Twelve years after purchasing the heifer that went onto become their herd’s foundation, Drew and Beth Rupprecht, 2022 MMPA Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperators, are dialing in and making small changes to find success in their operation and set it up for the next generation to come.
Life has a way of working itself out in some of the most unexpected ways. For Duane Farmer, his job out of high school turned into a lifelong career that’s recently culminated with being named 2022 Michigan Fieldperson of the Year.
Wi th 32 years of experience working at Michigan Milk Producers Association in the Novi Laboratory, Teresa Farmer was recognized with the 2022 Industry Service Award for her dedication to Michigan dairy farmers.
and that comes back to our practices on the farm. I’m enrolled in as many
“For
as possible, including the Cover Crop Project, because I want to be part of the solution and not the problem. Cover cropping isn’t the only solution, but it’s a large part of it.”
producing quality dairy cattle on pg. 16.
I also met with Duane and Teresa Farmer, a powerhouse couple who have collectively given 70 years of service to MMPA. Duane currently works at MMPA’s Farm Supply Store and was named the Michigan Fieldperson of the Year. Teresa works in MMPA’s Novi Laboratory and received the Industry Service Award. You can read about their successes on pages 20 and 23.
MMPA’s success and quality achievements are a product of member’s and employee’s willingness to show up, share ideas and make improvements. Stories inside this issue feature that. Local meeting dates where MMPA members can participate in our grassroots cooperative structure are on page 14, and a recap of MMPA’s successful Cover Crop Field Day where farmers shared ideas for cover crops on their operations is on page 11. There’s also an overview of the proposed changes to the Federal Milk Marketing Order approved unanimously by the National Milk Producers Federation board (pg. 12). Making small improvements is what it takes to set the future up for success!
VOL. 105 / NO. 3
Milk Messenger (USPS # 345-320) is published bimonthly by the Michigan Milk Producers Association, 41310 Bridge Street, Novi, MI 48376-8002. Periodicals postage paid at Novi and additional mailing offices.
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For years, the Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) has navigated our member-owners growth while maintaining financial strength in order to react to the evolving dairy environment. It’s critically important to have a strong, fiscally responsible cooperative that is capable of being there for members by looking
One great example from this year is the acquisition of Superior Dairy in Canton, Ohio. With our shared values and vision, the acquisition has allowed us to come together to actively engage in the process of servicing an industry in need of continuous advancement. We will accomplish this by exploring and creating added-value products and technologies through innovations. By having an engaged and active board of directors who constantly seek new opportunities, all members should have confidence in the direction of our cooperative. As we move forward, we are continuing to look for more ways to service the marketplace, utilizing the creativity and different organizational aptitudes that came with the acquisition.
We can’t capitalize on serving the marketplace without dedicated employees committed to our shared goals. MMPA’s key assets aren’t just our manufacturing presence and equipment used to produce the products, but also the many employees who work on our members’ behalf. Just like the dedication we witnessed during the pandemic, we’ve seen a seamless transition throughout the acquisition with our employees staying committed to our mission and our vision. While we’ve had challenges like anybody in the marketplace with securing labor, we’ve also seen remarkable commitment from the employees who have been a part of this organization to keep our business moving forward. As we look into the future, it will not only take employees to advance our organization, but the innovations they seek out and
In the marketplace, 2022 has been a different year. We have transitioned from a market saturated with excess milk to a tighter milk supply causing increased competition in the dairy landscape. Today’s environment has given us the ability to relook at how we service the marketplace, including reviewing the use of our new assets: Creative Edge and Superior Dairy. As we move forward, with the many consolidations that have taken place over the last couple years, servicing the market will be much different than it has been in the past.
Through efforts in 2022, we’ve grown our footprint to accommodate voids caused by consolidation, diversified our product mix to rely less on volatile commodity markets, and addressed consumer desires in the process. We’re looking forward to continuing those efforts in 2023, along with investing in technology and product mixes that require us to think outside of the box, take some risks and make room for further growth. Partnerships will be key for our success in the future and I’m excited for what’s to come. I can’t say enough how important it is to be mindful and thankful for all of those that work together to generate the results that we have. The team that works on behalf of MMPA members and owners is a great team and I’m excited to share more of the good work with you in the future and for many years to come.
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MMPA’s active participation in the sustainability space has resulted in increased interest and opportunities for further involvement and partnerships with customers and NGOs. MMPA is excited to present a new opportunity for our members that has been vetted by our Farmer Sustainability Advisory Committee and approved by the board of directors. We’re happy to introduce the Feed in Focus (FIF) program and open enrollment.
This program focuses on promoting practices that improve crop production and feed efficiency with the intent to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through improved productivity. It allows farms to try new practices or revisit practices with limited financial risk. Each farm can tailor the program to fit the needs of their operation with a menu approach of practice options.
As a cooperative, MMPA seeks to provide opportunities to our members to try new practices in a lower risk manner. These projects also give our customers and consumers the additional confidence that our member farms are willing to participate in implementing practices that mitigate environmental impact.
As the Conservation Associate with The Nature Conservancy (TNC), a large part of my role is to implement the Dairy FIF, a new and innovative program for dairy farmers in Michigan.
The FIF program was launched in 2021 by TNC, in partnership with Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy and Syngenta, to support U.S. Dairy’s Net Zero Initiative. FIF’s goal is to create a replicable program that helps scale the adoption of sustainability practices on farms of all shapes and sizes. FIF offers incentives that differentiates this program from others. In addition to a suite of in-field and edge-of-field practices, we also offer incentives for eco-friendly improvements to dairy feed rations. This includes the use of feed additives/ ingredients to increase efficiency, which will ultimately reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
I work with individual farms to help tailor these practices and incentives to their specific needs. I truly believe dairy farmers want to be as environmentally sustainable as they can, and this program can clear the technical and financial hurdles holding them back from adopting some of these advanced practices.
To learn more about how we interact with farmers in Michigan please visit soilsavings.com.
Eric Frahm Feed in Focus Program Participant, MMPA Board Treasurer
Like most farmers, we have always had a goal to leave our farm and the environment better for the next generations. This has been true for us and most farms long before the buzzword of sustainability came in the spotlight. We decided to participate with The Nature Conservancy’s Feed in Focus program because of their genuine desire to help improve the environment and the flexibility with their practices. They are not using sustainability as a marketing tool.
