Michigan Milk Messenger: April 2013

April 2013 Volume 95 Issue 10

Michigan Milk Messenger 1

2 April 2013 2 June 2012

April 2013

Volume 95 Issue 10 www.mimilk.com

Features

12

10

Contents

11 2013 MMPA District Officers 12 2013 Michigan Dairy Ambassador Scholarship

and Leadership Program Winners 13 MSU Students Awarded Scholarships from

the Michigan Dairy Memorial and Scholarship Foundation

18

18 Milk from Farm to Table DVD Teaches

Michigan Schoolchildren About Dairy 19 2013 MMPA Advisory Committee 19 MMPA 2013 Hauler Meetings 21 97th Annual MMPA Delegate Meeting 22 35-year Members Recognized 23 General Manager’s Report to Delegates 26 MMPA Resolutions

Departments

Managing Editor...................... Sheila Burkhardt Editors........................................... Laura Moser

.................................. Alex Schnabelrauch Advertising Manager.............. Nancy Muszynski Circulation............................................... 4,200

MMPA Matters................................................ 5 Quality Watch.................................................. 6 News & Views.................................................. 8 Legislative Watch............................................ 10 Merchandise Memo........................................ 36 Freeliners........................................................ 38 Classifieds...................................................... 40 Policies........................................................... 41 Market Report................................................ 42 MMPA Lab Lines........................................... 43 MMPA Staff ................................................... 43

An Equal Opportunity Employer – F/M/V/D Michigan Milk Messenger (USPS 345-320) is the official publication of Michigan Milk Producers Association, published monthly since June 1919.

Subscriptions: MMPA members, 50¢ per year; non-members, $5 per year.

41310 Bridge St. P.O. Box 8002 Novi, MI 48376-8002

Telephone: 248-474-6672 FAX: 248-474-0924 Periodical postage paid at Novi, MI and at additional offices.

April 2013 Volume 95 Issue 10

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

On the Cover

The 97th MMPA Annual Meeting was held on March 21. Details of the meeting are inside this issue.

(ISSN 0026-2315) Michigan Milk Messenger 1

Michigan Milk Messenger 3

Michigan Milk Producers Association

Michigan Milk Producers Association, established in 1916, is a member owned and operated dairy cooperative serving approximately 2,200 dairy farmers in Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin and Ohio.

Board of Directors

Officers President: Ken Nobis Vice President: Bob Kran Treasurer: Mark Halbert General Manager/Secretary: Clay Galarneau Ass’t. Treasurer: Joe Diglio General Counsel: David VanderHaagen Directors-At-Large Ken Nobis, St. Johns .........................989-224-6170

or 248-474-6672, ext. 201 Rodney Daniels, Whittemore.............989-756-4935 Mark Halbert, Battle Creek................269-964-0511 District Directors 1. Hank Choate, Cement City...........517-529-9032 2. Tim Hood, Paw Paw....................269-657-5771 4. Dan Javor, Hastings......................269-948-8345 5. Brent Wilson, Carson City............989-584-3481 6. Brad Ritter, Byron........................810-266-4091 7. James Reid, Jeddo........................810-327-6830 8. Leonard Brown, Sandusky............810-648-4505 10. Eric Frahm, Frankenmuth............989-652-3552 11. Bob Kran, Free Soil......................231-464-5889 12. John Kronemeyer, Pickford..........906-647-7638

FRONT ROW (l-r): Mark Halbert, Treasurer, Director-at-Large; Hank Choate, District 1; Brad Ritter, District 6; Ken Nobis, President, Director-at-Large; Bob Kran, Vice President, District 11; James Reid, District 7; Leonard Brown, District 8; Clay Galarneau, General Manager/Secretary. BACK ROW (l-r): Brent Wilson, District 5; Joe Diglio, Director of Finance/Assistant Treasurer; David VanderHaagen, General Counsel; Dan Javor, District 4; Rodney Daniels, Director-at-Large; Tim Hood, District 2; Eric Frahm, District 10; John Kronemeyer, District 12.

Mission Statement

“To market our members’ milk to the greatest advantage possible.”

Advisory Committee District One Carlton Evans, Litchfield Brad Hart, Clayton Glenn Preston, Quincy Art Riske, Hanover

517-398-0629 517-445-2649 517-639-4182 517-524-6015

District Two Donald Bever, Delton Francis Burr, Mendon Richard Thomas, Middlebury, IN Susan Troyer, Goshen, IN

269-671-5050 269-778-3552 574-825-5198 574-533-4506

District Four David Bivens, Bellevue Mark Crandall, Battle Creek James Droscha, Charlotte David Lott, Mason

269-758-3980 269-660-2229 517-543-5577 517-676-4593

District Five Bruce Benthem, McBain Tom Jeppesen, Stanton Bill Jernstadt, Big Rapids Mike Rasmussen, Edmore

4 April 2013

231-825-2814 989-762-5399 231-796-4650 989-762-5380

District Six Aaron Gasper, Lowell Anthony Jandernoa, St. Johns David Reed, Owosso Kris Wardin, St Johns

616-897-2747 989-593-2224 989-723-8635 989-640-9420

District Seven Bill Blumerich, Berlin Pat Bolday, Emmett Scott Lamb, Jeddo Chuck White, Fowlerville

810-395-2926 810-395-7139 810-327-6135 517-521-3564

District Eight Mike Bender, Croswell 810-679-4782 Tim Kubacki, Sebewaing 989-883-3249 Dale Phillips, Marlette 989-635-7917 Steve Schulte, Harbor Beach 989-479-9339

District Ten John Bennett, Prescott Ken Daniels, Sterling Rod Fowler, Chesaning Scott Kleinhardt, Clare

989-345-4264 989-654-2546 989-845-6131 989-386-8037

District Eleven Jim Good, Caledonia Frank Konkel, Hesperia David Pyle, Zeeland Bill Stakenas, Free Soil

616-891-1414 231-854-8041 616-772-1512 231-757-9340

District Twelve Robert Barron, Gladstone Dave Folkersma, Rudyard Corby Werth, Alpena Jeremy Werth, Alpena

906-786-7027 906-478-3023 989-379-3772 989-464-4022

MMPA Matters

By Ken Nobis President

Enhancing the CWT Program

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n November 2008 the world was trying to comprehend the impact of the financial meltdown that had hit a few months earlier. The U.S. government had already stepped in with a cash infusion intended to buoy severely distressed financial institutions. More infusions would follow in 2009, along with the U.S. government bailing out General Motors and Chrysler. The dairy industry was concerned with the probability of declines in domestic and global consumption. My advice in a column I wrote for this space focused on the obvious “Looks like we could be in for a wild ride. Hold on tight.” It has been a longer ride than anybody expected.

Our concern about domestic consumption proved unwarranted, as it held constant during 2009.

Concerns regarding global demand were partially right. The U.S. share of the total global dairy export market shrank from 11.0 percent to 9.3 percent of our total production.

The global dairy export market, however, grew instead of shrinking.

Unfortunately, the loss of market share meant that U.S. producers built supplies in our market that put dramatic downward pressure on our milk prices.

Dairy farmers lost millions of dollars of equity in 2009, the worst year of the recession. Some were unable to ride out the storm. Some business models worked better than others. Milking cows and buying all of the feed, a model that had worked well for decades in some areas of the country, was the most severely impacted.

U.S. dairy producers have experienced periods of extreme losses and moderately good profit margins between November 2008

and April 2013, but the good times have not been sufficient to make up for the equity lost in 2009. The 2012 drought’s effect on feed prices has brought the return of slim profit margins in the Midwest and major losses further west where feed prices are even higher.

The dairy industry has not sat idle watching the events take place.

For example, the National Milk Producers Association (NMPF) began crafting what became the components of the Dairy Security Act (DSA) in June of 2009. The DSA is part of the Farm Bill that passed the Senate in 2012 and was passed by the House of Representatives Agriculture Committee but never taken to the floor in the House.

Instead of passing a new Farm Bill, the 2007 version was extended through September 2013. We are confident that a new Farm Bill will be enacted in 2013 with the DSA as the backbone of its dairy provisions, resulting in reduced volatility while allowing continued growth in export markets. That would be a win for producers and consumers alike.

At the same time NMPF and its member cooperatives were working on the DSA, Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) continued to be our only viable operational safety net. CWT is an idea that NMPF CEO Jerry Kozak claims came to him while in the shower; however, the idea definitely is not “all wet.”

2012 economic models indicate an increased pay price of 45 cents per hundredweight on an investment of just 2 cents per hundredweight.

Who wouldn’t find that rate of return attractive?

CWT was introduced to us in 2003 with both herd retirement and export assistance components. Since

2011 the herd retirement component has not been available, leaving the total focus on export assistance. The final numbers for 2012 will show that we exported over 13 percent of the milk produced in the U.S. Of the total exported, 18 percent of the cheese and 62 percent of the butter was aided by the CWT export assistance program.

The current CWT program covers 2012 and 2013. As good as the program is, we have only 70 percent of the U.S. milk supply volunteering to be involved, even though CWT boosts the price for all producers.

Due to heavy usage last year and increased usage so far this year, the CWT Committee recommended that the NMPF board request CWT members increase their contribution rate to 4 cents effective July 1, 2013.

In addition, the NMPF board is requesting that an additional two years be added to the contract. If the changes are accepted by at least 70 percent of the U.S. milk supply, the program with these changes will run through 2015.

The CWT export assistance program is helping MMPA establish our presence as an exporter more efficiently than we could accomplish on our own. The CWT program is helping the U.S. dairy industry prove that we intend to grow our commitment to dairy exports. It is definitely not a program we want to send to the showers!

It’s always easier to look back than it is to predict what the future might bring to our industry. With an enhanced CWT program and the passage of a Farm Bill that includes the DSA, I think we will experience a more stable, predictable future for ourselves.

Michigan Milk Messenger 5

Quality Watch

By

By Dean Dean Letter Letter

MMPA Manager of Producer Testing Director of Member Services and Herd Health Programs

Aflatoxin, Still a Concern for Midwest Agriculture

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rop harvest was completed months ago, and the drought this past summer certainly has reduced the availability of quality feed ingredients for some MMPA members. Many states to the south and west of Michigan, where the drought stress has been more severe, have experienced issues with aspergillus ear rot.

As many of our members may be aware, aspergillus ear rot is a powdery olive-green fungus that is typically seen at the tips of drought stressed and/or insect infested corn.

In more severe cases, the fungus will travel down to the base of the ear. This fungus is responsible for producing aflatoxin.

Ethanol producers may have very strict specifications for corn entering their facility if a co-product of their operation is going into dairy or pet feed. The ethanol production process can result in a 300 percent increase in the aflatoxin concentration of ethanol co-products such as dried distillers grains (DDGs) compared to the corn grain from which the ethanol is produced.

The table below indicates the action levels for aflatoxin contaminated corn: Concentration

(parts per billion)

Aflatoxin is a mycotoxin that can cause a variety of health issues in livestock. Younger animals are more sensitive than older animals.

Depending on exposure, the toxin may suppress the animal’s immune system, reduce the rate of gain, cause cancer (aflatoxin is a potent carcinogen) and possibly cause death. Lactating animals will shed this toxin in their milk, making it necessary for dairy producers to be extremely vigilant.

Aspergillus flavus, the fungus responsible for aspergillus ear rot, may continue to grow once the crop is in storage especially under moisture conditions greater than 14-15 percent moisture. For this reason, it is very important to continue testing feed ingredients for aflatoxin until this year’s crop has been consumed.

Grain with an aflatoxin concentration of 20ppb or greater is not to be shipped over state lines.

6 April 2013

20ppb 20ppb 100ppb 200ppb 300ppb

End Use Of Grain Animal feed and feed ingredients intended for dairy animals Human consumption Feed intended for breeding cattle, breeding swine and mature poultry Feed intended for finishing swine of 100 pounds or greater Feed intended for finishing beef cattle

Moreover, the maximum safe limit in milk is less than 0.5ppb.

Some states are requiring dairy plants to test all milk for aflatoxin prior to unloading. At this time, Michigan is not mandating this testing although several plants within the state are conducting the test on a voluntary basis or to meet customer requests.

The testing process is similar to that of Appendix N antibiotic testing that the dairy industry does on a daily basis. If a milk sample representing a truck load of milk or a dairy producer’s bulk tank is found to have an aflatoxin concentration greater than or equal to 0.5ppb or 500ppt (parts per trillion), the results are reported to the Michigan

Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) or appropriate state regulatory agency.

If a tanker load of milk is involved, the state regulatory agency will seize the load. The milk samples will be forwarded to an approved lab for confirmation testing. Dairy producers determined to have an aflatoxin concentration over 500ppt in their bulk tank sample will not be allowed to ship milk until an HPLC or other approved test of that producer’s milk sample(s) (the sample(s) must represent all lactating cows on the farm) indicate that the aflatoxin concentration is below the actionable level.

Once the dairy producer is notified, the contaminated feed ingredient must be identified and no longer offered to animals as per the instructions of the farm’s nutritionist or veterinarian. Over time, the affected animals will excrete the toxin. Milk sample(s) will be collected for testing until acceptable tests results are obtained.

Well over a week could elapse before the dairy farm is reinstated to the market. During this time, there will be no income from milk sales and the dairy producer will be held responsible for any loss incurred from the contaminated load of milk.

If aflatoxin is suspected in your feed ingredients, you should contact your nutritionist and veterinarian. If you suspect that your milk may be contaminated, please contact me at the Novi office.

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News & Views The latest dairy news

February’s Class III Down $.89

The USDA announced that February’s Federal Order Class III price is $17.25 per cwt., down 89 cents from January, but $1.19 above February 2012. The February Class IV price is $17.75, up 12 cents from January and $1.83 above a year ago.

MMPA Board Members Reelected

During the 2013 MMPA District meetings, three board members were reelected to serve threeyear terms: Dan Javor, District 4; Brent Wilson, District 5 and Leonard Brown, District 8.

At the MMPA Annual Delegate Meeting, Ken Nobis was reelected to serve a three-year term as an at-large member on the board of directors.

During the MMPA board of directors reorganization meeting immediately following the annual delegate meeting, Ken Nobis was reelected as president, Bob Kran was reelected as vice president and Mark Halbert was reelected as treasurer.

8 April 2013

MMPA Returns $1.8 Million of Cash Patronage Refunds to Members

Michigan Milk Producers Association recently paid $1.8 million in cash patronage refunds to its dairy farmer members. This cash allocation represents 25 percent of the $6.3 million net earnings generated by the cooperative in fiscal year 2012. The cash patronage returned includes 100 percent of the farm supply earnings and 25 percent of the milk marketing earnings. All members who marketed milk through MMPA for fiscal year 2012 received a portion of the $1.8 million.

During fiscal year 2012, MMPA members earned $27.2 million in total premiums. These premiums are a combination of quality, volume, over-order premiums and a “13th” milk check and serve as a reflection of MMPA’s financial strength.

MMPA members received other cash payments in April 2012 of $3.3 million through retirement of the cooperative’s 2003 equities. In September 2012, MMPA members received $2 million in cash payments in the form of a “13th” milk check. With the current payment of $1.8 million, cash payments in the last 10 months total over $7.1 million.

“The return of cash patronage refunds, premiums and allocated equities continues to occur as a result of successful operating results of MMPA,” says Clay Galarneau, MMPA general manager. “The high quality of our milk supply and continuing growth of our milk production is an attractive combination that has helped strengthen our financial position.”

Cash patronage funds and equity allocations are based on the amount of milk each individual member farm marketed and on the supplies purchased through the cooperative during the year in which the earnings were achieved.

Under the current board policy, the non-cash balance of the equity allocation will be revolved back to the members in future years.

Upcoming Events April 12

Young Cooperator Conference Frankenmuth

19

Dairy Communicator Meeting Lansing

25

MMPA Advisory Committee Novi

Velmar Green Announced as 2013 World Dairy Expo Dairyman of the Year

World Dairy Expo (WDE) will be honoring four outstanding dairy leaders at the 2013 Dinner with the Stars banquet on Wednesday, October 2 at the Alliant Energy Center (AEC) in Madison, Wis. “We are very excited to feature the accomplishments of these four individuals for their contributions to the dairy business,” shared Bob Kaiser, WDE interim general manager. “These worldclass dairy industry leaders were nominated and selected by their peers and it is appropriate that they be honored at World Dairy Expo, ‘Center of the Dairy Universe.’”

The World Dairy Expo Recognition Award Winners include: Dairy Woman of the Year – Karyn Schauf, Indianhead Holsteins, Ltd. of Barron, Wis; Dairyman of the Year – Velmar Green, Green Meadow Farms of Elsie, Mich; Dairy Industry Person of the Year – Ken Nordlund, DVM, University of WisconsinMadison, School of Veterinary Medicine of Madison, Wis; and International Person of the Year – Pedro Hugo Testa, Reproductores S.R.L. of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Dinner with the Stars includes a reception and banquet and will be held in the Exhibition Hall at the AEC. Tickets for this industry gala will be available at a later date.

