Michigan Milk Messenger: August 2010

August 2010 Volume 93 Issue 2

Gary Hughes

Michigan’s Dairy Fieldperson of the Year

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Contents Volume 93 Issue 2 www.mimilk.com

August 2010

12

Features

14

8

CWT Accepts 194 Bids in 10th Herd Retirement

9

MSU Extension’s Statewide Transition

10 Murkowski Resolution Fails, Senate’s Next

Greenhouse Gas Steps Unclear 12 MMPA Hosts Open House at Ovid Plant 14 Michigan’s Dairy Field Person of the Year —

Gary Hughes

18

16 MMPA Offers Great Lakes Leadership

Academy Scholarships 18 Breakfast on the Farm — Washtenaw County 20 2010 Ag Expo 22 The Great Dairy Adventure 24 NMPF Receives $25,000 Matching Funds from USDA

to Educate Dairy Producers about Spill Prevention 25 2010 MMPA OYDC Reunion 25 MMPA Member Carries on 55-year Indy 500 Tradition

20

22 Departments

Managing Editor...................... Sheila Burkhardt Editors............................................ Mindy Pratt

Laura Moser Advertising Manager..................... Karla Macelli Circulation............................................... 4,200

MMPA Matters................................................ 5 Quality Watch.................................................. 6 News & Views.................................................. 8 Legislative Watch............................................ 10 Merchandise Memo........................................ 28 Freeliners........................................................ 30 Classifieds...................................................... 32 Policies........................................................... 33 Market Report................................................ 34 MMPA Lab Lines........................................... 35 MMPA Staff ................................................... 35

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.

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

August 2010 2009 November VolumeVolume 93 Issue 92 2Issue 5

On the Cover MMPA Member Representative Gary Hughes was named the Michigan Dairy Industry Fieldperson of the Year.

Gary Hughes

Michigan’s Dairy Fieldperson of the Year

(ISSN 0026-2315) 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: Velmar Green General Manager/Secretary: Clay Galarneau Ass’t. Treasurer: Joe Diglio General Counsel: David VanderHaagen

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

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. Earl Horning, Manchester.............734-428-7641 2. Tim Hood, Paw Paw....................269-657-5771 4. Dan Javor, Hastings......................269-948-8345 5. Brent Wilson, Carson City............989-584-3481 6. Velmar Green, Elsie......................989-862-5020 7. James Reid, Jeddo........................810-327-6830 8. Leonard Brown, Sandusky............810-648-4505 10. Eric Frahm, Frankenmuth............989-652-3552 11. Bob Kran, FreeSoil.......................231-464-5889 12. John Kronemeyer, Pickford..........906-647-7638

AdvisoryCommittee District One Hank Choate, Cement City Danny Hart, Grass Lake Dennis Huehl, Chelsea Carlton Evans, Litchfield

517-529-9032 517-206-1966 734-475-1051 517-398-0629

District Six John Hufnagel, Westphalia Anthony Jandernoa, St. Johns Terry Nugent, Lowell David Reed, Owosso

989-593-2900 989-593-2224 616-691-8424 989-723-8635

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

269-671-5050 269-778-2697 574-825-5198 574-533-4506

District Four David Bivens, Bellevue Jeff Butler, Nashville Mark Crandall, Battle Creek David Lott, Mason

269-758-3980 517-852-1859 269-660-2229 517-676-4593

District Five Tom Jeppesen, Stanton Bill Jernstadt, Big Rapids Robert Lee, Marion Mike Rasmussen, Edmore

4 August 2010

989-762-5399 231-796-4650 231-743-6794 989-462-5380

District Ten John Bennett, Prescott Jim Judge, Mt. Pleasant Scott Kleinhardt, Clare Michael Schwab, Standish

989-345-4264 989-866-2482 989-386-8037 989-846-4764

District Eleven District Seven Bill Blumerich, Berlin Pat Bolday, Emmett Scott Lamb, Jeddo Keith Wood, Kingston

810-395-2926 810-395-7139 810-327-6135 989-683-2070

Jim Good, Caledonia Frank Konkel, Hesperia David Pyle, Zeeland Bill Stakenas, Freesoil

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

District Twelve 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

Robert Barron, Gladstone John Bloniarz, Bark River Corby Werth, Alpena Jeremy Werth, Alpena

906-786-7027 906-466-5537 989-379-3772 989-464-4022

MMPA Matters

By Ken Nobis President

A Future for CWT?

A

great deal of time has been spent in recent months reporting on the progress made toward the Foundation for the Future program being developed

by National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), with heavy emphasis on the new components proposed and little mention of the role Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) can play in future dairy policy. So let’s take a look at CWT.

What lies ahead for CWT? With seven years of history, it is judged a success by many, if not most, people involved in the dairy industry. Scott Brown of the Food and Agriculture Policy Research Institute (FAPRI) credits CWT with adding $.84 to the price received for every hundredweight of milk produced since its inception in 2003. The $.84 calculation does not include the current herd retirement or export enhancements reactivated on March 18 of this year that are responsible for approximately 40 million pounds of cheese exports since that date.

Even though CWT has been successful, you don’t hear much about the future for the program.

There are many reasons for this.

One is that the program was developed to shorten normal cyclical low market prices, which it has done. CWT wasn’t designed to correct a problem as massive as the 2009 price decline. The financial crisis that began in 2008 exposed the deficiencies of current dairy policy in a world grown smaller by the volume of trade between countries. The current level of trade didn’t exist sixty years ago when the basis of today’s current dairy policy was put into place.

Current circumstances require a fundamental change in national dairy policy, and that is what Foundation for the Future as outlined by NMPF is intended to accomplish.

The question is whether a role will be available for CWT if new dairy policy is enacted in the next Farm Bill. I think that CWT will be essential, even if the industry successfully crafts the proposed legislation to provide a workable “safety net” in the form of the Dairy Producer Margin Protection Program (DPMPP) coupled with a moderate supply management program like the Dairy Market Stabilization Program (DMSP).

Even before the next Farm Bill, we must remember that CWT will go away on December 31 of this year if the CWT committee, made up of producer members, doesn’t agree to continue. If that were to happen, we would operate under the current Farm Bill without the help of CWT for one year before the next Farm Bill becomes effective. Politically, we are in a much stronger position at the bargaining table if we can point to the self-help program (CWT) we have in place to help control our own economic destinies.

Continuing the current program for the next year, even at a reduced contribution rate, would keep CWT “in play” while we negotiate the next Farm Bill and craft a new version of CWT. While the herd retirement portion of the program has been helpful in the past, in all likelihood it will not be part of a revised CWT program. Questions about its effectiveness increase as time passes. Concerns are growing that it removes only cows that

would go to market anyway. But the biggest issue is the “free rider” aspect. The 30 percent of milk produced that contributes nothing realizes the benefit of increased milk prices, just like those who do contribute. The CWT Committee has some good ideas for us to consider as we move forward.

The concept under consideration is that CWT be used primarily for export enhancement in the future. With world markets developing for dairy, focusing CWT on that portion of the marketplace makes sense. While the vast majority of CWT funds have been used for herd retirements in the past, we have over the years had an even better return on our investment when we focused on exports. In 2008 there was a heavy emphasis on exports, and we received better than a ten-to-one return on our investment. Since March 18 of this year, we have had a significant impact on cheese exports with CWT’s assistance.

Funds that come from a voluntary program have far more latitude with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules than do government funds.

We’ve never received much help developing markets from the Dairy Export Incentive Program (DEIP), a taxpayer funded Farm Bill program.

While I think it is possible to implement reasonable farm policy through the Farm Bill, I also believe that the concept of CWT is very important. CWT provides a tool for the dairy industry to affect future economic stability independent of government programs. It is money well spent.