We are working on several practices including updating our Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP) with grid soil sampling, starting a cover crop program including using cover crops in our sugar beet rotation, and changing feed additives to try Agolin. While we will not be able to verify if Agolin can reduce enteric methane emissions at the farm level, the cost share incentive does help reduce the risk of using a new product.
Our customers are interested in partnering with us to help achieve their own sustainability goals, along with MMPA’s. I encourage members interested in implementing different sustainable practices to reach out to Sarah Michalek and see which current MMPA projects are the right fit for you.
Dairy Care Academy is ONLINE, ON DEMAND! Help your farm meet training requirements for the FARM program by accessing the on-demand, FARM program compliant online training platform. The curriculum covers six different topics and is available for unlimited use whenever a new employee is hired, retraining is necessary or simply to brush up on your skills. Watch videos, complete a quiz and receive a printable certificate for each of the following topics:
(PHOTO
MICHIGAN MILK
(MMPA) MEMBERS GATHERED ON OCT. 18 TO LEARN MORE ABOUT COVER CROPS FROM FARMER PANELISTS AND MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY (MSU) EXTENSION EXPERTS.
Hosted at Jem-Lot Dairy in Westphalia, Michigan, the half-day program included a field tour, lunch and a farmer panel. Participants learned about seed selection for forage and conventional cover crops, manure management, planting and harvesting methods, and
the practical application of cover crops in a dairy crop rotation.
“The MMPA Cover Crop Field Day showcased the sustainability efforts taking place on MMPA member farms and provided an educational opportunity to hear about each other’s experiences and lessons learned with cover crops,” MMPA Board Chairman Doug Chapin said.
Since 2020, MMPA has partnered with Barry-Callebaut and Unilever’s brand Breyers in a Cover Crop Project to study and share the feasibility of cover crop
on dairy operations. As an extension of the Cover Crop Project, the Cover Crop Field Day included a panel of MMPA members who have participated in the project.
“For MMPA’s customers, sustainability is driven by consumers and that comes back to our practices on the farm,” James Weber, MMPA member and Cover Crop Project participant, shared on the panel. “I’m enrolled in as many sustainability projects as possible, including the Cover Crop Project, because I want to be part of the solution and not the problem. Cover cropping isn’t the only solution, but it’s a large part of it.”
As reported in MMPA’s 2021 Cooperative Social Responsibility Report, 62% of MMPA farms utilize cover crops and the field day builds on MMPA’s sustainability mission to continually strive for a more sustainable future. For more information about the Cover Crop Field Day, Cover Crop Project and MMPA’s sustainability commitment, visit mimilk.com/cover-crops.
“The MMPA Cover Crop Field Day showcased the sustainability efforts taking place on MMPA member farms and provided an educational opportunity to hear about each other’s experiences and lessons learned with cover crops.”
MILK
ENDORSED A PROPOSAL TO MODERNIZE THE FEDERAL MILK MARKETING ORDER MILK-PRICING SYSTEM AT ITS ANNUAL MEETING IN DENVER.
“Dairy is positioned to be a trusted anchor in an uncertain world,” said NMPF Chairman Randy Mooney in remarks at the meeting, part of a joint event held by NMPF, the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board and the United Dairy Industry Association. “Together we can seize opportunities to feed the world. Our product is on of the most nutritionally valuable foods available. We create vibrant rural communities that keep America strong by helping to retain local schools, build energy independence, preserve the environment, and ensure food security for everyone.”
Central to discussions – after more than 100 meetings over the past year – were recommendations developed on federal milk pricing. NMPF’s Board of Directors endorsed a proposal that:
• Restores the “higher of” Class I mover;
• Discontinues including barrel cheese in the protein component price formula;
• Extends the current 30-day reporting limit to 45 days on forward priced sales on Nonfat Dry Milk and dry whey to capture more exports sales in the USDA product price reporting;
• Updates milk component factors for protein, other solids and nonfat solids in the Class III and Class IV skim milk price formulas;
• Develops a process to ensure makeallowances are reviewed more frequently through legislation directing USDA to conduct mandatory plant-cost studies every two years; and
• Updates dairy product manufacturing allowances contained in the USDA milk price formulas.
NMPF continues work on the Class I milk price surface as it examines information on county-level Class I price differentials. That work is expected to be completed later this year. Any final proposal will be reviewed by the organization before it’s submitted to USDA to be considered for a federal order hearing.
“We have made tremendous progress and are moving forward with the strong level of consensus in the producer community that we will need to achieve our goals of modernization,” said NMPF President and CEO Jim Mulhern. “We’ve had many challenging conversations that were important to getting to a national consensus because of the regional nature of federal milk orders. But the give and take that’s needed to get to anything important done will place the entire industry on a sounder footing, creating a lasting benefit for all.”
“Together we can seize opportunities to feed the world. Our product is one of the most nutritionally valuable foods available. We create vibrant rural communities that keep America strong by helping to retain local schools, build energy independence, preserve the environment, and ensure food security for everyone.”
Dairy producers can now enroll for 2023 coverage through the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) Program, an important safety net program from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that helps producers manage changes in milk and feed prices. Last year, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) took steps to improve coverage, especially for smalland mid-sized dairies, including offering a new Supplemental DMC program and updating its feed cost formula to better address retroactive, current and future feed costs. These changes continue to support producers through this year’s signup, which ends Dec. 9, 2022. “Dairy producers are the backbone of many agricultural communities across rural America,” FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux said. “Dairy Margin Coverage provides critical assistance to our nation’s small- and mid-sized dairies, helping make sure they can manage the numerous and often unpredictable uncertainties that adversely impact market prices for milk. This year showed why enrolling in DMC makes good business sense. Early in the year, some economists predicted that
DMC would not trigger any payments for the calendar year, but then fast forward to now, when we’re starting to see payments trigger and a return on investment.”
DMC is a voluntary risk management program that offers protection to dairy producers when the difference between the all-milk price and the average feed price (the margin) falls below a certain dollar amount selected by the producer.
So far in 2022, DMC payments to more than 17,000 dairy operations have triggered for August for more than $47.9 million. According to DMC margin projections, an indemnity payment is projected for September as well.
DMC offers different levels of coverage, even an option that is free to producers, aside from a $100 administrative fee. Limited resource, beginning, socially disadvantaged or a military veteran farmers or ranchers are exempt from paying the administrative fee, if requested. To determine the appropriate level of DMC coverage for a specific dairy operation, producers can use the online dairy decision tool.
