Michigan Milk Messenger: February 2019

Michigan 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 8 | FEBRUARY 2019

FOCUSED. STRONGER. FOCUSED.UNITED. UNITED. STRONGER.

ANNUAL REPORT SUMMARY (PAGE 18)

A BUDGET BALANCING ACT: MAKING THE TOUGH DECISIONS (PAGE 14)

mimilk.com

R E T BET ITY L A U Q CU T EVERY

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Stephen Hawk Grower

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FEBRUARY 2019 FEATURES

On the Cover Another challenging year

14 |

A BUDGET BALANCING ACT: MAKING THE TOUGH DECISIONS With slim margins, dairy farmers are searching for ways to find savings to balance their budgets. Despite the

barreled across the rural

tough decisions, pride and dedication to providing high

landscape and collided with

priorities.

dairy farms nationwide.

Learn about maximizing

quality milk and excellent animal care are still the top

18 |

efficiencies on page 14 and how MMPA is transforming to lead members through a labyrinth of trials on page 18.

EMERGE – A LOOK INSIDE THE 2018 ANNUAL REPORT In the face of continued external pressures, MMPA has transformed to better lead our co-op and our members through these trials and emerge stronger.

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MMPA MEMBERS EARN NATIONAL AND CO-OP RECOGNITION FOR QUALITY Ten MMPA members were honored with National Dairy Quality Awards, meanwhile 44 percent of members are named in the MMPA quality award program. View a listing of MMPA members recognized for producing high quality milk throughout 2018.

Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA), established in 1916, is a member owned and operated dairy cooperative serving approximately 1,600 dairy farmers in Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin and Ohio.

FEBRUARY 2019 | MESSENGER

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CONTENTS 6

MMPA MATTERS

“Producing this level of quality milk consistently takes dedication and overcoming the daily challenges of dairy farming.”

“We ready, we ready, we ready for y’all”

8

QUALITY WATCH What can your member representative do for you?

— BEN CHAPIN, MMPA MANAGER OF

10

NEWS & VIEWS

12

LEGISLATIVE WATCH

17

OYDC FINALIST SPOTLIGHT

DEPARTMENTS

CONGRATULATIONS LETTER TO QUALITY AWARD WINNERS

26

FREELINERS & CLASSIFIEDS

27

MERCHANDISE REPORT

20 21 22 25

NATIONAL DAIRY QUALITY AWARD WINNERS MMPA QUALITY AWARD WINNERS YOUR DAIRY PROMOTION AT WORK: INDIANA

FIELD SERVICES (PAGE 21)

28 POLICIES 29

QUALITY PREMIUMS

30

MARKET REPORT / DISTRICT MEETINGS

31 STAFF

MMPA Core Values: » Quality » Integrity » Progress » Leadership » Community Managing Editor................................................ Sheila Burkhardt Editors.............................. Allison Stuby Miller, Krista Schrock Advertising Manager......................................Nancy Muszynski Circulation..................................................................................... 2,609 An Equal Opportunity Employer – F/M/V/D Michigan Milk Messenger (USPS 345-320) is the official publication of Michigan Milk Producers Association, published monthly since June 1919. Subscriptions: MMPA members, 50¢ per year; non-members, $5 per year.

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

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

Periodical postage paid at Novi, MI and at additional offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Michigan Milk Messenger, PO Box 8002, Novi, MI 48376-8002.

(ISSN 0026-2315)

FEBRUARY 2019 | MESSENGER

5 5

MMPA MATTERS

“We ready, we ready, we ready for y’all”

BY KEN NOBIS, MMPA PRESIDENT

As the 2018 National Football League season drew to a close last month, the promotion for the playoffs rose up in full swing. The ad for the NFL playoffs that stuck in my head (and apparently a lot of other heads too) featured a video of a high school football team hyping themselves up for their big game that was going to start in just a few minutes, back in 2016. The video begins with one high school player in the locker room before the game chanting, “We ready, we ready, we ready for y’all.”

The rest of the team picked up his enthusiasm, and it has now spread far beyond that high school locker room.

“Dairy producers are ready for this four-year long drought of dairy economic misery to end … for fake milk to go away … for trade wars to end … for a brighter tomorrow.”

The enthusiasm of those high school football players who left their imprint on me is contagious. The video makes you forget about the season record of the Detroit Lions (which once again was not impressive) and instead makes you wonder if we can apply the “We ready” enthusiasm to our beleaguered dairy industry.

I think I can safely say “We ready” for lots of things. Dairy producers are ready for this four-year long drought of dairy economic misery to end … for fake milk to go away … for trade wars to end … for a brighter tomorrow. And like any football team, we’re ready for a level playing field where our producers can compete with most anybody on the globe if our competitors aren’t receiving significant subsidies from their governments. Whether we are involved in exports or not, global production and global prices have and will impact producer prices in this country. Our producers in the United States, probably the most efficient in the world, have been forced to become even more efficient just to survive. Unfortunately, too many producers have had to call it quits because they couldn’t or didn’t want to fight the fight any longer.

Our co-op continues to fight the same fight, seeking ways to become more efficient and to add more value to our members’ milk. Having recognized the pricing vulnerability of commodity products, our focus has turned to producing valueadded products. Our goal is to keep a larger share of the value of milk in our hands, allowing us to put more money in our members’ pockets. We have adjusted our sails to capture more value out of changing market conditions. Some of the changes have been in-house, and some with our customers. If we can work with a customer and add value for all of us, it results in a win/win.

Try as we might, there is only so much we can do in today’s operating environment.

Our competition stretches across the globe. Gone are the days when our competition was found only in co-ops within our own backyard. In fact, our relationship with our fellow co-ops and those in the processing industry has never been as cohesive as it is today. MMPA’s goal, both short and long term, is always to fulfill our mission “to market our members’ milk to the greatest advantage possible.” How we accomplish our goal has evolved and will continue to evolve as we move forward.

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MESSENGER | FEBRUARY 2019

FOCUSED.UNITED. UNITED. STRONGER. FOCUSED. STRONGER.

103RD ANNUAL STATE DELEGATE MEETING

ON THE AGENDA: • Consideration of policy statements and resolutions

• Election of two director- at-large positions on the MMPA Board of Directors

• Recognition of MMPA’s 35- and 50-year members

THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2019 Registration begins at 9 a.m.

Meeting called to order promptly at 10 a.m.

LANSING CENTER 333 E. Michigan Avenue, Lansing, MI 48933

• Presentation of Valued Partner award

• Announcement of MMPA Quality Award recipient

• Introduction of the MMPA Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperators (OYDC)

BUSINESS WILL ONLY BE CONDUCTED BY ACCREDITED DELEGATES, BUT ALL MEMBERS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND. MEMBERS NOT SERVING AS DELEGATES SHOULD RSVP TO NANCY MUSZYNSKI AT 248-474-8872, EXT. 303.

MIMILK.COM/ANNUAL-MEETING-2019

#MMPA19

QUALITY WATCH

What can your member representative do for you?

Sarah Michalek

Stephanie Schafer

Pat Mitchell

MMPA Northwest Area Supervisor

Jem-Lot Dairy

Ecolab Agrispecialist

With the financial stress dairy farmers have faced over the past few years, it’s easy for member representatives to feel like unwelcome guests who are just bearers of more bad news. But that’s the opposite of our intended purpose. It’s our job to help our members, whether it’s providing cost effective solutions to comply with the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO), diagnosing problems in the wash system or creating a mastitis management plan.

