Michigan Milk Messenger: June 2017 by Michigan Milk Producers Association

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. 99 | ISSUE 12 | JUNE 2017

DAIRY COMMUNICATORS:

Champions of Dairy Promotion

mimilk.com

Cows need effective. You need affordable.

Everybody wins.

Introducing Ultimate P.D. Concentrate™ Fast, Effective, Iodine-Free Pre-Dip

Ultimate P.D. Concentrate from Ecolab is specially formulated to lay waste to mastitis-causing organisms … gently helping protect sensitive skin and saving you money right away with an affordable, iodine-free pre-dip. Cost-effective, iodine-free, NPE free formula Swift 15-second kill effective across 99.999% of environmental and contagious dairy mastitis organisms* Excellent detergency provides quick, thorough prepping Gentle, non-irritating emollients 1.5 gallon concentrate makes 15 gallons of ready to use teat dip

Why try anything else? With Ultimate P.D. Concentrate, Everybody Wins! For more information, contact your Ecolab dealer or call us directly at 1.800.392.3392. www.ecolab.com

JUNE 2017 FEATURES

DAIRY COMMUNICATORS: CHAMPIONS 16 | OF LOCAL DAIRY PROMOTION MMPAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dairy Communicators desire to educate the public with the real story of where their milk comes from and reach out in various ways to promote their product locally.

On the Cover Milk. And cheese. And butter. And even cottage cheese. Throughout the month of June,

WHY THE PASSION 14 | AGVOCACY: OF A FEW MUST BECOME AN OBLIGATION FOR ALL

the dairy industry celebrates their love and passion for the farms and products that make dairy so great.

Bridget Moore, MMPA member representative, makes the case for reaching out to consumers during June Dairy Month to share the passion for dairy and thank those who support dairy products.

AWARDS UPWARDS OF 19 | MDMSF $100,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS TO MSU STUDENTS

Meet a few of the 34 Michigan State University (MSU) students awarded a scholarship from the Michigan Dairy Memorial and Scholarship Foundation (MDMSF) in the 2016-2017 academic year.

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

JUNE 2017 | MESSENGER

OUR BEST

ARE SEXED. 507HO12105 REFLECTOR 507HO12105REFLECTOR

BREED-LEADING gender SELECTed™ SIRES 507HO12165 MONTROSS 507HO12266 YODER New

507HO11383 MORGAN

507HO11351 SUPERSIRE 507HO12105 REFLECTOR 507HO12198 KINGBOY 507HO11752 BOB 507HO11621 MAYFLOWER 507HO11708 ROOKIE 507HO11383 MORGAN 507HO11585 STERLING

GTPI® +2744

Type +2.24

+2673 +2603 +2590 +2567 +2564 +2555 +2555 +2552 +2506

+1.97 +1.02 +1.99 +3.28 +1.89 +1.02 +1.77 +1.55 +2.12

Rel.% Milk Rel.% 96 +3,063 98 88 99 93 94 95 94 92 97 98

+1,514 +2,262 +1,574 +1,415 +662 +2,587 +1,150 +1,526 +1,985

94 99 97 98 98 99 95 99 99

507HO12198 KINGBOY

Select Sires is home to nine of the top 10 TPI sires in the breed! And they are all available in gender SELECTed semen. Getting heifers from the best, most elite sires has never been easier.

Top to bottom: Ladys-Manor Reflect Gigi-ET (VG-86), Ladys-Manor LLC, Monkton, MD; Sandy-Valley Morgan Calvary (VG-88-EX-MS) 2nd Lactation, David, Patrick, Frank, Jr. & Gregory Bauer, Scandinavia, WI; Holyland Excite 2501-ET (VG-86), Summit Farms LLC, Plymouth, WI

Order Today! 800.631.3510 t www.northstarcooperative.com CDCB/HA Genomic Evaluation 04-17. ™gender SELECTed, WellnessPRO and Super Sampler are trademarks of Select Sires Inc. ®FeedPRO is a registered trademark of Select Sires Inc. SexedULTRA is a trademark of Inguran LLC. All gender SELECTed semen is processed using SexedULTRA technology. Limitations and Conditions of Sale: gender SELECTed semen shall be used only for the single insemination of one female bovine during natural ovulation with the intent to produce single offspring unless specifically approved on an individual customer basis by Sexing Technologies in writing. As a condition of purchasing gender SELECTed semen, the purchaser agrees that gender SELECTed semen will not be reverse sorted or re-sorted unless specifically permitted, in advance, on a case-by-case basis by Select Sires in writing. Select Sires intends to monitor the use of the gender SELECTed semen and vigorously enforce these restrictions on use. Please see http://www.selectsires.com/designations/genderselected.html for additional details. SS935-0417. Product of the USA.

2nd h, WI

CONTENTS 6

MMPA MATTERS

“We need to share our individual stories to paint pictures for them of the hard work, love, and dedication that is put into producing a quality product.”

June: School is Out, But Dairy Sure Isn’t!

QUALITY WATCH Shelf Life Starts at the Farm

–BRIDGET MOORE (PAGE 14)

NEWS & VIEWS

LEGISLATIVE WATCH

MMPA DAIRY COMMUNICATORS

DEPARTMENTS 25

GATHER TO RALLY AROUND

26 MERCHANDISE

DAIRY PROMOTION

POLICIES

QUALITY PREMIUMS

OYDC SNAPSHOT:

28 FREELINERS

ADAM AND CHARLIE FREIS

29 CLASSIFIEDS

YOUR DAIRY PROMOTION AT WORK:

WARM BEVERAGE CAMPAIGN

MMPA CORE VALUES:

QUALITY

INTEGRITY

Managing Editor................................................ Sheila Burkhardt Editor..................................................................Allison Stuby Miller Advertising Manager......................................Nancy Muszynski Circulation.......................................................................................2,814 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.

MARKET REPORT

31 STAFF

PROGRESS

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

LEADERSHIP

COMMUNITY

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)

JUNE 2017 | MESSENGER

MMPA MATTERS

June: School is Out, But Dairy Sure Isn’t! BY KEN NOBIS, PRESIDENT

June is National Dairy Month. This is a tradition that has a long history, having begun 80 years ago, and a strong purpose that was there at the beginning and continues to this day. Many school-aged children in the area served by MMPA producers (and across the nation) rely heavily on the meals that are served at school to maintain a nutritional and adequate diet. Through the years, one thing has remained constant: June marks the end of the school year. When the schools cannot provide those vital meals during the summer, many children suffer from inadequate nutrition and lack of access to food in general. The dairy industry cannot remedy this situation alone, but reminding consumers about the importance of milk in the diets of their children as those children head out the door for summer vacation was a good idea 80 years ago, and it’s a good idea in 2017. It helps the children maintain a healthy diet throughout the summer and helps the dairy producers cope with the cyclical spring flush in milk production. Using the milk that results from that flush was a purpose for promoting milk during June 80 years ago, and that purpose, too, has not changed.

Offering a variety of dairy products that encourages consumption will result in better overall nutrition being provided to our children.

As is true with so many things, the topic of child nutrition is not as simple as we might hope. Government guidelines include milk as a component of school meals, a wise choice to assure that children are receiving adequate calcium, potassium, vitamin D and other nutrients. The disagreement arises when the discussion turns to whether children should be offered flavored milk and whether that milk must be fat-free or can have 1 percent fat. In my opinion, an even better incentive for children to drink milk would be to allow 2 percent or even whole milk to be offered as part of the school lunch options. After all, whole milk is only 3.25 percent fat. With recent research showing that consumption of full-fat dairy products does not increase the likelihood of obesity or heart attacks and strokes, this seems like a logical next step. It’s all about offering options for school-aged children so that they will enjoy eating food that fits within guidelines that promote health as the underlying mission. Offering a variety of dairy products that encourages consumption will result in better overall nutrition being provided to our children. The politics of child nutrition continues to be on the radar of MMPA and the National Milk Producers Federation, and we have seen some progress. A positive development took place recently when the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that it will implement regulations to allow school districts to again offer low-fat (1 percent) flavored milk as part of the National School Lunch and School Breakfast programs. This will cause more milk to be consumed, and that is a good thing. The USDA had eliminated low-fat flavored milk as an option in the school meal and a la carte programs. Consumption of school milk declined, and the level of participation in the school lunch program also declined. The re-introduction of 1 percent flavored milk should help to reverse that decline. USDA will publish an interim rule to cover the regulatory changes needed to allow low-fat flavored milk in schools. It is unclear when the change will be implemented, but at least it is heading in the right direction. Meanwhile, let’s remember that it’s time once again to celebrate National Dairy Month during June. Invite others to enjoy an ice cream cone with you. National Dairy Month promotions will play a part in helping us to fulfill our co-op mission to “market our members’ milk to the greatest advantage possible.”

