Michigan Milk Messenger: November 2018

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

VOL. 101 | ISSUE 5 | NOVEMBER 2018

PHOTO CONTEST RESULTS ARE IN (PAGE 21) THE 2018 AWARDWINNING PHOTO

TEAM DOUBLE B DAIRY 2018 OYDC RUNNERS-UP JEREMY AND DEANNA BEEBE SHARE THEIR LOVE OF FAMILY, FARMING AND BASEBALL (PAGE 15)

mimilk.com

be

outstanding

be an Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator

Why participate in the MMPA Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator (OYDC) Program? » Strengthen your leadership abilities » Broaden your knowledge of milk marketing and MMPA » Be recognized for your abilities and accomplishments PLUS... the winning OYDC will have the opportunity to travel to places like Washington, D.C., to represent MMPA at a national level!

Dave & Gretchen Tolan, 2016 OYDC Runners-Up

TALK TO YOUR LOCAL ABOUT PARTICIPATING IN THE OYDC PROGRAM Nominees must be involved on an MMPA member farm and be between 21 and 41 years of age as of January 1, 2019. OYDC applicants do not need to be a voting member or on the MMPA contract to apply.

For more information, contact Jessica Welch at jwelch@mimilk.com or 248-474-6672.

OYDC SELECTION PROCESS FOR 2019 DEC-JAN

MARCH-APRIL

MAY

AUGUST

Locals nominate an individual or couple for the program during each local meeting

Nominees submit an application to be considered by the state nominating committee

Top 10 selected from pool of local nominees and invited to attend OYDC conference

Top 10 attend conference to learn more about MMPA while judges select winning OYDCs

“TRACTOR FROSTED” TAKEN BY ASHLEY MESSING KENNEDY OF BAD AXE, MICHIGAN

NOVEMBER 2018 FEATURES 15 | TEAM DOUBLE B DAIRY

2018 OYDC runners-up Jeremy and Deanna Beebe of Whittemore, Michigan open up about their love of

On the Cover “January Jerseys,” taken

by Katherine Weber of Vassar, Michigan, topped the 2018 MMPA Photo Contest. See more photos on page 21.

family, farming and baseball. The couple shares about recently blending their families together to create a strong partnership and team both in life and business.

18 | STILL PUSHING

Producers at cattle shows from across the Midwest are holding on to a positive outlook. The cattle look better than ever, the displays are sharp and creative, and the exhibitors are upbeat and optimistic.

21 | YOU GAVE US YOUR BEST SHOTS

MMPA asked for photos demonstrating life on the farm and the membership delivered. Photo contest entries represented many different aspects of dairy farming

and the variety of Midwest seasons.

Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA), established in 1916, is a member owned and operated dairy cooperative serving approximately 1,700 dairy farmers in Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin and Ohio.

NOVEMBER 2018 | MESSENGER

3

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“AG BAGS” TAKEN BY JOSH GAMBLE OF NEW CARLISLE, INDIANA

CONTENTS 6

MMPA MATTERS

“For these folks, farming is an act

USMCA: Hope for a positive move forward

8

10 12 14

Cleaning is key to healthy calves

of love.”

NEWS & VIEWS

— PIZZA HUT VIDEO FEATURING AN MMPA MEMBER (PAGE 24)

LEGISLATIVE WATCH FIVE WAYS TO GET INVOLVED WITH YOUR CO-OP THIS YEAR

24

» MMPA MEMBER FEATURED IN PIZZA HUT VIDEO THANKING AMERICAN DAIRY FARMERS » GRILLED CHEESE OF THE MONTH CLUB FILMED AT MMPA’S HERITAGE RIDGE CREAMERY

25

of faith, a game of patience, a labor

QUALITY WATCH

YOUR DAIRY PROMOTION AT WORK

DEPARTMENTS 26 POLICIES 27

QUALITY PREMIUMS

28

FREELINERS & CLASSIFIEDS

29

MERCHANDISE REPORT

30

MARKET REPORT

31 STAFF

MMPA Core Values: » Quality » Integrity » Progress » Leadership » Community Managing Editor................................................ Sheila Burkhardt Editors.............................. Allison Stuby Miller, Krista Schrock Advertising Manager......................................Nancy Muszynski Circulation..................................................................................... 2,609 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.

41310 Bridge Street P.O. Box 8002 Novi, MI 48376-8002

p: 248-474-6672 f: 248-474-0924 w: mimilk.com

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)

NOVEMBER 2018 | MESSENGER

5

MMPA MATTERS

USMCA: Hope for a positive move forward

BY KEN NOBIS, MMPA PRESIDENT

Given the importance of trade with other nations for the U.S. dairy industry, the recent news of an agreement reached by the United States with Mexico and Canada that revised the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is very welcome.

The new agreement is called the United States-Mexico-Canada-Agreement (USMCA).

It creates a new acronym to get used to but – more importantly – it provides some added certainty that our successful dairy trade with Mexico can continue.

“The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) along with the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) and the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) worked together to bring about a very reasonable agreement for dairy in these negotiations.”

There is always a danger that agreements can go awry when being renegotiated, and market access can be lost in the process if that happens. The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) along with the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) and the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) worked together to bring about a very reasonable agreement for dairy in these negotiations.

Many of those involved in the negotiations recognized the need to update the NAFTA agreement while retaining the basic tenets, and it looks like the resulting document does retain the basic tenets, preserving an excellent market for U.S. dairy products in Mexico. The good news north of the border, according to negotiators, is that Canada will eliminate the pricing scheme for its Class 7 dairy products. Canada will no longer be able to dump surplus milk proteins onto global markets. The U.S. also gains access, albeit it very limited, to the Canadian market. At least now we will have a foot in the door.

However, before we can fully celebrate, the agreement has to be accepted by our U.S. Congress and also the legislatures of the other two countries. USMCA covers more than just agricultural products, so those who represented the dairy industry during the negotiations will continue to monitor the progress closely and will weigh in when necessary to protect our interests.

MMPA started working with our elected officials soon after the basic parameters of the agreement were released to encourage them to support acceptance of the trade package. The initial feedback we received from the elected officials we talked to was positive, and the negotiations moved forward and resulted in USMCA. Trade agreements can be very complicated, though, and a full analysis is in progress now. Hopefully, when it has been completed, the final analysis will match the first impressions to confirm that the USMCA is a positive move forward for our industry.

Our industry cannot relax on pursuing even more trade opportunities for the U.S. dairy industry. We milk our cows seven days a week. One day’s worth of the total U.S. milk production per week is currently exported, so trade plays a significant role in finding a home for our product. What would we do if the export market disappeared?

I don’t see the possibility of cows taking Sunday off every week and then starting back to full production on Monday (although it is a pleasant thought). So instead, we have to continue to seek more export opportunities – and not allow any of our current trade to be diminished – as we market our members’ milk to the greatest advantage possible.

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MESSENGER | NOVEMBER 2018

QUALITY WATCH

Cleaning is Key to Healthy Calves

BY KATIE PIERSON, MERCHANDISE COORDINATOR

Cleaning is key to producing the best quality replacement heifers. Although many factors contribute to a high producing replacement heifer, you can’t afford to cut corners on cleaning. The easiest route of transmitting sickness and disease is a dirty environment, dirty equipment and nose-to-nose contact.

Maternity pens are where it starts. One of the first parts of that calf that enters this world is its tongue. Consider these questions to guide what happens in the maternity pen: • How clean are the dry cows?

• What is your stocking density in the maternity pen?

• Does the bedding pack pass the knee test?

• How long before the calf is moved?

“Although many factors contribute to a high producing replacement heifer, you can’t afford to cut corners on cleaning.”

