Michigan Milk Messenger: July 2014 by Michigan Milk Producers Association

Messenger Michigan Milk

The official publication of Michigan Milk Producers Association

Inside

www.mimilk.com VOL. 97 ISSUE 1 JULY 2014

A salute to those who serve â&#x20AC;˘ FARM Program

contents Michigan Milk Messenger EDITOR’S LETTER

4 6

MMPA Matters Building Relationships

Quality Watch

MMPA Thanks Gerry Volz for 40 Years of Dedicated Service

8 News & Views Legislative Watch 10

The Nolls go to Washington

FEATURES

National Dairy FARM Program Helps Farmers Promote Excellent Animal Care, Market Milk

& A with MMPA 14 QJohn Dilland Fellowship Intern

Jennifer DeClerg

15 Hands-on Learning for Dairy Newcomer

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July 2014

Christina Fenske

Managing Editor............................. Sheila Burkhardt Editors.............. Laura Moser, Alex Schnabelrauch Advertising Manager..................Nancy Muszynski 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. 41310 Bridge St.

Telephone: 248-474-6672

P.O. Box 8002 FAX: 248-474-0924 Novi, MI 48376-8002 www.mimilk.com 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)

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Crandall Dairy Farm hosts free Breakfast on the Farm event July 19

Land of the Free, 18 Home of the Brave 4-H 23 Michigan State Dairy Award Winners

Departments 24 25 26 28 29 30 31

Merchandise Quality Premiums Freeliners Classifieds Policies Market Report StaďŹ&#x20AC;

Cover Story As our nation celebrates its independence on the Fourth of July, we salute our members and employees who have served our country in the armed forces. See their stories beginning on page 18.

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.

989-224-6170 or 248-474-6672, ext. 201 Rodney Daniels, Whittemore 989-756-4935 Dan Javor, Hastings 269-948-8345 Mark Halbert, Battle Creek 269-964-0511 James Reid, Jeddo 810-327-6830 District Directors 1. Hank Choate, Cement City 2. Tim Hood, Paw Paw 3. Bob Kran, Free Soil 4. John Kronemeyer, Pickford 5. Brent Wilson, Carson City 6. Tony Jandernoa, Fowler 7. Eric Frahm, Frankenmuth 8. Leonard Brown, Sandusky

517-529-9032 269-657-5771 231-464-5889 906-647-7638 989-584-3481 989-593-2224 989-652-3552 810-648-4505

July 2014

Officers: President: Ken Nobis Vice President: Bob Kran Treasurer: Mark Halbert Acting General Manager/Secretary: Joe Diglio Assistant Treasurer: Joe Diglio General Counsel: Todd Hoppe

Directors-At-Large Ken Nobis, St. Johns

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Board of Directors

MMPA MATTERS Ken Nobis

President

Building Relationships Dairy Day at the Capitol was held on the lawn of the Capitol Building in Lansing on June 11. The event is sponsored by the Michigan Dairy Foods Association each year with various vendors providing dairy treats to legislators, their staff members and anybody who doesn’t mind waiting in line for the chance to celebrate dairy month.

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This year we were pleased when Governor Rick Snyder stopped by to thank MMPA for endorsing him in this year’s gubernatorial election. Many of our senators and representatives also took time to chat and enjoy the good food, including our own MMPA member, Senator Judy Emmons representing Michigan’s 33rd State Senate District.

With dairy being highlighted on the Capitol lawn, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to spend time visiting with individuals who are key to maintaining policy that is positive for our industry. It’s pleasant to visit with our officials on occasion when we don’t show up for the sole reason of asking for their help on a specific legislative or regulatory matter. It is good policy to be a friend before you need a friend. MMPA places a great deal of emphasis on making sure our voices are heard, so appointments were set up in advance for Sheila Burkhardt,

MMPA’s director of member relations/public affairs, and I to visit individually with five people. Maintaining ongoing relationships with officials so that they are informed and understand the issues that affect our industry is important to MMPA. On June 11 our meetings were with Governor Snyder’s Chief of Staff Dennis Muchmore, the Governor’s Director of Strategy Bill Rustem and the Director of the Department of Natural Resources Keith Creagh. During the week that followed, we met with the Director of the Department of Environmental Quality Dan Wyant and the Director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Jamie CloverAdams. I think it is always a pleasant surprise for anybody connected with politics or regulatory positions when you want to meet with them without asking for a favor. Our only purpose in this round of meetings was to provide an update on the status of dairy in Michigan, and they appreciated the effort. Our message is similar wherever we talk about our dairy industry and MMPA. Dairy is growing in Michigan and the nearby areas served by MMPA members. Many factors contribute to this growth. We have some of the best dairy producers in the U.S., cows like our moderate climate, we are blessed with fertile soils and ample water, we are in close proximity to a major portion of the U.S. population, we have earned a reputation for producing high quality milk and we have established a very good

Ken Nobis visits with Governor Snyder in Lansing

relationship with elected and regulatory officials, Michigan State University and others. I could tell them about many more reasons to be proud of the job MMPA members do every day, but this is a good start. The side benefit of arranging meetings to deliver our message on the same day as Dairy Day at the Capitol was, of course, the drawing card of dairy treats that lured many other elected officials out of the Capitol Building to visit with us. For the most part, discussions on the lawn were lighthearted and friendly, but we did put in a pitch for road funding. As you know by now, not even delicious dairy treats could win the day on that subject. Now that June Dairy Month is behind us, we have to look ahead to continue to maintain good relationships. The settings might not be as appealing as the Capitol lawn on a lovely June day, but the message will be just as important as we strive to “market our members’ milk to the greatest advantage possible” in fulfillment of MMPA’s mission.

2 June 2012

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July 2014

QUALITY WATCH By

Dean Letter

Director, Member Services

MMPA Thanks Gerry Volz for 40 Years of Dedicated Service It’s hard to believe the average U.S. employee spends just four years with an employer. This month, we thank and celebrate an employee who has been with MMPA 10 times that long. Gerry Volz joined MMPA as a member representative on July 1, 1974 and, 40 years and 1.6 million company miles later, he’s hanging up his clipboard for the next adventure: retirement.

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Back in 1974, Gerry was a recent graduate of Michigan State University with an associate’s degree in food processing. He came to MMPA with experience working at a manufacturing facility in Sandusky and doing dairy fieldwork with Borden Inc. But, Gerry’s connection to dairy started back on his family farm in Minden City where his dad, grandpa and uncle milked 50 cows.

Since there wasn’t room to return to the family farm, he did the next best thing: dedicate himself to helping other dairy farmers improve their operations and profitability. Instead of being limited to just managing one farm day-in and day-out, he liked the idea of helping a different dairy farm succeed every day.

