Milk Messenger: September/October 2023

features

18 On the Winning Team

Ryan Benthem, this year’s MMPA winning Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator, compares his family’s dairy operation to a sporting team or event. To be the winning team, it takes a lot of work, and practice can get old over time, but as long you enjoy working with your team, it can be a lot of fun to play the game.

14 YOU GAVE US YOUR BEST SHOTS!

From witnessing a calf’s first steps to a red barn lit by a blazing sunset, MMPA photographers captured their best in the sixth annual MMPA photo contest. Selected from over 50 entries, the five winning photographers captured stunning scenes on farms throughout the Great Lakes region.

24 SUSTAINABILITY SPOTLIGHT: ERIC AND JENN BLEICH

The Bleich family does it all on their 1,000-cow dairy in Hudson, Michigan. Eric and Jenn Bleich of Bleich Family Farms have diversified their dairy operation to be both financially and environmentally sustainable.

DE GRINS OER DAIRY HOSTED 1,300 VISITORS ON JULY 29 DURING A BREAKFAST ON THE FARM EVENT.

"A WATCHFUL MOTHER" BY JOE ANKLEY OF IMLAY CITY, MICHIGAN WON THIRD PLACE IN THE MMPA PHOTO CONTEST.

Young Dairy Cooperator. On the farm in McBain, Michigan, Ryan works alongside his family and recognizes that his success wouldn’t have been possible without the team by his side. Read more about him and his farm on page 18.

Also Inside

The spirit of family also wove through the Bleich family, who are featured in this issue for their farm’s unique sustainability efforts (pg. 24). With impressive energy reduction investments and diversification ventures, they’re setting their farm up to be a success for the generations to come.

As back to school season is underway, we wished MMPA interns good luck as they begin their next endeavors (pg. 16) and now we’re turning our focus to October when we’ll celebrate our cooperative roots during National Cooperative Month (pg. 22). Also inside are the results of our MMPA photo contest. Turn to page 14 to see the stunning photographs captured by MMPA’s photographers. We hope to see your entry in next year’s contest!

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

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

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(ISSN 0026-2315)

Committed to Us.

ore so than ever, it’s critical that we provide a safe work environment for our employees. As an employer, we have an obligation to ensure our employees return home to their families, the same way that they came in. Today, people have options where they want to work, and every day employees are evaluating whether we’re worthy of their commitment to us. Workplace safety is important not only to attract and retain people, but it’s the right thing to do. People need to feel safe in their working environment.

Our Constantine, Michigan facility was recently awarded an International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) safety award for outstanding worker safety. This continues the success after MMPA’s Middlebury, Indiana facility received two awards in the program last year. The IDFA award program evaluates applicants on occupational injury and illness performance rate and is a demonstration of our efforts in improving worker safety across our entire campus. The Constantine plant has gone nearly two years without a lost time accident or recordable injury. Their impressive achievements are a testament to the facility’s management and employee commitment to safety.

Even after these notable achievements, we continue to prioritize safety in all of our plants At our facility in Canton, Ohio, we’ve partnered with OSHA to invite them into our facility on a monthly basis to proactively address safety concerns. When they visit, we work together to evaluate machine guarding, height of steps, handrail access, accessibility of fire extinguishers and more so that we can ensure a safe working environment for our employees.

The labor environment continues to be a challenge across the region. To hear directly from employees and address their concerns, MMPA’s leadership team met with each salary employee one-on-one to solicit feedback on why they like working at MMPA, what they find challenging about their jobs and what we can do better as an employer. We’ve been using the feedback we’ve received to prioritize our initiatives and address their concerns.

During the one-on-one meetings, it was obvious that our employees take a lot of pride in who they’re working for. At MMPA, we work for farmers who have a sevenday commitment and know what hard work is. Our employees take a lot of pride in making sure we support our members to the best of our ability. This unique level of commitment is one of many reasons that we have so many long-serving employees who will be recognized for achieving service milestones this fall, and for the many employees we celebrated retirements with these past few months. Their many years of service is a testament to their commitment to the cooperative and our members.

Looking forward, we continue to leverage technology to help with streamlining our employee communications and recognition and finding ways to continue improving our workplace safety. Our employees take a lot of pride in making sure we support our members to the best of our ability, and we want to ensure that we’re loyal to their commitment.

KELLY KERRIGAN

How can fatty acid testing help your farm?

manage their cows’ rations for health and increased production. Inside the lab, fatty acid testing is conducted on the Combi Foss, the same machine we use for component testing, and is tested at the same time as we test for components. We began testing for fatty acids based on member and nutritionist requests, a testament to MMPA’s commitment to best serve members.

The laboratory is a critical piece of MMPA’s portfolio of member services to help members produce the highest quality milk possible. Through routine evaluation of fatty acid test results, members and their nutritionists can work together to achieve milk quality and herd health goals.

There is one unifying practice common to all dairy farms; they ship milk, and the value of that milk is based on the pounds of fat, protein and other solids in the milk. Milk fatty acid testing is an inexpensive way to measure how efficiently your farm is producing milk components.

Milk fatty acid testing measures de novo fatty acids. For every increase in de novo milk fatty acid of 0.10-unit, milk fat percent increases 0.20% and milk protein percent increases 0.12%. If you want to increase the pounds of fat and protein shipped from your farm, then increase the de novo fatty acid content of your milk. Your target is a de novo milk fatty acid content of 1.0 to 1.05 g/100 g milk for Holstein herds and 1.35 g/100g milk for Jersey herds.

Milk fatty acid testing also measures mixed fatty acids. This is important because a shortage of mixed fatty acids reduces milk fat and milk protein yield. A target is 1.5 to 1.6 g/100g milk for Holstein herds. If you do not track the de novo and mixed fatty acid content of your milk, you are leaving money on the table.

Kyle Jandernoa MMPA Member

On our farm, we check fatty acid testing results two or three times a week, right alongside our bacteria counts. We focus on the De Novo side of the results to measure the rumen health in our herd. Evaluating the data, we’re able to make sure that our cows are performing how we want them to, and if they’re not, we make diet changes to get them back on track.

