Michigan Milk Messenger: December 2018 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. 101 | ISSUE 6 | DECEMBER 2018

DEDICATION FROM START TO FINISH MMPA SUPPLY CHAIN DEPARTMENT FULFILLS MARKETING MISSION (PAGE 18)

LOCAL MEETINGS SCHEDULE (PAGE 28)

mimilk.com

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

DECEMBER 2018 FEATURES #10GALLONCHALLENGE: 14 | THE EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS

Started by a former dairy farmer from Ohio, the #10GallonChallenge went viral on social media. Read more

On the Cover Using a variety of communication methods, the MMPA supply chain team works hard for their member owners.

about the campaign to help dairy farmers and the needy.

DEDICATION FROM START TO FINISH: 18 | MMPA SUPPLY CHAIN DEPARTMENT FULFILLS MARKETING MISSION

From scheduling milk transportation to invoicing customers, the MMPA supply chain department works hard to ensure co-op membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; milk is marketed. Meet the dedicated team members who help make it happen.

YCs TRAVEL TO PHOENIX FOR 22 | MMPA NMPF YC LEADERSHIP PROGRAM The 2018 OYDCs, Paul and Nancy Pyle, traveled to Phoenix, AZ to represent MMPA at the NMPF Joint Annual Meeting. The couple attended sessions, participated in the YC Leadership & Development Program and got to know other YCs from around the country.

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.

DECEMBER 2018 | MESSENGER

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CONTENTS 6

MMPA MATTERS

“I am doing what I love. I am around

Looking at the positives for 2019

living my dream.”

Being proactive is worth every nickel

— KIMBERLY WEIDMEYER (PAGE 25)

NEWS & VIEWS

LEGISLATIVE WATCH

OYDC FINALIST SPOTLIGHT

2017-2018 LOCAL OFFICERS

LOCAL MEETINGS

cows, working with my husband and

QUALITY WATCH

YOUR DAIRY PROMOTION AT WORK

DEPARTMENTS 30

FREELINERS & CLASSIFIEDS

MERCHANDISE REPORT

32 POLICIES 33

QUALITY PREMIUMS

MARKET REPORT

35 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)

DECEMBER 2018 | MESSENGER

MMPA MATTERS

Looking at the positives for 2019 BY KEN NOBIS, MMPA PRESIDENT

Here we are in December wrapping up another year. We are wrapping it up, but it isn’t a year that dairy producers will want to put a bow on and gift to their best friends. 2018 was the fourth year of a disappointing dairy economy. It was also a year of wild weather swings where I live. Spring rains made crop planting dicey, then came a very dry stretch and finally a wet fall that made for a challenging harvest.

“The good news is we have adequate processing capacity for all our members’ milk. The next step is adding value to our basic commodity, seeking a better return for our members.”

It is easy to recognize the negatives, but MMPA is always dedicated to its mission of “marketing our members’ milk to the greatest advantage possible,” even though that becomes more challenging in an extended down market. The good news is we have adequate processing capacity for all our members’ milk. The next step is adding value to our basic commodity, seeking a better return for our members. Basic commodity pricing is just what it says: the value of our raw milk. Value-added comes when a product is made from that basic commodity that generates a higher price to be paid by the consuming public. This could happen, for example, when the consumer is willing to pay more for a product that has been changed in a way that they feel brings more to them nutritionally. As 2018 comes to a close, members will learn at December information meetings how MMPA is increasing our valueadded production capabilities. MMPA continues to build and maintain strong relationships with the customers who buy our dairy products. Focusing on sustainability has proved to be an avenue where we can make a difference with customers and consumers. When sustainability came in vogue, it was viewed by some as another threat to our way of doing business down on the farm. If we had ignored the issue, it could have turned out that way. Instead, we determined that if managed properly sustainability works to both our and our customers’ well-being. Managing the sustainability issue means fostering positive communications with our corporate customers to understand what we can do together to ease the concerns of the consuming public. The concerns raised by customers focus on how we produce food and why we follow certain practices in doing that. Ag practices that we know are safe may be viewed in a very different context by consumers. Clearing the air with our corporate customers on everyday practices has helped minimize the problems. The first and continuing process is effective communications. Looking forward to 2019, our board members and staff at MMPA will continue to focus on areas that will bring added value to the milk produced by members of MMPA. We will continue to roll up our sleeves and carry out our goals, even though it doesn’t get any easier, because it is so important that we are successful at the end of the day and the year.

MESSENGER | DECEMBER 2018

QUALITY WATCH

Being proactive is worth every nickel BY SARAH MICHALEK, NORTHWEST AREA SUPERVISOR

On many farms using a clean-in-place (CIP) system, it is not unusual for people to press the wash button and make a beeline out the milkhouse door. However, I encourage you to take a little time to stay and observe the system wash regularly to prevent small problems from becoming big issues that could cost you your premiums. Below are some basic items to consider when troubleshooting bacteria counts on your farm. Pull specials routinely to monitor bacteria counts and avoid any surprises. A good first rinse will remove 90 percent of the milk solids in the system.

“Take a little time to stay and observe the system wash regularly to prevent small problems from becoming big issues.”

It should have a starting temperature between 110 to 120 degrees to keep butterfat in suspension, and it should only run through the system once, diverting the milky water from the wash vat when it returns. We want to make sure we do not cycle milky water through the system as our purpose is to remove it, not redistribute it throughout the system. Check chemical barrel levels periodically. If the barrels are clear, some members

will mark the levels weekly to make sure their pumps are drawing chemicals. Check the peristaltic pump tubes as well. As they age, they will collapse and will draw less and less chemical from the barrels. You can measure the amounts every once in a while, to check on its consistency. The detergent cycle should wash with the hottest water available, at least 160 degrees. During the detergent cycle, walk along the pipeline in the parlor and touch

your hand to the top of the line to see if you can feel the slug pass by. A slug of water is produced when you hear the air injector fire. The admission of air by the air injector will pull the slug around the system so the top of the line is able to wash properly. You can also visually observe the slug in the receiver jar. You’ll want to make sure the water splashes well enough to clean the entirety of the jar. While you’re out in the parlor, make sure every unit is getting water. Some units may be getting less water than others, which could mean the water to that unit is being restricted. Listen for air leaks in the parlor. Any air leaks in the system, like from duck bills or jetter cups, can cool water temperatures and will also influence the strength of the slug.

If there is an issue with chemical concentrations or abnormal temperatures in the CIP cycles, the first places you’ll typically see buildup will be in your plastics (claws, meters, sensors) as they don’t hold temperature as well, and in the swing line, which is the last part of the system that the wash water will run through. If you need replacement parts or chemicals, contact our Mount Pleasant Warehouse or your equipment dealer.

Many of the field staff have been trained to complete CIP wash analysis to help producers troubleshoot high counts. If you are interested in taking advantage of this service, please contact your field rep to schedule a wash analysis.

MESSENGER | DECEMBER 2018

Early registration ends January 25!

Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference February 7–9, 2019

Bavarian Inn and Conference Center Frankenmuth, Michigan

Join us at the Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference to learn new tools and strategies to keep your farm afloat in these tough economic times, while taking a moment to connect with other farmers. The program includes sessions on: • An overview on global trade and its impact on agriculture from Tom Vilsack, CEO, U.S. Dairy Export Council • A producer perspective from Donald DeJong, who co-owns the largest organic dairy in Texas. • Finding new angles for success: unique partnerships, learning from other industries, precision dairy and alternative feeding strategies. • Digging deeper into economics, from marginal milk and heifer replacements to calf care and forage quality. • Ways to improve communication with your banker, knowing your lending rights, shock proofing your finances and more.

www.glrdc.org • 517-884-7089 • honkemeg@msu.edu

DECEMBER 2018 | MESSENGER

NEWS & VIEWS October pricing announced The USDA said that the October Class III price is $15.53 per hundredweight, down $0.56 from the previous month. The Class IV Price was $15.01, an increase of $0.20 from September. The September USDA MPP margin was $8.26/cwt. Indiana Dairy Producers to host Indiana dairy forum The 2nd Indiana Dairy Producers Indiana Dairy Forum is slated for Feb. 6-7, 2019 with timely topics on where the industry is heading, transition planning, marketing, on-farm processing and regulatory issues. The forum will be held again at the French Lick Springs Hotel in French Lick, Indiana. To register, contact Doug Lehman at 317-6958228 or visit www.indianadairy.org.

Upcoming Events December Local meetings begin

December 4-14 Member information meetings

MMPA mild cheddar noted in championship cheese contest Cheddar cheese produced under the Heritage Ridge Creamery brand at Michigan Milk Producers Association’s Middlebury, Indiana cheese plant recently snagged a 2nd place award in the ‘mild cheddar’ category in a national cheese contest. The award was presented on Oct. 30 by the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) at the federation’s annual meeting in Arizona. The annual contest includes cheese made by dairy cooperatives belonging to NMPF. A record 230 entries from 15 cooperatives were submitted in the 2018 contest. Last year, Heritage Ridge Creamery’s pepper-jack was named the Grand Champion Cheese.

Producers scoring 95 percent or higher on Grade A Surveys and Federal Check Ratings Green Meadow Farms Inc * Burdock Hills Dairy LLC* Welchkin Acres

December 13 Advisory Committee meeting, East Lansing

Bernard Baker Wamhoff Family Dairy Farm LLC* Victor Puschel*

January 29

Melvin Puschel

Resolutions Committee meeting, Novi

Vandenberg and Vandenberg

Bon-Tek Operations LLC *

The Indiana Dairy Producer of the Year is awarded to a dairy producer who has portrayed the dairy industry in a positive light and has been successful in the dairy industry over a period of time. The Indiana Young Dairy Producer of the Year is awarded to a dairy producer, 35 years of age or younger, who is actively involved in a successful dairy farm and shows promise as a leading dairy producer in Indiana.

*100 percent

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT JACKIE BOERMAN AT JBOERMA@PURDUE.EDU OR VISIT WWW.INDIANADAIRY.ORG.

Ryan Litwiller Troy Haynes

February 6-7

Indiana Dairy Forum, French Lick, IN

Friesen Legacy Farm LLC

February 7-9

Houska Farms Inc

Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference, Frankenmuth

MESSENGER | DECEMBER 2018

Indiana Dairy Producer of the Year and Young Dairy Producer of the Year nominations sought Indiana Dairy Producers (IDP) is seeking nominations for the Dairy Producer of the Year and Young Dairy Producer of the Year awards. These awards are to recognize outstanding accomplishments, professionalism, and leadership among Indiana’s dairy producers. The deadline to submit applications is December 31, 2018.

Joel Ensz Ritter Farms LLC Corner Oak Farm *

Dairy leaders convene at Joint Annual Meeting DMI AND NMPF LEADERS SHARED INDUSTRY SUCCESSES AND UPDATES DURING THE 2018 JOINT ANNUAL MEETING OF THE UNITED DAIRY INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION, NATIONAL DAIRY PROMOTION AND RESEARCH BOARD AND NATIONAL MILK PRODUCERS FEDERATION IN PHOENIX ON OCTOBER 30-31.

Addressing nearly 800 dairy farmers and industry representatives, DMI CEO Tom Gallagher acknowledged the economic hardships facing producers. “Your staff, nationally and locally, understand how tough and devastating the times are,” Gallagher said. “We don’t understand the pain the way that you do, but I want you to know we feel it. I want to express how humbling it is to work for the hardest working people and we truly appreciate you all being here.” DMI President Barb O’Brien shared the checkoff’s partnership strategy and how its key foodservice partners – Taco Bell, McDonald’s, Pizza Hut and Domino’s that collectively feed 40 million Americans daily – answered the call this summer to support dairy and farmers through their fall marketing and promotions. “My conversations with these executives illustrated just how strong our partnerships are,” O’Brien said. “These are people who truly care and each one committed to look back at their menu, marketing, advertising and promotion plans to see what more they could do to build incremental opportunities for dairy sales on top of what was already planned and to showcase dairy farmer stories.” Despite low milk prices, Gallagher said total dairy sales increased by 2.5 percent this year, which was stronger than last year’s rate over the same period, according to USDA data. He credited this to ongoing growth in cheese and butter, as well as strong dairy exports due to the work of the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC), an organization that dairy farmers created more than 20 years ago. USDEC President and CEO Tom Vilsack launched the “Next 5%” initiative to build export volume from 15 percent of U.S. production to 20 percent. Through the first seven months of 2018, almost 17 percent of U.S. milk production moved out of the country, the largest percentage in history. U.S. exporters have moved record volumes of dairy ingredients, while cheese sales also have been excellent. Gallagher concluded by saying there is a clear vision within checkoff for the opportunity that lies within the domestic and international markets to grow U.S. dairy. A united dairy community and the courage to lead will help realize that vision. “We have unity like never before in this industry,” Gallagher said. “Now, all we need are leaders to execute the plan and to help assure a great future for dairy farmers. Let’s all be those leaders.” The Joint Annual Meeting was preceded by a leadership and development program for Young Cooperators across the country, including MMPA members. Learn about the event from 2018 OYDCs Paul and Nancy Pyle on page 22.

MMPA Advisory Committee DISTRICT 1 Scott Ferry, Litchfield............................517-214-3298 Jeff Horning, Manchester....................734-428-8610 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 Steve Thelen, Fowler.............................989-690-1075 Brad Ritter, Byron....................................586-405-4749

DISTRICT 7 John Bennett, Prescott.........................989-345-4264 Rodney Fowler, Chesaning.................989-302-2299 Scott Kleinhardt, Clare..........................989-386-8037 Philip Gross, Weidman..........................989-289-0670 Jason Elenbaum, Mayville...................989-274-1974

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

DECEMBER 2018 | MESSENGER

LEGISLATIVE WATCH

NMPF Urges Congress to Put Farmers First in Lame-Duck Session Jim Mulhern, president and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), urged Congress to make passing a new farm bill a top priority in its lame-duck session that started Nov. 13, saying that dairy farmers harmed by low prices would benefit from the certainty and improvements likely to be part of the final law.

and expanding producer access to additional risk management options.”

“Given the sustained low prices dairy farmers have faced, coupled with uncertainty in agricultural trade policy, it is more important than ever that Congress quickly enact the 2018 Farm Bill before adjourning for the year,” said Mulhern. “Both the House and Senate-passed bills make important reforms to dairy policy, making the Margin Protection Program a more effective safety net for producers

“We are grateful for the hard work the bipartisan leaders of the House and Senate Agriculture Committee have put in to get us to this point. We stand ready to work with them and their colleagues in the coming weeks to get the job done.”