There are many reasons why our MMPA field staff is so important.

They are a great resource to bounce ideas off or to ask for suggestions used by dairymen to keep counts down or what’s the latest and greatest things to be using. Dairy farming is a changing industry and it’s hard to keep up with everything that is happening.

It’s always nice to hear from producers who want to be more proactive and achieve their milk quality goals. I’m not going to claim that we can fix every problem, but we try our best to be valuable resources to our members.

I encourage farms to reach out and utilize our knowledge and access to resources. Although we may not have a solution right away, we are dedicated to helping find one or connecting our members to someone who can. Remember, we are just a phone call away.

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MESSENGER | FEBRUARY 2019

Twenty years ago, when my husband, Leroy, and I began to farm, we had a high somatic cell count (SCC). We turned to our member representative for help. We started by culturing the whole herd then moved to a milking system check and finally a new prepping procedure was created. That same procedure is still followed today.

The success that we accomplished was partly due to the help from our member representative.

With low milk prices, we are all looking for ways to make our milk checks better. Maybe it’s as simple as using our field staff to lower SCC to gain that extra premium. Remember, our field staff is here to help. They are resources for members to use.

MMPA member representatives can be very helpful in diagnosing repetitive high bacteria counts. Repetitive high bacteria counts can be a major source of frustration for producers, not to mention very costly.

In regard to elevated bacteria counts, it is imperative to ensure that the system wash effectively. All aspects of the wash system must perform properly every wash. This seems elementary, but it is very common for a failure to go unnoticed right away.

Your member representative can do an in-depth analysis to make sure the system is washing properly.

When I am working with MMPA member representatives, I recommend taking specials that include Raw and PIC. The relationship between the two is helpful to determine where the problem may be.

I like to see as many counts as possible to look for trends when helping advise a farm in diagnosing or setting up a new cleaning protocol.

This takes communication among all involved parties. Many times, repetitively high counts can take time to sort out.

Your member representative is an integral part of the process. I urge you to call on their expertise.

NEW FOR 2019!

SIGN UP NOW FOR DAIRY CARE ACADEMY

What is Dairy Care Academy?

Dairy Care Academy is a new FREE MMPA program to help farms meet training requirements for the F.A.R.M. program.

The interactive, day-long training will include three sessions covering milking practices, dairy stockmanship and calf care.

Learn more at mimilk.com/dairy-care-academy Contact Marianne Gasiewski at 248-442-7597 or gasiewski@mimilk.com February 12:

Litchfield Regional Training Center, 181 Simpson Drive, Litchfield

GreenStone Farm Credit Services, 3515 West Road, East Lansing Eddie G’s, 6485 W. Marlette Road, Marlette Mecosta County Building, 14485 Northland Drive, Big Rapids George N. Fletcher Public Library, 211 N. 1st. Avenue, Alpena

Registration at 9:30 a.m. All trainings are from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and include lunch.

NEWS & VIEWS

December price higher than previous year The USDA reported that December’s Class III price is $13.78 per hundredweight, down $0.66 from November, and $1.66 lower than December 2017. The Class III price averaged $14.61 in 2018. The Class IV price was $0.03 higher than last month’s price at $15.09, and $1.58 higher than last December.

Producers scoring 95 percent or higher on Grade A Surveys and Federal Check ratings Ervin Lehman Devon Ray Yoder Glen Mast* Toby Yoder John Weaver Johnnie Yoder Samuel Wengerd* Nathan Miller *100 percent

Upcoming Events February District meetings

February 12 Dairy Care Academy, Litchfield

February 26 Dairy Care Academy, East Lansing

March 13 Resolutions Committee Meeting, Lansing

March 14 103rd Annual State Delegate Meeting, Lansing

March 27-28 Young Cooperator Tour 10

MESSENGER MESSENGER | FEBRUARY | FEBRUARY 2019 2019

Constantine plant capacity increased by 1.3 million pounds per day Toward the end of 2018, MMPA completed an expansion project at the Constantine, Michigan location. The project was approved by the MMPA board of directors just a few months earlier in April and now increases capacity at the southwest Michigan location by 1.3 million pounds of milk per day. The first load of product— ultra-filtered milk—was produced and shipped in November 2018 with additional testing and qualifying taking place through the end of the year.

Ultra-filtered milk is processed starting with skim milk and can be used in making infant nutrition products, yogurt, dairy nutritional drinks and cheese standardization. MMPA’s plant in Constantine is Safe Quality Foods (SQF) Level 3 certified and manufactures ultrafiltered milk, butter, cream, condensed skim, non-fat dry milk and instant milk.

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

Gary McDowell becomes director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer appointed Gary McDowell as the director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in December 2018.

Prior to becoming director, McDowell served three terms in the Michigan House of Representatives. McDowell was born and raised on a farm in Rudyard, Michigan. He owns and operates a family business with his brothers, McDowell Brothers Farm and McDowell Hay Incorporated, and brokers hay sales from the eastern Upper Peninsula to markets around the nation. McDowell was a member of the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners for 22 years. Gary was also a United Parcel Service delivery driver for 30 years and was a volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician for 18 years. McDowell attended Lake Superior State University.

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 Pat Bolday, Emmett................................810-395-7139

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LEGISLATIVE WATCH

NEW POLL:

Consumers — by a nearly 3-to-1 margin — want FDA to end mislabeling of fake milks

N

ew national survey data released finds that consumers – by a nearly 3-to-1 margin – want the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to enforce existing regulations and prohibit non-dairy beverage companies from using the term “milk” on their product labels. FDA solicited public comments regarding front-ofpackage dairy labeling regulations until late January.

The national survey conducted by IPSOS, a global market research and consulting firm, found that 61 percent of consumers believe FDA – which currently defines “milk” as the product of an animal, but doesn’t enforce that labeling rule – should restrict non-dairy beverage companies from using the term “milk” on their product labels.

Only 23 percent said FDA should not limit the term “milk” to dairy products, while 16 percent were uncertain.

“Consumers have spoken, and they are clear in their desire for FDA to enforce its own rules,” said National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) President and CEO Jim Mulhern.

“FDA must listen to their voice and end deceptive labeling by plant-based beverage manufacturers.”

Federal Government shutdown impacts USDA operations

Plant-based beverage brands regularly exploit lax regulatory enforcement to label their products as “milk,” and polling data shows that consumers are widely misinformed by mislabeling.

A survey by IPSOS from last August showed that 73 percent of consumers erroneously believe that almond-based drinks had as much or more protein per serving than milk. In a separate poll from the International Food Information Council Foundation released in October, one-quarter of consumers either thought almond drinks contained cow’s milk or weren’t sure.

MESSENGER | FEBRUARY 2019

The question asked: “The U.S. Food and Drug Administration currently defines ‘milk’ as the product of an animal, but doesn’t enforce that labeling rule. Do you believe that the FDA should restrict non-dairy beverage companies from using the term ‘milk’ on their product labels?”

SOURCE: NMPF

The partial federal government, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture, began on Dec. 22. During the shutdown, many USDA operations are suspended including local Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices and loan program and Market Facilitation Program (MFP). Also due to the shutdown, several economic reports originally slated for January 11, 2019 were delayed beyond their regularly scheduled release date such as the monthly Crop Production Report and the National Agriculture Statistics Service (NASS) Market Report.