Now, after spending two-thirds of his life working for MMPA, it’s hard to say how many farms he’s been on and how many farmers he’s helped. But the numbers have to be astronomical, and his impact is apparent. When Gerry joined the co-op, MMPA had 5,426 member farms. The average producer shipped about 492,000 pounds of milk, making ends meet with an average $8.53/cwt. milk price. At the time, MMPA was marketing 2.7 billion pounds of milk annually. A lot has changed in 40 years! As of Sept. 30, 2013, MMPA has 1,269 member farms. The average producer ships approximately 3.3 million pounds of milk, earning an average of $20.28/cwt. And last year, MMPA marketed 4.31 billion pounds of milk. Just as the co-op has changed over Gerry’s tenure, so too have his responsibilities. He served under six supervisors, five general managers and three presidents. In August 2011, he became the north area supervisor, mentoring nine member representatives in his region over the past three years. His passion and proactive attention to resolving member quality issues have been tremendous assets to MMPA. Gerry helped our members adjust from the 1.5 million cells/mL legal SCC limit of 1974, to today’s 750,000 cells/mL limit. Moreover, he has helped members adjust to

Gerry Volz, right, visiting with a member at Ag Expo.

meeting even stricter customer and European Union requirements for SCC of 400,000 cells/mL or less. He also saw bulk tank antibiotic testing times shrink from six hours to 10 minutes. But perhaps his greatest legacy has been taking MMPA’s younger field staff under his wing, teaching them how to troubleshoot problems and serve members. Reflecting on his distinguished tenure, Gerry says, “I never thought of going anyplace else. I enjoyed my job at MMPA too much to think about going somewhere else. It feels like I started yesterday, but I guess that’s what happens when you love what you do.” In retirement, Gerry plans to travel with his wife, Linda, and camp in the seven U.S. states they haven’t made it to yet. (I’m not totally sure how he’s going to get a fifth-wheel camper to Hawaii, but Gerry has always been creative.) We wish him the best and thank Gerry for his 40 years of tireless commitment to MMPA.

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July 2014

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NEWS & VIEWS

May Class III Down from April

MMPA Promotes New Ovid Butter Churn at Dairy Foods Awareness Day at the Capitol

The USDA announced May’s Class III price is $22.57/cwt., down $1.74 from April, but $4.05 above May 2013’s price. The May Class IV price is $22.65, down 69 cents from April, but $3.76 above a year ago.

Legislators, staff and dairy processors celebrated Dairy Foods Awareness Day at the Capitol on June 11 on the State Capitol lawn with dairy product samples and facts. A celebration of June Dairy Month, the event showcased the impact of Michigan’s local dairy farm families on the economy and the role they play in feeding Michiganders.

According to the June USDA report, milk production in May was up 1.4 percent from May 2013, according to the monthly report. U.S. milk cow numbers were estimated at 9.25 million head, 10,000 head more than April 2014. Production per cow averaged 1,951 lbs. for May. May milk production in the 23 major dairy states was up 1.5 percent. This is the highest rate of increase so far in 2014. The USDA also reported that July’s Class I base price will be $23.02/ cwt., up 16¢ from June 2014, and $4.11 more than July 2013. Through the first seven months of 2014, the Class I base average is $23.02/cwt.

Dairy farmers Sen. Judy Emmons (left) and Rep. Ed McBroom (right) pose with former Detroit Lions kicker Jason Hanson (center) during Dairy Foods Awareness Day at the Capitol.

Seven state dairy processors banded together to hand out dairy products and spread the word about the state’s leading agricultural segment. In celebration of MMPA’s recent Ovid butter churn installation, the co-op handed out butter cookies, fuzzy “I love milk” stickers and bookmarks filled with Michigan dairy facts.

Other Michigan dairy processors, including Ashby’s Sterling Ice Cream, Dean Foods, Hudsonville Ice Cream, Michigan Dairy (Kroger), Prairie Farms and Quality Dairy, also had displays at the event. In addition, former Detroit Lions kicker Jason Hanson was on hand to sign foam footballs and promote the National Dairy Council and NFL’s in-school nutrition and physical activity program, Fuel up to Play 60. The Michigan Dairy Foods Association (MDFA) has sponsored and organized this event for more than 20 years.

Upcoming Events

July

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Advisory Committee Meeting — Novi Breakfast on the Farm — Crandall’s Dairy Ag Expo — East Lansing Michigan Dairy Expo — East Lansing

August 14-15 MMPA OYDC Conference — Novi 16 Breakfast on the Farm — DeGrins’ Dairy

35th Annual Ag Expo, July 22-24 at Michigan State University Ag Expo, the state’s largest outdoor farm show, returns to Michigan State University July 22-24. The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) has lined up another show for the agricultural community and anyone else who is interested in learning about Michigan’s agriculture industry. As in years past, the 35th annual Ag Expo will showcase a wide variety of educational and commercial activities, including nearly 200 exhibits featuring products and services that provide Michigan agricultural producers with new knowledge and opportunities to have another successful year. As in the past, MMPA will be in attendance promoting cooperative initiatives and interacting with members and the public. Ag Expo is known for being Michigan’s supreme source for the latest technology in agricultural production. The show will also offer research findings from CANR faculty members and a full schedule of educational demonstrations dedicated to providing Michigan farmers with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage successful farms. “We really try to make this event something special, and I think the agricultural community really embraces that,”

District Five

517-398-0629 517-547-3231 517-639-4182 517-524-6015

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

At-Large

231-825-8182 989-762-5399 231-796-4650 989-762-5380

District Six 269-671-5050 574-825-2454 269-628-4218 574-825-5198

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

For more information on Ag Expo, call 800-366-7055 or visit www.agexpo.msu.edu.

MMPA Advisory Committee

District Two Donald Bever, Delton Michael Oesch, Middlebury, IN Danny Ransler, Gobles Richard Thomas, Middlebury, IN

The event runs from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. July 22 and 23, and 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 24. Admission to the grounds and parking at Farm Lane and Mt. Hope Road are free.

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

District Four Marvin Rubingh, Ellsworth 231-588-6084 Dave Folkersma, Rudyard 906-478-3023 Corby Werth, Alpena 989-379-3772 Jeremy Werth, Alpena 989-464-4022

Aaron Gasper, Lowell Jamie Meyer, Ionia David Reed, Owosso Kris Wardin, St Johns

616-897-2747 989-587-6732 989-723-8635 989-640-9420

Bill Blumerich, Berlin Pat Bolday, Emmett Mark Crandall, Battle Creek James Droscha, Charlotte Scott Lamb, Jeddo David Lott, Mason Chuck White, Fowlerville Tom Wing, Bellevue

810-395-2926 810-395-7139 269-660-2229 517-543-5577 810-327-6135 517-676-4593 517-521-3564 269-660-0498

District Seven 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 Eight Mike Bender, Croswell Tim Kubacki, Sebewaing Dale Phillips, Marlette Steve Schulte, Harbor Beach

810-679-4782 989-883-3249 989-635-7917 989-479-9339

July 2014

Carlton Evans, Litchfield Perry Cisco, Hudson Glenn Preston, Quincy Art Riske, Hanover

Ag Expo visitors can view demonstrations related to equine pastures, sprayers, drones and biodiesel processing. A mortality composting demonstration will take place on Wednesday and there will be an air quality demonstration on Thursday. The CANR tent will provide hands-on learning, including daily presentations on topics such as what you need to know about the Affordable Care Act, the 2014 Farm Bill and Smart Gardening.

