Milk Messenger: September/October 2020

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2020

VOL. 103

/ NO. 2

Quality & Longevity BRENT AND EMILY SIMON NAMED 2020 OUTSTANDING YOUNG DAIRY COOPERATORS

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22

PHOTO CONTEST RESULTS

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features

14 You Gave Us Your Best Shots

Selected from 100 entries, the five winning photographs from MMPA’s third annual photo contest capture exactly what it means to live the dairy lifestyle.

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QUALITY & LONGEVITY

Brent and Emily Simon of Westphalia, Michigan, were recently selected as the 2020 MMPA Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperators by a panel of judges who are leaders in the Great Lakes dairy industry.

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MEETING IN THE MIDDLE With a new farmer-led committee, MMPA is meeting in the middle between farmers and customers to allow farmers to share their efforts and goals on the farm with individuals equally passionate about the future of the planet.

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contents

STEPHANIE WEIL’S ENTRY TITLED, “PURE GOLDEN EXUBERANCE” TOOK SECOND PLACE IN MMPA’S THIRD ANNUAL PHOTO CONTEST.

DREW AND BETH RUPPRECHT OF VASSAR, MICHIGAN, WERE CHOSEN AS 2020 OUTSTANDING YOUNG DAIRY COOPERATORS RUNNERS-UP.

05 EDITOR’S NOTE

24 MICHIGAN DAIRY AMBASSADORS

06 MILK MINUTE

Sustainability: More Than a Buzzword

26 YOUR DAIRY PROMOTION AT WORK IN MICHIGAN AND INDIANA

08 QUALITY WATCH

How can you develop your workforce and prepare for the unexpected?

10 NEWS & VIEWS

28 FREELINERS & CLASSIFIEDS 29 FARM SUPPLY STORE

12 LEGISLATIVE WATCH

30 STAFF

20 WHY SHOULD YOU APPLY TO BE AN OUTSTANDING YOUNG DAIRY COOPERATOR?

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MEMBER MOMENT

“For many dairy farmers who have had multiple generations involved in their operations, their definition of sustainability revolves around the ability to leave a family legacy behind.”

SARAH MICHALEK, MMPA SUSTAINABILITY SUPERVISOR (PAGE 22)

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VOL. 103

/ NO. 2

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

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

President and Chief Executive Officer Joe Diglio Managing Editor Sheila Burkhardt, Senior Director of Member and Government Relations

Editor’s Note Is anyone else sick of hearing these words: “through these uncertain times?” It’s annoying, but in many ways, it is still true. Even after several months, we continue to face uncertainty and all the stress that comes along with it. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has devastated the lives of so many in our country, with thousands losing their lives and millions becoming ill. For some, things have changed greatly, while for others, many things are still the same. Nevertheless, we must practice empathy for those facing different realities.

The way of doing business worldwide is one area that has evolved and, as always, it is crucial we evolve along with it. Yet even more essential through this year is not getting stuck on just the problems of today, but keeping our focus on building tomorrow, shown in this issue through MMPA’s leadership development and sustainability programs.

On the Cover

Editors Allison Stuby Miller, Communications Manager Emily Kittendorf, Communications Coordinator Advertising Emily Kittendorf, messenger@mimilk.com, 248-474-6672, ext. 234 Publication Designer reZüberant! Inc., Stacy Love rezuberantdesign@gmail.com Printing Foresight Group, Stacey Trzeciak staceyt@foresightgroup.net Publication Office MMPA Milk Messenger P.O. Box 8002, Novi, MI 48376-8002 p: 248-474-6672 f: 248-474-0924 e: messenger@mimilk.com

Brent and Emily Simon are the latest in a long tradition of outstanding young dairy farmers recognized in MMPA’s OYDC program. Learn about their 930-cow dairy in Westphalia, Michigan on page 16. Plus, we broke down some of the best parts of being an OYDC in an infographic on page 20.

w: mimilk.com

Inside this Issue

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

Finding common ground is essential in many arenas, but none more visible than with some people’s not-so-favorite topic: sustainability. MMPA Senior Sales Director Jim Feeney starts this issue off (pg. 6) discussing MMPA’s approach with customers on this topic. On page 22, we provide a closer look at how our sustainability program aims to meet others in the middle.

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

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

Circulation: 2,600 (ISSN 0026-2315)

In the midst of everything going on, there is always time to admire the beauty surrounding us all. Many MMPA members know this well and you can see their farms from their lenses with the results of the 2020 photo contest on page 14. milk messenger / SEP-OCT 2020

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MILK MINUTE

Sustainability: More than a Buzzword

BY JIM FEENEY, MMPA SENIOR DIRECTOR OF SALES

S

ustainability is a popular buzzword that has a wide variety of definitions depending on who you’re talking to. From carbon emissions and carbon footprint to animal care and social responsibility, sustainability is how we do work and support local communities. It’s a broad topic and the MMPA sales team is working to understand what it means to our customers who all have their own internal initiatives.

When hearing about customer’s expectations about sustainability, I want to know that sustainability means something to the customer and the customer’s customers before signing a paper or checking a box to comply with their marketing initiatives. I want to know that their culture and their beliefs, along with their marketing, is why they have sustainability expectations.

JIM FEENEY

There are customers that we sell to who authentically care about sustainability and they care about offering those products to consumers. If we are going to be successful in the future, we need to be successful in marketing in the future and ultimately, for the end consumers, sustainability is driving their purchasing decisions and will continue to even more so as the younger generations reach purchasing age.

Typically, discussions with customers focus on milk quality, first and foremost, 100 percent compliance in the FARM Animal Care Program and our service of supply.

Following that, there are various pillars we talk about when we are selling. Sustainability, with the frequency with which it’s asked about, is ultimately becoming one of these supporting pillars that we are communicating to our customers. It’s allowing us to be as competitive as we can and help us command a better presence in the market.

It’s important to remember that sustainability itself must be sustainable – something that works for all parties and returns value to members. This all-encompassing approach is how we’ve developed the sustainability program at MMPA, making us responsible to both our members and our customers.

We are just in the beginning of moving in a sustainable direction to ensure a sustainable agriculture future. We can’t go from A to Z in a day, so right now we are in an area of discomfort. Overtime, we will be able to compile more information, compile more data and show more metrics to prove that sustainable practices are important and can return value to producers. However, sustainability never ends. It’s an ongoing process. We may have put a program in place, but it’s something that we have to work and live, and in my case, sell with every day and develop as we move along.

Ultimately, MMPA’s sustainability story gives us a competitive advantage and point of differentiation that we always look for on the sales side, because it can lead to added value and our ability to return more value to producers. Our work, our discussions with customers and awareness of consumer purchasing habits are evidence that sustainability is more than a buzzword and more than a trend, it’s here to stay and it’s going to be an important selling strategy that moves us into the future.

Learn more about MMPA’s sustainability program on page 22.

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milk messenger / SEP-OCT 2020

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QUALITY WATCH

How can you develop your workforce and prepare for the unexpected?

WE ASKED THE EXPERTS:

Lindsay Green

Nicole Ayache

Jolene Griffin

MMPA Member Representative

NMPF Sr. Director of Sustainability Initiatives

UDIM Director of Industry Relations

With 40 percent of dairies hiring non-family employees it is becoming increasingly important that producers are aware of best practices for creating a safe and productive workplace for their employees. For this reason, the Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Workforce Development (WFD) standards were created.