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The newly announced online IPSOS poll – commissioned by NMPF – was conducted Jan. 4-7, 2019, and surveyed 1,005 adults nationwide.

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A

BUDGET BALANCING ACT MAKING THE TOUGH DECISIONS

BY KRISTA SCHROCK

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MESSENGER | FEBURARY FEBRUARY 2019

After four years of depressed milk prices, one industry leader is “amazed” at how dairy farmers are adapting to keep milking cows.

“I know what these guys [dairy farmers] are going through. It’s a struggle to continue farming when supply is over demand. Having to make the choice of where to reduce expenses is not something taken lightly,” said Doug Leman, executive director of Indiana Dairy Producers and former dairy farmer.

I

n the dairy industry, margins are slim. Farms all over the U.S. are in survival mode and using every bit of patience and faith possible to stay in business. Finding the right places to be more efficient on a dairy farm can be difficult but turning to experts can help.

One large line item on a farmer’s budget is feed, which makes up about half of all dairy farm expenses according to Brian Troyer, dairy business and nutrition consultant at Caledonia Farmers Elevator.

“Most dairy consultants, like myself, understand that there isn’t much money to go around and are here to help farms find ways to be more efficient and to make it through these tough times,” explained Troyer.

He advocates reducing feed shrink, which is the amount of feed not consumed by the animals it was intended for, minimizing feed ingredient waste and ensuring top quality forages. These three things can greatly impact the total feed cost per animal. A nutritionist can help to find ways to reduce purchased feed costs in the herd rations and to assess the quality of grown feed to find the best options in feed utilization on the farm.

Focusing on increasing milk components to receive the most premiums or looking at cow comfort are two areas that can make a positive difference in making cows more efficient. Reducing the time cows spend in the holding pen

before milking and ensuring proper stall size and bedding to encourage the cows to spend more time lying down are simple changes to improve cow comfort.

offer non-cash benefits such as birthday cards with a gift card, beef packages when available and subsidized rent on houses owned by the farm to their employees.

The second largest expense in a dairy farm budget is usually labor according to Troyer. Even without employees, farm owners and their families spend a great deal of time working at the farm to care for the animals, milking their cows and field work.

“Offering flexible time off and encouraging our employees to take days off to help balance work and their personal time has been well received too,” Lewis said.

Finding good help is increasingly challenging with higher paying or more appealing jobs available than milking cows. Farms like Pleasant View Dairy of Jonesville, Michigan,

TOP FOUR DAIRY EXPENSES

FEED COSTS

EMPLOYEES/LABOR

HEIFER RAISING

Like the investment in retaining good help, investing in heifer raising is vital to creating a successful future milking herd. Although raising heifers is a large expense without much room for profit, it still is important to not shortchange their care to save a little money.

The money saved up front may hinder the larger profits down the road when they enter the milking parlor. Ensuring proper vaccination programs, veterinary care, adequate housing and quality feed sets up the heifer’s bright future as a cow.

“In the last couple of years, we have shopped around for cheaper alternatives and bulk discounts on livestock and veterinary supplies like vaccinations, bedding and purchased feed which has helped cut costs without impacting the quality care for our heifers and cows,” Lewis continued.

Troyer shared how important raising quality heifers will benefit a dairy farm when they freshen, or they give birth to their first calf. Once an older cow needs replaced, the farm will (CONTINUED ON PAGE 16)

EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE FEBRUARY 2019 | MESSENGER

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(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15)

have a new cow to take her place and contribute to the milking herd.

According to Lewis, preventative care of facilities and equipment can be one of the hardest decisions to take into consideration. Maintenance, repairs and updates tend to be one of the top budget expenses on a dairy farm following feed, labor and heifer raising.

It may seem like an easy place to make cuts in the balance sheet, but by maintaining equipment and facilities regularly helps control and spread out the expenses throughout the year and avoid surprises when something needs repaired or replaced.

“Maintenance is always cheaper than repairs or replacements,” Troyer said.

“Farms shouldn’t skimp on taking care of their equipment just to save a little money right now because it

will cost a lot more later plus the added frustration and stress with the unexpected expense.”

The time and cost to fix things like tractors, feed mixers, manure spreaders, freestalls or milking parlors add up quickly when considering the rush orders for parts, temporary fixes that require more work in the long run and diverting time away from other duties on the farm to make the repairs as well as the obvious expense of the repairs.

“We noticed that it is the little things that help us retain good employees.

Maintaining a nice working environment has always been appreciated as well.”

JENNIFER LEWIS, PART OWNER PLEASANT VIEW DAIRY

PLEASANT VIEW DAIRY MANAGEMENT TEAM LOOKS AT FARM RECORDS

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MESSENGER | FEBRUARY 2019

The tough decisions on what areas of the farm balance sheet are most important and what has to be cut is not an easy task. Dairy farming is a lifestyle in which passion and dedication to the animals and land is at the forefront of dairy producer’s minds. To find ways to maximize assets like proper herd health practices, finding the best places for employees to utilize their skillsets in the most efficient way and planning for surprise expenses can be daunting.

However, with a little faith, patience and advise from a few experts may help avoid trial and error mistakes.

Leman said, “the resilience of a dairy farmer is second to none. Their dedication to providing high quality milk and providing excellent care of their animals is unmatched despite having to make the tough decisions.”

OYDC SPOTLIGHT

2018

OYDC FINALIST Amy TolanBudnick & Jason Budnick

Amy and Jason, along with their three daughters, enjoy the farming lifestyle to the fullest. Amy is the herdsman on the family operation, Risky Endeavor Dairy, LLC, ABOUT US… which was established Children: in 1938. She focuses Emma (16), Alexis (16), her efforts on the Emma (16) milking herd by milking, Cows: monitoring fresh and dry cows, and herd health duties. Along with working full-time off the farm at Conveyor 280 milking, 650 total head Systems Inc., Jason helps check dry cows before work and feed calves in the evenings Milking facility: with the family. Amy and Jason are also very involved with crop harvesting. milking two times per day in a double 12 parallel parlor Land: 1,000 acres of hay and corn Member of: Hillman Local, District 4

With the challenges in the dairy industry, the Budnicks focus on making good choices for the farm and staying positive. “The best part of being a dairy farmer is being able to work outside along with my family. I also enjoy educating the public on our farm tours with school children and other groups on how we strive to produce high quality milk,” Amy said.

“We are working through farm succession so my brother and his wife along with myself and Jason can take over the farm. Our ultimate goal is to keep the family farm going so future generations can take part in the lifestyle we love,” Amy concluded.

FEBRUARY 2019 | MESSENGER

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MICHIGAN MILK PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION

FOCUSED.UNITED. UNITED. STRONGER. FOCUSED. STRONGER.

A

nother challenging year barreled across the rural landscape and collided with dairy farms in our milk shed. But in the face of continued external pressures, MMPA has transformed to better lead

our co-op and our members through this labyrinth of trials and emerge stronger.

Our thinking has changed. Our approach has adapted. And our focus has widened past the Michigan state line. The MMPA strategy involves asset maximization, business development and strategic alignment with customers. MMPA’s strong financial position in fiscal year 2018 has enabled us to act on our strategy to drive value to members. With member support of recently approved bylaw changes, we’re positioned well for the future and making continued strides toward attaining our vision.

MMPA IS EMERGING FROM THE DOLDRUMS OF THE TOUGH DAIRY ECONOMY. We’re focused. We’re united. We’re stronger.