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District One

said CANR Dean Fred Poston. “People come to Ag Expo from all over the state. It’s an exciting opportunity for our college, MSU Extension and AgBioResearch Ag Expo attendees get a hands and to join together noses-on education. to benefit the public and learn from one another as well.”

LEGISLATIVE WATCH

The Nolls go to Washington The fun, historical Capitol and dwelling place of so many of our nations’ leaders was indeed an amazing place to meet for the National Milk Producer Federations’ spring board meeting. Starting off, Mike, Sheila Burkhardt and I attended the Young Cooperators (YC) Advisory Council Meeting. We were joined by other YCs from around the country to plan and discuss events for the upcoming NMPF/Young Cooperators Meeting in Texas this fall. Speaker ideas, dairy topics, activities and tour ideas were all part of the discussion. After a productive session of brainstorming, we ate dinner and then watched the new documentary, “Farmland.” Though the movie does not include a dairy farmer, the six featured farmers (who grow different commodities) face similar situations to dairy farmers. Once it is more readily available, it will be a great tool for consumers! Seeing as Mike had planted pretty much nonstop the entire week before, we “hit the hay” after that.

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The next day was wonderful! The more understanding we have of our co-op and NMPF, the more fortunate we feel to be part of this organization. The policy of NMPF is to be the voice of our nations’ dairy producers. Their goal is to improve the well-being of dairy cooperatives and farmer owners and to assure an adequate supply of wholesome milk.

I have to commend NMPF on prepping all of us present with the “how-tos” of discussing important political topics pertaining to dairy farmers on Capitol Hill. The hot topics we hit were: • Enacting immigration reform • Establishing a federal standard for voluntary labeling of products with GMOs rather than mandatory labeling • Supporting the ongoing Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations and Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership negotiations Mike, Sheila and I, along with two other wonderful dairy couples from Michigan (non-MMPA members but we

Mike and Jordan Noll pose on the Capitol steps during a recent trip to Washington, D.C. for the legislative forum and NMPF board meeting.

won’t hold that against them) sat down in the offices of Dave Camp, Candice Miller, Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow to have conversations and relay concerns about the topics with staffers. As farmers residing in Michigan, we should all count our many blessings. Our Congressmen and women are very supportive of the things we do. When they don’t understand something, they ask and listen to the farmer! That evening we joined the rest of the YCs and board members of NMPF for dinner. We were able to honor Senator Debbie Stabenow as she spoke about the passing of the Farm Bill. One of the things she said really made a huge impact on us; she explained how often she called upon our own MMPA President Ken Nobis and how much input he had in the dairy portion of the Farm Bill. Ken is also the first vice-chairman on the NMPF board. Our trip to Washington, D.C. showed us there are always ongoing decisions to be made, battles to be won, minds to be changed and people needed for the job. As YCs on this journey, Mike and I have come to realize that, though we are fortunate to be in the industry we are in, without the good leadership, wisdom and integrity of people like Ken Nobis and the other board members, our industry wouldn’t be what it is today. We can only hope to somehow fill the shoes of those who have lead before us.

Do You Know the New MISS DIG Rules?

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Soil disturbance is in the public right of way AND not deeper than 12 inches. There are no above grade structures such as phone pedestals within six feet of the activity. Soil disturbance is outside public right of way and more than 25 yards from a pipeline. There are no above grade structures such as phone pedestals within six feet of the activity. Soil disturbance is outside public right of way, within 25 yards of a pipeline but not deeper than 18 inches. There are no above grade structures such as phone pedestals within six feet of the activity.

Those who worked to enhance PA 174 cooperated with agricultural community leaders to better define MISS DIG requirements for excavation activities used in farming. MISS DIG is providing a free membership to farm property owners. The membership includes notification to farm property owners whenever a MISS DIG staking request is made for excavations near their property in order to help them know when buried utilities are being placed on or near their property. Reach MISS DIG by calling 811. MISS DIG sends work requests to member facility owners who will mark the approximate location of their underground utility lines at no charge. Excavators are required to hand expose the buried facilities to determine their precise location if digging near the marks. Details of PA 174 are posted online at www.missdig.net.

July 2014

Public Act 174 amends the 40-year-old MISS DIG law and clarifies those engaged in routine farming operations must call MISS DIG to request staking at least three days before beginning work, unless one of three conditions is met:

Everyone, including farmers, need to call MISS DIG prior to performing any other excavation projects, such as installing drain tiles or wells, which are not defined as routine farming operations.

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ew MISS DIG rules took effect May 1 after passage of Public Act 174 designed to protect agricultural workers and underground utilities.

By Alex Schnabelrauch

National Dairy FARM Program Helps Farmers Promote Excellent Animal Care, Market Milk

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Undercover Video Shows Animal Abuse on Local Dairy Farm.” “Cows Crammed into Dirty, Hot Factory Farms.” “Good Moms Only Give their Kids Grass-Fed Milk.” Untruthful, anti-dairy and agriculture propaganda plagues many of today’s newspapers, magazines, blogs, websites and television shows. Consequently, the media-frenzied, popular culture picture painted of modern farmers is anything but compassionate, kind and family-driven. Many consumers view farms as money-making factories, pushing the needs and comfort of animals aside for “corporate farmers’” bottom line. As farmers and agriculturalists, we know all too well the mistruths being dished up to consumers. We can attest to the care and compassion used on our farms firsthand. But how do we relay the real story to our consumers? The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program, created and administered by the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), aims to help showcase the great things happening on American dairy farms, assisting farmers (and their milk marketing cooperatives) in selling milk and dairy products to concerned customers. Why the Focus on FARM? More than likely, you’ve heard about the National Dairy FARM Program before. We’ve plugged it in past issues of the Messenger and at virtually every co-op meeting since its adoption. But what’s the big deal? Is the program really worth your time? Is it necessary?

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The short answer: yes.

Ben Chapin (left) stands with Doeke and Hudson Prins (right) during a FARM evaluation in May.

committee consisting of farmers, cooperatives, food companies and veterinarians. Using the veterinarianendorsed Dairy Animal Care Manual as a guide, the National Dairy FARM Program helps farmers gauge their progress towards achieving best management practices for animal care issues. Without a unified program, each individual dairy customer – McDonald’s, Burger King, Meijer, etc. – would develop its own certification program for suppliers, and many may be developed with little to no consideration of the science and practicality of the evaluation requirements. Instead of undergoing dozens of certifications for each customer, the National Dairy FARM Program provides a proactive, realistic solution for customers looking to ensure proper animal care without putting dairy farmers at risk.