Workforce Development (WFD) is the newest pillar of the National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program, addressing human resources and worker safety.

So now the question for our members is, ‘where do I start?” My recommendation would be to visit www.nationaldairyfarm. com and under the FARM resources tab click on ‘Worker Safety and Human Resources’ and take the self-assessments for both worker safety and HR. This will give you a feel for where you stand now and what areas you can work on improving using the other resources available on the FARM website such as the employee handbook template.

While on the FARM website, I would also encourage our members to review the Legal Fact Sheet for the state they reside to ensure they are meeting HR requirements in their state. As always, if you have questions or would like additional information regarding the Workforce Development standards please feel free to contact myself or Deb Gingrich.

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FARM WFD focuses on the people who work year-round to provide excellent cow care and produce wholesome milk: our dairy-farm families and their employees. The program supports dairy owners and managers looking to improve on-farm culture, increase employee engagement, reduce turnover and manage safety risks. It also provides assurances to dairy buyers and retailers eager to know more about on-farm labor practices.

FARM developed the program alongside farmers, academics, cooperative staff and other experts to offer free producer resources, including state legal factsheets, safety and HR manuals, and downloadable templates.

FARM WFD also recently launched a second Party Evaluation Tool that cooperatives and processors can voluntarily opt-in to use with their farms. The tool was piloted on more than 45 farms and benefited from a public comment period. It helps dairies learn about HR and safety best management practices, identify which practices may benefit their farm and track improvement over time.

FARM WFD supports dairy farms on their journeys of continuous improvement to enhance their safe and thriving workplaces.

As dairy farmers, you have protocols and written procedures for every aspect of your farm, from animal care to nutrient management to training new employees.

Now’s the time to also include a crisis plan.

Creating a plan, sharing with your employees, updating as needed and engaging your industry partners like the United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM) and MMPA should be part of your farm’s management plan. At UDIM we have resources to help you create a plan, and if a crisis does occur, we can help you work through it. A crisis plan puts in place the steps that need to happen during a crisis, enabling all farm team members to act swiftly and effectively in a time where every second will count.

Earlier this year we mailed a packet to all Michigan dairy farmers with a magnet to keep emergency numbers in a place where everyone can find them if needed and a document listing steps to take if a crisis does occur, recently those documents were translated into Spanish. If you would like additional copies of those resources, please call our office at 517-349-8923.

milk messenger / SEP-OCT 2020

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NEWS & VIEWS

PICTURED (L-R): BETH AND DREW RUPPRECHT, STEVEN AND GRACE ADAMIC, EMILY AND BRENT SIMON, CHELSEA AND JESSE RAMER, JAMES WEBER AND KYLIE SCHUH, AND JOSIE DIEHL.

2020 Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator Finalists Gather - at a Distance - for Annual Conference

DREW AND BETH RUPPRECHT, 2020 OYDC RUNNERS UP

The 2020 MMPA Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator (OYDC) finalists gathered for an outdoor, modified meeting in Frankenmuth, Michigan on August 11.

Though the conference is typically two days long and held at the MMPA headquarters, the meeting was adjusted to be in compliance with state regulations related to COVID-19 mitigation efforts. The meeting also included a tour of Weber Family Dairy, owned by 2019 OYDC James Weber. The purpose of the conference is to broaden younger members’ knowledge of MMPA and foster leadership skills.

Brent and Emily Simon of Westphalia, Michigan, were selected as the winning OYDCs, while Drew and Beth Rupprecht of Vassar, Michigan, were chosen as runners-up. The Simons milk 927 cows and farm 2,300 acres at Simon Dairy Farm. They are members of the Mid-Michigan Local in District 6.

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2020 OYDC Finalists Steven and Grace Adamic, North Branch, MI Josie Diehl, Lupton, MI Jesse and Chelsea Ramer, Elkhart, IN Drew and Beth Rupprecht, Vassar, MI Kip and Rochelle Siegler, Imlay City, MI Brent and Emily Simon, Westphalia, MI Learn more about the Simons on page 16 and the OYDC program on page 20.

Cooperatives Help Dairy Farmers Do What They Do Best: Produce Milk That Nourishes the World

BY NATIONAL MILK PRODUCERS FEDERATION

Farming isn’t short of challenges these days. From record price volatility to tragic weather events to the ongoing crisis of coronavirus that’s shaping every aspect of lives and economies, milk producers face so many unprecedented situations that the word “unprecedented” itself seems inadequate to describe the full scope of the situation.

B

ut for most dairy farmers, at least some of their burden is lessened by their membership in a cooperative, which provides them with services, support and representation on important issues. That membership gives them more time and energy to focus on what they do best: operate their farms to provide the high-quality products the nation and world needs.

Dairy co-ops aren’t all the same. But all of them are much more than just the truck that stops to pick up a farmer’s milk. (Although dairy cooperatives do add up to a lot of trucks — according to a twice-a-decade USDA survey, cooperatives handled 85 percent of U.S. milk in 2017, a number that’s held steady for 25 years.)

They’re also a farmer’s: • Milk marketing agent and product developer, seeking the best buyers and ensuring that milk becomes a product a consumer wants to buy; • Supply-chain manager, helping provide lower cost goods and services that make farms more successful; • Financial analyst and economist, helping farmers manage risk and understand milk pricing issues; • Technical expert providing input on best practices, including animal care, environmental and other programs, both public and private, working on behalf of all cooperative members to address customer and marketplace concerns; and, the co-op also is a • Voice on policy, navigating state and federal laws and regulations to work for positive solutions.

All of this is directed by the farmers – the cooperative’s owners – through democratic voting structures that give everyone in a cooperative a voice within the body they own, one that previous generations of farmers have set up to fight for them. That’s the truest, most basic form of representative government, one in keeping with the most cherished American political traditions. Cooperatives give farmers a vehicle to help themselves by effectively performing tasks on behalf of their members that would be more difficult – or impossible – to manage alone. That frees up farmers to face the challenges that inevitably fall on their own shoulders – the tasks of caring for their cows, building their businesses, leading their own communities, and serving the world through the essential products they provide.

These days, doing all that takes a lot. Cooperatives have proven their value in thousands of small, individual ways, from timely market insights to the day-to-day, basic task of ensuring that milk producers have a guaranteed market at a time when farmers are increasingly realizing that can’t always be taken for granted.

Farming can be a lonely calling. But co-op farmers don’t face it all alone. Especially in dairy, where cooperative membership is the norm, farmers routinely pool resources, collect expertise, and provide services that help one another succeed. And in that spirit, they then can speak with a united voice on matters that affect them all. We at the National Milk Producers Federation are proud to be the voice of dairy cooperatives in Washington, harnessing the power of farmers who individually meet the challenges they face each day – and together contribute to the successes of all.