2013 Breakfast on the Farm Hosts Announced Five Michigan-based Breakfast on the Farm events are on tap for 2013 and four of the five will be hosted on MMPA dairy farms. Hundreds of volunteers are needed to pull off these events, so mark your calendars and signup to volunteer for a day of hands-on dairy outreach and education.

June 15: Reid Dairy Farm LLC, Jeddo, Mich. (St. Clair County) July 13: Walt Dairy Farm, Coopersville, Mich. (Ottawa County) August 17: Humm Farm LLC, Breckenridge, Mich. (Gratiot County) September 7: Black Locust Farms LLC, Stanton, Mich. (Montcalm County) September 21: Ferry Farms LLC, Litchfield, Mich. (Hillsdale County)

Michigan Milk Messenger Receives Award During NCFC Annual Meeting

The Michigan Milk Messenger was recognized as the 2nd place membership magazine (in the under $15,000 per issue category) at the 2013 National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC) Cooperative Information Fair held during the organization’s annual meeting February 6-8, 2013 in Phoenix, Ariz.

The Cooperative Information Fair encourages cooperatives to improve the techniques by which they promote their business, inform their members and disseminate information to the general public. Professors from the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill judged more than 330 entries received this year.

The winning entries, including MMPA’s May and June Michigan Milk Messengers, were displayed at NCFC’s 84th Annual Meeting where CEOs, senior management and farmer directors were able to review the winninf entries during meeting breaks.

Other winners in the category included Blue Diamond Growers’ Almond Facts Magazine in 1st place, and the Tennessee Farmers Cooperative’s magazine Directions took 3rd.

Join MMPA on Facebook and Twitter!

MMPA is officially on Facebook and Twitter! Connect with us for the latest industry and co-op news. “Like” us on Facebook by visiting http://www.facebook.com/ MichiganMilkProducersAssociation or “follow” us on Twitter at http:// twitter.com/MichiganMilk.

Michigan Milk Messenger 9

Legislative Watch Issues important to today’s dairy farmers

MMPA names Senator Green ‘Champion of Dairy’

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he Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) recognized Sen. Mike Green as its first ever “Champion of Dairy” at the 97th Annual MMPA Meeting held in Lansing on Thursday, March 21.

“Because of his relentless support of agriculture and the dairy industry, we are pleased to recognize Senator Green as a true Champion of Dairy,” said MMPA President Ken Nobis. “When we faced the possibility of losing funding for the Grade A milk inspection program, one person stood out as a true friend of our industry.

It was the work of Senator Green that preserved this program in all areas of the state so that it could continue serving the Michigan dairy industry and consumers.”

In addition to the dairy inspection program, Green also worked tirelessly on other issues important to the dairy industry, including legislation strengthening the voluntary Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assessment Program, legislation to improve economic development for agriculture and rural development and increased funding for the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of nearly 25 percent after years of devastating cuts under a previous administration.

MMPA President Ken Nobis presents Sen. Mike Green with the “Champion of Dairy” banner.

“Dairy farmers and their partners are an important part of the $91 billion food and agriculture economy,” Nobis says. “It is essential for us to have people like Sen. Green in place to make sound decisions that help enhance the stability of our industry.”

Producers scoring 95 percent or more on Grade A Surveys and Federal Check Rating MMPA County Line West March 2013

MMPA County Line East March 2013

Powers Dairy Farm LLC Silver Sky Dairy LLC Tri-R Farms LLC Stephen & Denise Knox* Carson Acres LLC Stoney Hill Farm Inc. Marland & Sandra Cook Roger Deters Milton Longcore Mark Newman* Doug/Shelly Ekkel * A-Sun Dairy

Fisk Farms D & J Dairy LLC Jeff & Larry Nielsen* Roger Copeland Gordon Behrenwald Lew-Max Holstein LLC Gary/Cory Nielsen David Kraft Dennis Hoekstra Double-B Dairy Korte Dairy Farm Ammon Martin Ephraim & Esther Martin Fisk Farms *

MMPA Allendale North March 2013

Douglas Warner John Buth Slater Farms LLC Arlyn Walt Wayne Hecksel * Sommerfeld Farms LLC * Howe Farms Inc. Corliss Gulembo III Stakenas Farms Inc. Larsen Farms LaVern Soberalski Ackerberg Farms Dewey Farm LLC

*100 percent

10 April 2013

2013 MMPA District Officers MMPA

The following officers were elected during MMPA District meetings held in February and March.

District 1: Chairman: Scott Ferry, Litchfield Vice Chairman: Jeff Horning, Manchester Secretary: Art Riske, Hanover State Nominating Committee: Art Riske, Hanover State Credentials Committee: Glenn Preston, Quincy State Resolutions Committee: Carlton Evans, Litchfield; Bruce Lewis, Jonesville; Glenn Preston, Quincy District 2: Chairman: Jerry Koebel, Jr., Three Oaks Vice Chairman: Josh Gamble, New Carlisle, IN Secretary: Richard E. Ultz, Burr Oak State Nominating Committee: Donald Bever, Delton State Credentials Committee: Richard E. Ultz, Burr Oak State Resolutions Committee: Donald Bever, Delton; Michael Oesch, Middlebury, IN; Richard Thomas, Middlebury, IN District 4: Chairman: Brad Crandall, Battle Creek Vice Chairman: James Droscha, Charlotte Secretary: Heather Wing, Bellevue State Nominating Committee: David Lott, Mason State Credentials Committee: Sally Bivens, Bellevue State Resolutions Committee: Brad Crandall, Battle Creek; Josh Lott, Mason; Heather Wing, Bellevue District 5: Chairman: Doug Chapin, Remus Vice Chairman: Bruce Benthem, McBain Secretary: Gordon Dick, McBain State Nominating Committee: Tom Jeppensen, Stanton State Credentials Committee: Richard Hyde, Morley State Resolutions Committee: Bruce Benthem, McBain; Robert Cnossen, Falmouth; Tyler Wilson, Carson City

District 6: Chairman: Tony Jandernoa, St. Johns Vice Chairman: Jeff Thelen, St. Johns Secretary: Steve Thelen, Fowler State Nominating Committee: David Reed, Owosso State Credentials Committee: John Hufnagel, Westphalia State Resolutions Committee: Aaron Gasper, Lowell; David Reed, Owosso; Ken Wieber, Fowler District 7: Chairman: Bill Blumerich, Berlin Vice Chairman: Roger Bloss, Swartz Creek Secretary: Scott Lamb, Jeddo State Nominating Committee: Scott Lamb, Jeddo State Credentials Committee: Roger Bloss, Swartz Creek State Resolutions Committee: Bill Blumerich, Berlin; Pat Bolday, Emmett; Scott Lamb, Jeddo District 8: Chairman: Darwin Sneller, Sebewaing Vice Chairman: Bryce Kundinger, Sebewaing Secretary: Debbie Kubacki, Sebewaing State Nominating Committee: Mike Bender, Croswell State Credentials Committee: Tim Kubacki, Sebewaing State Resolutions Committee: Mike Bender, Croswell; Tim Kubacki, Sebewaing; Dale Phillips, Marlette

District 10: Chairman: John Bennett, Prescott Vice Chairman: Scott Kleinhardt, Clare Secretary: Julie Schwab, Standish State Nominating Committee: Dan Fisk, Sterling State Credentials Committee: Dan Fisk, Sterling State Resolutions Committee: John Bennett, Prescott; Dan Fisk, Sterling; Rod Fowler, Chesaning District 11: Chairman: Glen Sparks, Fremont Vice Chairman: Bill Stakenas, Freesoil Secretary: Sharron Powers, Pentwater State Nominating Committee: Jim Good, Caledonia State Credentials Committee: Sharron Powers, Pentwater State Resolutions Committee: Tim Butler, Sand Lake; Jim Good, Caledonia; Bill Stakenas, Freesoil District 12: Chairman: Corby Werth, Alpena Vice Chairman: Jeremy Werth, Alpena Secretary: Marvin Rubingh, Ellsworth State Nominating Committee: Robert Barron, Gladstone State Credentials Committee: Jon Miller, Engadine State Resolutions Committee: Ron Lucas, Posen; Paul Ponik, Posen; Jeremy Werth, Alpena

Michigan Milk Messenger 11

2013 Michigan Dairy Ambassador Scholarship and Leadership Program Winners Ready for a Year of Dairy Promotion and Education

K

atelyn Horning, of Manchester, and Kelly Raterink, of Zeeland, were announced as the 2013 Michigan Dairy Ambassador Scholarship and Leadership Program award winners on Feb. 8 during the Michigan Dairy Industry Recognition Night banquet at the Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference (GLRDC) in Frankenmuth.

After a day of interviews, Horning was named the winner in the senior category and received a $1,500 scholarship; Raterink was the junior category winner and took home a $1,000 scholarship.

Samantha Okhuysen, of Stephenson, was named the first runner-up in the junior category.

The GLRDC established the Michigan Dairy Ambassador Scholarship and Leadership Program in 2006. The program provides future young dairy leaders with an opportunity to develop promotions and public service projects as well as represent the dairy industry at various functions throughout the year.

To learn more about the Michigan Dairy Ambassador Scholarship and Leadership Program, visit www.glrdc.msu. edu or the program’s Facebook page or contact Sara Long at LongSaraJ@gmail.com.

Learn more about this year’s ambassadors below.

Senior Ambassador: Katelyn Horning

Parents: Jeff and Lynda Horning School: Michigan State University Major: animal science and agribusiness management Grade: junior Connection to Dairy: born and raised on her family’s dairy farm Extracurricular Activities: MSU Dairy Judging Team; MSU Dairy Club vice president Future Plans: returning to the family dairy farm Favorite Dairy Product: chocolate milk What are your goals for this year? I hope to continue to build the ambassador program. It is a great scholarship program that gives dairy youth an outlet to promote the industry. The program is still growing, and I hope that I can help the program to continue to build while promoting dairy as a healthy and wholesome product.

12 April 2013

Junior Ambassador: Kelly Raterink

Parents: Dennis and Brenda Raterink School: Zeeland East High School Grade: senior Connection to Dairy: born and raised on an 85-cow family dairy farm, shows cattle at the county and state level Extracurricular Activities: basketball; softball; National Honor Society; 4-H; Ottawa County 4-H Teen Club president; Ottawa County 4-H Council board member; Michigan Jr. Holstein Association board member and MSU 4-H dairy judging Future Plans: studying animal science at Michigan State University Favorite Dairy Product: chocolate milk and cheese What message would you like to share with dairy consumers as an ambassador? Dairy products are healthy, wholesome products brought to them right from local family farms. Dairy is many farmers’ livelihood, and they genuinely care about their cattle and producing a great product.

MSU Students Awarded Scholarships from the Michigan Dairy Memorial and Scholarship Foundation

T

he Michigan Dairy Memorial and Scholarship Foundation Inc. at Michigan State University (MSU) has awarded more than $103,000 in scholarships to 37 MSU students pursuing dairy industry-related programs of study for the 2012-2013 academic year.

The following 10 MSU students earned $3,500 Michigan Dairy Memorial Scholarships: Kelsey Byars, animal science from Webberville; Megan Bush, agribusiness management from Swartz Creek; Joshua Garver, animal science from White Pigeon; Lauren Messing, packaging from Bad Axe; Lynn Nagengast, animal science from Muskegon; Michael Raterink, agribusiness management from Zeeland; Garrett Slavik, animal science from Ashley; Laura Small, animal science from Kimball; Eileen Stefansky, animal science from Dundee; and Meredith Woodward, animal science from Cedar Springs

Five sophomores majoring in dairy management in the Institute of Agricultural Technology each earned $2,000 scholarships from the Michigan Dairy Memorial and Scholarship Foundation: Shelbie Britton, East Lansing; Hayleigh Geurink, Grand Rapids; Ron Groen, Teeswater, Ontario, Canada; Jorin Ouwinga, McBain; and Britney Zondlak, Byron Center.

Ten first-year students were awarded the Michigan Dairy Memorial and Scholarship Foundation Freshman

Scholarships worth $1,500: Jacob Buning, animal science from Falmouth; Timothy (TJ) Frahm, animal science from Frankenmuth; Kaitlyn Hayden, dairy management from Manitou Beach; Caroline Knoblock, animal science from Ionia; Conner Lewis, animal science from Jonesville; Bridget Moore, animal science from Sears; Bethany Oglesby, animal science from Elgin, Ill.; Brad Siemen, dairy management from Harbor Beach; Kara Smith, dairy management from Hudsonville; and Brittni Tucker, animal science from Elsie.

The Michigan Dairy Memorial and Scholarship Foundation oversees the largest scholarship program in the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and one of the largest at the university.

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 or msw@msu.edu.

Glenn and Anne Lake Scholarship: Lauren Bush Lauren Bush of Swartz Creek, Mich., was chosen as the 2012-2013 recipient of the Glenn and Anne Lake Scholarship. The scholarship is named after Michigan dairy farmers Glenn and Anne Lake and provides $7,500 in scholarship money divided over two semesters. Glenn Lake served as president of the National Milk Producers Federation and provided leadership in creating the Great Lakes Milk Marketing Federation, which helped dairy farmers secure bargaining rights to market their milk.

Bush, the daughter of George Bush and Elizabeth Fontenot, will graduate in May with a double major in animal science and agribusiness management.

While at MSU, Bush has been actively involved with the MSU Dairy Club and served as the organization’s treasurer, education and outreach chairperson and cochairperson of the Spartan Spectacular Calf Sale. She

was also picked to receive the Club’s Outstanding Returning Member award in 2012. Bush competed on the Michigan 4-H and MSU dairy judging teams, and was a member of the team that placed first both in oral reasons and the Holstein breed at the 2011 World Dairy Expo intercollegiate dairy judging contest.

Outside of college, Bush has been actively engaged in the state’s dairy industry. She served as the vice president of the Michigan Holstein Association and was the senior Michigan Dairy Ambassador in 2011. Upon graduation, Bush has accepted a position in dairy sales with Land O’Lakes Purina Animal Nutrition.

Michigan Milk Messenger 13

John and Barbara Dilland Scholarship: Tera Koebel Tera Koebel of Three Oaks, Mich., was chosen as the 2012-2013 recipient of the John and Barbara Dilland endowed scholarship. The $3,500 scholarship is named in honor of John Dilland, former controller, director of finance and general manager for the Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA), and his wife Barbara.

The award is presented to an MSU sophomore, junior or senior student majoring in the field of agribusiness management.

Koebel, the daughter of Terry and Jennie Koebel, graduated in December with a bachelor’s degree in agribusiness management and is employed by AgriLabs managing beef and dairy cattle pharmaceutical sales in Illinois and Wisconsin.

While at MSU, Koebel was an active member of and held leadership positions with the MSU Dairy Club, Sigma Alpha professional agriculture sorority,

the Collegiate Farm Bureau and Collegiate FFA. She has completed two study abroad experiences, including one trip to Belgium and the Netherlands and one to South Africa.

Koebel was a member of the MSU dairy judging team that placed first in both oral reasons and the Holstein breed at the 2011 World Dairy Expo intercollegiate dairy judging contest.

She was the third highest placing individual overall in oral reasons at the same contest.

Additionally, Koebel was selected to serve as the firstever junior Michigan Dairy Ambassador in 2006 and has been actively involved in the purebred Holstein and Jersey Associations for many years.

Redmond and Edna Cotter Scholarship: Stephanie Roggenbuck Stephanie Roggenbuck of Harbor Beach, Mich., was chosen as the 2012-2013 recipient of the Redmond (“Red”) and Edna Cotter endowed scholarship. The $4,000 scholarship is named in honor of Red Cotter, an inspirational dairy industry leader and respected motivator of sales and marketing executives, and his wife Edna.

Roggenbuck, the daughter of Henry and Marlene Kozdron, graduated from Ferris State University with a bachelor’s degree in biology in 2008, from MSU with a bachelor’s of animal science degree in production medicine in 2010 and is on schedule to earn her doctorate of veterinary medicine specializing in production animal medicine in May 2014.

As an MSU student, Roggenbuck has been an active member of the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) Club, the CVM Food Animal Club and the CVM Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical

Association (SCAVMA). She is also a member of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners and the Michigan Veterinary Medical Association.

Roggenbuck completed a Food System Fellowship summer internship program with the Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) in 2011 and with Neogen Corporation in 2012. At Neogen, she was involved in developing working protocols to more rapidly detect the presence of Salmonella organisms in dairy animal populations.