“If participating in the FARM Program is going to help market our milk, why not?” MMPA member and Dairy Communicator Missy Prins says. “People want to know where their food comes from, and the program is another way for us to stand behind what we’re doing. If we can do it with a 7-month-old, anyone can do it!”

MMPA Member Representative Ben Chapin assures members, “There are no right or wrong answers during the evaluation and everything is kept confidential. The purpose of the program is to shed some light on what farmers can do to improve their success through improved cow comfort. It may even help member reps troubleshoot quality and performance issues throughout the operation.”

The goal of the National Dairy FARM Program is to provide consistency and uniformity to the best practices in animal care and quality assurance in the dairy industry. It was developed by an advisory

The second-party evaluation consists of two parts: an interview and herd scoring. (A more thorough description of the process is included on the next page.) MMPA member representatives are certified to

conduct the evaluation and, with their help, 83 percent of the MMPA member milk supply is already enrolled in the National Dairy FARM Program. To highlight our members’ commitment to animal care and retain an advantage in the marketplace, MMPA will continue to strive for 100 percent voluntary participation. Still Have Reservations? According to Ben, many of the producers who are hesitant to participate in the program have three primary concerns: privacy, time and auditing. “All data is kept confidential by the member rep, Novi office and NMPF and isn’t subject to the Freedom of Information Act. Your answers are never tracked back to you, and responses are only reported in big-picture, co-op level and nationwide summaries. The entire process takes two to three hours, depending on the farm size, and only occurs every three years,” Ben affirms. “And only a few percent of national second party evaluations are verified. Third-party verifiers

are people in the industry – vets and retired farmers – and are only verifying the accuracy of the second party evaluator – the member rep – not your farm.” MMPA member representatives continuously update local veterinarians on the program’s changes, explaining how vets can help farmers adhere to the principles described in the Dairy Animal Care Manual. Missy attests, “We were just recertified in May and believe the program is the first step to becoming an informed producer. I think everyone should be certified. It’s an easy process that gives MMPA an advantage when marketing our milk.” If you’re interested in becoming National Dairy FARM Program certified, contact your member representative. His/her information can be found in the staff listing on the last page.

The National Dairy FARM Program Step-by-Step Certification Process 1. Exploratory Phase – Each MMPA member representative keeps track of which farms have/have not been FARM evaluated and explains the program during other farm visits (inspections, equipment checks, etc.).

5. Double Check – After the interview and herd scoring segments of the process are completed, the member representative rechecks their answers to ensure accuracy.

2. Scheduling – Once a farm agrees or shows interest in participating in the National Dairy FARM Program, the member representative schedules an evaluation date, reserving two to three hours for the evaluation. The member representative will drop off an information booklet which gives an overview of the components of the evaluation.

6. Evaluation Review – The member representative reviews the evaluation to identify areas to where the farm deviates from the program’s best management practices, developing a list of suggested improvements. These suggested improvements are reviewed with the farm representative leading the visit as well as the farm owner.

3. Interview – On the date of the evaluation, the member representative meets the farm owners and/ or herdsperson in an office or home to go through the farm management areas described in the informational booklet. The member representative helps explain the meaning of each question, asking follow-up questions to ensure each response best conveys the farm’s management practices.

7. Farm Authorization – The last on-farm step is securing the farmer’s signature, agreeing to participate in a third-party verification if their farm is randomly selected. Reminder: Only a small percent of all U.S. farms participating in the National Dairy FARM Program are third-party verified.

10. Recognition – All farms evaluated throughout the year will be recognized at their local meeting.

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9. Feedback – Once the data is entered into the system, the Novi office prints a copy of the farm’s final evaluation and sends a copy back to the farm along with a $25 MMPA Merchandise gift certificate as a token of appreciation for participating in the program.

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4. Herd Scoring and Observation – Based on the number of animals on the operation, member representatives walk the facilities evaluating all-age animals based on body condition, locomotion, hygiene and hock and knee lesions. For biosecurity reasons, member representatives start their observations with the youngest group of animals and continue up to the least biologically sensitive group of animals. A statistical representation of the herd must be evaluated to comply with program requirements, but no more than 100 animals will be evaluated. Followup observation questions are asked along the way to determine additional management practices.

8. Data Input – The farm’s answers are kept confidential by the member representative and are sent to the Novi office. Data is keyed into NMPF’s National Dairy FARM Program system. This information cannot be acquired through the Freedom of Information Act and is kept confidential. Data is reported holistically and individual farm answers are never utilized or referenced.

Q & A with MMPA John Dilland Fellowship Intern Jennifer DeClerg Get to know MMPA’s John Dilland Fellowship Intern Jennifer DeClerg and what role she’ll play in the Manufactured Product Sales Department this summer.

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Tell us a little bit about yourself. Where did you grow up? How did you get involved in the dairy industry? I am from Durand, Mich., and I grew up on a small crop farm. This will be my 13th and final year showing livestock at the Shiawassee County Fair, including market beef, sheep and swine. Currently, I am attending Michigan State University, majoring in agribusiness management with a specialization in food industry management. This internship is my first real involvement in the dairy industry. I have been on field Jennifer DeClerg – MMPA John Dilland Fellowship Intern – passes out butter cookies at the co-op’s booth during Dairy trips through the FFA to dairy farms and have spent a Awareness Day at the Capitol. considerable amount of time in the dairy barn at the fair. with them. However, it has been disheartening to come across a considerable amount of negative media Why did you apply for the MMPA internship? that discourages the consumption of dairy products When I was looking into internships I wasn’t really sure for various reasons. This resistance is proof the entire what I was looking for. After talking to some friendly agricultural industry has many challenges approaching faces from MMPA at the career fair, I decided that even in the future, and we will have to be prepared to though I didn’t know much about the industry, it would educate the public with the truth. be a good challenge to gain valuable work experience. Anything else you think MMPA members should What have and will you be doing this summer and know? how does this play into your future plans? I like a challenge, and I like to stay busy! Last spring I I have been assigned a couple of research projects as began long boarding and taught myself how to juggle well as the task of conducting a customer satisfaction in the past couple of months. As most everyone in the survey for the MMPA Manufactured Product Sales Novi office knows, I ride my bike to work and work Department. In addition, I have done ride-alongs with at the MSU Tollgate Farm in the evenings. I have had two member representatives and toured the MMPA the opportunity to study abroad in Belize for a couple plants in Constantine and Ovid and the Novi lab. I of weeks and was fortunate enough to venture to am looking forward to working with individuals in Pasadena this past January to witness the Rose Bowl each department in the office to learn more about festivities and a great MSU win. their respective positions and try to wrap my head around everything that goes into milk production and The John Dilland Fellowship Program is named in honor of processing. John Dilland, former MMPA general manager, who retired in 2010 after 35 years of service. The intent of the program My hope is to possibly work for a commodity is to encourage high caliber students to consider careers at cooperative or promotional group after graduation. I MMPA, a business uniquely suited to enhance the financial have also contemplated continuing my education and health and management of family dairy producers. possibly studying public policy.