MESSENGER | JUNE 2017

QUALITY WATCH

Shelf Life Begins at the Farm BY BEN CHAPIN, NORTHWEST AREA MEMBER REPRESENTATIVE SUPERVISOR

I love consuming dairy products. There is nothing I like more in the morning than drinking a glass of ice cold milk before hitting the road, or slice a square of muenster off the block to put on my burgers hot off the grill. I know I am not alone in my enjoyment of dairy products, whether it’s cheese, yogurt, ice cream, or milk out of the jug. But what happens when the consumer pours that glass of milk and it just doesn’t taste right? Their face probably grimaces, next they check the date on the milk carton, and if it’s 3 or 4 days out from expiration, that consumer is disappointed. We may have just lost a consumer and if we haven’t lost them completely, we have certainly lost some their confidence in the dairy industry. Extending product shelf life is increasingly more important. Dairy products travel further distances whether it’s fluid, powder, cheese, butter, etc., and it is our responsibility to be sure those products start with the highest quality milk off the farm. But what factors hurt shelf life? What can the producer do to help with shelf life?

What can the producer do to help with product shelf life? Clean cows in a clean environment is a good start. Proper housing maintenance and manure removal can go a long way.

The quality tests that are performed at the MMPA laboratory regarding raw bacteria (RBC), pre incubated counts (PIC) and somatic cells (SCC) are all areas that can have an effect on product shelf life. Furthermore, lab pasteurized counts (LPC) in the last few years have become another indicator of quality and shelf life. You might be thinking, “Doesn’t pasteurization kill all of the bacteria anyways?” While pasteurization may kill most of the bacteria in milk, it does not kill it all. Bacteria that are spore formers can survive pasteurization and lead to off flavors in product as well as shorten the shelf life. Spore forming bacteria can thrive in feed, manure, old rubber parts, and build up in milking equipment such as milk stone. Bacteria that are destroyed through pasteurization can also leave behind enzymes that will negatively affect the flavor of product. Shelf life isn’t just affected by bacteria, but somatic cells as well. As somatic cells begin to breakdown in milk, they release enzymes that further breakdown proteins resulting in off flavors and shorter shelf life. This can also have a very negative affect on the cheese making process and yields. What can the producer do to help with product shelf life? Clean cows in a clean

environment is a good start. Proper housing maintenance and manure removal can go a long way. This not only helps prevent mastitis, but also helps prevent bacteria counts in the milk. Be sure your farm has a good milking routine that results in a clean and efficient milk out. Equipment cleaning and sanitization is essential to low bacteria. Hot water, and proper chemical usage and timing are key to equipment cleanliness. Routine maintenance and changing rubber parts should be performed regularly. Cleanliness shouldn’t end with the milking equipment, but also the environment in which the milk is harvested and stored. This means the parlor or milking barn and milkhouse should be kept clean and free of dust. After the milk is harvested, be sure that it is cooled down quickly and that it stays cold. Legally, the PMO requires milk to be cooled to 45 degrees or less within two hours after milking, but ideally, milk should be under 40 degrees. If you have questions regarding mastitis management or equipment performance, don’t hesitate to contact your Member Representative. They can be a valuable resource to help lower SCC and trouble shoot equipment cleaning and performance.

MESSENGER | JUNE 2017

WE FEED COWS DIFFERENTLY (800) 435-9560

AGRIKING.COM

A BREATH OF FRESH AIR IN BARN VENTILATION EQUIPMENT... MORE THAN A SUPPLIER,

A PARTNER.

BARN DESIGN GATES

FREESTALLS

LOCKUPS

FEED RAIL

MATTRESS SYSTEMS LOCKUPS

FREESTALLS

CURTAIN SYSTEMS

AUTOMATION LOCKUPS

GATES

CURTAIN SYSTEMS FANS & VENTILATION

BARN DESIGN CALF PENS

GATES FREESTALLS SDS_Milk_Messenger_AD_1/2_HOR_SOURCE_final.indd 1

Innovation - Experience - Support

LOCKUPS

AUTOMATION

........................

.......................

844-625-8255 senecadairysystems.com

.........................

5/9/17 3:41 PM

JUNE 2017 | MESSENGER

NEWS & VIEWS Producers Scoring 95 percent or higher on Grade A surveys and Federal Check Ratings

Volunteer for the Great Dairy Adventure

Acre Brothers

Wednesday, July 19, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. This event is geared to

Robert / Richard Skriba

families, daycare centers, summer camps and anyone who wants to learn

Wadell Dairy Farm LLC

more about dairy farming and sample free ice cream and other dairy

Michael Fabus

products.

Sanborn & Sons LLC

The Great Dairy Adventure is part of the annual Michigan Dairy Expo,

Wilson Centennial Farm LLC

which takes place July 17-21, students from 4-H clubs and FFA chapters

TLC Dairy*

across the state take part in educational skills contests during the week,

Steven Miller *

and hundreds of cows will be exhibited by their owners in various breed

Raymond Yoder

Mark your calendar for the 20th Annual Great Dairy Adventure on

shows.

Thelen Dairy Inc.

MMPA members interested in volunteering at this year’s Great Dairy

Steenblik Dairy Inc

Adventure may contact Jessica Welch at 248-474-6672, ext. 303 or

Dutch Meadows Dairy LLC*

jwelch@mimilk.com.

*100

Upcoming Events June 7 Dairy Day at the Capitol, Lansing June 24 Customer Appreciation Day – Deutsch Käse Haus, Middlebury, IN June 27-28 MMPA 4-H Milk Marketing Tour, Novi July 6 Advisory Committee Meeting, Novi July 17-21 Michigan Dairy Expo, East Lansing July 19 Great Dairy Adventure, East Lansing

MESSENGER | JUNE 2017

Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy launches campaign to remind Americans of all that is good about dairy, from the farm to the foods we love In a multiyear effort to reintroduce America to dairy, the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy – in partnership with America’s Dairy Farm Families and Importers – is launching “Undeniably Dairy™.” In addition to showcasing the undeniable taste and enjoyment that comes from dairy – like a warm slice of pizza or a yogurt parfait on a summer day – the campaign will also spotlight the undeniably positive role the dairy community plays in America today. A variety of multimedia content will remind people of the starring role dairy plays in special moments, while also sharing how the industry continues to evolve – from using innovation and technology to deliver exceptional animal care and a nutrient-rich product, to supporting local communities.

The full effort will feature a new logo and premier media campaign, including a convergent on-air and digital marketing campaign with Food Network and Cooking Channel in June to celebrate National Dairy Month and national onfarm events where farmers will invite the community in to learn more about modern farming practices. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT: WWW.UNDENIABLYDAIRY.ORG

Advisory Committee DISTRICT 1 Brad Hart, Clayton..................................517-445-2649 Josh Lott, Mason.....................................517-740-9981 Art Riske, Hanover..................................517-524-6015 Bruce Lewis, Jonesville ........................517-869-2877 Jeff Horning, Manchester....................734-428-8610

DISTRICT 2 Danny Ransler, Gobles..........................269-628-4218 Dan Ritter, Potterville............................517-645-7318

Head on down to Middlebury for Customer Appreciation Day!

Richard Thomas, Middlebury, IN.......574-825-5198

The Deutsch Käse Haus will host its annual ‘Customer Appreciation Day’ on the lawn of the Indiana cheese plant on June 24. Enjoy free ice cream, games, giveaways and discounts on cheese at this community event.