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MESSENGER | FEBRUARY 2019

EDITOR’S NOTE: THE FOLLOWING IS AN EXCERPT FROM THE 2018 MMPA ANNUAL REPORT, WHICH WILL BE DISTRIBUTED SEPARATELY TO MEMBERS DURING THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY.

Our emerging Asset maximization

Business development

Alignment with customers

QUALITY PRODUCTS

ACTIVE PORTFOLIO

INCREASE BUTTER AND

MANAGEMENT

RAW MILK SALES

IMPROVE OUTPUT

STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS

OPERATIONAL FLEXIBILITY

LEVERAGE AND GROW

EXPAND

LEADERSHIP IN CUSTOMER

TECHNOLOGICAL CAPABILITIES

GEOGRAPHICALLY

COLLABORATION

WHAT EMERGED

WHAT EMERGED

CAPITAL INVESTMENTS TO

WHAT EMERGED

MMPA members produce high quality

Business development through

After a sustained effort to transform

products that maintain and improve

strategic partnerships and

our customer relationships, the

quality all the way through our supply

collaboration is a must for the

impacts are beginning to take effect.

chain. We take care of our members’

dairy industry in our region. In the

MMPA is more closely aligned with

assets with continuous improvement

meantime, MMPA has worked on

customer needs by seeking and

to return the most value to members.

multiple business development

finding mutually beneficial solutions.

MMPA investments ove the last five

opportunities that better align

The benefits of this approach have

years ultimately increased capacity

with members’ needs, such as the

emerged in our Class I, or fluid

to the tune of 420 million pounds.

Constantine expansion project.

milk, utilization. Shipments to one

We upgraded outdated technology

In addition, MMPA signed a

of our fluid milk customers has

resources with the new producer

memorandum of understanding

steadily increased over the last few

software system implemented in

with fellow cooperative, Foremost

years. Finally, to honor a successful

January 2018 and are currently

Farms USA. The agreement

strategic alignment with a customer,

working toward implementation of

incorporates a marketing

MMPA presented the second annual

a new enterprise resource program

partnership and focus to drive

Valued Partner award to Leprino

(ERP) to manage internal systems

mutual investment to maximize

Foods Company at the annual

used by MMPA staff.

members’ returns.

meeting in March 2018.

FEBRUARY 2019 | MESSENGER

19

QUALITY AWARDS

Congratulations to all

QUALITY AWARD WINNERS

BY DEAN LETTER, DIRECTOR OF MEMBER SERVICES MMPA members are known nationwide for their superb ability to produce high quality milk, which in turn allows the cooperative and its customers to make great quality dairy products. With 2018 behind us, we can point to three indicators of continued success on behalf of MMPA members to maintain this reputation.

First, around 44 percent of member farms earned a recognition through the cooperative’s quality award program.

Since 1998, MMPA’s Quality Award Program has been split into three different levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. During this year’s local meeting season, MMPA awarded 280 bronze awards, 101 silver awards, and 37 gold awards. The listing of all quality award winners begins on page 22.

Additionally, MMPA once again was well represented in the National Dairy Quality Award program run by the National Mastitis Council. Of the 41 recognized farms, 10 belong to MMPA. Congratulations and thank you to these farms for their efforts every day on their farms. Learn more about this national award program on page 21.

Finally, all MMPA farms contributed to this last indicator: a low average monthly somatic cell count. A key marker of superior quality milk is somatic cell counts, and this year members reached a new record low. The new quality record is proof of MMPA members’ dedication to producing high quality milk.

As we know, 2018 was not all good news in the dairy industry. Members have endured four years of depressed milk prices resulting in members stretching every dollar. In an era of increasingly strict quality requirements and extraordinarily tight margins, milk quality is an area that can ill afford to be neglected.

How do members know if they have the most cost-effective sanitation and udder health program? Is the cheaper brand always most cost effective?

Often cheaper options are not able to perform up to expectations when there are challenges in water chemistry, temperature or equipment design and complexity. The best way to determine whether a cleaning program is delivering the best value is to calculate how much it costs for a given detergent to perform for a particular milking system. If you wish to know if you

are getting the best value out of your cleaning program, MMPA can help.

We have people on staff that can help calculate the “per wash” cost of various cleaning chemicals.

Research is ongoing to make teat dip more cost effective. Work continues to bring to market new teat sanitizers that can provide as broad or broader spectrum of pathogen kill more cost effectively. Be wary of the less expensive teat dips that cut costs by offering less or less effective skin conditioners. As I look out my window, I see snow, not palm trees (although I wish I did)! ‘Tis the season to keep teat skin smooth and supple. Some farms can realize a reduction in their teat dip cost by purchasing and reconstituting concentrated teat dip. MMPA has reduced costs on some dips by reconstituting dips at the warehouse.

In addition to the services available through the merchandise program, MMPA members can benefit by taking advantage of our services like employee training. This year, MMPA will be offering a new informational workshop called Dairy Care Academy as an additional member service. For more information, please see the ad located on page nine.

Congratulations again to those members who earned a quality award this year.

As continuous improvement is always something we should strive for, members can get more details on fine tuning the sanitation and udder health programs by calling their member representative.

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MESSENGER | FEBRUARY 2019

MMPA Members Take Home One Quarter of All

NATIONAL DAIRY QUALITY AWARDS Ten MMPA members were awarded National Dairy Quality Awards, making up about a quarter of the total winners. These MMPA members were among 41 nationally recognized farms in the annual award program. Five gold awards and five silver awards were earned by MMPA members.

MMPA offers a portfolio of member services to help members produce the highest quality milk possible, with field representatives working closely with each member to achieve quality goals.

MMPA also offers a quality premium incentive for its members producing higher quality milk. In 2018, total producer incentive premiums, including quality, totaled $21.3 million.

MMPA’s large representation in the National Dairy Quality Awards underscores the hard work of the cooperative’s farms while competing against other well-performing farmers across the country.

“This year’s member representation in the National Dairy Quality Awards is a testament of our member’s commitment to producing the highest

quality milk. Producing this level of quality milk consistently takes dedication and overcoming the daily challenges of dairy farming,” Ben Chapin, MMPA manager of field services, said. “Congratulations to our ten members recognized.”

The winners were selected from a pool of 165 applicants nationwide.

The winning operations stood out for having produced high-quality milk consistently. Applications were evaluated for measures of quality, systems of monitoring udder health, milking routine, protocols for detection and treatment of clinical and subclinical cases of mastitis and strategies for overall herd health and welfare. MMPA winners were nominated by their member representatives.

NATIONAL DAIRY QUALITY AWARD WINNERS Gold Awards Don Beattie, Holton, Michigan Ron & Barb Brinks, McBain, Michigan Brad and Debbie Kartes, West Branch, Michigan Brad, Mark & Larry Crandall, Battle Creek, Michigan Gordon Dick, McBain, Michigan

Silver Awards Benthem Brothers, McBain, Michigan Lynn, Clint & Parker Bivens, Bellevue, Michigan Michael Bosscher, McBain, Michigan David Mageean, Ann Arbor, Michigan

PHOTO CREDIT: AARON GASPER, BELDING, MICHIGAN

Mark Ramer, Hale, Michigan

FEBRUARY 2019 | MESSENGER

21

QUALITY AWARDS

2018 MMPA QUALITY AWARDS Local meetings this season included presentations of quality awards to 418 members for the production of outstanding quality milk over the last fiscal year. Bronze, silver and gold awards were presented to those members who met the established criteria for each award.