What have you learned on the job so far? More than I ever expected to know about the dairy industry! I have learned how valuable milk and milk products are and what we are capable of producing

Hands-on Learning for Dairy Newcomer Christina Fenske Learn more about our 2014 MSU Food Systems Fellowship Intern Christina Fenske and how she’ll be serving MMPA members this summer. Tell us a little bit about yourself. I grew up near Allendale, Mich. and have a background in business management. I just finished my first year at the Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine, where I became interested in large animal medicine and currently serve as the president of the Food Animal Club. My mentor at school is Dr. Ron Erskine, who piqued my interest in the dairy industry last fall with a tour of Green Meadow Farms.

What does your internship entail? In the first two weeks of the internship I rode along with member representatives to get a feel for the services MMPA provides members. For the rest of the summer, I will be visiting farms to observe milking and dry-off procedures as well as collecting management data and milk samples. I am carrying out the second segment of a study on intramammary teat infusions and their potential impact on mastitis. From your interactions with our members, what makes them different? I have been very impressed with the hard work and dedication MMPA member farms put forth every day. They strive to produce a high quality product while caring for their animals and the land.

From your experience thus far, what value does MMPA offer members? In my opinion, MMPA is dedicated to helping farms produce a quality product that will demand the best price. Member representatives are an invaluable asset in this endeavor, as they provide the essential connection between the farms and the offices. I am also impressed by how proactive MMPA is in anticipating and responding to the dairy industry’s consumer-driven market. Services like MAEAP, energy audits and the National Dairy FARM Program will set Michigan farms up for success well into the future. What’s your favorite dairy product? CHEESE! What’s next for you? I’ll be starting my second year of veterinary school this fall. I plan to continue pursuing large animal experiences throughout the next few years of schooling and hope to work in a mixed animal practice upon graduation. To help provide experiences for veterinary students focused on serving the food animal industry, the Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine established the Summer Food Systems Fellowship Program in 2006. By joining forces with food industry partners, like MMPA, the goal of this program is to provide a training experience that broadens the student’s vision of the food industry.

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What do you like most about working in the dairy industry? Why are you interested in dairy? So far my favorite part of working in the dairy industry is the people and the environment. I love being out in the country and interacting with people who are passionate about what they do. I find it interesting to see the different milking systems and management practices employed on farms of various sizes.

Christina Fenske – MMPA MSU Food Systems Fellowship intern – takes down ear tag numbers during a herd test on a member farm in Marlette.

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Why did you apply for MMPA’s internship? The truth is, I don’t have a lot of experience in the production animal industry, which is exactly why I applied for this internship. MMPA is a very well respected cooperative, so I knew my experience with this organization would be a great one and I would learn a lot about the dairy industry.

MMPA and Land O’Lakes present…

Advanced Calf Care Schools Set your farm up for success by starting your young stock off on the right hoof! Join MMPA and Land O’Lakes for Advanced Calf Care Schools this August. From colostrum to disease management, the schools cover handson tips and tools to improve your calf management program. Get a sneak peek of what will be covered in the tentative agenda included below, and register today. August 12: Tuscola Technology Center – Caro, Mich. August 13: Clare Church of the Nazarene – Clare, Mich. Contact Marianne Gasiewski at the Novi office (800-572-5824, ext. 215) to register. A nominal $10/person registration fee will help defray the cost of lunch. Class size is limited to 30, so reserve your spot early!

Tentative Working Schedule 10 a.m. – Welcome and Introductions What are Your Calf Raising Goals? Avoiding the Pitfalls of Calf and Colostrum Management Full Potential Feeding and Costs Heat Stress and Calves 12 p.m. – Lunch Automatic Calf Feeders Breakout Sessions •

Veterinary 411 (blood and fecal samples, dehorning, castration, tubing, disease identification)

•

Calf Nutrition: Storage to Delivery (CMR mixing, temperatures and weight, refractometer, cleaning, colostrum storage, grain weights, water)

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3 p.m. – Adjourn

Crandall Dairy Farm hosts free Breakfast on the Farm event July 19

The Crandalls pride themselves on the quality of their product. Monica Crandall, Brad’s wife, said, “We want people to know that we truly care about our animals and strive to take care of our land.” Attendees at the Calhoun County Breakfast on the Farm will enjoy a free pancake and sausage breakfast, before setting off on a self-guided walking farm tour featuring numerous educational exhibits hosted by local farmer volunteers. There will be a chance to see a

The Crandalls believe this event is a great opportunity to teach others about agriculture.

The Crandall Family will welcome thousands of guests to their farm in Battle Creek on July 19.

“It is important to open our doors; this is an opportunity to teach consumers about farm life,” Monica said. “Most people nowadays are two to three generations removed from the farm. If you are not around something, you are unable to have the knowledge about it.” Breakfast on the Farm is a statewide Michigan State University Extension program. More than 200 local volunteers help organize the event. In addition to the Calhoun County Breakfast on the Farm scheduled for July 19, two other breakfast events are planned for 2014: • August 16 hosted by De Grins Oer Dairy Farm, Blanchard, Mecosta County • September 6 hosted by Uphaus Farms, Manchester, Washtenaw County

The statewide sponsors for the 2014 Breakfast on the Farm events include the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan and the Michigan Corn Growers Association, Crystal Flash, Dairyland Seed Co., Farm Bureau Insurance, GreenStone Farm Credit Services, the Kroger Company, Michigan Farm Bureau, Michigan Milk Producers Association, Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee, Michigan Wheat Program, Northrop Trucking Inc., Pioneer Brand Products and the United Dairy Industry of Michigan. In addition, the Battle Creek program has received generous support from many local sponsors. For more information about the Calhoun County Breakfast on the Farm or other BOTF events, visit www.breakfastonthefarm.com, or contact Ashley Kuschel at kuschela@anr.msu.edu or Nancy Thelen at thelenn@anr.msu.edu.

July 2014

Crandall Dairy is a Centennial Farm, first established in 1883. Brad and Mark Crandall along with their families are the family’s fifth generation to own and operate the farm. The family milks 280 dairy cows three times daily and produces crops such as alfalfa, corn, soybeans and wheat. Crandall Dairy has received awards at both the state and national level for producing high-quality milk. The farm was honored as the 2011 Michigan State University Dairy Farm of the Year.

milking parlor, baby calves and various farm equipment including tractors. Volunteers will be on hand to answer any questions and share their expertise about farming.