Bill Stakenas, Free Soil...........................231-425-6913

Michael Oesch, Middlebury, IN.........574-825-2454 Mark Crandall, Battle Creek.................269-660-2229

DISTRICT 3 Burke Larsen, Scottville........................231-425-8988 Gary Nelsen, Grant.................................231-834-7610 Tim Butler, Sand Lake............................269-330-5538 Bill Gruppen, Zeeland...........................616-875-8162

Time: Saturday, June 24 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 pm Place: Deutsch Käse Haus, 11275 W 250 N, Middlebury, IN 46540

DISTRICT 4 Dave Folkersma, Rudyard....................906-630-1957 Russ Tolan, Ossineke..............................989-471-2993 Ron Lucas, Posen....................................989-379-4694 Marvin Rubingh, Ellsworth.................231-588-6084 Jeremy Werth, Alpena...........................989-464-4022

2017 Hauler Meetings All meetings: 6:15 PM social, 7:00 PM dinner

DISTRICT 5 Tom Jeppesen, Stanton........................989-506-5287 Bruce Benthem, McBain.......................231-825-8182 Amy Martin, Leroy..................................231-388-0496 Mike Rasmussen, Edmore...................989-304-0233

Tuesday, August 1 English Hills Golf & Banquet 1200 Four Mile Rd NW Grand Rapids, MI 49544

Robert Lee, Marion................................231-743-6794

DISTRICT 6 Aaron Gasper, Lowell............................616-897-2747 Steve Thelen, Fowler.............................989-682-9064 Brad Ritter, Byron....................................586-405-4749 David Reed, Owosso..............................989-723-2023 Jamie Meyer, Ionia..................................989-640-3372

Tuesday, August 15 Woodland Hills 320 Gates Rd Sandusky, MI 48471

DISTRICT 7 Scott Kleinhardt, Clare..........................989-386-8037 Philip Gross, Weidman..........................989-289-0670 Jason Elenbaum, Mayville...................989-274-1974 John Bennett, Prescott.........................989-345-4264 James Weber, Vassar..............................989-297-1850

Wednesday, August 30 Riverwood 1313 East Broomfield Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858

DISTRICT 8 Mike Noll, Croswell.................................810-404-4071 Mike Bender, Croswell..........................810-404-2140 Nick Leipprandt, Pigeon......................517-897-4155 Darwin Sneller, Sebewaing.................989-977-3718 Bill Blumerich, Berlin.............................810-706-2955

JUNE 2017 | MESSENGER

LEGISLATIVE WATCH

MMPA MEMBER OUTLINES

CHANGES NEEDED IN FARM BILL SAFETY NET AT SENATE HEARING Dairy farmers in Michigan and across the nation need federal lawmakers to revise the safety net created in the 2014 Farm Bill to provide them adequate risk management protection, according to a dairy farmer from eastern Michigan who testified in Frankenmuth on Saturday, May 6, at a Senate hearing.

MESSENGER | JUNE 2017

arrin Siemen of Harbor Beach, Michigan, told a Senate Agriculture Committee field hearing held at the Saginaw Valley Research Center that the Margin Protection Program (MPP), created in the 2014 Farm Bill, “has failed to deliver the protection farmers need and expect. While MPP remains the right model for the future of our industry, changes are needed if Congress wants to prevent dairy farmers like me from going out of business,” he said. Siemen is a fourth‐generation family farmer and owner of Prime Land Farm in Harbor Beach, in Michigan’s Thumb region. He testified on behalf of Michigan Milk Producers Association – as well as the National Milk Producers Federation, of which MMPA is a member. His full testimony can be found online at nmpf.org.

Siemen said that the MPP is designed to help farmers insure against either low milk prices or high feed costs, but the way the program calculates the relative value of feeds such as corn, soybean meal and hay was “significantly changed” as it was written into law. This change “fundamentally altered the safety net designed by NMPF and other dairy leaders around the country. Unfortunately, as a direct result of these changes, the MPP safety net has failed to deliver the protection farmers need and expect,” he said. He explained that in the first two years of the program, 2015 and 2016, farmers have paid $90 million in fees and premiums to USDA while receiving only $14 million in insurance payouts, even though margins have been tight during much of that period. This has led to a drastic reduction in the number of

farmers paying premiums to selecting higher levels of margin protection. Most are now only paying the minimum annual $100 administrative fee, for which they receive only a low level of insurance coverage. “I am not asking for a program that guarantees a profit, nor do I want a program that will incentivize excess production,” Siemen said. “However, when Congress made changes to the program, rendering it ineffective, dairy farmers like me lost faith in the idea that MPP could serve as a viable risk management tool under its current formulation. If Congress makes changes to ensure that MPP more accurately reflects the actual costs of production for businesses like mine, participation in the program will increase.” Siemen said that in addition to adjusting the feed cost formula and the data sources for the prices of feed and milk, Congress should reassess the MPP’s premium rate structure, and consider expanding access to the Livestock Gross Margin program, a separate risk management tool offered by USDA. The combination of suggested changes to the MPP “will require this committee to make significant and necessary improvements to the program,” Siemen said, so that “it functions as intended and that producers participate in the program. A safety net is not a safety net if no one participates.” Siemen pointed out that dairy farmers are also facing other policy challenges, including immigration and labor shortages, tax reform, child nutrition and environmental sustainability. He thanked Senate Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow for arranging the hearing in Michigan, and for her engagement on behalf of the U.S. dairy sector in its recent struggle against Canada’s new pricing policy, which will have long-term negative consequences for Michigan farmers’ export opportunities.

Dairy Industry Builds Support for Trade with Canada, Mexico U.S. dairy leaders from across the country visited Washington, D.C., in early May to urge Congress and Trump Administration officials to hold Canada accountable for its trade violations and hasten the repeal of Canada’s controversial new dairy pricing system. During a fly-in rally organized by the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC), more than 40 farmers and dairy company executives fanned out on Capitol Hill to discuss the importance of trade across North America. The group emphasized that trade opportunities both north and south of the U.S. are crucial to America’s dairy sector. In addition to speaking to elected officials, the members of the dairy coalition also met with Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, Acting U.S. Trade Representative Stephen Vaughn and White House agriculture advisor Ray Starling. NMPF and USDEC member cooperative and company leaders explained to lawmakers how they have lost sales to Canada and expressed fears of the

consequences of Canada dumping its milk excess onto global markets at prices far below their domestic price – in violation of Canada’s trade agreement concessions. Whittemore, Michigan, farmer Rod Daniels, representing the Michigan Milk Producers Association said that “Michigan is producing more milk and we need more export markets. Canada’s repeated efforts to bend or break the trade rules to which it has agreed, makes things worse for dairy farmers in Michigan and across the country. Canada should know that we will continue to sound the alarm about the new pricing policy.” Twenty-seven dairy representatives from outside D.C. attended meetings with various members of the House and Senate, including the Republican and Democratic leaders of the Senate Agriculture Committee. In addition to NMPF and USDEC, executives from the International Dairy Foods Association and the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture also participated in the meetings.

Roberts, Stabenow Press USDA, USTR on Harmful Canada Dairy Pricing Policies U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Chairman Pat Roberts, R-Kan., and Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., sent a letter on May 16 to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, requesting continued engagement with the Canadian government regarding Canada’s implementation of dairy pricing changes as part of a new Canadian National Ingredients Strategy.

JUNE 2017 | MESSENGER

AG-VOCACY: WHY THE PASSION OF A FEW MUST BECOME AN OBLIGATION FOR ALL BY BRIDGET MOORE, MMPA MEMBER REPRESENTATIVE

ometimes when I visit my family back home I help wait tables at their restaurant. My family and the employees there always end up teasing me because I end up talking to a table for 20 minutes about how great milk quality is, and what a fantastic job farms do taking care of their animals. One weekend an older couple from the Detroit area stopped in. Somehow the conversation turned to antibiotics in milk. They had so many questions, and they just were curious overall about how we produce milk. When our conversation had ended and they were leaving I told them “thanks for stopping, and thanks for letting me talk to you about dairy farmers and our products.” They smiled and said “No, thank you! We learned so much!

We had no idea all you do to keep milk safe and delicious.” That day I was able to tell our story as an industry, and reassure consumers we do a great job. With a surplus in the industry, milk prices low, and the extra added work needed around farms, you are most likely thinking you don’t have time to talk to consumers about what you do. But maybe that’s the problem. We all have had that view for a little too long, and the time to work on that is now. Dairy farmers are blessed to be in an industry that impacts the world, but the world around us hasn’t been blessed to be a part of the lifestyle we all live. Let’s explain our stories through FARM program, blogs, fairs, and other community events. If we don’t reach out to teach our neighbors, and extended family who will?

