Michigan Milk Messenger: August 2013

August 2013 Volume 96 Issue 2

Hitting the 100# Milk Production Mark

Michigan Milk Messenger 1

2 August 2 June2013 2012

August 2013

19

Contents

Volume 96 Issue 2 www.mimilk.com

Features

14

11 2013 OYDC Picnic 12 Leaders Confident in Ag’s Future 13 2013 District OYDCS 14 Taking Off the Brakes -A Snapshot of Milk

Production Gains and What’s Driving Them

22

16 Q&A with MSU Extension Dairy

Educator Melissa Elischer 18 Supreme Champion Dairy Heifer

Tops Livestock Sale 19 It’s Not About the Cows 22 Volunteers Make the 16th Annual Great Dairy

Adventure a Success

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........................................ 24 Freeliners........................................................ 26 Classifieds...................................................... 28 Policies........................................................... 29 Market Report................................................ 30 MMPA Lab Lines........................................... 31 MMPA Staff ................................................... 31

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.

August 2013 Volume 96 Issue 2

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

(ISSN 0026-2315)

Hitting the 100# Milk Production Mark

Michigan Milk Messenger 1

On the Cover Making great strides in cow comfort, nutrition and health over the past three decades, many Michigan producers are achieving once unthought-of milk production levels. Read more about this herd size-defying phenomenon on page 14.

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 2,000 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

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.

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

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 Richard Thomas, Middlebury, IN Michael Oesch, Middlebury, IN

269-671-5050 574-825-5198

574-825-2454

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 August 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

Recent Case of TB Creates Questions

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his past March, we were surprised to learn that bovine Tuberculosis (b-TB) had been identified in a dairy herd in Saginaw County, Mich. This presents a serious concern, even though b-TB poses no threat to humans if the milk from an infected animal is pasteurized and the meat is thoroughly cooked. Michigan has been dealing with b-TB in dairy and beef herds since 2000 and received “split state” status from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 2004. This means herd testing is limited to areas in which b-TB has been identified in a herd or in deer. Prior to this news about Saginaw County, b-TB in beef or dairy herds in Michigan had been confined to the northeast Lower Peninsula.

The area where b-TB has been identified has been designated by the USDA as a Modified Accredited Zone (MAZ) and includes Alcona, Alpena, Montmorency and Oscoda counties.

The announcement of a b-TB positive beef or dairy animal in the MAZ, while not commonplace, wouldn’t be a surprise. But the finding in Saginaw County was not expected. The diseased animal had three counties between itself and the MAZ.

Not only is there quite a distance between Saginaw County and the MAZ, but subsequent testing of the Saginaw County herd found a high prevalence of b-TB in the herd. The first b-TB positive animal was identified at slaughter when lesions were spotted on the carcass, at which point it was pulled out of the food chain. Samples of tissue were analyzed, and when they were found to be b-TB positive, Michigan Department of Agriculture

and Rural Development (MDARD) started applying its comprehensive protocol of tracing the origin of the disease. One part of that process requires the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) to harvest deer in a circle around an infected livestock facility (two mile radius first and then ten miles) looking for b-TB in deer. To date none has been found in the Saginaw County situation, and that is a good thing. Another standard procedure involves trapping and testing cats and small wild carnivores on the farm and surrounding area.

Tracking inbound and outbound cattle from an infected farm is essential and another part of the tracing process. It can take some time. If, for example, a farm is using natural service in its breeding program and purchasing bulls from outside sources, those outside source herds are tested for b-TB. If cattle from an infected herd have been moved to another facility, that herd would need to be tested for b-TB. Deacon calves sold to a neighbor would necessitate testing on the neighbor farm.

The lengthy process to identify the source of the Saginaw County b-TB continues today, with no stone being left unturned and many other agencies involved in the search. Since early 2007, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags have been required before Michigan cattle can be moved so that their whereabouts can be traced to control and eradicate disease. Each farm has a unique identification number, and, for a time in 2012, RFID tags weren’t used in this particular Saginaw County herd. That, of course,

has compounded the difficulty of conducting the trace process in a timely and efficient manner.

Many questions have been asked in the past months: What went wrong for this situation to develop? Where did the organism come from? What impact will b-TB being discovered outside the MAZ have on the rest of the livestock industry in Michigan? Will we keep our split-state status, or will we have to resume widespread herd testing?

The question of split-state status is the primary focus for most producers.

They know what a hassle herd testing can present, not to mention production losses due to the extra handling of cows the testing requires. The current status is “wait and see.” USDA wants to monitor the current situation to confirm that Michigan has an adequate protocol in place before they make a decision on Michigan’s split-state status.

Regardless of USDA’s decision, I think we can count on stricter enforcement of the RFID program in the b-TB free areas of Michigan. A comprehensive cattle dealer licensing program with enhanced record keeping requirements will also probably be put in place. MMPA will continue to be actively involved in the process to bring about reasonable responses to any weaknesses in the current system.

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

Maintaining Cow Comfort in the Heat

T

As the chart shows, cows may exhibit signs of heat stress at relatively low temperatures when coupled with higher relative humidity. As one might imagine, higher producing cows are more susceptible to heat stress than lower producing cows because of their greater rumen activity and metabolic respiration.

his summer has started out much differently than 2012. I thought this column may not really be relevant this summer, until a few weeks ago.

As I write this, the heat, and especially the humidity, have certainly hit the Great Lakes area. The rising temps can affect milk production if cow comfort measures aren’t taken to mitigate heat stress.

Members can also make this determination themselves by reviewing their production records. By graphing their monthly milk production over a few consecutive years, members can generate a good visual to indicate their personal production trend. If there is a production “slump” during the summer months that cannot be explained by a change in cow numbers, then there’s probably an opportunity to increase production by improving cow comfort through increased ventilation and sprinklers.

Below is a Temperature Humidity Index (THI) chart recently developed at the University of Arizona. The THI stress threshold has been reduced from 72 to 68, meaning milk production loss and lower reproduction efficiency have been noted whenThey theareTHI reaches affected at a THI of 68.

68. For those unfamiliar with the

by R. B. Zimbleman and R. J. Collier THI number, it is an index number that factors in both temperature and humidity, as the name suggests. It’s similar to what we know as the “heat index.”

Heat hits cows sooner than we thought

ERE is the new Temperature Humidity Index (THI) chart developed here at the University of Arizona. It takes into account new information from both controlled trials and large-herd field studies under a variety of climatic conditions involving high-producing cows.

The new THI stress threshold is 68. At this THI, respiration rate (RR) exceeds 60 breaths per minute (BPM), and we begin to see milk

The authors are with the Department of Animal Science at the University of Arizona, Tucson.

THI level, death rate will begin to rise.

Severe stress results when lactating cows are exposed to THI levels above 90. The respiration rate of cows will be maximal (120 to 140), and rectal temperature will exceed 106°F or 41°C. Milk yield losses will exceed 20 percent, and death rate will rise sharply.