P N D RE O IS SE W C A AV OU SO AI NT N LA S BL E

JIM MULHERN, PRESIDENT AND CEO, NMPF

NMPF, whose member cooperatives produce the majority of milk in the United States, commended House and Senate Agriculture Committee leaders for working to negotiate a final 2018 Farm Bill this year. National Milk has actively worked toward securing federal aid for dairy farmers at levels appropriate to the hardships producers face. On Oct. 24, NMPF urged Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue to consider four separate analyses into traderelated dairy losses that each indicate damages of more than $1 billion when USDA calculates its second round of trade-mitigation payments slated for later this year. NMPF members reiterated that call the following week at their annual meeting in Phoenix. SOURCE: NMPF

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MESSENGER | DECEMBER 2018

E U R -T D N -A D E I R T S T C U D O R P AR E Y R E T F A R A YE

PIONEER® HYBRID/BRAND

COMPETITOR HYBRID/BRAND

PIONEER YIELD ADV. (TONS/A)

PIONEER % DM

COMPETITOR % DM

PIONEER % UNDF-240H

COMPETITOR % UNDF-240H

PIONEER MILK ADV. (LBS./A)

Pioneer Brand

CROPLAN Genetics

0.8

27.9

27.1

11.9

12.0

1,477

Pioneer Brand

DeKalb

0.9

26.4

25.5

11.0

1,123

Pioneer Brand

Golden Harvest

2.2

25.6

23.5

9.8

10.5

3,232

The harvest data Pioneer sales representatives provide is local, it’s relevant, and it’s raising the standard for performance results. To see the latest harvest results near you, visit pioneer.com/yield.

Data is based on an average of 2017-2018 comparisons made in Wisconsin, Michigan, Ontario and western New York through October 25, 2018. Comparisons are against any number of products of the indicated competitor brand, unless otherwise stated, and within +/- 5 silage CRM of the competitive brand. Product responses are variable and subject to any number of environmental, disease and pest pressures. Individual results may vary. Multi-year and multi-location data are a better predictor of future performance. DO NOT USE THIS OR ANY OTHER DATA FROM A LIMITED NUMBER OF TRIALS AS A SIGNIFICANT FACTOR IN PRODUCT SELECTION. Refer to pioneer.com/products or contact a Pioneer sales representative or authorized dealer for the latest and complete listing of traits and scores for each Pioneer® brand product. ~ The minor component of this blend product is not a Brown MidRib Corn hybrid. Silage CRM: silage comparative relative maturity. With no industry standard for silage maturity, comparing maturity and harvest moisture across various companies’ corn-for-silage hybrids can be difficult. Pioneer silage CRM ratings provide a relative comparison among Pioneer ® brand products of rates at which products reach harvestable whole-plant moistures. It is on the same scale as the silage CRM rating provided for grain-corn products and does not represent actual days from planting or emergence to harvest moisture or half milkline. Tons/Acre (35% dry matter): whole-plant yield adjusted to 35% dry matter. % DM: percent whole-plant dry matter at harvest. % Starch: percent starch (on a dry matter basis) in the whole plant. % Fib Dig (24-hr): percent degradable neutral detergent fiber (as a percent of total NDF, on a dry matter basis) in whole-plant samples in a 24-hour period. Lbs Milk/Acre: pounds of milk per acre on a dry matter basis, based on University of Wisconsin MILK2006 study, utilizing silage yield, nutrient content and digestibility. Lbs Milk/Ton: pounds of milk per ton of silage on a dry matter basis, based on University of Wisconsin MILK2006 study, utilizing silage nutrient content and digestibility. Caution should be used when making hybrid decisions based on single or limited plot comparisons. A minimum of 20 side-by-side hybrid comparisons is required for valid yield and nutritional comparisons. Pioneer® brand products are provided subject to the terms and conditions of purchase which are part of the labeling and purchase documents. TM®Trademarks of Dow AgroSciences, DuPont or Pioneer, and their affiliated companies or their respective owners. © 2018 PHII. DUPA1418008_120118_MMM_5452

EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS #10GallonChallenge BY MELISSA HART

TY HIGGINS AND HIS DAUGHTER PAIGE STARTED THE #10GALLONCHALLENGE AND HE IS AMAZED AT HOW QUICKLY IT TOOK OFF AND HOW FAR AND WIDE IT HAS SPREAD ACROSS THE COUNTRY.

A simple concept where the needy receive the excess, also known as the #10GallonChallenge, was born out of a desire of one man to help the struggling dairy industry and bring awareness to the need in local communities.

MESSENGER | DECEMBER 2018

Ty Higgins, a farm broadcaster from Ohio’s Country Journal and a contributing editor for the Michigan Agriculture Information Network (MAIN), a statewide radio network was shopping with his daughter one summer day when he noticed the price of milk was a dollar per gallon. “I couldn’t believe it. I grew up on a dairy farm in Central Ohio and I thought ‘Who could be making money on a dollar a gallon.’ So, we got home, and I started thinking about what

these farmers were going through.” Higgins continued, “I knew there wasn’t a whole lot I could do. I can’t set policy, I can’t negotiate trade deals, but I thought I might be able to move a little bit of milk and I knew someone who could certainly use it.” And with that Higgins called his local food pantry to make sure they could use the milk and when they said yes, he and his daughter drove back to the store, bought ten gallons of milk and delivered it to the food pantry. “We videotaped the whole thing and started the hashtag, #10GallonChallenge, posted it on Facebook and it took off from there.” The response to the social media campaign was, in Higgins words, “unbelievably overwhelming.” He explained, “I thought that maybe my local farm bureau might donate, and our local food pantry would benefit and then all of a sudden it started popping up on social media. Acquaintances on Facebook started doing it in their hometowns and then it snowballed to Directors of State Agriculture departments taking the challenge, presidents of universities in the Midwest taking the challenge, and even the governors of Iowa and Wisconsin took the #10GallonChallenge. It’s so incredible to see just how far this has gotten since we did it the very first time in August.” Higgins noted the challenge has even taken off in urban centers in Chicago “It’s not just for agriculture friends or groups, it has crossed several boundaries and has far exceeded my expectations.” Miriam Cook, daughter of MMPA members Tom and Dianne Cook of Pewamo, participated in the #10GallonChallenge through her Ionia FFA Chapter. “We actually donated twenty gallons to the Zion Food Pantry in Ionia,” Miriam explained. “We recognized the need to support our dairy farmers and bring awareness to the issues facing them.

This also gave us the opportunity to spark a conversation about this topic. We want to shine a positive light on the dairy industry and we hope in doing so that we help increase milk consumption among consumers.” Milk is in high demand in any food pantry. Captain Cassy Grey of the Hillsdale Salvation Army emphasized the need for milk in their food pantry, “We use milk in our community kitchen where we serve free lunch meals four days a week. And we have two days a week that we do a food pantry. And then we have a fresh food initiative every Tuesday and last week Quote someone donated crates of half gallons of milk and it was crazy how quickly they went, so there is definitely a need out there for milk.”

“I just wanted to make some good news for this industry. Every little bit makes a difference and I hope that’s what this #10GallonChallenge does as well.” Dr. Phil Knight, executive director of the Food Bank Council of Michigan, reaffirmed that claim saying, “Milk is the most requested item at any pantry across the state.” He continued, “People want milk; they need milk. It’s pretty simple for a mom or dad that’s in a rush to work, to pour some milk on cereal, and the kids are good for school.” According to Dr. Knight, there is a network of at least 3,000 food pantries and seven Feeding America Food banks in Michigan. To have milk as a product for theses pantries would fill a big need and recently that need was being met through generous contributions of a network of people. In the last four years, MMPA has donated over 2.6 million servings of milk to reach communities all over Michigan.