We keep a close eye on fatty acid testing results when we make dietary changes. If we add more fat to our ration, we can see not only if butterfat in the milk is going up as a result, but how it’s changing. Is it going up in the way the cow is doing it herself or is it going up just because we are feeding her more fat that’s going through and showing up in the milk test results? Evaluating this allows us to feed more effectively.

Our nutritionist looks at fatty acid testing results once a week when he’s on our dairy. We work with him to try and get our De Novo around 1%. If we can do that, we know that we have a healthy cow doing everything she can and now we just have to do our part to get the rest of it going.

Dr. Stephen Emanuele Private Consultant

and Federal Check Ratings

2023 Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperators gather for annual conference

The 2023 MMPA Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator (OYDC) finalists gathered for the annual OYDC Conference, held at MMPA headquarters in Novi on August 8. The purpose of the conference is to provide participants with information about milk marketing activities, cooperatives, milk testing procedures and other current events within the dairy industry. The program has been held annually for over 70 years.

Ryan Benthem was selected as the winning OYDC, while BJ and Autumn Benkovsky were chosen as runners-up. Ryan milks 3,450 cows and farms 4,500 acres with his dad, brother, cousin and uncle on Benthem Brothers Dairy in McBain, Michigan. Read more about his operation on page 18.

The winning and runners-up OYDCs were selected by a panel of judges: Kris Wardin, MMPA board member; Darrin Siemen, former OYDC; and Noelle Nachreiner, Executive Director of Michigan Ag Council.

International All Things

Bovine

Leukemia Virus Conference: November 8-10, Lansing, Mich.

Join Michigan State University Extension for an international gathering to discuss and learn with researchers, extension specialists, producers, and veterinarians about the latest ideas in the diagnosis, management, and control of bovine leukosis. The conference will include the latest scientific advancements from around the world, as well as applied knowledge from producers and veterinarians who will share their experiences about BLV control, management, and/ or elimination. Learn more at https://www.canr.msu.edu/blv/ Meetings/all-things-blv-2023.

2023 OYDC Finalists:

• BJ and Autumn Benkovsky Eaton Rapids, Mich.

• Bryan and Molly Benson Cadillac, Mich.

• Ryan Benthem McBain, Mich.

• Steve and Whitney Wamhoff Hopkins, Mich.

BACK ROW (L-R): BJ BENKOVSKY, RYAN BENTHEM. FRONT ROW (L-R): DARRIN SIEMEN, KATELYN PACKARD, AUTUMN BENKOVSKY, KRIS WARDIN, NOELLE NACHREINER.

MMPA producers scoring 95 percent or higher on Grade A Surveys

MMPA Constantine plant wins IDFA safety awards

MMPA’s plant in Constantine, Mich. received an International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) safety award for outstanding worker safety.

The annual Dairy Industry Safety Recognition Awards program, co-sponsored by IDFA and Dairy Foods magazine, honors U.S. dairy facilities and trucking operations for outstanding worker safety. Applicants were judged on occupational injury and illness performance rates. The program continues to demonstrate that the safety of our people and our food is the dairy industry’s number one priority.

MMPA is one of 25 dairy companies recognized during this year’s award program. Last year, MMPA’s Middlebury, Indians plant received recognition in the awards programming, making this continued success a true testament to MMPA’s commitment to employee safety.

De Grins Oer Dairy hosts Breakfast on the Farm

De Grins Oer Dairy, an MMPA member farm in Blanchard, Michigan, opened their doors to 1,300 visitors on July 29 during a Breakfast on the Farm event. With the help of numerous volunteers, attendees enjoyed a pancake breakfast, toured the farm and learned more about the dairy industry.

Founded in 1999 by the Okkema family, De Grins Oer Dairy features a rotary parlor and a flock of 50 sheep alongside their 700-cow herd. The Okkemas and their sixteen employees farm 1,600 acres of alfalfa, corn and sorghum. All facets of the farm’s dairy and crop production were on display in 27 educational stations scattered around the farm during the Breakfast on the Farm event.

PHOTO CREDIT: BLUE EYED VISUALS

EPA Amends WOTUS Rule to Align with Supreme Court Ruling

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Army Corps of Engineers have revised the definition of the “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS) and published a final rule that conforms to a recent Supreme Court ruling. The update limits federal jurisdiction to traditional navigable waters and adjacent wetlands with continuous surface connection to those waters, providing greater clarity and certainty for dairy farmers.

The announcement is the latest chapter in a 50-year saga to determine what constitutes a water body subject to federal regulation under the powerful Clean Water Act.

How did we get here?

A series of Supreme Court rulings required EPA to update the WOTUS definition. In 2015, the Obama administration amended the regulations defining WOTUS, greatly expanding the waterways subject to regulation. The Trump administration repealed this overreach in 2020, replacing it with the Navigable Waters Protection Rule. However, both rules were struck down in the courts, requiring the Biden administration to work from the 36-year-old framework that had been in place before the 2015 rule.

The Biden administration released a new rule in January that failed to provide certainty and clarity for dairy farmers. In May, the rule was struck down by the Supreme Court in Sackett v. EPA,

which limited the waters that can be protected under the Clean Water Act. The new rule, released yesterday, revises the January definition to eliminate the problematic “significant nexus” standard to determine when waters or wetlands are covered by the Act, as well as their definition of “adjacent wetlands.”

Why do we care?

Because of the extensive efforts dairy farmers make to manage the natural resources on which they depend for their livelihoods, National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) has a strong interest in the updated WOTUS rule. The new rule will have an immediate impact on dairy farmers by reducing lands with water features subject to the Clean Water Act and providing improved clarity and certainty to which lands with water features are regulated. That doesn’t mean every conceivable WOTUS question is answered. Lingering ambiguity may still require some producers to hire consultants to determine if a waterway is subject to regulation. Still, NMPF considers the new rule to be a significant step in the right direction.