We now know that cows are affected by THIs as low as 68. This underscores the vital importance of providing facilities and cowhandling strategies that minimize the effects of heat stress.

yield losses. The rectal temperature (RT) of cows will rise above 101.3°F or 38.5°C. We recorded mild to moderate stress between THI levels of 72 and 79. The respiration rate of cattle in this THI range will exceed 75, and rectal temperature will rise above 102.2°F or 39°C. Moderate to severe stress is present between THI levels of 80 and 89. Cows in this zone will have respiration rate greater than 85 breaths per minute, and rectal temperature will exceed 104°F or 40°C. At this

cut here

Temperature F 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 0

0 C 22.0 23.0 23.5 24.0 24.5 25.0 25.5 26.0 26.5 27.0 28.0 28.5 29.0 29.5 30.0 30.5 31.0 31.5 32.0 33.0 33.5 34.0 34.5 35.0 35.5 36.0 36.5 37.0 38.0 38.5 39.0 39.5 40.0 40.5 41.0 41.5 42.0 43.0 43.5 44.0 44.5 45.0 45.5 46.0 46.5 47.0 48.0 48.5 49.0

% Relative Humidity 0 64 65 65 66 66 67 67 67 68 68 69 69 70 70 71 71 72 72 72 73 73 74 74 75 75 76 76 76 77 77 78 78 79 79 80 80 81 81 81 82 82 83 83 84 84 85 85 85 86

5 65 65 66 66 67 67 68 68 69 69 69 70 70 71 71 72 72 73 73 74 74 75 75 76 76 77 77 78 78 79 79 79 80 80 81 81 82 82 83 83 84 84 85 85 86 86 87 87 88

10 65 66 66 67 67 68 68 69 69 70 70 71 71 72 72 73 73 74 74 75 75 76 76 77 77 78 78 79 79 80 80 81 81 82 82 83 83 84 84 85 85 86 86 87 87 88 88 89 89

15 65 66 67 67 68 68 69 69 70 70 71 71 72 72 73 73 74 75 75 76 76 77 77 78 78 79 80 80 81 81 82 82 83 83 84 84 85 85 86 86 87 87 88 88 89 89 90 90 91

20 66 66 67 68 68 69 69 70 70 71 71 72 73 73 74 74 75 75 76 76 77 78 78 79 79 80 80 81 82 82 83 83 84 84 85 85 86 87 87 88 88 89 89 90 90 91 92 92 93

25 66 67 67 68 69 69 70 70 71 72 72 73 73 74 74 75 76 76 77 77 78 79 79 80 80 81 82 82 83 83 84 84 85 86 87 87 88 89 89 90 90 91 92 92 93 93 94 94 95

30 67 67 68 68 69 70 70 71 72 72 73 73 74 75 75 76 76 77 78 78 79 80 80 81 81 82 83 83 84 84 85 86 86 87 88 88 89 89 90 91 91 92 92 93 94 94 95 96 96

35 67 68 68 69 70 70 71 71 72 73 73 74 75 75 76 77 77 78 79 79 80 80 81 82 82 83 83 84 85 86 86 87 88 88 89 89 90 91 91 92 93 93 94 95 95 96 97 87 98

40 67 68 69 69 70 71 71 72 73 73 74 75 75 76 77 77 78 79 79 80 81 81 82 83 83 84 85 85 86 87 87 88 89 89 90 91 92 92 93 94 94 95 96 96 97 98 98 99 100

45 68 68 69 70 71 71 72 73 73 74 75 75 76 77 78 78 79 80 80 81 82 82 83 84 85 85 86 87 87 88 89 89 90 91 91 92 93 94 94 95 96 96 97 98 98 99 100 101 101

50 68 69 70 70 71 72 73 73 74 75 75 76 77 78 78 79 80 80 81 82 83 83 84 85 86 86 87 88 88 89 90 91 91 92 93 94 94 95 96 96 97 98 99 99 100 101 102 102 103

55 69 69 70 71 72 72 73 74 75 75 76 77 78 78 79 80 81 81 82 83 84 85 86 86 87 87 88 89 90 90 91 92 93 93 94 95 96 96 97 98 99 99 100 101 102 102 103 104 105

60 69 70 70 71 72 73 74 74 75 76 77 78 78 79 80 81 81 82 83 84 85 85 86 87 88 88 89 90 91 92 92 93 94 95 95 96 97 98 99 99 100 101 102 102 103 104 105 106 106

65 69 70 71 72 73 73 74 75 76 77 77 78 79 80 81 81 82 83 84 85 85 86 87 88 89 89 90 91 92 93 94 94 95 96 97 98 98 99 100 101 102 102 103 104 105 106 106 107 108

70 70 71 71 72 73 74 75 76 76 77 78 79 80 81 81 82 83 84 85 86 86 87 88 89 90 91 91 92 93 94 95 96 96 97 98 99 100 101 101 102 103 104 105 106 106 107 108 109 110

The University of Kansas has the following ventilation and sprinkler recommendations for reducing heat stress:

75 70 71 72 73 74 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 111

80 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 111 112 113

85 71 72 73 74 75 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 94 95 96 98 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115

90 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 95 96 98 99 100 101 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117

95 72 73 74 75 76 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 96 98 99 100 101 102 103 103 104 106 107 108 109 110 111 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118

100 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120

FATAL CONDITIONS

Stress Threshold Respiration rate exceeds 60 BPM. Milk yield losses begin. Repro losses detectable. Rectal temperature exceeds 38.5 0C (101.30F) Mild-Moderate Stress Respiration rate exceeds 75 BPM. Rectal temperature exceeds 380C (102.20F) Moderate-Severe Stress Respiration rate exceeds 85 BPM. Rectal temperature exceeds 40 0C (1040F) Severe Stress Respiration rate 120-140 BPM. Rectal temperature exceeds 41 0C (1060F)

6 August 2013

April 25, 2011

HOARD’S DAIRYMAN

H

281

“Fans should be mounted above the cows on the feed line and above head-tohead freestalls in a four-row freestall barn. If 36-inch fans are used, they should be located no more than 30 feet apart. If 48-inch fans are used, they should be located no more than 40 feet apart

and operate when the temperature reaches 70° F. Fans should be mounted out of the reach of the cattle and in a manner that will not obstruct equipment movement. Fans should create an airflow of 800900 cubic feet per minute per stall or headlock. Feed line sprinklers should be used in addition to the fans. Feed line sprinkling systems should wet the back of the cow, and then shut off to allow the water to evaporate prior to another cycle beginning. Application rate per cycle should be .04 inches/ft2, and sprinklers should operate when the temperature exceeds 75°F.”

The Michigan State University (MSU) Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Department recommends mounting the spray nozzles 8 to 9 feet above the floor and aiming the nozzles so water is directed toward the middle of the cows’ backs. Nozzles should emit large drops of water at a range of 0.1 to 0.5 gallons per minute. The sprinkler should cycle three minutes “on” – where the cows are getting wet – and 12 minutes “off ” so that the water can evaporate, causing a cooling effect for the cows. The sprinklers need to be monitored to assure cows are not getting too wet. Excess water should not run down the side of the cow to her udder and pool on the floor, as it can greatly increase the risk of mastitis.

MSU cautions that, over time, ventilation fans will not operate as efficiently as when they were first installed. Insufficient fan maintenance can reduce efficiency by as much as 40 percent. This includes regular cleaning of the fan blades; as little as oneeighth inch of dirt on the blades can significantly reduce airflow.

Continued on page 13

WHAT YOU DO WITH THE WATER, ENERGY AND TIME YOU SAVE WITH SOLO IS YOUR BUSINESS.

RELAX WITH THE KNOWLEDGE THAT YOUR CIP SYSTEM IS TRULY CLEAN. With Solo Acid Detergent, a singlecycle cleaner, you save money by eliminating one CIP phase, and the only reason you’ll need additional chlorine is to keep the pool clean!* That’s because Solo effectively removes fats, proteins, minerals, iron

and teat sealants from milk contact surfaces, keeping bacteria counts under control without ever having to “shock the system.”

For more information about SOLO Acid Detergent contact your local dealer, or call 800-225-3832.

*When used according to label specifications.

www.AandL-Labs.com • 800-225-3832 1001 Glenwood Ave. N., Minneapolis, MN 55405 ©2012 by A&L Laboratories, Inc. A&L Laboratories, Inc. is a subsidiary of Hypred S.A., a company of the Roullier Group.

News & Views The latest dairy news

June Milk Price Down from May, Still Above 2012 The USDA announced that the Federal Order Class III price for June was $18.02 per hundredweight, down 50 cents from May, but $2.39 above June 2012’s price. The June Class IV milk price is $18.88, down one cent from May, but $5.64 higher than a year ago.

Five MMPA 4-H Milk Marketing Participants Headed to Madison Congratulations to the five 4-H Tour attendees awarded an MMPAsponsored trip to the National 4-H Dairy Conference: Zeke Breuninger, Courtney Heisler, Blake Lulham, Allison Pung and Libby Venema.