We can no longer just assume that the consumer will buy our products. We need to share our individual stories to paint pictures for them of the hard work, love, and dedication that is put into producing a quality product. We must explain what we do so they understand and want to support family businesses. We all enjoy being appreciated or hearing “thank you.” The next time you’re at the store instead of thinking to yourself, “He needs to buy more milk,” or “Why is she buying almond juice?” Try reaching out and saying “As a dairy farmer myself I just want to say thank you for supporting my livelihood.” Or ask a question, “As a dairy farmer, I am curious to understand your purchase of the almond juice? Are there questions I can answer to better help you understand what we do?” It is not always easy to make ourselves vulnerable to strangers, but we’ve stayed in the background for so long the consumer needs to place a face with the product they are consuming and know the people behind the product feed their families the same products too. June is Dairy Month—don’t forget to celebrate! I challenge you to reach out to a consumer in the store, at a friend’s house or in church. Post a picture on social media of your favorite cow, or a fun story of something that happened on your farm. Sometimes promoting our industry reminds you why you love what you do, and that’s always a good feeling. FOR MORE WAYS TO CELEBRATE THIS MONTH, TAKE PART IN THE UNITED DAIRY INDUSTRY OF MICHIGAN'S “THANK YOU CONSUMERS” CAMPAIGN. EACH MICHIGAN PRODUCER WILL BE MAILED POSTCARDS YOU CAN GIVE TO CONSUMERS WHO PURCHASE DAIRY PRODUCTS. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT MILKMEANSMORE.ORG.

MESSENGER | JUNE 2017

MMPA Dairy Communicators Gather to Rally Around

DAIRY PROMOTION

promotion of agriculture in Michigan with the Michigan Grown, Michigan Great brand. To round out the day, Joanna Hunter from Dairy Management, Inc., the national dairy checkoff organization, met with the DCs to tease an upcoming campaign focusing on a reintroduction of consumers to dairy. The campaign, later revealed to be “Undeniably Dairy,” is to span several years and tell dairy farmer’s stories in a “bold, proud and unapologetic way.” The annual DC meeting also honored service awards for communicators reaching a milestone with involvement in the DC network. More information about the work of DCs in their local communities is on page 16. LEFT: MMPA DAIRY COMMUNICATORS CELEBRATING A MILESTONE THIS YEAR INCLUDE (L-R) PATTI JANDERNOA, GERTIE VAN DEN GOOR, SALLY BIVENS AND ANNE FOLKERSMA. BELOW: DAIRY COMMUNICATORS TAKE PART IN FELLOWSHIP TIME DURING THE MEETING, EXCHANGING IDEAS FOR DAIRY PROMOTION IN THEIR LOCAL COMMUNITIES.

n the front lines of dairy promotion in the MMPA membership are the Dairy Communicators (DC). They’re active in their communities. They’re sharing a positive message. And they’re motivated by a passion for dairy. Across the 30 MMPA locals, DCs are elected from the membership to promote dairy in local communities. Each spring, the DCs meet for an annual meeting to rally around dairy promotion by hearing from co-op leadership, learning about resources from the dairy checkoff and swapping ideas with their counterparts across the state. This year’s DC meeting was held on April 11 at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center in East Lansing, Michigan. First up, MMPA President Ken Nobis offered an industry update, covering trade and legislation. One key issue is

the Dairy Pride Act, a bill awaiting passage in Congress to order the FDA to enforce of mislabeled imitation dairy products. Nobis also noted the importance of trade to the dairy industry, with one out of every seven milk tankers headed to export markets. Jolene Griffin, director of industry relations at the United Dairy Industry of Michigan, encouraged the DCs to share their stories as part of a larger effort to build consumer trust in dairy. She emphasized the importance of being authentic while showing how much you care. Griffin also called the DCs to engage in UDIM’s “Thank You Consumers” campaign during June Dairy Month. In the afternoon, Lindsay Green, MMPA member representative, of the Michigan Ag Council gave an update on the work of the council toward

Dairy Communicator Service Awards 20 YEARS Jodi Hill, Livingston Charter Local

15 YEARS Sally Bivens, Barry-Eaton Local Stacey Edick, Lansing Local

10 YEARS Evelyn Minnis, Ingham Local Patti Jandernoa, Mid-Michigan Local Rita Phillips, Mid-Sanilac Local

5 YEARS Anne Folkersma, Chippewa Local Gertie van den Goor, Mid-Sanilac Local

JUNE 2017 | MESSENGER

DAIRY COMMUNICATORS: Champions of Local Dairy Promotion BY MELISSA HART

ince 1979, MMPA Dairy Communicators (DC) have been spreading the word about the goodness and benefits of dairy in the diet and now nearly forty years later, dairy promotion continues with the pioneers in dairy promotion history. With one basic desire: to educate the public with the real story of where their milk comes from, DCs have been reaching out in various ways to promote their product locally. In 2009, the very first dairy to host a Breakfast on the Farm event was held at an MMPA member dairy farm in central Michigan. Patti Jandernoa and her husband, Tony, own Dutch Meadows Dairy along with their son Kyle and his wife MacKenzie. The Jandernoas threw open the farm gate to hundreds of visitors as they hosted Michigan State University’s Breakfast on the Farm event where curious consumers were escorted from corner to corner of the farm. “With the general public becoming further and further removed from agriculture, it’s important for us to tell our story,” said Jandernoa.

Jodi Hill was born and raised where MMPA was birthed over 100 years ago, Livingston County. This year she was recognized for twenty years of promotion as a DC. Jodi is in partnership with her brother on their multi-generational family farm and her favorite place to promote dairy is at the Fowlerville Fair where she grew up showing cattle in 4-H. “I love working with kids, for me that’s where the fun is.” Hill also helps out with Michigan Farm Bureau’s Rural Education Day in addition to hosting tours on their forty-cow dairy. Through the years, she has also supplied dairy treats for her kids sporting events making sure they realize not only how good dairy is in their diet, but how delicious it is. “When it comes to milk in the schools, the kids just don’t like the taste of the low-fat milk and I think we should come up with a happy medium between the taste and the sugar content in the milk,” she continued. “For some kids, school is the only place they have milk at a meal.” With twenty years of promotion under her belt, Hill’s conviction is clear, “I feel it’s really, really important for people to have that connection between the farm and their food.”

“I feel it’s really, really important for people to have that connection between the farm and their food.” JODI HILL, DAIRY COMMUNICATOR

MESSENGER | JUNE 2017

Recognized for fifteen years as a DC, Sally Bivens ventured into the dairy business when she married her husband, Dave, 37 years ago. Three kids and ten grandkids later, Sally and Dave continue to run LaDine Farms in Barry County where they milk approximately 140 cows and farm 500 acres. Bivens has a passion to share their love for dairy farming and letting people know it’s more than just a job, “It’s our family heritage to be good stewards of all that God has blessed our family with,” she said. “Too many people have never been on a farm before and they are getting the wrong message about farming.” Barry County Ag Awareness Day has been on Biven’s slate for twelve years straight and is one of her favorite places to promote agriculture. Third graders from around the county converge on Ag Awareness Day where Sally sets up a dairy station complete with a live calf, milking equipment and bags to give away full of milk promotion goodies supplied by United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM). She said the kids love to pet the calf while asking various questions about the farm. MMPA Board of Director Gertie van den Goor feels very strongly about being a Dairy Communicator, “If I can educate one person at a time, it is so worth it. Personal contact still goes a long way in my book,” she explained. “It is nice to share things on social media but nothing beats a face to face conversation or, even better, a visit to the farm.” Hosting a grandfather and his grandchildren on their Sanilac County farm made a big impression on van den Goor. This grandfather showed up with kids ranging in age from Kindergarten to high school from all parts of the country. Each summer they spend a week at their grandparent’s home and that afternoon they spent it at Goma Dairy learning about the

GERTIE VAN DEN GOOR ENTERS A FLOAT IN THE LOCAL PARADE WHERE THE GOMA DAIRY EMPLOYEES HAND OUT JUGS OF MILK. THIS GIVES THEM A CHANCE TO BE PROUD OF THE PRODUCT THEY PRODUCE.

farm and asking all kinds of questions. “After they got home the grandfather had all of them write a thank you card and they had to share what they liked the best or what they learned while at our farm,” she recalled. Goma Dairy was established in 1999 by van den Goor and her husband, Geert, after the couple and their family moved to Michigan from the Netherlands. van den Goor likes to have the entire farm get involved in promotion each year as they enter a float in the local parade in Marlette. Gertie said, “I have a lot of fun making a float and it gives our employees a chance to be proud of their job when they are out there handing out the jugs of milk.” As MMPA’s Dairy Communicator program creeps up on the forty-year mark they can celebrate four decades of passionate promotion by champions on the goodness of milk from farm to fridge.