The Farm Bureau Insurance of Michigan’s Agent Charitable Fund (ACF) initiated a donation of a refrigerated semi-trailer that will carry roughly 10,000 gallons of milk funded by donations from the Michigan Farm Bureau (MFB) state Young Farmer committee and a matching donation from the United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM). The Dairy Doctors Veterinary Services Clinic in Plymouth, Wisconsin, has taken on the challenge and increased the stakes. They’ve made a goal of donating 1,000 gallons of milk to families in need for the holiday season and will donate the first 100 gallons and then will match every 10 gallons given by supporters. FFA Chapters and 4-H clubs have joined in the challenge and are having fun “I know this isn’t going to move tanker trucks of milk, but when I was eight years old on the farm, I went from feeding bottle calves one day to standing between my dad and grandpa selling everything that we owned the next,” Higgins said. “I thought about that kid today, waking up and not having what he’s known all of his life. But I also wanted people to realize there are others who don’t know where their next meal is coming from and there are kids who don’t get the nutrition that’s required to be healthy. So, you’re getting both things done, you’re bringing awareness to what is happening in the dairy industry but you’re also bringing awareness to the needs of your community as well.” Higgins concluded, “I just wanted to make some good news for this industry. My philosophy with my family has been: every little bit counts whether it’s working a little harder to get a B+ on a test or doing a couple more chores around the house. Every little bit makes a difference and I hope that’s what this #10GallonChallenge does as well.”

DECEMBER 2018 | MESSENGER

DID YOU

KNOW

my beef checkoff can keep beef on the plate? “At the Sears’ farm, we raise cattle and crops, but we also raise a family. I know that the food my family eats has been grown in a safe and sustainable manner, but we need to share that message with consumers who buy our products. That is where the beef checkoff comes in. Through the checkoff, the Michigan Beef Industry Commission provides reassurance to consumers through farm tours, social networks, and influential bloggers. By reaching out to consumers, we can enhance the image of beef and insure a viable industry for the next generation.” While you and Jill are managing your cattle business, your checkoff is developing strategies to deliver information that shares the true story about beef and beef production.

Jill Sea rs Director, Michigan Beef Industry Commission Horton, Michigan

www.mibeef.org Get to know your checkoff – visit MyBeefCheckoff.com or call (517) 347-0911. Funded by the Beef Checkoff.

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THE SUPPLY CHAIN TEAM: (FRONT) TRISH TOTH, DEBBIE KNIFFEN, KIM BURLISON, MATT SWEET, MEAGEN HADLEY (BACK) BRENT WELLER, BILL MCCARTHY, ADAM REED, JOHN FRITZLER, THERESE TIERNEY AND BRUCE BRENNAN. NOT PICTURED: WANDA PEREZ AND KAY GREEN.

DEDICATION FROM START TO FINISH

Few career and lifestyles

MMPA supply chain department fulfills marketing mission

the milk leaves the farm?

are like dairy farming. The passion, dedication and hard work of dairy farmers is well known. But what happens after

That is where the MMPA supply chain department

BY KRISTA SCHROCK

MESSENGER | DECEMBER 2018

steps in.

rom getting raw milk from the dairy farmers to delivering milk products to customers, the MMPA supply chain department is involved with every step along the way ensuring the cooperative and dairy farmers receive the most value from the milk they help market. MMPA’s supply chain department of 13 dedicated team members make up a vital part of the cooperative milk marketing team. With over 85 years of combined experience, the department is internally cohesive while working with other business areas of the cooperative. The supply chain department manages the flow and execution of raw milk and manufactured milk product sales for the cooperative members. “When presented with the impossible, others may not see solutions, but it is our job to make it possible,” added Brent Weller, production planner.

The Logistics of Moving Milk As part of the supply chain, high quality milk and milk product transportation is an important part of ensuring success in the marketplace. With staggered work schedules, a three-man dispatching team, Matt Sweet, Adam Reed and Bruce Brennan staff the dispatch center to ensure they are available to address any load delivery challenges that may come up.

as the logistics lead, he utilizes the out of the box thinking and flexibility he gained from his former jobs to the dispatch team. The dispatchers tackle scheduling load deliveries starting with the local loads to regular customers followed by out of state deliveries. They are on the phone and emailing with processing plants, milk haulers and the sales department to create the most economical and efficient schedule while meeting all customer requests such as the amount of milk needed and milk quality criteria. The dispatchers take in consideration State D.O.T regulations, processors receiving schedules and milk transportation variables like tanker size and distance from milk pickup to the end destination. MMPA plants are used for balancing purposes, meaning that outside customer orders and spot sales or special orders that are inconsistent are fulfilled first. John Fritzler, who was brought onto the supply chain team over two years ago, uses his strengths in managing a constantly changing work environment and vision for future opportunities to enhance the team.

“What sets us apart from our competitors is our milk quality and our customer service. I always try to have a ‘what if’ plan in my back pocket in case something comes up causing us to adjust our plans of fulfilling customer orders. The most important piece for logistics is communication. If we aren’t constantly communicating with the entire department, our plans will probably impact someone else’s solution,” shared Fritzler. Fritzler continued, “Although my team and I focus on the start of milk marketing chain with handling the raw milk from the farms, the destination of the loads will influence production at our plants, our customer’s orders and ultimately the economics of the co-op.”

Forecasting Product Demands Making the decisions of what is on the production schedule at the MMPA plants, managing product inventory to have available for orders and which batch of inventory meets customer’s criteria when shipping it out is all part of the production planning division. Brent Weller, whose father was an MMPA member, has been working (CONTINUED ON PAGE 20)

“If there are trucks on the road, we are available to handle delivery emergencies,” said Reed. Originally working in supply chain for a fuel and oil company several years back, Reed returned to dispatching at MMPA in 2016. Bruce who carries the nickname ‘the veteran young guy,’ brought over 40 years in truck logistics as a driver and manager before hired onto the team 18 months ago. Unlike Reed and Brennan, Sweet didn’t have a supply chain background prior to joining the MMPA supply chain dispatch division six years ago. Now

BRENT WELLER, PRODUCTION PLANNER

DECEMBER 2018 | MESSENGER

THERESE TIERNEY, SUPPLY CHAIN DIRECTOR, AND JOHN FRITZLER, LOGISTICS MANAGER

(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19)

with production planning at MMPA for eight years after serving in the U.S. Navy. Now Weller heads up the production planning division of the supply chain department. Working with Weller in production planning is Debbie Kniffen, fluid sales specialist; Kay Green, customer service representative; and Bill McCarthy, inventory analyst. Meagen Hadley, who also works in customer service, is the fourth member of her family to work for MMPA, starting with her great-aunt who worked at the original MMPA Detroit office. Meagen coordinates with the sales department and production planning team to make strategic production decisions for butter and milk powder made at the MMPA manufacturing plants. 20

MESSENGER | DECEMBER 2018

The group works with the sales team to understand the customer commitments made and layering in sales projections into the decision of which products will be scheduled to be made in the MMPA plants. “We don’t make product in our plants just to make product. We focus on making the best product that will sell and give us the best financial benefit,” said Weller. When making strategic decisions, factors such as when preventative maintenance is scheduled at the manufacturing facilities, what sale commitments have already been made with customers and member farm milk production trends are taken into consideration. Since fluid products carry only a 72-hour shelf life once processed, they take priority when planning production schedules. Both Kniffen and Hadley spend much of their time coordinating with

customers and the MMPA plants to ensure the orders committed by the sales department are produced on schedule, meet customer’s criteria and are delivered on time. Kniffen said, “After 31 years, I still take pride in that MMPA milk is highly sought after because of our quality. I like finding dairy products in the grocery store made by a company that I know bought milk from us. It is important to provide great service when working with members and customers so we can get the most value for their milk.” McCarthy focuses his time on the Middlebury Cheese Company orders and inventory production. He cross checks what is made at the plant with what purchase orders need fulfilled, managing the inventory storage of the cheeses produced and coordinating with the on-site retail store on their needs.