Students earned the trip with high quiz scores and outstanding interviews relating to their experience at the 2013 MMP 4-H Milk Marketing Tour.

We also congratulate the first alternate, Jennie Bromley, and second alternate, Kayle Jakus.

National DHIA Scholarship Application Available Online National Dairy Herd Information Association (NDHIA) is offering $750 scholarships to full-time incoming and continuing students at technical, two-year and four-year colleges/universities. To be eligible for a National DHIA scholarship, the applicant must be a family member or employee of a herd on DHI test, a family member of a DHI employee or an employee of a DHI affiliate. The DHI affiliate for the herd or affiliate employee must be a member of National DHIA. (NorthStar Cooperative DHI Services, Indiana State Dairy Association, Dairy Lab Services, Dairy One Cooperative Inc., Arizona DHIA, DHI Cooperative Inc., Idaho DHIA, Lancaster DHIA, Minnesota DHIA, Puerto Rico DHIA, Rocky Mountain DHIA, Tennessee DHIA, Texas DHIA, United Federation of DHIAs, Vermont DHIA and Washington State DHIA are National DHIA members.)

Judges will evaluate applicants based on scholastic achievements, leadership, community activities and work experience, experience and knowledge of DHIA and response to questions on the application. Applications are due Oct. 15, 2013.

Recipients will be announced at the 2014 National DHIA annual meeting.

To apply for a National DHIA scholarship, log on to: www.dhia.org and download and complete the electronic application form. For more information, contact Barb Roth, National DHIA scholarship committee chair, at roth250@ ix.netcom.com, or 616-897-7435; or JoDee Sattler, National DHIA communications and events manager, 608-848-6455, ext. 112, or jdsattler@dhia.org.

National DHIA will award approximately 20 $750 scholarships. Generous contributions from National DHIA members, friends and supporters help fund these scholarships.

Producers scoring 95 percent or more on Grade A Surveys and Federal Check Rating MMPA Ovid North July 2013 Acres Brothers  Aron Whitaker* Sanborn & Sons LLC*

*100 percent

8 August 2013

Upcoming Events

August 15-16

OYDC Conference Novi

Great Lakes Leadership Academy Seeks Applicants

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he Great Lakes Leadership Academy (GLLA) is seeking applicants for either the 2014 Emerging Leader Program or the 2014-15 Leadership Advancement Program. The academy is dedicated to helping develop the next generation of leadership for communities and the food systems, agriculture, natural resources, manufacturing and environmental sectors of Michigan. It is housed in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Michigan State University.

The Leadership Advancement Program (LAP) is designed to bring together leaders from diverse backgrounds and expose them to critical issues associated with the sustainability of Great Lakes communities along with innovative, equitable and inclusive approaches for addressing these issues. The LAP is designed for seasoned leaders seeking to enhance their impact on Michigan. The LAP consists of 12 sessions over 18 months and includes an international experience to provide participants the opportunity to learn from the successes and challenges of another country dealing with similar issues. The agenda features opportunities to explore quality-of-life and sustainable community issues from local and global perspectives and examines leadership for the common good in the context of cultural, social and environmental challenges facing this and other parts of the world.

The Emerging Leader Program is delivered over a seven-month period in three, four-day sessions. Its focus is developing individual and organizational leadership skills and applying those skills in a collaborative fashion. The program uses classroom-based and experiential learning to help participants develop an understanding of individual and organizational behavior and development, and to teach advanced communication and conflict management techniques.

The program equips participants with the means to assess and measure personal and professional growth and acquire advanced process and relationship skills to become effective leaders.

Applications are being accepted now through Sept. 30 for the 2014 Emerging Leader Program and the 2014-15 Leadership Advancement Program at www.glla.msu.edu.

Partial scholarships are available from GLLA for both programs to help offset the cost for those with demonstrated need. Questions should be directed to Vicki Pontz at pontzv@ msu.edu, or 517-432-8685.

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GLLA scholarship opportunities are also available for MMPA members or their children. If interested, contact Sheila Burkhardt at burkhardt@mimilk.com or 248-474-6672.

To learn more about GLLA programs or find an application, visit www.glla.msu.edu.

800.631.3510 northstarcooperative.com Michigan Milk Messenger 9

Legislative Watch Issues important to today’s dairy farmers

Agricultural Leaders Discuss Water Use and Conservation at Lansing Forum

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n June 10, Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) cosponsored an educational forum for legislative staff in Lansing. The forum was focused on the responsible use of water in Michigan’s agriculture sector and included presentations by members of the MMPA, the Michigan Corn Growers Association (MCGA) and the Potato Growers of Michigan (PGMI).

efficiency in the corn sector. Zook pointed out that the amount of water used per bushel of corn produced has been steadily dropping and is expected to continue dropping in the future.

The amount of water used to produce ethanol is also on the decline, down to 3 gallons of water per gallon of ethanol from the 1998 level of 5.8 gallons of water per gallon of ethanol.

The common theme of June’s presentation was that agriculture is becoming more water efficient as the industry incorporates new technology and best practices.

Water use is also becoming more efficient in the potato industry, according to Mike Wenkel, manager of the PGMI. New irrigator technology saves water by allowing more intelligent control of irrigation schedules and by dispersing water in larger droplets that are less prone to evaporation.

The industry also employs dam and dike systems that recapture water and ensures that it is available to growing plants rather than being lost as runoff.

The forum began with comments from Bob Kran, vice president of MMPA, who highlighted the increasing efficiency of the dairy industry in Michigan. According to Kran, Michigan’s dairy industry has seen a 60 percent increase in production with only a 25 percent increase in the number of cows. He went on to say that this improvement is a testament to the efficiency and skill of Michigan dairymen.

David Wittkop, director of plant operations at MMPA, spoke next about some of the efficiency and conservation efforts being implemented at the MMPA plant in Ovid. For example, the plant actually generates more water than it uses by condensing raw milk through evaporation and capturing water in the form of evaporative condensate. Over the past three years, the plant has averaged a net discharge of 130 million gallons annually.

Jim Zook, executive director of the MCGA, discussed increasing water

10 August 2013

The event was part of a series of monthly lunchtime sessions hosted by the Agricultural Leaders of Michigan, a coalition of agricultural, commodity and agri-business leaders committed to promoting Michigan agriculture, participating in the ongoing dialogue about issues affecting our state and harnessing agriculture’s power and potential to further grow Michigan’s economy.

House Passes New Farm Bill on Purely Partisan Vote of 216-208 The farm bill was passed July 11 by the House of Representatives in a partisan vote of 216-208. The measure left out nutrition components from the farm bill, leaving open the question of how and when those programs will be addressed by the House.

“The farm bill passed by the House of Representatives is seriously flawed, in that it contains the Goodlatte-Scott dairy amendment, as well as a repeal of permanent agricultural law,” said Jerry Kozak, president and CEO of National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF). “Neither of these measures serves the best long-term interests of dairy farmers. The Senate, by contrast, overwhelmingly passed the complete Dairy Security Act, which the NMPF and nearly all dairy farmers enthusiastically supported.”

Nevertheless, July’s action means that there is still hope that a new farm bill can be passed in 2013. Both the House and Senate versions of the bill will head to a joint conference committee where leadership from each chamber will attempt to reconcile differences.

MMPA

2013 OYDC Picnic

The annual Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator reunion was held this summer at the home of the 2008 OYDCs Brad and Tonia Ritter. Each year, the past OYDCs gather for a picnic and the chance to visit with friends.

Attendees at this year’s picnic included: front (left to right) Louisa Westendorp, Debbie Kubacki, Andrea Gasper, Carla Wardin, Gloria Crandall, Susan Heisler, Tonia Ritter, Mary Nichol, Vivian Lott, Diane Horning, Liz Nobis and Teresa Crook and back (left to right) Kathy Galarneau, Clay Galarneau, Doug Westendorp, Jeff Horning, Tim Kubacki, Aaron Gasper, Jeremy Werth, Kris Wardin, Susan Troyer, Larry Crandall, Jennifer Lewis, Duane Heisler, Bruce Lewis, Brad Ritter, Alan Nichol, Marvin Lott, David Lott, Kathy Lott, Earl Horning, Ken Nobis and Eric Frahm.