Russel Erickson Scholarship: Katelyn Horning Katelyn Horning of Manchester, Mich., was chosen as the 2012-2013 recipient of the Russel Erickson Scholarship. The $5,000 scholarship is named after Russel Erickson, MSU professor emeritus in the Department of Animal Science, and is awarded to a student whose career aspirations include working on or with dairy farms.

An MSU animal science junior, Horning is the daughter of Jeff and Lynda Horning. While at MSU, Horning has been actively involved with the MSU Dairy Club and was a member of the MSU dairy judging team.

In 2011, she was the high individual in oral reasons and finished tenth place overall in the National 4-H Dairy Judging Contest held at World Dairy Expo in Madison,

14 April 2013

Wis. This past summer Horning traveled to the Netherlands, Belgium and France as part of the two-week MSU Dairy Husbandry and Environmental Stewardship study abroad program. Upon returning from Europe, she completed an internship with the Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) in Novi. Next summer, Horning will intern as a dairy sales associate with Pfizer.

Jack and Betty Barnes Scholarship: Julia Brantsen, Katelyn Horning and Britney Zondlak Three Michigan State University (MSU) students have been awarded the Jack and Betty Barnes Scholarship for the 2012-2013 academic year. Julia Brantsen, food science senior from Muskegon; Katelyn Horning, animal science junior from Manchester; and Britney Zondlak, dairy management and agribusiness management senior from Byron Center; each received the $1,000 scholarship earmarked towards completing an international study experience.

The scholarship is named after the late Jack and Betty Barnes. Jack Barnes was employed with the Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) for 39 years and served 26 of these years as general manager.

Brantsen, the daughter of Sherwin and Diane Brantsen, participated in the MSU International Food Laws study abroad program , learning about different aspects of European food laws and regulations while traveling through England, France, Switzerland and Italy and visiting such places as the World Trade Center and a Ferrero Roche processing facility. Upon returning from Europe, Brantsen interned for PepsiCo in Illinois where she worked in the ingredient product development division for Tropicana correlating sensory and analytical characteristics of orange juice. Brantsen has also completed an internship with the W.K. Kellogg Company and is the president of the MSU Food Science Club. She will be graduating with a bachelor’s degree in food science in spring 2012 and plans to attend graduate school in the fall.

Horning is the daughter of Jeff and Lynda Horning.

She traveled to the Netherlands, Belgium and France this past summer as part of the two-week MSU Dairy

Husbandry and Environmental Stewardship study abroad program. Upon returning from Europe, Horning completed an internship with the Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) in Novi. Next summer, she will intern as a dairy sales associate with Pfizer. At MSU, Horning is Brantsen actively involved with the MSU Dairy Club and was a member of the MSU dairy judging team.

Zondlak, the daughter of Matt and Deb Zondlak, also participated in the MSU Dairy Husbandry and Environmental Stewardship study abroad program to Europe in 2012.

Instead of returning home with her classmates, she stayed on in the Netherlands to complete a Zondlak two-month internship on a dairy farm. Zondlak was the 2012 senior Michigan dairy ambassador. At MSU, she’s actively involved in the MSU Dairy Club and as a member of the MSU dairy judging team. She will complete her certificate of dairy management from the Institute of Agricultural Technology in spring 2012 and continue on to receive her bachelor’s degree in agribusiness management. Previously, Zondlak earned a bachelor’s degree in communication studies with minors in advertising and public relations from Grand Valley State University and completed an intensive Spanish immersion course in Argentina.

Archie Studer Scholarship: Barbara Leipprandt Barbara Leipprandt of Caseville, Mich., was chosen as the 2012-2013 recipient of the Archie Studer Scholarship. The $3,500 scholarship is named after the late Archie Studer, who owned and operated Kenowa Acres Dairy Farm for more than 35 years.

Leipprandt, the daughter of Keith and Stephanie Leipprandt, is a sophomore pursuing a degree in animal science. Leipprandt aspires to become an artificial insemination (A.I.) technician or return to her family’s dairy operation to manage its financial operations upon graduating from MSU. In the meantime as a student at MSU, she plans to complete a study abroad experience in dairy husbandry in Europe and an internship with an A.I. company. Leipprandt is currently employed at the MSU Dairy Teaching and Research Center and on her family’s farm.

She’s also an active member of the MSU Dairy Club and Sigma Alpha sorority and has participated in numerous community service activities. She competed in the novice division of the MSU Dairy Challenge as a freshman, placing second.

Leipprandt worked with GEA Technologies-Westphalia Surge and Brown Dairy Equipment on robotic milkings systems at Gingrich Meadows Dairy in LeRoy, Mich., during the summer 2012.

Michigan Milk Messenger 15

Velmar Green Scholarship: Adam Guernsey Adam Guernsey of Ionia, Mich., was chosen as the 2012-2013 recipient of the Velmar Green Scholarship.

The $3,500 scholarship is named in honor of innovative dairy leader Velmar Green of Elsie, Mich. The award is presented to a second-year student in the MSU Institute of Agricultural Technology dairy management certificate program.

Guernsey is the son of Wayne and Martha Guernsey.

Guernsey continues to work for Doezma Farms, Inc., in Saranac, and Dusty Lane Farms in Ionia, and manage Guernsey Poultry Processing, a business he established in 2009 that led to him winning the State FFA Poultry Proficiency and National FFA Bronze awards.

past fall. He was the seventh high individual in the Ayrshire breed, the ninth high individual in the Holstein breed and the 10th high place individual overall in the post-secondary contest at the 2012 North American International Livestock Exhibition in Louisville.

The Velmar Green Scholarship was established in 2009 by the Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) to recognize Green for his 40 years of service to the MMPA board of directors.

While at MSU, Guernsey completed an internship at Tuls Dairies in Nebraska in summer 2012 and competed on the Michigan post-secondary dairy judging team this

Donald and Valera Murray Scholarship: Jason Smith Jason Smith of Fremont, Mich., was chosen as the 2012-2013 recipient of the Donald and Valera Murray endowed scholarship. The $4,000 scholarship is named in honor of Donald Murray, a former MSU Extension dairy specialist, and his wife Valera.

Smith, the son of David and Beverly Smith, is currently a junior pursuing a double major in crop and soil sciences and agribusiness management and is on schedule to graduate in spring 2014.

While at MSU, Smith has been an active member of the MSU Block and Bridle Club and the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity. He completed an internship at Dow

Agrosciences (Nestle Nutrition) in summer 2011 and is scheduled to complete a study abroad program in Australia before returning to Dow Agrosciences to complete a second summer job program in summer 2013.

The Donald and Valera Murray endowed scholarship was created in 2007 to recognize Dr. Murray’s leadership role in establishing the Michigan Dairy Memorial and Scholarship Foundation.

Harold and Lillian Gremel Scholarship: Carrie Szybisty Caroline (Carrie) Szybisty of Redford, Mich., has been chosen as the 2012-2013 recipient of the Harold and Lillian Gremel endowed scholarship. The $3,500 scholarship is named in honor of Harold and in memory of Lillian Gremel of Sebewaing. The scholarship is awarded annually to a student in the Production Medicine Scholars Program in the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine.

Szybisty, the daughter of John and Linda Szybisty, graduated from MSU with a bachelor’s degree in animal science in 2012 and is currently a first year student in the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) Production Medicine Scholars Program. Szybisty aspires to become a production animal veterinarian specializing in dairy cattle, focusing primarily on reproductive physiology or food safety.

At MSU, Szybisty has been employed at the MSU Dairy Teaching and Research Center and participated in a MSU CVM Food Systems Fellowship production animal research program with the Madras Veterinary College 16 April 2013

in Chennai, India, in summer 2012. She also has been an active member of the MSU Dairy Club and the MSU Animal Science Undergraduate Research Student Association, represented MSU at the North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge and competed regionally and nationally with the MSU Figure Skating Club.

The Harold and Lillian Gremel endowed scholarship was established in 2007 by the Gremel family. Together during their 52 years of marriage, the Huron County dairy producers and lifetime industry supporters were past recipients of the West Huron Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award, honored as the MMPA Outstanding Young Dairy Couple, and chosen as the MSU Dairy Farmer of the Year.

Nick Bellows Scholarship: Sarah Michalek Sarah Michalek of Deckerville, Mich., was chosen as the 2012-2013 recipient of the Nick Bellows Scholarship. The $3,500 scholarship is named in honor of Nick Bellows, the former chief executive officer of the United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM). The award is presented to an MSU student with a career interest in dairy promotions.

Michalek is the daughter of Thomas and Lucinda Michalek. She hopes to one day attain a career in agricultural marketing or communications or dairy-related sales. Michalek is a junior majoring in environmental studies and agriscience with a concentration in communications and a specialization in sustainable agriculture and food systems. She aspires to spend her career building bridges of communications between agriculture producers and consumers.

At MSU, Michalek has been an active member of and held officer positions with the MSU Dairy Club, the MSU chapter of the National Agri-Marketing Association and the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Student Senate. She was a member of the Michigan 4-H dairy

judging team that placed second overall at the 2010 National 4-H Dairy Judging Contest and earned an invitation to travel to Europe to participate in an International Livestock Judging Tour in 2011.

Michalek is a former junior Michigan Dairy Ambassador and was the 4-H livestock judging superintendent at the 2012 Sanilac County 4-H Fair.

This past summer, she completed an internship in the promotion and education department at the Michigan Farm Bureau and is currently employed at the MSU Meats Laboratory.

The Nick Bellows Scholarship was established in 2011 by the UDIM board of directors and staff members to recognize Bellows for his two and a half decades of commitment and dedication as the organization’s CEO.

ENZYMES

Michigan Milk Messenger 17

Milk from Farm to Table DVD Teaches Michigan Schoolchildren About Dairy

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tarting this spring, schoolchildren across the state of Michigan will be learning a lot about dairy farms and dairy products. The new educational video Milk from Farm to Table was distributed to every fourth grade classroom in Michigan, over 4,500 in all, in April to teach children where milk comes from and how it becomes the delicious dairy products they enjoy.

The DVD was created with input from Michigan dairy promotion staff, including registered dietitians, in order to help students experience a dairy farm and promote the health benefits of eating dairy.

The 20-minute video features animation, footage from the farm and a narration by two Michigan teens and a Michigan dairy farm family. It takes students on the sixstep journey of milk, starting in the dairy barn and ending at the kitchen table. In between, children learn about a day in the life of a cow, what happens at the milking parlor and how milk is pasteurized, homogenized and inspected.

The video teaches important concepts and vocabulary, but amusing misconceptions are also addressed, such as, “Does chocolate milk come from brown cows?” Kids even get a close-up look at a cowpie!

Dairy promotion staff worked with local elementary teachers to evaluate the script to ensure the video is engaging and fun, as well as provides up-to-date information that meets new educational standards in math and science. One teacher commented, “I think the video is very informative, educational and grade appropriate. The sound effects and animation will entertain while the video educates.”

Support materials for Milk from Farm to Table include an online activity book that features Roary, official mascot of the Detroit Lions. The colorful book is full of nutritional information, worksheets and activity pages which reinforce and add to the lessons learned in the video. It also includes information on Fuel Up to Play 60, the nationwide partnership between schools, the NFL and the National Dairy Council.

Fuel up to Play 60 educates students and school faculty about the importance of daily exercise and

18 April 2013

healthier eating habits, including three servings of dairy every day. Teachers received one copy of the activity book with the DVD, with an option to order more. The DVD and a sample activity booklet were also mailed to every Michigan dairy farmer.

Milk from Farm to Table is funded by the United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM). For more information, contact Staci Garcia at UDIM at 800-241-MILK.

2013 MMPA Advisory Committee Elections DISTRICT 1

DISTRICT 6

DISTRICT 11

Position 1: Glenn Preston, Quincy Position 2: Art Riske, Hanover

Position 1: Aaron Gasper, Lowell Position 2: Kris Wardin, St. Johns

Position 1: Frank Konkel, Hesperia Position 2: Bill Stakenas, Freesoil

DISTRICT 2

DISTRICT 7

DISTRICT 12

Position 1: Richard Thomas, Middlebury, IN Position 2: Donald Bever, Delton

Position 1: Scott Lamb, Jeddo Position 2: Pat Bolday, Emmett

Position 1: Dave Folkersma, Rudyard Position 2: Corby Werth, Alpena

DISTRICT 4

DISTRICT 8

Position 1: David Lott, Mason Position 2: James Droscha, Charlotte DISTRICT 5 Position 1: Tom Jeppensen, Stanton Position 2: Bruce Benthem, McBain

Position 1: Mike Bender, Croswell Position 2: Steve Schulte, Harbor Beach DISTRICT 10 Position 1: Ken Daniels, Sterling Position 2: Rod Fowler, Chesaning

MMPA 2013 Hauler Meetings MMPA haulers are invited to attend the annual hauler meeting closest to their hauling operation. This year’s meetings will take place in April and May, and all contract haulers can expect a formal invitation in the mail. MMPA managers and directors will also be in attendance to provide co-op and industry updates.

Service awards will be presented at each meeting recognizing those contract haulers who have worked with the co-op for 10-65 years.

All meetings begin with a social hour at 6:15 p.m. and dinner will be served at 7 p.m. The only exception is Monday, May 13 at the Chip-In Island resort and Casino, where the social will begin at 6:45 p.m. EST and dinner will follow at 7:40 p.m. EST. Remember to personally thank your hauler for all their hard work over the past year.

Tues. April 16

Gene Davis & Sons Banquet Center, Jackson

Thurs. April 18

English Hills Golf and Banquet, Grand Rapids

Tues. April 23

Riverwood Recreation Center, Mt. Pleasant

Thurs. April 25

Tony M’s Restaurant and Lounge, Lansing

Tues. April 30

Woodland Hills Golf Club, Sandusky

Mon. May 13

Chip-In Island Resort & Casino, Harris

Tues. May 14

B J’s Restaurant, Gaylord Michigan Milk Messenger 19

20 April 2013

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he 97th Annual Delegate Meeting of the Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) was held on March 21 at the Lansing Center in Lansing, Mich.

Business conducted by the delegates included the reelection of Ken Nobis, of St. Johns, to an at-large position on the board of directors and adoption of the 2013 MMPA resolutions.

President Ken Nobis and General Manager Clay Galarneau discussed changes taking place in the industry and cooperative. Clay explained that 2012 was characterized by significant milk production gains in Michigan and the rest of the upper Midwest. MMPA showed strong earnings throughout the year and distributed a record 530 milk quality awards to members.

MMPA Treasurer Mark Halbert presented the financial status of the cooperative, reporting a net savings

in fiscal year 2012 of $6.3 million. Halbert also illustrated the strength of MMPA in the marketplace and the amount of dollars returned to members in the past year in the form of premium payments.

The 2012 District Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperators (OYDC) were also honored at the meeting including Kris and Carla Wardin, of St. Johns, who were officially recognized as MMPA’s 2012 OYDC.

Eric Frahm, District 10 director, presented Charles and Julie Nelkie and Abigal O’Farrell, of West Branch, Mich., with the highest quality milk production award.

The Nelkies and O’Farrells achieved the best quality records in 2012 among MMPA’s over 1,300 farms.

Guest speaker David Riemersma, president of Butterball Farms Inc., told the delegates, “Exceptional flavor and superior texture are expected by the customer and delivered consistently in each and every pat of Butterball butter. The Constantine and Ovid plants help us deliver on those expectations each week – day after day – year after year.”

Michigan Milk Messenger 21

35 Years of Membership: A Testament to Member Commitment

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welve MMPA members celebrated their 35 years of membership with the co-op at this year’s annual meeting.

Meeting, delegates formed the Michigan Milk Political Action Committee (MMPAC).

It takes tremendous dedication, loyalty and perseverance to be part of the dairy industry for such a substantial length of time and MMPA President Ken Nobis commended these long-term members for their service to the cooperative and dairy industry.

Also 35 years ago, the MMPA lab first started using barcodes to identify milk samples, and the co-op sold its Imlay City Plant to a plastics firm. In addition, 1978 marked the year MMPA instituted deductions for farms with over 1 million SCC.

Taking a stroll down memory lane, back in 1978 when these members joined MMPA the musical Grease made a splash at movie box offices across the country.

The lasagna-loving cartoon cat Garfield debuted. Jimmy Carter was president, and Carl Levin was first elected to the U.S. Senate.

In 1978, a gallon of gas cost just 63 cents and a gallon of milk averaged $1.05. The same year, nearly 3,000 farmers drove their tractors to Washington, D.C. demanding “parity not charity.”

At MMPA, Glenn Lake was president of the coop and Jack Barnes was the general manager. Bill and Jeannie Hensell were the reigning MMPA OYDC, and MMPA was 62 years old. In 1978, at the 62nd Annual

Barry-Eaton Local Paul Endsley Dan Walden Battle Creek-Homer Local Renita Wallen Daniel Williams Chippewa County Local Roy Rogers, Jr.