Michigan Milk Messenger 5

Quality Watch

By

By Gary DeanTrimner Letter MMPA Manager of ProducerControl Testing Director of Member Services/Quality and Herd Health Programs

Meeting the New EU Requirement

I

n last month’s Quality Watch, Gary Trimner wrote about changes in somatic cell computation for the European Union (EU).

Basically, all farms with milk going into plants doing business (whether directly or indirectly) with the EU must have a bulk tank somatic cell count (SCC) less than 400,000 cells/ ml. While the great majority of MMPA members maintain their bulk tank SCC well below this level, some members will soon need to make some changes.

MMPA offers its members a number of services to address mastitis issues. MMPA Member Representatives are trained to evaluate udder prep procedures as well as cattle housing. A number of member reps are also trained to perform a milking system evaluation based on NMC protocol. MMPA also offers milker training schools in February and March each year. In addition, schools can be provided on the farm any time of year if there is adequate space to set up the school and at least 15 people are in attendance. Smaller farms may want to host a school with their neighbors. Members wishing to do this may contact Tom Herremans or the Novi office.

MMPA continues to offer laboratory services to help members identify cows with mastitis. In addition to providing SCC information, the lab screens for common mastitis pathogens.

For years, MMPA screened for S. agalactiae, strep non-ag, S. aureus and coagulase negative

6 August 2010

staph. This past June, MMPA also began screening for gram negative bacteria. This group includes many bacteria that are found in the farm environment such as Klebsiella, E. coli, Pseudomonas, and Serratia.

At this point, the culture results will indicate the growth of gram negative bacteria (not the specific genus and species). For herds where speciation information would be valuable, producers should consider further testing at a diagnostic lab through the local veterinarian (if applicable) or the Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health (DCPAH). MMPA also recommends sending in several bulk tank samples to DCPAH for Bacteriology and/or Mycoplasma culturing to determine whether the herd is infected with a more unusual mastitis pathogen(s).

With this herd culture information along with milking procedure and housing evaluations, a mastitis management plan can be developed. A mastitis management plan may have both long and shortterm goals. It is most effective when the farm’s entire management team is involved in its development.

One of the short-term goals is to develop a treatment plan for the infected cows (culling may be the only option depending on the pathogen). The most effective treatment programs are developed in conjunction with the herd veterinarian. Cows not likely to respond to treatment, particularly if the pathogen can easily spread from cow to cow during the milking

process, will need to be segregated.

The purpose of segregation is to ensure that cows are either milked last or with separate milking equipment.

Limiting the mastitis management plan to treatment or culling will not lead to long term success. If the mastitis management plan does not address preventing new mastitis infections, there will always be another high SCC cow to replace the one that was just treated or culled.

Most long-term goals are geared toward mastitis prevention and may include changes in the milking routine to improve teat sanitation or milk letdown. The cattle housing evaluation may indicate issues with overpopulation, stall grooming, ventilation, and/or alley scraping frequency that need to be addressed. Some of these changes may require a capital investment.

All of them will require a change in management.

Ultimately, reducing the bulk tank SCC is going to require a commitment from everyone involved. A lack of buy-in to the entire mastitis management plan over the long term will reduce the effectiveness of the plan and make it more difficult to reach the SCC goal. Contact your MMPA Member Representative or the Novi office for more information on developing a mastitis management plan for your operation.

News & Views The latest dairy news

June Class III Price Up 24 Cents

The June Class III price is $13.62, up 24 cents from May and up $3.65 from last year. The June Class IV is $15.45, up 16 cents and up $5.22 from last year. This is the highest Class IV price since August 2008.

Michigan Hosts NMC Regional Meeting in September

This year’s NMC 2010 Regional Meeting will be held September 8-9 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Specialized short courses and workshops will be offered on the first day (Wednesday, September 8), followed by the main program on Thursday, September 9.

The conference will focus on practical mastitis control and milk quality information, ranging from on-farm application tips to discussions on milk quality and animal welfare as it relates to consumers.

Representatives from all segments of the dairy industry, including producers, veterinarians, consultants, equipment and pharmaceutical suppliers, dairy plant field staff, extension educators and specialists, and students, are encouraged to attend. For more information and to register, go to NMC’s website at www.nmconline. org.

8 August 2010

CWT Accepts 194 Bids Representing 34,000 Cows, 654 Million Pounds of Milk in 10th Herd Retirement

Cooperatives Working Together announced on July 7 that it had tentatively accepted 194 bids its latest herd retirement, representing 34,442 cows and 653,893,409 million pounds of milk. Farmers submitted a total of 209 herd retirement bids to CWT.

CWT’s three herd retirements last year were the primary reason why U.S. cow numbers dropped steeply in 2009, “but cow numbers have leveled off since the end of the year,” said Jerry Kozak, President and CEO of NMPF, which administers CWT. “This latest herd retirement will push cow numbers lower still, which is what our industry needs to better align supply and demand.”

During July, CWT farm auditors visited the farms whose bids were accepted, checking their milk production records, counting cows, and then tagging each cow for processing. All farmers were notified by July 30 as to whether their bid was among those accepted in this herd retirement round, the tenth that CWT has conducted since 2003.

Once CWT auditors approve the herds accepted during the bid process, farmers had 15 days in which to send their animals to a processing plant.

CWT will again provide each farmer the NMPF animal handling guidelines for the proper culling and transporting of dairy cattle, Kozak said.

Producers whose bids are accepted in this herd retirement will be paid in two installments: 90 percent of the amount bid times the producer’s 12 months of milk production when it is verified that that all cows have gone to slaughter, and the remaining 10 percent plus interest at the end of 12 months following the farm audit, if both the producer and his dairy facility — whether owned or leased — do not become involved in the commercial production and marketing of milk during that period.

In CWT’s three herd retirements conducted in 2009, the program removed a total of 200,000 cows and four billion pounds of milk. Details of past herd retirements can be found here: http://www.cwt.coop/sites/ default/files/pdf/past-herd-retirements-060210.pdf.

Upcoming Events August 18-19

MMPA OYDC Conference – Novi

September 8-9

NMC Regional Meeting – Grand Rapids

29

MMPA Advisory Committee Meeting – Novi

MSU Extension’s Statewide Transition

Every successful organization routinely asks whether what they’re doing is working and working well.

Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) is no different. On July 1, MSUE transitioned to a new structure that emphasizes responsiveness and focuses on important issues facing the state.

“Meeting the needs of those in our state through the expertise of MSU and doing so as efficiently as possible is what MSU Extension is all about,” said Tom Coon, MSUE director.

The MSUE redesign is meant to capitalize on the expertise that can be offered to the community through Extension’s network of educators and specialists and our relationships with local partners, Coon said.

Late in 2008, MSUE started a process to examine its work and how it can focus its resources to better serve the state’s residents. The findings of that process, which included more specialized educators in the field, better connections between field staff and campus researchers and a desire to leverage technology to maximize effectiveness, were shared with several audiences around the state.

“The result is a structure that ensures that MSU Extension will remain responsive to Michigan’s needs and apply research-based education to contribute to a brighter future for all of Michigan residents,” Coon said.

MSU Extension is guided by the following principles:

• Focused and specialized programs

• Reduced administrative overhead

• Increased responsiveness

• Enhanced accountability

• Continued presence across the state

• Adoption of emerging technologies

Institute directors have been named and officially began July 1, however, most have been working toward the transition. They include:

• Rick Foster Greening Michigan

• Wendy Powers Agriculture and Agribusiness

• Julie Chapin Preparing Children and Youth

for the Future

• Dawn Contreras Improving Health and Nutrition MSU Extension staff members, housed in county offices, are now organized into thirteen multi-county districts, each overseen by a district coordinator. MSU Extension will also consolidate budget and personnel functions in one, on-campus business office for the entire organization.

Extension leadership has been meeting around the state with county commissioners to discuss their ideas and to seek their suggestions on how these changes can help meet needs of residents at the county level.

“We’ll continue to offer the services that the people of Michigan have come to rely on,” Coon said. Our transition will take place over the next year. At the same time, we remain steadfast to the goal of serving Michigan’s needs.”

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In that vein, Coon said, MSU Extension programming will focus on four statewide program areas, each represented by an institute. Those areas are Greening Michigan: Leveraging Natural and Human Assets for Prosperity, Enhancing Michigan’s First Green Industry: Agriculture and Agribusiness, Preparing Michigan’s Children and Youth for the Future, and Improving the Health and Nutrition of Michigan residents.

“These are areas where we know we can make a difference. They align with our expertise and with the needs and opportunities that are appropriate for a land-grant university, like Michigan State University, to address,” Coon said.

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Michigan Milk Messenger 9

Legislative Watch Issues important to today’s dairy farmers

Murkowski Resolution Fails, Senate’s Next Greenhouse Gas Steps Unclear

I

n June, the Senate failed to pass Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s (R-Alaska) Resolution of Disapproval that would have prevented the Environmental Protection Agency from moving forward with greenhouse gas regulations under the Clean Air Act. Those potentially regulated could range from the largest textile factory and coal-fired power plants, to possibly even small dairy operations. In fact, if these efforts ultimately move forward, nearly 99 percent of all U.S. dairy farms could be hit with the new EPA regulations.

With the new regulations now looming, many in Congress are looking to move ahead with Sen. Rockefeller’s legislation (S. 3072), a bill that would delay the EPA’s climate regulations for stationary sources for two years. While halting the agency’s efforts to regulate stationary sources, the bill would allow for other actions to still move forward, including vehicle emissions standards. Rockefeller currently has six Democrats joining him in support of the bill. Rep. Nick Rahall (D-W.V.) has introduced a companion bill (H.R. 4753) in the House of Representatives. Another potential option could be through the appropriations process; however, it is unclear if Congress will even get as far as subcommittee markups this year.

It is also unclear if the Senate will take up a comprehensive energy package this summer, which could include language to mitigate GHG emissions. Senators on both sides of the aisle are jockeying for what the legislation will ultimately look like if it were to reach the Senate floor.

Several related bills, including the American Clean Energy Leadership Act which passed the Senate Energy 10 August 2010

and Natural Resources Committee last year; the American Power Act, a climate change bill introduced

by Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) and Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.); the Carbon Limits and Energy for America’s Renewal (CLEAR) Act (S.2877); and the Practical Energy and Climate Plan Act of 2010 (S. 3464), have all been mentioned as potential vehicles to see action this year.

Producers scoring 95 percent or more on Grade A Surveys and Federal Check Ratings MMPA Robert LaLone

James Brower

May 2010

Al Ott Farm LLC

William Stein*

James Huggett

Spring Lake Farms LLC

Ladine Farms

Kevin Bollinger

Wayne DeKleine

Bebow Dairy Inc #2

Pyle Dairy Farm Inc

Kenneth Vredenburg

Nienhuis Dairy Farm LLC

OK Farms LLC Tjerk Okkema Doeke & Melissa Prins

MMPA Michigan Dairy South June 2010

MMPA Allendale South June 2010 John & Philip Kuyers* Haveman Farms LLC* Glenn Hochstetler Ivan Mast Jacob Mast Craig & Linda Jo Newland James Jackson

Dwight Mansfield* Riske Farms Williams Family Farm LLC Kevin Cavanaugh Hillside Dairy Farms Stanley & Patricia Lambarth Brian Sweetland Long Haven Farms Inc. Perry Cisco & Arturo Delgado

Andrew Johnson Webers Meadow LLC

* producers scoring 100 percent

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MMPA Hosts Open House at Ovid Plant

xactly two years after first breaking ground on a $62 million expansion, MMPA hosted an open house on June 30 to showcase the newly renovated and expanded Ovid processing facility.

worked closely with many local and state government agencies to ensure the expanded operation would meet strict environmental, employee health and food safety regulations.

Nearly 500 people attending the event got to see the inner-workings of the plant as Ovid employees gave tours to MMPA members, industry representatives and public officials. Many attendees were visibly impressed with the efficiency and cleanliness of the Ovid plant, which can process approximately 5 million pounds of milk in a single day.

Michigan Department of Agriculture Director Don Koivisto commended MMPA for being easy to work with to resolve issues that may arise, because MMPA uses a solution-oriented approach.

“I felt that we had access to something very few people get to see,” MMPA member Ramona Okkema, of Blanchard, Mich, said of the open house. “There’s a lot of control for cleanliness and I was impressed at how they could join the old with the new and do it so efficiently. You can tell an amazing amount of thought and planning went into the back-up systems, too.”

The Ovid manufacturing plant operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, taking in approximately 3.5 to 5 million pounds of milk each day. Sales from the Ovid plant were nearly $140 million in 2009.

“I am pleased to tell you today that without a doubt, we believe our investment here in Ovid is money wellspent,” said Ken Nobis, a dairy farmer from St. Johns and MMPA president, during the open house program.

“We continue to believe that the dairy industry — the number one segment of the state’s agriculture industry — is one of the shining stars in our state’s economy. We are proud to be leaders in the Michigan dairy industry — an industry that provides nearly $6 billion to our state’s economy. Investments like this plant expansion will keep Michigan Dairy farmers at the top of the nation’s dairy industry.”

The 14,000 square foot expansion and plant renovation projects have increased the Ovid plant’s capacity from 3 million pounds per day to more than 5 million pounds per day, improving throughput and efficiency and allowing MMPA to remain competitive and viable in the marketplace. MMPA management 12 August 2010

According to a study completed by the MSU Product Center, the Ovid expansion project could have an economic impact of over $183 million to the state of Michigan. They also estimate that there would be approximately 176 direct, indirect and induced employment opportunities created through the expansion project.

MMPA General Manager Clay Galarneau thanked the employees for their efforts in keeping the expansion project on time and within budget.

“Many employees worked long and sometimes unusual hours to complete parts of this project,” Clay said. “Many of these projects were completed in the middle of the night to avoid interference with milk receiving or processing normally done during daytime hours. Milk production in Michigan continues to grow at an impressive rate. Our members are proud of the investment that has been made here and they look forward to MMPA’s efforts to provide a market for their milk and a safe, wholesome and nutritious product for their customers.”

Products made at the Ovid facility include butter, nonfat dry milk, cream, condensed skim milk and specialty blends. These products are used by MMPA customers in various end products such as ice cream, yogurt, infant formula, pudding, cheese, baked goods, frozen dinners, candy bars and other confections.

“We really enjoyed the tour of the plant,” MMPA member Kevin Litwiller, or Perrinton, Mich. said. “We now have a greater appreciation for all the work that went into the tour and the work being done at the plant itself.”

Photo left: MMPA Ovid employees conducted tours of the renovated facility.

Photos below, clockwise from top left: Public officials were invited to attend a special VIP tour at the beginning of the day; attendees were welcome to take a self-guided tour of the new dryer area; the renovated Ovid plant, taken from the top of the new dryer building; (inset) MMPA President Ken Nobis discussed the economic impact Michigan’s dairy industry has on the state’s economy; MDA Director Don Koivistio commended MMPA for being easy to work with throughout the construction project.

Michigan Milk Messenger 13

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his job at MMPA well would have been more difficult if he didn’t have the support from his family.

“Donna understands what my responsibilities are,” Gary says. “I have walked out on our way to a family function because I had to do go do my job. She accepts it.”

For his dedication, Gary was named Michigan Dairy Fieldperson of the Year by his peers during the Michigan Dairy Industry Conference in early May. The annual conference is held for all individuals working in Michigan’s dairy industry as field representatives, dairy farm inspectors and laboratory personnel. All MMPA Member Representatives and several laboratory technicians attend the conference.

U

ltimately, any employee of MMPA works for our members and MMPA Member Representative Gary Hughes takes that concept very seriously, often foregoing personal commitments to assist a farmer who needs him.

“He will drop anything and everything to help farmers­— his dedication is to the dairy farm members,” MMPA Director of Member Services Gary Trimner says. “Due to that he is very highly regarded and respected by his producers.”

“The job of a member rep is to do everything you can do to keep the producers in business — because they are your life,” Gary Hughes says. “Without them you don’t have a job. I enjoy this job — I love it — the farmers I work with are good people.”

During his 26 years as an MMPA Member Representative, Gary and his wife, Donna, raised two children, Robin and Gary Jr., and are now proud grandparents of four grandchildren. Gary says doing

14 August 2010

“Gary Hughes has been our field man for more than 20 years,” MMPA Members Carlton and Cami Evans say. “In the years we have had the honor to know him, he has assisted us on quality issues, equipment issues, and served as the MMPA dairy ‘sounding board’ for this area, relaying concerns and questions alike. He approaches his job like he approaches his rabbit hunting — and his dogs — with diligence, dedication, laughter, and true friendship in the field. We can think of no better person to be called an outstanding fieldman than Gary.”

“It was a pleasant surprise to get this award,” Gary says. “I got a lot of nice phone calls from dairy farmers who found out I got it — that’s what’s important — the confidence of the dairy farmers you work for.”

Gary whet his appetite for the dairy industry by working as a herdsman for four years on former MMPA Board Member Remus Rigg’s farm. He then worked for a Surge dealership and eventually had the option to buy into the dealership. Gary decided to help farmers in a different way by taking a different career path and becoming a member representative for MMPA.

“That was my decision and I’ve never regretted it,” Gary says. “Michigan Milk is a wonderful place to work because I ultimately work for the dairy farmers.”

With MMPA, Gary was first a member representative in the Holland/Zeeland area. He later expanded his duties to cover the Branch/Calhoun/Hillsdale/Jackson counties and now also has farms in Ohio and Indiana. No matter where his farms are located, Gary’s commitment to assisting members is consistent and the farmers appreciate his dedication to them.

“Gary has always been a very professional, no nonsense, get to the bottom of the problem kind of guy,” MMPA Member Bruce Lewis says.

“He’s excellent at trouble shooting parlor and milking system problems, and when he says he’s going to be there, he’s there.”

Gary remembers going to a farm that was struggling with high raw Bacteria counts they were unable to find. Gary inspected the milking system but didn’t leave until the bulk tank was empty so he could check that out, too. It turned out

that a dirty spot inside the bulk tank was the root of the problem.

dedicated to training his canine companions, complete with rabbits, wooded areas and a cornfield.

“On a farm which has problems, you cannot quit until you’ve found it,” Gary says. “The rep business has always been challenging but I make sure that I help correct whatever problem I encounter there. If I can’t get out of the vehicle and help the farmer, I don’t stop. They pay their dues for me to help them.”

“I have been training, raising and selling beagles for 25 years now,” Gary says. “It’s a great hobby and release for me.”

Gary has been employed by MMPA for the past 26 years, but is currently on extended medical leave due to a fast growing form of cancer in his brain. He says that part’s scary, but the silver lining is that the type of cancer he has is less likely to spread to other areas of his body.

“He is the ultimate ‘git er done’ guy,” Gary Trimner says. “He just takes care of business if you need to have something done you go to Gary Hughes and he’ll get it done for you. He’s our go to guy for expertise on milking systems in the south area.”

“This is a very scary ordeal to go through,” Gary says. “I told my family that I will not quit. It’s encouraging that the kind of cancer I have won’t move. If we can whip it, it’ll be gone.”

Gary’s love for family and dairy farming also extends to his favorite hobby — raising and training beagles to hunt and for competition.

Half of his large backyard is

Git er done, Gary. Git er done.

SILO-KING

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THAT PAYS! ANDREW ARENS Central Area 517-819-0714

DAVID LIGHTNER Central Area 517-490-6677

BRIAN SANFORD Southeast Area 517-256-7750

DAVE CONKLIN Western Thumb 989-666-2039

MIKE DONALDSON Michigan Regional Manager 517-819-7002

Sign up for our FREE bi-monthly newsletter, The Agri-King via email by visiting our website...

Advantage,

800.435.9560 | www.agriking.com

Michigan Milk Messenger 15

MMPA Offers Great Lakes Leadership Academy Scholarships

T

he MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources is recruiting for the Great Lakes Leadership Academy 2011-12 Leadership Advancement Program and MMPA is offering a partial scholarship for a member who is accepted into the program.

College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, 109 Agriculture Hall, MSU, East Lansing, MI 48824

The Academy is dedicated to helping develop the next generation of leadership for communities, agriculture and food systems, natural resources and environmental, and business and manufacturing sectors of Michigan’s economy.

The GLLA Leadership Advancement Program consists of 12 sessions over an 18-month period with additional time committed to complete individual application and group assignments. The program offers classroom and experiential learning, as well as state and international travel.

Details regarding the Academy are available at www.glla.msu. edu.

Applications will be accepted online from June 1 through September 1, 2010.

Tuition for the Leadership Advancement Program is $5,000. The MMPA Board of Directors has approved a scholarship for the Leadership Advancement Program in the amount of $2,500. The MMPA scholarship is available to a member who is accepted into the 2011-12 Leadership Advancement Program.

16 August 2010

January 2011-June 2012 Classroom and experiential learning Renewable Energy ©

In-depth issue study State and International Travel

Neogaf.com ©

Ben Simon ©

Tuition: $5000 (Some scholarships available)

APPLICATIONS DUE SEPT. 1!

Please consider applying for the 2011 -2012 Leadership Advancement Program!

The Academy is dedicated to helping develop the next generation of leadership for communities, agriculture and food systems, natural resource and environmental, and business and manufacturing sectors of Michigan’s economy. For more information visit www.glla.msu.edu

Go ahead, try it on.

Artec™ Ultra Conditioning Teat Dip Protects Like A Glove

When the weather gets harsh, put a powerful layer of protection between your cow’s teats and the elements.

The Artec formula features heptanoic fatty acid, a patent pending acid-anionic antimicrobial that dramatically reduces the occurrence of mastitis causing organisms, and a 78% emollient tri-blend, one of the highest in the industry.

This highly effective combination of ingredients helps reduce mastitis and protect against the elements.

call 1.800.392.3392 or visit our web site at www.ecolab.com

They’ll love the glove. ©2008 Ecolab Inc. 370 Wabasha St. N. St. Paul, MN 55102 All Rights Reserved

First-ever Washtenaw County Breakfast on the Farm draws 2,300 attendees from seven states and Canada

M

MPA members Earl and Diane Horning and their family hosted a large group of friends, neighbors and perfect strangers at their farm for breakfast recently. In fact, the Washtenaw County dairy family, named the 2010 Dairy Farmer of the Year

by Michigan State University, hosted more than 2,300 people for Breakfast on the Farm June 26 on their dairy operation near Manchester. Those attending the breakfast originated from 75 towns spread across seven states and Ontario, Canada.

The event’s complimentary breakfast was supplied by Domino’s Pizza. The nutritious “breakfast pizza” featured eggs, pork topping and cheese on a whole-grain crust. It was accompanied by pork sausage, Michigan apples, Welch’s grape juice and milk. Domino’s Pizza served a total of 525 eightslice breakfast pizzas.

In addition to breakfast, guests could take a free self-guided tour of the six-generation family dairy operation that started in 1877. Today, the family milks 360 Holstein cows, raises 410 head of young stock and farms 700 acres of cropland.

18 August 2010

Before embarking on the tour, attendees pulled plastic booties over their footwear, a common practice implemented by farms to help keep their animals healthy. The booties were worn to minimize the chance that attendees could potentially transmit infectious diseases to the animals.

The self-guided tour allowed guests to view the dairy’s state-ofthe-art milking parlor and watch cows being milked; the Horning’s milk their cows twice each day.

Guests could also climb aboard modern-day farm equipment, visit with a veterinarian, see where cows eat and sleep, pet baby calves, take a tractor and wagon ride, and touch and smell the feeds that cows eat.

Nearly 190 volunteers were present to help the day’s events and activities run smoothly. Volunteers ranged from other local farmers to veterinarians, MSU Extension staff members, Washtenaw County Farm Bureau members, and representatives from other agriculture industry businesses and organizations. They performed a variety of fundamental roles, from serving beverages and ice cream to helping young ones milk a mock cow to teaching attendees about the feeds that cows eat to explaining

how the milking parlor works and answering any questions that attendees might have.

“Dairy farming has changed immensely since the 1970s and 1980s, and many people are not familiar with the new technology,” said Nancy Thelen, Washtenaw County MSU Extension director.

“Breakfast on the Farm provides a fun setting to come face to face with the farm families who are responsible for producing our affordable and safe food supply.”

The Breakfast on the Farm program was created in 2009 by MSU Extension to help non-farm families learn how a modernday dairy farm operates. The Washtenaw Breakfast was organized by the Washtenaw County MSU Extension office and the Washtenaw County Farm Bureau.

Statewide sponsoring partners for the 2010 Breakfast on the Farm are the Michigan Milk Producers Association, Dairy Farmers of America, Dairyland Seed, Greenstone Farm Credit Services, Pioneer and the United Dairy Industry of Michigan.

For more information about the Breakfast on the Farm program, visit www.breakfastonthefarm.com.

Michigan Milk Messenger 19

Ag Expo 2010 Draws more than 15,000 Visitors

A

griculture has a $71.3 billion affect on the state’s economy, and this year’s Ag Expo at Michigan State University (MSU), the state’s largest outdoor farm show, helped many of the state’s producers and community members recognize that impact.

According to Ag Expo director Ruth Borger, the total attendance for this year’s show, which ran from July 20-22, was 15,500. Although attendance was down about 10 percent from last year, Borger said turnout was still strong.

“We were thrilled by the excellent response we received from visitors and exhibitors alike,” she said. “Our focus this year was to increase our educational opportunities for all of our visitors, and we accomplished that goal. Overall, we are pleased that all the hard work and effort paid off for our community.”

Visitors enjoyed demonstrations of stock dog training, compact and utility tractors, livestock handling and farm safety presentations including a grain engulfment simulator.

The annual breakfast that kicks off the official start of Ag Expo featured many speakers, including Michigan’s Governor Jennifer Granholm, who discussed the state’s economy. She noted the positive impact agriculture has on the state saying that the agriculture “sector provided and continues to provide for this state.”

20 August 2010

MSU Extension Director Tom Coon briefly discussed the transition MSUE has undergone, saying that MSU is trying to “create Extension for the 21st century to make a difference in Michigan’s future.” For more information on MSUE’s transition, see story on page 9 of this issue.

Ag Expo drew about 250 commercial vendors and more than 30 educational exhibitors, many of whom showcased MSU research, teaching and Extension work in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) tent.

Visitors to the CANR tent contributed $1,500 to support CANR scholarships and enjoyed complimentary ice cream from the MSU Dairy Store.

They learned about the potential for wind energy in Michigan, the possibilities for hoophouses and the value of estate planning. Additionally, CANR tent visitors saw daily presentations from MSU Extension Master Gardeners on everything from how to get rid of moles to invasive plant species. Hands-on activities in the CANR tent saw the MSU School of Packaging help visitors construct their own boxes, as well as making their own windmill, biofuels and bean pod necklaces.

Ag Expo 2011 is set for July 19-21 on the show grounds at the corner of Mt. Hope Road and Farm Lane. Visit the website at www.agexpo.msu.edu. Ag Expo is sponsored by the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Photo above left: MMPA President Ken Nobis, MMPA member Bruce Lewis and MMPA General Manager Clay Galarneau chat in front of the MMPA tent.

Governor Granholm photo courtesy of MSU.

Photos above, clockwise from top left: Governor Jennifer Granholm was a featured guest at the annual Ag Expo breakfast; Earlene the Milking Queen, created by MMPA member Debbie Kubacki was featured in the CANR tent; Ag Expo is a one stop shopping center for farmers looking for new equipment; a grain engulfment simulator taught visitors how to safely remove someone caught in a grain bin.

Michigan Milk Messenger 21

TheGreatDairyAdventure N

early 3,000 people spent a fun summer day at the 13th annual Great Dairy Adventure consumer education day on July 21 at the Michigan State University (MSU) Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock Education.

“For many day-care providers, day camps, summer school programs and such, the Great Dairy Adventure is an annual event,” says Carla McLachlan, MSU 4-H and animal science event coordinator. “Every year I begin receiving calls in early January from schools and day cares to get the date so they can be sure to attend”

The free one-day event is geared to the young (and young at heart), families, day-care providers and summer campers, and anyone interested in gaining a better understanding of the importance of Michigan’s dairy industry to the state’s economy, the multi-step journey milk takes to reach our refrigerators and the nutritious benefits dairy products provide. It’s also an opportunity to talk to and learn from local farmers and ask questions about how food gets from the farm to your table.

“Our hope is that kids, parents and day-care providers learn about the importance of including dairy products as part of a balanced diet,” Carla says.

MMPA sponsored a lacing cow craft project and a mini milker training station. A variety of other activities, from making and eating a cheese “bug” to touching and smelling the feeds that cows eat, were on hand to amuse and educate participants. Children of all ages got to take their turn milking a cow by hand, petting calves, all while learning about various segments of the dairy industry. MSU athletes were on site to sign autographs. Some even joined in the fun by milking a cow or wearing the dairy costumes and posing for photos with participants.

In addition to free dairy treats and takehome projects, participants could visit one-onone with MSU large animal veterinary students during hands-on activities with cows. Parents and people who work with children received nutrition education materials that include simple, tasty recipe ideas to try at home.

The Great Dairy Adventure is part of the largest dairy event in Michigan, the Michigan Dairy Expo, a four-day event that brings together 4-H clubs from across the state to compete in different contests. If you would like to volunteer for next year’s Great Dairy Adventure, please contact Karla Macelli at MMPA’s Novi office 248-474-6672.

22 August 2010

Michigan Milk Messenger 23

NMPF Receives $25,000 Matching Funds from USDA to Educate Dairy Producers about Spill Prevention

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced that the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) will receive matching funds of $25,000 to inform and educate producers about revised regulations for oil storage and pending regulations for milk storage containers.

Funding will be used to help dairy producers understand the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) regulation, including development of a self-certification template. The Environmental Protection Agency requires farms, under the SPCC, to have a plan in place to minimize any problems from oil spills. Later in the year, NMPF anticipates conducting a series of webinars to train dairy producers in the use of the self-certification template.

Additionally, NRCS will work with NMPF to evaluate how NRCS can most effectively provide technical assistance to dairy producers to comply with the SPCC regulations.

The goal of the SPCC program is to prevent oil spills into waters of the United States and adjoining shorelines. A key element of the program calls for farmers and other facilities to have an oil spill prevention plan, called an SPCC plan. The SPCC plans are required for farms which have an aggregate storage capacity of oil products of 1,320 gallons, or more, for every storage container larger than 55 gallons. A farm with less than 10,000 gallons of total storage capacity and no single storage greater than 5,000 gallons can selfcertify its SPCC plan. Farms that do not meet this exemption must have a plan certified by a professional engineer. In a letter to NMPF dated June 9, the EPA committed to finalizing the SPCC exemption for bulk milk storage “as expeditiously as possible…to have that process 24 August 2010

completed by early 2011.” In addition, EPA will be extending the compliance deadline for the revised regulation.

“Dairy farmers are excellent stewards of our natural resources,” said Jamie Jonker, NMPF Vice President Scientific and Regulatory

Affairs. “The USDA grant and NRCS technical assistance will provide dairy producers with valuable tools to successfully implement SPCC plans on their farms and continue that stewardship.”

USDA to Conduct Referenda on Flawed Reform of Class I Definition

On June 24, the Federal Register published a correction to USDA’s June 14 final decision on the “fluid milk product” definition.

This definition determines what products are priced at Class I, and which are required to pay the Class I price to the pool. The decision substantially adopts NMPF’s recommended dairy protein standard for defining fluid milk products, but it also includes a disappointing and unjustified exemption for yogurt drinks and kefir.

Under the old rules, a dairy beverage with less than 6.5 percent nonfat milk solids was exempt from Class I pricing, even if it contained as much milk protein as regular milk; and whey solids were not counted as dairy solids in defining these products. The original hearing was held five years ago to consider proposals to reform this milk content accounting, including NMPF’s proposal to define milk drinks on the basis of their protein content and to include all dairy proteins in defining a beverage as Class I. Following the June 24 correction of a technical error (caught by NMPF staff), USDA’s decision achieves this reform by including beverages in Class I on the basis of either protein or skim solids content, and by counting all dairy ingredients toward these standards.

This result is largely consistent with

NMPF’s hearing testimony and comments on the proposed rule.

However, USDA made the unfortunate and puzzling decision to give yogurt drinks and kefir a blanket exemption from Class I. This was proposed by yogurt makers, who claim, in effect, that these drinks are not drinks. NMPF made clear arguments against this at the hearing and in its comments, demonstrating that “yogurt drinks” are clearly “drinks,” have nearly the identical composition and form as many flavored milks, and are clearly sold to be consumed in the same manner as milk. NMPF also pointed out that kefir has no meaningful definition to distinguish it from other (Class I) cultured milk drinks. Nevertheless, USDA’s final decision exempts both yogurt drinks and kefir from Class I. This is both disappointing and inconsistent with decades of practice and principle in the Federal Order system.

USDA intends to complete the referenda for this decision by July 26, although it may take several months to implement, since it will require the establishment of administrative guidelines. NMPF hopes to work with USDA to help ensure that the guidelines for protein accounting are fair and consistent, and looks forward to the next opportunity to address the inequitable yogurt drink and kefir exemption.

2010 MMPA OYDC Reunion

T

he Annual OYDC reunion was held this summer at the home of 2005 OYDCs Bruce and Jennifer Lewis of Jonesville, Mich. Each year, the past OYDCs gather together for a picnic and the chance to visit with friends.

Standing from l-r are: MMPA President Ken and Liz Nobis, Jeremy Werth, Debbie and Tim Kubacki, Marvin Lott, MMPA General Manager Clay Galarneau, Harold Cnossen, Bruce Lewis, Earl Horning, Larry Crandall, Elwood Kirkpatrick, Alan and Mary Nichol, Jim Slavik, Dave and Kathy Lott, Doug Westendorp, Eric Frahm, Aaron Gasper, Jeff Horning, Tom and Dianne Cook, Tony Jandernoa and former MMPA General Manager John Dilland.

Seated from l-r are: Susan Troyer, Vivian Lott, Karen Cnossen, Diane Horning, Gloria Crandall, Michelle Kirkpatrick, Doreen Slavik, Louisa Westendorp, Teresa Crook, Jennifer Lewis, Lynda Horning and Patti Jandernoa.

Marvin and Vivian Lott celebrated their 50th anniversary as MMPA’s Outstanding Young Dairy Couple at this year’s picnic.

The Lotts, from Mason, Mich. were selected as MMPA’s state-winning OYDC in 1960 and helped originate the first OYDC picnic over 40 years ago. The OYDC picnic has been held annually since then.

MMPA member Richard Thomas, left, helped to carry on a 55-year tradition promoting milk at the Indianapolis 500.

MMPA Member Carries on 55-year Indy 500 Tradition

F

presented the owner of the winning car, driven by Dario Franchitti, with a bottle of milk.

This year, MMPA Member Richard Thomas of Middlebury, Ind. was one of two Indiana dairy producers chosen to hand a bottle of milk to the winning team of the Indianapolis 500. Richard

As part of his duties, Richard hosted a media tour on his farm and participated in a parade featuring a cow driving an Indy car. The commitment runs for two years. Next year, Richard will hand a bottle of milk to the winning driver.

or the past 55 years, the winner of the Indianapolis 500 has celebrated by chugging a bottle of milk courtesy of the American Dairy Assoc. of Indiana.

Michigan Milk Messenger 25

General Mills Teams with Dairy Checkoff To Enhance Breakfast Programs

G

eneral Mills Foodservice has committed $100,000 to help schools build their breakfast programs through National Dairy Council’s Child Nutrition and Fitness Initiative Breakfast Grant program. Schools participating in Fuel Up to Play 60 that are looking to expand their breakfast programs can apply to receive up to $3,000 in funding.

National Dairy Council (NDC) is the nutrition research and education arm of the national dairy checkoff program. NDC’s Child Nutrition and Fitness Initiative (CNFI) encourages fitness and good nutrition, including dairy consumption, among our nation’s school children.

“America’s dairy producers applaud the commitment from General Mills to address a very important issue such as school breakfast,” said Paul Rovey, Arizona dairy producer and chair of Dairy Management Inc., which manages the national dairy checkoff. “These efforts help create lifelong dairy consumers and healthier future generations.”

About 10 million children eat breakfast on any given day in U.S. schools — nearly a third of the 30 million students who eat school lunch regularly.

School foodservice administrators understand that

a breakfast program provides significant benefits regarding healthy diets and increased learning capabilities. A review of data from the Bogalusa Heart Study suggests that kids who skip breakfast rarely make up for missed nutrients later in the day. Furthermore, a study in Philadelphia and Baltimore public schools found that children who regularly participated in breakfast programs scored higher on math tests, were less likely to be tardy or absent, and had fewer reported discipline problems when compared with children who skipped breakfast.

“The Child Nutrition and Fitness Initiative Breakfast Grant program can help provide resources to schools serving breakfast and grant funds to help them offer breakfast at school via nontraditional methods,” said Kim Main, K-12 marketing manager, General Mills Foodservice.

For more information about the grant program and to download an application, visit www.fueluptoplay60. com. For more information about the dairy checkoff, visit www.dairycheckoff.com.

AntelBio Selected to Research Bovine TB Milk Diagnostics

A

ntelBio’s expertise in developing milk sample diagnostic tests was key in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s recent decision to award a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I grant. The funding will be used to investigate novel Bovine Tuberculosis (bTB) detection methods in bulk milk samples. With new clinical bTB cases emerging in cattle in a number of states; and control and eradication programs running in the millions of dollars, identifying new cost effective screening methods would be a tremendous benefit.

“Design and development of a real-time PCR assay effective for use in milk could have a tremendous impact on early intervention and prevention strategies for bTB, and minimize the threat it poses to food supplies,” Dr. Preetha Biswas, AntelBio Research Scientist, and principle investigator for

the study commented. “Tests of this type would be particularly efficient when employed by milk marketing organizations as well as governmental agencies.”

Improved detection methods could facilitate development of a simple, cost effective screening tool for bTB which would have a significant impact on the dairy industry nationwide. At the conclusion of the first phase of the research, results will be evaluated by USDA to determine if subsequent research and funding is warranted to continue development of a product that could be commercialized.

Approximately ten years ago AntelBio developed a test to detect Johne’s Disease in milk samples collected routinely through the Dairy Herd Information (DHI) system. This accomplishment was the start of activities that created a milk diagnostic market in the United States. In 2009, over 200,000

Johne’s ELISA tests were run by AntelBio and DHI labs across the country. In addition to Johne’s, AntelBio now offers milk tests for Bovine Leukosis Virus (BLV), Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD), and Progesterone, with a goal to develop additional tests for this unique sample platform.

AntelBio is an innovative animal testing center devoted to the development and implementation of novel diagnostics for agriculture. A subsidiary of NorthStar Cooperative Inc, a Midwest U.S. agricultural organization, AntelBio is working to implement disease testing into the infrastructure of traditional animal recording through Dairy Herd Improvement (DHI). By assimilation of health, genetic and reproductive information, NorthStar Cooperative and AntelBio are providing impetus and innovation to generate comprehensive solutions for producer results.

Michigan Milk Messenger 27

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

CMT Kits and PortaSCC Screening Tests With the new 400,000 SCC requirements upon us, the merchandise program has two very useful tools to help with determining subclinical mastitis in the herd. Both the CMT Kit and the PortaSCC kit can be ordered directly from the St. Louis warehouse or from your hauler.

CMT Kit

The CMT Kit or California Mastitis Test Kit from Immucell is a rapid cow side test for early detection of mastitis. Each kit comes with a testing paddle, dispensing bottle and one bottle of CMT reagent. Each bottle of reagent makes one gallon of testing solution.

Clear instructions are on every bottle. Replacement bottles of reagent are also available. With a little practice, this can be a very effective and economical method of determining subclinical mastitis.

Stock #

Description

Member Price

6130

CMT Kit

$10.18

6135

CMT Reagent

$6.32

PortaSCC Kit

The PortaSCC is an on farm SCC test with results available in less than an hour. The test is designed to be used on fresh milk and can be used on quarter

samples, composite samples, group samples or even bulk tank samples as long as the milk being tested is not older than eight hours. The test is easy to perform: one drop of milk and three drops of activator are put into the sample well of the test strip. The SCC is read by observing the color change of the test well and is ready to read in 45 minutes. A color chart with six shades of blue, each corresponding to a SCC level, is provided to determine an actual numerical Somatic Cell Count. The color chart uses different shades of blue to categorize the cell counts as below 100,000; 250,000; 500,000; 750,000; 1,500,000; or over 3,000,000. A digital reader can also be purchased for those who prefer to have a numeric value displayed. Test kits are available in quantities of 24 or 100 test strips per kit.

Stock #

Description

6131

PortaSCC 24 pack $42.88

Member Price

6136

PortaSCC 100 pack $132.93

REGISTERED HOLSTEIN BULLS 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!

•

GREEN MEADOW FARMS

• FROM OUR TOP PRODUCTION COWS.

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

6400 HOLLISTER RD. ELSIE, MI 48831

WWW.GREENMEADOWFARMS.COM

PH: 989-862-4291

GENERATORS Order Your MMPA Merchandise through your milk hauler or call:

28 August 2010

Supervisor: Joe Mishler 989-681-2334 Fax: 989-681-3988 Toll Free: 877-367-6455

Orders (Novi) 800-572-5824 then dial 2

Winpower & Katolight

Stocking up to 100 KW 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE serving Michigan for the past 30 years 800-345-1887 MIDWEST POWER SYSTEMS

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 - 275,000 +10¢/cwt.

• 276,000 - 500,000 00¢/cwt.

• 501,000 - 600,000 -10¢/cwt.

• 601,000 - 750,000 -50¢/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.

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

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 and SCC.

Additional testing can be coordinated through your MMPA Member Representative to include: Total coliform, E-Coli, raw bacteria count, and components.

All herd tests must be scheduled with the laboratory through your MMPA Member Representative. At the discretion of the Director of Member Services, unscheduled cow samples will be charged at $2 per sample.

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 • Bacteriology Cultures

$ 8 $12

– Includes identification of bacteria and drug susceptibility.

• Bovine Viral Diarrhea

- PCR

- ELISA • Johne’s Milk Test

- PCR

- ELISA – cows - ELISA – tank • Bovine Leukosis Test

- ELISA – cows - ELISA – tank

$40 $ 6 $40 $ 6 $10 $ 6 $10

Chemical, Sanitizer & Teat Dip Contact Information These are service personnel only.

Order your Member Merchandise supplies through your hauler.

ECOLAB 24 -Hour Medical Emergency Hotline: 1-800-328-0026 For Service, call the Ecolab Service Message Center 1-800-392-3392 or Stan Palmer 5303 E. Swan Drive #3 Port Clinton, OH 43452 419-797-2101 Rick Schoenhofen W5389 North Shore Dr. Shawano, WI 54166 715-524-2928 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

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

Michigan Milk Messenger 29

Freeliners Call 1-800-572-5824 ext. 224 to place your ad

Bulls 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.

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 perline 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.

30 August 2010

REGISTERED HOLSTEIN BREEDING BULLS, all AI sired from top bull, 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. www.verhageholsteins.com.

SERVICE AGE HOLSTEIN BULLS. Call Steve Alexander, 810-622-8548 evenings or 810-404-8548.

REG. HOLSTEIN BULLS from many generations of VG and EXC dams w/ high production records made while grazing.

Jenesis Genetics, 231-924-6163 or 231-2258615.

SERVICE AGE HOLSTEIN BULLS, 810223-7576.

Equipment GEHL BU 940 AND 910 SELF UNLOADING WAGONS 3 beaters w/ roofs on tandem wagons $1750, $1500 or best. NH 782 forage harvester 540 PTO electric spout control w/ 770 hay chopper, good cond., needs 9 knives. Gehl BU 960 complete rear roof vent $75 OBO. 2-110 gal. Raven spray tanks, good cond., stored indoors, $100 OBO. 20 Jamesway stations $10 OBO. 10 Starline station $10 OBO. N.H. 308 spreader auger, removed from spreader, $400 OBO. 810-404-0468.

WORKSAVER HYDRAULIC POST DRIVER, will drive 7 in. post, exc. cond., $1,750. 989-330-3270 or 989-330-2885.

N.I. SPREADER #3739, brand new, zero loads. 810-223-7576.

Cows & Heifers 13 LARGE HOLSTEIN BRED HEIFERS, due mid Aug. to mid Sept. 517-231-5098 or 517-231-5099.

FRESH AND BRED HEIFERS, 989-3306533 or 989-763-5604.

N.I. HAY TETTER #4217, $2,500. 517-5434119.

8 FT. BRILLION SURE STAND FEEDER, $2,800 OBO. 231-821-0979, let ring.

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

Ingredients from your trusted source.

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

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!

Dairy Equipment

Farm for Sale

DELAVAL LVP3000 VACUUM PUMP w/ 10 h.p. motor, $2,500. 517-231-5098 or 517231-5099.

70 ACRE DAIRY FARM in Sterling, Mich., 989-654-3726.

800 GAL. ZERO BULK TANK, $800, 989268-5789.

SUNSET 735 GAL. MILK TANK, Tecumseh compressor, 517-320-3209.

ROUND HAY BALES, 989-330-6533 or 989-763-5604.

Wanted

WATER BEDS OR MATS FOR FREESTALLS. Will consider disassembling.

260-463-3275 ext. 3, leave message.

SKID LOADER, SIDE SHOOTER, 260768-7363.

Feed CORN SILAGE, 989-330-6533 or 989-7635604.

Reliable & Accurate

With Results You Can Count On

1ST CUTTING DRY COW OR HORSE HAY, 4x5 round bales w/grass-alfalfa mix, $30 ea. Square bales also available at $2.50 ea. Delivery available. 989-305-5100.

CORN SILAGE, kernel processed w/ inoculants. Delivery available. 231-250-8592.

BUNKER COVERED CORN SILAGE. $52/ton approx. 100 tons available. Tested for quality, call for results. 989-984-7026.

24 Hours A Day, 7 Days A Week, 365 Days A Year

Highly Reliable 450,000 collars in use on 2500 farms worldwide In use coast to coast in USA Trouble-free use up to 8 years

Unparalleled Accuracy 99% Tag Read Rate & 85-90% Heat Detection Rate

Since 2004 Real Results On Real Dairies Worldwide Tell Us It Works: Increased Preg Rates of 3.2% or higher Decreased Days Open of +25 days Fewer Cows Open Past 150 Days Up to 8% More of the Herd Confirmed Pregnant Less time spent in headlocks & more time making milk

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

Micro and Semex are partnering to provide dairy management solutions to increase your profits!

Contact your Semex representative for more information:

Jeremy Higgins 616-292-3064

Chris Sheahan 877-545-ai24

Michigan Milk Messenger 31

Classifieds Call 1-800-572-5824 ext. 224

Classified Ads ($5.65 per line) Mail ads, preferably typewritten, to: Classified Ads, Michigan Milk Messenger, PO BOX 8002, Novi, MI 48376-8002. Ads must be received by the 10th of the month before the month of desired publication. Send check or money order for $11.30 (two 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. ______________________________________ WANTED TO BUY: USED BULK MILK TANKS, 200 gallons & larger, Sunset & Mueller. 1-800-558-0112. ______________________________________ FOR SALE: 5000-4000-3000-2500-2000-1500 OH MUELLER LATE MODEL BULK TANK MILK TANKS, complete, will trade.

1-800-558-0112. ____________________________________ KILN DRIED BEDDING, 130 yd. Loads, delivered on walking floor trailers. 888-6398585. ______________________________________ GEHL 1540 BLOWER, only corn silage, $1,500. 2-Gehl 970 wagons, always inside, $4,000. N.H. 358 grinder scales, $6,500. J.D. chopper 3940, $2,300. J.D. chopper 3800, $1,600. J.D. grain drill 8300, 23 hole double dish, $3,500. 989-550-3875. ______________________________________

Enhanced fiber digestibility Cooler silage Increased dry matter recovery More milk

Pioneer® brand inoculants

provide the benefits and choices you want. Our inoculants can help provide increased dry matter intake, more stable silage and enhanced fiber digestibility.

Plus the knowledge of our dairy specialists adds innovation across our whole product line — all to help you make more milk.

See your Pioneer sales professional for the right inoculant for your operation. Treat your silage right and your herd will reward you. www.pioneer.com/forage

, , Trademarks and service marks of Pioneer Hi-Bred.

All purchases are subject to the terms of labeling and purchase documents. © 2010 PHII ADTVS017215P360MVAR1

® TM SM

32 August 2010

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 12 month period.

Michigan Milk Messenger 33

Market Report For Milk Marketed in June 2010

MARKET STATISTICS

Mideast Federal Order #33 (pounds)

This Month

Year Ago

% Change

Total Class 1 Sales

480,149,091

528,269,033

-9.11

Total Class 2 Sales

209,780,735

289,501,396

-27.54

Total Class 3 Sales

507,390,303

511,845,393

-0.87

Total Class 4 Sales

123,896,799

101,389,213

+22.20

1,321,216,928 1,431,005,035

-7.67

Total Production Class 1 Utilization

36.3%

36.9%

Mideast Federal Order #33

Current Month Total Producers 7,028 Average Daily Production per Farm 6,266 Average Protein Test 2.94% Average Butterfat Test 3.51% Average Other Solids Test 5.72% Average SCC Count (MMPA) 211,000

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

$2.2040

Butterfat Price/lb.

$1.7234

Other Solids Price/lb.

$0.1748

Class III Price @ 3.5%

$ 13.62

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

$1.78 $ 15.40 $0.00072

NASS Survey Prices

Monthly Avg. Cheese/lb. 1.4475 Butter/lb. 1.5946 Nonfat Dry Milk/lb.

1.2631

Dry Whey/lb.

0.3688

34 August 2010

NATIONAL TRENDS (million pounds)

Production California

2010

2009 % Change

3,397

3,283 +3.5

Wisconsin

2,246

2,137

+5.1

Idaho

1,068

1,032

+3.5

New York

1,061

1,059

+0.2

Pennsylvania

898

888

+1.1

Minnesota

780

764

+2.1

Texas

728

732

-0.5

Michigan

707

675

+4.7

New Mexico

676

670

+0.9

Washington

493

471

+4.7

Ohio

456

442

+3.2

Indiana

295

283

+4.2

* Total U.S.

15,154

14,754

+2.7

* U.S. Y-T-D

89,982

88,965

+1.1

* For 23 states

COMMODITY CREDIT CORP. (CCC) PURCHASES (million pounds)

Butter Cheese Nonfat Dry Milk Total Solids

This Year Month Ago 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 +24.23 0.00 +171.35

MMPA Staff NOVI (Headquarters) 248-474-6672

800-572-5824 General Manager Clay Galarneau, ext. 200 Member Services/Quality Control Milk Sales/Dispatch Finance/Controller Gary Trimner, ext. 213 Carl Rasch, ext. 244 Joseph M. Diglio, ext. 240 Producer Testing/Herd Health Programs Manufactured Sales Credit/Insurance

Dean Letter, ext. 217 Jim Dodson, ext. 229 Cheryl Schmandt, ext. 210 Laboratory Supervisor Member Relations/Public Affairs Data Processing

Patti Huttula, ext. 219 Sheila Burkhardt, ext. 208 Gregory Schulkey, ext. 237 Human Resources Member Communications

Cindy Tilden, ext. 220 Mindy Pratt, ext. 211

Laura Moser

MANUFACTURING PLANTS

Constantine 269-435-2835 Plant Manager Thomas Carpenter

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

MMPA FIELD STAFF MASTITIS MANAGEMENT Supervisor: Tom Herremans...........................231-853-8008 Ravenna......................mobile 269-967-0890 Gerry Volz.......................................989-848-5996 Fairview mobile 989-289-9219

NORTH AREA

EAST AREA Supervisor: Michael Marvin Marlette Office..........................989-635-3650 Gary Best .......................................810-664-4984 Lapeer mobile 586-484-9279 Bulk Tank Calibration Christy Dinsmoore ................................................

Fairgrove mobile 989-528-9102

Supervisor: Jack Stickler St. Louis Office..........................989-681-5183

Richard Fluegge .....................................................

Cass City mobile 248-709-0283

Preston Cole, ................................231-584-2587 Mancelona mobile 989-289-9301

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

Marlette mobile 989-670-4864

Frank Brazeau...............................920-834-4059 Oconto, Wis. mobile 906-250-0337

Jody Bugaiski............................................................

North Street mobile 989-289-8610

Jack Stickler...................................989-561-5022 Remus mobile 989-289-9075

SOUTH AREA

Steven Lehman............................989-875-3441 Ithaca mobile 989-330-1638

Supervisor: Dale Ledebuhr Battle Creek Office..................269-962-5550

Kendra Stieg.............................................................

Hersey mobile 231-414-4539

Steve Beroza .................................269-623-8178 Delton mobile 269-986-6792

Duane Farmer............................. 517-552-3976 Howell mobile 586-484-9278

David Brady...................................517-522-5965 Grass Lake mobile 517-937-9061

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

Coleman mobile 989-289-9686

Gary Hughes.................................517-568-3655 Homer mobile 269-986-6793

Jeremy Droscha.......................................................

Lyons mobile 989-289-6617 Lyndsay Stakenas....................................................

Fremont mobile 231-519-2455

Dale Ledebuhr.......................269-965-2474 Battle Creek mobile 269-986-6791 Ed Zuchnik.................................................................

Three Rivers mobile 269-967-7351

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 Constantine: 800-391-7560 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. Daily MERCHANDISE—ST. LOUIS Supervisor: Joe Mishler............989-681-2334 Fax.................................................989-681-3988 Toll Free.......................................877-367-6455 Orders (Novi).......800-572-5824 then dial 2

Michigan Milk Messenger 35