Michigan Milk Messenger: August 2015

Michigan Milk

T H E O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F M I C H I G A N M I L K P R O D U C E R S A S S O C I AT I O N

MESSENGER

VOL. 98 | ISSUE 2 | AUGUST 2015

Inside this issue:

Milk for the Hungry

MMPA Donates Milk to Michigan Food Banks

Michigan Milk

MESSENGER Columns 4

MMPA Matters

Helping Our Neighbors in Need

6

Quality Watch

The Forgotten Months: Managing Cow Dry Off

8

News & Views

16

10 Legislative Watch

Enrollment for 2016 MPP Open

August Features 12 MMPA Secures

Level 3 SQF Certification 16 MMPA Donates 22,700 Gallons

of Milk to Michigan

Food Banks 18

Meet MMPA District 3 Director Dave Pyle

20

Managing Editor................................................ Sheila Burkhardt

41310 Bridge Street

Editors............................... Alex Schnabelrauch, Allison Stuby

P.O. Box 8002

f: 248-474-0924

Advertising Manager......................................Nancy Muszynski

Novi, MI 48376-8002

w: www.mimilk.com

p: 248-474-6672

Circulation......................................................................................2,972 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.

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MESSENGER | AUGUST 2015

Periodical postage paid at Novi, MI and at additional offices.

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

(ISSN 0026-2315)

22 20

22

Meet MMPA District 4 Director Corby Werth MSUE Energy Efficiency Field Days

25 Clip and Send Antel-Bio

Testing Form

Departments

Cover Story

24 Merchandise

MMPA recently donated

25

22,700 gallons of milk

Quality Premiums

26 Freeliners

to Michigan families in need. Read more about

28 Classifieds

the donation and how to

29 Policies

get involved on pages 4

30 Market Report 3 1

and 16.

Staff

Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) 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

Directors-At-Large Ken Nobis, St. Johns................................. 989-224-6170 or 248-474-6672, ext. 201 Rodney Daniels, Whittemore............................................................... 989-756-4935

Ken Nobis, President

Dan Javor, Hastings............................................................................ 269-948-8345

Mark Halbert, Vice President

Mark Halbert, Battle Creek................................................................ 269-964-0511

Eric Frahm, Treasurer Joe Diglio, General Manager/ Secretary Josep Barenys, Assistant Treasurer Todd Hoppe, General Counsel

James Reid, Jeddo............................................................................. 810-327-6830

District Directors 1. Hank Choate, Cement City.............................................................. 517-529-9032 2. Tim Hood, Paw Paw........................................................................ 269-657-5771 3. David Pyle, Zeeland........................................................................ 616-772-1512 4. Corby Werth, Alpena....................................................................... 989-464-5436 5. Brent Wilson, Carson City............................................................... 989-584-3481 6. Tony Jandernoa, Fowler.................................................................. 989-593-2224 7. Eric Frahm, Frankenmuth................................................................ 989-652-3552 8. Leonard Brown, Sandusky.............................................................. 810-648-4505

AUGUST 2015 | MESSENGER

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MMPA MATTERS

Helping Our Neighbors in Need

By Ken Nobis, President, Michigan Milk Producers Association

A

s many of you are aware, MMPA donated 22,700 gallons of 2 percent milk to the Food Bank Council of Michigan (FBCM) in late June. If you saw the coverage of this event in various media channels, it appeared to be relatively effortless. Yet, as is often true, the action was more complicated than it might seem on the surface.

It is not easy to give milk away because, of course, the same regulatory compliance requirements that are in place when we sell milk are also there when we give it away. It took longer to bring this plan together than we originally anticipated, but maybe that was a good thing. As it played out, the milk was made available when school was out for the summer. It may be surprising 727,000 Michigan kids are faced with food insecurity in their daily lives, and this is exacerbated during summer break when no school meals are available.

“…727,000 Michigan kids are faced with food insecurity in their daily lives, and this is exacerbated during summer break when no school meals are available.”

The gift of the milk completed in the last week of June began in February when MMPA foresaw we would very likely have more milk available than we could find processing capacity to manage in the coming months. When MMPA staff members approached the board of directors with the idea of giving some milk to a feeding program, the board agreed and gave them the green light to explore the possibility. MMPA approached one processor about the prospect of putting 200,000 pounds of milk through its system, but that business was not able to fit it into their production process.

Then in early May we learned that the Food Bank Council of Northern Illinois had teamed up with Prairie Farms and was providing milk in its system for food bank recipients. Prairie Farms is based in Illinois and also operates in Michigan and, like MMPA, is a farmer-owned cooperative. Our staff contacted the FBCM to gauge its interest in a similar project and learned that “very, very interested” was the reply. We also learned milk is the most requested food by food bank system consumers.

Next we contacted Prairie Farms to ask if they could process the 200,000 pounds of MMPA milk. They replied they could and would do it at cost. The FBCM was able to come up with funds to cover the processing, so the effort came together. In the end, 22,700 gallons of milk were made available to local food banks throughout all 83 Michigan counties.

A question frequently asked by MMPA members about this donation was, “Why don’t we use checkoff funds to do this?” There is a clear reason why this is not possible. The checkoff program is a federal government mandated program which specifically prohibits the use of checkoff funds to pay for the gifting of milk.

With a large population of children who do not have reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food, 22,700 gallons of milk falls short of the need. Nevertheless, it is more than has ever been contributed to the system before. It is a start and maybe it will help bring to light the unmet need for all kids to have access to milk, encouraging more people to contribute money and food to local food banks.

The food bank system not only provides food assistance to the working poor and others who meet eligibility guidelines, but also provides nutrition education. They try to make use of all donations, but point out to their clientele the value of nutrient-dense products like milk.

»

For more information

about the milk donation, see the story on page 16.

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Our MMPA member-owners were proud to have been involved in this cooperative effort to provide support to members of our community in need. Maybe we should consider donating milk on a regular basis so these consumers will continue to drink milk once they are back on their feet and shopping in the dairy aisle.

QUALITY WATCH

Managing Cow Dry Off

The Forgotten Months:

By Jared Lyzenga, MMPA MSU Food Systems Fellowship Intern

W

ith the busy daily lives of dairy farmers, it may be easy to overlook the dry cow pen and focus on other aspects of the dairy. This can be problematic as the dry period is a very important time in a cow’s lifecycle. Proper care of cattle through their dry periods is crucial to ensure their mammary glands have time to remodel and regenerate after the previous lactation, allowing them to have healthy and productive subsequent lactations.

While the dry period can serve as a time in which existing intramammary infections are cured, it is also a time where the animal can acquire new infections. Cattle are the most vulnerable to acquiring new infections during the time immediately following dry off and also immediately before and after freshening. With a successful dry cow program, managing cattle through these times is a priority.

“While the dry period can serve as a time in which existing intramammary infections are cured, it is also a time where the animal can acquire new infections. ”

Evaluating your Dry Cow Program To help get an understanding of how well a dry cow program is working and if cattle are curing or acquiring new infections during the dry period, a California Mastitis Test (CMT) can be a useful tool. CMT your cattle at the time of dry off to see whether or not they are entering the dry period with infections and compare it with after freshening to see what infections are present when they are coming out of the dry period. When checking your fresh cattle with the CMT, ensure they are free of colostrum which may make it hard to interpret the CMT results.

If your herd is DHI tested, comparing individual cow somatic cell count values of the first test of the current lactation with the last test of the previous lactation can help determine if your cattle are acquiring new infections over the dry period. If there are a significant number of cows freshening with new infections, your dry cow management may need some changes.

Lowering Dry Cow New Infection Rates First, analyze the actual process of drying the cattle off. Dry cow treatment can be a very useful tool to help prevent new infections during the beginning of the dry period. However, the dry treatment only works if it is administered properly and the cattle have a clean, dry housing environment.

Administering dry treatment through dirty teat ends can introduce bacteria into the udder and actually cause more harm than administering no treatment at all.

Here is a dry cow treatment protocol following milking: • Dip teats in germicidal teat dip (leave on for 30-45 seconds) • Dry with individual clean paper towel or cloth • Clean teat ends with provided alcohol wipes (baby wipes soaked in alcohol can be an alternative to improve employee compliance and teat end cleanliness) • Administer dry treatment while only passing the tip of the cannula through the teat end • Immediately re-apply a germicidal teat dip

Poor dry cow housing conditions may also lead to increased incidences of new infections. It is important to ensure your dry cows have access to clean, dry bedding at all times. If your farm has separate maternity/fresh cow pens, make sure they are kept clean and the cows have access to dry bedding in those pens as the cattle are more vulnerable to acquiring mastitis during this transition period. Hospital cows should also be kept out of your maternity/fresh cow pens as they can act as an additional source of bacteria.

When managing mastitis in dry cows, remember being proactive and preventing new infections is much better than dealing with new infections after they occur.

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& views NEWS &news VIEWS

Upcoming Events

August

August Farm Tour will Feature Manure Processing and Conservation Practices

O

September

n August 18, 2015 Michigan State University (MSU) Extension and the Clinton County Conservation District will be hosting a farm tour for livestock farmers and cash crop farmers who utilize manure in their crop nutrient program. This event will feature manure processing technologies and conservation practices that help retain manure nutrients in the root zone for crop utilization.

22 Advisory Committee Meeting, Lansing

The “What’s New with Poo” bus tour will originate from Providence

29 Oct. 3 World Dairy Expo, Madison, Wisconsin

Agriculture’s Carson City location at 9650 Roosevelt Road at 8:15 a.m. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. You may register online or by calling the Clinton County Conservation District at 989-224-3720 or the Gratiot County MSU Extension Office at 989-875-5233.

8 Hood Farms Family Dairy Breakfast on the Farm, Paw Paw 13-14

MMPA OYDC Conference, Novi

29 Pleasant View Dairy Breakfast on the Farm, Jonesville

June Class III Price Up USDA announced the Federal Order Class III price rose $0.53 per cwt. from May to June’s price of $16.72.

Class IV prices were little changed, down a penny from May to $13.90 per cwt.

Producers Scoring 95 percent or more on Grade A Surveys and Federal Check Ratings Bloniarz Farms Sherwin Wilson Pleasant View Dairy Farm LLC * Wieciech Farms Brad Pellegrini * Robert Paidl * Milton Patz Steenblik Dairy Inc Dutch Meadows Dairy LLC * Thelen Dairy Inc Berlyn Acres II LLC Glen Mast Maynard/Laura Lehman Jerry Lehman Leland Lehman* Vernon Miller Dennis Yoder Jacob Weaver David Miller Norman Beech *100 percent 8

MESSENGER | August 2015

2015 OYDC Picnic

T

he annual Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator reunion was held this summer at the home of 2010 MMPA OYDC Burke and Lisa Larsen in Scottville. Each summer 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)

Alice Schwass, Diane Horning, Gloria Crandall, Patti Jandernoa, Summer Werth, Dianne Cook, Susan Dick, Louisa Westendorp, Jennifer Lewis, Lynda Horning, Lisa Larsen and Betty Kran.

Back (left to right) James Schwass, Aaron Gasper, Earl Horning, Pete Bontekoe, Tony Jandernoa, Jeremy Werth, Tom Cook, Gordon Dick, Al Nichol, Mary Nichol, Doug Westendorp, Bruce Lewis, Ken and Liz Nobis, Jeff Horning, Burke Larsen, Ann and Dave Pyle and Bob Kran.

The registration fee, which covers the tour, lunch and all materials, is $25 per person or $40 per farm up to four individuals. Please be sure to pre-register early for this event.

“What’s New with Poo” promises to be an informative event. The tour will provide the opportunity to see practices being implemented on Michigan farms, time to network with fellow producers and learn from university and company researchers.

The processes and four farms featured on the ‘‘What’s new with Poo” tour include: • Manure handling and processing at Double Eagle Dairy. This innovative manure handling system processes manure into three or more components, each with a different nutrient composition. This system is designed to reduce the cost associated with manure application, improve manure nutrient utilization and reduce environmental risk.

• The harvestable buffers planted by Nobis Dairy. Harvestable buffers protect

water quality without taking land out of production. Buffers are planted to a grass mixture of orchard grass, timothy, perennial ryegrass and brome grass and annually provide three cuttings of dry hay.

• The cover crop rotation used by Dutch Meadows Dairy. A unique cover

crop rotation of triticale and sudan grass, which are also harvested as feed, increases the opportunity for manure application, reduces runoff and increases available feed.

• Manure separation at Vanderploeg Holsteins. Separation improves manure

nutrient management and reduces application costs. This visit will include a discussion on cow management and health when bedding with manure solids.

Amber Radatz, co-director of the Wisconsin Discovery Farms, will be the event’s lunch time keynote speaker.

Discovery Farms is a cooperative effort of Wisconsin farmers, University of Wisconsin Extension and University of Wisconsin, Madison. The farmerled program gathers and disseminates creditable and unbiased water quality information for the agriculture community, consumers, researchers and policy makers. Amber focuses on assisting farmers with manure related issues, water quality and nitrogen efficiency.

»

For more information, visit www.msue.msu.edu.

August 2015 | MESSENGER

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LEGISLATIVE WATCH

2016 Dairy Margin Protection Program Enrollment Open Until September 30

A

griculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden announced in June that starting July 1, 2015, dairy farmers can enroll in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Margin Protection Program (MPP) for coverage in 2016. The voluntary program, established by the 2014 Farm Bill, provides financial assistance to participating dairy operations when the margin – the difference between the price of milk and feed costs – falls below the coverage level selected by the farmer.

“More than half of our nation’s dairy producers enrolled in the 2015 program, which exceeded our expectations for the first year of the program,” Harden said. “We are confident that dairy farmers across the country will again take advantage of this safety net program for 2016.”

The Margin Protection Program gives participating dairy producers the flexibility to select coverage levels best suited for their operation. Enrollment began July 1 and ends on Sept. 30, 2015, for coverage in 2016. Participating farmers will remain in the program through 2018 and pay a $100 administrative fee each year. Producers also have

the option of selecting a different coverage level during open enrollment each year. Margin Protection Program payments are based on an operation’s historical production.

An operation’s historical production will increase by 2.61 percent in 2016 if the operation participated in 2015.

USDA also has an online resource available to help dairy producers decide which level of coverage will provide them with the strongest safety net under a variety of conditions.

The enhanced Web tool, available at www.fsa.usda.gov/ mpptool, allows dairy farmers to quickly and easily combine their unique operation data and other key variables to calculate their coverage needs based on price projections.

Producers can also review historical data or estimate future coverage based on data projections.

» to learn more about the Margin Protection Program:

• VISIT FSA online at www.fsa.usda.gov/dairy

• stop by a local FSA office

• visit FUTUREFORDAIRY

»

To find a LOCAL FSA office, visit offices.usda.gov

Dairy Groups Commend Senate and House for Passing TPA Legislation

M

MPA, the National Milk Producers Federation and the U.S. Dairy Export Council praised leaders in the House and Senate for passing and sending to the White House new Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) legislation.

“America’s dairy producers are supplying an even greater share of dairy products exported around the world, and Michigan has ramped up our infrastructure to meet growing world demand,” MMPA President Ken Nobis said. “We applaud the passage of Trade Promotion Authority and welcome all efforts to reach new trade deals with other nations.”

NMPF and USDEC said Trade Promotion Authority is crucial to negotiating a better deal for dairy farmers in the pending Trans-Pacific Partnership, as well as in future free trade agreements.

“The U.S. dairy industry has been a strong advocate for TPA,” NMPF President and CEO Jim Mulhern said. “In turn, we have seen a broad level of support for TPA from many

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MESSENGER | AUGUST 2015

members of Congress in dairy districts and states. TPA now must be used by our negotiators to conclude a positive outcome for U.S. dairy producers in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) so we are able to realize the net trade benefits that a strong agreement could offer to the industry.”

USDEC President Tom Suber added, “To remain competitive globally, our sector needs trade agreements that maximize our export opportunities across the wide range of dairy products produced in the United States. We are confident TPA will help the United States effectively pursue that path and expect our trade negotiators to insist on nothing less than balanced agreements with positive results for our industry.”

TPA, which expired in 2007, is important to the U.S. dairy industry because the United States now exports the equivalent of one-seventh of its milk production.

MMPA Advisory Committee District 1 Art Riske, Hanover................................................ 517-524-6015 Clark Emmons, Fayette, OH................................. 419-452-6764 Jeff Alexander, Hanover....................................... 517-740-9981 Perry Cisco, Hudson............................................ 517-404-7997 Carlton Evans, Litchfield....................................... 517-398-0629

District 2 Richard Thomas, Middlebury, IN.......................... 574-825-5198 Donald Bever, Delton............................................ 269-660-0498 Heather Wing, Bellevue........................................ 517-543-5577 Michael Oesch, Middlebury, IN............................ 574-825-2454 Danny Ransler, Gobles......................................... 269-628-4218

District 3 Burke Larsen, Scottville........................................ 231-757-2090 Bill Stakenas, Freesoil........................................... 231-757-9340 Gary Nelsen, Grant.............................................. 231-834-7610 Tim Butler, Sand Lake........................................... 616-636-8567 Nico Eadie, Conklin.............................................. 616-550-4041

District 4 Dave Folkersma, Rudyard.................................... 906-478-3023 Steve Brock, Daggett........................................... 906-753-6439 Ron Lucas, Posen................................................. 989-379-4694 Marvin Rubingh, Ellsworth................................... 231-588-6084 Jeremy Werth, Herron.......................................... 989-464-4022

District 5 Tom Jeppesen, Stanton........................................ 989-762-5399 Bruce Benthem, McBain...................................... 231-825-8182 Amy Martin, Leroy................................................ 231-388-0496 Mike Rasmussen, Edmore.................................... 989-762-5380 Bill Jernstadt, Big Rapids..................................... 231-796-4650

District 6 Kris Wardin, St. Johns.......................................... 989-640-9420 Aaron Gasper, Lowell........................................... 616-897-2747 Steve Thelen, Fowler............................................. 989-640-1075 David Reed, Owosso............................................ 989-723-2023 Jamie Meyer, Ionia ............................................... 989-640-3372

District 7 Eric Bergdolt, Vassar............................................ 989-652-6500 Steve Foley, Millington.......................................... 989-871-4028 Rod Fowler, Chesaning......................................... 989-845-6131 John Bennett, Prescott......................................... 989-345-4264 Scott Kleinhardt, Clare......................................... 989-386-8037

District 8 Mike Bender, Croswell.......................................... 810-679-4782 Scott Lamb, Jeddo............................................... 810-404-8003 Mike Noll, Croswell............................................... 810-404-4071 Jeremy Sharrard, Peck......................................... 810-404-5076 Dale Phillips, Marlette........................................... 989-635-7917

At-Large Mark Crandall, Battle Creek................................. 269-660-2229 Tom Wing, Bellevue.............................................. 269-660-0498 Bill Blumerich, Berlin............................................ 810-395-2926 Chuck White, Fowlerville...................................... 517-521-3564

AUGUST 2015 | MESSENGER

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8OO Food Safety Documents, Two Processing Plants, One Commitment to Quality Products

MMPA Secures Level 3 Y

SQF Certification Z

By Emily Helsen, MMPA John Dilland Fellowship Intern

Everyone gets hungry. Hungry for

a grilled cheese sandwich on a Sunday afternoon, hungry for a late night bowl of ice cream you don’t need but eat anyway.

But most of all, today’s consumers are also hungry for knowledge about where their food comes from.

As consumers are seeking to become aware of where and how their food is getting to them, the entire food supply chain must be more transparent, reliable and trustworthy when producing food grade items. MMPA is not immune to this trend. Reliability and trust between the food industry and consumers can be formed through the use of a food safety program such as Safe Quality Food (SQF). After obtaining Level 2 certification last year, MMPA reached the highest possible level of SQF—Level 3 Certification—in July 2015.

As a cooperative, MMPA strives to gain the utmost trust from our customers, hence our commitment to reaching SQF Level 3 Certification. This certification increases the marketability of MMPA milk and will allow the co-op to pursue and gain customers that weren’t an option before.

The continuing goal of SQF—the gold standard for food processing certification—is to help processors assess risk in food processing facilities while limiting food safety incidents.

The program streamlines plant inspections, developing consistent food safety standards across the industry. Starting in 2012, MMPA customers were setting deadlines compelling the cooperative to achieve SQF certification to demonstrate the co-op’s commitment to food safety.

ABOVE: Level 3 SQF Certification demonstrates the quality of MMPA products, such as butter.

OPPOSITE PAGE: MMPA members’ milk IS unloaded DAILY in the receiving area at the Ovid plant. Thanks to Level 3 SQF Certification, member milk processed in both Ovid and Constantine will benefit from increased marketability.