President Glenn Lake encouraged members at the annual meeting, saying, “The unity displayed by us MMPA dairy farmers is a valuable commodity that is necessary to the continued security of the dairy farming industry.”

Thirty-five years later, a lot has changed. But the cooperative’s unity continues to enhance the security and longevity of the industry as a whole. Congratulations to our 35-year members, and we look forward to many more years of unity, security and prosperity.

Evart Local David Eisenga Larry Gingrich Huron Local Neal Laeder Ingham County Local Glenn Graf

Mid-Thumb Local Marilyn Heckman Saline-Ann Arbor Local Stanley Lambarth Upstate Local John Eby

A comparison of MMPA from 1978 to 2012

22 April 2013

1978 2012

MMPA Member Farms

4,481

1,305

Average Pounds of Milk Shipped per Producer

630,970

3,058,146

Average Value per Shipper

$63,219

$561,463

Average Milk Price

$10.02/cwt

$18.36/cwt

Pounds of Milk Marketed by MMPA 2.83 billion

4.11 billion

General Manager’s Report to Delegates

I

would like to review some of the highlights of last year and provide a look at some of the things that your cooperative will be involved with in the year ahead.

At the annual meeting, Ken (Nobis) spoke about the history of the milk supply in Michigan and commented on the steady growth seen in the last decade. Nationally the milk supply was up 2.1 percent for 2012. That compared to 1.8 percent increases seen in 2010 and 2011. But more surprising than the amount of milk produced, was the shifting demographics of milk production across the country.

The first half of the year saw huge gains in milk production across most of the traditional milk producing states. Production in the Midwest was aided by an unusually mild winter, and the nation saw milk production numbers topping 3 and 4 percent through the winter months.

The abundance of milk combined with sluggish demand pushed milk and dairy product prices down.

By early summer excessive heat and persistent drought conditions were affecting yields in the major corn producing states and feed prices were pushed higher. Many dairy farmers, particularly in the western states, were caught in a financial margin squeeze brought on by the rising feed costs and the lower milk prices.

The second half of the year was marked by significant milk production declines in the southern and western states. In contrast, areas in the upper Midwest, north of the drought stricken areas where dairy farmers traditionally grow their own crops, continued to see steady milk production gains. The milk production gains in the upper Midwest have more than offset the declines in the South and the nearly

flat production levels seen in the West. With continuing drought conditions forecast for the plains states and expectations of continued high corn prices, this production trend seems likely to continue.

Milk Production and Usage The most recent milk usage numbers from the USDA show 43 percent of the milk produced in this country is used for cheese. That’s 33.8 pounds per capita. About 5 percent of our milk is used in nonfat dry milk.

About half of the nonfat powder is also used to make cheese. Eight percent of our milk is used to make butter and 4 percent is used in frozen products. Fluid milk now only accounts for about 22 percent of our milk.

The “other” category, which includes yogurt, infant formula and processed foods, now accounts for 18 percent of our milk production. This category includes Greek yogurt and it is showing some nice gains that have helped offset some of the decline in fluid milk consumption.

The population has increased 52 percent from 1970 to 2011 and fluid milk consumption has dropped 11 percent. The good news is cheese is up 314 percent, butter is up 103 percent and the other category is up 112 percent.

Since 2000, MMPA has averaged 2.5 percent growth per year. However, last year we saw 5.3 percent growth, and so far this year we are growing at a similar pace. That could amount to over 10 percent growth in two years.

Most of that growth is being absorbed by our own two manufacturing plants in Ovid and Constantine to produce dairy ingredients for other dairy manufacturing customers. Last year our plants processed 1.7 billion pounds of milk representing nearly 40 percent of the total milk marketed

by MMPA.

MMPA Product Mix In the last 10 years we have seen our product mix move steadily toward more butter and powder production.

The market in the Midwest for condensed skim and cream has not kept pace with the rate increase that we have experienced from our members’ milk production. In addition, we have seen the entry of new competitors for our traditional condensed skim and cream customers. We have lost a few sales as a result of these new competitors, and the overall increased availability of these products has tended to lower the profitability of many valued accounts.

The recent investment that you have made to expand the processing facilities at Ovid and Constantine has accommodated the growth of your milk production and provided flexibility to move into new dairy ingredient categories that offer expanded opportunities for improving product margins. Our sales team has already made progress in establishing new markets for our whole milk powder with several shipments made to Columbia over the last few months, and most recently we have started shipping to South Korea.

This summer we will complete construction of a new gas-flushed bagging operation that is designed to remove oxygen from the packaging

Continued on page 24 Michigan Milk Messenger 23

Continued from page 23 process to improve the shelf-life of our whole milk powder products. We expect the new packaging system to open new opportunities for expanding whole milk powder sales beyond our borders in the years ahead.

Construction was also undertaken last fall to increase the waste water treatment capacity at the Ovid plant.

The original treatment plant was completed in June of 2002 and was built to handle the volume of waste water generated before our most recent expansion.

As the milk volumes to Ovid began to increase beyond the old capacity levels, it became apparent that the treatment plant would need to be upgraded in order to meet regulatory requirements and adequately handle our increased processing levels. That project was started last fall and has progressed nicely through this winter, and we hope to see the completed project fully operational by late summer.

We have also undertaken a new study to evaluate the appropriateness of purchasing a new butter churn for the Ovid plant. The current churn is over 35 years old and was not built to handle the amount of cream generated from the milk volumes we now process. Currently we operate two nearly identical churns, one at the Ovid plant and one at Constantine.

Together the two churns can process about half of the cream generated from our two plants when they are receiving milk at near capacity levels.

The new churn under consideration would have the capacity to churn all of the cream produced by our plants and have the additional capacity to handle outside loads from other suppliers. Management will present this project to the board for their review and consideration. If we undertake this project, it will likely take nearly a year to complete. Most of that time is necessary to accommodate the lead times for equipment and additional building construction.

Long Term Planning Many of you have heard that we have undertaken a study to analyze our milk supply and demand conditions in 24 April 2013

the Michigan area, to determine if we should consider investing in new milk processing capacity. We have collected a lot of information on the supply side to determine where milk is currently produced and where it is likely to be produced in the future.

We are investigating several potential processing options to accommodate the expected growth.

Several milk separating, concentrating and drying options are available as well as other value added processes.

We have met with the sugar and fruit manufactures of Michigan with the help of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to investigate the possibility of attracting a new Greek yogurt manufacturer to the state. We have also had several joint meetings with representatives of DFA, Foremost Farms and Continental Dairy to determine if there are shared interests that might benefit from a joint agreement in a development plan.

So far we have collected a lot of data and research opinions. We are learning more about the needs and expectations of the other potential cooperative partners working in the Michigan area. Over the next several months we will be sifting through the analysis and working closely with the board to determine if and what MMPA should consider for the future.

At this point it is too early to guess the likely outcome of this study. We will keep an open mind and the interests and livelihood of our members as a top priority.

Another issue that has come to the forefront over the last few months, centers on our current agreement among our cooperative neighbors relating to pricing and revenue sharing of over-order value collected from Class I milk customers in the Michigan area. The Michigan market has had a long history of collecting over-order premiums from our milk customers and a process for sharing returns and pooling related expenses for the benefit of the pool participants and our farmer members.

Recent competitive events including the increasing availability

of independent milk supplies, new cooperative entrants in the marketplace and changing customer needs have disrupted the traditional allocation process. The current members of the superpool agree that change is necessary in order to meet the needs of the new marketing environment.

We are committed to working with our cooperative neighbors to seek an equitable solution that meets the needs of our customers for a reliable supply of milk at competitive prices, while maintaining the orderly and sustainable marketing of milk for the benefit of our members.

MMPA in the Spotlight On a lighter note, this year we have celebrated many noteworthy accomplishments. For the second year in a row our Constantine plant won the first place award for their unsalted butter at the World Dairy Expo Championship Contest held in Madison, Wis. Our plants also received placing awards in the salted butter, whipping cream and nonfat dry milk categories at this year’s annual event.

Our organization and members place a lot of emphasis on the quality of the production process and strive to produce the highest quality milk and dairy ingredients for our many varied and valued customers. The quality of our milk supply continues to improve as evidenced by the declining somatic cell count seen over the last several years. This year, our members averaged just over 172 thousand cells/ml. That is down over 17,000 from last year and registers as a 9.2 percent improvement in the quality of SCC results. The 2012 results from The USDA’s published reports on herd averages for SCC shows Michigan herds stand out from among the Midwestern states for milk quality. The quality of our milk supply and its potential for continued growth will make Michigan an attractive option for many future dairy processing ventures to consider.

Several of our members received special recognition from the National Dairy Quality Award Program this year for the quality of their milk, production processes and animal care strategies. Four of the six producers recognized for the platinum award

were MMPA members. In total, 19 of our members were among the 51 producers from across the country chosen to receive recognition in this program. Of those 19 members, four were platinum winners, 10 were gold winners and five were silver winners.

Our March Messenger featured Bruce and Jenifer Lewis who were named Michigan State University’s Dairy Farmers of the Year. Kent Inniger was announced as the 2012 Progressive Dairy Producer by NorthStar Cooperative and Tony Jandernoa was one of three farmers presented the Master Farmer award

by Michigan Farmer magazine.

We are proud of our members’ accomplishments, and I am proud to serve for an organization with so many members dedicated to top quality milk production and progressive farming initiatives. Congratulations to all of those who received awards, and thank you for your dedicated efforts.

Other members received widespread recognition this year by assisting with the nationally acclaimed advertising campaign focused on promoting Michigan’s tourism industry. Many of you will recall the radio and television ads released last summer and narrated by Tim Allen that were so beautifully done, featuring sights, sounds, smells and tastes of Great Lakes food. MMPA worked closely with the Michigan Ag Council and other commodity groups and business partners to collaborate with Travel Michigan to launch the “Pure Michigan Agriculture” advertising campaign. The campaign was funded by the Michigan Ag Council and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation who provided financial and logistical support for this statewide campaign effort.

Two of our member farm families, the Jorgensens and the Stuevers, were featured in a “Pure Michigan Milk” commercial that was launched last June in celebration of dairy month and part of an in-state campaign effort. Kroger obtained the rights to use the milk commercial in their advertising and sought to create a relatable common ground between producers and consumers. The highly

successful commercial centered on the hard working, trustworthy, kind families behind Michigan milk while connecting viewers to the state’s dairy farmers.

Communication Efforts Along the lines of promotion and advertising, within the next few weeks we will provide viewers and users of our MMPA website with a new and enhanced website. Most of the site will look familiar, however several additional security features have been added to the “Members Only” section for the private use of member financial and quality information. Many of our members have already begun using some of the enhanced features and have provided many positive remarks.

Also for those of you familiar with Facebook and Twitter accounts, starting Monday, March 18 our Member Relations Department began providing company and industry related information through these social communication networks.

You are invited to “like” us on your Facebook account and “Follow” us on Twitter.

This past year was an excellent year for the Breakfast on the Farm program. Eight farms saw over 18,000 people visit their facilities to learn more about animal care and today’s farming techniques. These events continue to be a huge success, bringing families out to the farm to see firsthand how you manage your operations and care for the welfare of your animals and support the environmental sustainability of your land. We are looking forward to this summer’s events and want to thank those of you that have participated in the past events and encourage all of you to volunteer to help with any of this year’s events that may be in your neighborhood.

Milk Pricing Let’s just take a quick look at milk pricing. MMPA experienced an allmilk average price of $18.66 per cwt. for calendar year 2012. The USDA has calculated the national all-milk average price for 2012 at $18.51 per cwt. and their latest projection for the 2013 national average is $19.30.

In 2012 the MILC payment program made payments for the months of February through October, which added about $.72 per cwt. to the milk price for those farms qualifying to receive payments for all the available months. The latest projections for MILC payments for calendar year 2013 from NMPF predicts that payments will be available for January through June ranging from about $.10 to $.51 per cwt. Although the FSA has recently suspended MILC payments as part of the sequestration process, they have reported they intend to resume full payments after a 30 day congressional notification period.

Based on the latest analysis of market conditions and futures markets, MMPA is looking at an all-milk average price of $19.80 per cwt. for calendar year 2013, and for those that will capture the full advantage of the MILC payments for all of this year, it looks like their average price could reach above $19.90. We will keep you posted with the latest MILC forecasts and milk price projections as we continue through the year.

In conclusion, it looks like the year ahead will be filled with much activity and planning for the growth in milk production expected in the coming years for the Michigan area. The downward pricing for milk that we have experienced this winter is expected to slow and begin a turnaround in the next couple of months as the global demand for dairy continues to improve and milk supplies begin to tighten over the course of the summer months. We remain confident that demand for our members’ milk and dairy products will continue to support a successful dairy future for our members.

MMPA is committed to helping our members succeed in the life they have chosen in the dairy industry.

We are confident that MMPA is positioned well for the future with a solid team of hard working, dedicated employees and a management staff devoted to “marketing our members’ milk to the greatest advantage possible.”

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Current Resolutions Approved at the MMPA Annual Delegate Meeting March 21, 2013 Milk Pricing and Market Regulation C-1. Dairy Security Act

We applaud the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) for creating the NMPF Strategic Planning Task Force in response to the economic challenges the dairy producer community faced in 2009. The purpose of the Task Force was to build consensus across the dairy industry about both the causes affecting producer prices, and ways the industry can develop solutions to address the economic challenges.

The Task Force met several times since its formation and developed the Foundation for the Future (FFTF), a package of proposed dairy policy programs that will bring much needed change to many aspects of current dairy programs and is designed to help reduce price volatility and protect producer income.

We thank the Task Force for being responsive to industry and producer concerns by adjusting the original proposal to allow farmers to voluntarily choose between having a basic level of government-sponsored protection or opting out of the protection. In 2012, the main components of the FFTF evolved into legislation known as the Dairy Security Act (DSA). The components of the Dairy Security Act include:

1. Replacing existing federal dairy support programs;

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2. Introducing a new margin protection program to protect producer equity;

3. Implementing a stabilization program to address market imbalances;

We believe the DSA meets the needs of today’s global economy, provides a new approach to better protect dairy farmers, allows for growth, and saves taxpayer dollars.

We applaud the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House Agriculture Committee for their strong bipartisan support in passing a farm bill in 2012 that includes the Dairy Security Act. We are deeply disappointed Congress did not pass a five-year farm bill in 2012 and instead extended the current farm bill through September 2013. We strongly urge Congress to pass a fiveyear farm bill that includes the components of the Dairy Security Act prior to the expiration of the farm bill. A five-year farm bill will provide much needed certainty to foster a more economically viable and secure future for farmers.

C-2. Over-Order Pricing

We continue our firm commitment to maximizing returns to dairy farmers and ensuring stability of the milk market. We believe in the voluntary superpool concept of over-order pricing and acknowledge its effectiveness when accompanied with equitable sharing of proceeds among all dairy farmer members in the superpool.

We urge MMPA to maintain the concept of overorder pricing and equitable sharing of the over-order proceeds among all dairy farmer members in the superpool.

We urge cooperatives and all others involved in the dairy industry across the country to work together in a manner that promotes market stability.

We encourage our leaders, when possible, to work with dairy organizations to solve problems to the benefit of all dairy farmers.

C-3. Cooperatives Working Together

We support the industryled Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) program developed to help strengthen farm milk prices. The CWT program demonstrates the ability of farmers to work together to enhance their industry. We commend the program’s success and we support CWT’s current efforts to focus exclusively on an Export Assistance Program in 2012 and 2013.

CWT’s Export Assistance Program has demonstrated its effectiveness in enhancing dairy farmer revenue by expanding the demand for U.S. dairy products. We urge all dairy farmers across the U.S. to participate in the CWT program.

Furthermore, we urge NMPF to renew and utilize the program to its fullest potential to help provide longterm stability for the dairy industry. We are in favor of the possibility of increasing our financial support to the CWT program.

Advertising, Research, Education and Public Relations C-4. Fluid Milk Promotion Campaign

We applaud the efforts of the National Fluid Milk Processor Promotion Board for their Milk Processor Education Program (MilkPEP). We

believe this program serves as a complement to the ongoing producer financed dairy product promotion program and supports the integrated marketing plan now underway between the producers and processors. We strongly encourage continued product promotion by the National Fluid Milk Processor Promotion Board.

In addition to the joint marketing plan, we support the continuation of joint programs between the MilkPEP and Dairy Management Incorporated (DMI) that utilize the same research and market data, detailing the motivations, attitudes and behavior of consumers toward dairy products and channels of distribution. We support efforts to bring dairy farmers and processors together to identify and break through barriers to fluid milk marketing.

We are excited about the many successful DMI promotional efforts; including 3-Every-Day of Dairy, The New Look of School Milk, Fuel Up to Play 60, food service partnerships with fast food retailers, dairy ingredient marketing efforts and nutrition research and education programs that help promote dairy as part of a healthy diet.