• How long before the calf gets its navel dipped?

• How long before colostrum is given?

Next, they get moved to the calf pen. How thoroughly are the pens cleaned between calves? Are floor and wall surfaces scraped, washed and sanitized between calves?

Let’s talk about feeding equipment. Are bottles, buckets and nipples brushed clean or just dunked and swished in soapy water? What condition are your brushes in? Brushes need to reach ALL corners and surfaces and ideally should be replaced twice a year at a minimum. One simple and easy test to check your cleaning protocol is smelling those bottles, buckets and nipples.

A little-known bacterium that Dr. Belinda S Thompson, DVM from Cornell University shared with the attendees of the university’s Cooperative Extension Calf and Heifers Congress was Salmonella Dublin. It is an antibiotic resistant zoonotic bacterium that may be lurking on more farms than we know.

In 2014, the USDA National Animal Health Monitoring System conducting a nationwide study to determine the prevalence of many bacterium, S. Dublin among them. The bulk tank milk samples were tested using the S. Dublin ELISA test which detects the bacterium’s antibodies. The results showed a high correlation between cow numbers and the presence of the bacterium on the farm. In fact, 39 percent of the positive samples came from farms with 500 cows or more.

Why is S. Dublin a silent threat? S. Dublin often presents itself as sudden onset pneumonia in calves. Infection usually occurs in the first eight weeks of life with a high death rate. Older animals don’t typically show illness when infected. Even identifying this bacterium in the lab is hard to accomplish. Dr Thompson reported that it requires a certain enrichment broth to properly identify this bacterium via culturing.

Like many management areas on a dairy farm prevention is much more effective and economical than treating an animal. More and more of the bacteria are becoming antibiotic resistant. The future guidelines and regulations for using antibiotics in food producing livestock will continue to tighten. The mindset must change from ‘what to treat with’, to ‘how can I prevent this’.

Cornell University College of Veterinary Science developed a very handy risk assessment tool that can pin point your most vulnerable areas. If you are interested in this tool please contact me at pierson@mimilk.com.

8

MESSENGER | NOVEMBER 2018

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Brent Fetzer Dairy Producer

Kevin Niebur Pioneer Sales Professional

Wade Crosby Pioneer Marketing Manager

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Trademarks and service marks of Dow AgroSciences, DuPont or Pioneer, and their affiliated companies or their respective owners. © 2018 PHII. DUPPFO18028_VAR2_110118_MMM

NEWS & VIEWS Producers scoring 95 percent or higher on Grade A Surveys and Federal Check Ratings Herman’s Holsteins LLC Paramount Enterprises Dairy LLC I Paramount Enterprises Dairy LLC II Elenbaum Farms Daniel VanErp Albert Gusa Starward Farm * Glen & Dale Phillips Farms William / Virginia Ankley * Muxlow Dairy Farm * Perry / Angie Heckman *100

September prices inch upward The USDA reported September’s Class III price was $16.09/cwt., up $1.14 from August. The September Class IV price was $14.81, up 18 cents.

Upcoming Events NOVEMBER

November 20 Leaders’ Conference, East Lansing

DECEMBER

December 4-12 Member Information Meetings

December 13 Advisory Committee Meeting

MMPA welcomes dairy cooperative delegation from India A delegation of dairy cooperative executives from India visited Michigan and Wisconsin earlier this fall, making stops at the MMPA Ovid plant and Novi office.

In addition to touring the Ovid plant, they came to the metro Detroit area for a tour of Kroger’s Michigan Dairy and a panel discussion with MMPA management staff at MMPA headquarters. The group discussed American dairy cooperative functions, legislative initiatives, trade and milk marketing. The delegates, hosted

by Michigan State University, were from the Indian National Dairy Development Board and represent many cooperatives from all over India.

FARM Program launches fourth silo: FARM Workforce Development The National Dairy FARM Program announced the launch of its fourth program area, FARM Workforce Development. The initiative provides U.S. dairy farm owners and managers with educational tools that offer best management practices around human resources – including hiring, training, and supervision – and worker health and safety.

FARM Workforce Development was created by stakeholders from the entire dairy value chain to provide educational materials on one of the most pressing concerns for the dairy sector. The human resources part of the program focuses on how to best attract, invest in, and retain a professional, high-quality, engaged workforce.

According to FARM Program management, these new educational resources will help farmers who want to broaden their understanding and implementation of human resources tools and safety practices for their employees.

“By making these tools available, we will further demonstrate the dairy industry’s existing commitment to continuous improvement in human resources and worker safety,” said Emily Yeiser Stepp, senior director of the FARM Program. “This new component of the FARM Program offers educational materials tailored to the needs of U.S. dairy farms of all sizes.”

SOURCE: NMPF

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MESSENGER | NOVEMBER 2018

Michigan Dairy Ambassador Program gearing up for 2019 Any Michigan high school and college students interested in dairy and/or pursuing a career in the dairy industry have until Jan. 11 to apply for the 2019 Michigan Dairy Ambassador Scholarship and Leadership Program. Continuing with updates instituted last year, the program offers dairy communications training to interested applicants.

A

ll applicants meeting baseline criteria will be invited to attend a daylong program kickoff on Feb. 8, the second day of the Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference (GLRDC). Attendees will be considered 2019 Michigan Dairy Ambassadors and will be equipped with the messaging and practice to effectively communicate with consumers inperson and online.

Participation throughout the year in trainings, dairy events and promotion will earn points with the opportunity

MMPA Advisory Committee DISTRICT 1 Scott Ferry, Litchfield............................517-214-3298 Jeff Horning, Manchester....................734-428-8610

to advance to the interview round. Applications, resume and participation and interview will be considered for scholarship recipient selections. Two scholarships will be awarded to the representatives, one to a junior winner and another to a senior winner.

The senior division is reserved for college students up to age 22, with the winner receiving a $1,500 scholarship. The junior division is limited to high school students in grades nine to 12, and the winner receives $1,000 that can be applied toward higher education or the purchase of a dairy animal within the upcoming year. Applicants are not required to have a dairy farm background, but they must plan to pursue a career related to the dairy industry. The scholarship program is funded through a benefit auction held at the annual Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference (GLRDC).

Brad Hart, Clayton..................................517-445-2649 Daniel Minnis, Dansville.......................517-521-3529 Art Riske, Hanover..................................517-524-6015

DISTRICT 2 Mark Crandall, Battle Creek.................269-660-2229 Michael Oesch, Middlebury, IN.........574-825-2454 Danny Ransler, Gobles..........................269-998-3802 Dan Ritter, Potterville............................517-645-7318 Richard Thomas, Middlebury, IN.......574-825-5198

DISTRICT 3 Tim Butler, Sand Lake............................269-330-5538 Bill Gruppen, Zeeland...........................616-520-5143 Bill Stakenas, Free Soil...........................231-425-6913 Burke Larsen, Scottville........................231-425-8988 Gary Nelsen, Grant.................................231-834-7610

DISTRICT 4 Marvin Rubingh, Ellsworth.................425-533-8106 Jeremy Werth, Alpena...........................989-464-4022 Dave Folkersma, Rudyard....................906-630-1957 Russ Tolan, Ossineke..............................989-471-2993 Ron Lucas, Posen....................................989-379-4694

DISTRICT 5 Robert Lee, Marion................................231-743-6794 Mike Rasmussen, Edmore...................989-304-0233 Tom Jeppesen, Stanton........................989-506-5287 Bruce Benthem, McBain.......................231-920-1615 Amy Martin, Leroy..................................231-388-0496

DISTRICT 6 David Reed, Owosso..............................989-723-2023 Mike Halfman, St. Johns.......................989-640-1962 Aaron Gasper, Lowell............................616-897-2747

APPLICATION INFORMATION STUDENTS INTERESTED IN APPLYING FOR THE 2019 MICHIGAN DAIRY

Steve Thelen, Fowler.............................989-690-1075 Brad Ritter, Byron....................................586-405-4749

AMBASSADOR SCHOLARSHIP AND LEADERSHIP PROGRAM CAN DOWNLOAD

DISTRICT 7

AN APPLICATION FROM WWW.GLRDC.ORG OR CONTACT MEGGHAN HONKE

John Bennett, Prescott.........................989-345-4264

SEIDEL AT 517-884-7089. APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY

Rodney Fowler, Chesaning.................989-302-2299

TO HONKEMEG@ANR.MSU.EDU AND WILL BE ACCEPTED UNTIL JAN. 11.