Accuracy and Verification After raw milk weight manifests arrive at the office, the weights division headed up by Wanda Perez, the raw milk manager, separates manifests by milk delivery destination. Trish Toth and Kim Burlison scan the manifests using ABBY, a scanning software solution implemented in 2017 to reduce manual data entry and increase accuracy, this system feeds the data into the new DSI payroll system. The DSI payroll system is the new solution that MMPA implemented in 2018. It tracks weights and components, as well as handling the customer class utilization and pooling information required by the Federal Milk Marketing Orders. It communicates the scanned data to other departments within MMPA such as the lab system so quality sample information can automatically be paired with weights and be available to members sooner. “This system replaced a legacy system that no longer was benefiting members and now saves us time to focus on verifying weights before invoicing customers and paying our members.” said Tierney. After the weights team verifies all the weight information collected from members and customers are

correct they focus on invoicing customers. Their attention to detail is important in making sure all the parts throughout the process are correct and accurate. With many moving parts in the milk marketing mission, it truly takes teamwork, communication and foresight. The supply chain team works seamlessly using many forms of communication to make sure if any challenges arise, it is addressed quickly. “We are consistently talking back and forth to the plants, our accounting department, the sales team, the customers and each other to make sure decisions and plans are made as seamlessly as possible,” said Tierney. “There isn’t anyone we don’t communicate with to get the job done. Our department is always working; this department is a 24 hour, 365 days a year job.” “Supply chain understands and embraces the cooperative business. The whole team is very committed to the co-op. We understand the members work long hours and rely on this department to be efficient and retain the most value out of their milk and we are honored to part of this business,” concluded Weller.

MEAGEN HADLEY AND DEBBIE KNIFFEN IN CUSTOMER SERVICE

Supply Chain Department 13 employees in 3 divisions: DISPATCH & LOGISTICS, PRODUCTION PLANNING AND VERIFICATION & INVOICING

80 milk hauling companies DISPATCH LOADS

12 to 14 million pounds of milk per day TRANSPORTED TO AN AVERAGE OF 100 MILK PROCESSING PLANTS NATIONWIDE

400 manifest weight sheets PROCESSED DAILY

1,100 invoices (APROXIMATELY) SENT OUT EACH MONTH TO OUR CUSTOMERS

From the starting point at the dairy farm to the finish line of selling the milk, MMPA’s supply chain prides itself on getting the most value out of the milk for the farmers. Foresight of what products to make in MMPA’s plants, navigating tough sales markets, and the diligence for accuracy define the hardworking supply chain department. DECEMBER 2018 | MESSENGER

MMPA YCs Travel to Phoenix FOR NMPF YC LEADERSHIP PROGRAM BY PAUL AND NANCY PYLE, 2018 OUTSTANDING YOUNG DAIRY COOPERATORS

We had the privilege of traveling to Phoenix, Arizona, for the NMPF/NDB/UDIA Joint Annual Meeting. We attended the YC Leadership and Development Program along with 2017 MMPA ODYC winners, Nate and Jenny Elzinga, and 2018 MMPA ODYC runner-up, Jeremy Beebe. (We wish you could have joined us, Deanna!) The YC program was held in the two days leading up to the Joint Annual Meeting.

n Sunday morning, we started the day with a breakfast meeting where we met the other couples who will serve on the 2019 NMPF YC Advisory Council with us. Later in the afternoon, we had a YC welcome meet-and-greet time with all the YCs present. We enjoyed talking with others, hearing about their farms, eating, and playing some lawn games together outside in the gorgeous warm weather.

Monday was a full day of meetings and fellowship. We started the day with a presentation by Matt Beyer and LeeAnne Sulcer from Farm Credit. We learned about the benefits of having a business plan and how to work with a loan agency to move that business plan forward.

PAUL AND NANCY PYLE, 2018 OYDC. WITH JEREMY BEEBE (CENTER), AND JENNY AND NATE ELZINGA (RIGHT)

MESSENGER | DECEMBER 2018

We heard what things we as farmers need to do to prepare for a collaborative meeting regarding a loan. We learned that bankers are considering five different things when they look at lending to farmers: capacity, capital, conditions, collateral and character. Next, Dr. Alex White, from the Department of Dairy Science at Virginia Tech University, shared information regarding how we can achieve our future goals and dreams, even during these difficult economic times. He started by explaining several of the major challenges the dairy industry is facing right now. From there, he was able to give us many ideas on how to improve current profitability and on-farm cash flow, control spending, and think creatively about how to use our assets. Almost every Young Cooperator present was part of a family farm, so Dr. White addressed the process of transition planning too. During the last session of the morning, we heard from Jolene Griffin, Director of Industry Relations at UDIM, and Jane Hillstrom, CEO of Hillstrom PR, about how to build, protect, and keep trust as dairy farmers. They shared several stories with us regarding specific farms and how their reputations had been challenged in an instant, and with no warning. Some of those farms had spent time developing their public relationships within their community previously while others had not - and the outcomes were drastically different. We learned many ideas on how to grow and develop our current public relations, which we enjoyed discussing with other young farmers later in the day. We also learned about Farm Crisis Plans and how we can be best prepared to deal with a crisis if it would arise. It’s so great that UDIM is here to help us if we ever need it. After lunch, we had a phenomenal experience listening to a panel of consumers answer questions regarding their food concerns and buying patterns. Allyson Perry, Senior Account Manager with The Center for Food Integrity, moderated the discussion. It was hard to stay quiet as we heard misconceptions expressed. Allyson did a great job of asking questions in a way that lead the consumers to make their own new conclusions. In a few areas, she gave them accurate information. With other topics, she just asked enough pointed questions for them to realize that maybe they didn’t have correct information and they might want to learn more. This session opened up many discussions among the young cooperators about how we can do a better job as dairy farmers in educating our consumers. To end the meeting portion of the day, we heard from Dr. Dan Weigel, Outcomes Researcher at Zoetis, regarding genetic improvement in dairy. He shared about rightsizing your heifer inventory, making strategic decisions about which semen to use, and using embryo transfers. He encouraged us to look at our stages of lactation, production, and our cull rates to determine next steps for our farm.

“We may live far apart, but we are facing similar situations, and we walked away with a sense of comradery with those we had spent time with. We are so grateful.”

Monday evening we were able to enjoy several hours of outdoor fellowship with the young cooperators and coordinators. There was dinner, music, carnival games and whiskey tasting. We continued to get to know the other farmers and were grateful that by the end of the day, we had the opportunity to meet most of the individuals and couples in attendance. Over lunchtime on Tuesday, we met with the 2019 YC Advisory Council that we had met on Sunday morning and held elections for officers for the committee. We were thrilled to be elected the 2019 NMPF YC Chaircouple! We look forward to representing MMPA throughout this year with NMPF. We were so blessed by our time in Phoenix. We learned so much and loved being able to build relationships with farmers from all across the United States. Thank you to MMPA for blessing us with this opportunity.