MMPA producers scoring 95 percent or higher on Grade A Surveys and Federal Check Ratings JAMES E WOLTER* BEUSCHEL FRUIT & DAIRY, LLC* NORRIS DAIRY FARM, INC* DENNIS M HOEKSTRA NELSEN DAIRY FARM HOLTROP DAIRY, LLC KLAMER FARMS, INC WAYNE HECKSEL GLEN H SPARKES, CASEY S SPARKS & ANDREW SPARKS DAVEY DAIRY FARM, LLC ANDREW J FELDPAUSCH* WIEBER DAIRY LLC CLAIR AND KAREN ARMBRUSTMACHER DAVID J AND LISA M WARNKE MAPLE GLAZE DAIRY LLC NOBIS DAIRY FARMS TE VOORTWIS DAIRY LLC TIMOTHY MATER* DAVID J LEAVINE* SHARRARD FARMS LLC* WELTER DAIRY FARM LLC* NOLL DAIRY FARM INC* GENEVIEVE H, ROGER A & WAYNE R BURGESS* THUMB KNUCKLE FARMS REID DAIRY FARM LLC GUCWA FARMS LLC SHELL FARMS INC BLUMERICH FARMS R L S DAIRY INC WILLIAM C MAZURE ASHLEY R & ERIC J KENNEDY EDWARD, SANDRA & STEVEN ADAMIC ROSE VALLEY DAIRY LLC EDWARD A GINGERICH & DARLENE H GINGERICH * MARLIN E GINGERICH & IDA J GINGERICH * GALLAGHER DAIRY FARM, INC * THOMAS M THEMM & FRANCIS M THEMM BARRY TROYER MARK YODER & LAURA YODER BOSS DAIRY FARMS, INC NAAMAN MARTIN & JOYCE L MARTIN MICHAEL GINGERICH DEREK BREWER DOUGLAS K WARNER RICHARD J FETTIG LEMARJRU DAIRY FARM, LLC CEDAR LANE DAIRY FARMS

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LEGISLATIVE WATCH

Senators and Members of Congress Seek Robust Enforcement of USMCA Dairy Agreements A bipartisan group of 25 Senators sent a letter in late August identifying challenges with implementing several dairy-related provisions in the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Underscoring USMCA’s importance to the dairy industry, the letter asks the U.S. government to use USMCA’s enforcement measures to ensure full compliance with the trade deal.

T

he letter, led by Sens.

Tina Smith and Mike Crapo, was sent to the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Sens. Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters from Michigan also signed the letter. It reads, in part: “As negotiated, the USMCA will create new export opportunities for America’s dairy industry and creates an equitable playing field for American dairy exports in Mexico and Canada. Given the importance of these provisions to our dairy farmers and to American dairy exports, we ask that you use USMCA’s enforcement measures to hold our trading partners accountable to their trade commitments. It is imperative that Canada and Mexico deliver upon their agreed upon commitments related to dairy products.”

The U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) and the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) commended the coalition of Senators for standing up for America’s dairy farmers, processors and exporters and pressing for fair and full implementation of USMCA’s dairy provisions.

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“Canada has already begun implementing USMCA in a way that thwarts its market access promises and prevents U.S. dairy from making full use of the benefits that Congress and the Administration fought so hard to secure. There are also unanswered questions concerning how Mexico will translate its commitments to safeguard common name cheeses into action.

These are unresolved concerns that affect everyday dairy farmers and workers across our industry. I appreciate Senator Smith and Senator Crapo’s proactive engagement and leadership on this letter underscoring that USMCA provides the tools necessary to take enforcement measures now,” said Tom Vilsack, president and CEO of USDEC. “Timely and complete enforcement of USMCA’s dairy-related provisions will allow America’s dairy industry to harness the full potential of this modernized trade agreement. This letter sends a strong message to Canada and Mexico: Efforts to maintain unjust trade practices or block market access will not be tolerated. This bipartisan support for fairer dairy trade in North America also demonstrates not only the importance of exports to America’s dairy farmers,

but the key role that dairy plays in our national economy. Thank you, Senator Smith and Senator Crapo, for your leadership and support of a critical industry,” said Jim Mulhern, president and CEO of NMPF. Earlier in August, a bipartisan coalition of 104 Representatives also sent a letter urging the U.S. government to fully enforce USMCA. Specific provisions of concern to the U.S. dairy industry highlighted in this letter include Canada’s administration of its dairy Tariff Rate Quotas (TRQ), the full and transparent elimination of Classes 6 and 7 and related dairy pricing program disciplines, and the enforcement of the side letter agreements with Mexico that protect market access for U.S. common names cheeses.

According to the International Trade Commission, if USMCA is implemented as negotiated, U.S. dairy exports are projected to increase by more than $314 million a year. On July 1, 2020, the USMCA entered into force in all member states: United States, Canada and Mexico.

SOURCE: NMPF

DISTRICT 3

DISTRICT 6

Gary Nelsen, Grant..............................231-834-7610

David Reed, Owosso............................989-274-8147

Bill Gruppen, Zeeland.........................616-520-5143

Mike Halfman, St. Johns......................989-640-1962

Burke Larsen, Scottville......................231-425-8988

Jon Thelen, Westphalia.......................989-587-3951

Max Carlson, Fremont.........................231-638-2183

Renee McCauley, Lowell......................616-283-6411

Arlyn Walt, Coopersville......................616-837-8247

Steve Thelen, Fowler...........................989-640-1075

DISTRICT 1

DISTRICT 4

DISTRICT 7

Dan Minnis, Dansville.........................517-719-5894

Jeremy Werth, Alpena.........................989-464-4022

John Bennett, Prescott........................989-345-4264

Scott Ferry, Litchfield..........................517-214-3298

Marvin Rubingh, Ellsworth.................425-533-8106

Rodney Fowler, Chesaning..................989-302-2299

Art Riske, Hanover..............................517-524-6015

William Pirman, Skandia.....................906-869-4515

Tracy House, Mt. Pleasant...................989-621-6610

Clark Emmons, Fayette, OH.................419-466-4471

Dave Folkersma, Rudyard....................906-630-1957

Philip Gross, Weidman........................989-289-0670

Brian Preston, Quincy.........................517-376-1350

Paul Ponik, Posen................................989-464-5924

Jason Elenbaum, Mayville...................989-274-1974

Advisory Committee

DISTRICT 2

DISTRICT 5

DISTRICT 8

Mark Crandall, Battle Creek.................269-660-2229

Robert Lee, Marion.............................231-743-6794

Darwin Sneller, Sebewaing.................989-977-3718

Michael Oesch, Middlebury, IN............574-825-2454

John Black, Howard City......................231-846-7252

Bill Blumerich, Berlin..........................810-706-2955

Danny Ransler, Gobles.........................269-998-3802

Tom Jeppesen, Stanton.......................989-506-5287

Mike Noll, Croswell.............................810-404-4071

Dan Ritter, Potterville.........................517-645-7318

Bruce Benthem, McBain......................231-920-1615

Jeremy Sharrard, Peck.........................810-404-5076

Richard Thomas, Middlebury, IN..........574-202-5198

Amy Martin, Leroy..............................231-388-0496

Bryan Schulte, Ruth............................989-551-8200

• Distinguished by stable •

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milk messenger / SEP-OCT 2020

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PHOTO CONTEST

1ST PLACE KATHERINE WEBER “PRETTY IN YELLOW”

YOU GAVE US YOUR BEST SHOTS 14

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Selected from 100 entries, the five winning photographs from MMPA’s third annual photo contest capture exactly what it means to live the dairy lifestyle.