Scott Kleinhardt, Clare..........................989-386-8037 Philip Gross, Weidman..........................989-289-0670 Jason Elenbaum, Mayville...................989-274-1974

EVENT INFORMATION THIS YEAR’S GREAT LAKES REGIONAL DAIRY CONFERENCE (GLRDC) WILL TAKE PLACE FEBRUARY 7-9, 2019 IN FRANKENMUTH, MICHIGAN. FOR THE CONFERENCE SCHEDULE AND REGISTRATION INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.GLRDC.ORG OR CONTACT MEGGHAN HONKE SEIDEL.

DISTRICT 8 Bill Blumerich, Berlin.............................810-706-2955 Darwin Sneller, Sebewaing.................989-977-3718 Mike Noll, Croswell.................................810-404-4071 Jeremy Sharrard, Peck...........................810-404-5076 Nick Leipprandt, Pigeon......................517-897-4155

NOVEMBER 2018 | MESSENGER

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LEGISLATIVE WATCH

MMPAC ANNOUNCES ENDORSEMENTS FOR 2018 MIDTERM ELECTIONS State House of Representatives

The Michigan Milk Political Action Committee (MMPAC) has announced endorsements for the Nov. 6 General Election. Candidates were sent questionnaires for consideration by the MMPAC, the bipartisan political arm of MMPA. Individual MMPA members voluntarily fund the political action committee. A resolution passed at the 102nd Annual State Delegate Meeting in March recommended each member contribute one dollar per cow to the state and federal MMPAC.

U.S. Senate Debbie Stabenow (D- East Lansing)

U.S. House of Representatives DIST.

1

Jack Bergman (R-Acme)

4

John Moolenaar (R-Midland)

5 Daniel Kildee (D-Flint)

6 Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph)

Election day is November 6, 2018

7

Tim Walberg (R-Jackson)

10 Paul Mitchell (R-Dryden Township) 12

Debbie Dingell (D-Dearborn)

State Senate DIST.

2

Adam Hollier (D-Detroit)

3 Sylvie Santana (D-Detroit)

8 Peter Lucido (R-Shelby Township)

12

MESSENGER | NOVEMBER 2018

DIST.

16

Kevin Coleman (D-Westland)

17

Joe Bellino Jr. (R-Monroe)

22

John Chirkun (D-Roseville)

29

Brenda Carter (D-Pontiac)

37

Christine Greig (D-Farmington)

43

Andrea Schroader (R-Clarkston)

47

Hank Vaupel (R-Fowlerville)

48

Sheryl Kennedy (D-Davison)

49

John Cherry (D-Flint)

51

Mike Mueller (R-Linden)

52

Donna Lasinski (D-Ann Arbor)

57

Bronna Kahle (R-Adrian)

59

Aaron Miller (R-Sturgis)

60

Jon Hoadley (D-Kalamazoo)

63

Matt Hall (R-Marshall)

64

Julie Alexander (R-Hanover)

69

Julie Brixie (D-Okemos)

72

Steven Johnson (R-Wayland)

74

Mark Huizenga (R-Walker)

76

Amanda Brand (R-Grand Rapids)

78

Brad Paquette (R-Niles)

79

Pauline Wendzel (R- Watervliet)

80

Mary Whiteford (R-South Haven)

82

Gary Howell (R-North Branch)

83

Shane Hernandez (R-Port Huron)

84

Phil Green (R-Millington)

85

Ben Frederick (R-Owosso)

88

Luke Meerman (R-Coopersville)

12

Michael McCready (R-Bloomfield Hills)

15

Jim Runestad (R-White Lake)

89

Jim Lilly (R-Macatawa)

17 Dale Zorn (R-Ida)

90

Bradley Slagh (R-Zeeland)

19

John Bizon (R-Battle Creek)

91

Greg VanWoerkom (R-North Shores)

21

Kim LaSata (R-St. Joseph)

93

Graham Filler (R-Dewitt)

26

Aric Nesbitt (R-Lawton)

96

Brian Elder (D-Bay City)

30

Roger Victory (R-Hudsonville)

98

Annette Glenn (R-Midland)

33

Rick Outman (R-Six Lakes)

100

Scott VanSingel (R-Grant)

101

Jack O’Malley (R-Lake Ann)

35

Curt VanderWall (R-Ludington)

36

Jim Stamas (R-Midland)

104

Larry Inman (R-Williamsburg)

37

Wayne Schmidt (R-Traverse City)

110

Ken Summers (D-Baraga)

FIVE WAYS TO GET INVOLVED WITH YOUR CO-OP THIS YEAR

T

he chore list is endless and the days just aren’t long enough anymore. There’s not barely time for everything, let alone all these meetings right around the corner. Sound familiar?

How can you get involved and make your voice heard? Here are five ways to get active over the next couple months: 1

Attend your Local Meeting Every member chooses to affiliate with a Local Association, most often it is one in their geographic area. Each of these Locals holds an annual meeting to elect delegates and officers in December or January. Your Local Meeting is a crucial event where you can start your involvement in MMPA. It also provides an opportunity to hear an update of industry and association activities. Check your mailbox for your Local Meeting invitation or look in the December issue of the Messenger to find out the time and place of your Local Meeting.

2

Vote for your elected local & district representatives Eligible members can have a direct influence on their cooperative by voting at their local meetings. Voters can help recommend policy resolutions and select fellow members to represent their area at district and the state annual meeting. If your farm is a sole proprietorship, you get one vote. Each farm in a partnership, LLC or corporation is allotted up to four voters. Check the voter list at your Local Meeting to make sure you are eligible.

3

Ask about nomination for the OYDC program If you are a member or affiliated with a member farm (family or employee) and are under the age of 41, the Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator (OYDC) program is a great springboard for involvement in the cooperative.

The program focuses on leadership development and has been the starting point for many current and past MMPA board members and leaders. OYDCs are nominated by their Local, with the top finalists invited to attend the OYDC conference every August. Applicants do not need to be voting members or “on the contract.” Talk to your Local officers or call 248-474-6672, ext. 303 if you are interested.

4

Consider running for an elected position There are a wide variety of elected positions available to members that impact the cooperative on multiple levels. From helping set resolutions to managing Local Associations, it takes a large team of engaged members to enact democratic member control. Check the voter list at your Local Meeting to make sure you are eligible.

5

Attend an information meeting Want a more complete overview of what’s going on with your cooperative?

The information meetings provide a dialogue space for MMPA management with members and are held in various locations in the region. Information meetings this year will happen between Dec. 4-14 in Sandusky, Marshall, Big Rapids, St. Johns Grand Rapids, Midland and Gaylord. Members in the Northern Indiana/Southern Michigan region will be served through a presentation at the Constantine Local Meeting.

We know it can be hard in days like these, but as a cooperative, MMPA is reliant on an involved and engaged membership to sustain our success.