BRONZE quality awards are presented to MMPA members who met both quality premium categories (10,000 or less raw bacteria and 20,000 or less PI count) and maintained a somatic cell count of 250,000 or less for nine or more months out of the previous fiscal year.

SILVER quality awards are presented to those members who met the same criteria as in the bronze award category for 12 months out of the previous fiscal year.

GOLD quality awards are presented to members who met the same criteria as in the silver award category and averaged a somatic cell count of 100,000 or less during the previous fiscal year.

STAR awards will be presented to those members who have received a quality award for five (one star), 10 (two stars), 15 (three stars) or 20 (four stars) consecutive years.

280

BRONZE

101

37

SILVER

GOLD

418 TOTAL QUALITY AWARDS

22

MESSENGER | FEBRUARY 2019

Adrian Local

Barry-Eaton Local

Silver Henricks and Krieger LLC Dwight Mansfield

Gold Chase Crest Hill Farms LLC Crandall Dairy Farm LLC Hammond Dairy Farm LLC ** Ladine Dairy Farm LLC *

Bronze Scott D. Norden Rodney L. Imbrock Marvin Farms Inc. Gary A. Middleton Timothy D. Brasher Matthew Smith Hartland Farms Inc. Alma Local Gold Tjerk Okkema Spring Lake Farms LLC Wilson Centennial Farm LLC ** Central Michigan Milk Production Silver Cory & Gary Nielsen Albern Olson Judge Dairy Farm Inc. Chapin Family Farm LLC Louis & Ronald Brecht Mark Wiles Bollinger Farms LLC * Chad Peters TLC Dairy William Hough Dairy Inc. Kenneth Vredenburg Vanderploeg Holsteins II LLC Mervin Martin Bronze Pine Hills Dairy LLC S & T Farms ptp Oberlin Farms LLC Ryan J. Litwiller Double Eagle Dairy Inc. Joel Ensz Ronald & Kevin Litwiller ** Dragt Farms Mervin G. Dailey Paulen Farms Inc. Troy Haynes Koutz Dairy LLC Bruce & Amanda Carey Newlyn Toews Robert F. Durham Bruce A. Litwiller Tara Chapko Vanderploeg Holsteins LLC Marlin Martin Bebow Dairy I Inc. Double-B Dairy **** Ephraim & Esther Martin Bebow Dairy II Inc. Glen H Miller

Silver Pixley Dairy Farm LLC Endsley Dairy Farms LLC Bronze Cary Dairy Farms Inc. Halbert Dairy Farm LLC * Kevin & Mark Klingaman Burdock Hills Dairy LLC Steven G. Hochstetler Brent & Nina Butler Jonathan G. Hochstetler B & K Farms LLC Blossomland Local Bronze J & A Koebel Farm LLC *** Chippewa County Local Silver Taylor Creek Farm LLC Clare-Mt. Pleasant Local Gold Gross Farms Inc. Silver Stevens Farms Elton F. Dubois Raymond & Miriam Kuhr Bronze Clark Dairy Farm LLC Stough Farms LLC Martin C. Fox * Le Var Farms LLC House Dairy LLC *** Michael Yoder Raymond Buchholz John Koch * Tara Anthon Cattle & Management Norman & Sarann Byler Garrett Beef Farm Constantine Local Gold Larry M. Hershberger Karl M. Bontrager Martin Yoder Jr. Silver Willie Yoder Jr. Devon Ray Yoder Alvin D. Bontrager *** Freeman E. Yutzy Richard L. Lambright Milton D. Bontrager

Constantine Local (cont.)

Silver Samuel Jay Bontrager Maynard & Laura Lehman Marlin Hoover Jesse & Chelsea Ramer Joe D. Stutzman Daniel M. Martin Bronze David Lavon Miller Steven J. Miller Freeman D. Bontrager Daniel & Suella Bontrager David N. Miller Indiana Logistics Inc. Laverne O. Borkholder David L. Nisley Ruben R. Hochstetler Carl Zook Michael M. Graber Alva Lengacher James & Sarah Delagrange Raymond L. Miller Mervin C. Hochstetler Sunrise Acres LLC Steven D. Miller Ervin D. Mast Dean Kronk Ernest L. Mast Dorvin Shaum Dave Kulp Perkins Twin Creek Farm Inc. Leland F. Lehman Naaman Martin Daniel D. Yoder Vernon R. Miller Rufus B. Zimmerman ** Harvey & Lamar Yoder Andrew E. Mast Verlin J. Yoder David E. Miller David L. Mast Daniel A. Bontrager Omer M. Miller Lamar J. Eash Marvin M. Shrock Jacob W. Weaver ** Ervin J. Lehman Paul W. Miller Richard O. Lambright John R. Weaver David H. Miller Henry J. Mullett Lavern D. Miller Elmer L. Schrock Marion & Marianne Mishler Ernest & Erma Wengerd Thaddaeus Coning Glen R. Mast Matthew D. Miller Floyd O. Bontrager

Justin Meyers Mervin A. Bontrager Orva & Naomi Hershberger Dewayne E. Mishler Gerald M. Martin Jonathan J. Yoder Joseph E. Miller Stanley Yoder Family Ben J. Herschberger Levi E. Miller Nathan E. Miller Herman F. Mast John A. Miller Clyde S. Miller Marion Nisley Allen Yoder Joni Borkholder Brent & Joan High

Deford/Clifford- Mayville Local Gold Meadow Muth Farms LLC

Buning Dairy Farm LLC Tacoma Dairy Inc. Gilde Farms LLC Booms Dairy LLC Edward & Darlene Gingrich Schooley Farm LLC Touchdown Dairy

Flint Local

Bronze Corner Oak Farm Cole Riverview Farms Inc. K & K Kern Farms LLC Frankenmuth Local Silver Dennis W. Hetzner Haubenstricker Dairy Farm LLC Thistle Dew Dairy Petzold Dairy Farms LLC ***** Eric J. Frahm

Bronze Greg & Tim Wolak Harmonie Farms LLC

Bronze Roger M. Weiss Wardin Brothers Dairy LLC * Richard R. Wardin Weber Family Dairy LLC Krafft Farms LLC Elkhorn Farms Inc.

Evart Local

Grand Rapids Local

Gold James A. Oudman * Van Polen Farms Michael L. Bosscher Dale A. Brinks Ronald J. Brinks Benthem Brothers Inc. Doddedale Farms *** Wirth Farms LLC Dick Haven Farms II LLC

Silver Fisk Farms Mark & Cheryl Richmond ***

Silver Keith & Jane Wood

Silver Leon Hamming Kevin P. Ardis Kerwin J. Hamming David L. Dezeeuw Harold, Matthew, Michael & Robert Cnossen Matthew & Kimberly Deruiter Hillside Dairy LLC Bronze Andrew & Joanna Stoll Firman & Ada Yoder Mark F. Diemer ***** Grindstone Farms LLC Lee's Woodland Farm LLC Bode Valley Farm Inc. Yonkman Dairy Dick Haven Farms I LLC Zuiderveen Farms LLC End Road Farm *****