DISTRICT 1
Art Riske 517-524-6015
Clark Emmons 419-466-4471
Samantha Mamarow ........................ 734-845-6275
Eric Bleich 517-204-0677 Dan Minnis 517-719-5894
DISTRICT 2
Danny Ransler 269-998-3802
Josh Gamble 574-360-7828
Richard Thomas 574-202-5198
Mark Crandall ................................... 269-660-2229
Michael Oesch 574-825-2454
DISTRICT 3
Burke Larsen ..................................... 231-425-8988
Jonathan Acker 616-648-7037
Max Carlson 231-638-2183
Arden Eadie 616-550-3875
Gary Nelsen 231-834-7610
DISTRICT 4
Ron Lucas 989-379-4694
Dave Folkersma 906-630-1957
Jonathon Miller ................................ 906-287-0746
Marvin Rubingh 425-533-8106
Russ Tolan 989-471-2993
DISTRICT 5
Jack Jeppesen 989-330-1905
Trevor Bollinger ................................ 989-621-2981
Mark Bontekoe 231-510-0764
John Black 231-846-7252
Amy Martin ...................................... 231-388-0496
DISTRICT 6
Steve Thelen ..................................... 989-640-1075
Renee McCauley 616-283-6411
Last year, USDA introduced Supplemental DMC, which provided $42.8 million in payments to better help small- and mid-sized dairy operations that had increased production over the years but were not able to enroll the additional production.
Supplemental DMC is also available for 2023.
Supplemental DMC coverage is applicable to calendar years 2021, 2022 and 2023. Eligible dairy operations with less than 5 million pounds of established production history may enroll supplemental pounds.
For producers who enrolled in Supplemental DMC in 2022, the supplemental coverage will automatically be added to the 2023 DMC contract that previously established a supplemental production history.
Producers who did not enroll in Supplemental DMC in 2022 can do so now. Producers should complete their Supplemental DMC enrollment before enrolling in 2023 DMC. To enroll, producers will need to provide their 2019 actual milk marketings, which FSA uses to determine established production history.
For more information on DMC or to enroll, contact your local USDA Service Center.
Ken Wieber 989-292-1187
David Reed ....................................... 989-274-8147
Brad Ritter 586-405-4749
DISTRICT 7
Chris Daniels 989-240-5031
Doug Stevens 989-330-1013
Jason Elenbaum ................................ 989-274-1974
James Weber 989-297-1850
Rodney Fowler 989-302-2299
DISTRICT 8
Mike Noll 810-404-4071
Rob Rowley 810-305-2771
Gary Protzman 989-551-7490
Darwin Sneller 989-977-3718
Bill Blumerich ................................... 810-706-2955
The information listed below was available at press time. All members will receive complete meeting details in the invitation from their local.
CITY TIME
Adrian Local 12/14/2022 Hartland Farms Clayton 12:00 p.m.
Alma Local 1/11/2023 Douglass Township Hall
Stanton 12:00 p.m.
Barry-Eaton Local 12/10/2022 Baseline United Methodist Church Battle Creek 11:00 a.m.
Blossomland Local 1/13/2023 Koebel Family Farm Three Oaks 12:00 p.m.
Chippewa County Local 12/8/2022 Rudyard Christian Reformed Church Rudyard 1:00 p.m. Clare-Mt. Pleasant Local 1/13/2023 Clare Church of the Nazarene Clare 11:30 a.m.
Constantine Local 1/14/2023 Siloam Fellowship, 61616 CR 35 Goshen, IN 10:00 a.m. Deford/Clifford-Mayville Local 1/16/2023 Spring of Life Community Church Mayville 12:00 p.m.
Evart Local 1/12/2023 Richland Town Hall McBain 11:00 a.m.
Frankenmuth Local 1/10/2023 Warenhaus Studio Frankenmuth 12:00 p.m.
Hillman Local 12/9/2022 Twin Acres 19th Hole Alpena 11:30 a.m.
Hillsdale-Litchfield Local 1/10/2023 Olivia's Chop House Jonesville 12:00 p.m. Huron Local 1/14/2023 Huron County Farm Bureau Building Bad Axe 12:30 p.m.
Jackson County Plus Local 1/18/2023 Gene Davis, 3575 Francis Street Jackson 12:00 p.m.
Kalamazoo Local 12/7/2022 Four Roses Café Plainwell 11:00 a.m.
Livingston Charter/Owosso Locals 12/7/2022 Durand VFW Durand 12:00 p.m.
Mid-Michigan Local 12/15/2022 Plattes Pizzeria Westphalia 11:00 a.m.
Mid-Sanilac Local 1/12/2023 Liberty Lanes Sandusky 12:00 p.m.
Mid-Thumb Local 1/18/2023 Kip Siegler's Shed Imlay City 11:30 a.m.
Saline-Ann Arbor Local 1/17/2023 Mamarow Farm Saline 12:30 p.m.
Sunrise Local 12/13/2022 Buck's Country Cookin' West Branch 12:00 p.m.
Superior Local 12/15/2022 Dutch Kitchen Dalton, OH 12:00 p.m.
U.P. West Central Local 12/7/2022 Jack’s Rapid River 10:00 a.m.
Upstate Local 12/13/2022 Chain-O -Lakes Orthodox Presbyterian Church Center Lake 11:00 a.m.
West Michigan Local 1/12/2023 Lakes 23 Restaurant & Pub
Fremont 12:30 p.m.
During the local meetings held by each local last year, the following officers were selected to lead their local throughout the year.