In this year’s contest, there were five awards given: first, second and third place judged by a panel of judges, along with a People’s Choice Award determined by public voting and a Staff Choice Award, the favorite photo among MMPA employees.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• FIRST PLACE

The first-place winner was Katherine Weber of Vassar, Michigan, with her photo titled “Pretty in Yellow.” The photo was taken on Weber Family Dairy and is the perfect scene for a prize-winning photo. Capturing a Jersey cow in a field of dandelions awarded Katherine a $100 gift card to MMPA’s Farm Supply Store.

SECOND PLACE

Stephanie Weil of Goodrich, Michigan, took home second-place with her photo entry titled, “Pure Golden Exuberance.” A dog’s life on a dairy farm is adventure-filled and Stephanie’s photo captures it all!

As recognition for her impressive photography skills, Stephanie will receive a $50 gift card to MMPA’s Farm Supply Store.

2

THIRD PLACE

Placing third was also Stephanie Weil with her other photo entry titled, “Fall Framed Window.” Taken on Weil Dairy Farm, the photo captures a beautiful harvest scene.

Stephanie will receive a cheese box from Heritage Ridge Creamery to acknowledge her success.

SECOND PLACE: “PURE GOLDEN EXUBERANCE” BY STEPHANIE WEIL, GOODRICH, MI

3

PEOPLE’S CHOICE

The People’s Choice Award was given to “Fifth Generation Farmer” captured by Leah Bolday of Emmett, Michigan, on Bolday Dairy Farm.

With fistfuls of hay and a handsome grin, the photo caught the eye of the general public receiving nearly 20 percent of all votes in the People’s Choice Contest. Leah will receive a $25 gift card to MMPA’s Farm Supply Store.

STAFF CHOICE AWARD

Lastly, Freda Diemer of McBain, Michigan, with her photo titled “Adora-bull Calf” won the hearts of MMPA’s employees earning Freda the Staff Choice Award. Freda’s photo rounds out the best of the 2020 MMPA Photo Contest.

THIRD PLACE: “FALL FRAMED WINDOW” BY STEPHANIE WEIL, GOODRICH, MI

PC

PEOPLE’S CHOICE: “FIFTH GENERATION FARMER”

BY LEAH BOLDAY, EMMETT, MICHIGAN

SC

2020 #MMPAPhotoContest: • 100 entries • 36 photographers • >1,700 votes received in People’s Choice Contest

STAFF CHOICE: “ADORA-BULL”

BY FREDA DIEMER, MCBAIN, MICHIGAN

• 5 winners milk messenger / SEP-OCT 2020

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OUTSTANDING YOUNG DAIRY COOPERATORS

Quality & Longevity BRENT AND EMILY SIMON NAMED 2020 OUTSTANDING YOUNG DAIRY COOPERATORS

BY ALLISON STUBY MILLER

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The Simons operate a quality award winning farm with 930 cows and 2,300 acres. They are members of the MMPA Mid-Michigan Local in District 6 and were one of several finalists invited to the annual OYDC Conference held Aug. 11.

Brent and Emily have six children under 10: Kaine, Scarlett, Jude, Annabell, Theodore and Gabe. milk messenger / SEP-OCT 2020

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OUTSTANDING YOUNG DAIRY COOPERATORS

D

riven by the goal of producing high-quality milk, Brent and Emily Simon, Westphalia, Michigan dairy farmers, are focused on sustaining their family, employees and livestock for years to come. The Simons were recently selected as the 2020 MMPA Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperators (OYDC) by a panel of judges represented by leaders in the Great Lakes dairy industry.

A third-generation dairy farmer, Brent takes on the role of farm manager, overseeing cows, crops and employees.

Meanwhile, Emily puts her bachelor’s degree from Davenport University and experience with the State of Michigan to use while directing the farm’s finances and human resources.

Brent’s passion for dairy farming began at a young age growing up on Simon Dairy Farm. “I was probably 10, 12 years old,” Brent said of when he started pitching in on the farm. “I would be outside as soon as I got off the school bus and could throw my backpack in the house.”

Through gradual growth they enlarged the farm to the size it is today. In 1999, they expanded the farm for the first time. When Brent graduated from high school, they began planning the next expansion and they broke ground on the first new barns when he came home after completing the dairy management program at Michigan State University in 2004.

“When I graduated from college is when things started to really progress, and we started to be aggressive with our expansion,” Brent said.

The most recent expansion took place in 2012 that added yet another barn and brought their heifers home. “The growth has been gradual, a good pace for our expansions and transition,” Brent said.

But through growth and managing the day-to-day, Brent and Emily assert that taking the time to go the extra step is crucial.

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culmination of hard work from a lot of individuals, both in and out of the milk parlor.

“It is a big group effort from our employees, consultants, veterinarian, nutritionist—the whole team was part of that nomination. We’re pretty proud of that,” he said.

“A lot of people think that good quality milk comes from the parlor from the guys milking cows, but that’s just a small part of it,” Brent added. “Nutrition and cow comfort play a major role.”

Through meticulous control and monitoring, the Simons ensure their cows are getting the best nutrition to ultimately enable high quality milk production. They utilize weekly visits from their nutritionist and the use of feed watch to track daily dry matter intake, or the amount of moisture-free feed a cow consumes per day. Everyday they track feed inventories and feed bunks for each group of cows, which is delivered directly though a TMR mixer.

BRENT AND EMILY SIMON

“Doing things the right way” makes a difference according to Emily.

“Why bother doing the job if you’re not going to do it right. You can’t produce a safe, clean, quality product if you don’t do the right steps to meet those needs,” Brent added.

This focus is evident in their milk quality. A frequent flyer in the MMPA Quality Award program, their somatic cell counts—an indicator of good animal health and a better-tasting, shelf-stable product—average around 100,000 cells per milliliter.

In 2016, the Simon Dairy Farm was recognized as one of the six highest quality dairy farms in the U.S. by the National Mastitis Council. Brent said they follow strict milk procedures, developed with guidance from both MMPA and MSU Extension. But the key to achieving such a prestigious honor, he said, is the

To better manage and track the cows’ feed at the source, Brent says they went through a big change a few years ago when they purchased their own forage harvester. “We’re more in charge of putting up good quality feed. We wanted to eliminate one of the factors causing you to put up poor feed by having custom harvester,” he said. “Timing is key and with a custom harvester you’re a little more flexible.”

“As technology evolves our goal is to evolve along with it to make our farm most efficient,” they said. In addition

“

“A lot of people think that good quality milk comes from the parlor from the guys milking cows, but that’s just a small part of it.

Nutrition and cow comfort play a major role.”

THE SIMONS ON THEIR FARM IN WESTPHALIA, MICHIGAN.

to the programs they use to navigate their nutrition program, technology and software aids their milking parlor in running “smoothly and efficiently while providing great animal care.”

Sustainability also plays an important role on their farm. “Simon Dairy Farm is committed to producing quality milk while considerately working to conserve resources and manage our waste in a responsible way,” they said.

Sitting kitty-corner to the local high school, Simon Dairy Farm is very visible in their small farming community, but they use their location as a way to promote what they do.

“With a school sitting across the street, we always have to be proactive and promote the wellbeing of farming and the animals themselves,” Brent said. “We want to be here for the future. We want to employ kids that come out of that school. We want the public to appreciate

“

“Simon Dairy Farm is committed to producing quality milk while considerately working to conserve resources and manage our waste in a responsible way.” what we have here and realize that we do a good job and that we are here to stay.”