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OYDC FINALIST Kimberly & Neil Weidmayer ABOUT US… Cows: 72 milking, 20 dry

Land: 300 acres farmed

Milking facility: Automated milking systems with an average of 3.1 visits per day

Members of: Saline-Ann Arbor Local, District 1

Established in 1947, Neil’s father started Weidmayer Farms in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Neil and Kimberly now milk 72 cows using two robotic milkers installed in 2013 and 2014. Kimberly focuses her time on cow and heifer care, herd health and scraping the barns. Neil is in charge of feeding and the field work. The couple uses herd bulls in their cross-breeding reproduction program. “I am doing what I love. I am around cows, working with my husband and living my dream,” said Kimberly. “It’s easier to stay positive even when times are tough when you still enjoy what you are doing and trust that everything in God’s plan is for a reason.” The couple shared their drive to ‘keep at it’ until they are forced to quit and work at making every dollar count without sacrificing cow comfort and milk quality. They have plans to make several upgrades to improve cow comfort and farm efficiency in the future. DECEMBER 2018 | MESSENGER

FOCUSED. UNITED. STRONGER.

2017-2018 LOCAL OFFICERS Elected during Local meetings last year, the following officers were selected to lead their respective Locals throughout the year. Elections for 2018-2019 Local Officers will take place at each Local meeting. See Local meeting schedule on page 28. DISTRICT 1 Adrian Local

President: Clark Emmons V. President: Jim Marvin Sec/Treas: Gary Stout Dairy Communicators: Geraldine Emmons, Joy Marvin, Maria Marvin

Hillsdale-Litchfield Local

President: Scott Ferry V. President: Bruce Lewis Sec/Treas: Carlton Evans Dairy Communicators: Jennifer Lewis, Cami Marz-Evans

Jackson County Plus Local President: Tom Zenz V. President: Arthur Riske Sec/Treas: Arthur Riske

Saline-Ann Arbor Local

President: Bruce Breuninger V. President: Stan Lambarth Sec/Treas: Keith Weidmayer Dairy Communicators: Arlene DeForest, Lynda Horning, Kaitlyn Packard, Samantha Mamarow

DISTRICT 2 Barry-Eaton Local

President: Tom Wing V. President: Bob Baker Sec/Treas: Heather Wing Dairy Communicator: Heather Wing

Blossomland Local

President: Jerry Koebel, Jr Sec/Treas: Joshua Gamble Dairy Communicator: Heather Carpenter

Constantine Local

President: Richard Ultz V. President: Clyde Miller Sec/Treas: Richard Thomas Dairy Communicators: Judy Oesch, Richard Ultz, Cynthia Adam

Kalamazoo Local

President: Craig Newland V. President: Garrett Bartholomew Sec/Treas: Dan Ransler Dairy Communicator: Tammy Spicher

Lansing Local

President: Daniel Ritter Sec/Treas: Kristina Langmaack Dairy Communicator: Kristina Langmaack

DISTRICT 3 Grand Rapids Local

President: Tim Butler V. President: Jonathan Acker Sec/Treas: Ken Leseman Dairy Communicator: Kay Willcome

MESSENGER | DECEMBER 2018

Muskegon Local

President: Bill Stakenas V. President: Glen Sparks Sec/Treas: Burke Larsen Dairy Communicator: Terri Stakenas

West Michigan Local

Mid-Michigan Local

Sunrise Local

President: John Hufnagel V. President: Aaron Gasper Sec/Treas: Tom Cook Dairy Communicators: Patti Jandernoa, Renee McCauley, Doreen Slavik, Carla Wardin

President: Steve Berens V. President: Bill Gruppen Secretary: Nate Pyle Treasurer: Darren Coffey Dairy Communicators: Danielle Berens, Regina Coffey, Arlene Ter Haar,

Owosso Local

DISTRICT 4

Clare-Mt. Pleasant Local

President: John Bennett V. President: Jeremy Beebe Secretary: Chris Daniels Treasurer: Michael O’Farrell Dairy Communicatosr: Abigail O’Farrell, Nicole Wren

DISTRICT 8

President: Brad Ritter V. President: Jim Abubalm Sec/Treas: David Reed Dairy Communicator: Megghan Honke Seidel

Huron Local

President: Mark Ziel V. President: Darwin Sneller Sec/Treas: Ashley Kennedy Dairy Communicators: Shelly Messing, Ashley Kennedy, Cassie Sneller

DISTRICT 7 President: Phillip Gross V. President: Scott Kleinhardt Secretary: Phillip Gross Treasurer: Doug Stevens

Chippewa County Local

President: David Folkersma V. President: David Bell Sec/Treas: Jonathan Miller Dairy Communicators: Anne Folkersma, Diane Miller

Mid-Sanilac Local

President: Brady Brown V. President: Mike Noll Secretary: Sara Lee Treasurer: Dennis Lee Dairy Communicators: Jordan Noll, Sara Lee, Rita Phillips, Jodi Sharrard, Gertie van den Goor

Deford/Clifford-Mayville Local

President: Ray Wolak V. President: Keith Wood Sec/Treas: Diane Foley Dairy Communicators: Diane Foley, Katie Schumacher, Jane Wood

Hillman Local

President: Jeremy Werth V. President: Paul Ponik Sec/Treas: Ron Lucas Dairy Communicators: Connie Lucas, Michelle Lucas, Amy Bodnick

Mid-Thumb

President: Bill Blumerich V. President: Patrick Bolday Sec/Treas: Kristie Lamb Dairy Communicators: Pat Bolay, Melissa Small, Kristie Lamb, Doris Stuever, Virginia Ankley, Kathleen Clinton, Kathleen Knust, Robin Falker

Frankenmuth Local

President: Drew Rupprecht V. President: Eric Frahm Sec/Treas: Bob Krafft Dairy Communicators: Amy Bergdolt, Debra Krafft, Barbara Wardin, Joanmarie Weiss

Upstate Local

President: Marv Rubingh V. President: Wilson Boss Sec/Treas: Richard Fettig Dairy Communicator: Rebekah Rubingh

U.P. West Central

President: William Pirman V. President: Galen Van Drese Sec/Treas: Kimberly Pirman Dairy Communicator: Kimberly Pirmann

DISTRICT 5

4 Marinette

Alma Local

President: Mike Rasmussen V. President: John Black Sec/Treas: Jack Jeppesen Dairy Communicators: Cheri Chapin, Ramona Okkema, Jack Jeppesen

Evart Local

President: Gordon Dick V. President: Bruce Benthem Sec/Treas: Amy Martin Dairy Communicator: Amy Martin

2 St. Joseph

DISTRICT 6 Flint Local

President: Peter Juengel Sec/Treas: Daniel Weil

Livingston Charter Local President: Scott Bontekoe V. President: Chuck White Sec/Treas: Janet White Dairy Communicator: Jodi Hill

Elkhardt

1 LaGrange Noble

Marshall

Kosclusko Allen

RESPONSIBILITIES OF LOCAL OFFICERS Local President Presidents are responsible for presiding at meetings of the Local membership, working with other officers of the Local to plan the annual meeting and making sure that the business and finances of the Local are conducted appropriately. Presidents hold general responsibility for the appointment of a nominating committee from among the Local’s membership to select candidates for the officer and delegate positions up for election at the annual meeting.