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MESSENGER | AUGUST 2015

Becoming SQF certified is no walk in the park, but MMPA took on the challenge and achieved that goal in just a few short years. In July 2014, MMPA’s Constantine and Ovid plants achieved Level 2 SQF certification with “excellent” ratings. And by July 2015, the co-op earned Level 3 SQF certification after a rigorous auditing process. While MMPA plants have always produced high quality products using food safety protocols, SQF is a widely recognized certification, trusted and accepted by domestic and international buyers.

Each plant went through a series of steps to prepare for the official audit:

“To be able to supply any of our

Step One: Identified every production phase procedure

to be SQF certified and now many of

from receiving to clean up. Those procedures were evaluated, documented and then cross-referenced with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to make sure all procedures were on track with GMP requirements.

Step two: Created five HACCP plans for each plant, in

which each plan identified and described prevention protocols for possible contaminants through each product’s complete life cycle.

Step three: Retrained employees on the new protocols and procedures that coincided with the SQF requirements.

Step four: Ensured all employees were informed about

food safety, SQF and were ready for the audit. An exam was given to employees and a passing grade was required.

products to our customers, we have those customers are requiring a Level 3 Certification,” Amandeep Dhillon, MMPA director of quality, said. “Level 2 Certification was mainly focused on developing our Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) plans and Food Safety plans. Now we have reached that milestone, MMPA is able to focus on strengthening our quality management through Level 3 Certification.”

AUGUST 2015 | MESSENGER

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Level 3 SQF Certification - CONTINUED

In addition to the demands of Level 2 Certification, Level 3 adds a quality management factor to the equation. To earn this certification both plants had to follow these steps: Step One: Conducted risk assessments based on customer

complaints and internal quality history and identified key quality factors that require special attention to maintain high quality.

Step TWO: Drafted food quality plans for each product

from completed assessments.

Step THREE: Trained all employees on Level 3

Certification requirements, with emphasis on the difference between safety and quality. This includes explaining the food quality plans for each product.

Step FOUR: Administered competency awareness quizzes

to all employees to ensure all understood the requirements of the certification.

With all Level 3 requirements in place, the quality of MMPA products is certified, increasing the product’s marketability.

With properly trained employees, less waste will be produced and both plants are becoming more efficient. “It’s beneficial to take the time and train all employees on SQF. It makes everyone more aware of what is required from them. SQF gives our employees more tools to use on the job and allows them to produce a high quality product,” affirmed Ovid SQF Practitioner Ron Steinhorst.

In mid-July, the Ovid and Constantine plants underwent SQF audits. Both were conducted by a licensed certification body and started with a desk audit which consisted of reviewing the more than 800 food safety documents that have been continuously prepared over the last few years.

From there, the audit moved on to a plant inspection to gauge whether work instructions and the correct manufacturing procedures are being followed. While on the plant inspection, employees were randomly selected to answer questions about the plant’s commitment to SQF and the food safety plans that are in place.

Lead Production Supervisor Ed LLoyd on the job at the Constantine plant. In July, both the Constantine and Ovid FACILITIES underwent a plant inspection as part of the process to obtain Level 3 SQF Certification.

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MESSENGER | AUGUST 2015

“Preparing the plants for the audit was a huge team effort. Without cooperation from the operators and encouragement from the supervisors, it would’ve been a difficult task to achieve,” said Constantine SQF Practitioner Jesse Mahoney. “The preparation process became a little easier when everyone understood the importance of this certification and how it will impact MMPA’s future by making member milk more marketable.”

Looking ahead, each plant will be SQF audited annually to maintain certifications to sustain high expectations. All new hires and contractors will need to pass food safety training before being allowed on the processing floor.

After two years preparing for Level 3 Certification, the benefits are obvious. First is the increased marketability of MMPA milk and the many doors certification opens for the co-op.

“Receiving this certification shows that we are committed to food safety and quality and Level 3 Certification distinctly sets MMPA apart from competitors” Dhillon said. “It will give us the ability to draw in more customers and be able to provide them and existing customers with an even higher quality product than we were already delivering.”

SQF Certification Level Requirements

Level 2

Food Safety Fundamentals

HACCP Food Safety Plan

HACCP Food Quality Plan

LEVEL 3

AUGUST 2015 | MESSENGER

15

Milk for THE Hungry:

MMPA Donates

22,700 Gallons of Milk to Michigan Food Banks PICTURED: Prairie Farms Account Manager Joe Risdon, MMPA Vice President Mark Halbert, MMPA President Ken Nobis, Food Bank Council of Michigan Executive Director Philip Knight, Food Bank of South Central Michigan Executive Director Keith Williamson and MMPA Member Heather Wing gathered at Halbert Dairy Farm on June 24 for the announcement of the milk donation.

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MESSENGER | AUGUST 2015

E

very year, more than 1.7 million Michiganders – including 20 percent of Michigan children – rely on food banks. Milk is one of the most requested food items. But on average, food banks are only able to provide the equivalent of less than one gallon of milk per person per year. Hungry children and families in Michigan communities are missing out on the essential nutrients supplied by milk because it’s not typically donated to food banks – even though it’s in high demand.

Continuing its support for local communities and Michigan families, in June MMPA donated over 22,700 gallons of milk to the Food Bank Council of Michigan (FBCM), a statewide organization which stocks Michigan’s food banks. The donated milk will be distributed across Michigan to support families from all corners of the state.

“Our dairy farmer owners are happy to make this donation to the children, seniors and families struggling with hunger in our local communities,” MMPA President and dairy farmer Ken Nobis said. “We’ve been a Michigan company for nearly 100 years, and we’re proud to continue our cooperative’s tradition of giving back. What better way to serve those struggling with hunger than the healthy, natural, nutrient powerhouse that is milk?”

The donation was announced at the farm of MMPA dairy farmers Mark and Fred Halbert in Battle Creek on June 24. The milk will be divided by the FBCM among the state’s regional food banks which serve all 83 Michigan counties. The donation will help

improve nutrition for food-insecure children who struggle to have enough food to grow healthy minds and bodies.

“This donation comes at a time of great need,” said Dr. Phillip Knight, executive director of Food Bank Council of Michigan. “During summer vacation, thousands of Michigan students are no longer able to rely on the meal they received at school.

Thanks to MMPA and Prairie Farms Dairy, food banks throughout the state will be able to provide milk to children and families in need.”

In total, MMPA donated 200,000 pounds of milk which was processed at cost by Prairie Farms Dairy. The resulting 22,700 gallons of 2 percent white milk will offer nine essential nutrients, including 8 grams of high-quality protein per serving and three of the nutrients most likely to be missing in the American diet – calcium, vitamin D and potassium—to Michiganders in need.

“MMPA members are grateful to have the opportunity tomake milk available to people whose incomes are stretched by various factors,” Nobis said. “In Michigan, our cow’s average production is third highest in the nation, and we are currently experiencing unprecedented growth in our industry.