DISTRICT 1
Adrian Local
President: Chad Hart V. President: Nick Hart Sec./Treas.: Clark Emmons Dairy Communicators: Geraldine Emmons, Joy Marvin, Maria Marvin, Jeff Marvin
Hillsdale-Litchfield Local
President/Sec./Treas.: Brad Smith Dairy Communicators: Jennifer Lewis, Carol Marz-Evans
Jackson County Plus Local
President: Daniel Minnis V. Pres./Sec./ Treas.: Arthur Riske
Saline-Ann Arbor Local
President: Samantha Mamarow V. President: Neil Weidmeyer Sec./Treas.: Mason Horning Dairy Communicators: Samantha Mamarow, Lynda Horning, Katelyn Packard
Barry-Eaton Local
President: Brad Crandall V. President: Thomas Wing Sec./Treas.: Heather Wing Dairy Communicator: Gloria Crandall
Blossomland Local
President: Heather Carpenter V. President/Sec./Treas.: Joshua Gamble
Dairy Communicator: Heather Carpenter
Constantine Local
President: Jesse Ramer V. President: Mike Martin Sec./ Treas.: Richard Thomas Dairy Communicator: Cynthia Adam
Kalamazoo Local
President: Craig Newland V. President: Garrett Bartholomew Sec./Treas.: Danny Ransler Dairy Communicator: Tamara Spicher
DISTRICT 3
West Michigan Local
Acting Secretary: Jonathan Acker
DISTRICT 4
Chippewa County Local
President: David Folkersma Sec./ Treas.: Jonathan Miller Dairy Communicators: Anne Folkersma, Diane Miller
Hillman Local
President: Ronald Lucas V. President: Russell Tolan Secretary: Connie Lucas Treasurer: Ronald Lucas Dairy Communicators: Amy Bodnick, Connie Lucas, Michelle Lucas
Upstate Local
President: Marvin Rubingh V. President: Wilson Boss Sec./Treas.: Richard Fettig
U.P. West Central Pres./Sec./Treas.: Galen Vandrese
Alma Local
President: John Black V. President: Michael Rasmussen Sec./Treas.: Jack Jeppesen Dairy Communicators: Cheryl Chapin, Ramona Okkema Evart Local President: Gordon Dick V. President: Bill Benson Sec./Treas.: Amy Martin Dairy Communicator: Amy Martin
DISTRICT 6
Livingston Charter Local
President: Scott Bontekoe V. President: Charles White Sec./Treas.: Janet White Dairy Communicator: Jodi Hill
President: John Hufnagel V. President: Leroy Schafer Sec./Treas.: Thomas Cook Dairy Communicators: Renee McCauley, Patti Jandernoa, Carla Wardin, Doreen Slavik
Owosso Local
President: Brad Ritter V. President: James Anibal Sec./Treas.: David Reed Dairy Communicator: Shauna Weil
DISTRICT 7
Clare-Mt. Pleasant Local Pres./Sec./Treas.: Douglas Stevens Deford/Clifford-Mayville Local
President: Jason Elenbaum V. President: Keith Wood Sec./Treas.: Jason Elenbaum
Dairy Communicators: Jane Wood, Katie Schumacker, Kaila Wood, Wendy Bodeis
Frankenmuth Local
President: James Weber V. President: Eric Frahm Sec./Treas.: Robert Krafft
Dairy Communicators: Joanmarie Weiss, Amy Bergdolt, Debra Krafft
Sunrise Local
President: John Bennett V. President: Jeremy Beebe Secretary: Christopher Daniels Treasurer: Kyle Bennett
DISTRICT 8
Huron Local
President: Gary Protzman V. President: Andy Zagata Sec./Treas.: Ashley Kennedy
Dairy Communicators: Ashley Kennedy, Shelly Messing
Mid-Sanilac Local
President: Michael Noll
Secretary: Sara Lee
Treasurer: Dennis Lee Dairy Communicators: Sara Lee, Jordan Noll, Gertie van den Goor
President: Patrick Bolday V. President: Kip Siegler Sec./Treas.: Kristie Lamb Dairy Communicators: Kristie Lamb, Kip Siegler, Virginia Ankley, Patrick Bolday, Kathleen Clinton
Nearly every college graduate has one story about a wild night or an unforgettable memory that forever changed the trajectory of their life. The memories are typically set in scenes of college parties and dorms - not in dairy sale barns like
it is in the case for Drew and Beth Rupprecht, the 2022 MMPA Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator (OYDC) Runners-Up.
“I went to Michigan State University and I joined Dairy Club, because I didn’t know anything about cows, and that’s where I met Drew,” Beth recalled. “I went with him to a couple shows and then I bought my own heifer that I kept at his family’s place. It’s like getting a dog together, only bigger, and it’s not that easy to move it.”
The comedy is quickly humbled by the fact that 12 years later, that heifer is the foundation of their now 65-cow herd on Thistle Dew Dairy in Vassar, Michigan, at the original Rupprecht homestead established in 1865.
“My parents had a dairy, but they sold out in 2004,” Drew said. “When I met Beth, we started showing more and our cows started to multiply. At one point we had 15 milk cows out on six different people’s farms and it got to the point where we either had to reduce the herd size or milk cows.”
They chose to milk cows and Drew quit his post-college job as an MMPA field representative to begin dairying full time. Since Drew’s family had always intended to return to dairying, the equipment was left behind and was in good condition.
“I took the opportunity when it came to fix the barn back up and I bought 10 head to start out milking 30 cows,” Drew said. “We took some of the stanchions out and made them into calf pens on the north side of the barn and used ten stalls as a flat parlor. We reran the highline too because I don't know how it ever washed the way it was run before.”
Drew’s experience as an MMPA field representative prepared them well, with Beth pointing out that many of the renovations and upgrades were a consequence of having a “fieldman turned dairy farmer.” Wanting more flexibility in their schedules as their family was growing, Drew and Beth installed a Lely A3 milking robot that went into operation in 2019.
“We've talked to a lot of people who are looking at getting robots and while it looks like we have so much free time, it's not free time, it's different time,” Beth said. “It’s more flexible time so I can pick my kids up from school and go to their ball games, but it’s not less work.”
The robot has been a good addition to their farm and they’re working to continue finding efficiencies, with a major breakthrough happening just this summer.
“There aren’t a lot of mixed herds that operate in robots so accommodating our Holsteins and our Jerseys required us to figure out where that sweet spot is,” Beth said. “After two years of trying to figure out the little differences between the two breeds, we finally figured it out this summer.”
Drew and Beth analyzed the robot’s data to make small adjustments to the nutrition and milk access the different breeds had to the robot. Within days, their changes resulted in their herd jumping from an average of 2.5 milkings per day to 3.4 milkings per day, and their Jersey herd is milking an average five pounds more per day than before.
“One thing we’ve learned through this process is that we know our farm best and we need to go with our gut,” Beth said. “We know when something’s not right and we recognize that there are experts who have extensive training, but our setup is not traditional with
“
One thing we’ve learned … is that we know our farm best and we need to go with our gut. …
We’re getting better at going with our gut because we know our cows.”DREW AND BETH RUPPRECHT
the open barnyard and being a mixed herd. We’re getting better at going with our gut because we know our cows.”
