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features
16 2024 MMPA QUALITY AWARDS
District Member Meetings in December included presentations of quality awards to 267 members for the production of outstanding quality milk over the last fiscal year. Bronze, silver and gold awards recognize members who met the established criteria for each award.
Order (FMMO) has been making dairy news headlines for over a year now. Let’s revisit the basics of FMMOs to understand how the recommended changes the U.S. Department of Agriculture has put forward could impact the dairy industry.
“Regardless
MMPA hosted District Meetings in December. (pg. 18)
Federal Milk Marketing Order reform moves forward. (pg. 12)
Editor’s Note
BY EMILY KITTENDORF-KING
In December, MMPA flags were staked in meeting grounds across the region marking where MMPA members gathered to conduct cooperative business and hear updates from MMPA leadership. Members left their District Member Meetings with the reinforced message that the dairy industry is ever-changing and the future for the industry is exciting.
On the Cover
One of many things for the dairy industry to be excited about in 2025 is a modernized Federal Milk Marketing Order. I met with MMPA’s resident expert on the matter, Carl Rasch, who shared his knowledge on FMMOs. As the modernization efforts unfold, understanding the basics of FMMOs is more important than ever. In this issue (pg. 22), we revisit FMMO fundamentals to better understand their purpose and the proposed changes.
Also Inside
You can see the complete recap of MMPA District Meetings on pg. 14 and a list of MMPA Quality Award recipients (pg. 16) who were also recognized during the meetings in December. In the spirit of recognizing last year’s successes, you can meet 2024 MMPA Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator Runners-Up, Jake and Lauren Buning on page 18 and learn about how they have found success on their farm in Falmouth, Michigan. Finally, another reinforced message from MMPA District Meetings is the strength of MMPA as a cooperative (pg. 6) and that MMPA’s milk marketability is outstanding because of the efforts dairyfarmer members take every day on their farm (pg. 8).
VOL. 107 / NO. 4
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, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer
Editors
Emily Kittendorf-King, Editor & Advertising Manager
Mikayla Bowen, Editor messenger@mimilk.com
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Stacy Love rezudesign.com
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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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2024 in Review
BY DOUG CHAPIN, MMPA BOARD CHAIRMAN
We started 2024 with a one-year extension to the 2018 Farm Bill. The goal was that Congress could get agreement on a new Farm Bill during the year, but that failed to happen, and we ended the year with another one-year extension. With assistance from the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), we will definitely be monitoring the efforts for a new Farm Bill next year.
The efforts to modernize the Federal Milk Marketing Order have also finally reached the finish line. Assuming the new order is approved we will be operating under the new system the second half of 2025. This culminates several years of work and diligence by both NMPF and MMPA staff
The H5N1, or avian flu, was not on anyone’s radar when the year started. This virus in dairy cattle is new and has been found in 19 states all across the country. MMPA has cooperated with both the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to aid in learning more about the virus. We continue to learn about the virus and recognize that it is an issue that continues into 2025. The one thing we know for sure is that pasteurization works and our products remain safe for consumers.
AT MMPA OUR SUCCESS IN 2024 WAS BUILT ON OUR ACTIONS IN THE PAST FEW YEARS. WITH THE MOMENTUM OF A NEW MEMBER GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE, THE RELEASE OF A SUSTAINABILITY REPORT AND THE RECOGNITION OF OUR MEMBERS’ IMPRESSIVE MILK QUALITY, OUR STRATEGIC INITIATIVES HAVE CLEARLY CHANGED US FOR SUCCESS IN 2024 AND THE FUTURE.
One of the most memorable moments for MMPA in 2024 was the groundbreaking of the Dairy Distillery Alliance at our Constantine, Michigan facility. MMPA leadership, Board members and government leaders at the local, state and federal level gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of America’s lowest carbon dairy ethanol plant.Dairy Distillery Alliance signifies an important commitment to sustainability by MMPA and is attracting attention in the industry.
Another groundbreaking partnership we announced this year was with Amul, a brand owned by the largest cooperative in the world. We worked to bring Amul branded fluid milk to America through this partnership and today their sales continue to grow, adding milk volume and pushing into new markets. This relationship was only possible because of Superior Dairy’s unique bottle filling technology and expertise at the plant. This has been an exciting partnership, we are looking forward to seeing what is next!
In 2024 we also expanded our ultrafiltered (UF) milk processing capacity at our Constantine, Michigan plant. UF milk is highly sought after in today’s consumer environment because of its high protein, low sugar attributes. MMPA is uniquely positioned to serve the market thanks to our commitment to quality and the efforts of our sales team.
All of these projects are the result of continuing to build relationships with customers and understanding their needs, and sharing some of their goals. Our members provide us with high quality milk and capital that help us meet not only our customers needs but our member owners as well.
2024 was a year that the milk supply remained tight and provided opportunities. It would of been easy to take the win that the marketplace was offering. We were not complacent and content with a short term win. MMPA continued to push on projects that will offer us wins into the future. We know that 2025 will bring new challenges to the dairy industry. Some may be expected, such as market changes and continued efforts on the avian flu, and some will be unexpected and unknown today. Either way our team at MMPA is prepared to deal with the challenges, to offer solutions and chart MMPA through it. Our team headed by President & CEO Joe Diglio remains committed to the future of MMPA and the success of its members.
Doug Chapin
What makes MMPA’s milk quality and marketability outstanding?
WE ASKED THE EXPERTS:
Ben Chapin
MMPA MEMBER SERVICES DIRECTOR
Over the years MMPA members have consistently rose to the challenge of producing quality milk, and this year was no exception. When reviewing the number of quality award winners, it is evident that our membership has a passion for producing a healthy, high-quality product for consumers to enjoy.
Every year comes with different challenges for our membership across the Great Lakes Region. Some face wet springs, maybe hot muggy summers, for many bitter cold winters, and a few areas faced a new challenge, HPAI. But regardless of the challenges that members face, their fortitude to fight through these challenges through innovation and good ole fashioned grit sets them apart. They have a passion and a drive to not only produce high quality milk but to produce it through being excellent stewards of land and livestock.
The Member Services Team and I are proud to serve our members and to be a part of a winning team. Congratulations to all the quality award winners this year and we look forward to continuing serving you.
Deb Gingrich
MMPA MEMBER SERVICES
The FARM Animal Care program has become a routine practice on farms since its inception in 2019. Participation and compliance within the program helps ensure customers and consumers something we at MMPA already know – our animals are being cared for well and with their wellbeing in mind. This is seen and appreciated by our customers and others within the industry. We participate in several on farm thirdparty verifications for the FARM program each year. Every third-party verification I’ve participated in comes with feedback from the verifiers about how impressed they are with MMPA and the farms they’ve visited. When completing customer specific third-party verifications, they are understanding that things may not be perfect but can see MMPA operates with high standards of integrity.
Jim Good
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY DAIRY CATTLE TEACHING & RESEARCH CENTER FARM MANAGER
When a person reads MMPA’s 2023 Cooperative Social Responsibility Report it’s easy to see why our organization is held in high regards by both our customers and ultimately consumers. MMPA staff and producers are truly committed to social responsibility and sustainable business practices through the entire process of producing high quality milk and getting it to the consumers.
Of course, following industry best management practices outlines within the FARM program don’t just help marketability to customers. There is a benefit to the farm leading to healthier, more productive cows and more economical efficiencies within a farm’s business regardless of farm size or system type.
Animal care will continue to evolve with new research and growing customer questions, but MMPA members are in a great position to continue evolving with the industry.
MMPA producers are second to none when it comes to producing quality milk. Year after year our cooperative continues to have farms receive the National Dairy Quality Awards by the National Mastitis Council. In many of the previous year’s MMPA farms received 35 to 45 percent of the nationally recognized awards which show a true commitment of our members in producing high quality milk.
When people visit MMPA farms they can easily see that there is devoted effort in getting the best quality milk to consumers utilizing practices that focus on animal health and welfare, environmental stewardship including energy and water conservation, employee and family quality of life and community involvement.
At the Michigan State University Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center we also strive to do the best we can to produce high quality milk from well cared for cows and that are taken care of by people that love what they do.
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MMPA
109th Annual Meeting: March 19, 2025
MMPA’s Annual Meeting will be held Wednesday, March 19 in Novi at the Suburban Collection Showplace Center. All MMPA members are welcome to attend and learn about upcoming initiatives, celebrate our award winners and successes from this past year, and hear from MMPA leadership. MMPA members will receive registration information and meeting details in the mail.
MMPA Constantine, Michigan, plant awarded for employee safety
RECOGNITION HIGHLIGHTS MMPA’S EFFORTS TO PRIORITIZE SAFETY AND FOSTER EXCELLENCE IN ALL OF THE COOPERATIVE’S OPERATIONS.
NOVI, Mich. — Recently, the Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) plant in Constantine, Michigan, received an International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) safety award for outstanding worker safety. This marks the second consecutive year that the Constantine plant has earned this distinction, achieving a significant milestone of three years without a lost-time accident, exemplifying excellence in workplace safety.
“Constantine’s impressive achievements are a testament to the facility’s management and employees’ commitment to safety,” said Kelly Kerrigan, MMPA’s Human Resources Director. “We value a culture of safety in our workplaces, and this award reflects the dedication and hard work of our team.”
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 their exceptional worker safety standards. Applicants are evaluated based on occupational injury and illness performance rates, showcasing the dairy industry’s dedication to prioritizing the safety of both its people and products. MMPA was one of 23 dairy companies recognized during this year’s award program. In 2022, MMPA’s Middlebury, Indiana, plant received the same recognition from IDFA for employee safety. MMPA’s continued success in receiving these recognitions highlights the cooperative’s ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of its workforce. By prioritizing safety, MMPA fosters excellence in all aspects of its operations.
Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference: February 6-7 in Mt. Pleasant
THE ANNUAL GREAT LAKES REGIONAL DAIRY CONFERENCE (GLRDC) OFFERS
DAIRY PRODUCERS THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN NEW STRATEGIES AND TOOLS TO HELP THEIR FARM THRIVE.
Session topics include:
a dairy market and policy outlook, with a deep dive into heifer numbers with Sarina Sharp with the Daily Dairy Report
an in-depth look at the latest research in vaccines and its impact on calf health
a practical approach to crisis planning, and animal welfare to help protect the farm’s future
a new way to assess forage nutrition values for specific groups of cows to optimize forage management
a detailed look at the past, present and future of animal health in the dairy industry
a panel discussion about approaches to biosecurity in the wake of H5N1
The conference will take place Feb. 6-7, 2025, at the Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. Online registration closes on Jan. 29, 2025. On-site registration is subject to availability.
Learn more and register online at www.glrdc.org. To register by phone, please call 989-666-3773.
MMPA producers scoring 95 percent or higher on Grade A Surveys and Federal Check Ratings
JERRY D LEHMAN*
VANDENBERG AND VANDENBERG*
LADINE DAIRY FARM LLP*
JAMES A/JOHN J HUGGETT*
BUTTERWERTH DAIRY FARM LLC*
RICHARD R WARDIN*
LAVERN D MILLER
JACOB W WEAVER
PAUL W MILLER
DAVID H MILLER
DAVID L MAST
MARTIN YODER
MARTIN YODER JR
LAVON R HOCHSTETLER
ANDREW E MAST
MAYNARD F MILLER
SUNRISE ACRES LLC
REUBEN I WEAVER
ERNEST WENGERD
FLOYD O BONTRAGER
THEODORE HILDEBRAND
HAMMOND DAIRY FARM LLC
CRANDALL DAIRY FARM LLC
KEVIN & LANE PIXLEY
JACOB MAST
CHRISTENSEN FARMS
LUCAS DAIRY FARMS LLC
HARDIES AND SONS
CHRISTOPHER R SCHALK
RISKY ENDEAVOR DAIRY LLC
WERTH DAIRY LLC
SONRAY ACRES
KUBIAK FAMILY FARMS
BON-TEK OPERATIONS LLC
DONAL FARM LLC
CLARINDA FARMS LLC
BRAID FARMS INC
REED DAIRY FARM LLC *100
New Dairy Conservation Navigator resource
The dairy checkoff launched the Dairy Conservation Navigator, an online platform aimed at providing farm advisors, stakeholders, and conservation professionals with sciencebased information on sustainable farming practices and technologies. Developed by dairy checkoff scientists and collaborators, the Navigator features a searchable/filterable database of more than 80 sustainable practices. Additionally, the navigator features information on emerging sustainability practices and technologies that could revolutionize the industry.
The Dairy Conservation Navigator tool can be accessed at www.dairyconservation.org.
FMMO Reform Move Forward as USDA Issues Final Rule
In December, USDA released its final decision on modernizing its Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) program. The plan follows three years of efforts by the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and its member cooperatives, including over 200 meetings, extensive analysis and discussions, and a record-long 49-day Federal Order hearing.
USDA’s final proposal aligns closely with its comprehensive Recommended Decision, which included many of NMPF’s key concepts. This modernized approach will benefit dairy farmers and the broader industry. NMPF is encouraged to see these much-needed updates moving forward for farmers’ final approval.
WHAT CHANGES ARE INCLUDED IN THE FINAL RULE?
Return to the “higher-of” in the Class I mover
The current Class I mover carries an asymmetric risk to farmers compared to the previous “higher of” calculation. USDA agreed that the “average-of” system has not been beneficial to dairy farmers, and its final decision reverts Class I mover pricing back to the higher of Class III or Class IV. The agency also created a novel approach to pricing Extended Shelf Life milk to address concerns about its costs to processors.
Discontinuing barrel cheese in the
protein component price formula
The current FMMO formulas weigh cheese blocks and barrels about 50/50 in the reports to USDA’s weekly mandatory price survey, which does not reflect the relative volumes of cheese actually produced and priced by these two forms of natural cheddar cheese. USDA agreed with NMPF’s request to drop barrel cheese from the protein price formula.
Updates to milk composition factors
The component composition factors in the FMMO skim milk formulas have not changed since 2000. Since then, the composition of these milk components has increased, causing a steadily growing undervaluing of producer milk in all four classes in the four fat-skim pricing orders and for Class I milk in all orders. USDA updated the formulas to reflect how component levels have increased.
Updates to dairy product “make allowances”
Make allowances also have not been adjusted since 2008, while processing plant costs have increased. NMPF supports using a methodical plant survey to inform how much manufacturing allowances should change, an approach that will require legislation granting USDA the authority to conduct mandatory plant surveys. While that effort continues, USDA in the meantime has adjusted the make allowances to these levels:
• Cheese: $.2519
• Dry Whey: $.2668
• Butter: $.2272
• NFDM: $.2393
Updates to the Class I differential price system
Current Class I differentials have for the most part not changed since they were first implemented in 2000, while the cost of delivering bulk milk to fluid processing plants has increased. As a result, the current Class I differentials are inadequate to effectively supply milk for fluid use. USDA agreed with most of the NMPF-recommended changes to Class I prices, the details of which are contained in the final decision.
NOW WHAT?
The next and final step in the FMMO modernization process is a vote by dairy farmers and their cooperatives. This winter, each Federal Order will hold a referendum to either adopt the proposed amendments or terminate its current order. Producers whose milk was pooled on a federal order during Jan. 2024 and are still producing milk will be eligible to vote in the referendum on that order.
NMPF is conducting a detailed assessment of the final decision’s price levels for the Class I differentials. NMPF also continues to pursue other proposed changes to the FMMO system that don’t involve changing federal order regulations. These efforts include seeking authority in the farm bill to require USDA to conduct mandatory plant-cost studies to better inform future make allowance discussions and extending the current 30-day reporting limit to 45 days on forward priced sales on nonfat dry milk and dry whey.
SOURCE: NMPF
USDA Launches National Milk Testing Strategy
In December, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the release of its National Milk Testing Strategy (NMTS) requiring raw milk samples to be collected and shared with USDA for testing and surveillance of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in dairy cattle. The new testing strategy aims to identify affected states and herds, enhance biosecurity measures to prevent transmission and protect the dairy workforce from exposure. By providing a uniform and structured testing system, the strategy will help ensure the safety of livestock in unaffected regions, support effective containment efforts and strengthen the overall biosecurity needed to eliminate H5N1 from the U.S. dairy herd.
The Federal Order includes three new requirements:
1. Share samples – It requires the sharing of raw milk samples, upon request, from any entity responsible for a dairy farm, bulk milk transporter, bulk milk transfer station or dairy processing facility that sends or holds milk intended for pasteurization.
2. Provide information – It requires herd owners with positive cattle to provide epidemiological information that enables activities such as contact tracing and disease surveillance.
3. Report results – Like USDA’s April 24 Federal Order, it requires that private laboratories and state veterinarians report positive results to USDA that come from tests done on raw milk samples drawn as part of the NMTS.
The NMTS has begun already in several states, including California, Colorado, Michigan, Mississippi, Oregon and Pennsylvania. USDA plans to expand testing to all 48 contiguous states in the coming weeks.
SOURCE: NMPF
MMPA hosts District Member Meetings
Michigan Milk Producer Association (MMPA) members gathered for district meetings in December and farms had the opportunity to cast a ballot to conduct cooperative business.
District 1:
Chairperson: Frank Burkett
Vice Chairperson: Robin Steiner
Secretary: Art Riske
Association Nominating Committee: Trent Stoller
Association Nominating Committee Alternate: Carlton Evans
District Nominating Committee:
Clark Emmons, Steve Gasser, Burke Hart, Tim Miller, Art Riske, Robin Steiner, Lambert Vandermade
District 2:
Chairperson: Dan Ransler
Vice Chairperson: Josh Gamble
Secretary: Brad Crandall
Association Nominating Committee: Josh Gamble
Association Nominating Committee Alternate: Garrett Bartholomew
District Nominating Committee:
Garrett Bartholomew, Kurt Chase, Josh Gamble, Mike Martin, Dan Ransler, Brad Smith
The meetings took place in each of the five districts, with locations in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana. During the meetings, members heard a cooperative update from MMPA leadership, celebrated MMPA quality award winners and joined in fellowship with members from their district.
District 3:
Chairperson: Jack Jeppesen
Vice Chairperson: John Black
Secretary: Burke Larsen
Association Nominating Committee: Burke Larsen
Association Nominating Committee Alternate: Jonathan Acker
District Nominating Committee:
John Black, Trevor Bollinger, Mark Bontekoe, Sam Chapin, Gordon Dick, Dan Mauer, Glen Sparks
District 4:
Chairperson: Marv Rubingh
Vice Chairperson: John Bennett
Secretary: Rod Fowler
Association Nominating Committee: Ron Lucas
Association Nominating Committee Alternate: Dave Folkersma
District Nominating Committee:
John Bennett, Rod Fowler, Mark Iciek, Ron Lucas, Marv Rubingh, Doug Stevens, Russ Tolan
MMPA District Member Meeting Election Results
During District Meetings in December, MMPA members in Districts 3 and 5 elected the following producers to serve a three-year term beginning March 19, 2025, as District Directors on the MMPA board of directors:
District 3: Doug Chapin of Remus, Michigan
District 5: Scott Lamb of Jeddo, Michigan
In addition to District Director positions, MMPA members elected district officers and nominating committee member, slisted at the bottom of pages 14-15.
District 5:
Chairperson: Darwin Sneller
Vice Chairperson: Brad Ritter
Secretary: Stephanie Schafer
Association Nominating Committee: Darwin Sneller
Association Nominating Committee Alternate: Stephanie Schafer
District Nominating Committee:
John Hufnagel, Ashley Kennedy, Sara Lee, David Reed, Leroy Schafer, James Weber
District Meetings by the Numbers:
December 9, 2024 | Findlay, Ohio
December 11, 2024 | Shipshewana, Indiana
December 10, 2024 | White Cloud, Michigan December 12, 2024 | Gladwin, Michigan
2024 MMPA Quality Awards
District meetings this season included presentations of quality awards to 267 members for the production of outstanding quality milk over the last fiscal year. Bronze, silver and gold awards recognize members who met the established criteria for each award.
Bronze quality awards are presented to MMPA members who met both quality premium categories (10,000 or less raw bacteria and 20,000 or less PI count) and maintained a somatic cell count of 250,000 or less for nine or more months out of the previous fiscal year.
Silver quality awards are presented to those members who met the same criteria as in the bronze award category for 12 months out of the previous fiscal year.
Gold quality awards are presented to members who met the same criteria as in the silver award category and averaged a somatic cell count of 100,000 or less during the previous fiscal year.
Star awards are presented to those members who have received a quality award for five, 10, 15, 20 or 25 consecutive years, denoted by the numbers in parentheses.
District 1
GOLD
Horning Farms LLC
Gasser Farms LLC (R)
SILVER
Rodney & Linda Goedel
Mutti Dairy Farms LLC
Specht Valley Farms LLC
Rocky Point Farms LLC
Lavern Schlabach Family
Jeff Hershberger
Ferris Farms
BRONZE
Williams Family Farm LLC
VanderMade Dairy LLC
De Vries Dairy LTD
Greentop Acres 3
Greentop Acres 4
Greentop Acres 6
Farriss Dairy Farms Inc
Dale Kolonchuk
Doughty Valley Holsteins LLC
Aaron Yoder
Vernon M Raber
Leroy L & Maryann Yoder
Clardale Farms Inc
Steinhurst Farms LLC
Rosedale Farms LLC
Marion A Miller
Riske Farms
Marvin Farms Inc
Chad Whelan
Eric R Bleich
Matthew Smith
Hartland Farms Inc
District 2
GOLD
Martin Yoder Jr (10)
Crandall Dairy Farm LLC
SILVER
Webers Meadow LLC
Wamhoff Family Dairy Farm
LLC (5)
Naaman Martin
Andrew E Mast
Daniel A Bontrager
Jacob W Weaver
Kevin & Lane Pixley (10)
Kuperus Dairy LLC
Welchkin Acres LLC
Kevin Dykstra
BRONZE
Kelly Moored (5)
Ransler Farms LLC
Clearview Dairy Farm LLC
Carl Zook (15)
Vandenberg and Vandenberg (5)
Timothy & Charles Hood & Tamara
Spicher
Chase Crest Hill Farms LLC
Devin Yoder
Sunrise Acres LLC
Devon Ray Yoder
Jerry D Lehman
Alvin D Bontrager
Raymond D Yoder
Harley S Schrock
Milton D Bontrager
Rufus B Zimmerman
Verlin J Yoder
Samuel Jay Bontrager
David L Mast
Lavern J Kurtz
Lamar J Eash
Paul W Miller
Verlin R Miller
John R Weaver
David H Miller
Henry J Mullett (5)
LaVern D Miller
Wakiana Dairy Inc
Larry M Hershberger
Ernest & Erma Wengerd
Jason W Zimmerman
Karl M Bontrager
Floyd O Bontrager
David E Hochstetler
Gerald M Martin (10)
Marion L Miller
Jonathan J Yoder
Joseph E Miller
Snider Farms LLP
Nathan E Miller
Maynard F Miller (5)
Marcus & Julia Troyer
Hammond Dairy Farm LLC
Ladine Dairy Farm LLP
Mark Hilaski (5)
Steven G Hochstetler
Melvin T Puschel
Garold D Yoder
Donald Lindsey
Neal L Borkholder
Laverne O Borkholder
David L Nisley
District 3
GOLD
Koppenol Dairy Farms Inc
Spring Lake Farms LLC
VanPolen Farms
Chapin Family Farm LLC
Garlomar Farms Inc
Tacoma Dairy Inc
Klamer Farms Inc
Tjerk Okkema
SILVER
Sueann M Higgins
Fisk Farms
Raterink Farms LLC
Pine Hills Dairy LLC (20)
Grassley Farms Inc
Jeff & Larry Nielsen (5)
David L DeZeeuw
Miller’s Organic Dairy LLC
Carson Acres LLC
Troyer Farm
John & Kathryn Troyer
BRONZE
Beerens Dairy Farm
Adkinson Farms LLC
Byma Dairy LLC
Norris Dairy Farm Inc
Beuschel Fruit & Dairy LLC
Thurow Farms LLC
Larsen Farms (5)
Black Creek Dairy LLC (5)
Nienhuis Dairy Farm LLC
Paulen Farms Inc
Albern Olson
Bode Valley Farm Inc
Cook Dairy Farm (5)
Ronald J Brinks
Dick Haven Farm LLC
Benthem Brothers Inc
Simon Dairy Farm LLC
Lew-Max LLC
Buning Dairy Farm LLC
Aris Dairy Farm LLC
Dodde Dale Farms LLC
Wirth Farms LLC
Gilde Farms LLC
Byma Farms LLC
Robert & William Gruppen
Booms Dairy LLC
Leroy & Ella Zimmerman (20)
Orvan A Miller
Anson K Martin
Gingrich Meadows Inc
J-Max LLC
Slater Farms Baseline LLC
Firman & Ada Yoder
Dutch Meadows Dairy LLC
Mervin Martin
Devon Miller
Benthem Brothers Inc
Lakeside Dairy LLC II
Bosscher Dairy LLC
Nelson K Martin
District 4
GOLD
Cedar Lane Dairy Farms LLC
Breezy Acres LLC
John Koch
Eric J Frahm
Mark R Ramer
Alfred & Susan Gingerich
SILVER
Rubingh’s Dairyland LLC
Norwood Centennial Farm LLC
Louis & Ronald Brecht
Risky Endeavor Dairy LLC
Richard R Wardin
Ryan J Litwiller
Haubenstricker Dairy Farm LLC
Anschuetz Dairy Farm
Derek Brewer
TLC Dairy
Joseph P Zbytowski
Gallagher Dairy Farm Inc
Butterwerth Dairy Farm LLC
Tara Anthon Cattle & Management LLC (10)
Vanderploeg Holsteins LLC
Bebow Dairy Inc
De Saegher Dairy Inc
Chippewa Dairy LLC
Keith & Emily Martin
Lavon Hoover
BRONZE
Taylor Creek Farm LLC
Richard J Fettig
Terry & Erich Lautner
Boss Dairy Farms Inc
Clark Dairy Farm LLC
Roger M Weiss
Lemajru Dairy Farm LLC
Bennett & Sons Dairy Farm LLC
Mark Wiles
Double Eagle Dairy Inc
Godfrey Farms Inc
K & K Kern Farms LLC
Styma Dairy Farm
Christensen Farms
Chad Peters
Wieciech Farms
Kevin Litwiller
Stanek Farm (5)
Michael Yoder
Paidl Family Farm LLC
Hoolsema Dairy Inc
Wilbur Miller
Vernon D Yoder
Vanderploeg Holsteins II LLC
Central Michigan Milk Production LLC (10)
Naaman Martin
Lehn & Janet Martin
Tim, Aaron & Jacob Ostroski
Krafft Farms LLC
District 5
GOLD
MSU Dairy Cattle Teaching & Research Center
EB Ridge Dairy LLC
SILVER
Reid Dairy Farm LLC (5)
Starward Farm
Welter Dairy Farms LLC
Susan K Stewart
Wieber Dairy LLC
Jem-Lot Dairy LLC
Braid Farms Inc
Amy L Bergdolt LLC
Weber Family Dairy LLC
Donal Farm LLC
Timothy Mater (20)
T & H Dairy II
BRONZE
Volmering Family Dairy Inc
Lamb Dairy Farm LLC
Ritter Farms LLC
Weil Dairy Farm LLC
Robert J Gehring
Stony Creek Dairy LLC
Kent Thelen
Jon & Tina Thelen
Sanborn & Sons LLC (15)
Green Meadow Farms Enterprises
Reed Dairy Farm LLC
Green Meadow Farms Enterprises
David Shoemaker
Brown Dairy Inc
Schultz Dairy LLC
Thomas C Schultz
Eric, Janel & Jared Woodward
Siegler Dairy Farm LLC
Ankley Family Farm
Fischer Dairy Farms
MK Farms LLC (5)
Edward, James & Patrick Bolday
Petzold Dairy Farms LLC
Hudzinski Dairy Farm (5)
Oak River Dairy LLC
Reba Zimmerman & Sons
Bradley Stine
Keith & Jane Wood (5)
Weaverland Farms
Rose Valley Dairy LLC
Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority
Frederick & Candice Inbody
Goma Dairy Farms
Terri Hawbaker
Paramount Enterprizes Dairy LLC
David J Warnke
E B Ridge Dairy LLC
Highland Dairy LLC
Goma Dairy #2
Prime Land Farm
Maple Glaze Dairy LLC
Rose Valley Dairy LLC
Bad Axe Dairy LLC
Berlyn Acres
ROOTED IN TRADITION, GROWING FOR TOMORROW
TRADITION, TOMORROW
Embracing his passion for dairy, 2024 MMPA Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator Runner-Up, Jake Buning, is proudly carrying forward his family’s legacy on Buning Dairy Farm.
BY MIKAYLA BOWEN
For Jake, dairy farming is more than a career— it’s a way of life shaped by generations before him. As a fifth-generation farmer in Falmouth, Michigan, he proudly carries on the legacy of his great-great-grandfather, who established the family farm in 1903. Though the farm began with 12 cows, it quickly transitioned into a larger dairy herd in the late 1940s and has grown steadily ever since.
Today, Jake and his family milk 750 Holsteins in a double-12 herringbone parlor and they farm 1,600 acres of corn and alfalfa. Jake works closely alongside his brother, Matt, and father, Norm.
“My dad, brother and I own the farm together, and we do a lot of things by committee. We all talk in the morning to see what has to get done for the day. I spend my time over seeing the cows with my dad but all three of us tackle the crops.”
While Jake grew up immersed in farm life, it wasn’t until a college internship during his sophomore year that his future became clear. “I realized I’d much rather be on the farm than on the road doing sales,” he explained.
After earning a degree in agribusiness management from Michigan State University, Jake returned to the farm in 2016 with a fresh perspective and a passion for improving operations.
Innovating for Efficiency
Since returning, Jake has spearheaded significant changes, including a major expansion in 2018. Despite challenging dairy markets, the family increased their herd size from 400 to 600 cows and upgraded their parlor from a double six herringbone to a double twelve. “It was tough at the time, but it was the best decision for our farm’s profitability and management,” he said. The changes allowed the farm to hire additional employees, giving the family more time to focus on management and strategic decisions.
One of Jake’s proudest contributions is implementing CowManager ear tags, a precision technology that tracks cow health, reproduction and activity. “It’s been a game-changer,” he shared. “We can monitor every cow from our phones, making it easier to manage the herd without hiring another herdsman.”
While the activity monitor ear tags aid in reproduction by helping to catch heats, the dairy is also utilizing genomic testing to make the most precise breeding decisions.
“We utilize sexed semen and beef on dairy to breed for the exact amount of replacement heifers that we need while maximizing calf revenue,” explained Jake. “The genomic testing of our youngstock allows us to make individual breeding decisions based on our emphasis on type and energy corrected milk.”
Jake takes immense pride in the quality milk they produce. “We are starting to focus more on components as our milk production’s always been strong. I’m very proud of the product we ship. We really strive for quality,” he said.
A Team Effort
For Jake, the farm’s success hinges on its people. “It’s our team—employees, agronomists, nutritionists and even family partners—that make it all work,” he said. Low turnover and reliable help are testaments to their supportive work environment and competitive wages.
“Everything that happens on this farm comes down to having quality people. We’ve been really fortunate to have these people who share our standards.”
Although working with family does not mean everyone always gets along, the Bunings keep their family as their priority while relying heavily on their faith.
“We’re a family business and there are times where we don’t always agree,
but at the end of the day we all have the same end goals. We have faith and we trust that what we can’t control is taken care of by up above.”
Being able to work alongside his family is what truly motivates Jake. He is also deeply grateful for his wife, Lauren, and her understanding of how timeconsuming life as a farmer can be.
“My wife is a saint, and she puts up with the time away from home. A piece of advice for any young farmer: make sure you choose your spouse wisely,” states Jake. “They need to understand that dairy farming is a high-paced game that involves a lot of time. You have to pick the right spouse who recognizes and supports that lifestyle.”
It’s our team employees, agronomists, nutritionist and even family partners— that make it all work.”
Jake and Lauren share a daughter, Ellie, and plan to continue growing their family while representing MMPA as the 2024 MMPA OYDC RunnersUp. As Jake looks to the future, he envisions growth while maintaining the values that have guided his family for over a century, he’s committed to ensuring the farm remains a thriving legacy for generations to come.
THE LOWDOWN ON FMMO s
BY EMILY KITTENDORF-KING
The modernization of the Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) has been making dairy news headlines for over a year now. With debates surrounding make allowances and “higher of” Class I milk mover, the modernization effort is fraught with market lingo and regional complexities that can make it challenging to understand. Let’s revisit the basics of FMMOs to understand how the recommended changes the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has put forward could impact the dairy industry.
INTRODUCTION TO FMMO
What
are FMMOs?
Federal Milk Marketing Orders (FMMOs) are government regulations that dictate the buying and selling of milk between dairy farmers and dairy processors. Authorized in 1937 by Congress as part of the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act, they were introduced to stabilize milk prices, ensure fairness for dairy farmers and processors in the market, and encourage milk production that met consumer demand.
Why were they created?
During the Great Depression, dairy farmers faced low milk prices and limited bargaining power, as milk processors controlled the marketplace. The perishability of milk and farmers’ need to find a home for their product, left processors with an unfair advantage in the marketplace. Additionally, most milk production at the time was from farms milking a handful of cows, so there were many smaller farms selling milk to just a few milk processors.
received fair pricing for their milk while guaranteeing consumers had a consistent supply of bottled fluid milk. Over the years, FMMOs have evolved, consolidating from nearly 70 local
determine milk quality standards. Instead, the FMMO system ensures that milk pricing is fair, transparent and stable for farmers, processors and consumers. Here’s how it works:
MILK CLASSES
Milk is categorized into four classes in the FMMO based on its end use, with different prices assigned to each. The classification system ensures that milk intended for higher-value products provides higher returns to farmers. The classes are:
for drinking, including eggnog and buttermilk (typically the highest-value category)
POOLING AND DEPOOLING
Pooling
Pooling ensures that farmers are paid a uniform blend price regardless of whether their milk is used for fluid consumption, ice cream, cheese or butter. Monthly, dairy processors report how much milk they purchased and its end use to a regional market administrator. The total revenue from all milk sales is then totaled (or pooled) and the average price (or uniform blend price) is distributed to dairy farmers.
This system guarantees that farmers are compensated fairly, no matter where their milk ends up, and creates stability across the market. In the FMMO, adjustments, such as location differentials, account for the cost of moving milk to specific areas and encourage Grade A milk to move to areas with higher population densities, ensuring supply meets consumer demand. The location of the processing plant and its proximity to population densities determines the Class I differential charged to the plant.
Class I: Fluid milk used
Class II: Soft products like cream, ice cream, yogurt and cottage cheese
Class III: Hard cheeses, cream cheese and whey (often the largest class of milk utilization)
powdered milk (typically the lowest-value category)
MINIMUM PRICING
Rather than establishing fixed prices for dairy products, the USDA uses a three-step approach, known as the three C’s, to calculate the minimum price for milk each month:
Step 1: Commodity Pricing
The USDA surveys wholesale prices for key dairy commodities, including 40-pound cheddar blocks, 80% butterfat butter, nonfat dry milk and dry whey. Commodity pricing is also influenced by make allowances, which account for the production cost of converting raw milk into finished dairy products. Make allowances help processors cover operating expenses by factoring in the costs of labor, packaging and energy to manufacture the products.
Step 2: Component Pricing
Using the commodity prices, the USDA calculates the value of milk components: protein from the cheese price, butterfat from the butter price, nonfat solids from the nonfat dry milk price, and other solids from the dry whey price. Component pricing is also influenced by yield factors, which estimate how much finished product can be produced from each component. Yield factors link milk pricing to the actual value of milk components, ensuring that minimum prices are aligned with the efficiency of dairy production. For example, if new genetics or better feed management increase the protein levels in milk, processors may extract more cheese from the same volume of milk, raising its value.
Step 3: Class Pricing
The component prices are combined with fixed formulas to calculate the minimum prices for each milk class. Class II is set by butterfat and nonfat solids pricing; Class III is set by protein, butterfat and other solids pricing; and Class IV is set by butterfat and nonfat solids pricing; and Class I pricing is set by the Class III and Class IV pricing using the Class 1 milk mover, which will be the “higher of” Class III or Class IV for most milk after the modernization is implemented in the future. Today, the Class I milk mover is based on the “average of” Class III or Class IV. Minimum pricing, along with its support from yield factors and make allowances, ensures fairness in the marketplace while stabilizing the dairy market, benefiting farmers, processors and consumers.
WHY FMMO s MATTER
FMMOs play a critical role in supporting the entire dairy supply chain, from farm to fridge.
FOR FARMERS FOR PRODUCERS FOR CONSUMERS
FMMOs provide fair compensation to farmers by setting a minimum price that processors must pay for milk, ensuring dairy farmers are not underpaid for their products. They also provide price stability by pooling revenue and stabilizing prices, protecting dairy farmers from severe price swings in the marketplace. FMMOs also establish rules for payment schedules, ensuring farmers are paid twice a month, and they oversee milk testing and weights to ensure milk is accurately measured and payments to farmers are fair.
Processors benefit from FMMOs because they level the playing field. Since FMMOs require all processors in the region to pay the same minimum prices for milk, it prevents unfair competition and prevents larger processors from undercutting smaller processors by negotiating lower milk prices. FMMOs also provide processors with the price they will need to pay for certain classes of milk in advance of when they purchase the milk, which allows them to more effectively plan for future expense.
Consumers benefit indirectly from FMMOs through enjoying stabilized wholesale pricing that keep retail prices reasonable, and through receiving a steady milk supply that ensures milk and other dairy products are readily available on grocery shelves.
FMMO CHALLENGES AND RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
Regional Differences
FMMOs must account for varying costs of production across regions. For example, farmers in Colorado, who import much of their cattle feed, have higher production costs than those in the Midwest, where feed is often grown within miles of the farm. It’s challenging to ensure pricing that adequately reflects these regional differences.
Debate Over “Higher Of” or “Average Of” Pricing Methods
One ongoing issue is the debate between using the “higher of” or “average of” Class III and Class IV prices to calculate the Class I base price. While the “higher of” method benefits farmers by setting prices at the most favorable level, the “average of” method simplifies long-term contracting for processors. This debate was fueled during the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw a spike in Class III pricing that was estimated to cost dairy producers over one billion dollars under the “average of” pricing system.
Modernization Efforts
Recent adjustments aim to modernize the FMMO and address outdated aspects. USDA’s recently proposed changes are focused on five key areas:
1. Milk Composition Factors:
Updating milk composition factors to reflect the higher protein, other solids and nonfat solids content of milk produced today.
2. Surveyed Commodity Products:
Removing the 500-pound cheddar cheese barrels from commodity price calculations and relying on 40-pound block cheddar cheese instead to more accurately reflect today’s commodity market.
3. Make Allowances:
Increasing make allowances to more accurately reflect today’s cost of production for dairy products.
4. Class I Pricing Calculation:
Reverting to the “higher of” pricing model for most Class I products, excluding extended shelf-life products. Excluding extended shelf-life products addresses those processors needs for long-term contracting, which the “higher of” pricing model complicates.
5. Class I Location Differentials:
Increasing Class I location differentials, which are added to the Class I mover to determine the full Class I price in specific U.S. counties, including those in the Great Lakes region, to better account for transportation costs to population centers with higher market demand.
These updates ensure FMMOs remain relevant and reflective of today’s dairy industry and market conditions.
THE FUTURE OF FMMO s
As the dairy industry evolves, FMMOs must adapt to remain relevant to the industry. With a growing reliance on exports, FMMOs will need to integrate with global trade practices that allow American dairy products to compete internationally. In addition, with changing consumer preferences that favor ultrafiltered milk and extended shelf-life products, milk classification and pricing will need to be flexible.
Today’s modernization efforts have also proven that it’s critical that the FMMO continues to be updated in the future. Historically, FMMO reforms have been infrequent which have led to outdated policies that don’t always reflect current market realities. Despite the imperfectness of FMMOs, they continue to support a stable, fair and efficient dairy market that benefits the entire supply chain, from farm to fridge.
How will the changes to the Federal Milk Marketing Order affect dairy farmers in the Great Lakes region?
BY CARL RASCH
When a milk marketing order is amended, the USDA is required to perform a regulatory economic impact analysis. It is standard practice to assess the potential effects of proposed changes for producer prices, handler costs, and consumer prices. Such an analysis was performed by the USDA’S Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) and was published along with the final decision that producers voted on.
The AMS analysis concluded that all 11 federal order markets would have benefitted from these price formula changes during the 5-year period of 2019 – 2023 to varying degrees. The impact on an individual marketing order will depend on the utilization of producers’ milk supply in each market. Specifically, for farmers in the Federal Order #33 market, which encompasses much of the Great Lakes region, AMS
has estimated an increase in the price paid to producers of $0.50/cwt. Additionally, the dairy producers who belong to cooperatives like MMPA who own and operate production facilities should benefit from the updates to the make allowances. As owners of those production facilities, MMPA and its members will see improved operating margins at those plants due to increased make allowances. The increase in make allowances will allow our plants to retain more of the sales price of the products being produced in order to compensate for labor, utilities, packaging and maintenance costs which have increased significantly since 2006. Failure to recover all of those costs recently has negatively impacted cooperative members’ milk checks.
In total, these proposed changes better reflect current marketing costs experienced by both dairy farmers and processors. These changes are expected to increase producer revenue, ensure that milk is delivered to the Class I market when and where it is needed, and contribute to orderly market conditions.
The Michigan Dairy Memorial and Scholarship Foundation awards $145,000 in scholarships
The Michigan Dairy Memorial and Scholarship Foundation awarded $145,000 in scholarships to Michigan State University (MSU) students pursuing dairy industry-related programs of study for the 2024-25 academic year.
Thanks to the generous support of donors, the Michigan Dairy Memorial and Scholarship Foundation oversees the secondlargest scholarship program in the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The MDMSF was established in 1957 through contributions made in honor of individuals who have served the dairy industry. Income from the endowment has generated scholarships for deserving students who want to pursue careers associated with the dairy industry.
PICTURED ABOVE: Recipients of the Michigan Dairy Memorial and Scholarship Foundation. Back row, from left to right: Cole Vander Dussen, Riley Baker. Middle row, from left to right: Brianna Hill, Grant Gasper, Rhianna Bruursema, Grace Brown, Sadie Brearley, Bette Eggink, Elizabeth Hyman, Clea Moore, Mason Fielding, Samantha Whitehead, Danielle Rummel. Front row, from left to right: Adalee Thelen, Rachael Bosse, Callie Loew, Irie Moussiaux, Jaylin Dilsaver, Lauren Ringewold, Erica Holup, Julia Baker, Ella Cloud-Schneider, Deandra Franklin.
The following students were awarded a named Michigan Dairy Memorial and Scholarship Foundation Scholarship. Named scholarships are established endowments within the MDMSF that each have specific criteria related to the individual the scholarship is named after. The named scholarship recipients include:
Glenn & Anne Lake Scholarship, $8,500: Adalee Thelen, a senior in Animal Science from St. Johns, MI
Russel Erickson Scholarship, $6,000: Brianna Hill, a senior in Animal Science from Gregory, MI
Donald and Valera Murray Scholarship, $5,000: Lauren Ringewold, a senior in Animal Science from Battle Creek, MI
John and Barbara Dilland Scholarship, $5,000: Jenna Naber, a junior in Animal Science with a minor in Agribusiness Management from Holland, MI
John and Barbara Dilland Scholarship, $5,000: James Link, a junior in Animal Science with a minor in Agribusiness Management from Alto, MI
Archie Studer Scholarship, $5,000: Riley Baker, a junior in Animal Science from Coldwater, MI
Nick Bellows Scholarship, $5,000: Jaylin Dilsaver, Animal Science junior from Decker, MI
Dan First Scholarship, $5,000: Ross Kelsey, Agribusiness Management freshman from Blanchard, MI
George and Shirley Hazle Scholarship, $5,000: Rhianna Bruursema, a junior in Animal Science from West Olive, MI
Red and Edna Cotter Scholarship, $5,000: Katrina Beaton, a thirdyear student in Veterinary Medicine from Traverse City, MI
Harold and Lillian Gremel Scholarship, $5,000: Cecelia Brandt, a third-year student in Veterinary Medicine from Cedar Springs, MI
Velmar Green Scholarship, $5,000: Collin DeKam, a second-year student in Ag Tech Dairy Management from Falmouth, MI
Gary and Carolyn Trimner Scholarship, $5,000: Riley Simmonds, a second-year student in Veterinary Medicine from Lake Orion, MI
The following MSU students were awarded $3,500 scholarships from the Michigan Dairy Memorial and Scholarship Foundation:
Brianna Armbruster, a senior in Animal Science from Elkton, MI
Grace Brown, a sophomore in Animal Science from Reese, MI
Sadie Brearley, a sophomore in Animal Science from Ionia, MI
Ella Cloud-Schneider, a senior in Animal Science from Midland, MI
Laken DuRussel, a junior in Animal Science from Munger, MI
Bette Eggink, a sophomore in Animal Science from Deckerville, MI
Brielle Herner, a junior in Crop and Soil Sciences from Pinconning, MI
Kaylee Herrygers, a second-year student in Veterinary Medicine from Hart, MI
Erica Holup, a sophomore in Animal Science from Ottawa Lake, MI
Mason Fielding, a sophomore in Animal Science from Ottawa Lake, MI
Amy Kern, a sophomore in Ag Tech Agricultural Operations from Frankenmuth, MI
Callie Loew, a sophomore in Animal Science from Byron Center, MI
Avery Mays, a sophomore in Ag Tech Dairy Management from Millington, MI
Clea Moore, a junior in Animal Science from Fowler, MI
Kylie Weaver, a first-year student in Veterinary Medicine from Goshen, IN
The following first-year students were awarded the Michigan Dairy Memorial and Scholarship Foundation First-Year Scholarship worth $3,000:
Clarissa Hill, a freshman in Ag Tech Dairy Management from Gregory, MI
Ava Mitchell, a freshman in Animal Science from Addison, MI
Chloe Steiner, a freshman in Animal Science from Mecosta, MI
One student was awarded a Recruiting Scholarship worth $15,000:
Elizabeth Hyman, a junior in Animal Science from Adams, NY
For information on making contributions to honor members of the dairy industry or to support student scholarships, please contact the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources External Relations at 517-355-0284. To learn more about the Michigan Dairy Memorial and Scholarship Foundation, contact Dr. Miriam Weber Nielsen in the MSU Department of Animal Science at 517-432-5443.
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YOUR DAIRY CHECKOFF
NATIONAL UPDATES
New Digital Sustainability Resource
National dairy checkoff recently launched the Dairy Conservation Navigator, an online resource hub for farmers, farm advisors, stakeholders and conservation professionals stacked with science-based info on sustainable practices and technologies.
Checkoff’s Pizza Strategy
Finding Success in Indonesia, Japan
It can be a little mind boggling to consider that about 95% of the world’s population lives outside of the United States. This presents – literally – a world of opportunity for the dairy checkoff. Dairy Management Inc.’s (DMI) strategy of working with and through powerful partners, including quick-serve restaurant (QSR) chains, has long delivered sales-driving results for farmers and importers. Chains including Taco Bell, McDonald’s and Domino’s continue working with the checkoff to develop innovative, dairy-centric menu options for their billions of customers, while putting their advertising and marketing dollars behind these products.
LOCAL UPDATES
Pickleball and Dairy Score with Teachers
As part of UDIM’s partnership with USA Pickleball, more than 50 teachers from across the state gathered at the Legacy Center in Brighton, Michigan, for training and to receive pickleball equipment to help implement pickleball into physical education classes. Teachers gained knowledge as well as equipment—including a net, classroom sized paddle and ball sets, carrying bags and totes and educational materials from UDIM. In addition to equipment and expert instruction, teachers also received nutritional education from the UDIM team emphasizing the importance of students enjoying school meals, and the significance of milk and dairy in those meals.
Refueling the Detroit Free Press Marathon Runners
Chocolate milk is an essential recovery choice for athletes at the Detroit Free Press Marathon. This year, UDIM shared engaging dairy education at the marathon expo and 16,200 bottles of chocolate milk at the finish line. UDIM connected with runners and their supporters to highlight the nutritional benefits of chocolate milk’s unique blend of carbs and protein that make it an ideal post-race recovery drink. UDIM reached more than 23,000 runners, ensuring the athletes had both the fuel and knowledge to support their performance and recovery.
Indiana Dairy Ambassadors Wrap Up a Year of Service
The Dairy Ambassador program in Indiana developed out of the former Dairy Princess program in 2017 and continues to support young dairy leaders to this day. The scholarship program activates top applicants from universities across the state to grow their communication skills and share dairy information through events throughout the year. Ambassadors also network with leaders in agriculture, food systems, and other industries to further their own career goals. Connections made through the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indiana State Fair, farm shows and campus engagements are opportunities to use the skills and information learned
UNITED DAIRY INDUSTRY OF MICHIGAN
CHECKOFF AT WORK
through the program. The 2025 Ambassadors will be announced in December, so follow along on our ADAI website and social media channels to see where our Dairy Ambassadors are making a difference.
Dairy Resources en Español
The Adopt a Cow program continues to grow in popularity and reach. In Indiana, Ashley Risner of Loehmer Dairy sends updates of pictures and live chats throughout the year, which corresponds with lesson plans and school standards for a range of ages. As a former Spanish teacher, Ashley also conducted the program for Spanish classes and native speakers, serving a national audience. Over
Wild About Milk at the Indianapolis Zoo
This year, ADAI worked with longtime partners at the Indianapolis Zoo (and one of the top tourism locations in the state with over 1.2 million visitors each year) to place milk coolers in high-profile concessions, including Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen during Christmas at the Zoo. The updates saw milk sales increase 10x over recent years! Finding new ways to support our partnerships and extend opportunities for milk remains our focus. These partners amplify dairy’s messages and reach audiences that may not find us on their own.
Shoppable Dairy Recipes
Cheers to 15 Years!
Recognizing that more consumers are grocery shopping online than ever before, the American Dairy Association Mideast made all 200+ dairy-friendly recipes on Drink-Milk. com shoppable – and just in time for the holidays! With the simple click of a button, home chefs can shop for recipe ingredients, making it even easier to cook and bake with real dairy. The button links to an Instacart webpage where users add the ingredients they need directly to their online shopping cart at the store of their choice. Instacart is the largest online grocery marketplace in North America. To browse all 200+ recipes, visit Drink-Milk.com.
For the past 15 years, chocolate milk has been the official beverage of Ohio high school sports! This milestone was made possible by the American Dairy Association Mideast’s long-standing partnership with the Ohio High School Athletic Association. ADA Mideast recently celebrated the occasion at the Ohio School Board Association’s 2024 Capital Conference. More than 2,000 school board members and administrators visited our exhibit to say, “cheers to 15 years!” and learn about our school programs and resources. As part of the partnership, chocolate milk is promoted at OHSAA state championship events, reaching an estimated 2.5+ million fans per year!
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. Many young bulls to choose from. Hardy and healthy with strong feet and legs, raised on pasture. Competitively priced. Young beef bulls also available. For pictures and pedigrees call or text 906-287-0746.
FOR SALE: 4-TON FEED BIN WITH FLEX AUGER. Call 810-728-6237.
FOR SALE: DAIRYPLAN C-21 SOFTWARE SYSTEM WITH COMPUTER. Call 810-728-6237.
FOR SALE: H&S 5126 SIDE SLINGER MANURE SPREADER. Call 989-551-5977.
FOR SALE: 400+ SCR COW COLLARS. Some in almost new condition and under warranty. Best offer. Contact Kevin at 989-277-2880.
FOR SALE: USED MILKING EQUIPMENT. Two 15 hp 3-phase vacuum pumps, 1-2 year old Mueller 3-phase cooler, 1 newer single-phase cooler, 2 older singlephase coolers, and much more not listed. Call or text Cameron at 810-404-5993.
FOR SALE: 7 BOUMATIC FLO-STAR CLAWS. A milk pump motor for sale. Call or text for info and price at 734-915-4332.
FOR SALE: PATZ 32FT., 10” WIDE FEED ELEVATOR with cover. $250.00. Call 616-406-5611.
FOR SALE: PATZ GUTTER CLEANER, approx. 300’ chain - $6,000; surge pipeline system, 2” stainless line, 9 eclipse units - $3,000; 10 hp oilless vacuum pump - $2,000; Surge 100 plus vacuum pump - $200; 1000 gal. Mueller bulk tank, 2-3 hp compressors - $3,000; 120 gal. Mueller free heater - $2,000; Uebler 810 feed cart, Honda engine - $1,000; cow collars (60+) - $5 each. Call 989-745-3695.
FOR SALE: 10 HP VARIABLE SPEED OIL LESS VACUUM with complete controller will operate on single phase. $3,000 or best offer. Call 231-425-6913.
FOR SALE: 2 THEEM COMMERCIAL 91-GAL WATER HEATERS capable of 180-degree water. Two years old. Paid $7,000 each. Asking $3,000 each or best offer. Call 231-425-6913.
FOR SALE: MUELLER PLATE COOLER purchased with 2 hp variable speed milk pump includes 1 milk pump 2 motors spare motor never used $3,500 tog: Delaval C 125 pipeline washer pumps soaps and acid directly from barrels. $500 or best offer. Call 231-425-6913.
FOR SALE: 24 PRESTO DETACHERS with rope takeoffs, double 12 hearing bone milking parlor and all the stainless pipeline and fittings make an offer, 24 Delaval dual pulsators, 24 Delaval claws, 16 Germania claws. Make an offer. Everything has to go. Call 231-425-6913.
Classifieds
C lassifieds 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
O PPERMAN 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. 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. 800-554-2288. www.tristatescabbling.com
A SURE WAY TO KEEP YOUR COWS UPRIGHT! Concrete grooving/texturing provides high quality traction in new and old concrete, fast service. NIENOW GROOVING. Call Cliff at 989-635-1494.
FOR SALE: NEW & USED MILK TANKS. We stock all sizes, makes, models. Special prices to co-op members, corporate & private farms. Contact us anytime day or night. Special on 2000 gal. Muellers for $13,900 & up. 2700 & 4000 gal. Muellers call for quote. 800-558-0112.
STRAW & DRY HAY (LARGE & SMALL BALES). Feed Oats, Feed Barley and Corn Silage. Delivery Available. 989-723-1886 or 989-277-1414.
ALFALFA HAYLAGE (EXCELLENT & FAIR GRADES) & CORN SILAGE. 989-723-1886 or 989-277-1414.
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 989-284-5052.
OPEN POLLINATED CORN SEED. Early Varieties ***Green Haven Open Pollinated Seed. Hulles Oats, Einkorn Wheat. Call 607-566-9253. www.openpollinated.com
Udder Tech Calf Blankets
Keep your calves warm this winter with Udder Tech calf blankets. They are designed to stay in place and are easy to apply and remove for machine washing and drying. The blankets are made with a durable water-resistant nylon and are double insulated with 300 grams 3M Thinsulate insulation for the best protection from the harsh winter elements. They range in size from small, regular and large, all with adjustable straps and quick release buckles to accommodate calves’ growth. Contact the MMPA Farm Supply Store to place your order today.
Small - $35.27 (#5635)
Regular - $42.76 (#5680)
Large - $61.96 (#5728)
Call in your order: Main Line: 989-317-8370
Toll Free: 877-367-6455
Orders (Novi): 800-572-5824 then dial 2
Fax in your order: 989-317-8372
MMPA Field Staff
Ben Chapin, Remus, Member Services Director
989-289-0731
Steve Lehman, Ithaca, Raw Milk Compliance 989-330-1638
Doug Soehnlen, Member/Superior Supply Representative 330-575-4643
Joe Packard – Area Supervisor
248-520-3481
Logan Archibald, Fowlerville 947-265-0817
Brandon Ewers, Coldwater 231-414-4539
Alyssa Stace, Elkhart, IN, Animal Care/Sustainability 269-967-7351
Emily Patton, Lansing 248-880-3785
Christy Dinsmoore – Area Supervisor ............................
Carley VanNorman, Ruth, MI
248-513-7920
248-826-6294
Chelsea Smith, Falmouth, MI 231-519-2455
Sarah Michalek – Farm Sustainability Manager .............. 248-305-0537
Deb Gingrich, Leroy, Animal Care/Sustainability 248-520-3580
Rachel Brown, Charlotte, Sustainability Coordinator 248-826-7243
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
Farm Supply Supervisor
Main Line
989-317-8370
Toll Free 877-367-6455
Orders (Novi) 800-572-5824, then dial 2
Fax ....................................................................................... 989-317-8372
Farm Supply Sales Representative
Jake Riley, Mt. Pleasant .............................................................. 248-912-5070
John Lehman, Elsie, Bulk Tank Calibration................................ 248-444-6775
Novi Headquarters
Main Office
Local line
If
are
and
248-474-6672
Toll free 800-572-5824
President and Chief Executive Officer
Joe Diglio ext. 202
Chief Financial Officer
Aaron Anticic ext. 277
Chief Corporate Affairs Officer
Sheila Burkhardt ext. 208
Chief Operating Officer
Brad Parks
Laboratory Supervisor
Teresa Farmer
Quality
Sudeep Jain
Member Services
Emily Keranen
Human Resources
Kelly Kerrigan
Sales
Molly Costaris
Communications
Emily Kittendorf-King
Corporate Controller
341
219
305
203
301
209
234
Jeannie Strain ext. 312
Member Relations
Jessica Welch ext. 303
Manufacturing Plants
Canton, Ohio Plant Manager 330-477-4515
Constantine, Michigan
Dave Davis, Plant Manager .................................................. 269-435-2835
Ovid, Michigan
Rodney Gutierrez, Plant Manager 989-834-2221
Middlebury Cheese Company, Middlebury, Indiana Plant Manager 574-825-9511
Board of Directors
Officers
Doug Chapin, Board Chairman
Tony Jandernoa Board Vice Chairman
Eric Frahm, Treasurer
Joe Diglio, President and CEO
Sheila Burkhardt, Secretary
Aaron Anticic, Assistant Treasurer
Brad Parks, Chief Operating Officer
Todd Hoppe, General Counsel
Directors-At-Large
Aaron Gasper, Lowell, MI 616-291-4092
Bruce Benthem, McBain, MI 231-920-1615
Kris Wardin, St. Johns, MI 989-640-9420
District Directors
1 Paul Keener Ashland, OH 330-988-0139
1 Kurt Steiner Creston, OH 330-464-1219
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 Amy Martin LeRoy, MI 231-388-0496
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
A cow peeks around the barn’s red face, her gentle eyes scan the snowy space. The icicles glint in the pale sunlight, while trees stand frozen in winter’s white. Her breaths puff softly, a misty plume, in the frosted stillness of winter’s bloom. With curious eyes, standing in the barn a quiet watcher adding to the charm.
Photo by Susan Stewart, Lapeer, Michigan