C-5. MSU Extension We recognize that as the state budget continues to tighten, MSU Extension must restructure its resources to best serve the citizens of Michigan. As the restructuring process develops, we urge MSU Extension to be mindful of the important role production agriculture plays in our state’s economy. We urge the leadership within MSU Extension to carefully examine ways to best meet

the needs of the agriculture community and to bolster the industry’s growth as a vital contributor to our state’s economy.

We urge state lawmakers to provide adequate funding to keep MSU Extension effective and viable. We further urge county governments to continue their support for MSU Extension.

C-6. Michigan State University

We continue our support for Michigan State University’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the College of Veterinary Medicine and programs of Extension and Research. We support continued legislative funding for these two colleges and their facilities at appropriate levels.

We urge the MSU Administration and Board of Trustees to continue the focus on improving agricultural education, research and extension programs. We support the continuation and strengthening of the Agricultural Technology program at MSU.

We acknowledge the importance of a working partnership between the dairy industry and the university.

We expect to achieve cooperative efforts from the college faculty, providing partnership and collaboration between the university and the agriculture industry.

We further encourage the university to conduct research programs that support the mainstay of the agriculture industry.

We applaud the establishment of the Agriculture Stakeholder Advisory Committee to provide input and future direction to academic

and research programs affecting the agriculture industry.

the continued growth of the agriculture industry.

C-10. Sustainability on Dairy Farms

C-7. MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources

C-8. Food Animal Production Medicine

We recognize the tremendous efforts dairy farmers have made over the years to protect and preserve our environment. We also know that our members work diligently to provide the best possible care for their animals.

These factors illustrate the sustainable practices that take place on today’s dairy farms.

We also recognize the growing consumer quest for information concerning food production in our country.

We understand the need to fill the information gap with correct information concerning the sustainability efforts on today’s dairy farms.

Therefore, we encourage our members to share their stories and let neighbors know of the sustainability efforts taking place on their farms every day. We also encourage the MMPA board of directors and management to monitor the sustainability studies underway through the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy to ensure reliable sustainability indicators for the areas of energy, environment and animal care are developed.

The current budget situation at Michigan State University will require tough decisions and reductions in university, college and department budgets. We urge the Dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) to be mindful of the purpose of the Land Grant University when making any changes.

We must not lose, through any departmental changes, the agricultural focus that has been so vital to the university, the State of Michigan and its citizens.

We strongly support having the Directors of Ag BioResearch and MSU Extension be under the direction of the Dean of the CANR.

Furthermore, we urge the college to engage in the dialogue surrounding the use of safe, approved and scientifically-sound technology used in production of food. We rely on the university to make their research findings available to not only those involved in agriculture, but to the general public when modern farming practices are challenged.

We further support reviving the ability for students to earn a degree in Agricultural and Natural Resources Communications and Agriculture Education.

With the increasing need to enhance the public understanding of the agriculture industry and to communicate to a variety of audiences, having students properly educated in this area is a key component to

We are concerned about the shortage of veterinarians in the area of food animal production medicine. It is important for the animal agriculture industry to have qualified and experienced animal health professionals to protect the state’s livestock industry.

We support the Production Animal Scholars Program developed jointly by the Department of Animal Science and the College of Veterinary Medicine at Michigan State University.

The program encourages interested students to pursue food-animal medicine careers and provides them with a broader understanding of the entire food production system.

We encourage the MMPA Board of Directors, management and members to work with the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine to assist in efforts to increase the number and level of experience of food animal practitioners.

C-9. REAL Seal

We applaud National Milk Producers Federation for taking over the management of the REAL Seal program. The revitalization of the REAL Seal places a renewed emphasis on highlighting the importance and value of American-made dairy foods. The program will help educate new generations of dairy consumers about the significance of the REAL Seal and promote the good taste, nutritional value and wholesomeness associated with dairy foods and dairy food ingredients made from milk produced in the United States.

Legislative and Regulatory Issues C-11. International Trade

We direct the MMPA board of directors to closely monitor international trade discussions to ensure the interests of U.S. dairy farmers are preserved and advanced.

MMPA encourages the pursuit of carefully-negotiated trade agreements offering the prospect of net benefits to U.S. dairy producers.

We urge Congress to reauthorize the Trade Promotion Authority

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(TPA) which provides the administration the power to be effective in trade negotiations. We encourage the administration to maintain fair trade policies when negotiating with any country to ensure the preservation of the U.S. dairy industry.

We urge the MMPA board of directors and management to closely monitor significant multilateral and bilateral trade negotiations and the effect the negotiations have on U.S. dairy policy. It is important that international trade agreements do not hinder the ability to provide an effective safety net for the U.S. dairy industry.

At this stage, the TransPacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement negotiations offer potential benefits for U.S. dairy producers. However, achieving an overall TPP package that is beneficial to U.S. dairy producers requires strong outcomes in several key areas including: open U.S.-Canada dairy trade; strong and enforced sanitary & phytosanitary (SPS) commitments; preservation of key common food names; and meaningful policy reform in New Zealand’s dairy sector to reduce the level of market concentration by one firm.

Given current considerations and the present state of dairy policy in New Zealand, MMPA opposes the expansion of U.S.-New Zealand dairy trade.

We applaud the U.S. House and Senate for passing permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) with Russia, one of the world’s largest dairy importers. PNTR is a critical step to reopening this major market, which has been closed since 2010 to U.S. dairy exports due to unjustified SPS requirements.

We endorse the dairy industry’s challenges to countries we believe to be in

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violation of WTO policies and urge continual monitoring of those areas.

In addition, because various countries within the WTO are working to increase access to world markets, we ask the FDA and USDA to inspect all dairy imports to ensure they meet U.S. health and quality standards. We further support enforcement action which ensures that imported dairy foods meet the same compositional requirements as domesticallyproduced standardized dairy foods.

C-12. Land Use Policies We support positive land use policies, including urban redevelopment and higher density suburban growth.

C-13. Farmland and Open Space Preservation Act

We reaffirm our support of the Farmland and Open Space Preservation Act, 1974 PA 116, (now Part 361 of the Michigan Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act) as an effective, voluntary method to preserve essential farmland and open space while providing farmers needed tax relief. We further urge the Treasury Department to process PA 116 refunds in a timely manner.

C-14. Right To Farm

Knowing the importance of protecting our environmental resources, we strongly encourage dairy farmers to maintain high standards of environmental practices. We acknowledge and support the Michigan Commission of Agriculture’s role in developing and reviewing Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices (GAAMPs).

Practices dealing with livestock manure management and utilization, nutrient utilization, pesticide utilization

and pest control, care of farm animals, irrigation water use and site selection and odor control for new and expanding animal livestock facilities are reviewed and approved by the commission on an annual basis. We encourage the continued development of other GAAMPs that will provide protection for other segments of agriculture.

We urge awareness among the Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development, Michigan State University and others involved in developing the guidelines that there is an opportunity to preserve the quality of our environment while maintaining an efficient agriculture community.

application of manure, farm specific conservation practices, feed management, record keeping and other aspects of waste and nutrient management.

C-15. Nutrient Management

The Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) was developed several years ago as a way for producers to exhibit sound environmental practices on their farms. We encourage the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to keep the integrity of the MAEAP program as an environmental assurance program and to carefully monitor and divert any efforts to evolve the program into one of market access. As one of the founding partners of the MAEAP program we have growing concerns that the focus of the program is moving from one of environmental assurance to a marketing tool.

We acknowledge that it is the responsibility of all livestock producers to follow proper nutrient management guidelines to prevent any contamination of our environment. We strongly encourage producers to follow the Michigan Right to Farm Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices (GAAMPs) for Manure Management and Utilization and Site Selection.

We endorse the efforts of the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) to help producers assess and reduce environmental risks on farms.

We encourage all producers, regardless of farm size, to seek environmental assurance through MAEAP verification in Michigan or similar programs in other states.

We encourage all producers to develop a comprehensive nutrient management plan (CNMP) as outlined under the MAEAP for their farming operation.

A CNMP addresses manure handling and storage, land

We further support the MAEAP Livestock*A*Syst program which confidentially assesses a producer’s environmental risks and helps identify issues to be addressed in order to apply for the MAEAP Livestock System verification. The program targets small and mediumsized operations and assists producers in planning over time.

C-16. Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program

C-17. CAFO Regulations

We urge the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) to not adopt any rules or regulations that exceed those established by the EPA.

Furthermore, we urge the MMPA Board of Directors and management to closely monitor actions of the EPA, MDEQ and all other agencies in an effort to protect

the interests of livestock producers.

C-18. Water Use We understand that water used in agricultural production is in the public interest and represents an essential and necessary use of water for the production of food and fiber.

We urge the MMPA Board of Directors and management to closely monitor the implementation of any water use legislation or regulation that would create additional water quantity related fees or rules.

Furthermore, we are aware that since 1972, the Clean Water Act has regulated “navigable waters” to improve the quality of the nation’s waters. We oppose any legislative or regulatory efforts to expand the authority of the Clean Water Act (CWA) by granting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) unlimited regulatory authority over all “intrastate waters,” rather than specifically “navigable” waters. We are deeply concerned that expanding the CWA beyond protecting wetlands and waterways would transform it into a vehicle for regulating virtually every wet area in the nation, including ditches, gutters and possibly even groundwater.

Expanded federal jurisdiction would preempt traditional state and local government authority over land and water use decisions and alter the balance of federal and state authority. Dairy farmers are committed to conserving and restoring the nation’s water resources and believe this can be achieved without a dramatic expansion of the CWA. C-19. Air Quality

We understand that data from the National Air

Emissions Study has been released and will be utilized by the Environmental Protection Agency to develop emission standards for different types and sizes of feeding operations. Lawsuits driven by environmental groups continue to force the development of regulation and law in the absence of sound science. We strongly urge that any government air quality standards be based on sound science and take into consideration the economic impact in our agricultural industry.

C-20. Tax Relief Measures

We applaud Congress for permanently extending the estate tax exemption for the first $5 million of a person’s estate indexed for inflation.

The estate tax exemption includes a maximum 40 percent tax rate. The estate tax exemption assists farm families in passing the farm from one generation to the next.

We further support the reduction of the capital gains tax and urge the U.S. Congress to include this provision in future legislation.

We urge keeping the stepped up tax basis now in effect on the assets heirs receive from estates.

We oppose any effort to increase the state estate tax.

We oppose any new or increased permits or fees imposed by the state, which result in an inequitable burden on the agricultural community.

We urge the elimination of the Alternative Minimum Tax.

We further support allowing farmers and other small businesses to expense under Section 179 the annual amount of $500,000.

We applaud Congress for

increasing the 2012 Section 179 maximum deduction to $500,000 and extending the same deduction amount for 2013. We urge the $500,000 deduction level be maintained as the minimum level and be indexed for inflation.

We oppose any increase in the state income tax rate and any changes to the current property tax system that would adversely affect farmers without a vote of the affected property owners.

We urge that any Michigan tax change be broad based and that business to business transactions be exempt from tax, including sales tax.

We oppose a tax or fee that negatively effects agriculture such as a tax on gross receipts, a tax on personal property or a tax on assets.

C-21. Michigan Dairy Industry Research Fund

We support efforts to explore the development of a Michigan dairy industry checkoff program to address environmental, animal research and animal welfare issues and help fund other applied dairy research programs.

C-22. Applied Research Funding

In 2007, MMPA delegates initiated an applied research fund in an amount equal to $.01/cwt. on MMPA members’ September milk production. In 2011, delegates approved increasing the amount to $.02/cwt.

We fully understand that applied research is important to the advancement of the dairy industry, and traditional research funding sources have become limited. We therefore support the continuation of funding for the applied research fund in the amount equal to $.02/cwt. produced

by MMPA members for the month of September. This fund is to be managed by the MMPA board of directors or delegated committee.

We also encourage MMPA to work with other cooperatives and dairy industry groups to get all milk in the state participating in a similar manner.

C-23. Immigration Reform

We urge Congress to carefully consider immigration reform proposals and the impact they may have on the agriculture and dairy industry.

Due to the importance of immigrant labor to the dairy industry, we believe that any final piece of legislation concerning immigration reform must contain the following components:

An affordable and efficient guest worker program that ensures continued availability of immigrant labor for all of agriculture, understanding that dairy farming requires year-round skilled workers.

A provision that allows those currently employed, or with recent history in the U.S., to earn the right to work here legally.

A provision that specifies that responsibility for ultimate verification of the legal status of a worker lies with the government, not with the employer.

Dairy farmers will have no choice but to vigorously oppose any immigration reform package that does not contain these three components.

C-24. Capper-Volstead Protections We strongly support the protections provided by the Capper-Volstead Act’s limited antitrust immunity for farmers and their cooperatives.

The Capper-Volstead Act

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gives agricultural producer organizations limited antitrust immunity “in collectively processing, preparing for market, handling and marketing” their products.

We urge Congress to support and maintain the protections provided by the Capper-Volstead Act. These protections are as important to farmers and cooperatives today as they were when originally passed in 1922.

C-25. Milk Labeling Requirements We urge the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Indiana Board of Animal Health, Ohio Department of Agriculture and Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection to continue to strictly enforce label claims on packages of all milk and dairy products. We further urge these agencies to take action to prevent misleading and false in-store promotions of milk and dairy products.

C-26. Term Limits for State Legislators In 1992 Michigan voters approved term limits for members of the Michigan House of Representatives, and Michigan Senate. We recommend that the term limits be changed to six, twoyear terms for the Michigan House of Representatives and three, four-year terms for the Michigan Senate.

C-27. Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) provides beneficial services to all people in the state of Michigan. MDARD plays a key role in ensuring the safety of our food supply and protects the well-being of the plant and animal industries

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to make sure our state is a reputable and reliable supplier of products to food processors and international markets.

As the second leading industry in Michigan, the continued growth of the agriculture industry has a significant positive effect on the state’s economy. It is important that the funding for MDARD continue at a level that will protect our state’s food supply and protect animal health. Having a properly funded Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development will enable the agriculture and dairy industry to continue to play a vital role in our state’s economy and will allow our industry to continue to grow and remain competitive on the national level.

We further support the continued existence of the MDARD as a distinct Department within state government. We oppose any attempt to dilute the effectiveness of the MDARD by merging it with any other government agency or department.

C-28. Regulatory Fees

Because the function of state regulatory agencies benefits all citizens, we believe that any costs imposed on dairy farmers by state regulatory agencies should come from a state’s General Fund, understanding that significant funding currently is provided by the industry.

C-29. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Concerns We understand there are conflicting arguments within the scientific and political community surrounding the existence and causation of global warming and climate change. There is some belief that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from human activities are contributing to

an increase in average global temperatures and adverse changes in the world’s climate and weather. GHG emissions include carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and methane.

While we do not accept the responsibility for the increase in GHG emissions, the dairy industry is poised to play a unique role in the climate change debate. We urge the MMPA board of directors and management staff to closely monitor any climate change legislation or greenhouse gas reporting that may adversely impact the dairy industry’s ability to provide a safe and abundant milk supply.

Furthermore, we oppose any efforts to regulate livestock operations’ GHG emissions through the Clean Air Act. It is important to recognize the great strides that have been made in lowering the carbon footprint and greenhouse gases (GHG) of the U.S. dairy industry. Today’s U.S. dairy industry is supplying consumers’ needs for dairy products with about onethird of the GHG emissions generated by the system in 1944 per pound of milk produced. The imposition of GHG standards could stifle the further success and ongoing innovations in the dairy and agriculture industry.

C-30. Feral Animals Many farmers and rural residents are very concerned about the increasing population of feral hogs and other destructive wild animals.

We need to have every tool or means available to help control these animals. We strongly support the state order that went into effect on October 8, 2011 that declares wild hogs an invasive and prohibited species.

The state order is essential to protect Michigan’s agriculture industry from the destructive animals.

C- 31. Taxation on Renewable Energy Sources Many dairy farmers are looking to create renewable energy systems on their farms using sources such as wind, solar and methane digestion; yet the current tax liabilities incurred outweigh any economic incentives to use renewable energy sources.

Removing these tax burdens will assist in meeting federal renewable energy goals.

C-32. State Funding for Agriculture

We support efforts to discuss state funding opportunities that will help continue to grow Michigan’s agriculture and dairy industry.

C-33. Local Road Funding and Maintenance

We support Public Act 51’s distribution formula for allocating state restricted transportation revenue between MDOT and local road agencies. We further support routing additional revenue designated for roads and bridges through the PA 51 formula to ensure proper distribution and prioritization of fund usage. We support adequate funding of local road agencies to assist in the necessary maintenance and construction of rural infrastructure.