“It is nice to share things on social media but nothing beats a face to face conversation or, even better, a visit to the farm.” GERTIE VAN DEN GOOR, DAIRY COMMUNICATOR

JUNE 2017 | MESSENGER

OYDC SNAPSHOT

TOP 10

OYDC 2016 Adam & Charlie Freis Freis Dairy Wallace, Michigan UP West Central Local, District 4

Our kid:

How we stay positive:

Rylyn (1)

The belief that God won’t give us more than we can handle.

Our farm: Freis Dairy, LLC was established in 1895 and we’re the 4th generation.

Our herd: We have 170 milking cows, 20 dry and 130 young stock.

Our land: 300 acres of corn and hay.

Best part of being a dairy farmer: Raising a family in a farm lifestyle and being our own boss.

MESSENGER | JUNE 2017

What makes a difference: Keeping your mind focused and on our goals through the struggle and strife makes all the difference.

MDMSF Awards Upwards of

$100,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS TO MSU STUDENTS The Michigan Dairy Memorial and Scholarship Foundation (MDMSF) awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships to 34 Michigan State University (MSU) students pursuing dairy industry-related programs of study for the 2016-2017 academic year. THE FOLLOWING 11 MSU STUDENTS WERE AWARDED $3,500 SCHOLARSHIPS FROM THE MICHIGAN DAIRY MEMORIAL AND SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION:

Alycia Burch, Alyssa Gehring, Natalie Horning, Suzanna Hull, Torei Kulpinski, Jared Sanderson, Jack Luoma, Jorin Ouwinga, Emily Peacock, Ellen Launstein and Hailey Sharrard.

SIX STUDENTS PURSUING A TWO-YEAR CERTIFICATE IN THE MSU INSTITUTE OF AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY (IAT) DAIRY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM EACH EARNED $2,000 SCHOLARSHIPS FROM THE MICHIGAN DAIRY MEMORIAL AND SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION:

Shelby Berens, Devon Rosebrugh, Mason Horning, Mason Smith, Evelyn Okkema and Erica Drake. FIVE FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS WERE AWARDED THE MICHIGAN DAIRY MEMORIAL AND SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION FRESHMAN SCHOLARSHIPS WORTH $1,500:

Leta Larsen, Allison Schafer, Austin Haywood, Madeline Meyer and Margaret Snyder. The MDMSF oversees the largest scholarship program in the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and one of the largest at MSU.

MICHIGAN DAIRY MEMORIAL AND SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION When the occastion suggests flowers, consider a living, growing tribute. Make a contribution to the Michigan Dairy Memorial and Scholarship Foundation, where the earnings provide scholarships to students in dairy industry-related fields. MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: Michigan State University DESIGNATE Michigan Dairy Memorial and Scholarship Foundation (A10901) MAIL TO: Dr. Miriam Weber Nielsen Department of Animal Science; Michigan State University, 1250 Anthony Hall, 474 S. Shaw Lane East Lansing, MI 48824-1225

JUNE 2017 | MESSENGER

Velmar Green Endowed Scholarship: Rachel Ekkel Rachel Ekkel of Fremont, MI is the 2016-2017 recipient of the Velmar Green Scholarship through the Michigan Dairy Memorial and Scholarship Foundation Inc., at Michigan State University (MSU). The $3,500 scholarship is named in honor of innovative dairy leader, C. Velmar Green of Elsie, MI. The scholarship is awarded to a second-year student in the MSU Institute of Agricultural Technology dairy management certificate program.

RACHEL EKKEL

Ekkel, the daughter of Doug and Shelly Ekkel, received the award based on her academic achievements, involvement in extracurricular activities and interest in the dairy industry. Ekkel has worked at Ekkel Dairy Farm and Brookvista Dairy Farm in Fremont. She completed an internship at Fern-Jo Farms in Tulare, CA, While at MSU, Ekkel was a member of the Ag Tech Dairy judging team and took home first place honors at both the Harrisburg and Madison contests. She was selected as the Outstanding Graduating Ag Tech Dairy student. Upon graduation, Ekkel returned to her family’s dairy farm to help operate it with her brother and parents. The Velmar Green scholarship was established in 2009 by the Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) to recognize Green for his 40 years of service to the MMPA board of directors. Green is the owner of Green Meadow Dairy Farms, Inc., one of the largest herds of registered Holsteins in North America and home to an on-site teaching laboratory for MSU College of Veterinary Medicine students. He has held leadership positions with milk marketing groups, breed associations, the Dairy Herd Improvement Association (DHIA), the Michigan Cattlemen’s Association, university advisory groups and agriculture lending organizations. Green was the 2012-13 chairperson of the Michigan Commission of Agriculture and recognized by the World Dairy Expo as the Dairyman of the Year in 2013.

Redmond and Edna Cotter Endowed Scholarship: Matthew Kuhn Matthew Kuhn of Schoolcraft, MI has been chosen as the 2016-2017 recipient of the Redmond (“Red”) and Edna Cotter endowed scholarship through the Michigan Dairy Memorial and Scholarship Foundation Inc., at Michigan State University (MSU). The $4,000 scholarship is named in honor of Red Cotter, in inspirational dairy industry leader and respected motivator of sales and marketing executives, and his wife Edna.

MATTHEW KUHN

Kuhn, the son of Ronald and Brenda Kuhn, received the award based on his academic achievements, involvement in extracurricular activities and interest in pursuing a career in dairy cattle research. In addition to his enrollment at Michigan State, he has been involved with the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in animal science in May of 2013. Kuhn is currently a third year veterinary student and is expecting to graduate in May with a Doctoral degree in Veterinary Medicine, and in May of 2020 with a Doctoral degree in Large Animal Clinical Services. Kuhn has worked as a graduate student in the Matilda R. Wilson Meadowbrook Laboratory, a Student Lab Assistant in the MSU Molecular Pathology Laboratory, a Quality Assurance Intern with Cargill Regional Beef in California, and a Livestock Discovery Intern with Pfizer Pharmaceuticals. Kuhn has also completed a study abroad experience on Biology of the Galapagos Islands during the summer of 2011. The Redmond (“Red”) and Edna Cotter endowed scholarship honors the Cotter couple and their many contributions to the dairy industry. A 1937 graduate of MSU, Mr. Cotter was employed for 43 years as a sales manager for Ralston-Purina, covering in Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana. Upon his retirement, he served as a guest lecturer in CANR. Edna Cotter’s MSU roots stem back to the beginning: she was born on a farm on what is now the MSU Hancock Turfgrass Research Center and she graduated from Michigan State College (MSC) in the 1930’s. She was a generous supporter of the Redmond and Edna Cotter Agribusiness Scholarship Fund, the MSU Intercollegiate Athletics Fund, and the Carrigan Chair for Feline Health in the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine.

MESSENGER | JUNE 2017

Jack and Betty Barnes Scholarships: Kelly Raterink, Brooke Densmoore Tate and Jared Sanderson Three Michigan State University (MSU) students have been awarded the Jack and Betty Barnes Scholarship from the Michigan Dairy Memorial and Scholarship Foundation for the 2016-17 academic year. Kelly Raterink, from Zeeland, Brooke Densmore Tate, from Owosso, and Jared Sanderson from Sandusky, each received a $1,000 scholarship earmarked towards completing an international study experience. The students were selected based on their academic achievements and involvement in extracurricular activities. KELLY RATERINK

The scholarship is named after the late Jack and Betty Barnes. Jack Barnes was employed with the Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) for 39 years and served 26 of those years as general manager. Kelly Raterink, the daughter of Dennis and Brenda Raterink attended the Dairy Husbandry and Environmental Stewardship summer study abroad in Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands. Raterink has held employment with the MSU Molecular Reproductive Endocrinology Laboratory, Michigan Department of Agriculture, Raterink Dairy Farm, and Ba Ba Acres Club Lambs. While at MSU, she has also been involved with the MSU Collegiate Dairy Judging team, Sigma Alpha Professional Sorority, Spartan Spectacular Calf Sale, MSU Dairy Club, Production Animal Scholars, Michigan Dairy Junior Ambassador, Michigan Junior Holstein Association, and the MSU 4-H Dairy Judging team. Upon graduation, Raterink assumed a position with Northstar Cooperative in Indiana.

