MILESTONE MEMBERS
EVIDENCE THAT MOVING FORWARD IS POSSIBLE
A
s long-time members of MMPA, 35- and 50-year members’ experiences overcoming the
changes in markets, regulations and leadership within the industry over the
Ken Nobis Hometown: St. Johns, Michigan Contract Date: June 1971 Generations on the Farm: 3 Milking Herd: 1,100
past many years serve as evidence that
How was your farm started?
moving forward is possible.
It goes back to the early 1900s. Both sides of my family are originally from Illinois and my paternal grandfather rode a train to Michigan. He started out as a share cropper. My dad was the oldest of the three sons they had on the farm. In the mid-40s they formed a partnership and farmed together until my grandfather passed away in 1956. The partnership broke up after the youngest brother wanted out, but my dad stayed on the dairy farm and ended up beginning this farm with 334 acres.
The knowledge and wisdom that they share within their community ensures the success of the dairy industry and MMPA for many years to come. Our cooperative wouldn’t be the same today without their presence and leadership. Thank you, 35and 50-year members for your dedication and service to MMPA.
What’s the biggest difference in the industry since you signed your contract? There’s a lot of differences. The market is hugely different than back when I started. The only time you exported was when you had milk you wanted to dump. Today, if we can’t grow exports then the industry is stagnant in terms of milk production.
What’s the best change you’ve seen in the industry since you signed your contract? Environmentally we have made tremendous strides. It’s not because we purposefully did things wrong, it’s that we didn’t know any better and now that we do know better, people are doing a much better job protecting the environment.
What words of wisdom would you like to share with fellow members? If you like what you’re doing, stick with it. I think there are better times ahead. Build your future with an open mind. Not all the rules and regulations that are talked about are necessarily bad and look at things from both sides of an issue.
22
milk messenger
/ MAY-JUNE 2021