Attention Young Dairy Cooperators: Join Fellow YCs on a Trip to World Dairy Expo ‘13!

Space is Limited!

To reserve a spot, request a registration form from Laura Moser at Moser@mimilk.com or 517-652-4524 and return it by August 15 with a $50 deposit per person.

Questions? Call Laura Moser 517-652-4524.

If you’ve ever wondered what all the excitement is about in Madison, Wis. the first week of October, now’s your chance to be there in person! Join fellow Michigan young dairy farmers for a trip to World Dairy Expo, October 3-5.

Who: Michigan Young Dairy Farmers (age 18-41) What: Huge Dairy Trade Show, World Class Dairy Cattle Show and a Farm Tour on the way to Wisconsin When: October 3 -5, 2013 Where: Madison, Wisconsin Cost:

Round-trip ground transportation from Michigan & two dinners provided. Room cost ($149 + tax/room per night), gate entrance ($10/day) and lunches paid by participants.

Michigan Milk Messenger 11

2013 Ag Expo Leaders Confident in Ag’s Future

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t’s one thing for an industry to be confident in its own future viability and potential. But having the governor publicly backup that confidence is a grand slam! Consequently, this year’s Ag Expo held July 16-18 on the campus of Michigan State University (MSU) was a Cabrera-worthy homerun.

The action kicked-off early at the Michigan Ag Expo ceremonial breakfast on Tuesday, July 16. Chris Peterson, director of the MSU Product Center, was first up-to-bat, making a first-ever announcement.

He revealed, “Polling the Food and Ag Leaders Roundtable – a group of 100 Michigan agriculture leaders – about the current business climate for their enterprises, we’ve developed the first Michigan Ag and Food Index (MAFI). These leaders gave the current ag and food business condition a rating of 147. In short, this shows food and agriculture leaders are extremely confident in Michigan’s current business outlook for the sector.”

For reference, a rating of 100 on the index is considered neutral; ratings above 100 signal increasingly positive confidence, and below 100, increasingly negative confidence.

Second up, Governor Rick Snyder echoed these positive sentiments during his remarks to breakfast attendees.

Attending the breakfast for the past two years, the governor reaffirmed his appreciation and high hopes for Michigan agriculture.

“We always hear about the Big Three. But from my view, the big three aren’t auto companies. They’re our top three industries: automotive, tourism and agriculture. And agriculture is the big three segment that carried us through our darkest days of the economic recession,” Governor Snyder shared.

He went on to thank the industry for all its hard work, encouraging continuous innovation to further boost the sector’s economic returns.

In the final inning of the breakfast, MMPA hit one out of the park by purchasing a set of five collectible FFA 12 August 2013

toy tractors to support the Michigan FFA Foundation. All funds will support the over 6,000 Michigan FFA members.

And the breakfast was just the beginning. Despite high temperatures and busy on-farm schedules balancing hay and wheat harvest, many agriculturalists managed to make their way to the expo grounds during the three-day event for informational sessions, hands-on demonstrations and hundreds of food and agricultural vendors.

Top: MMPA President Ken Nobis (right) talks with Governor Rick Snyder (left) before his remarks at the 2013 Michigan Ag Expo ceremonial breakfast. Bottom: Ken stands with part of the Michigan FFA state officer team after MMPA was announced as the winning bidder for a collection of five FFA antique toy tractors with proceeds to support the Michigan FFA Foundation.

MMPA member Glenn Preston attended this year’s expo and describes his interest in the event, saying, “We haven’t missed many Ag Expos over the years. I like seeing the newest in agriculture equipment and technology and making time to meet up with friends. This year’s expo was bigger and better than ever, minus the heat of course!”

MMPA hosted a booth donning the co-op’s annual slogan, “Shared values. Shared vision.” Member representatives, MMPA staff, General Manager Clay Galarneau and President Ken Nobis took turns manning the booth and interacting with past, present and future members.

If you missed it this year, it’s never too early to start planning for 2014!

Mark your calendars; next year’s Ag Expo is July 22-24, 2014. For more information and Ag Expo recaps, visit the website at www.agexpo.msu.edu.

2013 District OYDCS District 1

District 8

Hillsdale-Litchfield Local

Mid-Sanilac Local

Nate and Alicia Baker

Michael and Jordan Noll

District 5

District 10

Evart Local

Frankenmuth Local

Continued from page 6 MSU recommends the following maintenance protocol be performed on at least a monthly basis: •

Disconnect power from the fans prior to maintenance.

•

Remove dust from controls and motors using a small blower, vacuum cleaner or stiff paint brush.

•

Remove dust/dirt build-up from fan blades, fan housing, shutters and guards with a warm detergent solution. These parts need to be thoroughly dry before operation.

Jeff and Christina Carmichael

Jeremy and Melissa Petzold •

District 6

District 11

Mid-Michigan Local

West Michigan Local

Mike and Laura Halfman

Seth and Jackie Ponstein

District 7

District 12

Mid-Thumb Local

Chippewa Local

David and Kathleen Knust

Loren Hoolsema

Lubricate pivot points on shutters and motor bearings (if they are not sealed) following the manufacturer’s recommendations.

•

Check all electrical wiring for damage. A qualified electrician should make all necessary repairs.

•

For belt-driven fans, check pulley alignment and belt tension.

Replace worn belts.

•

Reattach guards prior to operation.

•

Repower the fans once the fans are dry and the guards are in place.

If fans are thermostatically controlled, verify thermostat settings with a reliable thermometer.

Attention to the cows’ environment is extremely important to animal well-being and productivity. MMPA has energy auditors on staff that can provide more information on facility ventilation.

Members can find energy auditors listed inside the back cover of the Michigan Milk Messenger.

Nutritional Consulting

Michigan Milk Messenger 13

Taking Off the Brakes A Snapshot of Milk Production Gains and What’s Driving Them

By Alex Schnabelrauch

F

orty years ago, Steve Cary and Tim Baker would have laughed if you’d told them milk production would get to 90 pounds per cow. With typical rolling herd averages (RHA) of over 31,000 and 28,000 pounds, respectively, it’s evident 90 pounds was just the tip of the iceberg.

Thanks to a laundry list of technological advancements and a host of specialized farm consultants, what was once dubbed “impossible” is now Michigan dairy producers’ new mode of operation.

“In May, there were 11 Michigan herds (using Dairy Herd Information (DHI) testing) that produced over 100 pounds per cow and 15 producing over 98 pounds. What’s really amazing is these herds weren’t one-hit wonders either. Of those 11, nine had an RHA over 30,000 pounds and the other two were over 29,000,” explains Mark Adam, NorthStar Cooperative Inc. director of integrated services.

Even more impressive, those 11 herds ranged in size from 49 cows to 875.

Production levels that were once thought to be reserved for “the small guys,” spending excessive time babying each cow, are now being achieved across the board. Today, some of Michigan’s top producing herds are relatively small, like Baker’s 70-head herd in Byron Center. While others, including Cary’s 875-cow herd in Battle Creek, boast numbers approaching 1,000.

Dr. Mark Fox, veterinarian at Thumb Veterinary Services in Deckerville, sheds light on this sizedefying phenomenon. “In dairy, we learn from each other. We see what works on one dairy and try to replicate it, duplicating the success on others. Most of the time, this isn’t size dependent. We can use modern technologies and services no matter the herd size,” he elaborates.

14 August 2013

While every farm’s production story is a little different, a few common management elements persistently resurface when producers – large and small – and dairy professionals discuss changes that have taken industry peak RHAs from 20,000 pounds in the 1970s, to 25,000 in the 1980s, to over 30,000 today.

The Silent “I” in Dairy

Producers and consultants agree, one game-changing practice has altered the traditional agricultural “do-it-yourself ” paradigm: expanding farm management teams.