Bronze Swift Dairy Farm Inc. T & G Dairy LLC Hawkins Dairy Stoney Hill Farm Inc. Klamer Farms Inc. Hillman Local Silver Risky Endeavor Dairy LLC Jerome Larson Skudlarek Dairy Farm LLC Christensen Farms Joseph P. Zbytowski Todd Hemmingson Bronze Michael & Kristina Gingrich Noffze Dairy Farm LLC Robert Hemmingson Werth Dairy LLC Lucas Dairy Farms LLC Butterwerth Dairy Farm LLC ** Eric & Janel Woodward Ervin Lee Yoder Chippewa Dairy LLC Nathan & Jodie Mitchell Harvey & Rosa Nissley

Hillsdale-Litchfield Local Silver

Drakeland Farms LLC Margro Farms Richard & Patricia Hawkins Bronze Easterday Dairy Farm Jeffrey & Marilyn Willson Ferris Farms Judith M. Poling Donald Lindsey Huron Local

Gold Oak River Dairy LLC Silver Starward Farm Zielland Farms William C. Mazure Bronze Robert & William Gehring Dian Volmering Loren J. Mazure Hornbacher Farms Eric & Ashley Kennedy R L S Dairy Inc. * Kundinger Farms Inc. David J. Leavine Rose Valley Dairy LLC Albert J. Gusa Prime Land Farm Jackson County Plus Local Silver Riske Farms *** Howe Farms Bronze Grand Valley Farms Williams Family Farm LLC Clona Farms LLC Choate's Belly Acres Kalamazoo Local Silver Webers Meadow LLC Melvin T. Puschel

Bronze Clearview Dairy Farm LLC Bernard Baker Victor Puschel Wamhoff Family Dairy Farm LLC Charles & Timothy Hood & Tamara Spicher Penney Farms * Cloverdale Farms LLC

FEBRUARY 2019 | MESSENGER

23

QUALITY AWARDS

Lansing Local

Mid-Sanilac Local

Owosso Local

Upstate Local

Bronze Chris, Kristina, Hans & Patricia Lamgmaack Sonray Acres Risch Farms Lyon Farm LLC Kubiak Family Farms Casey Moore *

Silver Muxlow Dairy Farm *** Timothy Mater Weaverland Farms Frederick & Candice Inbody Goma Dairy Farms LLC *

Silver Ritter Farms LLC David Sovis **

Gold Rubingh's Dairyland LLC

Livingston Charter Local Silver Bon-Tek Operations LLC Bronze Ives Farms Gramer Farms LLC Larry & Karen Adams Clarinda Farms LLC Donal Farm LLC White Dairy LLC

Bronze Welter Dairy Farms LLC Roger Markey Sharrard Farms LLC David Shoemaker Brown Brothers Farms LLC Radloff Dairy LLC Matthew J. Fischer Edward Joe Lawler ** Reba Zimmerman & Sons Thumb Knuckle Farms D & P Dairy LLC Mid-Thumb Local

Mid-Michigan Local Gold Steven C. Roth William C. Platte Silver Tumbleweed Dairy LLC Andrew J. Feldpausch Adkinson Farm * Schneider Dairy LLC Cornerstone II Dairy LLC Sanborn & Sons LLC Green Meadow Farms I Inc. Berlyn Acres II LLC Green Meadow Farms Inc. D & M Schrader Dairy LLC Samuel I Ramer * Steenblik Dairy Inc. Dutch Meadows Dairy LLC Bronze Hogan Dairy Farms LLC Joel & Samuel Brubaker Moriarty Farms H & H Dairy LLC Wieber Dairy LLC Stony Creek Dairy LLC Jeffry & Patricia Thelen Leroy & Stephanie Schafer Simon Dairy Farm LLC ** Evergreen Dairy Inc. Goodman Dairy Farm LLC Thelen Dairy Inc. Lew-Max LLC MSU Dairy - Dept Of Animal Science Riverview Dairy LLC T & H Dairy II * Leroy O. Zimmerman Diller Farms

24

MESSENGER | FEBRUARY 2019

Silver Susan K. Stewart Siegler Dairy Farm LLC Tracy & Theresa Sohn Bronze Lamb Dairy Farm Hudzinski Dairy Farm Muskegon Local Gold Dewey Farm LLC Sueann M. Higgins Koppenol Dairy Farms Inc. Silver Mark Rottier Stakenas Farms Inc. **** Larsen Farms Riverside Dairy LLC Bronze Orlie A. Miller Donald A. Beattie *** Sunglow Dairy LLC Stroven Dairy Farm Norris Dairy Farm Inc. Thurow Farms LLC Dan Mauer Dairy LLC Tri-R Farms LLC * Carson Acres LLC Albert Lee Tiles John & Kathryn Troyer Devon Miller J-Max LLC Slater Farms Baseline LLC

Bronze Reed Dairy Farm LLC Braid Farms Inc. Jason W. Szakal Saline-Ann Arbor Gold Lambarth Farms LLC Silver Horning Farms LLC Bronze Breuninger Farms LLC Sunrise Local Gold Bennett Dairy Farm LLC Anschuetz Dairy Farm LLC Cedar Lane Dairy Farms Circle K Farms Inc. *** Clemens Dairy Farm Inc. Mark R. Ramer Silver Lemajru Dairy Farm LLC * Weber Dairy Farms LLC Derek Brewer Gallagher Dairy Farm Inc. Bronze Keith & Emily Martin Reetz Dairy LLC Wenkel Farms W-R-L Daniels Farm LLC Timothy Hagley * Joseph E. Kauffman West End Dairy Inc. Ron Diehl Nicholas Clark Twin Dairy Double B Dairy Brad & Nicole Wren J & B Dairy LLC U.P. West Central Local Bronze Getz-Milk Dairy LLC Gary & Teresa Palosaari James & Connie Seefeldt Pirman Corner Farm Inc.

Silver Richard J. Fettig Stanek Farm Bronze Joseph & Mary Gingerich West Michigan Gold Dennis Raterink *** Silver Kuperus Dairy LLC Heritage Farms LLC **** Bronze Rolling Acres Dairy Farm LLC Arlyn J. Walt Pyle Dairy Farm Inc. Timothy Baker Robert & Donna Pepper Nienhuis Dairy Farm LLC *** Douglas, Lynn & Terry John & Philip Kuyers Welchkin Acres

YOUR DAIRY PROMOTION AT WORK

The year of 2018 saw many changes for the dairy industry, consumers, and the American Dairy Association Indiana (ADAI).

Thanks to partnerships, events, and conversations, ADAI piqued an interest in those consumers hungry for information. We are proud to show the public the real story of dairy thanks to our farmers producing a safe, nutritious product every day of the year. Check out some of our programs and people below, and connect with us at any time through social media, @INDairy!

STAFF FEATURE: JENNI BROWNING, CEO As of January 1, 2019, Jenni Browning, a 10-year ADAI veteran and previous Senior Director of Communications & Wellness, succeeds Deb Evans Osza, who retired at the end of 2018 after more than 40 years with the dairy association, as Chief Executive Officer.

Browning, a native of Anderson, Indiana JENNI BROWNING is a Ball State University graduate and has led initiatives in dietetics, nutrition and children’s health across the state. She resides in Carmel, Indiana with husband Greg and son Reed. “When I first joined ADAI a decade ago, my passion was focused on how dairy provides us with nutrition,” Browning said. “Over time, that passion transitioned to promoting the image of dairy farmers and their incredible dedication to their jobs. The amount of work that goes into putting food on our tables continues to astound me. It is quite an honor to be just a small part of feeding our community and the world.”

