiums except for loads rejected for temperature.

4. MMPA will provide an invoice to the member for the amount of the loss, to be submitted to the member’s insurance carrier. MMPA must receive settlement on the invoice within 90 days of issuance. If settlement is not made within 90 days, the full amount of the invoice will be deducted from the next milk check unless other settlement arrangements are made.

If a member has three or more occurrences within 12 consecutive months, that member must appear before the MMPA board of directors to review steps taken on the farm to correct the quality problem which will enable MMPA to continue to market the milk for this member.

HAULER A hauler whose entire load sample exceeds 300,000 cells per mL bacteria count will be charged the amount of an average shipment on that load if the individual member samples all are less than 100,000. A hauler will be responsible for all costs incurred by MMPA for loads rejected for temperature.

Charges and assessments made under this program will be withheld from milk checks of members or haulers involved.

JUNE 2016 | MESSENGER

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MARKET REPORT

Statistical Summary | FOR MILK MARKETED IN APRIL 2016 Market Statistics Mideast Federal Order #33 (pounds)

National Trends*

This Month

Year Ago

% Change

Total Class 1 Sales

517,996,438

511,390,575

+1.29

Production

Total Class 2 Sales

357,694,069

329,148,930

+8.67

Total Class 3 Sales

568,487,248

380,228,115

+49.51

Total Class 4 Sales

300,897,451

271,829,815

+10.69

1,745,075,206

1,492,597,435

+16.92

29.7%

34.3%

(million pounds) 2016

2015 % Change

California

3,484

3,602

-3.3

Wisconsin

2,507

2,396

+4.6

New York

1,218

1,157

+5.3

Idaho

1,197

1,173

+2.0

Pennsylvania

930

925

+0.5

Texas

910

896

+1.6

Michigan

903

848

+6.5

Minnesota

812

791

+2.7

New Mexico

656

680

-3.5

Washington

562

560

+0.4

Ohio

464

464

+0.0

Indiana

350

339

+3.2

Total U.S.*

16,843

16,641

+1.2

Butterfat Price /lb. ...........................................................................................$2.2376

U.S. Y-T-D*

66,475

65,227

+1.9

Other Solids Price /lb ................................................................................... $0.0489

* For 23 States

Total Production Class 1 Utilization

Mideast Federal Order #33 Total Producers ....................................................................................................... 5,279 Avg. Daily Production per farm .......................................................................11,019 Avg. Protein Test .................................................................................................... 3.10% Avg. Butterfat Test ............................................................................................... 3.76% Avg. Oth Solids Test .............................................................................................5.77% Avg. SCC - MMPA ............................................................................................. 157,000

Component Pricing Information Mideast Federal Order #33 Protein Price /lb. ...............................................................................................$1.8450

Class III Price @ 3.5% ......................................................................................... $13.63 Prod. Price Diff /cwt. - Mich Mkt .....................................................................$0.19 Uniform Price at 3.51 .......................................................................................... $13.82 SCC Adjustment /cwt /1000 ..................................................................$0.00075

AMS Survey Prices Product

Monthly Avg

Cheese /lb................................................................................................................1.5041 Butter /lb................................................................................................................. 2.0192 Nonfat Dry Milk /lb ............................................................................................0.7307 Dry Whey /lb......................................................................................................0.2466

34

MESSENGER | JUNE 2016

MMPA STAFF MERCHANDISE

MMPA Field Staff*

Novi Headquarters

Northwest Area Supervisor Ben Chapin, Blanchard................................................................... 989-289-0731

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

Energy Auditor Frank Brazeau, Oconto, WI........................................................ 906-250-0337

General Manager Joe Diglio ................................................................................................... ext. 200

Animal Care Coordinator Deb Gingrich, Leroy ........................................................................248-520-3580

Chief Financial Officer Josep Barenys ......................................................................................... ext. 240

Lyndsay Earl, Ludington.................................................................. 231-519-2455 Sarah Michalek, Portland..............................................................248-305-0537 Dirk Okkema, Blanchard............................................................. 248-756-2062

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

Northeast Area

Manufactured Product Sales Jim Dodson ................................................................................................ext. 229

Supervisor & Mastitis Management Specialist Christy Dinsmoore, Fairgrove ......................................................248-513-7920 Animal Care Coordinator, Energy Auditor Lindsay Green, East Lansing .......................................................989-488-8159 Ben Butcher, Durand ........................................................................248-514-5273 Ashley Herriman, Alpena ............................................................. 269-245-6632 Bridget Moore, Snover .....................................................................231-414-4539

South Area Supervisor & Energy Auditor Ed Zuchnik, Three Rivers ............................................................... 269-967-7351 Krista Beeker, Topeka, IN.............................................................. 269-986-6792 Dave Brady, Grass Lake .......................517-522-5965 or (c) 517-937-9061 Elyse Martin, Charlotte ....................................................................810-701-6460 Joe Packard, Kalamazoo ............................................................... 248-520-3481 Emily Smith, Bronson..................................................................... 269-535-0822

Other Services Bulk Tank Calibration Gary Best, Lapeer ..............................810-664-4984 or (c) 586-484-9279 Mastitis Management Specialist Steve Lehman, Ithaca......................... 989-875-3441 or (c) 989-330-1638 Sustainability Coordinator Lynn Nagengast................................................................................ 248-444-6775 Merchandise Coordinator, Energy Auditor Katie Pierson, Coleman .................................................................989-289-9686

Quality Amandeep Dhillon ................................................................................. ext. 305

Laboratory Supervisor Patti Huttula................................................................................................ext. 219 Member Services Dean Letter ................................................................................... 989-289-9251 Milk Sales/Dispatch Carl Rasch ...................................................................................................ext. 244 Credit/Insurance Cheryl Schmandt......................................................................................ext. 210 Management Information Systems Gregory Schulkey .................................................................................... ext. 237 Andrew Caldwell ..................................................................................... ext. 304 Communications Allison Stuby .............................................................................................ext. 296 Human Resources Cindy Tilden ...............................................................................................ext. 220 Member Relations Jessica Welch ........................................................................................... ext. 303

Manufacturing Plants Constantine Dave Davis, Plant Manager ................................................... 269-435-2835 Ovid Colt Johnson, Plant Manager .............................................989-834-2221

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

In Michigan .................................................................................... 800-572-5824 Toll Free........................................................................................... 800-233-2405 Ovid (Daily, 6 a.m.-10 p.m.) ....................................................989-834-2515 Constantine (Daily, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.) .....................................800-391-7560

Merchandise - Mt. Pleasant Supervisor: Duane Farmer Main Line.................................................................................................989-317-8370 Toll Free ................................................................................................877-367-6455 Orders (Novi) ............................................................800-572-5824, then dial 2

*If you are unable to

reach your assigned member representative, please contact the representatives listed in your area.

Fax.............................................................................................................. 989-317-8372

JUNE 2016 | MESSENGER

35

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