As a result, the MMPA board decided it would be appropriate to share some of the highly nutritious product we produce with Michigan families who could use a little help.”

School is out for summer!

Unfortunately...

727,000

Michigan children may not know where their next meal will come from when school is not in session.

On average, food banks can provide

<1

gallon of milk per person per year

MILK is one of the most requested food bank items.

Milk is naturally nutrient-rich. It has

9 essential nutrients, including:

8

grams of high-quality protein per serving.

AUGUST 2015 | MESSENGER

17

Meet MMPA

District 3 Director

Dave Pyle

By Allison Stuby

Top: Dave and Ann Pyle BOTTOM: District 3 Director Dave Pyle tends to calves on his 167-year-old family farm in Zeeland, Michigan.

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MESSENGER | AUGUST 2015

Dave Pyle never thought he’d trade in time in the milkhouse for the board room. Yet thanks to support from District 3 delegates, he can’t wait to help guide the co-op into the next century. Dave was recently elected as the District 3 Director and joined Corby Werth to be the newest members on the MMPA board of directors.

Dave is a fifth generation dairy farmer, farming the same land in Zeeland his family has cultivated since 1848.

Today, Pyle Dairy Farm is a corporation with Dave and his sons, milking 130 registered Holsteins on 270 acres of corn, hay, wheat and soybeans.

“I grew up on this farm and I have always enjoyed it. Though I worked in Holland at a couple boat factories when I was young, but farm life kept calling me back,” Dave said. “In 1972, I started fulltime on the farm and never looked back.”

In the words of his wife Ann, he’s a man who knows what he wants and doesn’t waste time. In April of 1978, Dave met Ann and, by December, the two were husband and wife. They have three children, nine grandchildren and are happy their family remains so involved on the farm.

“Our children have always loved working at the dairy. When they were growing up, we didn’t force them to help on the farm,” Ann admitted. “This method paid off, because they grew to love dairy farming in their own right.”

“My family and their support is the reason I am able to take time to serve on the MMPA board. I am very thankful for their assistance.

Family is what makes the experience worthwhile,” Dave added.

The Pyle family enjoys hosting tours to educate others about dairy and agriculture.

Hudsonville Ice Cream recently brought food bloggers to the farm and often hosts tours for potential customers. Ann, a teacher of 35 years, enjoys taking her students on tours of the dairy as well.

Openness is a trait Dave is proud to see in MMPA. “MMPA is a super co-op,” he said.

“We are very transparent and not afraid to share information with members. When times are tough, it’s important members’ questions get answers.”

While Dave is new to the MMPA board room, he’s no stranger to leadership and brings with him valuable experience.

In the past, Dave served on the MMPA Advisory and Nominating Committees and was treasurer of the West Michigan Local.

In the 1990s, Dave and Ann were named Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperators of the West Michigan Local. He is also involved in his community and is serving on the Ottawa County Conservation District board. In addition, Dave has served on the Borculo Christian School board, the Zeeland Farmers Co-op board, Farm Service Agency board and Dairy Herd Improvement Association board.

Dave will work with the other 12 MMPA dairy farmer members on the board to set strategic goals for the co-op and oversee progress toward these goals.

“This is a critical time in our industry

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and in our country. We need to be strategic in deciding how we’re going to face the issues in our industry,” Dave said. “I am glad to see our

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current board has a good mix of farmers. Everyone comes from a different background and brings a unique perspective to MMPA. This is beneficial to the success of our co-op

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AUGUST 2015 | MESSENGER

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19

Meet MMPA

District 4 Director

Corby Werth

By Allison Stuby

BELOW: Carson, Annalee, Melissa and Corby Werth.

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MESSENGER | AUGUST 2015

For Corby Werth, dairy farming is everything. Born and raised on his family farm in Alpena, the dairy life is all he knows.

But Corby can see beyond his own driveway and strives to be a guiding force in the industry. As the newly elected District 4 director, he hopes to support MMPA and prepare for the future of dairy. Corby and Dave Pyle are the two newest dairy farmer members of the MMPA board of directors.

Corby shares ownership of Werth Dairy with his father, mother, and brother. They milk 280 cows and farm 1,000 acres of corn and alfalfa.

Corby works as the farm manager and herdsman, but taking care of the farm is truly a family effort that involves multiple generations. Even Corby’s teenage children, daughter, Annalee, and son, Carson, work on the farm.

Annalee recently began milking cows, and Carson helps with calf care.

Corby is grooming Carson to become the fifth generation Werth to nurture their land and cattle since 1917.

“I love the challenge of dairy farming; it makes you stronger. And being raised on a farm, it’s just something in your blood,” Corby said. “My son is following in my footsteps and it’s great that he gets to grow up here and be involved with our operation before he gets ready to take over.”

Corby and his wife, Melissa, were high school sweethearts and will celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary later this year. “Melissa was raised in town and now works at a hospital, but she followed me back to the farm and has somehow acclimated to farm life quite well. We live right next to the dairy and she enjoys the environment and helping out,” Corby said.

Though family and farming are of utmost importance to Corby, he sees value in taking the time to be involved in MMPA. His family’s knowledge and experience can provide insight to help the co-op move forward.

“We’re a fourth generation farm

Gov. Snyder Signs Bill Extending MAEAP Through 2021

A

legislative bill reauthorizing the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) was signed into law by Governor Snyder on July 15. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Dan Lauwers (R-Brockway Township), extends MAEAP through 2021 and broadens the certifications for MAEAP from three years to five years. Existing MAEAP farms will be extended to five years from their original verification date.

The legislation also provides for expanding the MAEAP funding base by taxing all fertilizers and extending the sunset of those fees to 2021.

One of the key components of the new legislation is the creation of a tiered recognition program to highlight a farmer’s efforts as they implement environmental practices, but have not yet achieved MAEAP verification.

and, through time, we’ve learned how to tackle the challenges and changes that go along with dairy farming,” Corby explains. “MMPA has always been here for our dairy and good to my family. It’s important for me to stay involved and help shape the direction and future success of our co-op.”

Prior to joining the board, Corby was vice chair of the Advisory Committee and local and district president.

Outside of MMPA, Corby has served on the United Dairy Industry of Michigan board and the Michigan Dairy Market Committee. His experience will help guide decision making to make the best choices possible for MMPA members.

Alongside the other 12 MMPA member dairy farmers on the board, Corby will formulate strategic goals for the co-op and oversee progress toward these goals.

“We are at the cusp of our 100th year as a co-op. As we begin our next century, I want to see

“We appreciate the efforts of Rep. Lauwers and Senator Mike Green and their work on the MAEAP bill,” MMPA President Ken Nobis stated. “The creation of a tiered recognition system is something we had requested through the bill development process. The tiered system will help with MMPA’s sustainability efforts by recognizing the work of dairy producers in implementing environmental practices before they become MAEAP verified.”

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MMPA continue to grow, maintain a stable market and uphold MMPA’s reputation,” he affirmed.

“It’s important the other board members and I are responsible and make decisions in the best interests of the members.”

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

AUGUST 2015 | MESSENGER

21

MSUE Energy Efficiency Field Days

T

wo MMPA members are opening up their barn doors in late August and early September to showcase innovative

technologies and how to improve energy efficiency on their operations. Organized by Michigan State University extension and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s State Energy Program through the Michigan Energy Office, Michigan Agency for Energy, these tours are set up in a hands-on, question and answer format.

Register today and learn more about applications for these sustainable technologies on your farm!

Wing Acres Dairy Long Day Lighting System Tour

Biomass Heating and Milking Parlor Energy Efficiencies Field Day

Michigan dairy farmers have been unsuccessful in attaining the full benefits of long day lighting (LDL) due to technical difficulties in measuring and maintaining light intensity and appropriately controlling the lighting system.

Weiss Centennial Farm’s biomass heating system and milking parlor energy conservation equipment will be showcased during this field day. The biomass heating system uses radiant heat from a gasifier to heat farm buildings and provide hot water for sanitary purposes in the milking parlor.

In cooperation with MMPA and funded by a grant from the Michigan Energy Office, a LDL project was initiated by Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Department researchers at MSU to address technical difficulties preventing LDL from being adopted on Michigan dairy farms. Wing Acres Dairy’s LDL system successfully resolved technical difficulties encountered in the past and has been fully operational since January 2014.

The complete LDL system will be showcased at a twilight meeting at Wing Acres Dairy. Topics will include the LDL design and control system, the impact of LDL on milk production and herd health, the role of energy audits in securing dollars to implement a LDL system and sources of funding available to implement components of a LDL system.

Date:

Thursday, August 27, 2015

Time:

8:00 - 10:00 PM

Location: Wing Acres Dairy, 15335 Wing Road, Bellevue, MI 49021 Register: There is no registration fee, but you are asked to register in advance. To register go to events.anr.msu.edu/2015LDLFieldDay.

Topics will include robotic milkers, biomass heating design and control system, obtaining milking parlor energy efficiencies and sources of funding available to implement energy conservation practices.

Weiss Centennial Farm is a 60-cow dairy in Michigan’s Thumb area. For more information about the dairy go to www.weisscentennialfarm.com. For more information about Heiss Heaters go to www.heissheaters.com.

Date:

Thursday, September 3, 2015

Time:

9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. (lunch is included, families may participate in the farm’s corn maze following lunch free of charge)

Location: Weiss Centennial Farm, 5450 Weiss Road, Frankenmuth, MI 48734 Register: There is no registration fee, but you are asked to register in advance to aid in determining food counts. To register go to events.anr.msu. edu/2015DairyBiomassHeating.

Questions about the Wing Acres Dairy Long Day Lighting System Tour or Weiss Centennial Farm Biomass Heating and Milking Parlor Energy Efficiencies Field Day can be directed to Al Go, goaluel@egr.msu.edu or 517-214-6128, or Charles Gould, gouldm@msu.edu or 616-994-4547. Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by contacting Charles Gould by August 13 to make arrangements. Requests received after this date will be fulfilled when possible.

22

MESSENGER | AUGUST 2015

Do you host farm tours, or plan to in the future?

Whether your family is just starting to host farm tours, or you’re a seasoned farm tour pro, a new farm tour toolkit is available. It provides:

The New Recipe Booklets Are In! New recipe booklets are available. These dairy recipes were created by influential bloggers across the state. Contact us to learn more and to place your order.

1-800-241-MILK (6455)

• Sample messages to help share your dairy experience with visitors • Tips for inviting schools to your farm • A sample farm tour plan, including messages to share at various areas of the farm • Tips for customizing each tour to fit the audience’s needs • Activities to engage visiting children Contact Jolene Griffin at 800-241-6455 or jolene@milkmeansmore.org for more information, and to share your farm tour experiences with us.

Dairy Promotion Grows Cheese Sales The United Dairy Industry of Michigan continued their strong relationship with Michigan-based Domino’s® pizza brand through a March promotion that offered consumers 50 percent off online orders, resulting in an additional 150 orders per store. With consumer coupon purchases trending towards more cheese-heavy specialty pizzas, Domino’s® estimates Michigan stores sold 13,000 + incremental pounds of cheese as a result of this partnership.

AUGUST 2015 | MESSENGER

23 23

MERCHANDISE merchandise

New Bulk Tank Brush The merchandise warehouse is now carrying a new style of bulk tank brush in addition to the round version. The new style is a 4 ½” x 8 ½” oval brush which will accept a standard threaded handle. It consists of a plastic block and features type 6.6 nylon bristles that soften when exposed to water for excellent soft scrubbing, safe for stainless steel.

The warehouse is also stocking a 48” threaded fiberglass handle for use with this brush. These handles are lightweight and durable. They will not warp, crack or chip from moisture. Stock numbers and prices are listed below.

Stock # Description Member Price 4246 Oval Bulk Tank Brush

$23.63

4703 48” Fiberglass Handle $14.45

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

Order your Member Merchandise supplies through your hauler.

ECOLAB 24 -Hour Medical Emergency Hotline: 1-800-328-0026 For Service, call the Ecolab Service Message Center

Out of Stock

1-800-392-3392

As reported last month, much of the A&L product line is being discontinued.

We will try to keep you informed when products have been depleted from our stock. Listed below are the items that have recently been exhausted.

Out of stock

Replacement

Stock #

Stock #

Description

3506 Al-Chlor-10 15 gal.

6999 Equipment San. 15 gal.

3510 Aloe Dip 15 gal.

6994 Teat Glo 15 gal.

3505 Aloe Dip 5 gal.

6118 Teat Glo 5 gal.

3511 Aloe Dip 55 gal.

6097 Teat Glo 55 gal.

3501 Chlorkleen 15 gal.

6987

3521

6093 Conquest 15 gal.

ProClean II 15 gal.

Port Clinton, OH 43452

Description

6992 Envirocid plus 15 gal.

3545

5303 E. Swan Drive #3 419-797-2101

350 Acid HD 15 gal.

Kleen 100 15 gal.

or Stan Palmer

Principal 15 gal.

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

6972 Liquid HD 325 15 gal.

Pat Mitchell 7273 N. Rollin Hwy.

Three Ways to Order your MMPA Merchandise

Addison, MI 49220 517-403-0928

1. Place order through your milk hauler 2. Call in your order: Duane Farmer, Supervisor.................................... 989-317-8370

Toll Free....................................................................877-367-6455

Orders (Novi).................................... 800-572-5824 then dial 2 3. Fax in your order:

MMPA Merchandise fax..........................................989-317-8372

A & L Laboratories 24 -Hour Medical Emergency Hotline: 1-800-424-9300 Jeff Timm NW 8665 C.R. M Shawano, WI 54166 612-840-0555

24

MESSENGER | AUGUST 2015

premiums merchandise

MMPA Quality Premium Program

MMPA Member Testing Fees

Somatic 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:

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

Cow Tests: $1

50,000 or below............ +55¢/cwt.

201,000-225,000........... +20¢/cwt.