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he Calhoun County Breakfast on the Farm (BOTF) will take place on July 19 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with breakfast served from 9 a.m. till noon. Crandall Dairy Farm LLC, a family-owned and -operated dairy farm located five miles from Battle Creek at 22231 North Ave., will host the event.

By Alex Schnabelrauch

Land of the Free, Home of the Brave

I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. How many times have we recited those words? Like rattling off our address or the Lord’s Prayer, it’s easy to say the words and go through the motions without consciously thinking about what we’re saying or the power contained behind them. But, this Fourth of July, I read those words with renewed perspective thanks to time spent with a few of our members. About a month ago, I set out to find and interview MMPA member veterans, planning to pull together a “feelgood” patriotic story just in time for the holiday. I got way more than I bargained for, a new appreciation, awareness and admiration for all those who have answered the call to protect our freedom. Amelia Earhart once said, “Courage is the price that life exacts for granting peace.” Thank you to all active duty military personnel and veterans who have courageously stepped-up to serve so we might wake up without sounds of bombs in the background, walk on the streets without fearing the contents of nearby backpacks and pursue our dreams without worry of persecution. I offer my sincere appreciation to the Szymanski, Bever and Weller families for their service and willingness to share their stories. I hope they touch your heart the way they touched mine.

Sisters in Arms Sisters typically help each other pick out clothes, get over a crush or sneak out after curfew.

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Sisters, members of the Michigan Army National Guard and MMPA members, Lacey Szymanski and Chelsea Walker on the other hand have helped each other drive 20-ton Heavy Equipment Transporters (HETs), charge Mark 19 grenade launchers and survive military tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“A lot of the skills we used in the military we learned on the farm – common sense and how to fix things and operate equipment. We weren’t intimidated by a large truck and we already knew how to drive a stick,” Lacey laughs. Chelsea, adds with a smile, “Whenever someone would hesitate to drive one of the trucks or charge one of the large guns, the non-commissioned officer in charge would always ask, ‘Where are my farm girls?!’ He knew we

“One of our friends had just been killed in the line of duty a few weeks before. I was looking at the black explosion mark the attack left as I drove by. And all of a sudden, there was a boom and my HET was engulfed Chelsea Walker (left) and Lacey Szymanski (right) are sisters, dairy farmers and members of the Army in flames,” she recalls. “I grabbed my gun and National Guard. jumped out with my truck partner. We went back-todidn’t shy away from a challenge and back, frantically scanning the horizon were tough from our years on the for hostiles until gun support could dairy farm.” arrive. I didn’t sleep for two days.” Regardless of their work ethic and experience, their daily battles against rain and high counts couldn’t have fully prepared them for the War on Terror. Shipping Out When the Szymanskis enlisted, Lacey was 20 and Chelsea was just 17, needing a signed parent waiver before taking her oath. Six months later, they completed five months of basic and advanced training in different states, keeping in touch by mail. The sisters completed their monthly drill weekends and two weeks of training each summer, working on the family farm between. That was until they were involuntarily transferred to the 1461st Combat HET in January 2006 and given five months to prepare and train for a tour in Iraq.

Riding Solo The Szymanskis returned home in August 2007 and life settled back into semi-normalcy. Lacey and Chelsea formed a partnership with one of their brothers, Johnny, buying into their father’s 156-cow, 375-acre dairy. Four years later, Chelsea formed another partnership of her own, marrying Todd Walker. As the National Guard’s five-year dwell time approached, the sisters received a warning order they’d be deploying to Afghanistan. Training picked up as they prepared for their upcoming tour and things seemed to be progressing as expected until a detour rerouted Chelsea’s life forever. “I found out three months before we deployed that I was pregnant. I cried a lot,” she admits. “I was ready to go

Chelsea was taken off the deployment list as Lacey continued her final preparations, leaving for Fort Hood, Texas in June 2012 and Kandahar Airfield Afghanistan two months later. “During my tour, I served as the detachment platoon sergeant. Working with a team of 25 other soldiers, I coordinated 144 missions and participated in 15,” Lacey relays. “That 8-month tour was the longest time Chelsea and I ever spent apart, and it was extremely hard. Everything we had done in the military we had done together.” Dairy Rehabilitation As much as Lacey and Chelsea looked forward to civilian life, being back home brought its fair share of challenges. Driving was especially nerve racking as the sisters watched every piece of garbage for signs explosives were stuffed inside and analyzed concrete curbs and culverts for traces of planted C4. “The transition from the high-paced tempo of the military to civilian life is tough,” Lacey confirms. “Only those you served with understand what you went through, and I think that’s why so many of our military friends came to visit and work weekends on the farm. We needed a purpose and the farm gave us that.” While the Szymanski sisters still can’t watch fireworks without being on edge, Lacey urges MMPA members, “Fourth of July is a time to spend with your family and appreciate the freedom you have here in the United States.” “Don’t forget to love and cherish that freedom because the families of those who gave it all still miss them every day,” Chelsea affirms.

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Just a month before the sisters were slated to go home, Chelsea’s biggest fear became a reality.

to war. I wasn’t ready to be a mom! But, looking back, I wouldn’t give up my son for anything.”

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“We reported to Iraq mid-August 2006, driving in convoys of HETs transporting tanks, battle damaged equipment, tires and other supplies across Iraq. For the first six months, we were both stationed outside of Tikrit,” Lacey explains. “The second six months, I was transferred to Baghdad.”

Continued from page 19

The Ripple of One Life Grandkids scamper through the kitchen playing with green tractors and pink dolls. Outside, a son checks the herd using the same care and compassion as his father before him. Walls, covered with photos, tell the story of a happy family, growing first in height and then in numbers. From the outside looking in, you’d never guess Don and Judy Bever’s 46 years of “happily ever after” was, at one time, nothing but an improbable dream. “I had graduated from high school and was in the process of buying a farm, but had to put everything on hold when that letter came. I got my draft notice when I was 19 and left Sept. 16, 1966 for Fort Knox, Ky. Six months later for Vietnam,” Don explains. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m proud to be a veteran. But I didn’t want to be there. I know lots of the names etched into that black wall in Washington, D.C. and, on more than one occasion, I thought I was going to be one of them.”

during his time in basic training: cooking, clerical work and truck driving. Yet, when he arrived at the Long Bihn Post in Vietnam, those specializations flew out the window. “It didn’t matter what I had trained for, we all had to do our jobs and Don and Judy Bever have full laps and full hearts sitting in more. I was a jack front of their farm after 46 years of marriage. of all trades and was singled out to calls. By the grace of God, I walked do a lot of off-the-books missions away without a scratch,” Don quietly alone,” Don relays. “And that’s all I adds, eyes lowered. can tell you. I did things that weren’t televised or talked about after the Picking Up the Pieces fact.” After the horrors of Vietnam, Don and Engaged during his term of service, Judy sent letters from her dorm room at Western Michigan University to Don in Vietnam. However, she rarely knew the extent of the fighting or the true bleakness of the circumstance.