They are welcoming to community and industry on a regular basis, even hosting representatives from all over the world with the Alta Genetics showcase tour and being a World Dairy Expo virtual farm tour presenter.

“My parents always had an open door, open driveway policy since before I was involved” Brent said. “They were

willing to educate people and just have a conversation. We have nothing to hide.

We want people to see our farm, show it off and show the job our employees can do.” Looking toward the future, they hope to sustain their farm and livelihood for the next generation with the same opportunity Brent was afforded. “My heart and desire were there from a very young age,” Brent said. “I just hope that we are able to continue to do what we love to do.” Emily says having a future for their six kids—Kaine, Scarlett, Jude, Annabell, Theodore and Gabe—is the ultimate goal.

“In uncertain times it seems the only thing we can do is to work hard every single day showing our families and community the benefits the dairy industry brings to the world,” they said.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MMPA OUTSTANDING YOUNG DAIRY COOPERATOR PROGRAM ON PAGE 20.

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OUTSTANDING YOUNG DAIRY COOPERATORS

LEARN Ever wonder about what goes on behind the scenes of your dairy cooperative?

Want to know how others do things on their farms? MMPA’s Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator (OYDC) program provides education on milk marketing, cooperatives and farm management tactics. Not only is there training designed just for people like you, but you’ll get to network with fellow young dairy farmers from across the state and maybe even across the country.

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LEAD Hone in on your leadership skills at local and national conferences and start your journey in getting involved with MMPA. From its beginnings in 1916, MMPA has relied on grassroots member support to lead the association. Many of our current cooperative leaders (including board members!) got their start in the OYDC program.

LEVERAGE Dairy farmers, especially young dairy farmers, have great potential to drive change with policymakers and dairy industry leaders. Leverage your position and the OYDC program to connect with elected officials, customers, consumers and everyone in between to share your story.

What is the OYDC Program?

Since 1950, MMPA has been identifying future leaders through the Young Cooperator and Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator (OYDC) program. The purpose of the program is to strengthen leadership abilities in young farmers, broaden young farmers’ knowledge of milk marketing and MMPA and recognize the abilities and stewardship of our young dairy farmers.

Each year, MMPA selects winning and runners-up OYDC to represent the co-op at local and national events.

Who can participate?

Anyone between the ages of 21 and 40 who is a member or affiliated with a member farm is eligible to participate

LEAP Try something new and travel some place you’ve never been! OYDCs

Take a leap!

may have the opportunity represent MMPA at local and national conferences.

Things are a little different in 2020, but previous OYDCs have been able to go to places like New Orleans, Washington, D.C. and California.

in the program. If running as a couple, eligibility is based on the age of the younger spouse. Nominees can be family or employees of a member and do not have to be “on the contract” or a voting member to be considered.

Selection for each year’s OYDC starts during the winter local meeting season.

If you are interested in participating in the 2021 OYDC program, please contact your local officer or Jessica Welch (248-474-6672, ext. 303 or jwelch@mimilk.com).

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SUSTAINABILITY

MEETING IN THE MIDDLE MMPA FORMS FARMER SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE TO FURTHER COLLABORATION

BY EMILY KITTENDORF

W

hile we are still facing a global pandemic, the undercurrent of pursuing a more sustainable future continues to move in both the private and public sectors. From carbon credits being furthered in the legislative landscape and greenhouse gas emissions being highlighted on product packaging, the agriculture industry is meeting the demands of consumers with visions of a sustainable future.

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Fortunately, the agriculture industry is in a better place than many. Agriculture has a good story to tell with data proving how far farmers have come in the past 20 years and the unique ability to capture carbon while efficiently producing a cost-effective and nutrientdense product.

“For many dairy farmers who have had multiple generations involved in their operations, their definition of sustainability revolves around the ability to leave a family legacy behind,” said Sarah Michalek, MMPA sustainability supervisor.

“

“For many dairy farmers who have had multiple generations involved in their operations, their definition of sustainability revolves around the ability to leave a family legacy behind.”

“Companies across industries have been announcing carbon emissions goals this year, and the dairy industry has naturally positioned itself to contribute to these goals through the continuous improvements and technologies implemented to improve their dairies.

The agriculture industry and dairy specifically has a great story to tell and we at MMPA are contributing to that positive story,” she added.

MMPA’s customers are reacting to the mainstream consumer who cares about the future of the planet and have showcased the necessity of developing a sustainability program. To help meet customers’ needs, MMPA is driving sustainability efforts with a mission established by the board of directors: “To continually strive for a more sustainable future – for our community, our environment, our economy’s health, and for the lives and world around us.”

FARMER SUSTAINABILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

“

MMPA is driving sustainability efforts with a mission… “To continually strive for a more sustainable future – for our community, our environment, our economy’s health, and for the lives and world around us.”

For MMPA, sustainability is focused around the three pillars of social responsibility, environmental stewardship and economic viability.

To keep with their cooperative nature, the MMPA board of directors established a Farmer Sustainability Advisory Council (FSAC), chaired by Tony Jandernoa, Vice Chair of the Board of Directors.

“People are frustrated with sustainability, but the environment is important to everyone,” Jandernoa said. “With the formation of FSAC, we are hoping that we can get a dialogue going with these companies so that we can find a solution that works for everyone.”

The committee is comprised of eight members who will regularly meet with customers who have expressed interest in finding sustainable solutions to implement on dairy farms. This unique pairing of customers and farmers will provide a platform to openly discuss sustainability topics and resources to provide guidance on feasibility of potential sustainable solutions.

“By sitting down with [customers] and coming up with real solutions that work with their idea of sustainability and our idea of sustainability, I think we can have a program that works,” Jandernoa said. “The FSAC will help lead those conversations.”

Meeting in the middle between members’ farms and customer’s corporate headquarters will allow farmers to share their efforts and goals on the farm to individuals equally passionate about the future of the planet.

The MMPA board of directors formed a Farmer Sustainability Advisory Committee (FSAC) as part of the cooperative’s continued commitment to producing high quality milk in a socially, economically and environmentally responsible manner. MMPA values the feedback and insight members can provide on farm sustainability efforts and have taken steps to formalize member engagement in our sustainability program through a new committee. Appointed by the MMPA board of directors, the committee is comprised of a chairperson and eight district members.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS TONY JANDERNOA, COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN DISTRICT 1: CARLTON EVANS DISTRICT 2: RICHARD THOMAS DISTRICT 3: BRUCE RIFFLE DISTRICT 4: JEREMY WERTH DISTRICT 5: RYAN BENTHEM DISTRICT 6: JAMIE MEYER DISTRICT 7: JAMES WEBER DISTRICT 8: GERTIE VAN DEN GOOR