Local Vice President Vice Presidents preside at meetings of the Local membership in the absence of the president. They must also work with other Local officers of the Local to plan the annual meeting and make sure that the affairs and business of the Local are conducted in an orderly fashion.

Local Secretary-Treasurer Local Secretary-Treasurers keep Local board and membership meeting minutes and financial records in an accurate and orderly fashion to be presented at the Local annual meeting. Local Secretary-Treasurers manage all finances including requesting reimbursement and disbursing funds. They are in general charge of correspondence and communications by the Local to other places, including the MMPA office. The Local Secretary-Treasurer ensures all elected positions including delegates are filled and election results are communicated with the MMPA office in a timely fashion.

Dairy Communicator One and sometimes two or three members of a Local work diligently speaking out and communicating on behalf of dairy farmers in their Local area. Dairy Communicators are involved in a wide variety of Local promotion activities ranging from giving farm tours to going to schools, giving classroom presentations to putting up fair or mall displays. Each spring, the Dairy Communicators gather to share ideas and learn from each other and cooperative leaders.

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Photo: Dream Winds Farm | Coopersville, MI

11:48 AM DECEMBER 2018 |11/6/18 MESSENGER

FOCUSED. UNITED. STRONGER.

2018-2019 LOCAL MEETINGS All members will receive complete meeting details in the invitation from their local. LOCAL

DATE

LOCATION

CITY

TIME

Freedom Township Hall Steaks Eatery Restaurant Olivia's Chop House UAW Hall

Manchester Jackson Jonesville Adrian

12:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m.

DISTRICT 2 Barry-Eaton/Lansing Locals 12/08/18 Eaton Area Senior Center Kalamazoo Local 12/11/18 Four Roses Café Blossomland Local 1/18/19 Zeke’s Restaurant Constantine Local 1/12/19 Siloam Fellowship

Charlotte Plainwell Dowagiac Goshen, Ind.

11:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. 10:30 a.m.

DISTRICT 3 Grand Rapids Local 1/09/19 Golden Corral Muskegon Local 1/04/19 Russ' Banquet Room West Michigan Local 1/16/19 Howard Miller Community Center

Walker Muskegon Zeeland

11:45 a.m. 11:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m.

DISTRICT 4 Upstate Local 12/04/18 FlapJack Family Restaurant U.P. West Central Local 12/05/18 Jack’s Restaurant Chippewa County Local 12/06/18 Rudyard Christian Reformed Church Hillman Local 1/11/19 Twin Acres 19th Hole

Charlevoix Rapid River Rudyard Alpena

11:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. 11:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m.

DISTRICT 5 Evart Local 1/10/19 Rehoboth Reformed Church Alma Local 1/11/19 Maxfield's

McBain Blanchard

11:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m.

DISTRICT 6 Flint/Owosso Locals 1/09/19 Durand VFW Mid-Michigan Local 1/10/19 Agro Liquid Headquarters

Durand St. Johns

12:00 p.m. 11:45 a.m.

DISTRICT 7 Sunrise Local 1/04/19 G’s Pizzeria Livingston Charter Local 1/09/19 Durand VFW Frankenmuth Local 1/08/19 da Vinci's Restaurant Clare-Mt. Pleasant 1/18/19 Clare Church of the Nazarene Deford/Clifford-Mayville Local 1/14/19 Spring of Life Church

West Branch Durand Frankenmuth Clare Mayville

12:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m. 11:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m.

DISTRICT 8 Huron Local 1/12/19 Franklin Inn Mid-Thumb Local 1/16/19 Holly Meadow's Golf Course Mid-Sanilac Local 1/17/19 Woodland Hills

Bad Axe Capac Sandusky

12:00 p.m. 11:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m.

DISTRICT 1 Saline-Ann Arbor Local 1/15/19 Jackson County Plus Local 1/16/19 Hillsdale-Litchfield Local 1/17/19 Adrian Local 1/18/19

MMPA delegates gathered on Nov. 20 for a special delegate meeting. Want to learn about MMPA’s vision and what delegates reviewed? Attend your Local Meeting and an information meeting near you. 28

MESSENGER | DECEMBER 2018

YOUR DAIRY PROMOTION AT WORK

Using Media’s Megaphone to Promote Dairy The United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM) used media partnerships in 2018 to introduce consumers to dairy farmers, highlight the health benefits of dairy foods and show how dairy can be fun. Dairy producers, veterinarians, Registered Dietitians, UDIM staff, bloggers and other dairy enthusiasts from across the state shared their love of dairy through on-air farm tours, in-studio cooking sessions and conversations with media. These media partnerships covered the major media markets in our state. Below are a few highlights of the media interviews conducted this year. For more lists, check the spring and fall dairy producer newsletters that were mailed. Promoting all dairy foods Registered Dietitian, chef and blogger Jenn Fillenworth shared dairy recipes with Maranda and Morning Blend. Food Blogger MyThy Huynh shared her famous Japanese milk bread with Live in the D. UDIM team member Tina Miller was on-air with 1290 WLBY Ann Arbor’s Talk Radio discussing the health benefits of dairy and lactosefree options. Lindsay Tarpley was on Morning Blend every evening from June 4 to June 8 with different segments focused on celebrating June Dairy Month, the importance of milk’s nutrition and visiting the MSU dairy farm with her kids.

On Morning Blend, UDIM team member Emily Mattern explained how Capital Area Meals Coalition brought partners together from across Lansing to provide free meals throughout the summer with Meet Up and Eat Up.

Kennedy were featured in Detroit Metro Parent sharing how they care for their cows, protect the environment and incorporate technology into their farm, respectively. Dairy veterinarian Dr. Jill Brester was on Mom’s Everyday and featured in a Detroit Metro Parent article reassuring consumers that dairy farmers and veterinarians have strict protocols in place to ensure the milk is safe to drink. Media partnerships allow us to reach more consumers across our state with dairy messages. If you are interested in participating in media interviews or would like help contacting your local media, contact Jolene Griffin at Jolene@MilkMeansMore.org.

On farm The de Jong family showed Maranda how they work together each day to ensure all their cows’ needs are met on their dairy farm. Sixth-generation dairy farmers Katelyn Packard and Mason Horning were visited by Live in the D to discuss how their farm works to be sustainable environmentally and socially. Three dairy farmers, Kristi Keilen, Katelyn Packard and Ashley Messing-

FOCUSING ON MICHIGAN’S TOP MEDIA MARKETS, UDIM INTRODUCED THOSE AUDIENCES TO DAIRY FARMERS AND OTHER DAIRY ENTHUSIASTS AS WELL AS NEW DAIRY FOODS.

UDIM’s partner, Maranda, joined the #ScoopItForward campaign in July around west Michigan, ending the day with ice cream at the Kalamazoo police station to recognize officers who supported Maranda Park Parties.

Youth Wellness Jodi Nemeth, registered dietitian and mom of five, explained to Mom’s Everyday why she feels confident serving her kids chocolate milk. UDIM staff members went to The Morning Blend and Maranda during National School Breakfast Week to promote the importance of breakfast in schools, including dairy options.

MOOLTILDA AND MARANDA CELEBRATED THE #SCOOPITFORWARD CAMPAIGN WITH HAPPY CONSUMERS ENJOYING THEIR ICE CREAM!

DECEMBER 2018 | MESSENGER

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.