Two MMPA producers – Steve Cary (top) and Tim Baker (bottom) – boast some of the highest herd production averages in the state. Despite their varied size, both producers agree attention to detail and quality management teams make high milk production possible.

“Nothing happens by accident. Our farm’s success traces straight back to our top-notch employees – including on-farm labor and off-farm consultants – who treat this operation like their own. It’s because of our herd manager, milkers, nutritionist, Select Sires analyst, sales reps, vet, financial analysts and cropping consultants. It’s a team effort,” Cary relays.

Even from an off-farm perspective, Adam has seen the real results of seamless teamwork throughout

Michigan herds. He says, “When producers, employees and consultants aren’t on the same page, it’s a recipe for disaster. When they are, it’s a recipe for fillet mignon! Good teamwork trumps everything.”

Coupled with an ever-growing abundance of individual cow data, Michigan has a distinct advantage with numerous dairy consultants adept at interpreting herd data to make real, positive changes at the farm level. This

knowledge and expertise edge has given the Great Lakes State a definite leg-up in the national production rankings, posting the fifth highest production per cow average (almost 24,000 pounds) in 2012.

Cows 360°

Some may say contemporary dairy farmers’ production gains come from feeding truly balanced diets and mitigating heat stress. Others claim plant genetics and crop management have provided better quality forage, leading to better cow nutrition. Still others hang under the banner of cow comfort. And none can refute the tremendous role analyzing and improving paternal and maternal genomics has played in changing the dairy industry.

But tangible management changes that have historically impacted production can’t be boiled down to two or three key decisions. Rather, as Fox, puts it, “We’ve eliminated the bottlenecks and focused on taking better care of the cow. It’s not like we’re stressing cows by pushing down on the accelerator; rather, we’ve taken our foot off the brakes and cows have rewarded us with higher production, milk quality and reproduction rates.”

Cary adds, “Production gains are all about taking care of the whole cow consistently. It’s not just your feed recipe; it’s a whole group of management decisions working together. It’s planting, harvesting and storing high quality feed. It’s feeding the right way, using a consistently sound milking procedure, housing the cows properly and doing every little thing at a high quality every day.”

That same industry-wide “can-do” attitude, attention to detail and drive to continuously improve continues to propel Michigan’s advancements in full cow care and, in turn, production gains.

And with the promise of an impressive group of passionate dairy youth – thanks to Michigan State University and Michigan’s supportive dairy industry –

this train of constant improvement and innovation doesn’t seem to be stopping at the station anytime soon.

The Next 40

When asked what the future holds for production, Cary and Baker both think a 35,000-pound RHA in the next 40 years is a real possibility.

“It’s crazy to think about where we’ve come in the past 20 to 30 years, and who knows where we’ll be in another 40. Using genomics, we’re going to find more and more desirable traits we’ll be able to use to improve our production, efficiency and longevity,” Baker forecasts.

Adam agrees on the production gain potential of improved genetics.

He explains, “The dairy industry is in a genetic road race and we don’t even know where our destination will be.

We can’t be your grandpa’s DHI or AI service anymore. Our producers

are constantly demanding more and improved services.”

While modest production gains may be a pleasant consequence moving forward, Fox predicts the “fruit” of dairy industry improvements may come in other forms, like the continued downward momentum of somatic cell counts (SCC). From his perspective, volatile markets and slim margins will make profitability and efficiency perpetual frontiers of dairy conquest.

Regardless of what innovations materialize and what RHAs, SCCs or profitability levels are achieved, everyone can see the future of dairy is rapidly moving forward. The wheels of progress are picking up speed and it’s anyone’s guess where the momentum will take us.

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Michigan Milk Messenger 15

A & Q

with MSU Extension Dairy Educator Melissa Elischer An Indiana-native with two animal science degrees – bachelor’s from Purdue and master’s from Michigan State University (MSU) – Melissa Elischer took over as the MSU Extension dairy educator on June 1. Taking the reins during the height of the Michigan Dairy Youth Program’s “busy season,” Melissa is already diving into the position head first. We caught up with her before Dairy Days to share her background and plans for the program.

Melissa Elischer, MSU Extension dairy educator, updates brackets during the 2013 Michigan Dairy Days quiz bowl competition.

What’s your agriculture background?

Why do you enjoy working with students?

My ties to agriculture started during my undergrad years at Purdue. I was in a different major and was very unhappy with what I was doing. I spoke with my family and friends and remembered what else I loved as kid. My interest in animals brought me to animal science. I took an animal welfare class with Dr. Ed Pajor, and I found my niche, my passion for learning again. After that class, I started working in his lab, and that was when I fell in love with production animals.

Students always find new ways to surprise me! They will come up with the most incredible ideas, things that have never crossed my mind, questions I never thought to ask and solutions I never saw. The students I have worked with are so enthusiastic and total sponges, waiting to soak up every last little bit of knowledge. As the students challenge me to do better, I want to keep challenging them to grow, think and problem solve so they can apply these skills to all areas of their life.

Why dairy?

When the opportunity for a master’s degree with Dr. Janice Siegford and Dr. Elizabeth Karcher opened at MSU, I jumped at it. Dairy cattle were one of the few production animals I did not have experience with, so I was very excited to get started! I’ve had the opportunity to work at research and commercial dairies around Michigan and could not imagine working with any other group of people or animals.

Why did this position interest you?

Kids and cows, how can it get better than that? From working on the various dairy events in previous years, I knew how incredible the youth and the adult leaders were. Everyone is so committed to success, and I don’t mean in just the dairy industry. Working with these programs made a difference to me during my master’s degree; it was something I looked forward to doing and inspired me. I hope I can give a little inspiration back.

16 August 2013

This is a semi-new position. What are your primary job responsibilities? Who will you be working with?

I am 100 percent MSU Extension and here to work with the 4-H Dairy Youth Program, the Michigan dairy industry and MSU. I’ll be in charge of organizing state events, such as the dairy conference in April, dairy programs during Exploration Days in June and Dairy Days in July. I’ll be creating new curriculum as an additional resource for leaders and youth.

I will also visit the counties, getting to know the Michigan dairy industry players and where the industry in the state is going.

What are your goals for the program?

Very much like the 4-H motto, I want to help make the best better. The Michigan 4-H Dairy Youth Program is

incredible. The number of people, youth and adult, who are involved, as well as the tremendous support from industry and the university, make the program what it is. I would love to see it continue to grow, bringing in more non-traditional dairy youth to showcase the versatility of dairy.

From an outsider’s perspective, what characterizes the Michigan dairy industry?

Everyone is so welcoming and passionate about what they do! The producers love their cows and their way of life and want to share that excitement with everyone. There is a great sense of pride in raising good, healthy cows and producing the highest quality milk possible.

Anything else our members should know about you? Dairy youth program offerings?

community has and partner strongly with them to make sure we are meeting the needs of today and looking into the future to prepare the next generation of dairy producers, scientists, advocates and every role in between.

Who should MMPA members contact for more information about the Michigan Dairy Youth Program?

There are a few places to find more information. Please feel free to call or email me at 517-432-4306 or elischer@anr.msu. edu, or stop by my office. I’m happy to talk about ideas and suggestions members have, where the program is now and where we are moving to in the future. Find more program details at http://www.midairyyouth.ans.msu.edu/. MMPA members may also contact their local extension office to see what is specifically happening in their area.

I want to hear from you! I have a lot of ideas for the program, where I would like to see things go, but I am only one person. I want to know what other ideas the dairy

Michigan Milk Messenger 17

Supreme Champion Dairy Heifer Tops Livestock Sale

T

he 2013 Michigan Dairy Expo got off to an exciting start when the Supreme Champion Dairy Heifer, exhibited by Lucas Moser of Dansville, Mich., topped the Michigan Livestock Expo Sale-abration with a record-setting bid of $25,000. The buyer of the dairy lot of the livestock sale was a strong contingency of dairy industry supporters who pooled their money to purchase the winning lot.