NMPF filed comments, met with EPA on numerous occasions and partnered with other stakeholders to emphasize key messages throughout the rulemaking process. Further, NMPF has spoken out repeatedly on the issue, both to express its dissatisfaction with the current uncertainty in regulation and its frustration over the regulatory pingpong match of different administrations continually rewriting the rule.

The new rule will go into effect immediately after it’s formally published in the Federal Register.

SHUTTERSTOCK PHOTO BY: THANAN KONGDOUNG

FMMO Hearing Heralds Farmer-Led Progress for Dairy

USDA’s once-in-a-generation hearing on federal milk pricing represents a critical moment for dairy’s future, one in which the National Milk Producers Federation intends to lead, President and CEO Jim Mulhern said.

“Thanks to the tireless efforts of dairy farmers and their cooperatives, this industry is poised for progress as Federal Milk Marketing Order modernization is now in sight,” Mulhern said, as dairy experts and government officials gathered in Carmel, IN, for what’s expected to be five to seven weeks of testimony and discussion of proposals to update and improve the FMMO system, which last saw a major revision in 2000.

“NMPF’s comprehensive proposal for improvements to the system forms the basis of this hearing, and through our members’ depth of expertise and unmatched team of dairy farmers and cooperative analysts, we are prepared to advance our industry’s need for these updates.”

Following USDA’s initial presentations, the hearing will launch into discussions of specific issues placed within the scope of the hearing, including; milk composition; surveyed commodity products; Class III and Class IV formula factors; the Base Class I skim milk price; and Class I and Class II price differentials.

After the hearing’s conclusion, entities involved in the hearing then have a period of time to respond to the testimony, followed by a USDA draft

decision, then more discussion, and ultimately a vote among dairy farmers on a final proposal, likely in the second half of 2024.

Because of the hearing’s complexity and the multi-step process of formulating and approving a final plan afterward, Mulhern noted that the hearing itself is far from the culmination of the process. Still, as the centerpiece of milk-pricing efforts, the beginning of the hearing will be the most intense for public discussion of how to create a better milk-price system for dairy farmers – a moment NMPF has spent literally years waiting for.

“Though far from the final word, this national hearing stage is a critical phase that starts a foreseeable timeline for a new system to become real,” Mulhern said. “That’s exciting for our industry. It took a long time, and incredible effort, to get to where we are today. With the leadership I know our member cooperatives will provide, it can only lead to a brighter tomorrow.”

YOU GAVE US YOUR BEST SHOTS

BY MIKAYLA BOWEN

the five winning photographs from MMPA’s sixth annual photo contest capture beautiful scenes on dairy farms throughout the Great Lakes region.

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 Stephanie Weil of Goodrich, Michigan, with her photo titled, “The Golden Hour After Rain” pictured above. Capturing the peaceful scene awarded Stephanie a $100 gift card to MMPA’s Farm Supply Store.

SECOND PLACE

Photographer: Nicole Nickolaus

Photo Title: Feed Me

Hometown: Conklin, Michigan

THIRD PLACE

Photographer: Joe Ankley

Photo Title: A Watchful Mother

Hometown: Imlay City, Michigan

PEOPLE’S CHOICE

Photographer: Victoria Wright

Photo Title: Cows in the Pasture

Hometown: Cass City, Michigan

STAFF CHOICE

Photographer: Drew Rupprecht

Photo Title: Our Chore Girl

Hometown: Vassar, Michigan

MEET MMPA’S INTERNS

What previous experience did you have that helped prepare you for your internship?

I gained a lot of dairy experience from my time at MSU. I competed on the Dairy Challenge Team, Dairy Judging Team, was involved in the Dairy Club, and worked for a dairy focused research lab. I was also involved with Dr. Barry Bradford at MSU, where I helped run the MSU Dairy Extension social media and Spartan Dairy Newsletter. My time with Dr. Bradford is where I gained much of my communications knowledge.

How did this MMPA internship experience fit into your future career goals?

My goal in the dairy industry is to help producers. MMPA is a co-op that focuses on doing what is best for their members and that is something that I appreciate. Through my internship role I have helped communicate to members and the public on not only current events, but ways that MMPA can be a support in the industry.

What do you like most about working in the dairy industry?

I enjoy helping producers keep their cows happy and healthy. As I gain more experience in the industry, I hope to become an asset to farms when problem solving and troubleshooting on the dairy.

What was your favorite experience working as an MMPA intern?

Working with the communications team and everyone at MMPA has been the most exciting. Everyone at MMPA is extremely helpful and friendly. The communications team has taken me on as one of their own, and I have gained so much knowledge from them, all while having fun along the way!

Cecelia Brandt

Cedar Springs, MI

Internship: Member Representative Intern through Food Systems Fellowship

College: Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine

Year in School: 2nd Year

Major: Veterinary Medicine

Dream job: Traveling the country and fixing up old barns and farmhouses

What previous experience did you have that helped prepare you for your internship?

I come from a farm background and grew up in 4-H and FFA, but I do not have a dairy background (other than my dairy goats!). However, I did work for a year on a dairy in Sparta, Michigan prior to starting vet school. I loved my experience there and I was eager to learn more about the dairy industry. So, when I saw this internship, I thought it would be a good fit for me.

How did this MMPA internship experience fit into your future career goals?

This internship gave me a more in depth look at the dairy industry where I might like to work one day. I gained insight on what goes into shipping Grade A milk, the National Dairy FARM Program, and many other aspects of dairy production.

What do you like most about working in the dairy industry?

My favorite part about the dairy industry is never having the same experience every day. There is always something new to learn about or something new to overcome. Even with a routine, the experience is never the same.

What was your favorite experience working as an MMPA intern?

I had a lot of wonderful experiences this summer thanks to my mentor Lyndsay Earl, member services director Ben Chapin and all the field staff. However, I think my favorite experience was seeing all the different facilities since I had only been on a couple dairy farms previously and how they operate day-to-day to produce a safe, high-quality product for our tables.