These small changes to their operation are happening in all areas and sustainability is at the forefront of their efforts. Along with being a 100% no-till operation, the Rupprechts have been using cover crops to provide forage for their heifers and dry cows.
Drew’s passionate about registered dairy cattle and creating high type functioning cows. In the past two years, Drew began aAa analyzing his cows to make mating choices in conjunction with typical trait analysis. The aAa analysis is based on six categories that looks at structural balance and internal functionality of the cows.
I,” Drew admits. “I’d say a big goal of ours is to have our operation set up in a way where, when our kids get to that point in their life, there’s something for them to work at if they want to.”
We’re tinkering and dialing things in. We’re finding more sustainable and better ways to do things to become more efficient.”
“We’re tinkering and dialing things in,” Drew said. “We’re finding more sustainable and better ways to do things to become more efficient.” Beth added, “We spent the first five years getting the farm where we wanted it, and now we are honing in and capitalizing on our efficiencies by making those little changes.”
Another change the Drew has made is to their farm’s breeding program.
“I'm still breeding for type, I'm just trying to mesh in more health traits, balance and longevity,” Drew said. “In my mind, if aAa is another tool to make a better cow, why not? I hope to make some good cows that can go and show well, but really, I want high type functional cows. Will it be a cherry on top to win a big show? Yes, but in the end those cows need to be healthy and need to last for that to happen.”
The dialing in is working, as Beth points out, “We have the top breed association average Holstein herd in the state, and have heifers ranking well at the national level, while still making improvements to cow functionality in the barn.” The success is a part of their continuous drive and are all part of the Rupprecht’s greater plan to give something to their kids that they never had – a life on the farm with the opportunity to return.
“In college I had wanted to come back to dairy farm or come back to the farm even if it wasn't for dairy, but I couldn't, because it couldn't sustain both dad and
To facilitate that, Drew and Beth have their sights set on installing a creamery, encouraging agritourism while making room for the next generation. They admit though, the creamery was the plan before their dairy herd even existed because having a clear vision is one of the many reasons they’ve had such success.
“At the end of the day, we’re not in this business for the milk check,” Beth said. “Obviously that’s what makes us cash flow and allows us to do what we do, but we both love cows, Drew likes breeding good cows and it’s both of our dreams to have a cheese operation. Really, milking cows is what’s getting us to our end goals.”
With lofty goals ahead of them, Drew and Beth recognize that the more you feel like you’re making progress, the more you find out what you have to do. While dairy farming can be overwhelming at times, it’s Drew and Beth’s drive to succeed that encourages them to keep dialing in and finding that success.
“THE RUPPRECHTS ARE CONTINUOUSLY SEEKING OPPORTUNITIES TO IMPROVE THEIR FARM'S SUSTAINABILITY. THIS YEAR, THEY TRIALED PLANTING COW PEAS BETWEEN ROWS OF CORN TO BOOST PROTEIN IN THEIR COWS' SILAGE.
Life has a way of working itself out in some of the most unexpected ways. For Duane Farmer, his job out of high school turned into a lifelong career that has recently culminated with being named 2022 Michigan Fieldperson of the Year.
BY EMILY KITTENDORF
While a 40-year career for the same organization could have been a direct straight path, Duane’s experience was anything but. His long-time supervisor, Gary Trimner, set most of the trajectory, but the chaos that would ensue began on Duane’s very first day at Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) in 1983.
“On my first day, I went into the office and the clerical staff had gone on strike. It was crazy,” Duane recalled. “I remember walking out of the office with Gary Trimner that day to the strike line to help people get out safely.”
From there, Duane’s career never slowed. He spent the first two weeks training as a sample van driver, and after being turned lose for the first time in Detroit, he got lost.
“I got lost down on Grand River south of Eight Mile with the sample van,” Duane said. “It was a little nerve wracking for a small-town kid. I wasn’t sure where I was going and it took me awhile, but it worked out and I survived.”
The experiences Duane had under his belt just within six months of working at MMPA left him thinking that that was enough.
“I thought, ‘Six months in, that's a long time…’” Duane said. “I'll give Gary Trimner credit for why I never left. He was very good at finding roles or finding people for certain roles. He put people in a role that would really make them succeed. Here I am 40 years later.”
After realizing that being a sample van driver wasn’t for him, Trimner encouraged Duane to work in plant quality and then later pushed him to become a member representative.
“I really didn't have any farm experience,” Duane said. “I grew up around farms, but other than shovel manure for somebody or putting up hay for people, I really didn't have a lot of experience. Thankfully, I worked with some really good people and they taught me a lot.”
Duane’s experiences gained both in the plants and as a member representative, troubleshooting quality issues on the farm and familiarizing himself with equipment, set him up for success working with members in his current role at the Farm Supply Store.
“We do a lot of special orders, we make sure customers have product on time, and we try to make sure if members have questions, that we can answer them,” Duane said about the Farm Supply Store. “Sometimes they throw us oddball questions about mastitis and other stuff so we try to steer them to
people that know more, but some of that we can answer too.”
When Duane started at the Farm Supply Store, it was referred to as MMPA’s merchandise program and it was at a warehouse in St. Louis, Michigan. He was promoted from Member Rep/Merchandise Coordinator to his current title, Member Merchandise Supervisor, and led the transition to the current My. Pleasant location two years later.
“My greatest accomplishment is the relationships I've built with the farms and with the people that we provide
My greatest accomplishment is the relationships I've built with the farms and with the people that we provide service to. We make sure that we give everyone good service and that we’re friendly and not hard to get along with.”
service to,” Duane said. “We make sure that we give everyone good service and that we’re friendly and not hard to get along with.”
His dedication to members is one of the many reasons Duane was recognized as the 2022 Michigan Fieldperson of the Year during the Michigan Dairy Industry Conference held in May 2022. Duane received one of two awards announced there. His wife, Teresa Farmer, received the other, the Industry Service Award. Now, as Duane approaches 40 years with MMPA next year, his career has come full circle and he has his sights set on retirement.
“I've had a nice career as far as how varied it was with working with different people. I didn't expect to be here 40 years. When I started, I thought, ‘Okay, I can do that job for a few years and I'll move to something else,’” Duane said. “So far, it's worked out.”