In total, $43,000 was bid on four dairy lots: Supreme Champion Dairy Cow exhibited by Parker Hardy of Tipton, Mich; the Supreme Champion Dairy Heifer; Supreme Dairy Showman Kailey Sweers of Dansville, Mich. and the Grand Champion Cheese exhibited by the Old Europe Cheese of Benton Harbor. The three dairy youth exhibitors each receive $1,000. The remaining proceeds from the sale of the dairy lots goes into the statewide dairy youth fund of the Michigan Youth Livestock Scholarship Fund and is used to support scholarships and educational grants for youth in the dairy industry.

The buyers of the Supreme Champion Dairy Heifer were: • Michigan Milk Producers Association • The Kroger Co. of Michigan • CoBank • Caledonia Farmers Elevator • NorthStar Cooperative • Dairy Farmers of America • Zeeland Farm Services • Calder Dairy • Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith, P.C. • Vita Plus • Roberts Dairy Service • Class Construction • Hardys Holsteins • United Dairy Industry of Michigan

The buyer of the Supreme Champion Dairy Cow exhibited by 18 August 2013

The Supreme Champion Heifer exhibited by Lucas Moser along with a contingency of dairy industry supporters. Pictured (left to right) Ken Nobis, MMPA; Dan Bailey, Zeeland Farm Services; Dale Hollandsworth, Kroger; Brian Troyer, Caledonia Farmers Elevator; Clay Galarneau, MMPA; Lucas Moser, Chuck Courtade, Dairy Farmers of America; Staci Garcia, UDIM; MDARD Director Jamie Clover-Adams; Gary Smith, NorthStar Cooperative; Katelyn Horning, Dairy Ambassador; Todd Hoppe, Foster Swift, Collins and Smith, PC; Kelly Raterink, Dairy Ambassador.

Parker Hardy was Meijer, Inc. for $8,000.

manager for the Kroger Co. of Michigan.

The buyer of the Champion Dairy Showman exhibited by Kailey Sweers was Kalmbach Feeds for $5,000.

The Michigan Dairy Expo is a week-long education event featuring the State Dairy Days Youth Show, educational contests and state breed association dairy shows. This year over 300 dairy youth from around the state will participate in one or more of the events.

The buyer of the Grand Champion Cheese was United Dairy Industry of Michigan for $5,000.

“The Michigan dairy industry is a vibrant and growing industry and we need to encourage these kids interested in our industry to stay involved, to stay excited about our industry and to stay here in Michigan,” says Ken Nobis, president of Michigan Milk Producers Association.

"We are proud to support the Michigan dairy industry, and especially all the youth involved in dairy program activities. We rely on Michigan dairy farmers to supply our stores with fresh, high quality milk everyday. Encouraging young people to stay involved in dairy farming helps us ensure that we can continue to provide locally produced dairy products to our customers," says Dale Hollandsworth, community

The Michigan Livestock Expo Sale is held each year following the Michigan Livestock Expo. The Michigan Livestock Expo is a statewide multispecies livestock event featuring over 700 youth exhibitors of beef, sheep, swine and goats that is designed to enhance the livestock industry, educate youth and showcase Michigan's agriculture industry.

It’s Not About the Cows

Maddie Meyer, Miriam Cook and Cameron Cook (left to right) take notes during a dairy judging workout as they prepare to give their placings and oral reasons.

By Alex Schnabelrauch

A 12-year-old takes a deep breath in, pushes back her shoulders and exhales. “I place this class 2, 3, 1, 4. 2 places easily over 3, finding an easy top in the black cow, 2, who excels in mammary system and dairy strength...”

Before taking a job at MMPA, I didn’t really see the value in knowing the difference between a Jersey and Brown Swiss or which cow in a lineup has more spring of rib. And let’s be honest, I still don’t know what that means.

Yet, dairy judging has continued to mystify me. How can something that seems like such hard work, that’s so competitive, nerve-racking and time consuming be so… popular?

“Cows aren’t the reason people do this. I can count on one hand the number of people, besides dairymen, who use their dairy evaluation knowledge in their professional careers,” Dr. Joe Domecq, coordinator of the Michigan State University (MSU) Institute of Agricultural Technology dairy management program, explains. “We just happen to use cows as a vehicle to teach invaluable life skills – communication, public speaking, networking and decision making.”

Through Their Eyes

Driving up to the farm of Dave and Lisa Wilson, you’d think they were entertaining the neighborhood. Cars and trucks lined the driveway and trickled onto the side of the dirt road.

Moms hauled crock pots and platters of snacks out of vehicles while dads gathered around a grill. Over 15 kids, donning shorts and boots, huddled in a circle laughing and sharing Fourth of July stories.

It was a warm summer night, perfect for sleepovers and cookouts; yet these Clinton County students opted for dairy judging practice instead.

“I can come here and hang out with kids that like the same things I do. They’re my summer friends, and we love hanging out and looking at cows,” Miriah Dershem, 14,

Joe and other Michigan dairy volunteers have helped thousands of students see the bigger picture. Kids don’t judge cows for the trophies, ribbons or placings. Many will never take on a dairy career. In fact, it’s not about the cows at all.

But all participants takeaway an invaluable, rare asset: self worth.

Dr. Joe Domecq smiles, watching Clinton County youth fetch heifers and cows during a dairy judging workout in St. Johns.

Michigan Milk Messenger 19

Heroes Without Capes

One of the many volunteers contributing their time and talents to furthering the Michigan Dairy Youth Program is Ian’s mom, Sarah Black.

A veteran judge, coach and Michigan Farm Bureau director of public policy, she still considers dairy judging to be the best training she received throughout her education.

“I am a volunteer that helps by simply giving back and providing the same encouragement to kids today that other leaders provided me when I was a kid. I know the tremendous value that comes from participating, and I also know they probably don’t realize it,” she humbly insists.

With too many volunteers to count, one of the major factors contributing to Michigan’s dairy judging success is the state’s abundance of support. From farms willing to open their doors for practices to businesses ponying up money to support judging trips, the Great Lakes State is home to many active dairy youth advocates, undercover heroes.

Joe Simon, from Westphalia, jots down his observations on a class of Holstein 2-year-olds while preparing for Dairy Days.

smiles. Judging introduced Miriah to cows and, after years of working on the Wilsons’ farm, she’s managed to save enough to buy four dairy animals of her own.

Some of the students in attendance have traveled to contests in Louisville, Ky., Harrisburg, Pa. and Madison, Wis. Judging has taken them to farms across the state and nation.

Another participant, Cameron Cook,15, actually lives on a dairy farm and has seen the benefits of judging spill into all segments of her life. She says, “Judging has given me the confidence to get up in front of a group and be a leader. I’m more outgoing and have had the chance to meet friends from across the country.”

For many of them, like Jan Sweers – former MSU dairy youth specialist, Ingham County judging coach and mom – it’s all about the kids. She explains, “It’s pure selfishness really… I love to watch young people grow. I love their energy, their honesty, their one-lines and movie quotes, every bit of it. And it is an absolute joy to watch them harness all that youthful talent and mold it into an admirable and marketable skill.”

For Joe this is the real success of the program. “The contest itself is gravy. If it was about the contest, I would have stopped doing this years ago. Our real success is the legacy our program has created – people coming back to help kids and invest in their futures. Now that’s what we should be most proud of.”

The Brotherhood

This kids-first mentality has created a fiercely loyal following of dairy judging supporters in every industry and region of the state. Students still recall play-by-play Dairy Days judging

For another, dairy judging is a family affair.

“I spend the car rides to judging practice using my mom’s tablet to look at classes of cows and practice my reasons,” Ian Black, 12, relays. “Over the years, I’ve learned a lot of my judging know-how from my mom and the high schoolers she works with – Lucas Moser and Lauren and Megan Bush. I want to be as good as they are when I get older.”

In the moment, most of the students don’t realize the doors they are opening or the skills they’re developing. But thanks to a host of past participants, passionate adult leaders and supportive industry professionals, dairy judging makes learning fun. And that good news travels fast.

20 August 2013

George Bush, Jess Jakubik and Tom Nugent (left to right) evaluate a class of Jersey heifers while serving as officials for the 2013 Michigan Dairy Days dairy judging contest.

classes in December and professionals laugh hysterically as they retell stories from long-passed Harrisburg judging trips. The list of volunteers and donors lining up to support the Michigan Dairy Youth Program continues to grow.

“The money and trophies really pale in comparison to the relationships made and the ‘brotherhood’ that exists among dairy judging participants, past and present. We all can relate to loathing oral reasons, or the eight point cut that kills our score. We’ve all been there,” Jan comments.

The bonds of this judging fraternity are strengthened by the sheer hours spent and effort dedicated to perfecting the craft. For those heavily involved, every weekend from the last week of Clinton County 4-H member Ian Black works on his judging skills during July to the first of November is filled with practices the county 4-H meeting. and contests. “Michigan is unique in that all of our teams – 4-H, collegiate and Ag Tech – travel Back in the 1990s, veteran dairy judge George Bush together. It’s one big family, and we grow and learn from listened to an up-and-coming judge, Renee McCauley each other,” Joe elaborates.

(Nugent at the time), give reasons. Two decades later,

More Than a Dairy Pastime

For some past participants, it’s easy to see dairy judging’s direct role in their professional career. “I use my dairy cattle evaluation skills every day in my position with the Selecting Mating Service (SMS) for NorthStar Cooperative,” Jess Jakubik, NorthStar Cooperative SMS evaluator and accomplished dairy judging alumni, says.

From an on-farm perspective Renee McCauley, coowner of Tumbleweed Holsteins and Jerseys in Lowell, agrees. Her judging visits to evaluate other breeders’ herds and setups have helped her improve her own. She uses dairy evaluation skills to pick mating pairs on a daily basis.

But both acknowledge the indirect benefits as well.

Renee explains, “Sure, dairy is the subject we use. But I have witnessed so many youth go on to excel in a broad spectrum of careers maintaining that soft spot for dairy cows. The skills gained are transferrable to any career path.”

From lawyers to vets, advertisers to nurses, dairy judging alumni have applied their experiences to all career fields and industries. Sarah confirms, “We have helped coach all kinds of kids, farm and non-farm, through the program. The same life skills are learned. And it doesn’t matter your background or interests. It simply matters that you can be committed and that you will do your best.”

Full Circle

George’s daughters, Lauren and Megan, have both worked on Renee’s family farm.

A third-generational judge, without a home dairy farm of her own, Megan has lived dairy judging’s transformation potential. “I cried during my first Dairy Days judging contest,” she recalls. “I literally watched the first class of cows walk in the ring and started bawling.”

Now, 11 years of experience under her belt, Megan is one of the state’s most accomplished dairy judges, a member of the winning Michigan 4-H World Dairy Expo Judging Team and half of the high pair at this summer’s Royal Highland Show in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Recruited by Joe from the time she could walk, coached by both Joe and Sarah and judged by Jess and Jan while reciting oral reasons, Megan is just one example of the positive returns reaped from years of alumni’s time and knowledge. And now, she’s passing that investment on to other aspiring judges – like Ian. The surprising part?

It’s not a unique story. These cross-county, cross-farm and cross-generational relationships exist throughout all corners of the state and industry.

Pay it forward. Pass it on. Give back. No matter how you slice it, the Michigan Dairy Youth Program has garnered multigenerational participants and impacted students far removed from the farm, not because of the trophies or awards. It’s all about the people.

Joe concludes, “You know it’s a successful program when people are positively changed, and they, in turn, create a ripple effect that goes on to positively impact the next generation. Those ripples are what make the difference.”

In the Michigan dairy industry, everyone seems to be connected. When it comes to dairy judging, the industry gets even smaller.

Michigan Milk Messenger 21

Volunteers Make the 16th Annual Great Dairy Adventure a Success

T

he thermometer hit 93 degrees.

Humidity climbed to 85 percent, making the heat index a sweltering 101 degrees.

But two passionate dairywomen stood, clad with welcoming smiles and upbeat attitudes, at the doors of the Michigan State University (MSU) Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock Education, just as they had for the past 16 years.

“Leona Daniels and Julie Schwab have volunteered as front door greeters since the inception of Great Dairy Adventure (GDA),” Carla McLachlan, MSU 4-H and animal science event coordinator, says. “They love what they do! Leona and Julie truly enjoy

sharing their dairy experience and advocating for their way of life.”

Both MMPA Dairy Communicators Julie Schwab (left) and Leona Daniels (right) welcome and guide (DCs) with 64 Great Dairy Adventure attendees with a smile despite the oppressive combined years heat. of experience,

And Leona and Julie weren’t Leona and Julie wouldn’t miss GDA. the only volunteers on hand to make It’s one of the highlights of their year. sure the day went off without a hitch.

“It’s always fun and exciting to see Annually, it takes over 65 volunteers all the kids and the sheer joy on their – ranging from MMPA DCs to high faces when they see the cows. We have school students, dairy professionals to watched the program grow from an MSU Extension agents – to man each idea with 400 attendees to an annual of the event’s 15 booths and education event with over 2,000,” Julie says. areas.

Top left: A member of the MSU Dairy Club teaches an MSU football player how to hand milk a cow during the Great Dairy Adventure. Top right: A boy laces a cutout cow donning Michigan dairy facts at the MMPA booth. Bottom left: Ashley Cooley, MMPA intern, helps explain the udder prep and milking process in an engaging, hands-on way.

22 August 2013

This year, youth attendees interacted with numerous dairy farmers and advocates as they navigated the “GDA dairy safari.” Students enjoyed lacing yarn around paper cow cutouts at the MMPA booth, trying-on the udder prep process with MMPA member reps, making a cheese “bug” using dairy ingredients, learning about the cow’s diet, hand milking a cow with the MSU Dairy Club and petting calves. New this year, attendees observed a DeLaval robotic milker and viewed a video showcasing the robotic milking process.

While the high heat index kept many of GDA’s loyal daycare participants at home, this year’s event boasted one of the highest volunteer counts in GDA history. Carla comments, “Many of our volunteers aren’t even in the dairy ‘business’ anymore. But they continue to support this great consumer education event because they understand its importance.

Many drive long distances to stand in the heat and crowds just to share our message.”

True, attendees will probably remember the crafts, ice cream and calves. But, happy to be under the radar, the event’s real unsung heroes are the volunteers. “It’s all about seeing the smile on kids’ faces. Our goal is to give those removed from the farm a chance to learn the truth about dairy’s health and nutrition. Nothing can compare to providing the tactile experience of petting a calf or milking a cow,” Leona smiles.

If you’re interested in becoming an MMPA DC, learning more about the program or volunteering at GDA, contact Alex Schnabelrauch at the Novi office, 248-474-6672 ext. 211.

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5 enzymes

• 4-day fermentation • 5% more silage at feed-out • Increased rate of fiber digestion • Higher starch retention tion More milk per ton of silage fed

Available through MMPA Merchandise

Over one million tons treated last year alone!

American Farm rm P Products rod ducts ucts Arlin Koglin • 989-553-3370 Michigan Milk Messenger 23

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

Label and packaging changes

I

f you have recently purchased any of our Ecolab products, you may have noticed changes to the product labels. In an effort to standardize their labeling, Ecolab has made significant changes to their product labels.

In the past, Ecolab has had to print two different labels for like products sold in both the United States and Canada. This is of course due to Canada’s use of the metric system and our use of the English Standard System. Both units of measure will now appear on the new labels.

This labeling system will eventually be applied to all package sizes. In addition, the category of a product will determine the color of its label.

For example, Cir Klenz, Principal and

Liquid 90 will all share the same color label. This color coding will also apply to all other Ecolab products. This was done in the interest of safety. Listed below are the label colors and the product category it refers too.

Red = Acid Based CIP Rinse Orange = Chlorinated Sanitizer Blue = Teat Dips

Milk Rite also has decided to make changes to their inflation packaging.