BROOKE DENSMOORE TATE

Brooke (Densmore) Tate also attended the Dairy Husbandry and Environmental Stewardship program. Tate has worked for Geyer Farm Services and Dr. BethAnn Faber, DDS. She was also involved with the Livingston County 4-H Showmanship Sweepstakes, County Line Rebels 4-H Club, Large Animal Market Livestock Committee, Livingston County Agricultural Society, Young Farmers Farm Bureau, Master of Beef Advocacy, and is certified as a Weighmaster. Tate has graduated and intends to pursue graduate school in the Animal Science Department. Jared Sanderson, the son of Michael and Pattie Sanderson, also attended the Dairy Husbandry and Environmental Stewardship program in Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands. Sanderson has worked as a farm hand at Welter Dairy Farm in Croswell, MI. He has also held leadership position with Boy Scouts as a Senior Patrol Leader and Food 4 Friends as one of the original founders and coordinators. While at MSU, he has been a member of the MSU Dairy Club and MSU Block and Bridle Club, and has also been involved with Sanilac County 4-H and the National Honor Society. After graduating in May of 2019, Sanderson plans to become a veterinarian, specializing in dairy cattle and other production species.

JARED SANDERSON

Nick Bellows Scholarship: Emmalee Blough Emmalee Blough, of Lowell, was chosen at the 2016-17 recipient of the Nick Bellows Scholarship from the Michigan Dairy Memorial and Scholarship Foundation Inc., at Michigan State University (MSU). The $4,000 scholarship is named in honor of Nick Bellows, the former chief executive officer of the United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM). This award is presented to an MSU student with a career interest in dairy promotions. Blough is the daughter of Gary and Laurie Blough. She received the scholarship based on her academic achievements, involvement in extracurricular activities, and interest in pursuing a career in the dairy industry. Blough is a junior majoring in food science and expects to graduate in May 2017. EMMALEE BLOUGH

During college, Blough served as the State Reporter for the Michigan FFA Association and continues to work closely with the association by editing its Creed magazine and assisting with the annual State FFA Convention. She has also participated in 4-H, the Institute of Food Technologists, Campus Crusade for Christ, Bridges Language Partner Program, Agriculture Future of America (AFA) Food Institute and the Kent County Fair. After graduating, Blough plans to pursue a career in quality assurance at a dairy processing company. The Nick Bellows Scholarship was established in 2011 by the UDIM board of directors and staff members to recognize Bellows for his two and a half decades of commitment and dedication as the organization’s CEO. JUNE 2017 | MESSENGER

Glenn and Anne Lake Scholarship: Kelly Raterink Kelly Raterink of Zeeland, Mich., was chosen as the 2016-2017 recipient of the Glenn and Anne Lake Scholarship. The scholarship is named after Michigan dairy farmers Glenn and Anne Lake and provides $7,500 in scholarship money divided over two semesters. Glenn Lake served as president of the National Milk Producers Federation and provided leadership in creating the Great Lakes Milk Marketing Federation, which helped dairy farmers secure bargaining rights to market their milk. Raterink, the daughter of Dennis and Brenda Raterink, graduated with a degree in Animal Science in May 2017. She was selected to receive this award based on her academic achievements, involvement in extracurricular activities, and interests in one day pursuing a career in the dairy industry. KELLY RATERINK

Throughout high school and college, Raterink has served as the President and Treasurer of the MSU Dairy Club, Vice President of the Sigma Alpha Professional Agricultural Sorority, Co-chair for the Spartan Spectacular Calf Sale, Treasurer of the Michigan Junior Holstein Association, and was a Michigan Junior Dairy Ambassador. Raterink competed in the MSU Dairy Challenge and on the MSU collegiate and 4-H dairy cattle judging teams.

Donald and Valera Murray Scholarship: Marin Western Marin Western, of Croswell, was chosen at the 2016-17 Donald and Valera Murray endowed scholarship through the Michigan Dairy Memorial and Scholarship Foundation Inc., at Michigan State University (MSU). The $4,500 scholarship is named in honor of Donald Murray, a former MSU Extension dairy specialist, and his wife Valera.

MARIN WESTERN

Western, the daughter of Ken and Julie Western, received the award based on her academic achievements, involvement in extracurricular activities and interest in pursuing a career in the dairy industry. She has interned at Vita Plus in Madison, Wisc., and served as President of the MSU Dairy Club during her senior year. Western graduated in May 2017 with a degree in animal science and a minor in agribusiness management. She plans to pursue graduate school in the Animal Science Department. Throughout college, Western was involved in the MSU Dairy Club, the MSU Dairy Challenge and Dairy Challenge Academy, MSU RISE (Residential Initiative of the Study of the Environment), and the Greening of Detroit project. She was also an AYSO Soccer Referee and a volunteer at the MSU Student Organic Farm. The Donald and Valera Murray Endowed Scholarship was created in 2007 to recognize Dr. Murray’s leadership role in establishing the Michigan Dairy Memorial and Scholarship Foundation. He guided the Foundation and served as its secretary from its beginnings in 1957 until he retired in 1972. The first Murray Endowed Scholarship was awarded in 2008.

John and Barbara Dilland Scholarship: Allison Pung Allison Pung of Portland, Mich., was chosen as the 2016-17 recipient of the John and Barbara Dilland endowed scholarship through the Michigan Dairy Memorial and Scholarship Foundation, Inc. (MDMSF) at Michigan State University (MSU). The $4,000 scholarship is named in honor of John Dilland, former controller, director of finance, and general manager for the Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA), and his wife, Barbara. The award is presented to an MSU sophomore, junior, or senior student majoring in the field of agribusiness management.

ALLISON PUNG

Pung, the daughter of Alan and Robin Pung, received the award based on her academic achievements and involvement in extracurricular activities. Pung was a member of the 2015 Collegiate Dairy Judging Team and the National Dairy Challenge team in 2017. Pung completed the Ag Tech Dairy Management program and an internship on a large dairy farm in California before graduating with a degree in AgriBusiness Management in May 2017. Following graduation, Pung accepted a positon with GreenStone Farm Credit Services. The John and Barbara Dilland endowed scholarship was established in 2010 by the MMPA upon John’s retirement. He held the positions of controller, director of finance, and general manager over the course of his 35 years of service in leadership capacities on several national organizations including the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, the National Milk Producers Federation and the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy. In Michigan, he served on the board of directors for the Michigan FFA Foundation and the Michigan Dairy Memorial and Scholarship Foundation.

MESSENGER | JUNE 2017

Harold and Lillian Gremel Endowed Scholarship: Lauren Kerber Lauren Kerber of Bangor, MI is the 2016-2017 recipient of the Harold and Lillian Gremel endowed scholarship through the Michigan Dairy Memorial and Scholarship Foundation Inc., at Michigan State University (MSU). The $4,000 scholarship is named in honor of Harold and in memory of Lillian Gremel of Sebewaing. The scholarship is awarded annually to a student currently in veterinary school at MSU who completed the Production Animal Scholars Program in the Department of Animal Science.

LAUREN KERBER

Kerber, the daughter of Tom and April Kerber, received the award based on her academic achievements, involvement in extracurricular activities and interest in pursuing a career as a large animal practitioner. In addition to her enrollment at Michigan State, she has taken classes at Lake Michigan College, and has been active in both the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the College of Veterinary Medicine at MSU, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in animal science in December of 2012. Kerber is currently a fourth year veterinary student and is expecting to graduate in May of this year with a doctoral degree in Veterinary Medicine. Kerber completed multiple externships through the College of Veterinary Medicine, working with Carthage Veterinary Services in Carthage, IL, Airport Animal Clinic in Cadillac, MI, Green Meadows Farm in MI, and Meadowview Veterinary Services in Carson City, MI. She has also completed a summer Fellowship program with the Cleveland Equine Clinic in Cleveland, OH, where she handled and restrained horses, conducted physical examinations, administered medicine, obtained radiographs, practiced ultra-sounding limbs, and aided during medical procedures. The Harold and Lillian Gremel endowed scholarship was established in 2007 by the Gremel family. Together during their 52 years of marriage, the Huron County dairy producers and lifetime industry supporters were past recipients of the West Huron Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award, honored as the MMPA Outstanding Young Dairy Couple, and chosen as the MSU Dairy Farmer of the Year. Harold also served on the Michigan Dairy Memorial and Scholarship Foundation board of directors. The Gremel endowed scholarship was the first Michigan Dairy Memorial and Scholarship Foundation scholarship designed for veterinary students.