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DAIRY AMBASSADORS

MEET THE

2020 MICHIGAN

24

Dairy Ambassadors

Madison Halfman

Anna Moser

Adalee Thelen

Hometown: St. Johns, Michigan

Hometown: Dansville, Michigan

Hometown: St. Johns, Michigan

Growing up on her family’s dairy

As an incoming senior at Dansville High

Adalee Thelen is a senior at Fowler High

farm instilled a sense of pride for the

School, Anna Moser takes advantage

School this year where she is involved

industry that she’s excited to share with

of any and all opportunities to grow

in the National Honor Society and plays

others. Madison Halfman, daughter of

herself and her leadership abilities. She

volleyball and softball. Adalee, the

Mike and Laura Halfman, works on

is actively involved in 4-H, FFA and the

daughter of Jeff and Patti Thelen, grew

her family’s farm T&H Dairy Farm in

Michigan Junior Holstein Association,

up on her family’s dairy farm in Saint

Fowler, Michigan. There, she has gained

holding leadership positions in each

Johns, Michigan, caring for calves and

practical hands-on experience of what

organization. After graduating from high

sick cows. Her dairy background led her

it takes to run a dairy farm and as a

school next spring, Anna, the daughter

to taking a job at a neighboring farm

2020 Dairy Ambassador is gaining the

of Stan and Laura Moser, has plans

along with pursuing other opportunities

skills it takes to share the lifestyle with

to attend Michigan State University

to gain dairy industry knowledge

consumers. Madison has plans to attend

with the goal of learning more about

through groups like 4-H and FFA. In

Michigan State University to pursue a

agricultural business and marketing.

the future, Adalee plans on attending

Crop and Soil Science degree before

She wants to remain active in the dairy

Michigan State University to receive

returning to her family’s farm.

industry and continue promoting dairy

an animal science or agribusiness

products.

management degree.

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The Michigan Dairy Ambassador program gives youth the opportunity to network with others, develop leadership skills and learn how to communicate their passion for dairy. The goal of the program is to equip each ambassador with the communication skills and tools necessary to represent the dairy community and industry in a positive way. Ambassadors participate in trainings and represent the dairy industry at promotional and outreach events throughout the year.

Abby Vandyk

Katelynn Webster

Hometown: Kalamazoo, Michigan

Hometown: Barryton, Michigan

Elyse Zimmerlee

A graduate of Heritage Christian

Katelynn Webster loves everything

Entering her fourth year at Michigan

Academy, Abby Vandyk is the daughter

about dairy cows and the environment

State University, Elyse Zimmerlee has

of Sara Vandyk and a 2020 Dairy

around them. As a 2020 Dairy

competed on the 2019 MSU Agriculture

Ambassador. This fall, Abby is attending

Ambassador, she is passionate about

Technology Dairy Judging Team, helped

Michigan State University with the goal

sharing with consumers how farmers

coach FFA teams and worked at Wing

of receiving her dairy management

love and take great care of their animals.

Acres Dairy. She takes mentorship

certificate before pursuing a degree in

She was inspired to share the dairy story

seriously and is hoping to one day be

agriculture business management. Abby

because of industry member’s passion

an agriculture educator to help grow

is very involved in 4-H where she shows

for what they do to nourish the world

the next generation of dairy advocates.

a variety of animals at her county fair

every day. Katelynn is currently entering

What she enjoys most is fostering

and takes advantage of many leadership

eleventh grade at Chippewa Hills

passion for the dairy industry in others.

opportunities. She works at Vlietstra

High School where she is active on the

Elyse, the daughter of Deanna and Todd

Dairy Farm as general farm labor,

school’s track team. Outside of school,

Waterman, is eager to network with

gaining a variety of hands-on practical

she works on a dairy farm gaining

others and speak directly to consumers

dairy knowledge.

practical knowledge about the industry

about the dairy industry.

Hometown: Bellevue, Michigan

that she’s looking forward to applying in her future career.

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25

YOUR DAIRY PROMOTION AT WORK

Michigan and Indiana Dairy Checkoff Updates

BY AMERICAN DAIRY ASSOCIATION OF INDIANA AND UNITED DAIRY INDUSTRY OF MICHIGAN

A

s people continue to navigate the next stages of reality and see what the fall holds for schools, communities and more, dairy has found new opportunities to connect with consumers.

The following programs and initiatives through your checkoff organizations at the state and national level are examples of the work being done to increase sales and build trust in dairy.

Barb O’Brien, DMI president, says DMI has been working diligently with Amazon to help the on-line giant fully understand the dairy category and what drives sales. In turn, Amazon has named DMI as its dairy category “captain” to help advise the company on dairy sales. The use of e-commerce in grocery purchasing continues to rise, and dairy checkoff is now positioned to be a driver in the category through this partnership.

In the retail sector, grocery sales of dairy products spiked in the early weeks of the pandemic and have remained above year earlier levels since.

“There are multiple reasons why people bought what they bought during the pandemic,” notes Dairy Management, Inc (DMI) CEO Tom Gallagher. “A big driver is breakfast cereal consumption, and 30 percent of retail milk sales are tied to cereal consumption. As consumers ate more breakfasts at home, they turned to cereal which in turn drove milk sales,” Gallagher says.

The pandemic has positioned milk as a comfort food providing wholesome nutrition in many U.S. households. In fact, 72 percent of moms said it was their number one must have during these times of uncertainty. The increase in retail sales year to date makes this the perfect moment for milk to claim its rightful place in America’s hearts, minds, fridges and stomachs. In early August, MilkPEP reimagined the “got milk?” campaign for a whole new generation, showcasing how kids and kids-at-heart found creative, new ways to drink it, dunk it and, most of all, enjoy it!

David Mounts, CEO of Inmar Intelligence, says the way consumers are making purchases has also changed radically during the pandemic.

Supermarket sales are up nearly 10 percent during the pandemic.

Consumers are making fewer trips to grocery stores but buying more when they do. This has positive implications for dairy sales, says Mounts. Dairy is a core part of grocery lists and is a key driver to go back to the store and re-stock. Consumers also see dairy as a good value and providing key nutrition.

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Got milk? reimagined

Brands, influencers, partners and farmers also took to social media to showcase all the different ways they went out and got milk. In just three days, “got milk?” garnered thousands of media stories in outlets like CNN, Associated Press, USA Today and more. Olympic gold medalist Katie Ledecky kicked off the announcement with the #gotmilkchallenge on the social media platform Tik Tok – making a big splash with more than 1 billion views in just three days.

The Perfect Partnership: Milk and Hershey’s Syrup This year, MilkPEP is bringing back the classic duo of milk and HERSHEY’s Syrup to inspire new recipe creations with the perfect pairing of milk and Hershey’s Syrup! Trusted milk influencers @ellepennerrd and @cremedelacrumb1 created brand new recipes to share on social, including Hershey’s Peanut Butter Banana Muffins, Hershey’s Strawberry Banana Smoothie Bowl, Hershey’s Syrup Whipped Milk and Raspberry & Hershey’s Chocolate Popsicles. Try them and share with your followers!

Working with future health professionals Both American Dairy Association of Indiana (ADAI) and the United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM) have longstanding relationships with university dietetic programs.

At the start of the pandemic, ADAI adapted its traditional presentations for dietetic students to online recordings that professors could utilize in online classroom settings. These recordings have been viewed and shared with over 300 students, reaching more than previously possible through in-person presentations. As a part of the fall semester, students in dietetics programs from Purdue University, Indiana State University, and Indiana University Medical School will also visit a dairy farm to see where dairy foods begin first-hand. It was important to professors to continue this experience in-person, as it is consistently rated as the most influential event by students each year of their internships. The tour

UNITED DAIRY INDUSTRY OF MICHIGAN

will also be live-streamed for students that are unable to travel to Kerry Estes’s dairy farm in Fountaintown, Indiana.