PARTNERSHIP UPDATE: INDIANA PACERS Right in time for basketball season, we kicked off the next level of engagement with Indiana’s professional basketball team, the Pacers. Milk is now available in concession stands throughout Bankers Life Fieldhouse! This gives all Pacers fans access to a delicious drink and highlights the nutritious benefits of milk.

The team is also celebrating the newly featured beverage in an out-of-this-world way. While visiting the main concourse, basketball fans can stop for a photo opportunity at our spacethemed installment featuring the essential nutrients that consumers need to fuel up with milk. You can even toast the Pacers with a built-in glass of milk! Additionally, Pacers mascot, Boomer, celebrated National Farmers Day by taking a photo in the backdrop and thanking farmers. By meeting consumers where they are, the dairy industry has a better chance of moving the needle on building trust and sales.

EVENT SPOTLIGHT: SUSTAINABLE NUTRITION Each year, ADAI hosts thought leaders at the Scientific Advisory Panel dinner– a meeting to discuss relationships between the dairy industry alongside important current events and issues.

This unique event combines farmers, scientists, nutritionists, educators, and researchers in an environment that DR. CHRIS CIFELLI leads to robust discussion and learning.

The November event focused on “Sustainable Nutrition” and featured speakers on dairy production practices, food insecurity, and nutrition research. Attendees were especially interested in hearing about both local sustainable farming practices and a global perspective on the role dairy plays in childhood nutrition. Dr. Chris Cifelli, vice president of Nutrition Research at the National Dairy Council, spoke at the Scientific Advisory Panel about nutrition research reflecting the benefits of dairy in the diet.

PACER’S MASCOT, BOOMER, SHOWS HIS LOVE FOR INDIANA DAIRY FARMERS

FEBRUARY 2019 | MESSENGER

25

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

Classifieds Policy Cost for classifieds is $25 for the first 35 words and then $5 for each additional word. Payment due with order. All ads must be received by the 10th of the month preceding desired month of publication. MMPA neither sponsors nor endorses products or services advertised in the Michigan Milk Messenger.

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

Call 517-647-7381.

DAVIDSON CEMENT GROOVING, INC: NO water needed. Wider, rougher grooves for better traction. We also offer texturing for your previously grooved floors. Three operators will travel Michigan and other states. No interest payment terms. Est. 1987. Call 1-800-365-3361.

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

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

A SURE WAY TO KEEP YOUR COWS UPRIGHT! Concrete grooving/ texturing provides high quality traction in new & old concrete, fast service. Call for your below pricing 989-635-1494. BLUE RIBBON HOOF TRIMMING, LLC. FOR SALE: NEW & USED MILK TANKS. We stock all sizes, makes, models.

Special prices to co-op members, corporate & private farms. Contact us anytime day or night. Spring special 2000 gal. Muellers for $13,900 & up.

2700 & 4000 gal. Muellers call for quote.

Call 800-558-0112.

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

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

SEED CORN - 85 Day “Minnesota 13” open pollinated, heirloom yellow field corn seed. Non-GMO, 80,000 viable seeds per bag. $95. High yield, high protein, fast dry down, great stalk strength. Free delivery available.

Visit JanksSeeds.com 989-284-5052.

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

NEW KATOLIGHT PTO GENERATOR, 60 KW, keep everyone warm and producing if there is a power outage.

Call Brent at 248-770-5122.

LEGENDAIRY. No bull.

Co-Products Menu

Soybean meal, canola meal, hominy, oat hulls, wheat midds, citrus pulp, malt sprouts, beet pulp, soybean hulls, cereal feed, cottonseed, distillers, gluten feed, wet feeds and more!

Non-GMO

products available

Contact merchandisers at ZFS, Inc: MI/IN/OH: 866.888.7082 WI: 800-523-6760 www.zfsinc.com/divisions/ingredients

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

26

MESSENGER | FEBRUARY 2019

MERCHANDISE

Freeliner Policy

New glove

The Freeliners column is open to current MMPA members who wish to advertise— at no charge—goods or services relating directly to their dairy farm operations.

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

• It will be published again for no more than two consecutive months only if the member resubmits the item by writing or calling the Novi office.

• Reference to a name of a firm or other commercial enterprise with which a member is involved will be deleted, with permission of the member.

Disposable milking gloves have become an indispensable part of good udder prep for many of our members.

Because of their importance, it is essential that they be cost effective as well. We have found an excellent addition to our disposable glove offerings.

The Showa Best 6110PF is a green nitrile glove that features Showa’s “Eco Best Technologies”. This is a powder free 4 mil glove. It is latex free and reduces the chance of allergic reactions. One of the best features of this glove, besides its affordability, is that it is 100% biodegradable! This is an important step forward as sustainability is becoming so important.

• 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.

We had some of our members test the quality of this glove and their positive response have led us to the decision to replace the N-Dex line with this glove. We feel it is of better quality and features considerable cost savings. Therefore, when our current stock of N-Dex is depleted we will replace it with the Showa 6110PF glove. If you have any questions about this glove or any other merchandise questions, please contact us at the Merchandise warehouse.

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

DESCRIPTION

SIZE

5081

SHOWA 6110PF

SMALL

$8.19

5082

SHOWA 6110PF

MED

$8.19

5083

SHOWA 6110PF

LG

$8.19

5084

SHOWA 6110PF

XL

$8.19

FREELINERS

STOCK NUMBER

MEMBER PRICE

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

Cows Looking for more butterfat & protein?

Have 45 purebred Jersey cows for sale.

2/3 of herd in 1st & 2nd lactation. Mostly fresh December, January & February.

Serious inquiries only. 260-593-0282 ext. 2.

Equipment Weaver Crowd Gate, excellent condition-only 5 years old, for 21 ft. holding area, has lifting gate. Best offer. 810-241-8999.

Milking Equipment 3000g Dairy Kool Milk Tank. Includes wash equipment and chart recorder.

Has (2) 3ph cooling units that are approx. 3 years old that can be sold with or without tank. Very good condition. 231-510-4978.

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: » 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

FEBRUARY 2019 | MESSENGER

27

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. 28

MESSENGER | FEBRUARY 2019

the farm bulk tank is of poor quality they who will authorize milk in the tank to be their own, they must be sure to take the stick reading and record the number of pounds of milk, and report the information to the member representative.

If the milk is dumped, the member will be paid 75% of the value of the tank of milk involved.* In order to receive payment for an added water voluntary dump, the member must install a Swingline Safety Switch.

The Swingline Safety Switch can be ordered from the Mt. Pleasant warehouse.

The MMPA member representative will verify the switch has been installed.

Reimbursement for the Swingline Safety Switch and the voluntary dump will then be made to the member.

The member assumes all liability for losses incurred as a result of shipping poor quality or contaminated milk.

MILK SHIPPED – HIGH BACTERIA COUNT IF a load of milk is received (unloaded) at a dairy processing plant AND IF a sample from the load has a bacteria count of 300,000 or more AND IF testing of the individual member samples on that load identifies the member or members having a bacteria count of 300,000 or more…

THEN the member or members involved will be charged the value of one-half of one day’s production** and will be disqualified for raw and PI bacteria count premiums. *The member will only be paid for two (2) voluntary dumps in a rolling 12 month period. ** For members using more than one bulk tank, the assessment will be based on the value of milk in the tank or tanks in violation of the MMPA quality policy.