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

Equipment

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

Harvestore Alliance 20’ unloader

• 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.

mixer $5000 obo. 22’ Harvestor belt

• 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.

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.

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

CLASSIFIEDS OPPERMAN GROOVING: We can fix your scabbled floors. Diamond sawed grooves, no hammering or cracking of concrete. No hoof damage. Call

John Deere Combine Turbo 7700.

Opperman Grooving Inc., Portland.

$6,500 or best offer.

Call 517-647-7381.

Milking Equipment

CONCRETE GROOVING BY

3,000 gal. Surge stainless milk

the 2” wide groove. Best traction,

tank with dual 5 hp. single phase

lowest prices. Call (800) 554-2288.

compressors and free heater.

www.tristatescabbling.com.

Good working condition. $22,000.

TRI-STATE SCABBLING, home of

Call 810-241-8999.

DAVIDSON CEMENT GROOVING, INC:

MISC.

grooves for better traction. We also

NO water needed. Wider, rougher

Dry Cow Hay 4x5 Round Bales. Net wrapped. $30, $35 & $40. 989-464-7364

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

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!

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. Call 800-558-0112.

Non-GMO

products available

STRAW & DRY HAY (large & small bales) Contact merchandisers at ZFS, Inc: MI/IN/OH: 866.888.7082 WI: 800-523-6760

& BARLEY FOR FEED. Call 989-723-1886 or 989-277-1414.

www.zfsinc.com/divisions/ingredients

ALFALFA HAYLAGE (excellent & fair grades) & CORN SILAGE. 989-723-1886 or 989-277-1414. 30

MESSENGER | DECEMBER 2018

MERCHANDISE NEW KATOLIGHT PTO GENERATOR, 60 KW, keep everyone warm and producing if there is a power outage. Call Brent at 248-770-5122. HOOF TRIMMING - 20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE. Also doing fly control and cement grooving. Call Gibson Hoof Care (Tom) at 989-239-6843. 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*

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

Winter Teat Dip Another Midwest winter is upon us. The combination of freezing temperatures and low humidity can cause teat ends to become chapped and damaged. The following products can help prevent and repair damage to teat ends.

Artec Ecolab’s Artec is a blue post-dip that is effective against mastitis-forming bacteria with the use of 1.5% heptanoic acid. It was proven to work very quickly in only 15 seconds of kill time. Artec also contains a triple blend of emollients for superior teat conditioning (78% system including glycerin and lanolin). The dip can be used very well during cold weather as skin protection reducing the need for teat salves or creams. Even though Artec is formulated not to freeze, extreme weather conditions and cold wind chill may require cow’s teat ends to be blotted after dipping. ITEM ARTEC – 5 GALLON

STOCK #

MEMBER PRICE

6064

$95.19

ARTEC – 15 GALLON

6981

$246.56

ARTEC – 55 GALLON

6077

$828.08

Udder Cream For those cows that do experience chapped or damaged teats, Ken Ag’s Udder Cream can help. This product can be used in cold or warm weather. Udder Cream softens and soothes chapped teats and udders in wintertime and aids in the prevention of dryness during sunny and windy summer conditions. Caution: To avoid contamination of milk, thoroughly wash and dry udder and teats before each milking using an individual clean towel. ITEM UDDER CREAM 14 OZ. TUB

STOCK #

MEMBER PRICE

5710

$4.69

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:

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

» 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

NOVEMBE4 DECEMBER 2018 | MESSENGER

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. 32

MESSENGER | DECEMBER 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

There will be a deduction of 10¢/cwt. for:

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

• Greater than 100,000 Raw Bacteria Count

• Johne’s Milk Test

A high raw count deduction will be waived if the

- 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

• High load count shipment or rejected load shipment

__________________________

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

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

• Abnormal freeze points

__________________________

Member name:

previous three months for raw bacteria count.

Loc/Hlr/Producer #

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

producer has received the quality premium 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.

DECEMBER 2018 | MESSENGER

MARKET REPORT

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

Cheese 1.5686 / LB

FO R M I L K M A R K E T E D I N O C TO B E R 2 0 1 8

Market Statistics - Mideast Federal Order #33 # This Month # Year Ago % Change Total Class 1 Sales

527,921,973

536,639,167

+3.64

Total Class 2 Sales

342,920,731

328,573,172

+4.37

Total Class 3 Sales

503,105,224

383,962,229

+31.03

Total Class 4 Sales

224,501,543

264,696,730

-15.19

1,647,449,471

1,533,871,298

+7.40

35.0%

36.3%

Total Production Class 1 Utilization

Mideast Federal Order #33 Total Producers...............................................................................4,426 Avg. Daily Production per farm....................................................12,007 Avg. Protein Test...........................................................................3.18%

Butter 2.2814 / LB

Avg. Butterfat Test.........................................................................3.88% Avg. Oth Solids Test......................................................................5.74% Avg. SCC - MMPA......................................................................167,000

Component Pricing Information Mideast Federal Order #33 Protein Price /lb.......................................................................... $1.7185 Butterfat Price /lb....................................................................... $2.5551

Milk Powders

Other Solids Price /lb................................................................. $0.2553

Nonfat Dry Milk

Class III Price @ 3.5%.................................................................... $15.53

0.8739 / LB

Prod. Price Diff /cwt. - Mich Mkt..................................................... $0.57

Dry Whey 0.4470 / LB

National Trends* (production in millions of pounds)

*For 23 States 34

MESSENGER | DECEMBER 2018

Uniform Price @ 3.5%................................................................... $16.10 SCC Adjustment /cwt /1000..................................................... $0.00078

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

2018

3,362 2,540 1,248 1,253 1,046 926 859 814 659 561 442 340 16,874 171,347

2017

3,259 2,548 1,236 1,227 973 935 893 818 658 547 461 357 16,710 169,242

% Change

+3.2 -0.3 +1.0 +2.1 +7.5 -1.0 -3.8 -0.5 +0.2 +2.6 -4.1 -4.8 +1.0 +1.2

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

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

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 Brittni Tucker, Eagle...........................................248-880-3785

East Area Supervisor & Mastitis Management Specialist Christy Dinsmoore, Vassar.................................248-513-7920 Animal Care Coordinator Lindsay Green, East Lansing...............................989-488-8159 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

South 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

Other Member Services Bulk Tank Calibration John Lehman, Elsie............................................248-444-6775 Sustainability Coordinator Kendra Kissane, Byron Center...........................248-880-4234 Raw Milk Compliance Manager Steve Lehman, Ithaca........................................989-330-1638

MMPA Labs Novi (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) In Michigan....................................................800-572-5824 Toll Free 800-233-2405 Ovid (Daily, 6 a.m.-10 p.m.)..................... 989-834-2515 Constantine (Daily, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.).........800-391-7560

Chief Financial Officer Josep Barenys......................................................... ext. 240 Hedging and Business Development Aaron Beak............................................................. ext. 256 Controller Shelly Bonnici.......................................................... ext. 259

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

Officers Ken Nobis, President Kris Wardin, Vice President

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

Eric Frahm, Treasurer

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

Josep Barenys, Asst. Treasurer

Management Information Systems Andrew Caldwell.....................................................ext. 304 Sales James Feeney.......................................................... ext. 258 Manufacturing Kaylan Kennel............................................... 248-880-5413 Laboratory Supervisor Patti Huttula........................................................... ext. 219 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

Joe Diglio, GM / Secretary

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

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

Board of Directors

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

DECEMBER 2018 | MESSENGER

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.