For the past five years, a full day of dairy information and a dairy farm tour is written into the curriculum for dietetic students at Eastern Michigan University.

The students meet with UDIM staff and during the farm tour hear from dairy farmer Jennifer Lewis and her farm’s veterinarian and nutritionist. To ensure we still meet with these students and connect with them about dairy, we took the day virtual. UDIM also hosted a similar experience for dietetic students in internship programs at Grand Valley State University (GVSU) and Beaumont, they virtually toured Sheridan Dairy.

A few comments we received from the GVSU and Beaumont students: • I did not realize all the work that went into feeding the cows and all the work the nutritionist does in making sure the cows get the proper nutrition.

• The technology is incredible. I had no idea the cows’ activity was tracked and all of the devices used that are friendly and comforting to them.

• It was reassuring seeing the safety precautions with products and I loved the enthusiasm of the tour.

Mootilda’s Virtual Summer Camp Knowing many summer camps were cancelled, UDIM’s cow mascot Mootilda decided to host a virtual summer camp for Michigan families.

The first day focused on “Healthy Me” and viewers followed along as Reese and Anna made the Easy Peasy Fruit Smoothie, got Mooooving with Coach Aaron and watched Mootilda play a Building a Healthy MyPlate game with Jessica. The second day was all about “Farm Fun” as Sarah showed campers how to make the Red, White and Blue Greek Yogurt Bark, Sandy and Lilly led everyone on some Farm Animal Yoga poses and Sharon showed Mootilda how to make a Cow Pencil Holder. Mootilda’s Camp wrapped up with a “Visit to a Dairy Farm” with a virtual farm tour of Sheridan Farms. Together, the videos have reached almost 5,000 views.

Website updates highlight Indiana dairy farmers Two new webpages have been added to the WinnersDrinkMilk.com line up, and they’re showcasing dairy farmers across the state.

The Indianapolis 500 couldn’t escape the changes that COVID-19 has brought to the many monumental events in 2020. Without fans in attendance and pushing the race out of the month of May, ADAI developed a new tradition to feature the dairy farmers that have presented what ESPN calls the “coolest trophy in sports” the iconic drink of milk. Since 2004, a dairy farmer has met the winning driver in Victory Circle to start the thirst-quenching celebration. The new “Milk Tradition” webpage explains the history of this honor, and features memories from the dairy farmers who have handed off the bottle to the winning driver. This year, these Milk People alumni were presented with signs that designate the farm as part of the storied tradition.

The new “Farm Life” section allows visitors to “Meet a Hoosier Dairy Farmer” and learn about the animal care and sustainable farming practices farmers use to care for their cows, land and communities. If you would like to feature your farm or a farm in your area, please contact Allie Rieth (rieth@winnersdrinkmilk.com).

MEET A HOOSIER DAIRY FARMER

milk messenger / SEP-OCT 2020

27

FREELINERS AND CLASSIFIEDS.

TO SUBMIT ADS, CONTACT MMPA VIA EMAIL AT MESSENGER@MIMILK.COM OR FAX 248-426-3412 OR VISIT MIMILK.COM/FREELINER-CLASSIFIED.

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

• 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.

• 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.

PTO and Automatic Start Generators

FOR SALE: 18 REGISTERED HEIFERS starting to calve

1-800-248-8070 M-40 South Hamilton, MI 49419 www.hamiltondist.com

Concrete Grooving and Texturing

end of December. 989-467-0330.

Call: Jeff Brisky - Owner

and newer 5 hp. compressor with two fans; 2 in.

U.S. POSTAL SERVICE STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP

Toll Free: 1-800-294-1202

28

Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation (All Periodicals Publications Except Requester Publications)

1. Publication Title

2. Publication Number

0 0 2 6

Milk Messenger 4. Issue Frequency

_

3. Filing Date

5. Number of Issues Published Annually

6

Bimonthly

September 2020

2 3 1 5

7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication (Not printer) (Street, city, county, state, and ZIP+4 ®)

Cell: 1-716-353-1137

FOR SALE: 1250 MUELLER BULK TANK with washer lowline receiver stainless steel and 12 Delaval units and pulsator and a plate cooler. 15 Poly Square calf hutches. 810-404-8548.

6. Annual Subscription Price

$5.00

Contact Person

Allison Miller

41310 Bridge Street, PO Box 8002, Novi, MI 48376-8002

Telephone (Include area code)

248-474-6672

8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher (Not printer)

41310 Bridge Street, PO Box 8002, Novi, MI 48376-8002

9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor (Do not leave blank) Publisher (Name and complete mailing address)

Michigan Milk Producers Association, 41310 Bridge Street, PO Box 8002, Novi, MI 48376-8002 Editor (Name and complete mailing address)

Allison Miller, 41310 Bridge Street, PO Box 8002, Novi, MI 48376-8002 Managing Editor (Name and complete mailing address)

Sheila Burkhardt, 41310 Bridge Street, PO Box 8002, Novi, MI 48376-8002 10. Owner (Do not leave blank. If the publication is owned by a corporation, give the name and address of the corporation immediately followed by the names and addresses of all stockholders owning or holding 1 percent or more of the total amount of stock. If not owned by a corporation, give the names and addresses of the individual owners. If owned by a partnership or other unincorporated firm, give its name and address as well as those of each individual owner. If the publication is published by a nonprofit organization, give its name and address.)

Complete Mailing Address Full Name

Michigan Milk Producers Association

41310 Bridge Street, PO Box 8002, Novi, MI 48376-8002

11. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities. If none, check box None Full Name

Complete Mailing Address

LEGENDAIRY.

12. Tax Status (For completion by nonprofit organizations authorized to mail at nonprofit rates) (Check one) The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes: Has Not Changed During Preceding 12 Months Has Changed During Preceding 12 Months (Publisher must submit explanation of change with this statement) PS 3526, August 13. Form Publication Title 2012 (Page 1 of 3 (Instructions Page 3)) PSN: 7530-01-000-9931

Milk Messenger

15. Extent and Nature of Circulation

(1)

Mailed Outside-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541 (Include paid distribution above nominal rate, advertiser’s proof copies, and exchange copies)

(2)

Mailed In-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541 (Include paid distribution above nominal rate, advertiser’s proof copies, and exchange copies)

(3)

Paid Distribution Outside the Mails Including Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Paid Distribution Outside USPS®

(4)

Paid Distribution by Other Classes of Mail Through the USPS (e.g., FirstClass Mail®)

c. Total Paid Distribution (Sum of 15b (1), (2), (3), and (4)) d. Free or (1) Nominal Rate Distribution (2) (By Mail and (3) Outside the Mail) (4) e.

16.

September/October 2020 Average No. Copies No. Copies of Single Each Issue During Issue Published Preceding 12 Months Nearest to Filing Date

a. Total Number of Copies (Net press run)

b. Paid Circulation (By Mail and Outside the Mail)

No bull.

PRIVACY NOTICE: ourfor privacy policyData on www.usps.com.

14. IssueSee Date Circulation Below

2,596

2,596

1,221

1,221

1,225

1,225

896

896

4

Co-Products Menu

4

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!

Free or Nominal Rate Outside-County Copies included on PS Form 3541 Free or Nominal Rate In-County Copies Included on PS Form 3541 Free or Nominal Rate Copies Mailed at Other Classes Through the USPS (e.g., First-Class Mail) Free or Nominal Rate Distribution Outside the Mail (Carriers or other means)

Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (Sum of 15d (1), (2), (3) and (4))

f.

Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and 15e)

g.

Copies not Distributed (See Instructions to Publishers #4 (page #3))

h.

Total (Sum of 15f and g)

i.

Percent Paid (15c divided by 15f times 100)

225

1,038

225

1,038

2,263

2,263

2,596

2,596

250

54%

250

54%

Total circulation includes electronic copies. Report circulation on PS Form 3526-X worksheet.

17. Publication of Statement of Ownership If the publication is a general publication, publication of this statement is required. Will be printed

September/October 2020

Publication not required.

in the ________________________ issue of this publication.

18. Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, Business Manager, or Owner

Date

8/24/2020 Allison Miller, Editor I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including civil penalties).

PS Form 3526, August 2012 (Page 2 of 3)

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/ SEP-OCT 2020

Non-GMO

products available

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

classifieds 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 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 1-800-365-3361.

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. 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. 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.

989-723-1886 or 989-277-1414.

ALFALFA HAYLAGE (excellent & fair grades) & CORN SILAGE. 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.

HOOF TRIMMING - 20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE. Also doing fly control and cement grooving.

Gibson Hoof Care (Tom) 989-239-6843.

BARN WHITE WASHING AND CLEANING WITH HIGH PRESSURE AIR: Serving all Michigan and Indiana.

Miller Spray Service, Inc. 574-825-9776.

High Demand Items This past year has been challenging to say the least! Many products that we have always taken for granted have been in short supply due to high demand and other factors. The MMPA Farm Supply Store is experiencing the same difficulty.

It is becoming very difficult to maintain an adequate supply of several of our most common items. The item that has proven to be the most challenging are disposable gloves. Our vendors have been limited on the quantities they can order from the manufacturer, which of course, limits the quantities they can provide to us. The shortage appears to be from a combination of high demand and importing issues. This has affected both our latex and nitrile gloves. Because we may not know which style of glove will be in short supply, we might need to substitute another variety of glove to complete an order. We will of course attempt to contact you prior to the substitution to prevent any possible issues.

Another product in high demand and short supply is our Dial Liquid Hand Soap refill. This product has been out of stock from our usual vendor and from any other vendor we have tried. We have been required to substitute other varieties of hand soap to fill orders. We currently have replaced Dial with Softsoap Brand hand soap and Ecolab “Clean and Smooth” liquid hand soap. Because these products are slightly less expensive, the price for this product will be adjusted accordingly.

STOCK NUMBER

DESCRIPTION

PRICE

6301

HAND SOAP 1-GALLON REFILL

$13.47

We hope that these shortages will be short lived, and we can get back to normal soon and we appreciate your patience as we work through these unusual circumstances. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at the MMPA Farm Supply Store.

THREE WAYS TO ORDER MMPA MERCHANDISE FROM THE FARM SUPPLY STORE 1 Order online at www.mimilk.com/farm-supply-store 2 Call in your order: Main Line: 989-317-8370 Toll Free: 877-367-6455 Orders (Novi): 800-572-5824 then dial 2 3 Fax in your order: 989-317-8372

CHEMICAL, SANITIZER AND TEAT DIP CONTACTS These are SERVICE personnel only. Order your supplies through your hauler.

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 Hwy., Addison, MI 49220 » Jason Wolfe – 540-553-5755 - 1890 Canter Drive, Riner, VA 24149

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MMPA STAFF

MMPA Field Staff

Novi Headquarters

Dean Letter, Newaygo, Member Services Director.................. 231-679-0337

Main Office Local line..............................................................................248-474-6672 Toll free................................................................................800-572-5824

Steve Lehman, Ithaca, Raw Milk Compliance.............................989-330-1638 Ben Chapin, Remus, Field Services Manager........................... 989-289-0731 Christy Dinsmoore, Vassar, Supervisor....................................248-513-7920 Frank Brazeau, Oconto, WI......................................................... 906-250-0337 Lyndsay Earl, Ludington, Animal Care.......................................231-519-2455 Laura Gucwa, Bad Axe.................................................................248-826-6294 Ashley Herriman, Herron............................................................269-245-6632 Sarah Michalek, Dewitt, Sustainability Supervisor.................248-305-0537 Deb Gingrich, Leroy, Animal Care/Sustainability......................248-520-3580 Lindsay Green, East Lansing, Animal Care /Sustainability ......989-488-8159 Dave Brady, Grass Lake, Supervisor.........................................517-937-9061 Rachel Brown, Charlotte............................................................. 248-826-7243 Alyssa DeWitt, Elkhart, IN...........................................................269-967-7351 Brandon Ewers, Coldwater, Sustainability.................................231-414-4539 John Lehman, Elsie, Bulk Tank Calibration................................248-444-6775 Joe Packard, Manchester, Animal Care......................................248-520-3481 Brittni Tucker, Eagle.....................................................................248-880-3785

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

Farm Supply - Mt. Pleasant 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

President and Chief Executive Officer Joe Diglio.......................................................................................ext. 202 Chief Financial Officer Josep Barenys...............................................................................ext. 240 Member and Government Relations Sheila Burkhardt...........................................................................ext. 208 Management Information Systems Andrew Caldwell...........................................................................ext. 304 Sales James Feeney................................................................................ext. 258 Laboratory Supervisor Patti Huttula.................................................................................. ext. 219 Quality Sudeep Jain...................................................................................ext. 249 Manufacturing Kaylan Kennel......................................................................248-880-5413 Member Services Emily Keranen...............................................................................ext. 203 Human Resources Kelly Kerrigan................................................................................ ext. 301 Credit/Insurance Cheryl Schmandt........................................................................... ext. 210 Communications Allison Stuby Miller.......................................................................ext. 296 Emily Kittendorf............................................................................ext. 234 Corporate Controller Jeannie Strain................................................................................ ext. 311 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 Kaylan Kennel....................................................................... 989-834-2221 Middlebury Cheese Company, Middlebury, Indiana Bela Sandor, 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.

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Board of Directors Officers Doug Chapin, Board Chairman Tony Jandernoa Board Vice Chairman Eric Frahm, Treasurer Joe Diglio, President and CEO Josep Barenys, Asst. Board Treasurer 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 Gertie van den Goor, Marlette 989-550-8453 Kris Wardin, St. Johns 989-640-9420 District Directors 1 Hank Choate Cement City 517-529-9032 2 Tim Hood Paw Paw 269-657-5771 3 Bill Stakenas Freesoil 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

MEMBER MOMENT

Submit your Member Moment to messenger@mimilk.com

An autumn morning brought to light by golden ribbons in the sky.

Dewy grass and a morning fog making their appearance in the daylight.

Casting shadows on the fall scene, a farm monument stands with pride a barn shepherding animals, keeping them all safe, warm and dry.

PHOTO BY: STEPHANIE WEIL, GOODRICH, MICHIGAN WORDS BY: EMILY KITTENDORF

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P.O. Box 8002 Novi, MI 48376

“Our team regularly assesses our product lineup to make sure we carry a wide variety to service our members. Our goal is to provide the tools our farms need to produce top quality milk.”

Shop online at www.mimilk.com/farm-supply-store.

— DUANE FARMER, FARM SUPPLY STORE SUPERVISOR