MMPA’s winter meeting season is the vehicle through which members can make an impact on the cooperative, as members gather to elect cooperative leadership, set policy resolutions and guide the direction of MMPA. The more members involved in the process, the stronger our cooperative can be.

ELECTED POSITIONS • Board of Directors • Local officer • District officer • Delegate • Advisory Committee member • Resolutions Committee member • Credentials Committee member • Dairy Communicator

IMPORTANT DATES December – January Local Meetings Dec. 4 - 14 Information Meetings January 29 Resolutions Committee Meeting February District Meetings March 13 Resolutions Committee Meeting March 14 Annual State Delegate Meeting

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MESSENGER | NOVEMBER 2018

TEAM DOUBLE B DAIRY 2018 OYDC RUNNERS-UP JEREMY & DEANNA BEEBE SHARE THEIR LOVE OF FAMILY, FARMING AND BASEBALL

BY KRISTA SCHROCK

H

e was born to milk cows, dreaming of being a dairy farmer since visiting his great-uncle’s farm in Wisconsin at age five. She was the all-star relief pitcher he needed to be his partner in business and in the game of life.

With their recent marriage, they blended their families and grew stronger as a team. And if joining forces as parents of six kids wasn’t enough change for the newlyweds, they added 70 more cows to their dairy herd in the last year.

Jeremy and Deanna Beebe own and operate Double B Dairy Farm and raise six children—Eric, Garrett, Danielle, Alessandra, Delaney and Desaray. Jeremy, the local high school assistant varsity baseball coach, is hard core about the game he loves but his true love and passion is for his family and cows.

(CONTINUED ON PAGE 16)

NOVEMBER 2018 | MESSENGER

15

(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15)

“I get to be an accountant, I get to a doctor, I get to be a mechanic, I get to be a nutritionist, I get to be an obstetrician and I get to be a grunt,” explained Jeremy.

“I love the variety of being a dairy farmer. It was my dream since I can remember.

I’m living my dream.”

The couple was picked as the 2018 Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperators (OYDC) runners-up in September.

Jeremy has looked forward to participating since he had found out about the program. Meeting MMPA employees at the Novi office, learning more about the cooperative and socializing with other young dairy farmers were highlights for the couple as they participated in the process so far.

Top of the Lineup Double B Dairy Farm, located in Whittemore, Michigan, is home to 230 cows milked in a ‘Beebe Original’ parlor, as Jeremy calls it. He retrofitted the parlor, one side is a sevenstall parallel, the other a five-stall herringbone. Jeremy built the unique

set up to make use of limited space while maximizing the number of cows that can fit comfortably in the parlor.

They milk all the cows twice a day and the fresh cows four times a day with the help of three full time and four parttime employees.

The Beebes farm 550 acres of corn and hay. To focus more on the cows, the tilling and planting field work is often outsourced to Jeremy’s father and brother who have a cash crop farming operation close by. Like in baseball, “Team Beebe” relies on finding the right person or ‘coach’ for the task or ‘position’ and using their talents. Jeremy also works closely with a breeding service company to plan and execute the farm’s reproduction program. “They are the experts and it also makes sure that the breeding program is very consistent,” said Jeremy.

“Consistency is a huge thing around here,” he added. “The way the cows are milked, animal care, feeding— everything really. Cows love and come to expect it, so that’s what we do.”

For Double B Dairy Farm, milk quality is always first, followed closely by cow comfort. The couple emphasized that milk quality for their operation starts in the milking parlor. They use PC Dart, a dairy herd management computer program for the recordkeeping and data management. The quality reports

ALESSANDRA, THE BEEBE’S DAUGHTER, GAZES AT THE

received by MMPA are also shared regularly with employees and discussed at the monthly staff meetings or in baseball terms, ‘the monthly team huddle.’ During the monthly huddles, the team covers farm standard operating procedures (SOPs) reminders, training and scheduling.

“We let our employees schedule themselves for the most part. It seems to work well for us and we don’t have as many issues with shift changes that way,” said Deanna.

Loading the Bases Starting with only 30 cows in 2001, Jeremey acknowledges the key to their growth is utilizing outside resources such as MSU Extension and their herd veterinarian services. ‘Pinch hitters’ – baseball slang for a player who bats in place of a teammate, typically at a critical point in the game – are called in when something unexpected happens to not waste a potential opportunity.

Jeremy’s pinch hitters come in the form of these experts and advice from fellow dairy farmers help with the farm challenges.

“Ten years ago, [dairy farmers] thought we were squeezing out every bit of efficiency we could, but somehow we are finding other ways to make it with what we already have. Things in the

JEREMY AND HIS SON, ERIC, ANALYZE FEED MIXTURE

16

MESSENGER | NOVEMBER 2018

medicine for the last 17 years. Her lack of experience around a farm did not stop her from falling for the dairy farmer and varsity baseball assistant coach. She now helps with the calves and helps in whatever area is needed most. When Jeremy isn’t at the farm, he spends his time cheering on the kids at their sporting events. The kids are very involved with school activities so there is plenty of cheering to go around.

“Our life here is very busy, but Jeremy works so hard. It is never ending but he is proud of what he does and is a great teammate in our hectic world,” explained Deanna. “I’d love to someday be on the farm full time and help out more. He has turned me into a farm girl.”

CALVES.

dairy industry are always changing and we need to keep trying to be more sustainable,” said Jeremy.

One example of the ways the farm is maximizing efficiencies is pairing up with a neighboring farm to put away silage for the year. Each neighbor provides a key piece of equipment and they work together to chop and pack the feed for each herd.

Another creative way the couple is making what they have go further is rewarding their employees in an untraditional way. Acknowledging the hard work and dedication of his key players (employees) is important to Jeremy. He offers an employee cattle ownership option for his team.

Employees can purchase a calf and the farm covers half of the expenses to raise and care for the animal. After the calf has its first baby, Jeremy rents the cow from the owner. He shared that the employees who have taken advantage of the opportunity have taken more ownership of their responsibilities on the farm because of it.

Knocking it out of the Park Jeremy and Deanna knew very early in their relationship that what they had was something special. Deanna doesn’t come from a farming background and has worked as a medical assistant in family

The couple, both with three kids from previous relationships ranging from five years old to 18 years old, were married in 2016 after dating for about two years.

Team Beebe had many tractor dates and went to many ballgames throughout their whirlwind romance.

Jeremy & Deanna Beebe Double B Dairy Farm, Whittemore, Michigan, Sunrise Local, District 7 Herd and Land:

“When Dad proposed, we were all at the river and it was so fun. Then he popped the question and it was so romantic. Everyone was so excited when Deanna said yes!” shared tenyear-old Alessandra.

Milk 230 cows and

Even when the score is tied, bases are loaded, and it is the ninth ending, true baseball fans like the Beebes are optimistic for the win. Jeremy and Deanna work together as a confident pair of coaches both as owners of their farm and as parents to their children to ensure success. They work tirelessly to make sure the cows are always content and comfortable and to achieve their lofty milk quality goals.

Garrett (16)

farm 550 acres

Proud parents of six children: Eric (18)

Danielle (15) Alessandra (10) Delaney (10) Desaray (5)

While milk prices are low, and margins are tight, there is little doubt that the owners of Double B Dairy Farm are dedicated to providing world class quality milk and top-notch animal care to their dairy herd.

Jeremy concluded, “I’m determined to be a survivor and that is what makes a difference to me.”

NOVEMBER 2018 | MESSENGER

17

STILL PUSHING Dairymen and women from across the country show cattle with optimism

BY MELISSA HART

18

MESSENGER | NOVEMBER 2018

Walking through the cattle barns from the county fair to World Dairy Expo, you would never know this country is in the middle of a dairy crisis. The cattle look better than ever, the displays are sharp and creative, and the exhibitors are upbeat and optimistic.

In a dairy economy that appears as hopeless as the Dust Bowl in the Great Depression, dairy producers from Wisconsin to Texas and California to Maine have found enough optimism to load up their tack boxes and put their best cows on a trailer, to compete against friends, neighbors and rivals.

HOLSTEIN FIVE-YEAR-OLD CLASS AT THE INTERNATIONAL HOLSTEIN SHOW DURING WORLD DAIRY EXPO IN MADISON, WISCONSIN. PHOTO CREDIT: MELISSA HART.

From the first spring show in March until World Dairy Expo in October, entries for nearly every show this year, either held steady or had a slight increase. Brent Moyer of Caro, Michigan believed people wanted and needed to be with other producers who were going through the same thing.

“It’s not easy right now on the farm and it helps when we can talk to other people who are facing the same thing,” he said.

Sherry Meyer of Byron Center, Michigan echoed that sentiment, “Showing is especially important because we are able to socialize with others who actually ‘get it.’ It’s also a chance to

enjoy competition, see old friends and validate our breeding decisions.”

While enjoying the company of like-minded people was refreshing, advertising and marketing also play a major role in exhibiting cattle. Kurt Wolf of Epworth, Iowa said that’s the main reason he continues to show.

“We continued to show this year because it’s a form of merchandising,” said Kate Smith of Minnesota. “This has been a very different year for us and we could have easily stepped down, but pride, commitment and the desire to remain competitive, kept us pushing.”

“Showing is especially important because we are able to socialize with others who actually ‘get it.’ It’s also a chance to enjoy competition, see old friends and validate our breeding decisions.”

(CONTINUED ON PAGE 20)

NOVEMBER 2018 | MESSENGER

19

(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19)

Some enjoy the thrill of the competition siting the adrenaline rush of showing. Allie Bourne of Louisville, Ohio said, “Nothing beats the adrenaline rush from stepping into the ring and all your hard work finally paying off.”

Maureen DeBruin of Jefferson, Wisconsin, said the International Brown Swiss Show at World Dairy Expo increased by approximately 50 head this year because the quality of the show.

“The French-Canadian Brown Swiss breeders don’t have a competitive show, the breeders from western Canada don’t have much of a show and they want to come down and compete against the best of the American breeders,” she explained. “So, World Dairy Expo is, quite possibly, the best Brown Swiss show in North America.”

Family legacy, life lessons, the love for dairy, camaraderie, competition and even the fact that there is too much screen time for the younger generation, all have their place in the reasons people continue to show cattle during tough economic times.

Brandi Schlaugh of Nashville, Ohio explains why her husband and two teenage boys continue to show, “It’s our ‘show-cation.’ How many people take their 700-1,000 pound divas and a second trailer load of supplies on a week away, for fun? We do, and we love it! Its family time, time to connect with our cow friends, time to learn a new trick to getting cattle ready for the show ring. Its judging contests, skillathons, and show whites. It’s a time we plan for and look forward to.”

Michele Reasner of Newburg, Pennsylvania, commented, “In challenging times, as we are experiencing now, family and friends become even more important. We need each other! I may have lost my two best cows this year but I never considered not being at the shows. I treasure my friends and memories too much to not want more of them.”

Depressed dairy prices can leave big bills to pay with little hope in the bank, Michelle Ellenstine, a Mountain Grove, Missouri, Holstein breeder, added, “We just needed

KYLE BARTON LEADS CUTTING EDGE T DELILAH. SHE WAS NAMED GRAND CHAMPION AND THEN SUPREME CHAMPION OF THE OPEN AND JUNIOR SHOWS AT WORLD DAIRY EXPO. PHOTO CREDIT: MELISSA HART.

for a break away from the farm with the family. I think this year we appreciated farm life more than ever because of how difficult it is.”

Family tradition plays a major role in showing cattle at any level. The Fritsche family of Fritsche Farms in Minnesota celebrated nine decades of breeding registered Guernseys.

Andrew Fritsche said, “It’s our 90th year having registered Guernseys. We saved up all year to take a string to World Dairy Expo and to have a get together there. We only see most of these friends once a year.”

Wendy Booth of Carrolton, Ohio, summed it up: “We continue to show for the next generation. Our kids have a passion for showing like we do, and it also shows our children and the next generation that no matter what the struggles are in the dairy industry, there is always light at the end of the tunnel.”

“There will always be competition in everything. Why not continue competing in the industry that you have love and passion for?” she said. “We will continue to show to promote the dairy industry to the outside world and to continue our love for what we do until the milk prices rise or until the last cow leaves.”

TERA BAKER REACTS AS THE HEIFER SHE WAS LEADING, ROBLAND NORWIN MAYDAY OWNED BY ELIJAH LANDGRAF, WAS NAMED JUNIOR CHAMPION OF THE INTERNATIONAL BROWN SWISS SHOW AT WORLD DAIRY EXPO. PHOTO CREDIT: MELISSA HART.

20

MESSENGER | NOVEMBER 2018

1ST PLACE: “JANUARY JERSEYS” BY KATHERINE WEBER OF VASSAR, MICHIGAN

VASSAR NATIVE SNAPS

WINNING PHOTO AN ASPIRING PHOTOGRAPHER, KATHERINE WEBER OF VASSAR, MICHIGAN, CAPTURED THE TOP PHOT0 ENTITLED, “JANUARY JERSEYS,” IN THE 2018 MMPA PHOTO CONTEST.

Weber says she took the photo because the soft snowflakes gently drifting down and landing on the heifer’s faces was beautiful. The jereseys huddled together to enjoy the January snow in Tuscola County.

“When I found out I had won, I was extremely excited,” said Weber. “I ran over to the milkhouse to tell my brother who didn’t believe me at first.”

Taken of several curious Jerseys, Weber loved the way heifer “15” stood out front and center in the photo.

She enjoys capturing the essence of the family dairy, Weber Family Dairy, and the contentment of the animals.

Weber submitted another photo, “Summer Jerseys,” that was considered a finalist in the competition.

(CONTINUED ON PAGE 22)

NOVEMBER 2018 | MESSENGER

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YOU GAVE US YOUR BEST SHOTS

2ND PLACE

“BABIES FEEDING BABIES”

BY KATHLEEN REED OF NORTH BRANCH, MICHIGAN

After receiving over 85 photo entries, a panel of judges selected the top three winners for the 2018 MMPA Photo Contest. Photos were judged on overall image quality and composition, creativity, and the image’s ability to evoke imagination and to tell a story.

In addition to the photo taken by Weber, second and third place photos were selected. Earning second place was Kathleen Reed of North Branch, Michigan with her photo, “Babies Feeding Babies,” and rounding out the top three images was “Bringing Bottles to Baby Calves,” captured by Amelia Osantoski from Port Austin, Michigan in third place. More photo contest entries are featured below.

A

A “A GROWING FUTURE”

TAKEN BY KYLIE KLAASEN OF COOPERSVILLE, MICHIGAN

B

B “ANTICIPATING FEEDING TIME” TAKEN BY REBEKAH RUBINGH OF ELLSWORTH, MICHIGAN C “SUMMER JERSEYS” TAKEN BY KATHERINE WEBER OF VASSAR, MICHIGAN D “FILLING THE GRAVITY BOX” TAKEN BY REBEKAH RUBINGH OF

ELLSWORTH, MICHIGAN

E “BREAKING STRAW” TAKEN BY MONICA CRANDALL OF BATTLE CREEK, MICHIGAN

C

22

MESSENGER | NOVEMBER 2018

D

E

3RD PLACE

“BRINGING BOTTLES TO BABY CALVES”

BY AMELIA OSANTOSKI OF PORT AUSTIN, MICHIGAN

.

The photo contest was a big ssuccess!

KEEP TAKING PICTURES AND WATCH FOR DETAILS ABOUT THE 2019 PHOTO CONTEST.

F

G

F

“FIRST LOVE” TAKEN BY JEREMY WERTH OF ALPENA, MICHIGAN

G “TRACTOR BUDDIES” TAKEN BY CASSIE SNELLER OF SEBEWAING, MICHIGAN H “BRYCE” TAKEN BY MICHELLE DELLAR OF HARRISVILLE, MICHIGAN

H

I

I

“GOLDEN HOUR HOLSTEINS” TAKEN BY AARON GASPER OF BELDING, MICHIGAN

J

“PEEK!” TAKEN BY ELIZABETH RUPPRECHT OF VASSAR, MICHIGAN

J

NOVEMBER 2018 | MESSENGER

23

MMPA member featured in Pizza Hut video thanking American dairy farmers Amanda Carey Goodfellow of Carey Farms in Morley, Michigan, was featured in a Pizza Hut video released on National Farmers Day with her father and grandfather.

“These are the faces of America’s dairy farmers. The ones who rise early and work late,” the voiceover says. “For these folks, farming is an act of faith, a game of patience, a labor of love.”

“For me, this is home,” says Amanda, MMPA member.

She is a past Top 10 Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator finalist and leads her family farm, where she recently invested in a robotic milking system.

The video, produced in partnership with Dairy Management Inc., spotlights three farms that supply milk to make the cheese on Pizza Hut pizzas. “To America’s dairy farmers, thanks for all you do,” the video concludes.

24

Grilled Cheese of the Month Club filmed at MMPA’s Heritage Ridge Creamery The American Dairy Association of Indiana (ADAI) toasted up a fall-inspired “Autumn Fiesta” grilled cheese sandwich in October at Heritage Ridge Creamery.

Combining two of the creamery’s most popular cheeses – Pepper-Jack and Thunder-Jack – this sandwich is an interesting twist on the traditional grilled cheese by using homemade cornbread, MMPA roll butter and hatch-chiliinfused maple syrup.

Every month this year, the American Dairy Association of Indiana features a new, seasonal grilled cheese recipe with a Facebook live broadcast. For the October live video, Chef Michelle Plummer was joined by MMPA’s Director of Sales, Jim Feeney, and Master Cheesemaker, Jennifer Digman, to whip up the spicy and gooey delight.

Watch the video:

Watch the video:

https://youtu.be/zM8YtRR50VU

heritageridgecreamery.com/adai-fb-live

MESSENGER | NOVEMBER 2018

YOUR DAIRY PROMOTION AT WORK

SEEING IS BELIEVING

Sharing Dairy’s Story Through Farm Tours Once again, the United Dairy of Michigan hosted thought leaders on farm tours across the state in 2018.

We provide farm tours to current and future health professionals and media personalities who will help tell dairy’s story to their audiences.

Participants enjoyed meeting dairy farm families, seeing firsthand how dairy farmers care for their cows and learning more about the foods they enjoy.

Tours in 2018 included: The MSU Food and Nutrition Association students visited Green Meadows in Elsie where the on-farm veterinarians shared their role in caring for the cows to help provide safe, nutritious milk.

Staff from Entercom (formerly known as CBS radio) worked a number of events throughout the summer to promote dairy foods and host the Undeniably Dairy tent. During a tour this spring at the Reid Dairy in Jeddo, they heard about general on-farm practices and the safety of milk so they could share that message with the thousands of people they connected with throughout the summer.

For the third year, the first year students in the Eastern Michigan University Dietetics Program visited Pleasant View Dairy as part of their curriculum. The group was once again joined by the farm’s dairy nutritionist and veterinarian who talked with the students on a science-to-science level about the feed and care provided to the cows.

A FACEBOOK LIVE INTERVIEW AT THE REID DAIRY FARM OPENED UP THE FARM TOUR TO THOSE WHO WATCHED ONLINE.

New this year was a dietetics class and an environmental class from Madonna University who toured the Horning Dairy Farm in Manchester. The group was also joined by the wife of the current

University’s president. The students were interested in the steps the farm takes to be environmentally sustainable and the technology dairy farmers use.

Also new this year, Cleary University Culinary program will visit the Ritter Dairy in Byron. They look forward to learning about how milk is produced and discussing how dairy foods can be included in the menus they create.

Children’s groups hosted: A second grade class from Ronald Brown Academy in the Detroit Public School Community District (DPSCD) system toured the Reid Dairy in Jeddo this spring. The children learned where their food comes from, including the milk they enjoy each day at school. The new executive director of the office of school nutrition for DPSCD, who this spring brought back chocolate milk to the school menus, and members of the DPS Farm-to-School program also joined the tour.

The Kalamazoo schools summer program visited Hood Family Dairy Farm and learned about careers in agriculture. Many of the students saw cows for the first time. A TV crew from Maranda captured footage of the tour and filmed a segment promoting the Breakfast on the Farm event the Hood family hosted a few weeks later.

The Loew family in Byron Center hosted a tour for the children involved in the West Michigan Whitecaps Crash Club and their parents and grandparents.

The tour was an end of the season celebration for the kids.

Farm tours provide an opportunity to see modern dairy farming practices and show how milk and dairy foods arrive to consumers.

IF YOU’RE INTERESTED IN HOSTING A FARM TOUR FOR THOUGHT LEADERS, PLEASE CONTACT JOLENE GRIFFIN AT JOLENE@MILKMEANSMORE.ORG.

STUDENTS LEARNED ABOUT COW HOUSING, AND HOW FARMERS CARE FOR THEIR ANIMALS.

NOVEMBER 2018 | MESSENGER

25

POLICIES

Drug Residue Policy

MMPA Milk Quality Policy

MILK ON FARM – DRUG RESIDUE SUSPECTED

MILK ON FARM – QUALITY QUESTIONABLE

MILK SHIPPED – REJECTED LOAD SHIPMENT

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

When a member suspects that the milk in

IF a load of milk is rejected (not unloaded) at a dairy processing plant

1 Call a MMPA member representative to have the milk in the tank tested.

should call a MMPA member representative

A “hold” must be placed on the tank contents until the test results are known.

dumped. If the member dumps the milk on

OR 2 The MMPA 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 may 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.

MILK SHIPPED — POSITIVE DRUGS CONFIRMED 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.

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 may 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

ALL POSITIVE DRUG RESIDUE SHIPMENTS MUST BE REPORTED TO THE ENFORCEMENT AGENCY. 26

MESSENGER | NOVEMBER 2018

the farm bulk tank is of poor quality they who will authorize milk in the tank to be 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 a load of milk is received (unloaded) at a dairy processing plant AND IF a sample from the load has a bacteria count of 300,000 or more AND IF 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.

AND IF 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 IF 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.

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.

MILK HAULERS A hauler whose entire load sample exceeds 300,000 cfu 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 cfu per mL.

TEMPERATURE BULK TANK FARMS A hauler will be responsible for all costs incurred by MMPA for loads rejected for temperature.

DIRECT LOAD FARMS A hauler will be responsible for the freight and disposal charges for all loads of milk rejected for temperature. If farm conditions indicate an on-farm cause for the load to be warm, the member will be responsible for the loss of milk value. In the case where a member cannot be shown as the cause of the rejected load for temperature, the hauler will be responsible for the freight, disposal charges, and loss in milk value.

QUALITY PREMIUMS

MMPA Quality Premium Program

MMPA Member Testing Fees

SOMATIC CELL COUNT (SCC) PREMIUMS AND DEDUCTIONS

Payment for testing will be made through

Somatic Cell Count premiums and deductions

All costs are listed per individual sample.

(in addition to Federal Order SCC Adjustments computed in the producer pay price) will be paid at the following levels:

an automatic milk check deduction.

COW TESTS: $1 Cow samples may be tested for:

50,000 or below...................................... +55¢/cwt.

• Culture for Streptococcus agalactiae

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

• Strep non ag

76,000-100,000......................................+45¢/cwt.

• Staphylococcus aureus

101,000-125,000..................................... +40¢/cwt.

126,000-150,000..................................... +35¢/cwt.

151,000-175,000.......................................+30¢/cwt.

176,000-200,000.................................... +25¢/cwt.

201,000-225,000....................................+20¢/cwt.

226,000-250,000.................................... +15¢/cwt.

251,000-300,000................................... +00¢/cwt.

301,000-400,000.................................. - 30¢/cwt.

• coagulase negative staph • gram negative and/or SCC

Additional testing can be coordinated through your MMPA member representative to include: • Raw bacteria count and components All herd tests must be scheduled with the laboratory

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

All costs are listed per individual sample.

• 10,000 Raw Bacteria Count • 20,000 Pre-Incubated (PI) Count

__________________________

• Bovine Viral Diarrhea - PCR......................................................................$40

There will be a deduction of 10¢/cwt. for: • Greater than 100,000 Raw Bacteria Count

• Johne’s Milk Test

- PCR......................................................................$40

- ELISA – cows...................................................... $6

- ELISA – tank..................................................... $10

To qualify for Raw and PI Bacteria Count premiums there must not be any of the following during the month:

• Bovine Leukosis Test

• Positive drug residue

- ELISA – tank..................................................... $10

• Abnormal freeze points • High load count shipment or rejected load shipment

__________________________

• Bacteriology Cultures – includes identification of bacteria and drug susceptibility....................................$16

- ELISA..................................................................... $6

previous three months for raw bacteria count.

__________________________

Member name:

producer has received the quality premium the

Loc/Hlr/Producer #

• Mycoplasma Cultures...................................... $14

A high raw count deduction will be waived if the

Refer to fee schedule to the left for current pricing.

The cost of testing is the responsibility of the producer.

Sample Date: ADDITIONAL TESTS AVAILABLE:

A payment of 5¢/cwt. will be added for each of the following, if the count is equal to or below:

To avoid potential service charges, this card MUST be filled out completely when sending samples to be tested by NorthStar Labs.

through your MMPA member representative.

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

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

NORTHSTAR MI LABORATORIES

- ELISA – cows...................................................... $6

• Milk Pregnancy ELISA................................ $4.50

__________________________ Sample ID: __________________________ __________________________ __________________________ __________________________

n BLV ELISA n Johne’s ELISA

• Raw Bacteria count over 100,000

LAB TEST RESULTS BY MAIL – $2/MONTH

The count levels for raw and PI will be determined

All tests must be scheduled through your

n Johne’s PCR

on one test run per month.

MMPA member representative or the

• #3 or #4 sediment

laboratory for proper sample submission

To qualify for MMPA SCC premiums there must be: • No abnormal freeze points during the month

n Pregnancy

protocol. Lab form provided below for your convenience.

If you would like lab test cards EU SCC REQUIREMENT All MMPA member milk must meet the

provided to you, please contact

requirements of European Union certification

the MMPA laboratory in Novi

for SCC which is an average of 400,000 or

at 800-572-5824.

less calculated by a rolling geometric mean.

NOVEMBER 2018 | MESSENGER

27

FREELINERS & CLASSIFIEDS TO SUBMIT ADS, EMAIL MESSENGER@MIMILK.COM, FAX 248-426-3412, OR VISIT MIMILK.COM/FREELINER-CLASSIFIED

FREELINERS

Freeliner 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 months (one month, 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 Classified Ad rate.

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

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

Harvestore Alliance 20’ unloader recently replaced chains w oiler $15k obo. Harvestore Roller mill with weighted hopper and new rolls $1000 obo. Val Metal 170 cu. ft. chain mixer $5000 obo. 22’ Harvestor belt conveyor $200 obo. Any reasonable offers considered. 989-871-3401.

MISC. Dry Cow Hay 4x5 Round Bales.

Net wrapped. $30, $35 & $40.

989-464-7364.

Concrete Grooving and Texturing Call: Jeff Brisky - Owner Toll Free: 1-800-294-1202 Cell: 1-716-353-1137

Classifieds Policy Cost for classifieds is $20 per ad, up to six lines. 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 Michigan Milk Messenger.

CLASSIFIEDS 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.

Call 517-647-7381.

CONCRETE GROOVING BY TRI-STATE SCABBLING, home of the 2” wide groove. Best traction, lowest prices. Call (800) 554-2288. www.tristatescabbling.com.

DAVIDSON CEMENT GROOVING, INC: NO water needed. Wider, rougher grooves for better traction. We also offer texturing for your previously grooved floors. Three operators will travel Michigan and other states. No interest payment terms. Est. 1987.

Call 1-800-365-3361.

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.

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

28

MESSENGER | NOVEMBER 2018

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. Spring special 2000 gal. Muellers for $13,900 & up.

2700 & 4000 gal. Muellers call for quote.

Call 800-558-0112.

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

ALFALFA HAYLAGE (excellent & fair grades) & CORN SILAGE. 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.

MERCHANDISE

Work Gloves In addition to disposable milking gloves, the warehouse carries some very good material handling gloves. These gloves are useful for many jobs around the farm.

All featured gloves are sold by the pair.

Flex Tuff____________________________________________ This general purpose, work glove features a seamless polyester/cotton knit construction with a natural rubber palm. It has excellent wet and dry grip and is machine washable.

STOCK#

SIZE

MEMBER PRICE

5002 SM

$2.69

5003 MED

$2.69

5004 LG

$2.69

5005 XL

$2.69

Dura Therm__________________________________________ This glove’s 10-gauge seamless liner is a blend of polyester, cotton and acrylic.

It is insulated for warmth and its natural rubber palm provides excellent wet and dry grip. This is an excellent work glove for the colder months.

STOCK#

PTO and Automatic Start Generators 1-800-248-8070 M-40 South Hamilton, MI 49419 www.hamiltondist.com

SIZE

MEMBER PRICE

5061 SM $3.69 5062 MED $3.69 5063 LG $3.69 5064 XL $3.69

Showa 451___________________________________________ This flexible glove features a double latex coating on the exterior for excellent grip and liquid repellence combined with a dual knit acrylic/nylon inner liner for added insulation and warmth. Available in a high visibility orange color.

STOCK #

SIZE

MEMBER PRICE

5078 MED $10.00 5079 LG $10.00

HOOF TRIMMING - 20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE. Also doing fly control and cement grooving. Call Gibson Hoof Care (Tom) at 989-239-6843.

PROFESSIONAL AGENTS, PROVIDING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES. Insuring all types of farms and orchards. Health/Life/Home/Auto and Small Business coverage. Legacy planning and Wealth Management Services also available. Call today, 269-506-2057. Licensed in MI and IN. JOANNA KANE DVM. Providing quality veterinary care and products for cattle, swine, sheep, and goats throughout Southwest Michigan.

Office: 616-355-7447; Cell: 269-6803627; jkane@4starvets.com. *A part of Swine Veterinary Services or Michigan and 4 Star Veterinary Services* MICHIGAN CERTIFIED WHEAT SEED (Red & White). Early Pay and Volume Discounts. Rye, Oat and June Clover Seed also available. Call 989-723-1886 or 989-277-1414.

5080 XL $10.00

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

Order your Member Merchandise supplies through your hauler.

THREE WAYS TO ORDER YOUR MMPA MERCHANDISE

ECOLAB 24-Hour Medical Emergency Hotline: 1-800-328-0026 Service Message Center: 1-800-392-3392 Service Representatives: » Ben Johnson 810-824-0636 26959 Rosanna Court South Bend, IN 46619 » Pat Mitchell 517-403-0928 7273 N. Rollin Highway Addison, MI 49220 » Jason Wolfe 540-553-5755 1890 Canter Drive Riner, VA 24149

1 Place your 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

NOVEMBER 2018 | MESSENGER

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MARKET REPORT

Statistical Summary AMS Survey Prices (monthly average, per pound)

Cheese 1.5544 / LB

|

FO R M I L K M A R K E T E D I N S E P T E M B E R 2 01 8

Market Statistics - Mideast Federal Order #33 # This Month # Year Ago % Change

Total Class 1 Sales

527,074,581

536,322,615

-1.72

Total Class 2 Sales

326,298,093

278,985,725

+16.96

Total Class 3 Sales

380,680,675

543,212,044

-29.92

Total Class 4 Sales

227,700,062

257,904,641

-11.71

1,461,753,411

1,616,425,025

-9.57

36.1%

33.2%

Total Production Class 1 Utilization

Mideast Federal Order #33 Total Producers...............................................................................4,434 Avg. Daily Production per farm....................................................10,989 Avg. Protein Test...........................................................................3.08%

Butter 2.3192 / LB

Avg. Butterfat Test.........................................................................3.76% Avg. Oth Solids Test......................................................................5.74% Avg. SCC - MMPA......................................................................185,000

Component Pricing Information Mideast Federal Order #33 Protein Price /lb.......................................................................... $2.0029 Butterfat Price /lb....................................................................... $2.5442

Milk Powders

Other Solids Price /lb................................................................. $0.2098

Nonfat Dry Milk

Class III Price @ 3.5%.................................................................... $16.09

0.8111 / LB

Prod. Price Diff /cwt. - Mich Mkt................................................... ($0.46)

Dry Whey 0.3681 / LB

National Trends* (production in millions of pounds)

*For 23 States 30

MESSENGER | NOVEMBER 2018

Uniform Price @ 3.5%................................................................... $15.63 SCC Adjustment /cwt /1000..................................................... $0.00083

California Wisconsin New York Idaho Pennsylvania Michigan Texas Minnesota New Mexico Washington Ohio Indiana Total U.S. U.S Y-T-D

2018

3,217 2,514 1,211 1,241 832 880 1,040 807 656 550 423 322 16,405 154,475

2017

3,071 2,465 1,201 1,221 869 899 955 795 650 538 451 340 16,162 152,532

% Change

+4.8 +2.0 +0.8 +1.6 -4.3 -2.1 +8.9 +1.5 +0.9 +2.2 -6.2 -5.3 +1.5 +1.3

MMPA STAFF MERCHANDISE

MMPA Field Staff

Novi Headquarters

Manager of Field Services Ben Chapin, Blanchard......................................989-289-0731

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

Northwest Area Supervisor Sarah Michalek, Dewitt.....................................248-305-0537 Animal Care Coordinator Deb Gingrich, Leroy...........................................248-520-3580 Frank Brazeau, Oconto, WI................................906-250-0337 Lyndsay Earl, Ludington.....................................231-519-2455 Elyse Martin, Charlotte......................................810-701-6460 Dirk Okkema, Blanchard.................................. 248-756-2062

General Manager Joe Diglio................................................................ ext. 202 Chief Financial Officer Josep Barenys......................................................... ext. 240 Hedging and Business Development Aaron Beak............................................................. ext. 256 Controller Shelly Bonnici.......................................................... ext. 259

Board of Directors Officers Ken Nobis, President Kris Wardin, Vice President

Quality Sudeep Jain............................................................ ext. 249

Eric Frahm, Treasurer

Supervisor & Mastitis Management Specialist Christy Dinsmoore, Vassar.................................248-513-7920

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

Josep Barenys, Asst. Treasurer

Animal Care Coordinator Lindsay Green, East Lansing...............................989-488-8159

Management Information Systems Andrew Caldwell.....................................................ext. 304

Ashley Herriman, Herron...................................269-245-6632 Laura Gucwa, Bad Axe......................................248-826-6294 Joe Packard, Manchester...................................248-520-3481 Emily Peacock, Otisville......................................248-826-7243

Sales James Feeney.......................................................... ext. 258

South Area

Laboratory Supervisor Patti Huttula........................................................... ext. 219

East Area

Supervisor Dave Brady, Grass Lake......................................517-937-9061 Energy Auditor Ed Zuchnik, Three Rivers....................................269-967-7351 Anna Tucker, Mt. Gilead, OH.............................248-533-2288 Brittni Tucker, Wyoming....................................248-880-3785 Steve Post, White Pigeon...................................248-938-1555

Other Member Services Bulk Tank Calibration John Lehman, Elsie............................................248-444-6775 Sustainability Coordinator Kendra Kissane, Byron Center...........................248-880-4234

Manufacturing Kaylan Kennel............................................... 248-880-5413

Member Services Dean Letter................................................... 989-289-9251 Credit/Insurance Cheryl Schmandt.................................................... ext. 210 Communications Allison Stuby Miller................................................. ext. 296 Krista Schrock............................................... 269-986-6792 Supply Chain Therese Tierney....................................................... ext. 217 Member Relations Jessica Welch.......................................................... ext. 303

Manufacturing Plants

MMPA Labs

Constantine, Michigan Dave Davis, Plant Manager............................ 269-435-2835

Ovid (Daily, 6 a.m.-10 p.m.)..................... 989-834-2515 Constantine (Daily, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.).........800-391-7560

Ovid, Michigan Ron Steinhorst, Plant Manager...................... 989-834-2221 Middlebury Cheese Company Middlebury, Indiana ................................ 574-825-9511

Merchandise - Mt. Pleasant Supervisor: Duane Farmer 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.....................................................989-289-9686

Todd Hoppe, General Counsel Directors-At-Large Ken Nobis, St. Johns 989-224-6170 or 248-474-6672, ext. 202 Kris Wardin, St. Johns 989-640-9420 Gertie van den Goor, Marlette 989-550-8453 Carlton Evans, Litchfield 517-398-0629 Mark Iciek, Gladwin 989-387-4767 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

Raw Milk Compliance Manager Steve Lehman, Ithaca........................................989-330-1638

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

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

Joe Diglio, GM / Secretary

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.

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

NOVEMBER 2018 | MESSENGER

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P.O. Box 8002 Novi, MI 48376

Give the gift of your dairy delights this holiday season On sale now! Heritage Ridge Creamery holiday gift boxes featuring cheese and butter made from MMPA milk.

BOX #1 - $25

BOX #2 - $35

Pepper-jack, Colby, Amish Creamery, Colby-jack (1 lb. each)

Roll butter (2 lb) and Pepper-jack, Colby, Amish Creamery, Colby-jack, Thunderjack (1 lb. each)

TO ORDER: Call: 574-825-9511, ext. 104 Click: www.heritageridgecreamery.com Visit: Heritage Ridge Creamery

11275 W 250 N

Middlebury, IN 46540

MEMBERS-ONLY DISCOUNT: 20% OFF ONLINE ORDERS Use code MEMBER20 and checkout using the email associated with your account on the members-only website.

Heritage Ridge Creamery is a brand of Middlebury Cheese Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Michigan Milk Producers Association.