Worked out, in fact.
The pandemic continues to shed light on the quiet reliance we have on each other to do our part. While shortages still abound and delivery times aren't fast, the people in the dairy supply chain with boots on the ground have never stopped.
Farmers, haulers and plant workers are some of the first to come to mind, but an often forgotten group is those who work in the labs to ensure a safe milk supply and accurate pay price for producers. One lab technician in particular, Teresa Farmer, was recently recognized with the 2022 Industry Service Award for her dedication to Michigan dairy farmers.
“Our lab results actually help producers,” Teresa said. “It helps determines their pay, but if they are having issues, we can also give them results to help them figure out what the issues are. The bottom line is if members don't succeed, we don't succeed. We want to do anything we can to help them.”
With 32 years of experience working at Michigan Milk Producers Association in the Novi laboratory, Teresa knows the importance of providing accurate and precise testing results for members.
“At the lab, we do member pay testing and we help them by allowing producers to send in special testing, which is a bulk of what we do,” Teresa said. “Because of our results, producers can monitor for antibiotics in their milk, along with their RAW, PI, lab pasteurized and coliform counts. If they have cows with mastitis, we can help give them a clue as to what might be causing it.”
The technical jargon comes from years of diagnosing problems and working with farmers to meet their testing needs. Teresa’s dedication to the industry would never have happened if she didn’t have an influential family member or professor in college.
“I was in college at Michigan State University (MSU) and I didn't know what I wanted to do,” Teresa confessed. “I was at a loss and my cousin, who was in food science, recommended I take a couple classes. I fell in love with dairy because of Dr. Partridge’s classes. It just stuck.”
Teresa graduated from MSU with a degree in food science and went on to work at Michigan Dairy in Livonia where she met her husband, Duane Farmer, named 2022 Fieldperson of the Year. She started working at MMPA in 1990 and since found her place in the industry.
“My first impression of MMPA was how friendly everybody was,” Teresa said. “The girls in the lab work so well together and because we rotate, we’re always doing something a little bit different.”
Because of the precision that is required for lab testing, the job can be routine, but Teresa and the others in the lab work to make every day slightly different. A big part of that is developing relationships with each other for the greater good of providing extraordinary service day in and day out.
“My favorite part about my job is the camaraderie and the people,” Teresa said. “It feels like it means so much for the producers to be able to do their job the best they can with the help of the results we provide.”
During Teresa’s service at MMPA she’s experienced the changes in the industry. In the past 30 years, she’s seen the lab expand, new tests be offered and advances in technology.
“When I started, we had eight or nine people working in the lab, now we have four because we have machines that do things that we used to do by hand,” Teresa said. “The greatest advancement I’ve seen is probably the Bactoscan. It’s a machine that gives you bacteria counts in raw milk. We used to have to plate samples, make the agar, autoclave it, plate it, pour the agar in, swirl it and then incubate it for 48 hours. Now the process is simple, we just run it through the machine and get results in about seven minutes.”
With technology though comes break downs and since milk is a perishable product, Teresa confesses that it’s a love-hate relationship. Fortunately, when breakdowns happen, Teresa and her team work together to find a solution.
“When things go wrong, it's amazing how well we work together to solve the problem,” Teresa said about her coworkers. “We’ve worked together so long that we don't even have to say anything. We just know what to do.”
For that reason, Teresa’s humbled by the recognition she received as the 2022 Industry Service Award recipient during the Michigan Dairy Industry Conference held in May 2022.
““The service to the industry is a group effort because we all work together. It's not a one-person job,” Teresa said. “I come in and I do my job, but I don't feel like I do anything extraordinary. We all do our job.”
My favorite part about my job is the camaraderie and the people.
It feels like it means so much for the producers to be able to do their job the best they can with the help of the results we provide.”
Doing your job is enough, especially when it’s as critical to the industry as lab results and executed extraordinarily well.
The “butter board” food craze that has become a viral sensation is rooted in dairy checkoff strategy. Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) assembled a “Dairy Dream Team” consisting of chefs, recipe developers, “foodies,” gamers and lifestyle influencers who have a combined 25 million social media followers. They are joined by another 100-plus influencers who work with local checkoff teams and are tasked with presenting unique ways dairy can be enjoyed by consumers, particularly Gen Z (ages 9 to 24).
A TikTok video featuring steps to create a butter board has generated millions of views and coverage from some of the country’s largest news and entertainment outlets, including Good Morning America, New York Times, CNN and Bon Appetit. The strategy has led to the DMI website receiving an increase of more than 36,000 views in one week and 4 million-plus views on the checkoff’s social media channels.
The USDA’s annual report on per-capita U.S. dairy consumption saw domestic dairy demand rise from 655 pounds in 2020 to 667 pounds last year — the highest it’s been since 1960. The U.S. population then was only slightly more than half of what it is now. And exports, which now take up nearly 20% of domestic production, barely existed then. Americans are not consuming dairy the same way now as they did then, with fluid milk continuing its slow decline, according to the USDA data. However, cheese and butter demand is rising at record levels.
More than 40,500 classrooms nationwide have signed up for the Adopt a Cow Program to virtually adopt a dairy calf for their students! The free program, which will impact more than 1.39 million students nationwide, kicked off this fall and is a year-long, interactive learning opportunity that gives students an inside look at a local dairy farm. Locally, the program will reach more than 31,000 students in Indiana, 85,000 students in Ohio and West Virginia and over 46,000 students in Michigan.
Each enrolled classroom is paired with a calf and will receive photos, video updates, virtual farm tours and activity sheets throughout the school year that allow them to watch their calf grow. Through hands-on learning activities and free standards-based curriculum, students will gain a deeper understanding of the dairy community and where their food comes from. Indiana’s Loehmer Dairy is also offering the program in Spanish to expand the reach of the program to even more classrooms and students. This program is made available in your state by your local dairy checkoff program, in partnership with the Center for Dairy Excellence Foundation of Pennsylvania. Special thanks to Loehmer Dairy of Monterey, Indiana, Four Pines Farm LTD of Sugarcreek, Ohio, and Crandall Dairy Farm for being our region’s Adopt A Cow Program host farms.