Inflations will still be packaged in sets of four as in the past, but will now be sealed in plastic bags rather than the boxes we have grown accustomed to. As is usually the case, this change was made in a cost saving effort. We

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!

24 August 2013

If you have any questions on these changes or any other product, please don’t hesitate to call us at the warehouse.

Green = Chlorinated CIP Detergent

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

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

hope this will not cause too much inconvenience to our members.

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.

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.

P

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

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 Ben Johnson 4461 Cambridge Dr. Port Huron, MI 48060 810-824-0636 Jason Koerth 7509 Aborcrest Dr. Portage, MI 49024 269-207-3773

MMPA Member Testing Fees 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

$40 $ 6 $40 $ 6 $10

• Bovine Leukosis Test

- ELISA – cows - ELISA – tank

$ 6 $10

• Milk Pregnancy ELISA

$4.50

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 25

Freeliners

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

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.

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

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

Registered Holstein breeding bulls, all AI sired from top bulls, b&w, red, red carrier and some polled, high production, low

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.

26 August 2013

SCC herd. Bulls are priced to sell. Ver Hage Holsteins, 269-673-4886 or 269-217-6076, ask for Tim. www.verhageholsteins.com.

Guernsey bull can be registered SilveradoXPieXTom Dees Clone Jackson Brothers. 989 673-3369.

Cows and Heifers

33 cows, six fresh in June, six due in July.

For more information call 989-827-9614.

75 Holstein Dairy Cows plus 10 dry cows and 10 close-up heifers. Freestall & parlor herd milking 80-85lbs/day on 2X/day. SCC avg. under 100,000. MMPA Gold Quality award winner. 100% AI bred on a mating program. 989-864-3297.

Equipment

Gross Machine shop dump wagon 9’ x 17’ on 1600 single axle Knowles running gear, $13,000. 989-640-3371, Fowler, Mich.

John Deere 8630, 4wd, 20.8x38 Tires, PTO is currently out in tractor, $15,000 OBO. John Deere 4320 18.4x34, $9,000 OBO. John Deere 3970 Chopper, new knifes last year, 7 ½ hay and 2 row corn, $10,500. Call or text 989-274-1974.

John Deere 935 disc mower with impellers 11.5 foot and Hesston 5800 5X6 twine wrap round bailer. 989-673-3369.

Calumet 3750 top fill tanker spreader excellent condition. Knight 8024 slinger manure spreader, good condition. Asking $10,500 each. Call 616-886-0969.

John Deer 3970 Forage Harvester w/ 7-ft. hay head, 3-row 30-inch corn head, VG condition, $7,000. H&S MM1 hay merger, VG condition, $4,000. Four Gehl 970 Forage Wagons Tandem running gear, good condition, $2,500 each. IH 4000 swather.

14.5 draper head, fair condition, $1,000.

Contact Keith @ 989-551-8041. Thumb Area.

Two 6200 Lilliston bean combines both with bucket elevators and sun pickups, good condition, $2,500 each or $4,500 for both.

616-754-9404.

7.5 hp direct drive vacuum pump filter and ballast tank, used about two years, like new, $3,000. Can deliver for additional cost. Also two electric motors, best offer. 810-537-2521 Sanilac Co.

Dairy Equipment

Mueller 1,000 gal. bulk tank with compressor and tank washer, $3,800. 989236-5482 or 989-763-3236.

800 gal. high performance Mueller bulk tank, agitator, two compressors, water cooled condenser, works well. 430 hydrastatic battery operated feed cart, stainless steel box, works well, $500 obo.

260-593-0472.

Zero Milk Tank with compressor & vacuum pump and calibration charts. Call 231-861-2634.

Wanted

Good working head chute. 260-593-0472.

200 ft. of Badger left hand barn cleaner chain, two years old, fair condition, make offer. 231-499-9568.

36 or more 27-inch on center self locks.

260-463-2327 ext. 5.

“Roto Grind” bale chopper, model 760, 1,000 RPM. You put any size bale in and it chops it up, saving feed as cows cannot sort out like regular hay. Bought new 12/6/2011, in perfect condition. We chopped large square bales. We have small herd so it has not been used excessively.

Reason for selling - we bought a JD silage baler, it does what “Roto Grind” did.

Asking $14,500. David Brown, Cheboygan, Mich. 231-625-2036.

Misc.

Approx. 75 straw bales, $3.00 a bale. Call 231-861-2634.

245 dairy herd in Northern Michigan.

Average SCC 100,000. Looking for heifer contracts. Four drive-thru feed lane barns.

One w/headlocks. Call 906-440-6455.

Michigan Milk Messenger 27

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

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: We can fix your scabbled floors. Diamond sawed grooves, no hammering or cracking of concrete. No hoof damage. Call Opperman Grooving Inc., Portland.

517-647-7381. ______________________________________ DAVIDSON CEMENT GROOVING, INC: NO water needed. Wider, rougher grooves for better traction. We also offer texturing for your previously grooved floors. 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. 1-800-5580112. ______________________________________ Wanted to buy: Used bulk milk tanks, 200 gallons & larger, Sunset & Mueller, 1-800-558-0112. ______________________________________ BARN WHITE WASHING AND CLEANING WITH HIGH PRESSURE AIR: Serving all Michigan and Indiana. Miller Spray Service, Inc. 574-825-9776. ______________________________________ BARN WHITE WASHING: Scholten Spraying Services. 616-895-6307. Allendale. ______________________________________

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

28 August 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 29

Market Report For Milk Marketed in June 2013

MARKET STATISTICS Mideast Federal Order #33 (pounds)

This Month

Year Ago

Total Class 1 Sales

472,445,148

464,017,429

+1.82

Total Class 2 Sales

212,954,242

281,438,074

-24.33

Total Class 3 Sales

497,446,414

434,641,307

+14.45

Total Class 4 Sales

230,518,877

234,352,676

1,413,364,681 1,414,449,486

Total Production Class 1 Utilization

33.4%

NATIONAL TRENDS (million pounds)

% Change

32.8%

Mideast Federal Order #33

Current Month Total Producers 6,132 Average Daily Production per Farm 7,683 Average Protein Test 3.01% Average Butterfat Test 3.63% Average Other Solids Test 5.75% Average SCC Count (MMPA) 171,000

2013

2012 % Change

-1.64

Production California

3,495

3,532 -0.8

-0.08

Wisconsin

2,302

2,262

+1.8

Idaho

1,154

1,154

+0.0

New York

1,141

1,098

+3.9

Pennsylvania

880

859

+2.4

Texas

800

785

+1.9

Michigan

764

737

+3.7

Minnesota

758

744

+1.9

New Mexico

679

671

+1.2

Washington

541

522

+3.6

Ohio

455

440

+3.4

Indiana

328

310

+5.8

15,800

15,544

+1.6

102,455 102,553

-0.1

* Total U.S. * U.S. Y-T-D

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

$3.3455

Butterfat Price/lb.

$1.6599

Other Solids Price/lb.

$0.3859

Class III Price @ 3.5%

$ 18.02

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

30 August 2013

$1.00 $ 19.02 $0.00089

* For 23 states

NASS Survey Prices

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

1.7810 1.5422 1.6878 0.5738

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 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 Violet Lombard.............................................

East Lansing, ......................248-520-3481 Deborah Navarre .........................................

Leroy....................................248-520-3580 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.............................................

Grand Rapids........ 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 31

Pioneer® brand inoculants help you produce high-quality corn silage.

Let a local expert help you choose the right corn silage hybrids, along with inoculants, to maximize feed value and extend bunklife. Combining high-tonnage and high-quality silage with proprietary strains of L.buchneri is a smart way to stretch your budget. And we’re there at every stage. Pioneer.com/SilageZone

The DuPont Oval Logo is a registered trademark of DuPont. Pioneer® brand products are provided subject to the terms and conditions of purchase which are part of the labeling and purchase documents. ®, TM, SM Trademarks and service marks of Pioneer. © 2013 PHII. DUPPFO13020VA_070113_MMM

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