Jack Ignatowski

Bloomfield Hills, MI

Internship: Financial Planning & Analysis Intern College: University of Michigan

Year in School: Junior

Major: Business

Dream Job: Finance related, but not sure yet!

What previous experience did you have that helped prepare you for your internship? In terms of communication, I would say that managing my local Dairy Queen for a few years prepared me to interact with a wide range of professionals. Applying these skills to MMPA, I was able to effectively vary my communication style depending on whether I spoke to my FP&A coworkers, the department heads, or the CEO.

How did this MMPA internship experience fit into your future career goals?

This internship has allowed me to really take a deep dive into the world of business. While it is one thing to learn about business in the classroom, it is a completely different thing to practice it within a specific industry.

What do you like most about working in the dairy industry?

Funny enough, I think what I like most about working in the dairy industry is that it is complicated! The dairy industry is intricate, regulated, and unlike many other business models. The challenge of learning dairy forced me not only to think in a different way but also to keep an open mind about how businesses (and particularly their pricing) work.

What was your favorite experience working as an MMPA intern?

My favorite experience working as an MMPA intern had to be getting to know my coworkers. The staff at Novi were incredibly kind, helpful, and supportive of me and I can’t thank them enough for their help.

On the Winning Team

BY EMILY KITTENDORF

Ryan Benthem Named MMPA 2023 OYDC

Ryan Benthem has seen his family’s farm grow from 100 cows when he was young to 300 cows after he came home from college to the 3,400 cows it is today. The strategic growth was never outlined in a detailed plan but was just part of the farm’s philosophy to “keep taking advantage of opportunities when they came up and to utilize the land base the best we could.”

The straightforward approach led to the installation of a 60-stall rotary in 2016, the purchase of the 400-cow Benthem Homestead Farm in 2018, and the acquisition of an additional 400-cow farm in 2022. With multiple farm locations in a campus style network, Benthem Brothers Dairy’s success is in part thanks to Ryan’s involvement and his role in planning the future of the farm.

“A big part of what I do is try to plan ahead so that things go smoothly,” Benthem said. “I really enjoy looking at how to maximize everything we have. Whether it’s the parlor, or the cow barns, or the equipment, I figure out what makes sense as far as tractors, other equipment and feed to make the most of what we have.”

I really enjoy looking at how to maximize everything we have. Whether it’s the parlor, or the cow barns, or the equipment, I figure out what makes sense as far as tractors, other equipment and feed to make the most of what we have.”

Benthem achieves this by working closely with his dad, uncle, brother and cousin. A team of people that Benthem recognizes has helped him achieve success.

“Working on the farm can be pretty stressful at times, so having a team of people beside me gives more people to share the burden,” Benthem said. “With my family involved, we can have weekends off to get away and relax, and everyone also brings different perspectives and different experiences to the table. Working with a bigger team also makes it more exciting to share wins with.”

While Ryan focuses on herd nutrition and future planning, his brother Kyle manages the crops and his cousin Jason manages the cow herd. Ryan’s dad and uncle help as needed, but have enjoyed stepping back from the day-to-day of the operation to let the next generation

“We have a succession plan in place,” Benthem said. “We meet quarterly as a management team, but after doing this for our entire lives, we know what we need to do.”

In addition to family, Benthem credits the farm’s success to their many dedicated employees. Benthem and his family work hard to regularly communicate with employees on their team and empower them to do the best they can.

“We’ll sacrifice our time to teach people how to do things and give them the tools that they need to do it because we’ve learned that there are only so many hours in the day, and you can’t do everything yourself,” Benthem said. “To be sustainable in the future, we have to teach people how to do a job and trust them to get it done.”

Relying on each other is a requirement of the farm’s recent growth and also a part of the team mentality at Benthem Brothers Dairy.

“I like to compare what we do on our farm to a sporting event or a team,” Benthem said. “Everybody likes to be on a winning team, but it takes a lot more work, and you need to be motivated to

win. That’s what motivates me at the farm. I know that I have to do the best every day in order to enjoy it the most.”

Benthem’s competitive attitude ensures that he’s always striving to do the best he can, a mentality that carries over into the farm’s everyday pursuit of improving efficiencies, meeting goals and maximizing resources.

“We’re always looking at ways to do more with less,” Benthem said. “We recently changed from spraying manure to drag lining it and as a result, we’re burning less fuel, putting less wear and tear on equipment, and reducing the disruption to our neighbors.”

Working on the farm can be pretty stressful at times, so having a team of people beside me gives more people to share the burden… a bigger team also makes it more exciting to share wins with.”

ABOVE: ONE OF BENTHEM'S FIRST PROJECTS AFTER COMING HOME FROM COLLEGE WAS TO OVERSEE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW CALF FACILITY. FROM THERE, HE FOUND HIS PASSION FOR FUTURE PLANNING AND HIS RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED TO GROW.

RIGHT: RYAN BENTHEM AND HIS FAMILY INSTALLED A 60-STALL ROTARY AFTER SEARCHING FOR WAYS TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY AND TO ACCOMMODATE A LARGER HERD SIZE.

The change in practice also gave Benthem an opportunity to use cover crops to limit erosion and to help hold onto nutrients in the field better until the next growing season. These efficiency gains along with others in the past are a result of Benthem’s experiences in the Institute of Agriculture Technology dairy certificate program at Michigan State University (MSU).

“A lot of the decisions we’ve made have been a result of looking at the cash flow like what I learned to do at MSU,” Benthem said. Despite it sounding simple, Benthem grew into the role he currently has on the operation, just as the farm grew alongside him.

“When I got back from college, I helped with the fresh cows and sick cows, and I fed calves,” Ryan said. “In 2007, I headed up building a new calf barn and then my role evolved

more into the nutrition side and evaluating feed costs and has since grown from there.”

Now today, Benthem is the guy on the farm dedicated to planning future expansion and enjoys taking advantage of calculated risks to grow the business and help the farm succeed. He was recently named the Michigan Milk Producers Association 2023 Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator (OYDC). As the winning OYDC, Benthem will represent the cooperative at state and national events in the coming year.