Russel Erickson Scholarship: Ethan Haywood Ethan Haywood, of Hastings, Mich., was chosen at the 2016-17 recipient of the Russel Erickson Scholarship by the Michigan Dairy Memorial and Scholarship Foundation (MDMSF) at Michigan State University (MSU). The scholarship is named after Russel Erickson, Michigan State University (MSU) professor emeritus in the Department of Animal Science, and is awarded to a student whose career aspirations include working on or with dairy farms. Haywood, the son of Luke and Renee Haywood, is scheduled to graduate in spring 2018 with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Animal Science. He received the scholarship based on his academic achievements, involvement in extracurricular activities and interest in pursuing a career in the dairy industry. ETHAN HAYWOOD

Throughout high school and college, Haywood has served as the State Vice President of the Michigan FFA Association, MSU FarmHouse Fraternity Chapter President, MSU Dairy Club member, National FFA Association Committee Vice Chair and Delegate, Barry County 4-H Teen Superintendent, and Hastings High School Student Council Executive Secretary. After graduating, Haywood plans to return to his family’s dairy operation as a sixth generation owner and manager.

Apply for an MDMSF Scholarship! To complete and application or learn more about MDMSF Scholarships, visit www.ans.msu.edu.

Important Dates: • September 27, 2017 – Deadline for freshman, Ag Tech and vet student scholarship applications. • February 28, 2018 – Deadline for four-year scholarship applications (first-time and renewal).

JUNE 2017 | MESSENGER

YOUR DAIRY PROMOTION AT WORK

Warm Beverage Campaign friends and followers through their own social media channels.

hile the winter brought unusual weather, including 60 degrees in January, it still brought the cold temperatures we expect. Warm beverages are a go-to for warming up on those bone-chilling winter days. To help Michigan consumers warm up and to encourage consumption of milk and dairy products, the United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM) created and promoted nineteen delicious hot beverage recipes. From December 2016 to February 2017, UDIM ran an online campaign featuring the delicious dairy-rich beverages. The campaign spanned YouTube, Pinterest, and Facebook using appealing photography and engaging videos to encourage consumers to warm up with dairy. The website promoted real milk through the photos and descriptive language, “there’s something different for every taste preference, but the one thing that ties them together is the creamy dreaminess of real milk. It’s the most important ingredient for wholesome goodness in every sip.” More than 463,000 viewers saw the content, driving over 90,000 website visits to HotChocolateandMore.com, a microsite created to feature the hot beverage recipes and invite visitors to make them at home. The average visitor spent 4:46 minutes viewing the recipes on the website, higher than the one minute average spent on most websites. While on the site, many visitors clicked on other featured recipes. Easy-to-use sharing buttons allowed visitors to share the recipes with their

MESSENGER | JUNE 2017

UDIM continues to work with Michigan food bloggers who help promote dairy to their followers through recipes and updates on their personal channels. In January, these bloggers posted an ad on their blogs that took visitors to the Milk Means More website where the hot beverage recipes were also featured. The hot beverage campaign capitalized on current taste trends and included a lactose-friendly recipe for hot chocolate to appeal to a demographic that may shy away from dairy.

RECIPES INCLUDED: AZTEC HOT CHOCOLATE CANDY CANE BITTERSWEET COCOA CARAMEL HAZELNUT MOCHA CARDAMOM VANILLA TEA LATTE CHOCOLATE CHAI LATTE CINNAMON PEANUT BUTTER BANANA WARMER EASY HOT CHOCOLATE (THIS RECIPE IS LACTOSE INTOLERANCE FRIENDLY) GINGERSNAP STEAMER HOT MILK MOLASSES COCKTAIL ORANGE HOT CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT MOCHA LATTE SPICED EGGNOG HOT CHOCOLATE SPICED WHITE HOT CHOCOLATE S’MORES HOT CHOCOLATE VANILLA STEAMER WARM BLUEBERRY MUFFIN SIPPER WARM CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY MILK-TINI WARM EGGNOG LATTE WARM PUMPKIN LATTE WARM TURTLE HOT CHOCOLATE

TO WATCH THE VIDEOS, AND DOWNLOAD AND SHARE THE RECIPES, VISIT HTTP:// WWW.HOTCHOCOLATEANDMORE.COM/

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 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.

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 show negative.

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

MMPA Milk Quality Policy QUALITY QUESTIONABLE

REJECTED LOAD SHIPMENT

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…

If the milk is dumped, the member will be paid 75% of the value of the tank of milk involved.*

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.

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.

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,

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 2017 | MESSENGER

MERCHANDISE

MMPA Maximiser Milk replacer on sale! Last spring the merchandise program introduced a new milk replacer. Unfortunately, this product has not created the interest we had hoped.

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

In an effort to get more of our members to realize its potential, we have

Order your Member Merchandise

decided to sell this product at a substantially reduced price.

supplies through your hauler.

ECOLAB MMPA Maximiser is a protein blend from Land Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Lakes featuring a 28 percent protein and 16 percent fat formula. Their research has shown that this product provides excellent nutrition and growth in the first eight weeks of life. This promotes better immunological and cellular development in calves and goes hand in hand with milk production in the first and subsequent lactations. The full protein blend milk replacer can be used in auto feeders and can also be used as a balancer for the whole or waste milk you already feed to your calves. Studies have shown that whole and waste milk can be lacking vitamins, minerals and nutritional consistency. Supplementing these products with MMPA Max consistently shows significant increases in average daily gain, body length and wither height. The price below will be honored until stock for this product has been completely depleted. To order this product, please call the warehouse.

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

DESCRIPTION

MEMBER PRICE

4461 Cambridge Dr.

MAXIMIZER FULL POTENTIAL MILK REPLACER

$45.00

Port Huron, MI 48060

STOCK # 1013

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

810-824-0636

Also on sale! We have a used Boumatic wide body, bottom unload claw with new windows and gaskets. It has a 5/8â&#x20AC;? milk outlet and is in excellent condition. Please order this product by calling the warehouse. STOCK # 7916

Pat Mitchell 7273 N. Rollin Hwy. Addison, MI 49220

DESCRIPTION

MEMBER PRICE

USED BM WIDE BODY CLAW

$63.63

517-403-0928 Jason Wolfe 1890 Canter Dr.

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: 26

MMPA Merchandise fax............................................................... 989-317-8372 MESSENGER | JJUNE JUNE 2017 2017

Riner, VA 24149 540-553-5755

MERCHANDISE PREMIUMS

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 may 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.

NORTHSTAR MI LABORATORIES 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 NorthStar Labs to avoid potential service charges.

JUNE 2017 | MESSENGER

FREELINERS

« Freeliners and Classifieds can now be submitted online. » Visit www.mimilk.com/michigan-milk-messenger/advertise/ freeliner-and-classified-ads

Bulls

Cows and Heifers

Registered Holstein Bulls:

Small Registered Herd of Holsteins, not pushed, 60#/day, BAA 110%. 231-245-3603.

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, 810-6228548 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.

Equipment 20’ x 70’ Stave Silo with Hansen unloader. 18’ x 60’ stave silo with Hansen unloader. 20’ Jamesway unloader, make offer. 3 polyveyers with motors, $1,500 take all. Henke roller blower, $3,500. International silo blower, $1,500. 3518 Meyer silage wagon, $7,000. Call 989-464-5436 or 989-464-5435. 9400 John Deere Combine with 6-row head, 15-ft. grain table, 1650 separator hours, 2240 engine hours. 517-445-2662.

John Deere 7000 Corn Planter, 4-row wide, finger pickup, dry fertilizer. John Deere 643 corn head, wide row. 1000 acres after complete rebuild. Make an offer. 616-796-5432. 20 x 70 Harvestore Silo, newer roof, no unloader. FREE - you take down. 231-510-4978. Meyer 500 18-ft. Chopper Box, good running condition. 989-701-8659. Set of Axle Duals with Rims for Case International tractor, 18 x 4 x 38, $1,200 each. 231-347-9534, Petoskey.