AND IF the milk cannot be sold through normal Grade A channels for reasons of quality which results in the load being sold or disposed of at a loss to MMPA AND IF testing of the individual member samples on that load identifies the member or members that caused the contamination or rejection of the load THEN the member or members responsible will be charged the full value of the loss to MMPA plus transportation and disposal costs, and be disqualified for raw and PI bacteria count premiums.

MMPA will provide an invoice to the member for the amount of the loss, to be submitted to the member’s insurance carrier. MMPA must receive settlement on the invoice within 90 days of issuance. If settlement is not made within 90 days, the full amount of the invoice will be deducted from the next milk check unless other settlement arrangements are made.

If a member has three or more occurrences within 12 consecutive months, that member must appear before the MMPA board of directors to review steps taken on the farm to correct the quality problem which will enable MMPA to continue to market the milk for this member.

MILK HAULERS A hauler whose entire load sample exceeds 300,000 cfu per mL bacteria count will be charged the amount of an average shipment on that load if the individual member samples all are less than 100,000 cfu per mL.

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

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

QUALITY PREMIUMS

MMPA Quality Premium Program

MMPA Member Testing Fees

SOMATIC CELL COUNT (SCC) PREMIUMS AND DEDUCTIONS

Payment for testing will be made through

Somatic Cell Count premiums and deductions

All costs are listed per individual sample.

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

an automatic milk check deduction.

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

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

• Culture for Streptococcus agalactiae

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

• Strep non ag

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

• Staphylococcus aureus

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• coagulase negative staph • gram negative and/or SCC

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

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

All costs are listed per individual sample.

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

__________________________

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

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

• Johne’s Milk Test

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

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

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

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

• Bovine Leukosis Test

• Positive drug residue

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

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

__________________________

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

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

previous three months for raw bacteria count.

__________________________

Member name:

producer has received the quality premium the

Loc/Hlr/Producer #

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

A high raw count deduction will be waived if the

Refer to fee schedule to the left for current pricing.

The cost of testing is the responsibility of the producer.

Sample Date: ADDITIONAL TESTS AVAILABLE:

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

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

through your MMPA member representative.

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

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

NORTHSTAR MI LABORATORIES

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

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

__________________________ Sample ID: __________________________ __________________________ __________________________ __________________________

n BLV ELISA n Johne’s ELISA

• Raw Bacteria count over 100,000

LAB TEST RESULTS BY MAIL – $2/MONTH

The count levels for raw and PI will be determined

All tests must be scheduled through your

n Johne’s PCR

on one test run per month.

MMPA member representative or the

• #3 or #4 sediment

laboratory for proper sample submission

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

n Pregnancy

protocol. Lab form provided below for your convenience.

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

provided to you, please contact

requirements of European Union certification

the MMPA laboratory in Novi

for SCC which is an average of 400,000 or

at 800-572-5824.

less calculated by a rolling geometric mean.

FEBRUARY 2019 | MESSENGER

29

MARKET REPORT Editor’s Note The Market Report that is typically published every month in the Michigan

2019 DISTRICT DELEGATE MEETINGS FOCUSED. DISTRICT

Milk Messenger lists information reported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agriculture Statistics Service (nass.usda.gov).

Due to a lapse in federal funding, information about milk marketed in the month of December 2018 was not available at press time.

DATE

UNITED.

TIME LOCATIONSTRONGER.

Thurs., Feb. 21 11:00 a.m.

1

Mon., Feb. 18 11:00 a.m.

2

Mon., Feb. 18 11:00 a.m.

3

Fri., Feb. 22 11:00 a.m.

4

Tues., Feb. 19 11:00 a.m.

5

Mon., Feb. 4 11:00 a.m.

6

Wed., Feb. 20 10:15 a.m.

7

Wed., Feb. 20 11:00 a.m.

8

Gene Davis Banquet Center 3575 Francis Street, Jackson Blue Gate Restaurant 195 N. Van Buren St., Shipshewana, IN Russ’ Restaurant 1499 E. River Road, Muskegon Audie’s Restaurant 314 Nicolet Street, Mackinaw City New Hope United Methodist Church 7296 Nine Mile Road, Remus Agro-Liquid Fertilizers 1130 S. DeWitt Road, St. Johns Valley Plaza Resort 5221 Bay City Road, Midland Woodland Hills Gulf Club 320 N. Gates Road, Sandusky

y r i a D revenue protection

Farm Bureau Insurance of Michigan, has been named MMPA’s RECOMMENDED INSURANCE PROVIDER for Dairy Revenue Protection Insurance.

American Farm Bureau Federation in cooperation with American Farm Bureau Services, Inc. developed this new policy to protect your farm from unexpected declines in milk prices and production. Our team of dedicated Crop Insurance Specialists are ready to explain this policy and illustrate what it can do for your farm.

Protect your farm today by calling (800) 544-CROP for more information or to locate a Crop Insurance Specialist near you!

RECOMMENDED PROVIDER

30

MESSENGER | FEBRUARY 2019

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 Emily Peacock, Otisville......................................248-826-7243

South Area Supervisor Dave Brady, Grass Lake......................................517-937-9061

Chief Financial Officer Josep Barenys......................................................... ext. 240 Hedging and Business Development Aaron Beak............................................................. ext. 256 Quality Sudeep Jain............................................................ ext. 249

Josep Barenys, Asst. Treasurer

Sales James Feeney.......................................................... ext. 258 Laboratory Supervisor Patti Huttula........................................................... ext. 219 Manufacturing Kaylan Kennel............................................... 248-880-5413 Human Resources Kelly Kerrigan......................................................... ext. 301 Member Services Dean Letter................................................... 989-289-9251

Communications Allison Stuby Miller................................................. ext. 296 Krista Schrock............................................... 269-986-6792

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

Controller Shelly Sowers.......................................................... ext. 259 Supply Chain Therese Tierney....................................................... ext. 217 Member Relations Jessica Welch.......................................................... ext. 303

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

Kris Wardin, Vice President

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

Other Member Services

Sustainability Coordinator Kendra Kissane, Byron Center...........................248-880-4234

Ken Nobis, President

Eric Frahm, Treasurer

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

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

Officers

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

Joe Packard, Manchester...................................248-520-3481 Anna Tucker, Mt. Gilead, OH.............................248-533-2288 Brandon Ewers, Coldwater ...............................231-414-4539

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

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.

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 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

FEBRUARY 2019 | MESSENGER

31

P.O. Box 8002 Novi, MI 48376

YOUNG COOPERATOR TOUR MARCH 27-28, 2019 JOIN US FOR A TWO-DAY BUS TRIP TO THE SIMPLE WAY OF LIFE! DAY ONE we will travel by bus to Constantine, Michigan to tour the MMPA processing plant, enjoy an authentic Amish dinner at an Amish family farm and overnight at the Blue Gate Inn located in Shipshewana, Indiana.

DAY TWO will begin with breakfast and conversation with MMPA leadership and a tour of Heritage Ridge Creamery located in Middlebury, Indiana. Our trip will conclude with a farm tour of Hood Farms Family Dairy in Paw Paw, Michigan.

REGISTER ONLINE: conta.cc/2RoNb1U Or call 248-471-2135.

Space is limited to the first 50 people.

HOTEL RESERVATIONS: 800-545-4725 MORE INFORMATION: mimilk.com/YCTour

MIMILK.COM

HOOD

FARMS

AMIS

H H F AMISM ARM FAR AMISH AMISH AMISH FARM FARM FARM

HOOFARMS HOOD HOOD FARMS D FARM HOOD FARMS S