EDITOR’S NOTE

EMILY KITTENDORF, MMPA COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

Spring is essentially here and this issue is a celebration of all of the successes our members have had in 2019 and the early months of 2020. Although our world is rapidly changing right now, we can still take time to celebrate these successes and build anticipation for what’s to come in the seasons ahead.

On the cover I had the opportunity to visit MMPA Board Member Tim Hood’s farm and witness the impressive feat of having all four kids and a son-in-law working side by side on the operation. That was one of Tim’s life goals, so recently receiving the award MSU Dairy Farmer of the Year is just even more reason for celebration. Learn more about Tim on page 14.

More stories inside I also had the opportunity to meet and help recognize numerous members at our Annual Meeting earlier this month. Despite the meeting’s shorter format, we still took time to honor our members that continue to make a difference for our cooperative. Recap the Annual Meeting on page 20.

The rest of the issue is a continued celebration – hear from one of our National Quality Award Winners (pg. 8), meet this year’s Dairy Ambassadors (pg. 10) and meet two more of our 2019 Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperators (pg.18). Check out page 26 to read more about the opening presentation at the Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference and get the scoop about District election results on page 13.

As everyone hits the fields during a hopefully normal planting season, be safe, stay healthy and relish in the blessings and successes each of you bring every day to your farm, to your family and to this cooperative. VOL. 102 / NO. 5

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

President and Chief Executive Officer Joe Diglio

Managing Editor Sheila Burkhardt, Senior Director of Member and Government Relations

Editors Allison Stuby Miller, Communications Manager AMiller@mimilk.com

Emily Kittendorf, Communications Coordinator EKittendorf@mimilk.com

Advertising Manager Nancy Muszynski Muszynski@mimilk.com

Publication Designer reZüberant! Inc., Stacy Love rezuberantdesign@gmail.com

Printing Foresight Group, Stacey Trzeciak staceyt@foresightgroup.net

Publication Office MMPA Milk Messenger P.O. Box 8002, Novi, MI 48376-8002 p: 248-474-6672 f: 248-474-0924 w: mimilk.com

Established in 1916, MMPA is a member owned and operated dairy cooperative serving dairy farmers in Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin and Ohio.

An Equal Opportunity Employer – F/M/V/D

Subscriptions: MMPA members - 50¢ per year Non-members - $5 per year

Circulation: 2,600

(ISSN 0026-2315)