C-34. New International Trade Crossing

We support the New International Trade Crossing (NITC) project that will construct a second bridge crossing between Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario. Being able to connect more efficiently to the East Coast through the NITC will help increase the market options available to Michigan’s dairy and agriculture industry.

C- 35. Beef Production Research

We support efforts to initiate funding for beef production research through the reinstatement of the Michigan Beef Industry Commission Act 291. The MBIC Act 291 of 1972 was suspended in 1986 due to the passage of the 1985 Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Act (National Beef Checkoff). The MBIC Act 291 allows for the collection of funds to support beef production research.

C-36. Federal Truck Weight Legislation

We support the legislation introduced in February 2013 called the “Safe and Efficient Transportation Act (H.R. 612),” known as SETA. The legislation allows an increase to 97,000 pounds on interstates, provided that trucks which utilize the higher weight limit add an additional sixth axle in order to maintain the same stopping distance and weight distribution as trucks currently operating on interstate highways. SETA will increase transportation efficiencies by reducing the number of trucks needed for interstate shipment therefore decreasing fuel costs and helping to make the U.S. dairy industry more competitive worldwide.

C- 37. NASS Statistical Surveys and Reports

We are concerned about the suspension of a number of NASS statistical surveys and reports, including three vital dairy industry reports, due to the reduced funding caused by the sequestration.

While we understand this suspension is temporary, we urge the Secretary of Agriculture to continue, at a minimum, the monthly milk production report. The monthly milk production

report is vital to many basic activities in the dairy industry and without it farmers and consumers could experience enhanced dairy price volatility.

We urge MMPA and NMPF management and staff to continue their efforts to have these reports reinstated immediately.

Animal Health and Milk Quality C-38. Starling Control Measures

Starling populations continue to pose a threat to livestock health and production in dairy herds.

Their droppings in feed and bedding areas have known negative effects on livestock health. Starlings glean the expensive, high protein components of dairy feed, reducing herd protein intake and adversely affect milk production.

Since birds can travel easily from farm to farm, there is also the potential for disease transmission. We approve USDA’s program for starling control and urge the continuation and expansion of the program. We encourage producers to participate in the program.

C-39. Johne’s Disease

We are concerned about the significant animal health problems and economic impact on dairy farms from Johne’s disease.

We encourage the Michigan State University (MSU) Animal Science Department, MSU College of Veterinary Medicine, departments of Large Animal Clinical Sciences and the Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory, MSU Extension, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to

work cooperatively to develop control and prevention guidelines to assist producers in managing Johne’s disease.

We applaud the MMPA members who have conducted a Johne’s risk assessment on their farms. We strongly encourage all members to utilize MMPA’s Johne’s risk assessment program, and test and implement control measures that are important in limiting the spread of Johne’s.

We oppose the classification of Johne’s disease as a reportable disease.

In addition, we urge that all imported cattle be tested negative for Johne’s.

C-40. Animal Identification System

We applaud Michigan’s efforts to require mandatory cattle identification. The mandatory requirement is important to help Michigan achieve Bovine Tuberculosis (TB)-free status for all Michigan counties while helping to maintain the TBFree status for the 57 counties and Upper Peninsula that have been designated as Bovine TBfree.

We urge the USDA to implement a mandatory RFID animal identification program immediately. We also urge that the identification database system be maintained under the control of USDA to expedite the traceback of animals. The system should protect farmers’ privacy, while also allowing for immediate access of relevant information by government authorities in the event of an animal disease crisis. We therefore urge that the information in the animal identification database be exempt from the Freedom of Information Act. C-41. Bovine Tuberculosis

We commend Michigan dairy and livestock producers,

the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and its partners for their efforts to restore the Bovine Tuberculosis (TB) Free status to 57 counties in Michigan in 2011. The TB-Free designation was long-awaited and anticipated news to Michigan’s dairy industry. By designating 57 counties as TB-Free, along with the already designated TB-Free Upper Peninsula, it allows for more effective use of limited resources to help eradicate Bovine TB from the state completely. We urge that efforts be undertaken to restore Michigan’s TB-Free status and reduce bTB to the point of non-detection in both the wild and domesticated animal populations in northern Michigan.

We recognize the stringent management practices many of our members have put in place in order to minimize the transmission of this disease.

We believe their efforts, including the adoption of Wildlife Risk Mitigation Plans, helped expedite our TB-Free status in other areas of the state and that Wildlife Risk Mitigation practices should be implemented by all cattle producers in northern Michigan. We also encourage all landowners in northern Michigan be active in the legal control of the deer population.

We strongly urge MDARD to only create, implement, or enforce rules or regulations that are required by USDA’s published rules regarding Bovine TB except for electronic identification (EID) for livestock. We commend our MMPA field staff, management and others that have helped educate producers and others about controlling this disease.

We urge the MDNR to increase their efforts in

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managing deer and wildlife, to help further eliminate Bovine TB. We also believe that the changes necessary to reduce Bovine TB to the point of non-detection in the wild and domestic animal populations must be permanent changes in order to prevent resurgence of the disease.

We encourage USDA to seek additional funding so that eradication goals can be achieved. We also support:

1. Payment of fair market value for animals that need to be destroyed.

2. An appeals process as part of the federal indemnity program that includes specifics of what constitutes a valid appeal, defined timeframes for filing and responding to an appeal and opportunity for an onsite appraisal.

3. A limit on maximum federal indemnity allowable by animal and by herd, but also a provision that allows the state to provide additional payment to reach the full appraised value of an animal without penalty.

Increased research toward the control and prevention of Bovine TB.

Collaborative efforts between state and federal regulatory agencies, educational institutions and agriculture industry organizations in working toward the eradication of Bovine TB. We support a voluntary herd buyout plan as a tool of achieving Bovine TB-Free status.

C-42. Animal Care

We believe in and support the humane treatment of animals. We recognize the importance of maintaining a sound animal care program on our farms.

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We applaud the efforts of National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) for their role in launching the National Dairy FARM Program: Farmers Assuring Responsible Management.

The National Dairy FARM Program was formed to bolster consumer trust and confidence in the U.S. dairy industry and demonstrate the industry’s commitment to the highest levels of animal care and quality assurance.

The dairy animal well-being program demonstrates the dairy industry’s awareness of the need to communicate our commitment to animal well-being to customers and consumers. We strongly encourage all producers to participate in the National Dairy FARM Program.

We endorse NMPF’s recently revised version of the 2013 Milk and Dairy Beef Drug Residue Prevention Manual which serves as a resource for appropriate antibiotic use in dairy animals.

The manual represents an ongoing commitment dairy farmers have to using antibiotics responsibly and prudently.

Association Issues C-43. Political Action

We reaffirm our belief in the need to actively support the Michigan Milk Political Action Committee (MMPAC) as a legitimate means for organized involvement in areas of government legislation and regulation that affect dairy farmers and agriculture. To ensure that the dairy industry’s needs are addressed in state and national lawmaking and policymaking circles, we strongly recommend a voluntary milk check deduction by each member at the rate of $1 per cow per year.

Standing Resolutions Approved at MMPA State Annual Delegate Meeting March 21, 2013 S-1. Farmer Cooperatives

We believe that the concept of farmer cooperatives and family farms, upon which this nation relies for providing high-quality agricultural products at reasonable prices, is of immeasurable value.

We urge the administration to be guided by that fact as it formulates and carries out policies and programs pertaining to farming.

We will continue to strongly resist efforts in private or government sectors to weaken or destroy farmer cooperatives.

We are determined that present tax regulations, which result in a single taxing of farmer cooperatives’ overages allocated to members, must be maintained.

S-2. Dairy Product Identity

We pledge continued support for the work of the National Milk Producers Federation, United Dairy Industry Association, National Dairy Promotion & Research Board, and other responsible groups that defend and promote the integrity of “Real” dairy products.

S-3. Agricultural Public Affairs — Dairy Communicators

We commend the corps of the MMPA Dairy Communicators for their efforts to improve the position of dairy farmers. We recognize the growing need for regular communication with legislators, and news media; for local promotion and consumer education activities geared to the milk consuming public. We re-emphasize our continuing belief that all news media must be made

aware of, and have access to, up-to-date information regarding our views on a wide range of agriculture-related issues. We encourage the participation of all designated Dairy Communicators and local officers in events that allow communication about dairying and other agricultural issues to the general public.

S-4. Allied Organizations

We acknowledge the increased importance of marketing services and programs of such dairy farmer cooperatives as MMPA in our complex marketplace. We, therefore, pledge continued support to the activities of the following organizations, allies working to extend the effectiveness of MMPA members and all other dairy farmers:

National Milk Producers Federation in representing dairy farmers and their cooperatives in Washington, D.C.; National Council of Farmer Cooperatives in conveying the farmer cooperative story to elected officials and federal agencies.

S-5. MMPA Leadership Potential

We recognize the importance of programs that help ensure MMPA’s future strength and effectiveness, and we continue our endorsement of programs that identify and build future leadership for this cooperative. We urge young cooperators to attend association meetings, share ideas and concerns, discuss solutions to common problems, and become involved in activities which lead to development of abilities needed to provide sound, foresighted operation of agricultural cooperatives.

S-6. Image Enhancement We direct the MMPA board of directors to work with leaders of other farm

groups to enhance the image that farmers and agriculture project to the general public.

S-7. Quality Premium Program

We commend the MMPA board of directors and management for their continuing vigil over the quality of milk produced on our farms. We commend them for developing and implementing the Quality Premium Program, which provides to MMPA members financial incentive to produce superior quality milk. We direct the MMPA board and management to monitor the progress of this important program and to make adjustments, as needed, to ensure its effective continuation.

S-8. Michigan Dairy Market Program

We continue our solid endorsement of the Michigan Dairy Market Program, which funds dairy product promotion and market-building activities of the United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM) and United Dairy Industry Association (UDIA) at a rate of $.10/cwt. through dairy farmer investment.

S-9. Expanding Marketing Opportunities

We direct MMPA management to continue to aggressively seek new customers for milk-derived products made at the MMPA manufacturing plants. We support MMPA’s expansion of its marketing activities into that segment of the food industry, in addition to the broad range of traditional products. We endorse continuation of that practice, as a way to capitalize upon milk marketing opportunities that enable MMPA to market its members’ milk to their best advantage.

S-10. Involvement: The Community of Agriculture We urge each MMPA member to seek and/or accept the responsibility for involvement in local government. We urge each member to enter into this continuing vigil in the spirit of responsible citizens as his or her livelihood and way of living depends on it. We suggest strongly that the areas to be closely monitored — with an eye to potential impact on the agriculture community — include issues related to: livestock management, environmental integrity, equitable taxation, planning commission and zoning ordinance board.

S-11. Michigan Beef Industry Commission

We support the Michigan Beef Industry Commission and the National Beef Checkoff Program of which over 40 percent of the Michigan funds come from dairy beef and veal in Michigan.

Therefore, we support the Michigan Beef Industry Commission in directing dairy farmers’ check-off dollars to promote beef through its consumer education, industry information, and a more aggressive beef promotion program.

S-12. Industry Relations

With the declining number of producers in the agricultural community, it behooves all producers to stand together when confronting agricultural issues.

We are encouraged by recent movement to work toward common goals and encourage further cooperation and unity in dealing with future beef and dairy legislation.

S-13. Michigan Agriculture Commission

We recognize the value of the Michigan Department

of Agriculture and Rural Development having its operating policy determined by the Michigan Agriculture Commission. We urge the Governor to ensure that animal agriculture interests are adequately represented and to seek input from the agriculture industry when opportunities arise to fill vacancies on the Michigan Agriculture Commission.

Recognizing that the dairy industry represents 25 percent of Michigan’s agricultural income, and is a major user of Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development services, we encourage the appointment of an individual directly involved in the dairy industry.

Further, we strongly urge that steps be taken to allow the Commission to approve the rules and regulations promulgated by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD).

S-14. Natural Resources Commission

We encourage the Governor to maintain a person with an agricultural background on the Natural Resources Commission.

S-15. Sponsoring of Events

Many times MMPA is asked to sponsor many events such as dinners, special events, etc. We support such sponsorship, however, when MMPA sponsors these events, one stipulation must be made to the group that wants our sponsorship. The group that wants our sponsorship must agree to serve “Real” dairy products at the event.

S-16. Residue Prevention Quality Assurance/Haacp Programs

Recognizing the importance of producing a safe, residue-free product, we encourage participation

in the Milk and Dairy Beef Quality Assurance Program or a similar HAACP-based program by every MMPA member. These programs enable producers to carefully evaluate their production and management practices to enhance production of residue-free milk and meat.

S-17. Public Nutrition Programs

We recognize the importance of public nutrition programs that help maintain the nation’s health and provide stable markets for agricultural commodities.

We urge Congress to take the necessary steps to maintain child feeding, school breakfast and lunch programs, and other public nutrition programs that include REAL dairy products.

We further urge Congress to ensure these programs are adequately funded, regulated, and administered.

In addition, we urge the U.S. Department of Agriculture to ensure that adequate funds are made available to states for distribution of dairy products to needy families.

S-18. GREEEN

We support the partnership efforts of Michigan State University, the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, Michigan State University Extension, state government, the state’s commodity groups and food processors and consumers in structuring the GREEEN program (Generating Research and Extension to meet Economic and Environmental Needs). The GREEEN proposal seeks to boost the state’s economy by expanding Michigan’s plant-based agriculture and processing systems through research and educational programs while protecting and preserving the quality of the environment

Michigan Milk Messenger 33

and the safety of our food supply.

S-19. Private Property Rights

We believe that property owners have the constitutional right to be duly compensated for any use by the government that in any way diminishes the property owners use of the property. Any action taken by the government that lessens an owner’s right to use his property constitutes a taking of that owner’s property and should be appropriately compensated to the owner.

Compensation should be paid from the budget of the agency responsible for the action and must be of fair market value.

S-20. Food Safety

We acknowledge that the public perception of food safety may have adverse public policy and market-related impacts upon dairy farmers.

MMPA and NMPF have taken and will continue to take proactive positions to protect the nation’s milk and dairy beef supply from violative animal drug residues and other potential contaminates.

S-21. Federal Orders

We strongly endorse the continuation of the Federal Milk Marketing Order system, established by the Agriculture Marketing Agreement Act of 1937. The Federal Order system has a long history and time-tested record of changing individual order rules and regulations to meet changing market conditions and consumers’ needs. The formal hearing process used to amend Federal Orders has served the industry well. We endorse the use of the recently revised hearing and decision making process.

S-22. National Dairy Promotion/Market-Building Programs

We reaffirm our support

34 April 2013

for market-building programs financed by producer investment. We endorse funding of these programs which include the National Dairy Board (NDB) and United Dairy Industry Association (UDIA), at levels that ensure continued effectiveness.

S-23. Truck Weights

We oppose any efforts by the state legislature to reduce Michigan’s gross vehicle weight limits. Lowering truck weights would result in higher energy, environmental and transportation costs, negatively affecting the income of dairy farmers and ultimately impacting the prices consumers pay for dairy products. Studies have shown that individual axle loads and speed are more important than total gross vehicle weight when determining factors that affect road damage.

S-24. Michigan Dairy Expo

We applaud the efforts of the Michigan State University 4-H program at the Michigan Dairy Expo. The development of this event has revitalized the Dairy 4-H program in Michigan. We support the educational and promotional activities associated with the Michigan Dairy Expo and encourage participation in this event.

Furthermore, we extend our appreciation to the numerous 4-H volunteers and leaders and MMPA members who had the vision to make the Michigan Dairy Expo a reality. Without their continuing commitment to our youth, the programs and activities at Michigan Dairy Expo would not be possible.

S-25. 4-H, FFA And Agriscience Education

We reaffirm our belief in the value of youth-directed programs and activities of the

Michigan 4-H Clubs, FFA, and Agriscience Education — all of which are vital to the future of America. We recognize that most MMPA members benefited from taking part in these programs and we recommend that each dairy farm family accept the challenge of personal involvement to help perpetuate these valuable programs and activities.

We support the establishment of standards for ethical behavior in exhibiting livestock at fairs and expositions. Furthermore, we support youth livestock ethics education and awareness.

Further, in view of the vital investment that vocational agriscience programs represent in the future well-being of the state’s economy, we urge that these programs be fully funded, on a continuing basis, at levels to ensure their effectiveness and state accreditation. That is particularly important in small rural school districts located in areas that often must compete for funds with large urban school districts.

S-26. United States Dairy Export Council

We support and encourage further development of the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) to increase net exports of U.S. dairy products.

With the continued productivity of U.S. dairy farms, we will have an even greater reliance on world markets for our products.

We therefore need to continue to effectively work to develop international markets through the USDEC. S-27. Low Voltage (Brown Outs)

We urge all electrical utility companies maintain and improve their delivery systems to ensure that the expensive problem of low

voltage (brown outs) ceases to exist.