“If you’re never willing to push yourself and take chances, you won’t reach your full potential,” Ryan believes. “You can’t be scared to fail because most of the time the things that do fail will eventually work out, it just might take more time to sort it out and succeed.”

CALF CARE AND COW COMFORT ARE PUT FIRST ON BENTHEM BROTHERS DAIRY. BY GROUPING CALVES TOGETHER BY AGE, THE BENTHEMS ARE ABLE TO PROVIDE HIGH QUALITY, TAILORED CARE FOR THEIR CALVES.

There are only so many hours in the day, and you can’t do everything yourself. To be sustainable in the future, we have to teach people how to do a job an trust them to get it done.”

THE BENTHEMS PRIDE THEMSELVES ON HAVING A WELL-MAINTAINED FARM. THEY BELIEVE THAT'S THE FIRST STEP IN ENSURING THEY LEAVE A GOOD IMPRESSION ON THEIR NEIGHBORS AND CONSUMERS PASSING BY.

Seven Cooperative inciples

Founded by farmers and owned by farmers, MMPA is one of almost 30,000 cooperatives nationwide. Though credit unions, housing co-ops, retail stores and milk marketing cooperatives don’t appear to have much in common, cooperatives around the world operate according to the same set of core principles and values. Cooperatives trace the roots of these principles to the first modern cooperative founded in Rochdale, England in 1844. Here’s the seven cooperative principles that guide MMPA and fellow cooperatives worldwide:

1. Voluntary and open membership: Cooperative membership is open to all who are able to use its products/ services and willing to accept the responsibility of membership.

2. Democratic member control: Cooperatives are democratic organizations owned and controlled by their members - those who buy the goods or use the services of the cooperative. Each member gets one vote. Members choose representatives (board of directors) by way of voting.

3. Members’ economic participation: Members contribute equally to the capital of the cooperative. This benefits members in proportion to the business they conduct with the cooperative.

4. Autonomy and independence: Each cooperative is managed by an independent board elected from its membership, and decisions are made that democratically benefit its members.

5. Education, training, and information: Cooperatives provide education and training for members, managers, and employees, as well as information to the general public about the benefits of cooperatives and the products and services they provide.

6. Cooperation among cooperatives: Cooperatives serve their members by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.

7. Concern for community: While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of communities through policies and programs accepted by the members.

Cooperative [koh-op-er-uh-tiv]

noun

A jointly owned enterprise engaging in the production or distribution of goods  or the supplying of services, operated by its members for their mutual benefi t, typically organized by consumers or farmers. Cooperatives provide a guarantee of market and payment to their members .

YOUR BEEF CHECKOFF DOLLARS AT WORK

FITNESS ON THE FARM WITH LANSING MOMS

Fitness on the Farm was the first farm, food, and fitness-focused event planned and executed by the Michigan Beef Industry Commission in partnership with G&G Cattle Company.Attendees were from Lansing Mom®, a locally focusedparenting website considered the resource for growing families in the greater Lansing area. These women not only have a powerful social media presence, they boldly share about the importance of community, connection, and health. From the farm tour to the workout and then shared eating experience, Fitness on the Farm provided Lansing Mom contributors with a learning opportunity like never before.

Fitness on the Farm generated visibility and awareness amongconsumers through sponsored influencer engagement and organic attendee-driven content on Instagram and Facebook. Attendees participated in an exclusive event workout, followed by a lunch featuring all Michigan-grown foods and products. The event ultimately grew attendee trust and confidence in beef and beef production.

Fresh Coast Beef Kabob skewers were provided to runners as they checked in for the run. MBIC also distributed beef jerky to over 5,000 participants during the Mackinac Bridge Walk. Thisunique partnership allowed MBIC to engage with 60,000+consumers from all across the state, through direct interaction and digital marketing efforts.

BEEFING UP THE LABOR DAY BRIDGE RUN & WALK

The Michigan Beef Industry Commission (MBIC) was the Presenting Sponsor for the 2023 Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Run, hosted by the Michigan Fitness Foundation. A signature event to promote health and physical activity, the Bridge Run was founded in 2004 to highlight physical fitness statewide. Today, the tradition continues, and it is considered a bucket list run for people committed to health and wellness.

MBIC collaborated with the foundation to create the event’s first official recipe, a dinner and desert combination called Fresh Coast Beef Kabobs and Grilled Michigan Peaches. The recipe celebrates healthy eating and the tradition of grilling on Labor Day, while highlighting the taste, nutrition, and versatility of beef paired with fresh seasonal produce, all grown by Michigan farmers.

SUMMER GRILLING BILLBOARDS CELEBRATE MICHIGAN

With the longest freshwater coastline in the nation, no Michigan summer is complete without visiting or exploring the Great Lakes. Add the sound and smell of beef sizzling on the grill, and you have yourself one unforgettable summer.

The Michigan Beef Industry Commission is using the “Great Lakes, Even Better Steaks,” message throughout the summer months with a series of roadside billboards. While online brand awareness has become a large part of our marketing strategy, offline awareness, like billboards, is just as important when trying to reach different target audiences.

These 6 Boards are located alongside some of the busiest summer-travel highways in Michigan, including US 127, M-115, and I-75. Each of the six billboards will be displayed for at least 4 weeks, garnering millions of impressions among Michigan consumers. But the messaging doesn’t stop there. “Great Lakes, Even Better Steaks,” is a nod to our state’s iconic shape, framed by four of the five Great Lakes. Nothing says summertime in Michigan like a real beef burger or a juicy steak on the grill, minutes after dipping your toes in any of Michigan’s lakes.Along with the billboards, additional print materials including a “Beef for Grilling” brochure, beef cut charts and a “Together, We Bring More,” bookmark for youth are available for order from the Commission.

Eric & JennBleich

BY MIKAYLA BOWEN

MMPA IS COMMITTED TO COOPERATIVE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS PRACTICES THROUGHOUT OUR ENTIRE SUPPLY CHAIN. AT THE FARM LEVEL, MMPA MEMBERS ARE ALSO ON A SUSTAINABILITY JOURNEY. WE’RE CHECKING IN WITH A HANDFUL OF MEMBER FARMERS LEADING THE CHARGE WITH THIS SUSTAINABILITY SPOTLIGHT SERIES.

The Bleich family does it all on their 1,000-cow dairy in Hudson, Michigan. Eric and Jenn Bleich of Bleich

Family Farms have diversified their dairy operation to be both financially and environmentally sustainable.

“We’ve been selling pasture raised Angus-Holstein crosses as halves and wholes for several years in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. My wife is from the area and has connections with the American Legion that allow us to market our beef,” Eric said. “We’re doing it to give a little extra niche to what we do.”

Along with raising beef, the Bleich’s custom chop feed for local farmers and custom manure haul as time allows. Diversifying the business is a tactic Eric has taken advantage of to ensure their farm’s sustainability. “We do all the custom work so that we can spread out our risks. If the price of milk is down,

LAND 2,500 acres of corn and alfalfa

FARM Bleich Family Farms, Hudson, Michigan

HERD 1,000 Holstein milking cows

BACK TO FRONT, LEFT TO RIGHT: JENN BLEICH, ERIC BLEICH, OTIS BLEICH, AND SUTTON BLEICH

“I am proud of the reduction in our power consumption. We have reduced our footprint because we have reduced our usage of electricity.”

we can at least have some extra revenue coming in to help balance things out,” Eric said.

Eric is also a member of the Western Lake Erie Basin Advisory Group. He is one of two dairy farmer representatives in the group that comes together to discuss ways to improve the water quality of the basin.

“There’s a wide variety of people on this board who bring a lot of new ideas to the table for solving the problem,” Eric said. “Having people like myself in the group puts a face to the farmer, and since I’ve been on the board I’ve realized that while we hear about these groups that we may see as a threat, at the end of the day, we all have to meet the same goals and none of us want to harm our environment.”

On Bleich Family Farm, Eric has taken his own steps to maintain and improve water quality on the dairy. “We are a permitted Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) and have zero discharge. We’ve done a lot of work with the Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) to keep barn roof runoff water clean and away from the facility.”

For 22 years the farm has also been applying manure with a dragline and an airway. Eric described that the dragline

is a minimum tillage tool that works to reduce runoff. Weather forecasts are also considered when applying manure. “We’ve been fully following our Comprehensive Nutrient Management Planning (CNMP) guidelines, we retain our setbacks and if we have a forecast predicting rain, we don’t apply.”

Per regulation, manure samples are required twice a year, but Eric and his crew are going the extra mile to take samples once if not twice everyday that they’re applying. “I had 10 different samples from this spring to see the variance from the first to last day we started hauling, and there is a significant difference in what we’re putting down.”

By taking additional samples, Eric can see the true value manure provides the crops he grows on the soil. “Manure is a good thing. It has all the natural nutrients that our crops need and if we can manage that right, put it where it needs to be, when it needs to be there for the plant, then we’re being sustainable by using the nutrients that we have.”

KEYWORDS

Eric takes pride in the dairy’s success in becoming more efficient, including recent efforts to reduce their power consumption. Several management decisions have led the dairy to reduce their energy usage by 47.12% from 2021 to 2023. “I am proud of the reduction in our power consumption. We have reduced our footprint because we have reduced our usage of electricity. We’ve become more efficient users of that resource.”

Energy has been reduced by installing LED lights, temperature sensors on fans, variable frequency drive’s on well pumps and milk pumps, and most recently the installation of a chiller. The use of the chiller has made cooling milk easier and reduced the number of compressors needed from five fivehorsepower compressors to one ninehorsepower compressor.

The energy savings on the farm are just one of the opportunities Eric and Jenn Bleich have taken advantage of to stay sustainable, and to ensure longevity in the dairy industry.

DRAGLINE MANURE: A DRAGLINE HOSE SYSTEM ALLOWS MANURE TO BE PUMPED THROUGH A HOSE FROM THE FARM TO THE FIELD WHERE IT CAN BE APPLIED TO THE SOIL. THIS APPROACH REDUCES COMPACTION CAUSED BY THE WEIGHT OF TRACTORS AND EQUIPMENT AND CAN REDUCE ODOR FROM FIELD APPLICATION.

CERTIFIED ANIMAL FEEDING OPERATION (CAFO): AN ANIMAL FEEDING OPERATION THAT EITHER MEETS A CERTAIN ANIMAL POPULATION THRESHOLD, OR, REGARDLESS OF POPULATION, IS DETERMINED TO BE A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTOR OF POLLUTANTS TO WATERS OF THE UNITED STATES.

VERIFICATIONS

MMPA Sustainability Survey, Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan, FARM* Animal Care

MMPA SUSTAINABILITY 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.

YOUR DAIRY CHECKOFF AT WORK

NATIONAL UPDATES

McDonald's introduces new dairy-friendly menu items

In June, the chain introduced its limited-offer “Grimace Birthday Meal,” featuring a berry-flavored purple shake. The shake has been a hit with McDonald’s customers – and was a top trending topic on TikTok!

McDonald’s also introduced a cheesy jalapeno sauce debuting on both the Cheesy Jalapeno Bacon Quarter Pounder (which also includes two slices of cheese) and the Sausage Egg McMuffin breakfast sandwich. DMI food scientists supported both offerings by working with McDonald’s culinary team and dairy suppliers.

Delivering dairy’s benefits to expecting mothers

The National Dairy Council (NDC) is working to make more research-backed information available to expecting and new parents. Dairy has long delivered nutrition benefits to people of all ages, but it features many aspects that are of special importance for mothersto-be and newborns. NDC worked with three of the largest online health properties where younger parents head for information they can trust: Everyday Health, What to Expect and Healthline. Experts at these outlets used NDCbacked proof points about dairy to create myth-busting articles, videos, social media posts and targeted emails. The strategy tackled key dairy health and wellness topics that we know

generate high consumer interest but are commonly misinterpreted. Some highlights are:

• More than 100 pieces of content generated 111 million media impressions.

• Three media partners and three registered dietitian and pediatrician partners posted 60-plus dairyfocused pieces of social media content.

• 30 newsletter emails included links to U.S. Dairy’s website where readers could take a deeper dive into dairy’s many benefits and learn about the people who make dairy possible –our nation’s farmers.

• The results of this first phase of work reinforced this plan to continue exploring opportunities. NDC is finalizing strategies to keep the momentum going, including partnering with more influential health and wellness organizations.

LOCAL UPDATES

Next Gen Scientists

Come to Indiana

Indiana hosted a cohort of rising leaders in their respective fields of research and education through the partnership with national checkoff. The scientists are part of a program to build relationships with worldclass institutions and foster support for dairy research. Throughout this program, participants learn how to communicate their research, correct misinformation and connect with thought leaders to influence decisionmaking in their field. The group was also introduced to the tradition of milk at the Indianapolis 500 race, and grew their love for dairy through engaging with consumers and fellow scientists. This program has launched four research projects to date, and many more to come.

On the Farm with STEM

UDIM hosted 22 middle and high school science educators for an immersive experience to learn the science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM components, of dairy along with the Next Generation Science Standards. Over four days the educators visited three dairy farms, a cheese and whey processing plant, MSU’s Agronomy Farm and a Fueling Station for athletes at Munn Ice Arena. All of these different stops showcased many aspects of dairy farming and the dairy community.

Butter Cow Display at the Ohio State Fair

ADA Mideast annually sponsors the famous butter cow display at the Ohio State Fair on behalf of Ohio’s dairy farm families. This year’s display celebrated Ohio’s rich history of innovation and honored several notable Ohio inventors and their groundbreaking inventions - and is also a nod to the innovative spirit of Ohio’s dairy farmers, who are increasingly leveraging technology to make their farms more efficient and sustainable.

Along with the traditional butter cow and calf, the display featured butter sculptures of Thomas Edison with a light bulb and a phonograph, Garrett Morgan with a three-position traffic signal, Josephine Cochrane with a hand-powered dishwasher and James Spangler with a portable vacuum cleaner.

The sculptures were well received by fans and media alike, garnering 414 news stories on TV, radio, online and in print, which generated more than 77 million impressions (the total number of views). Nearly 40 percent of these news stories included messaging

about dairy farmers’ commitment to innovation and continuous improvement! In addition, the online news stories, social media posts and conversations, blogs and forums about the butter cow display reached a potential 65 million people

Breakfast on the Farm

Over 1,300 people attended this year’s Breakfast on the Farm at the De Grins Oer Dairy. Your Industry Relations team at UDIM was in attendance with a dairy booth, connecting people to dairy fun facts and making sure people left with dairy swag. The Marketing and Communications team assisted us in getting Olympic Snowboarder Jake Vedder on the farm for visitors to interact with him and take photos. We are proud to work with Breakfast on the Farm to cover the cost of all dairy foods enjoyed at the event on behalf of all Michigan dairy farmers.

Ice Cream Social Brings Dairy to the Circle

The “Sundaes for Good” Ice Cream Social on the Circle returned to the heart of downtown Indianapolis in July to celebrate National Ice Cream Month and support another important community leader. Each year, proceeds from the event benefit a local organization, partnering this year with Boys and Girls Clubs of Indianapolis. Over $5,000 were raised for the group, building an important relationship with inner-city youth to be activated throughout the year. Local celebrities show up to scoop ice cream, mascots from Indy sports teams interact with visitors, and the Purdue Dairy Club brings cows to the city streets to share about dairy farming with the public.

Community Partners Fighting Hunger

The Children’s Hospital of Michigan hosted their 13th annual Cereal Drive in early June with a grand total of 44,238 lbs., or 617,230 servings of cereal donated. In addition, supporters donated $26,000 toward the purchase of milk; those donations were matched by Milk Means More and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan for a grand total of 306,667 servings of milk! Mootilda was able to join the fun at Kroger in Royal Oak for a stuff the bus event with radio coverage by 100.3 WNIC covering Metro Detroit. It was a great way to celebrate June Dairy Month with strong community partners.

Adopt A Cow Program for Schools

Do you know a teacher who’s looking for a low maintenance classroom pet? Encourage them to sign up for the free Adopt a Cow Program to virtually adopt their very own Indiana, Ohio or Michigan dairy calf! Registration for this school year ends September 15.

Throughout the year-long program designed for grades 3-5, teachers will receive bi-monthly progress updates, photos of the calf, student activity sheets, suggested lessons that follow Common CORE standards, and opportunities to virtually tour the farm and ask questions to the dairy farmer. This national program is made available to local schools by ADAI, ADA Mideast, UDIM and through a partnership with the Center for Dairy Excellence Foundation of Pennsylvania.

For more information and to sign up visit DiscoverDairy.com/Adopt-A-Cow.

UNITED DAIRY INDUSTRY OF MICHIGAN

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 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 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.

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.

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: SUNSET MILK TANK , 1575 gallon with wash pump, two compressors and a controller. $9,800 OBO. Call 810-728-6237.

FOR SALE: DOUBLE FOUR AUTO-FLOW MILKING PARLOR Best offer. Call 810-728-6237.

FOR SALE: METATRON 12 MILK METERS with controllers and stall boxes. Call 810-728-6237.

GOOD REGISTERED HOLSTEIN 4-H SHOW CALVES of various ages for sale. 14 Boumatic automatic takeoffs and milk meters. Call 616-262-0551.

FOR SALE: COMPLETE DOUBLE SIX HERRINGBONE PARLOR, surge vacuum and pulsation, delevalve milkers receiver, plate cooler, Mueller 800-gallon

bulk tank, new 4hp compressor in 2021, many extra parts, GEA stalls new in 2012. Call 269-377-2638.

FOR SALE: 800-GALLON MUELLER BULK TANK. H&S 5126 side slinger manure spreader. Call 989-551-5977.

DARI-KOOL VACUUM PUMP , self-contained, for bucket milking, 30-gallon tank, new condition, $100.00. Ph. 616-406-5611.

3000-GALLON SURGE BULK TANK. Model 87310

Serial No 931001. Was used since new 30 years ago, never moved in that time. Just upgraded to a bigger tank. Included are the Control Box, Wash Pump, 2 single phase 5hp compressors, and a GEA Super Heater. Asking $20,000 and can help you load it. Contact Brian 269-720-7637.

2022 CORN SILAGE FOR SALE: Approximately 10,000 Ton. $60 per Ton picked up. Location South Clare County. Call or Text Tim 989-429-6002

Classifieds

C lassifi eds 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.

Co-Products Menu

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

Contact merchandisers at ZFS, Inc: MI/IN/OH: 866.888.7082

WI: 800-523-6760 www.zfsinc.com/divisions/ingredients

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

CONCRETE GROOVING BY TRI-STATE SCABBLING, home of the 2” wide groove. Best traction, lowest prices. 800-5542288. 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 989-723-1886 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.

BARN WHITE WASHING AND CLEANING WITH HIGH PRESSURE AIR: Serving all Michigan and Indiana. Miller Spray Service, Inc. 574-825-9776.

FOR SALE: “AG BAGGER” , Model G6000, 10 ft. tunnel. Stored inside. Comes with one 10x250’ bag, owners manual, service/parts catalog. Machine is ready to bag. $14,999.00, OBO. Cheboygan, MI. 231-625-2036.

Compare Apples to Apples

As margins get tighter you may start looking at your farm’s bills a little closer. If you’re surprised by what you’re paying for chemicals, you might want to shop around for better pricing. There are a few things you will want to keep in mind when comparing chemicals.

Make sure you are comparing like chemicals. Look at the active ingredient on the label and/or the SDS sheets to ensure you are comparing the same chemicals.

Make sure the chemical composition is similar between the two products you are comparing. The North Country Dairy Supply San2000 Sanitizer has 12% chlorine in comparison to the Ecolab Equipment Sanitizer having 8.4%. When looking strictly at container prices, they are pretty similar, but when you consider their chemical compositions, you can use less San2000 to get the job done.

Make sure you know your usage rates. A good example of this is if you compare the container price on the new North Country Dairy Metz Formula HD Acid Cleaner to the acid in your milkhouse you might dismiss it as a viable option but be sure to check the usage rates before you dismiss it. The usage rate for Metz Formula HD Acid Cleaner is 1:10 which is not your typical usage rate. To make a true comparison between this acid and yours you will need to drill down to price per ounce.

Consider your water quality. In some areas of the region water quality will play a big factor in what chemicals will be e ective. Hard water and heavy minerals can change how e ective chemicals can be.

Patronage comes back to members. Members that use the Farm Supply Store receive a portion of the profits back every spring.

If you want help comparing chemicals, reach out to your member representative or Jake Riley, our sales representative. L-2300409

MMPA Field Staff Novi Headquarters

line 248-474-6672

Toll free 800-572-5824

President and Chief Executive Officer

Joe Diglio

Chief Corporate Affairs Officer

Sheila Burkhardt

Chief Financial Officer

Tom Downey

Chief Operations and Business Development Officer

MMPA Labs

202

208

240

Board of Directors

Officers

Doug Chapin, Board Chairman

Tony Jandernoa Board Vice Chairman

Farm Supply - Mt. Pleasant

Greg Soehnlen

341 Director of Business Development

Brad Parks

Laboratory Supervisor

Teresa Farmer

Sudeep Jain

Member Services Emily Keranen

Human Resources Kelly Kerrigan

341

219

305

203

301 Retail Sales

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, MI (District 1) 517-398-0629

Judy Lofgren

333 Commodity Sales Molly Costaris

Aaron Gasper, Lowell, MI 616-291-4092

Kurt Steiner, Creston, OH (District 1) 330-464-1219

Bruce Benthem, McBain, MI 231-920-1615

234

209 Communications Emily Kittendorf

Corporate Controller

Jeannie Strain ext. 312

Member Relations

Jessica Welch ext. 303

Manufacturing Plants

Canton, Ohio  Chris Soehnlen, Plant Manager ............................................. 330-477-4515

Constantine, Michigan

Dave Davis, Plant Manager 269-435-2835

Ovid, Michigan 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.

Kris Wardin, St. Johns, MI 989-640-9420

District Directors

2 Brian DeMann Martin, MI 269-720-7637

2 Brian Preston Quincy, MI 517-376-1350

3 Doug Chapin Remus, MI 231-349-4059

3 Bill Stakenas Free Soil, MI 231-425-6913

4 Eric Frahm Frankenmuth, MI 989-652-3552

4 Corby Werth Alpena, MI 989-464-5436

5 Tony Jandernoa Fowler, MI 989-593-22245

5 Scott Lamb Jeddo, MI 810-327-6135

Beneath the autumn sky’s embrace, a boy and calf, a bond to tend. His knit hat snug, MMPA displayed, beside his calf, a cherished friend.

In pastures wide, their hearts entwine, a bond of youth you can’t contend.

As leaves cascade in playful lines, they’re promised friends, until the end.

PHOTO BY: JULIA TROYER, LAOTTO, INDIANA

COWMANAGER SAVES US A LOT OF TIME AND LABOR

“We looked at several systems and chose CowManager because it seemed easy to use, easy to install, user friendly, and provided what we were looking for without investing a lot of money and having to update our parlor. We have CowManager for all our cows, springing and breeding-age heifers. We rely 100% on CowManager and no longer use tail paint with the heifers. It saves us a lot of labor by not having to watch for heats, as well the expense of tail paint and almost every heifer we check is pregnant. CowManager is another tool our whole family can use to keep us confident that things are running smoothly when we aren’t physically at the farm.”

Jenna Hedrich, Hedrich Rivers Bend Dairy LLC, Hilbert, Wis. www.cowmanager.com