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“It took Don a long time to talk to anyone about what he saw in Vietnam. He was a different person when he came home than when he left,” Judy says. “Back then, death was something for old age, not for 58,000 young men and women just starting their adult lives. Today, people in our generation know firsthand how precious life is. We remember our family and friends who died Don, drafted at 19, spent 15 in unpopular wars.”

Forty-six years after coming home without fanfare, a parade months in Vietnam. or warm welcome, the nightmares of his 24 months of service still creep into his dreams. But, with the help of his patient bride, five wonderful children and 12 energy-filled grandchildren, Don’s outlook is that of gratitude.

Cook School to Combat Due to a prior knee injury, Don was assigned three low-impact specialties

War forced Don to grow up fast. During his 15 months in Vietnam, he was sprayed with Agent Orange and lost more friends than he can count. One of his particularly vivid memories is that of finding the body of the base’s Vietnamese barber who was a Viet Cong soldier at night. “Too often I thought I wasn’t going to make it back. We had some close

Judy managed to salvage moments of happiness. They were married two months after Don’s flight landed in Kalamazoo.

The newlyweds used the combat pay Don sent home to purchase 60 acres in Delton and a few dairy cows. In 1971, they officially bought the farm Don had tried to purchase before being drafted, the same farm the Bevers still live on today. As the memories of Vietnam have faded, war has been replaced by joy in the Bever house. Five children – Shelly, Donny Jr., Jeffery, Rob and Ben – have helped the farm grow and prosper. Shady Acres Dairy now encompasses 400 acres and is home to 120 cows. Don’s son, Rob, has joined the operation and all the Bever kids, their spouses and children can be found enjoying weekly Sunday dinner at the farm. “It’s tough to think that all of this would have never happened if I hadn’t made it out of Vietnam. I’m proud to have served my country and grateful for the men and women who have died to give us the freedoms we have today,” Don adds. “I don’t take our freedom and life for granted. And I know God has blessed me far beyond what I deserve.”

Hidden Warriors in Our Ranks He’s flown around the world eight times. He’s been in (or flown over) all but 14 countries. He became the youngest instructor and evaluator in his 300-person squadron at 23, one of the unit’s only three flight engineer instructors. And, after 24 years of distinguished service in the United States Navy, Brent Weller now works for MMPA.

He still keeps his senior picture – clad in an MMPA hat and belt buckle – on his desk, a constant reminder of his connection to the farmers he serves. More Than a Paycheck For some, military service is a family tradition. For others, it’s a way to pay for college. But for Brent, it was more than that. “For me, the service was a calling. I wanted to do my part. For centuries, others have volunteered and raised their hand to protect our country. I felt it was my duty to do the same,” Brent says proudly.

He enlisted in 1986, two years out of high school. Willing to fulfill any task or need, Brent expected to be sent to California to work on an aircraft carrier. But after superiors saw his test scores in boot camp, they had other plans for him: flight. He learned, and eventually trained and evaluated 950 others, to fly the Lockheed P-3 Orion –a fourengine, 68-ton turboprop used for anti-submarine warfare. His mission: search and destroy enemy submarines and, eventually, air to ground support. With the tireless support of his wife, Karen, and daughter, Ashlynn, Brent served in the Navy for 24 years before retiring in 2010. Thankfully, MMPA has benefitted from his expertise ever since. Farming in the Veins Despite ascending from a rank of E1 to E7 and being chosen to serve for the Commodore of an Air Wing, there was one title Brent could never shake: farm boy. “Wellers have been MMPA members for over 70 years. The first time I ever stepped foot in the Ovid plant was

when I was in kindergarten, learning about cottage cheese on a school field trip,” Brent explains. “The major reason for my success in the military was the fact I grew up on a dairy farm where I was taught the value of work ethic and commitment.” Regardless of his distance from home during active duty, Brent never strayed from his farming roots. “As a flight instructor, one of my greatest joys was choosing where we’d go for the test flights. I always picked rural locations, traveling across the country to see what the farmers were doing during that season or in that location,” he admits. “If I saw a farmer cutting hay, we’d do several touch-and-gos at a nearby runway. It was like heaven on earth – the smell of home filling the plane as we took off.” Looking to Veterans for Co-op Leadership Brent’s Navy uniform betrays its owner’s humble nature, medal by medal, telling the story of impressive accomplishments and leadership. Lucky for MMPA, he’s now putting those same skills and experiences to work for our members. Continued on page 22

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Many marvel Brent’s willingness to put in 12- to 14-hour days for the co-op. Yet, growing up on an MMPA dairy farm just three miles outside of Ovid, he knows all too well the working hours and dedication of dairy farmers.

Brent Weller is one of MMPA’s over 20 employee veterans.

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“It’s seriously a dream come true to be back in Michigan working for the cooperative my parents shipped milk to when I was young,” Brent, MMPA Ovid Plant production manager, smiles. “I’ve come full circle and, after working hard to help our members at the plant level, I hope to someday have my own cows and become an MMPA member myself.”

Continued from page 21

“I work with five veterans, and there’s just something different about employees who have a history of military service,” Dave Hurst, MMPA Ovid Plant warehouse supervisor, says. “They are well organized, stay late and always step-up to fill formal and informal leadership roles in their respective departments. Brent is no exception and epitomizes the stereotype.” Military ties run deep in the coop with a multitude of veteran members and haulers, three veterans on MMPA’s board of directors and 7 percent of the total co-op workforce touting past military experience. Members can rest assured this Fourth of July that, regardless of the holiday, committed MMPA employees – both veterans and civilians alike – are working around the clock to market member milk. “I take the same sense of responsibility in my role as MMPA Ovid production manager that I did with my service in the Navy,” Brent assures MMPA dairy farmer members.

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“Americans can sleep through the night because I, and thousands of other service members, have protected and continue to protect their freedom at home and abroad. I’ll do my best to continue guarding our members’ livelihood by keeping our plant operating at its greatest potential.”

Control Butyric Acid and Maximize Every Bite!

SilagePro® with CATALYST

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 4-H State Dairy Award Winners

In total, two juniors – Madeline Mayer of Ionia County and Mason Horning of Washtenaw County – and

State 4-H Award winners become a part of an elite group of 4-H youth who have demonstrated the highest level of excellence. While all State 4-H Award winners receive a plaque, seniors receive a $200 cash award and juniors receive a $50 cash award.

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To apply, youth submitted an extensive application detailing their experience in the dairy cattle science project area. Applications were carefully reviewed by a selection committee and delegates were announced in April. Delegates were invited to participate in either an advanced leadership development program (juniors) or competitive interviews (seniors) during 4-H Exploration Days.

three seniors – Natalie Horning of Washtenaw County, Jenna Beeker of St. Joseph County and Nicole Chase of Muskegon County – Award winners Madeline Meyer (left) and Natalie participated in Horning (right) with UDIM CEO Sharon Toth (center). the 2014 Dairy Cattle Science 4-H State Award Program.