S-28. Cloned Animal Products

We are reassured that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) review finds no health or safety issues with food from cloned animals. We endorse the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s request that cloning technology providers, and the owners of existing cloned livestock continue to observe the moratorium on the commercial marketing of cloned animal products. This will allow a further review of the economic and trade issues regarding the new technology.

We further oppose labeling which would differentiate between milk and meat from cloned and conventionally bred animals.

S-29 Stray Voltage Stray voltage, sometimes known as neutral to earth voltage, is an electrical problem that can affect livestock operations. Stray voltage can be attributed to a number of potential sources.

We applaud the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) for the adoption of stray voltage rules formally known as “Rules and Regulations Governing Animal Contact Current Mitigation.” The rules outline realistic stray voltage standards and the process for investigations when necessary by neutral third parties to resolve disputes between utilities and producers.

By following the steps outlined in the rules, producers have the opportunity to address stray voltage concerns in a consistent, fair and systematic manner.

We also encourage the MPSC to routinely evaluate the rules and procedures of

stray voltage standards and the best management practices that coincide with them. We encourage the commission to also review research conducted on the impact stray voltage has on livestock.

We will continue to work with electric suppliers and the Public Service Commission to resolve problems with stray voltage on farms to ensure that problems are resolved in a fair and equitable manner for all involved.

We further encourage and support research on the effects of stray voltage on livestock.

Furthermore, we encourage the MMPA board of directors and management to monitor individual farm situations to determine if the current standards and regulations are still applicable to on-farm situations.

We strongly urge utility companies to fully fund their Agricultural Service Departments so there are enough personnel to routinely visit dairy farms and identify and solve stray voltage problems.

S-30. Approved Technology

We urge the MMPA board of directors and management to continue monitoring the existing and potential impact of advances in technologies on our farming operations. We are concerned about the growing scrutiny surrounding approved technology and management practices used in production agriculture. We believe it is the responsibility of the entire agriculture community, including government agencies and universities, to protect our industry by informing consumers of the safety and efficacy of modern farming practices in producing an abundant, safe and affordable food for the consumer. Without proper education we will continue to

lose our ability to use FDA approved technologies on our farms due to consumers’ lack of understanding of our industry.

S-31. Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health The Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health in East Lansing, Mich. plays a critical role in protecting the health and safety of humans and animals throughout our state and nation. With new and improved technology and increased bio-security including threats of bioterrorism, we support full funding for the effective operation of the lab.

S-32. Livestock Seizure

We understand that in any group of livestock, condition may exist where some animals will appear to be in better health and body condition than others due to weather and other external factors. We believe that people not familiar with standard livestock animal care do not have the right—because they think the animal is being abused—to confiscate or have confiscated another person’s livestock from the owner’s property without a judicial review and determination, including notification of the owner, prior to the seizure of animals.

Law enforcement agencies (including animal control authorities) should obtain the opinion of two unbiased local livestock professionals and a large animal veterinarian prior to the seizure of a person’s livestock. The accuser should pay for costs associated with the resulting investigation if no abuse is found.

S-33. Animal Diseases

Animal diseases continue to reduce profitability

for dairy producers and may impede exports and international market development. Diseases such as Tuberculosis, Brucellosis, and Johne’s Disease and others can significantly increase costs to dairy producers in terms of decreased milk production, loss of animals, and replacement of animals.

In an effort to protect the entire livestock industry in the United States from possible occurrence of animal diseases, we recommend a very aggressive enforcement of regulations to limit all imports of livestock and animal byproducts. We encourage the continued and increased financial support of research to determine the causative agent, life cycle and possible control of these diseases.

We urge MSU, MDARD and USDA to provide sufficient funding and programs for animal health education, disease monitoring, border inspections and disease eradication that protect the United States livestock industry and ensure continued market access.

We further oppose importation of livestock that does not meet import testing requirements as deemed appropriate by the Director of Agriculture and Rural Development, have appropriate quarantine protocols in place, and have an animal I.D. system to track the movement of livestock to prevent the possible spread of disease.

humans, livestock or other animals. We encourage Federal and State agencies to study, monitor, control and eventually eradicate CWD from the nation’s deer and elk population.

S-35. Raw Milk Consumption

We know that according to the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control, consumption of raw milk poses a health risk to humans.

We therefore support Michigan’s legal requirement that prohibits the sale of unpasteurized (raw) milk to consumers. All milk intended for direct consumption should be pasteurized as a matter of food safety. Since its introduction over a century ago, pasteurization has been recognized around the world as an essential tool for ensuring that milk and dairy products are safe.

S-36. Michigan Ag Council

We support the collective efforts of the Michigan Ag Council as a way to bring awareness and education to the role of animal agriculture in Michigan. The collaborative efforts of the Ag Council partners serve as an effective tool in bringing unity among agricultural organizations to promote a positive image for the agriculture industry. The Michigan Ag Council takes an assertive, proactive approach in telling the story of modern agriculture practices and advancements.

S-34. Chronic Wasting Disease

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a fatal brain disease that attacks the nervous systems of deer and elk, causing chronic weight loss that eventually leads to death. It is not known to be contagious to

Michigan Milk Messenger 35

Merchandise Memo To order call: 1-800-572-5824 then dial 2

Barrier Dips

T

he MMPA warehouse has a wide variety of teat dips available for sale, and two of those teat dips are considered “barrier dips.”A barrier dip differs from other conventional teat dips in the fact that it forms a film at the teat end surface after application. The idea is that sealing off the teat end will help prevent mastitis-causing organisms from entering the teat canal in between milkings. It is sometimes very helpful when the cows are in a less than perfect environment, and it can limit the chances of mastitis occurrence until the cow’s environment can be cleaned up. In normal, healthy conditions, these dips are still a good choice due to 12 percent skin conditioners and a 1 percent iodine concentration.

stays on the teats. It is easily removed during udder prep thus preventing iodine residue in the milk.

Item Protect – 5 gal.

3525

$90.71

Protect – 15 gal.

3526

$262.58

Ideal is manufactured by Ecolab. It is also a 1 percent iodine post dip containing 12 percent emollients with a Polymeric Barrier System. Ideal also forms a film over the teat end to prevent micro-organisms from entering the teat canal between milkings. It provides excellent skin conditioning and broad-spectrum bacteria kill. Dipping leaves a brown coloring on the skin tissue for good visibility with easy removal during udder prep. Both dips have a warning about making sure the teat surface is dry prior to turning cows out in freezing weather conditions.

Protect is an A & L Laboratory product. As mentioned above, this post-milking product is 1percent iodine with 12 percent skin conditioners. Protect forms a flexible, non-tacky film on the teat and closes the teat orifice to help prevent bacteria from entering the teat canal between and after milking. It is a very fast, broad-spectrum bacterial kill that promotes lower SCC’s. Protect also provides excellent teat skin conditioning, brown color for good visibility, and non-dripping liquid application that

Item

Stock #

Ideal – 5 gal.

6052

$88.75

Ideal – 15 gal.

6982

$252.94

Ideal – 55 gal.

6078

$831.39

Improve bottom-line $$. Lower feed costs. Maximize production.

Ingredients from your trusted source.

Low Fat Hominy 7% minimum protein 7% maximum fiber 4% minimum fat

Citrus Pulp

16% maximum fiber 6% minimum protein 2.1% maximum calcium 2% minimum fat

Valero Meal

34% minimum protein 13% maximum crude fiber 4% minimum fat

Traditional ZFS® Menu Soybean meal, soybean hulls, cereal feed, cottonseed, distillers, gluten, canola meal, beet pulp, wet feeds, and more!

36 April 2013

Member Price

Ideal

Protect

Zeeland Farm Services, Inc.® MI: 866.888.7082 Fax: 616.772.7067 www.zfsinc.com

Stock #

Member Price

Order Your MMPA Merchandise through your milk hauler or call: Supervisor: Duane Farmer 989-681-2334 Fax: 989-681-3988 Toll Free: 877-367-6455 Orders (Novi) 800-572-5824 then dial 2

MMPA Quality Premium Program

S

omatic Cell Count premiums and deductions (in addition to Federal Order SCC Adjustments computed in the producer pay price) will be paid at the following levels: • 50,000 or below +55¢/cwt.

• 51,000 - 75,000 +50¢/cwt.

• 76,000 - 100,000 +45¢/cwt.

• 101,000 - 125,000 +40¢/cwt.

• 126,000 - 150,000 +35¢/cwt.

• 151,000 - 175,000 +30¢/cwt.

• 176,000 - 200,000 +25¢/cwt.

• 201,000 - 225,000 +20¢/cwt.

• 226,000 - 250,000 +15¢/cwt.

• 251,000 - 400,000 00¢/cwt.

• 401,000 - 500,000 -15¢/cwt.

• 501,000 - 600,000 -30¢/cwt.

• 601,000 - 750,000 -$1.00/cwt.

• Over 750,000 -$1.50/cwt.

A payment of 5¢/cwt. will be added for each of the following, if the count is equal to or below: • 10,000 Raw Bacteria Count • 20,000 Pre-Incubated (PI) Count There will be a deduction of 10¢/cwt. for: • Greater than 100,000 Raw Bacteria Count

A high raw count deduction will be waived if the producer has received the quality premium the previous three months for raw bacteria count.

To qualify for Raw and PI Bacteria Count premiums there must not be any of the following during the month: • Positive drug residue • Abnormal freeze points • High load count shipment or rejected load shipment • #3 or #4 sediment • Raw Bacteria count over 100,000 The count levels for raw and PI will be determined on one test run per month.

For Service, call the Ecolab Service Message Center 1-800-392-3392 or

To qualify for MMPA SCC premiums there must be: • No abnormal freeze points during the month

Stan Palmer 5303 E. Swan Drive #3 Port Clinton, OH 43452 419-797-2101

To qualify for MMPA volume premiums there must be: • No abnormal freeze points during the month • An average somatic cell count of 750,000 or less.

Ben Johnson 4461 Cambridge Dr. Port Huron, MI 48060 810-824-0636

MMPA Member Testing Fees

P

ayment for testing will be made through an automatic milk check deduction. All costs are listed per individual sample.

• Scheduled Herd Tests $1

Scheduled Herd Test samples are tested for: Culture for Streptococcus agalactiae, Strep non ag, Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase negative staph, coliform and SCC.

Additional testing can be coordinated through your MMPA Member Representative to include: Raw bacteria count and components.

All herd tests must be scheduled with the laboratory through your MMPA Member Representative.

Chemical, Sanitizer & Teat Dip Contact Information

Members who choose to receive their lab test results via U.S. postal service:

$2/month Additional Tests Available: All costs are listed per individual sample.

• Mycoplasma Cultures $12 • Bacteriology Cultures $13

– Includes identification of bacteria and drug susceptibility.

• Bovine Viral Diarrhea

- PCR

- ELISA • Johne’s Milk Test

- PCR

- ELISA – cows - ELISA – tank

$40 $ 6 $40 $ 6 $10

• Bovine Leukosis Test

- ELISA – cows - ELISA – tank

$ 6 $10

• Milk Pregnancy ELISA

$4.50

All tests must be scheduled through your MMPA Member Representative or the laboratory for proper sample submission protocol.

These are service personnel only.

Order your Member Merchandise supplies through your hauler.

ECOLAB 24 -Hour Medical Emergency Hotline: 1-800-328-0026

Jason Koerth 7509 Aborcrest Dr. Portage, MI 49024 269-207-3773 Pat Mitchell 7273 N. Rollin Hwy. Addison, MI 49220 517-403-0928

A & L Laboratories 24 -Hour Medical Emergency Hotline: 1-800-424-9300 Kurt Fiene 8356 C.R. 115 Kenton, OH 43326 612-889-1063 Jeff Timm NW 8665 C.R. M Shawano, WI 54166 612-840-0555

Michigan Milk Messenger 37

Freeliners

Call 1-800-572-5824 ext. 202 to place your ad or email to: Muszynski@mimilk.com

Registered Holstein Bulls: We now have a nice selection of service age bulls, sired by top AI sires. Green Meadow Farms, Elsie, MI. 989-862-4291 or see our website at www.greenmeadowfarms.com.

Registered Holstein breeding bulls, all AI sired from top bulls, b&w, red, red carrier and some polled, high production, low SCC herd. Bulls are priced to sell. Ver Hage Holsteins, 269-673-4886 or 269-2176076, ask for Tim. www.verhageholsteins. com.

Service age Holstein bulls. Call Steve Alexander, 810-622-8548 evenings or 810404-8548.

Cows and Heifers

Bulls

Service age Reg. Holstein bulls, deep pedigrees, some red carriers. Jenesis Genetics, 231-924-6163 or 231-225-8615.

High quality Holstein cows. Herd average over 80 pounds on 2 times milking. 734-776-0285.

Small herd, low somatic cell. 989-8279614.

Holstein heifers. Some Red and White, some Black and White, some Red Carriers. Ages range from week old through bred heifers. Some genetically polled. Call 574-533-4506, Troyers.

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

• An item submitted will be published for no more than two consecutive months (one month, unless otherwise requested).

• After that, it will be withdrawn.

• It will be published again for no more than two consecutive months only if the member resubmits the item by contacting their MMPA Member Representative or 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 may choose to have the item published as a Classified Ad at the regular per-line Classified Ad rate.

• Freeliners must be received by the 10th of the month preceding the desired month of publication.

Example: to be included in the January issue, the freeliner must be at the MMPA office by December 10.

38 April 2013

Bred heifers. 616-835-6776.

Equipment Three Jamesway silo unloaders. 1 is 16 feet, 1 is 20 feet and one is a 20 foot quantum. Three single chain conveyors 50’, 40’ and 10’. Also a Butler 1830 stationary mixer with scale. Best Offer.

Call 231-826-3770.

18 ft. disc with fold-up wings Oliver, $2,000. 8 ft. disc pull type, $800. 570 N.H. baler, 1999, plus extra shute, $8,500.

1033 N.H. hay bale stacker, $7,000. 5030 N.H. tractor, 1996, 2,535 hours, $23,000, includes pallet fork, hay spear, material buckets and manure bucket. 5 bottom J.D. plow, $2,500. 5 ft. bush hog, $500. 56 N.H. rake, $1,500, new paint. Small back blade, $300. N.H. transport hay conveyor $350. Manure spreader, no drive gear, $400. Contact Jim at 989-736-6508.

New Holland 256 hay rake, $1,700. 989826-5453.

New Holland 8970, 215-hp., 6,280 hours, good condition, $53,000 obo. 231-3880339.

Livestock scales, 6’ x 8’, 5,000 lb. capacity, very good condition, $2,500.

Joseph Mishler, Howe, IN 260-499-4228 ext. 5 leave message.

John Deere 1750 Max Emerge Plus Conservation 6 Row Planter, dry fertilizer, $13,500. Please contact Bill at 989-560-1466 or 989-561-2863.

John Deere 5400 self-propelled chopper.

4-wheel drive, new style cutter head, 3 row corn head, 7 ½ ft. hay head, 4-row snapping hear, 3,400 original hours. Only 150 hours on rebuilt motor. Nice original chopper, $25,000 for all. Call 810-3385265.

Cadman hard hose irrigation traveler, 1100’ x 4.5” hose 200 nelson gun, new Honda motor and all new drive chain.

Good condition asking $16,000 OBO. Call (989) 613-0694.

Dairy Equipment Mueller Acu-Therm Plate heat exchanger DW 31. Mueller 80 Gallon Free-Heater. 2” Stainless Milk Line and Receiver Jar. 4 Boumatic Flo-Star milk units & pulsators. Boumatic 5 H.P. Vacuum pump. Call for more information. 989-550-3856 2,750-gal. Mueller bulk tank with two compressors in excellent condition, $25,000. Call Jim Oudman at 231-4295518.

Nine (9) Delaval MU 480 portable milking units. Purchased brand new in Dec. 2010. Used less than 2 years. $18,000 obo. 231-245-4773.

Bou-matic 5-hp. Vacuum pump, 3 milking units with electric pulsators, stainless steel pipeline. Sunset model 415 bulk tank. 989-874-5943.

Mueller 1,250-gal. bulk tank with two 3-hp. compressors and automatic tank washer. Call 269-751-6321.

Mueller 500-gal. bulk tank with compressor and tank washer, $1,800.

Mueller Acu-Therm Plate heat exchanger DW 31, $1,100. 2-in. stainless milk line and receiver jar. 4 Boumatic Flo-Star milk units and pulsators, $135 each. Boumatic 5-hp. Vacuum pump w/motor, $650. Call for more information. 989-550-3856.

800-gal. high performance bulk tank, washer, agitator, compressors.

260-593-0472.

Misc.

Blue Heeler puppies, great with cattle. 517-726-1418.

Soybean straw, 4 x 5 round bales. Cheap. 989-464-7364.

Family owned dairy farm seeking ambitious, reliable full time employee. Duties include very little milking, general labor and field work. Housing available. Call 616-218-7125 or 616-218-9350.

One 35 John Deere chopper with hay head. One 700 Gehl chopper with two heads. One John Deere 640 hay rake. John Deere 243 snapper head, 2-row.

All in good condition.

260-705-8185.

1st and 2nd cutting haylage $90 a ton. Protein is 23.4 to 23.9, no trucking available.

989-640-3370.

Large alfalfa square bales, $300 a ton, no delivery.

989-640-3370

Freestalls and Patz belt feeder.

616-634-2958.

Right hand discharge Patz barn cleaner. 616-896-7311.

Looking for Surge auto-flow electronics. 810-728-6237.

750-800 gal. flat top bulk tank.

Free heater. 231-821-2447.

Small herd of milking cows that can be bought on milk check assignment.

616-889-0769.

We specialize in Farms and offer a full range of coverages to serve all of your insurance needs.

• Competitive – Farmowners.

• Co-op Members in good standing receive additional premium discounts on Farmowners policy.

• Group Medical – Regardless of health conditions for 2 plus groups.

• Low Cost Term Life “Debt Protection.”

mfu@comcast.net

SALE SCHEDULE:

Wanted

“A full service insurance agency”

616.656.7260

Rosebush Sale Barn, Inc.

55-gal. of New Holland propionic acid, $1.10/lb. Call 989-635-7917 or 989-415-3274.

The first Wednesday of every month: We sell open heifers @ 8am, bred heifers @ 10:30 am, stop at noon and sell cows, continue with bred heifers after cows are done selling

Every Tuesday @ 1pm: baby heifer and bull calves (approx. 130-200 heifers calves sell every week) majority out of AI breeding & tested dams

New Consignments Always Welcome

Get to know us... Rosebush Sale Barn, Inc. is a dairy cattle auction market located in Rosebush, Michigan, where we have over 10,000 clients. Our sales consist of 650-1000 head of opens, springers and cows, as we are one of the largest dairy sales in a three state area and the demand for good cattle is strong. We pride ourselves in providing the best in cattle auction services, which includes top sales management services on your farm or at our sales facility. We have been serving the dairymen’s needs for over 35 years and guarantee payment from a full bonded and licensed company. We handle any size of herds of cows or groups of heifers, whether we sell them privately, on your farm or through our established auction market. If there is a sale in your future and your life’s work is on the line, you need and deserve the best management team, look to Rosebush. Top prices, low expenses and high returns for dairymen are our priority!

ROSEBUSH SALE BARN, INC. 4389 E. Denver Rd., Rosebush, MI 48878 WWW.ROSEBUSHSALEBARN.COM Robert Filhart, Owner Office: (989) 433-5348 Cell: (989) 330-6005 Hay & straw available now! 4x5 big round alfalfa hay bales, 950-1050# & 4x5 straw bales, feed grade.

We will deliver. Self propelled ag bagger available for rent, produces 12 x 250 ft bags. Please call to reserve dates for bagging your haylage, corn silage and beet pulp for top feed quality with no waste.

Where Quality Cattle Sell!

Michigan Milk Messenger 39

Classifieds Call 1-800-572-5824 ext. 202 or email to: Muszynski@mimilk.com Call 1-800-572-5824 ext. 224

Classified Ads ($20 per ad up to 6 lines)

Mail ads to: Classified Ads, Michigan Milk Messenger, PO BOX 8002, Novi, MI 48376-8002. Or email to Muszynski@mimilk.com. Ads must be received by the 10th of the month before the month of desired publication. Send check or money order for $20 for up to 6 lines with your order. MMPA neither sponsors nor endorses products or services advertised in the Messenger.

OPPERMAN GROOVING: Diamond sawed grooves, no hammering or cracking of concrete.

No hoof damage. Call Opperman Grooving Inc., Portland. 517-647-7381. ______________________________________ DAVIDSON CEMENT GROOVING, INC: NO water needed. Wider, rougher grooves for better traction. We also offer texturing for your previously grooved floors. 3 operators will travel Michigan and other states. No interest payment terms. Est. since 1987.

Call 1-800-365-3361. ______________________________________ CONCRETE GROOVING By TRI-StaTE Scabbling, home of the 2” wide groove. Best traction, lowest prices.

(800) 554-2288. www.tristatescabbling.com ______________________________________ Concrete Grooving/Floor Texturing: Bring existing grooves back to 100% efficiency/new construction. Blue Ribbon Hoof Trimming, LLC. 989-635-1494. ______________________________________

For sale: 5000-4000-3000-2500-2000-1500 OH Mueller late model bulk tank milk tanks, complete, will trade.

1-800-558-0112. ______________________________________ Wanted to buy: Used bulk milk tanks, 200 gallons & larger, Sunset & Mueller, 1-800-558-0112. ______________________________________ Seed Oats, Spring Barley and Medium Red June Clover Seed. 989-723-1886 or 989-277-1414. ______________________________________ FOR SALE: CORN SILAGE. 989-277-1414 or 989-723-1886. ______________________________________ LIQUID MANURE HAULING. Truck tankers can spread or load farm spreaders.

Scott M. Powell Trucking 517-437-9562 or 517-320-0443. ______________________________________

Beneficial Fly Eliminators, insects to control filth breeding flies in your cattle barns. Why not give nature a chance? A non chemical alternative. Over 50,000 pupae placed every two weeks as average for herd of 100200. $80.00. Programs based on herd size and fly problem. Basic HS Acres, basichsacres@ sch-net.com, 989-846-9494. ______________________________________

Concrete Grooving and Texturing

Call: Jeff Brisky - Owner Toll Free: 1-800-294-1202 Cell: 1-716-353-1137 Concrete Services Company

Generators Winpower & Katolight

Stocking up to 100 KW 24 Hour Emergency Service serving Michigan for the past 30 years 800-345-1887 Midwest Power Systems

REGISTERED HOLSTEIN BULLS PTO and Automatic Start Generators 1-800-248-8070 M-40 South Hamilton, MI 49419

Over 100 service age bulls for your selection! a special herd sire or a truck load of breeder bulls. Ready to go to work on your farm!

• SIRED BY THE TOP SIRES FROM THE U.S. AND CANADA

GREEN MEADOW FARMS

• FROM OUR TOP PRODUCTION COWS.

6400 HOLLISTER RD. ELSIE, MI 48831 PH: 989-862-4291

40 April 2013

www.greenmeadowfarms.com

Policies MMPA Policy on Drug Residue in Milk: MILK ON FARM – DRUG RESIDUE SUSPECTED

MILK SHIPPED — POSITIVE drugs CONFIRMED

If a member suspects milk in the farm bulk tank contains drug residue:

If a member ships milk from the farm and testing by approved laboratory methods show that the milk contained drug residue, the member will be assessed the penalties imposed by the state regulatory agency and be disqualified for raw and PI bacteria count premiums.

1. Call a MMPA Member Representative to have the milk in the tank tested. A “hold” must be placed on the tank contents until the test results are known. - OR 2. The member can test the milk on the farm. If dumped, the member must be sure to take the stick reading, record the number of pounds of milk, and report the information to their membership representative.

• If the tank tests negative (no drugs present), the milk may be released and shipped.

• If the tank tests positive (drugs present), the membership representative will authorize the member to dump the tank of milk.

The member will be paid 75% of the value of the tank of milk involved.*

• If for any reason MMPA personnel must pick up samples at the farm for testing three or more times within 12 consecutive months, the member involved will be charged $25 per trip.

If a loss is incurred by MMPA due to the disposal and/or nonmarketability of a load of milk or milk products containing drug residue, then the member responsible will be provided an invoice for the entire value of the loss plus transportation and disposal costs as required by the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance. This invoice may be submitted to the member’s insurance carrier. MMPA must receive settlement on the invoice within 90 days of issuance. If settlement is not made within 90 days, the full amount of the invoice will be deducted from the next milk check unless other settlement arrangements are made.

Milk from that member’s farm tank must be tested and found clear of drugs before the next tank of milk can be picked up.

A hauler whose entire load sample shows the presence of drugs will be charged the amount of an average shipment on that load if the individual member samples all show negative.

ALL POSITIVE DRUG RESIDUE SHIPMENTS MUST BE REPORTED TO THE ENFORCEMENT AGENCY.

MMPA Policy on Milk Quality QUALITY QUESTIONABLE

REJECTED LOAD SHIPMENT

When a member suspects that the milk in the farm bulk tank is of poor quality they should call a MMPA Member Representative who will authorize milk in the tank to be dumped. If the member dumps the milk on their own, they must be sure to take the stick reading and record the number of pounds of milk, and report the information to the Member Representative.

If:

If the milk is dumped, the member will be paid 75% of the value of the tank of milk involved.*

In order to receive payment for an added water voluntary dump, the member must install a Swingline Safety Switch. The Swingline Safety Switch can be ordered from the St. Louis warehouse. The MMPA Member Representative will verify the switch has been installed. Reimbursement for the Swingline Safety Switch and the voluntary dump will then be made to the member.

The member assumes all liability for losses incurred as a result of shipping poor quality or contaminated milk.

MILK SHIPPED – HIGH BACTERIA COUNT If:

1. A load of milk is received (unloaded) at a dairy processing plant and,

2. a sample from the load has a bacteria count of 300,000 or more and,

3. testing of the individual member samples on that load identifies the member or members having a bacteria count of 300,000 or more, then the member or members involved will be charged the value of one-half of one day’s production** and will be disqualified for raw and PI bacteria count premiums. **For members using more than one bulk tank, the assessment will be based on the value of milk in the tank or tanks in violation of the MMPA quality policy.

1. A load of milk is rejected (not unloaded) at a dairy processing plant and,

2. the milk cannot be sold through normal Grade A channels for reasons of quality which results in the load being sold or disposed of at a loss to MMPA, and,

3. testing of the individual member samples on that load identifies the member or members that caused the contamination or rejection of the load, then, the member or members responsible will be charged the full value of the loss to MMPA plus transportation and disposal costs, and be disqualified for raw and PI bacteria count premiums except for loads rejected for temperature.

4. MMPA will provide an invoice to the member for the amount of the loss, to be submitted to the member’s insurance carrier. MMPA must receive settlement on the invoice within 90 days of issuance. If settlement is not made within 90 days, the full amount of the invoice will be deducted from the next milk check unless other settlement arrangements are made.

If a member has a third occurrence or more within 12 consecutive months, that member must appear before the MMPA board of directors to review steps taken on the farm to correct the quality problem which will enable MMPA to continue to market the milk for this member.

HAULER

A hauler whose entire load sample exceeds 300,000 per mL bacteria count will be charged the amount of an average shipment on that load if the individual member samples all are less than 100,000.

A hauler will be responsible for all costs incurred by MMPA for loads rejected for temperature.

Charges and assessments made under this program will be withheld from milk checks of members or haulers involved.

* The member will only be paid for two (2) voluntary dumps in a rolling 12 month period.

Michigan Milk Messenger 41

Market Report For Milk Marketed in February 2013

MARKET STATISTICS Mideast Federal Order #33 (pounds)

This Month

Year Ago

Total Class 1 Sales

508,579,406

509,384,701

-0.16

Total Class 2 Sales

204,454,977

251,377,519

-18.67

Total Class 3 Sales

422,810,189

549,106,964

-23.00

Total Class 4 Sales

229,429,693

159,848,031

1,365,274,265 1,469,717,215

Total Production Class 1 Utilization

37.3%

2013

2012 % Change

+43.53

Production California

3,225

3,506 -8.0

-7.11

Wisconsin

2,159

2,152

+0.3

New York

1,034

1,055

-2.0

Idaho

1,002

1,046

-4.2

Pennsylvania

833

849

-1.9

Texas

757

800

-5.4

Minnesota

728

735

-1.0

Michigan

705

701

+0.6

New Mexico

639

665

-3.9

Washington

480

498

-3.6

Ohio

431

435

-0.9

Indiana

304

306

-0.7

* Total U.S.

14,638

15,153

-3.4

* U.S. Y-T-D

30,545

30,963

-1.3

34.7%

Mideast Federal Order #33

Current Month Total Producers 6,092 Average Daily Production per Farm 8,004 Average Protein Test 3.16% Average Butterfat Test 3.84% Average Other Solids Test 5.75% Average SCC Count (MMPA) 168,000

COMPONENT PRICING INFORMATION Mideast Federal Order #33 Protein Price/lb.

$2.9609

Butterfat Price/lb.

$1.6619

Other Solids Price/lb.

$0.4534

Class III Price @ 3.5%

$ 17.25

Prod. Price Diff/cwt. (Mich. Mkt.) Uniform Price @ 3.5% SCC Adjustment/cwt./1000

42 April 2013

$0.92 $ 18.17 $0.00083

NATIONAL TRENDS (million pounds)

% Change

* For 23 states

NASS Survey Prices

Monthly Avg Cheese /lb Butter /lb Nonfat Dry Milk /lb Dry Whey /lb

1.6623 1.5438 1.5559 0.6393

MMPA Staff NOVI (Headquarters) 248-474-6672 800-572-5824 General Manager Clay Galarneau, ext. 200 Member Services Milk Sales/Dispatch Finance/Controller Dean Letter, ext. 213 Carl Rasch, ext. 244 Joseph M. Diglio, ext. 240 Laboratory Supervisor Manufactured Product Sales Credit/Insurance

Patti Huttula, ext. 219 Jim Dodson, ext. 229 Cheryl Schmandt, ext. 210 Human Resources Member Relations/Public Affairs Data Processing

Cindy Tilden, ext. 220 Sheila Burkhardt, ext. 208 Gregory Schulkey, ext. 237

Member Communications

Laura Moser, ext. 296

Alex Schnabelrauch, ext. 211

MANUFACTURING PLANTS

Constantine 269-435-2835 Plant Manager Dave Davis

MASTITIS MANAGEMENT Tom Herremans......................231-853-2045 Ravenna................. mobile 269-967-0890 Steven Lehman.......................989-875-3441 Ithaca .................... mobile 989-330-1638 Christy Dinsmoore........................................

Fairgrove............... mobile 989-528-9102 NORTH AREA Supervisor: Gerry Volz................................

St. Louis Office....................989-289-9219 Frank Brazeau........................920-834-4059 Oconto, Wis........... mobile 906-250-0337 Ben Chapin....................................................

Big Rapids............. mobile 989-289-0731 Preston Cole............................231-584-2587 Mancelona............. mobile 989-289-9301 Lyndsay Earl.................................................

Ludington.............. mobile 231-519-2455 Angelee Kirsch..............................................

Harbor Beach........ mobile 231-414-4539 Lindsay Santure............................................

St. Johns.................. mobile 989-488-8159 Gerry Volz...............................989-848-5996 Fairview................. mobile 989-289-9219

MMPA FIELD STAFF

Ovid 989-834-2221 Plant Manager/Plant Operations David Wittkop

SOUTH AREA Supervisor: Ed Zuchnik..............................

Coldwater Office....................269-967-7351 Krista Beeker.................................................

Howe, IN .............. mobile 269-986-6792 David Brady............................517-522-5965 Grass Lake............ mobile 517-937-9061 Emily Butcher................................................

Middlebury, IN...... mobile 269-535-0822 Kendra Kissane.............................................

Hudsonville............ mobile 269-245-6632 Andrew Rupprecht.......................................

Clio......................... mobile 269-986-6793 Elyse Martin..................................................

Eaton Rapids.......... mobile 810-701-6460 Ed Zuchnik....................................................

Three Rivers.......... mobile 269-967-7351 Other Services: Gary Best................................810-664-4984 Lapeer .................... mobile 586-484-9279 Bulk Tank Calibration

If you are unable to reach your assigned member representative, contact any one of the representatives listed in your area.

MMPA Labs Novi: 800-572-5824 (in MI)

800-233-2405 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. Mon-Fri Ovid: 989-834-2515 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. Daily

Katie Pierson.................................................

Coleman................. mobile 989-289-9686 Merchandise Coordinator, Energy Auditor

Constantine: 800-391-7560 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. Daily

Michael Marvin.............................................

Marlette...............................989-670-4864 Energy Auditor

Merchandise—St. Louis Supervisor: Duane Farmer..989-681-2334 Fax........................................989-681-3988 Toll Free...............................877-367-6455 Orders (Novi)...800-572-5824 then dial 2

Michigan Milk Messenger 43

Shared Values.

Shared Vision.

Membership in Michigan Milk Producers Association goes much farther than designating a place to market your milk. When you join forces with MMPA you are aligning with a cooperative that has your best interest in mind. MMPA works on your behalf on issues important to today’s dairy farm families: youth education, leadership, policy issues and quality milk production.

Michigan Milk Producers Association. Member Owned. Member Driven.

www.mimilk.com 800.572.5824.