ADA Mideast recently created a new video called Milk from Farm to You to show what happens when milk arrives at the processing plant from the dairy farm. Special thanks to Purple Cow Creamery in Tipp City, Ohio for allowing our camera crews to capture this behind-the-scenes footage! This video is being shared on social media, with educators and thought leaders, and is available for download via Drink-Milk.com.
In October, American Dairy Association Indiana (ADAI) hosted a Dinner on the Dairy event to bring together thought leaders in food service, healthcare, technology and business. Representatives from McDonald’s, Parkview Hospitals, Purdue Extension, area school systems and others met to discuss how dairy is uniquely positioned to be a solution to hunger insecurity. The Richards family at Darita Holsteins in Goshen lead personal tours of their retrofitted robotic milking barns to demonstrate how technology is being used in the dairy community. ADAI partnered with AgriNovus, the leading organization for agbioscience in the state, to spark conversations between guests about working together.
ADAI introduced whole milk to over 10,000 students during a two-day event at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Middle school students attended the Junior Achievement Jobspark event and learned about careers in dairy while sampling whole milk, many for the first time ever. Students then voted on their thoughts about whole milk, with over 65% reporting they “loved it”, 25% saying they “liked it”, and 10% deciding it “wasn’t their favorite”. The event also opened an opportunity with Indianapolis Public Schools to incorporate dairy curriculum at their agriculture magnet school for the spring semester. This will include dairy farming and sustainability, as well as dairy foods and nutrition education for the high school program.
Your dairy checkoff conducts in-person cooking schools and demonstrations to introduce school nutrition professionals to dairy-centric recipes. More than 180 Ohio and West Virginia school districts, representing 557 schools and impacting 148,000 students, have attended these trainings. Most recently, ADA Mideast has been highlighting eight new smoothie recipes, each using four ounces of yogurt per serving, that can be served at breakfast or lunch.
To further help schools make more dairy available to students, ADA Mideast recently granted smoothie immersion blenders to 50 schools that will add yogurt-based smoothies to their menus
this fall. ADAI also partnered with National Dairy Council, General Mills and Hubert Foodservice Equipment to launch Chartwell’s K12 Smoothie Station concept, featuring drinkable breakfast, lunch and snack options packed with fruits and dairy in more than a dozen flavor combinations. The program equipment includes a commercial immersion blender, insulated cooler bags to hold prepared smoothies, a transport cart and more.
ADA Mideast and the Dairy Alliance recently had the opportunity to educate 20 Kroger registered dietitians and patient care staff on all things dairy from farm to table. The daylong Dairy Sustainability, Culinary and Nutrition Workshop began with a virtual farm tour highlighting the journey milk takes from farm to fridge, along with animal care, sustainability practices and food safety regulations. Additional sessions provided tools to communicate nutrition messages and debunk common dairy myths including those on immunity, digestive health, inflammation, whole fat dairy and plant-based eating, as well as handson experience developing recipes and taking styled food photographs.
The workshop was held at Kroger’s new state of the art culinary kitchen at their headquarters in Cincinnati. The dietitians will use their dairy knowledge in client counseling through Telehealth across the country and to help customers make informed food choices.
This event is one example of how checkoff works to educate individuals who influence others about healthy eating, like registered dietitians, school nutrition directors, pediatricians and school nurses, so that they become advocates for dairy and recommend milk, cheese and yogurt as part of a healthy diet.
This fall the UDIM team has been busy meeting with Health Professionals already established in their careers and students.
Team members attended the annual conference of Michigan’s chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. At a table in the tradeshow areas, we generated more personable conversations with attendees about dairy farming and nutrition and informed the practitioners of UDIM’s resources available.
At a University of Michigan Lunch and Learn for the school’s dental students, we met over 50 future doctors and shared with them about dairy’s role in dental health.
Eastern Michigan University dietetic students participated in a virtual dairy experience that included a virtual farm tour, an overview of the Michigan dairy community and a dairy nutrition discussion. During the virtual farm tour, a dairy nutritionist provided an in-depth overview of how he develops rations to feed the cows.
Showing these professionals the truth behind dairy ensures they are able to pass on proper messages to clientele and patients they encounter as they continue in their careers!
TO SUBMIT FREELINERS AND CLASSIFIED ADS, CONTACT MMPA VIA EMAIL AT MESSENGER@MIMILK.COM OR VISIT MIMILK.COM/FREELINER-CLASSIFIED.
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 issues (one issue, 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 offi ce.
• 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 rate.
• Freeliners must be received by the 10th of the month preceding desired month of publication.
FOR SALE: POLLED HOLSTEIN, JERSEY AND NORWEGIAN RED BULLS. AI bred from very functional dams. Thirty to choose from of various ages. Hardy and healthy with strong feet and legs, raised on pasture. Competitively priced. For pictures and pedigrees call or text 906-287-0746.
3500 GAL MUELLER TANK FOR SALE WITH 2 COMPRESSING UNITS. $24,000 or best. Will be in use until beginning of November. Call 734-776-0285.
FOR SALE: DELAVAL LVP 3000 OIL-LESS VACUUM PUMP , 24 surge pulsators, all have been cleaned and work, make offer. Call 810-657-9087.
H&S 9’ MERGER. Field ready, stored inside, must go - $6,500. Call 810-728-6237.
MEYER 500 SELF-UNLOADING FORAGE
WAGON , excellent shape, field ready, and stored inside. $5,800. Call 810-728-6237.
3 NH 890 CHOPPERS in excellent condition with hay, corn or snapping heads. Call 810-728-6237 for details.
FOR SALE: STRAW CHOPPER FOR A 7700 JOHN DEERE COMBINE. $200 or best offer. Call 810-404-0468.
FOR SALE: SUNSET MILK TANK , 1575 gallon with wash pump, two compressors and a controller. $9,800 OBO. Call 810-728-6237.
FOR SALE: DOUBLE FOUR AUTOFLOW MILKING PARLOR . Best offer. Call 810-728-6237.
FOR SALE: 1 CASE OF BOUMATIC MAGNUM 400 VENTED INFLATIONS. PN 8510895. QTY. 100. Best offer. Call 810-728-6237.
DOUBLE 16 SURGE MAG 40, HERRINGBONE
PARLOR WITH ALL EQUIPMENT. Vac pumps, air compressors, GEA wash/milking system, Dematron 70 take offs. Parting out or take all. Midland, MI 989-980-0793.
FOR SALE: HOLSTEIN BULLS READY FOR SERVICE. Out of dams of over 30,000 of milk and top AI sires. $1,200-1,500. Call LaDine Dairy Farm 269-419-9475 (Lynn) or 269-274-5076 (Parker).
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 Milk Messenger
OPPERMAN GROOVING: We can fix your scabbled floors. Diamond sawed grooves, no hammering or cracking of concrete. No hoof damage. Call Opperman Grooving Inc., Portland. 517-647-7381.
DAVIDSON CEMENT GROOVING, INC: No water needed. Wider, rougher grooves for better traction. We also offer texturing for your previously grooved floors. 3 operators will travel Michigan and other states. No interest payment terms. Est. since 1987. Call 1-800365-3361.
CONCRETE GROOVING BY TRI-STATE SCABBLING , home of the 2” wide groove. Best traction, lowest prices. 800-554-2288. www.tristatescabbling.com
A SURE WAY TO KEEP YOUR COWS UPRIGHT! Concrete grooving/texturing provides high quality traction in new and old concrete, fast service. NIENOW GROOVING. Call Cliff at 989-635-1494.
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. Special on 2000 gal. Muellers for $13,900 & up. 2700 & 4000 gal. Muellers call for quote. 800-558-0112.
STRAW & DRY HAY (large & small bales). Feed Oats, Feed Barley and Corn Silage. Delivery Available. Call 989-7231886 or 989-277-1414.
ALFALFA HAYLAGE (excellent & fair grades) & CORN SILAGE. Please call 989-723-1886 or 989-277-1414.
NEW KATOLIGHT PTO GENERATOR, 60 KW, keep everyone warm and producing if there is a power outage. Call Brent at 248-770-5122.
SEED CORN - "Minnesota 13" Open Pollinated 85 Day Yellow Field Corn Seed. High Protein, High Yield, High Fat, Fast Drydown. Great Digestibility! 80,000 graded seeds $100.00 JanksSeeds.com or 989-284-5052.
As winter approaches, it is important to increase the caloric intake of baby calves to help them battle the cold temperatures. K-Cal Energy Supplement can help increase the calorie content of whole milk or milk replacer by adding highly digestible milk proteins and fats designed specifically for that purpose. It is an economical source of energy and typically costs less than feeding more milk replacer powder. K-Cal mixes easily in warm milk or reconstituted milk replacer and may eliminate the need to switch milk replacers for the winter months. It helps to support calf survival and op. K-Cal
Crude Protein, min 7.00% Crude Fat, mi 60.00%
Crude Fiber, max 0.15%
Calcium, min 0.20% Calcium, max 0.40% Phosphorus, min 0.25% Selenium, min 0.02 ppm
Dean Letter, Newaygo, Member Services Director 231-679-0337
Steve Lehman, Ithaca, Raw Milk Compliance 989-330-1638
Ben Chapin, Remus, Field Services Manager 989-289-0731
Doug Soehnlen, Member/Superior Supply Representative 330-575-4643
Christy Dinsmoore, Vassar, Supervisor 248-513-7920
Frank Brazeau, Oconto, WI 906-250-0337
Brandon Ewers, Coldwater, Sustainability ................................ 231-414-4539
Laura Gucwa, Bad Axe 248-826-6294
Ashley Herriman, Herron 269-245-6632
Brittni Tucker, Eagle 248-880-3785
Sarah Michalek, Lansing, Sustainability Supervisor 248-305-0537
Rachel Brown, Charlotte ............................................................ 248-826-7243
Alyssa DeWitt, Elkhart, IN 269-967-7351
Lyndsay Earl, Ludington, Animal Care 231-519-2455
Deb Gingrich, Leroy, Animal Care/Sustainability 248-520-3580
Lindsay Green, East Lansing, Animal Care /Sustainability 989-488-8159
Joe Packard, Manchester, Animal Care 248-520-3481
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
Supervisor: Duane Farmer, Mt. Pleasant
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, Mt. Pleasant ................................................ 989-289-9686
Farm Supply Sales Representative
Jake Riley, Mt. Pleasant 248-912-5070
John Lehman, Elsie, Bulk Tank Calibration................................ 248-444-6775
Main Office
Local line
248-474-6672 Toll free 800-572-5824
President and Chief Executive Officer
Joe Diglio ext. 202
Member and Government Relations Sheila Burkhardt ext. 208
Chief Financial Officer Tom Downey
................................................................................. ext. 240
Chief Operations and Business Development Officer Greg Soehnlen ext. 341
Director of Business Development Brad Parks ext. 341
Laboratory Supervisor
Patti Huttula ext. 219
Quality Sudeep Jain ext. 305 Member Services Emily Keranen ext. 203 Human Resources Kelly Kerrigan ext. 301 Sales and Supply Chain Judy Lofgren ext. 333
Credit/Insurance
Cheryl Schmandt ext. 210 Communications Emily Kittendorf ext. 234
Corporate Controller Jeannie Strain ext. 312
Member Relations Jessica Welch ext. 303
Canton, Ohio
Chris Soehnlen, Plant Manager 330-477-4515
Constantine, Michigan
Dave Davis, Plant Manager 269-435-2835
Ovid, Michigan
Cliff Merritt, Plant Manager 989-834-2221
Middlebury Cheese Company, Middlebury, Indiana Plant Manager ........................................................................574-825-9511
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.
Doug Chapin, Board Chairman
Tony Jandernoa Board Vice Chairman Eric Frahm, Treasurer
Joe Diglio, President and CEO
Sheila Burkhardt, Secretary
Tom Downey, Assistant Treasurer Greg Soehnlen, COO Todd Hoppe, General Counsel
Directors-At-Large
Carlton Evans, Litchfield 517-398-0629
Aaron Gasper, Lowell 616-291-4092
Bruce Lewis, Jonesville 517-869-2877
Bruce Benthem, McBain 231-920-1615
Kris Wardin, St. Johns 989-640-9420
District Directors
1 Brian Preston Quincy 517-376-1350
2 Tim Hood Paw Paw 269-657-5771
3 Bill Stakenas Free Soil 231-425-6913
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
With harvest now over and winter approaching barns’ soft lights are readily glowing.
Cows and equipment, tucked away, ready to be blanketed by a scene of grey.
Amidst the stillness there are plans in the making, success doesn’t happen without winter’s planning .