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atalie Horning of Washtenaw County and Madeline Meyer of Ionia County were named as senior and junior winners of the 2014 Dairy Cattle Science 4-H State Award during 4-H Exploration Days at Michigan State University on Thursday, June 19. This is the highest honor bestowed on Michigan 4-H youth.

MERCHANDISE

SilagePro – More than just an Inoculant

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

The merchandise warehouse stocks Silage Pro in two varieties, granular and water soluble (concentrate). Silage Pro granular comes in a 50-pound bag and treats 100 tons. We also carry two concentrates, Silage Pro 100 and Silage Pro 250. The Silage Pro 100 treats 100 tons while the Silage Pro 250 will treat 250 tons. Silage Pro 500 (available by special order only) will treat 500 tons.

SilagePro offers a trifecta of benefits. • It quickly lowers pH • It reduces dry matter loss • It saves energy SilagePro contains purified enzymes and four cascading lactic acid bacteria to serve your feeding needs.

Looking for a more affordable option? Also available, by special order, is a product called AgriSile. It contains the same four cascading bacteria as SilagePro, but does not have the enzymes.

The product’s enzymes splinter the cell walls and release sugars that feed the bacteria. SilagePro enzymes are unique because they work at any pH level. The four cascading bacteria in SilagePro start working immediately at any pH level during the fermentation process.

For more information on SilagePro and other products offered by American Farm Products, go to the company’s website at afpldt.net or call our American Farm Product representative Arlin Koglin at 989-553-3370.

• Enterococcus faecium: grows rapidly at pH above 6. • Pediococcus pentosaccus and pediococcus acidilacti: grows rapidly at pH above 5 • Lactobacillus plantarum: grows best below pH of 5 Silage pH is usually stable within 96 hours. By dropping the pH fast in haylage, the chance of producing butyric acid is eliminated.

Description Stock number Member price Silage Pro (50 lb) 8311 $110.00 Silage Pro 100 8312 $107.00 Silage Pro 250 8313 $261.00 Silage Pro 500 8348 $400.00 Agrisile (special order) please call for pricing

Research has shown SilagePro can reduce dry matter losses by 3 percent over traditional inoculants and 7 percent over untreated silage. When dry matter losses occur, the loss is the non-structural carbohydrates. It would take 60 pounds of cornmeal per ton of silage to replace a 3 percent loss of dry matter. It would take 140 pounds of cornmeal to replace a 7 percent loss of dry matter.

Improve bottom-line $$. Lower feed costs. Maximize production. Ingredients from your trusted source.

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

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

Citrus Pulp

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

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July 2014

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!

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

50,000 or below 51,000-75,000 76,000-100,000 101,000-125,000 126,000-150,000 151,000-175,000 176,000-200,000 201,000-225,000 226,000-250,000 251,000-300,000 301,000-400,000 401,000-500,000 501,000-600,000 601,000 and greater

+55¢/cwt. +50¢/cwt. +45¢/cwt. +40¢/cwt. +35¢/cwt. +30¢/cwt. +25¢/cwt. +20¢/cwt. +15¢/cwt. +00¢/cwt. - 30¢/cwt. -$1.00/cwt. -$1.50/cwt. -$2.00/cwt.

A payment of 5¢/cwt. will be added for each of the following, if the count is equal to or below:

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

• 10,000 Raw Bacteria Count • 20,000 Pre-Incubated (PI) Count

To qualify for MMPA volume premiums there must be:

There will be a deduction of 10¢/cwt. for:

• No abnormal freeze points during the month • An average somatic cell count of 750,000 or less

• Greater than 100,000 Raw Bacteria Count

MMPA Member Testing Fees Payment for testing will be made through an automatic milk check deduction. All costs are listed per individual sample. Cow Tests $1 Cow samples may be tested for: Culture for Streptococcus agalactiae, Strep non ag, Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase negative staph, gram negative and/or 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. 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 • Bovine Leukosis Test - ELISA – cows - ELISA – tank • Milk Pregnancy ELISA

$40 $ 6 $40 $ 6 $10 $ 6 $10 $4.50

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

Chemical, Sanitizer & Teat Dip Contact Information

These are service personnel only. Order your Member Merchandise supplies through your hauler.

ECOLAB

24 - Hour Medical Emergency Hotline: 1-800-328-0026 For Service, call the Ecolab Service Message Center 1-800-392-3392 or Stan Palmer 5303 E. Swan Drive #3 Port Clinton, OH 43452 419-797-2101 Ben Johnson 4461 Cambridge Dr. Port Huron, MI 48060 810-824-0636 Jason Koerth 7509 Aborcrest Dr. Portage, MI 49024 269-207-3773 Pat Mitchell 7273 N. Rollin Hwy. Addison, MI 49220 517-403-0928

A & L Laboratories

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

July 2014

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:

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MMPA Quality Premium Program

FREELINERS

Call 1-800-572-5824 ext. 202 to place your ad or email to: Muszynski@mimilk.com or fax 248-426-3412.

Bulls

Registered Holstein Bulls: We 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, 269673-4886 or 269-217-6076, ask for Tim. www.verhageholsteins.com. Bulls for heifers and cows. Calving ease, BEW, Red, RC and polled genetics available. GTPI’s to 2220. Wardin Brothers Registered Holsteins 989-642-3262

Cows & Heifers

Barn is full and need to reduce herd size – select your cows and negotiate a price. 3 cows to 100 cows. Call John at 574-535-4884 for additional details or to schedule a visit.

Equipment

772 John Deere combine, 643 6-row corn head, 18-ft. grain head, will separate. 231-425-6913. John Deere 3970 forage chopper 7 ½ -ft. hay head, electric controls, metal alert, axle extension, field ready, $9,500. 810-3385265.

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20-ft. X Fold Brillon Cultipacker. 810724-8825.

1 New Holland 1431 Dicsbine 13-ft. Hyd Center pivot, very good condition, $10,500. 2 New Holland 144 inverter with a brand new conveyor belt $1,000. 3 Gehl 1580 blower $750 obo. 4 Kilbrothers 450 center dump box with running gear, $1,250 obo. 517-231-5098 2007 Kuhn Knight 8132 spreader. $1,800. Call Brent at 989-551-0681.

8 Spring cattle scratchers $100 each. 1 Cow Hip Lift $100. 3 Quarter Milkers $20 each. 1 Nupuse Milker W/build in pulsator run off of vac. W/80 Lb. clear bucket and lid $300. 1 Willman calf puller W/12in. ext $225. 400 plus tire sidewalls for bunker cover $1.20 each. