VOL. 103
/ NO. 5
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 BY EMILY KITTENDORF
As a cooperative, MMPA relies on the contributions from each of its individual members. Annually, I’m reminded of this as we move through the local meetings in December to the district meetings in February, and finally to the Annual Meeting in March. The cyclical nature and the achievements celebrated at each meeting are the roots of MMPA that are also shared in this issue.
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 rezudesign.com Printing Foresight Group, Stacey Trzeciak staceyt@foresightgroup.net
I had the chance to catch up with Jason and Kyle Benthem of Benthem Brothers
Publication Office MMPA Milk Messenger P.O. Box 8002, Novi, MI 48376-8002
Dairy to discuss their success as MSU Dairy Farmers of the Year. Their operation
p: 248-474-6672 f: 248-474-0924
was recently expanded in 2016 and they shared their insights and growth from the
e: messenger@mimilk.com
experience with me. Most impressively, their farm is completely transitioned and
w: mimilk.com
every family member is still involved. That’s a feat!
Established in 1916, MMPA is a member owned and operated dairy cooperative serving dairy farmers in Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin and Ohio.
On the Cover
Also Inside More accomplishments are inside. Find members awarded National Dairy Quality
An Equal Opportunity Employer – F/M/V/D
Awards (page 18), meet OYDC finalists the Adamics (page 16) and learn more about
Subscriptions: mimilk.com/subscribe MMPA members - 50¢ per year Non-members - $5 per year
the Michigan Dairy Memorial Scholarship Foundation and the students awarded scholarships (page 17). Turn to page 14 to catch up on Annual Meeting happenings and learn how MMPA is sharing solutions as we progress through 2021. I hope you receive this issue as appreciation for all that you do on your operation for MMPA. While you may not be involved directly in MMPA’s leadership, the
Circulation: 2,600 (ISSN 0026-2315)
efforts you take on your farm every day make a difference. I wish you a happy and safe planting season! milk messenger / MAR-APR 2021
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