Milking Equipment Sunset 300 gal. bulk tank. Stutor built vacuum pump with 10 hp. motor. All equipment to milk in a 5 place flat parlor in great working order. Ed Owens 989-435-4068. 2 DeLaval #78 Vacuum Pumps; one 5 hp. one 7.5 hp. DeLaval 1.5” pipeline and receiver group. DeLaval Dellatron pulsators; 7 - 60/40 and 2 - 65/35. All reconditioned. 4 Surge orbit claws. 45 looped freestalls. Everything in very good condition. Carleton MI. 734-277-4364.

Misc. 13 Calf Tel calf hutches. 517-445-2662

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.

MESSENGER | JUNE 2017

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 800 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. Three operators will travel Michigan and other states. No interest payment terms. Est. since 1987. Call 1-800-365-3361. CONCRETE GROOVING BY TRI-STATE SCABBLING, home of the 2” wide groove. Best traction, lowest prices. (800) 554-2288. www.tristatescabbling.com

A SURE WAY TO KEEP YOUR COWS UPRIGHT! Concrete grooving/texturing provides high quality traction in new & old concrete, fast service. Call for your below pricing 989-635-1494. BLUE RIBBON HOOF TRIMMING, LLC. 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. 800-558-0112. DRY HAY & STRAW (large & small bales) & BARLEY FOR FEED. 989-723-1886 or 989-277-1414. ALPHALFA HAYLAGE (excellent & fair grades) & CORN SILAGE. Call 989-723-1886 or 989-277-1414. NEW KATOLIGHT PTO GENERATOR, 60 KW, keep everyone warm and producing if there is a power outage. Call Brent at 248-770-5122.

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

BARN WHITE WASHING AND CLEANING WITH HIGH PRESSURE AIR: Serving all Michigan and Indiana. Miller Spray Service, Inc. 574-825-9776.

SUNSET 300 GALLON BULK TANK. Sutorbilt vacuum pump, 10 hp. motor. Surge milking equipment in good working condition. 989-435-4068. SALESPERSON: New Tanks Sales, MI. www.burchtank.com. Industry Experience required. Excellent pay and benefits. Email sherri.froling@burchtank.com, or call 517-474-7724. 2253 Enterprise Dr., Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858

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

ACHIEVE THE YODER AFFECT. When flies no longer are a nuisance. www.dairyflyparasites.com. Call 888-771-3276 or email usefulfarm@ gmail.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

PTO and Automatic Start Generators

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

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

www.greenmeadowfarms.com

www.hamiltondist.com

JUNE 2017 | MESSENGER

MARKET REPORT

Statistical Summary

| FOR MILK MARKETED IN APRIL 2017

Market Statistics - Mideast Federal Order #33 (pounds)

This Month

Year Ago

% Change

National Trends* (in millions of pounds) 2017

2016 % Change

California

3,440

3,479

-1.1

Wisconsin

2,528

2,513

+0.6

Production

Total Class 1 Sales

502,147,867

517,996,438

-3.06

Total Class 2 Sales

365,267,255

357,694,069

+2.12

Total Class 3 Sales

644,880,538

568,487,248

+13.44

Total Class 4 Sales

330,314,575

300,897,451

+9.78

New York

1,265

1,218

+3.9

1,842,610,235

1,745,075,206

+5.59

Idaho

1,189

1,197

-0.7

Texas

1,025

909

+12.8

Total Production Class 1 Utilization

27.3%

29.7%

Mideast Federal Order #33

Pennsylvania

948

925

+2.5

Total Producers...............................................................................5,304

Michigan

941

903

+4.2

Minnesota

826

810

+2.0

New Mexico

705

656

+7.5

Washington

541

555

-2.5

Ohio

474

471

+0.6

Indiana

364

353

+3.1

Avg. Daily Production per farm....................................................11,580 Avg. Protein Test...........................................................................3.11% Avg. Butterfat Test.........................................................................3.76% Avg. Oth Solids Test......................................................................5.75% Avg. SCC - MMPA......................................................................159,000

Component Pricing Information Mideast Federal Order #33 Protein Price /lb.......................................................................... $1.6955 Butterfat Price /lb....................................................................... $2.3548 Other Solids Price /lb................................................................. $0.3350 Class III Price @ 3.5%.................................................................... $15.22 Prod. Price Diff /cwt. - Mich Mkt..................................................... $0.19 Uniform Price @ 3.5%................................................................... $15.41 SCC Adjustment /cwt /1000..................................................... $0.00075

AMS Survey Prices Product

Monthly Avg

Cheese /lb.................................................................................... 1.4960 Butter /lb...................................................................................... 2.1160 Nonfat Dry Milk /lb....................................................................... 0.8386 Dry Whey /lb................................................................................ 0.5243

MESSENGER | APRIL 2017

Total U.S.

17,153 16,817

+2.0

U.S Y-T-D

67,329 66,409

+1.4

* For 23 States

MMPA STAFF MERCHANDISE

MMPA Field Staff Northwest Area

Novi Headquarters

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

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

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

General Manager Joe Diglio................................................................ ext. 202

Frank Brazeau, Oconto, WI................................906-250-0337 Lyndsay Earl, Ludington.....................................231-519-2455 Elyse Martin, Charlotte......................................810-701-6460 Sarah Michalek, Portland...................................248-305-0537 Dirk Okkema, Blanchard.................................. 248-756-2062

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

Board of Directors

Hedging and Business Development Aaron Beak............................................................. ext. 256

Officers

Northeast Area

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

Mark Halbert, Vice President

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

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

Joe Diglio, GM / Secretary

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

Todd Hoppe, General Counsel

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

Ken Nobis, President

Eric Frahm, Treasurer

Josep Barenys, Asst. Treasurer

Ben Butcher, Durand.........................................248-514-5273 Ashley Herriman, Herron...................................269-245-6632 Bridget Moore, Snover......................................231-414-4539

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

Southwest Area

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

Ken Nobis, St. Johns 989-224-6170 or 248-474-6672, ext. 202

Supervisor Dave Brady, Grass Lake..... 517-522-5965 or (c) 517-937-9061

Operations Ed Jaquay............................................................... ext. 248

Kris Wardin, St. Johns 989-640-9420

Energy Auditor Ed Zuchnik, Three Rivers....................................269-967-7351

Member Services Dean Letter................................................... 989-289-9251

Krista Schrock, Orland, IN..................................269-986-6792 Emily Smith, Bronson.........................................269-535-0822 Brittni Tucker, Wyoming....................................248-880-3785

Milk Sales Carl Rasch............................................................... ext. 244

Southeast Area

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

Supervisor & Mastitis Management Specialist Steve Lehman, Ithaca....... 989-875-3441 or (c) 989-330-1638 Joe Packard, Manchester...................................248-520-3481

Communications Allison Stuby Miller................................................. ext. 296

Other Member Services

Supply Chain Therese Tierney....................................................... ext. 217

Bulk Tank Calibration John Lehman, Elsie............................................248-444-6775

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

Sustainability Coordinator Kendra Kissane, Grand Rapids...........................248-880-4234

Human Resources Bill Zoli.................................................................... ext. 301

MMPA Labs

Manufacturing Plants

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 Fax................................................................... 989-317-8372 Merchandise Coordinator, Energy Auditor Katie Pierson.....................................................989-289-9686

Constantine, Michigan Marc Hopkins, Interim Plant Manager........... 269-435-2835 Ovid, Michigan Colt Johnson, Plant Manager........................ 989-834-2221

Directors-At-Large

Gertie van den Goor, Marlette 989-550-8453 Mark Halbert, Battle Creek 269-964-0511 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 4. Corby Werth Alpena 989-464-5436 5. Doug Chapin Remus 231-972-2106

Deutsch KĂ¤se Haus, Middlebury, Indiana Dave Davis, Interim Plant Manager................ 574-825-9511

6. Tony Jandernoa Fowler 989-593-2224

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.

7. Eric Frahm Frankenmuth 989-652-3552 8. Scott Lamb Jeddo 810-327-6135

JUNE 2017 | MESSENGER

The fresher the forage the happier the herd

8666-666-7626 (toll free) or AN_DairyHelp@adm.com ADM Animal Nutrition, a division of Archer Daniels Midland Company, Quincy, IL

For consistently better silage

Ecosyl Introducing Ecocool • Inoculant with L.buchneri for improved aerobic stability.

• Over 200 fermentation studies • 28 studies on dry matter recovery • 16 dairy cow studies • 19 beef feeding studies • 26 digestibility studies • Independently researched, proven results Ecosyl and Ecocool are registered trademarks of Volac International Ltd.