51,000-75,000................+50¢/cwt.

226,000-250,000............+15¢/cwt.

76,000-100,000.............+45¢/cwt.

251,000-300,000...........+00¢/cwt.

101,000-125,000.............+40¢/cwt.

301,000-400,000..........- 30¢/cwt.

126,000-150,000........... +35¢/cwt.

401,000-500,000........ -$1.00/cwt.

151,000-175,000.............+30¢/cwt.

501,000-600,000.........-$1.50/cwt.

176,000-200,000.......... +25¢/cwt.

601,000 and greater.. -$2.00/cwt.

Additional testing can be coordinated through your MMPA member representative to include:

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

All herd tests must be scheduled with the laboratory through your MMPA member representative.

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

Cow samples may be tested for: Culture for Streptococcus agalactiae, Strep non ag, Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase negative staph, gram negative and/or SCC.

Raw bacteria count and components.

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.........................................................................................................$40 - ELISA........................................................................................................$6 • Johne’s Milk Test - PCR.........................................................................................................$40 - ELISA – cows.........................................................................................$6 - ELISA – tank......................................................................................... $10 • Bovine Leukosis Test - ELISA – cows.........................................................................................$6 - ELISA – tank......................................................................................... $10 • Milk Pregnancy ELISA.................................................................... $4.50 Lab test results by mail: $2/month All tests must be scheduled through your MMPA member representative or the laboratory for proper sample submission protocol.

ANTEL-BIO Testing Loc/Hlr/Producer # _________________________________ Sample Date______________________________ Member name_______________________________________________________________________________ Sample ID__________________________________________________________________________________ blv elisa__________ Johne’s elisa____________ Johne’s pcr____________ Pregnancy_____________

Refer to above for current pricing. The cost of testing is the responsibility of the producer.

This card MUST be filled out completely when sending in samples to be tested by Antel-Bio to avoid potential service charges.

AUGUST 2015 | MESSENGER

25

freeliners To place your freeliner ad please call 1-800-572-5824, ext. 202, or fax 248-426-3412, or email your ad to: Muszynski@mimilk.com.

Freeliner Policy

Bulls

to current MMPA members

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 810-404-8548.

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

Registered year old Jersey bull.

Fertility tested. Grand Prix x Verify x Maximus. This guy should improve looks, butterfat, and protein.

Dam and granddam excellent.

517-238-5684.

Cows & Heifers Small registered Holstein herd sired by popular select sire bulls and bred the same. Call 574-370-8606 or 574-370-2667.

Equipment John Deere grain drill model FB, 15 hole with seeder, hydraulic lift, $300.

616-837-8982.

18-ft. belt elevator, $350. 20-ft.

X-fold Brillion cultipacker. Two 1,500 gal. septic tanks, $350 for 1, $600 for the pair. 810-724-8825.

Gehl 1160 Merger, good condition, $2,000 or best offer. 989-268-5789 leave message if no answer.

Bale grapler holds 15 small squares, $3,000. Weighted bags. 50 free stalls, $25 each. Blower type for harvestore silo. 810-404-2738.

26

MESSENGER | AUGUST 2015

New Holland 716 forage wagon, 16 ft. with 12 ton Kilbros running gear, 12.5 x 15 tires, good condition. $2,500 obo. 989-574-7229.

Dairy Equipment 1500 gal. Surge bulk tank, good condition. John Deere 6420 MFWD with 640 loader. 12-row anhydrous tool bar. 1747 R Moline. 616-218-9350.

Better Built 6,600 gallon tank spreader, good condition, $12,500.

20-ft. grain box with steel sides with heavy duty cylinder, grain door, needs some work. $1,250. Grain bins 8 and 14 ton $600 for the pair.

616-869-1459 or 616-292-8948.

Misc.

Part time milker needed on 300 cow dairy in Fremont area.

Call 231-218-4134.

Corn silage and snaplage for sale.

Delivery available. Call 231-250-8592.

Dairy Farm Cheboygan, Mich. 367.11 acres, includes double 16 parallel parlor, 4 years old. 2,000 gal. bulk tank, 400 free-stall barn, calf barn, commodity barn, hay barn, maternity barn, and pole barn. 45 ac. pasture by main farm. 7 bedroom brick home. Can send or email packet with pictures. Equipment list and appraisal available. Crops for 2015 are in.

This can be a turn-key operation, or raise heifers etc. Purchase price is $990,000, this is for the farm only.

Cows and equipment are separate.

We rent 600 +ac. with $40 being the highest price paid per acre. Contact 231-625-2036 or 517-202-9421.

We’re ready to make a deal!!

The Freeliners column is open 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 writing or calling the Novi office.

• Reference to a name of a firm or other commercial enterprise with which a member is involved will be deleted, with permission of the member.

• If the member does not wish such deletion, he/she may choose to have the item published as a Classified Ad at the regular per-line 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 September issue, the freeliner must be at the MMPA offic by August 10.

Wanted Registered Holsteins. Call Brent at 989-551-0681.

Concrete H bunks. Call Ray Yoder 574-825-5858.

www.mimilk.com

AUGUST 2015 | MESSENGER

27

classified ads

Cost for classifieds is $20 per ad, up to six lines. All 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. You may submit your ads by: MAIL: Classified Ads | Michigan Milk Messenger

P.O. BOX 8002, Novi, MI 48376-8002

Email:

Muszynski@mimilk.com Fax: 248-426-3412

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

REGISTERED HOLSTEIN BULLS Over 100 service age bulls for your selection!

A special herd sire or a truck load of breeder bulls.

Ready to go to work on your farm!

• Sired by the top sires from the U.S. and Canada • From our top production cows

GREEN MEADOW FARMS 6400 Hollister Road, Elsie, MI 48831 Phone: 989-862-4291

www.greenmeadowfarms.com

previously grooved floors. Three operators will travel Michigan and other states. No interest payment terms. Established since 1987.

Call 1-800-365-3361.

CONCRETE GROOVING BY TRISTATE SCABBLING, home of the 2” wide groove. Best traction, lowest prices. (800) 554-2288. www.tristatescabbling.com A SURE WAY TO KEEP YOUR COWS UPRIGHT! Concrete grooving/texturing provides high quality traction in new & old concrete, fast service. Call for your below pricing 989-635-1494. BLUE

ALFALFA HAYLAGE (excellent and fair grades) and corn silage.

989-723-1886 or 989-277-1414.

BARN WHITE WASHING AND CLEANING WITH HIGH PRESSURE AIR: Serving all Michigan and Indiana.

Miller Spray Service, Inc. 574-825-9776.

DRY HAY & STRAW (large & small bales) and barley for feed.

989-723-1886 or 989-277-1414.

MICHIGAN CERTIFIED WHEAT SEED RED & WHITE, fall barley seed.

989723-1886 or 989-277-1414.

RIBBON HOOF TRIMMING, LLC. FOR SALE: 5000-4000-30002500-2000-1500 OH MUELLER LATE MODEL BULK TANK MILK TANKS, complete, will trade.

1-800-558-0112.

WANTED TO BUY: USED BULK MILK TANKS, 200 gallons & larger, Sunset & Mueller, 1-800-558-0112.

28

MESSENGER | AUGUST 2015

Concrete Grooving and Texturing

PTO and Automatic Start Generators

Call: Jeff Brisky - Owner

1-800-248-8070 M-40 South Hamilton, MI 49419

Toll Free: 1-800-294-1202 Cell: 1-716-353-1137

www.hamiltondist.com

policies merchandise

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 member representative.

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

• If the tank tests positive (drugs present), the member 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 non-marketability 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 Milk Quality Policy 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 Mt. Pleasant 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. * The member will only be paid for two (2) voluntary dumps in a rolling 12 month period. ** 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 three or more occurances 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 cells 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.

AUGUST 2015 | MESSENGER

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MARKET REPORT

Statistical Summary | FOR MILK MARKETED IN JUNE 2015 Market Statistics Statistics--

Mideast Mideast Federal Federal Order Order#33 #33(pounds) (pounds)

This Month

% Year Ago

National Trends % Change

Total Class 1 Sales

484,648,540 484,648,540

467,110,497 +3.75 467,110,497

+3.75

Total Class 2 Sales

349,567,402 349,567,402

162,691,318 +114.87 162,691,318

+114.87

Total Class 3 Sales

331,184,579 331,184,579

539,323,620 -38.59 539,323,620

-38.59

Total Class 4 Sales

268,964,800 268,964,800

219,962,536 +22.28 219,962,536

+22.28

1,434,365,321 1,434,365,321

1,389,087,971 +3.26 1,389,087,971

+3.26

Total Production Class 1 Utilization

33.8%

33.6%

2015

2014 % Change

Production California

3,396 3,549 -4.3

Wisconsin

2,403 2,324 +3.4

Idaho

1,204 1,192 +1.0

New York

1,193

1,159

+2.9

Pennsylvania 909 882 +3.1

Michigan

865 807 +7.2

Mideast Federal Order #33

Texas

848 866 -2.1

Total Producers......................................................................................................................... 5,741

Minnesota

789 757 +4.2

New Mexico

657

Avg. Daily Production per farm............................................................................................ 8,328 Avg. Protein Test.......................................................................................................................3.00% Avg. Butterfat Test...................................................................................................................3.59%

688

-4.5

Washington 560 562 -0.4

Avg. Oth Solids Test................................................................................................................5.76%

Ohio

455 458 -0.7

Avg. SCC - MMPA................................................................................................................. 171,000

Indiana

337 328 +2.7

Component Pricing Information Mideast Federal Order #33 Protein Price /lb.....................................................................................................................$2.6915 Butterfat Price /lb..................................................................................................................$2.1011 Other Solids Price /lb...........................................................................................................$0.2322 Class III Price @ 3.5%.............................................................................................................. $16.72 Prod. Price Diff /cwt. - Mich Mkt........................................................................................ ($0.66) Uniform Price @ 3.5%............................................................................................................ $16.06 SCC Adjustment /cwt /1000........................................................................................... $0.00086

AMS Survey Prices Product

Monthly Avg

Cheese /lb................................................................................................................................. 1.7222 Butter /lb................................................................................................................................... 1.9065 Nonfat Dry Milk /lb................................................................................................................ 0.9283 Dry Whey /lb............................................................................................................................. 0.4245 30

(million pounds)

MESSENGER | AUGUST 2015

*Total U.S.

16,354

16,241

+0.7

*U.S Y-T-D

98,764

97,287

+1.5

* For 23 States

mmpa staff merchandise

MMPA Field Staff*

Novi Headquarters

Northwest Area

Main Office Local line.........................................................................................248-474-6672 Toll free............................................................................................800-572-5824

Ben Chapin, Supervisor, Blanchard.......................................... 989-289-0731 Frank Brazeau, Energy Auditor, Oconto, WI..................... 906-250-0337 Lyndsay Earl, Ludington................................................................... 231-519-2455 Sarah Michalek, Portland...............................................................248-305-0537 Deb Navarre, Leroy..........................................................................248-520-3580

General Manager Joe Diglio.................................................................................................... ext. 200 Chief Financial Officer Josep Barenys.......................................................................................... ext. 240

Dirk Okkema, Blanchard.............................................................. 248-756-2062

Member Services Dean Letter.................................................................................... 989-289-9251

Northeast Area

Milk Sales/Dispatch Carl Rasch....................................................................................................ext. 244

Christy Dinsmoore, Supervisor & Mastitis Management Specialist, Fairgrove......................248-513-7920 Lindsay Green, Energy Auditor, East Lansing....................989-488-8159 Ashley Herriman, Alpena.............................................................. 269-245-6632 Angie Kirsch, Harbor Beach...........................................................231-414-4539

Laboratory Supervisor Patti Huttula.................................................................................................ext. 219 Manufactured Product Sales Jim Dodson.................................................................................................ext. 229

Drew Rupprecht, Clio...................................................................... 269-986-6793

Quality Amandeep Dhillon.................................................................................. ext. 305

South Area

Credit/Insurance Cheryl Schmandt.......................................................................................ext. 210

Ed Zuchnik, Supervisor & Energy Auditor, Three Rivers................................................... 269-967-7351 Krista Beeker, Topeka, IN............................................................... 269-986-6792 Dave Brady, Grass Lake........................517-522-5965 or (c) 517-937-9061 Elyse Martin, Charlotte.....................................................................810-701-6460 Joe Packard, Kalamazoo................................................................ 248-520-3481 Emily Smith, Bronson...................................................................... 269-535-0822

Other Services Bulk Tank Calibration Gary Best, Lapeer...............................810-664-4984 or (c) 586-484-9279 Merchandise Coordinator, Energy Auditor Katie Pierson, Coleman..................................................................989-289-9686

Human Resources Cindy Tilden................................................................................................ext. 220 Member Relations/Public Affairs Sheila Burkhardt...................................................................................... ext. 208 Data Processing Gregory Schulkey..................................................................................... ext. 237 Member Communications Allison Stuby..............................................................................................ext. 296

Manufacturing Plants Constantine Dave Davis, Plant Manager.................................................... 269-435-2835 Ovid Colt Johnson, Plant Manager..............................................989-834-2221

Mastitis Management Specialist Steve Lehman, Ithaca.......................... 989-875-3441 or (c) 989-330-1638

MMPA Labs Novi (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.)

In Michigan..................................................................................... 800-572-5824 Toll Free........................................................................................... 800-233-2405 Ovid (Daily, 6 a.m.-10 p.m.).....................................................989-834-2515 Constantine (Daily, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.)......................................800-391-7560

Merchandise - Mt. Pleasant Duane Farmer, Supervisor Main Line..................................................................................................989-317-8370 Toll Free 877-367-6455

*If you are unable to

reach your assigned member representative, please contact the representatives listed in your area.

Orders (Novi).............................................................800-572-5824, then dial 2 Fax............................................................................................................... 989-317-8372

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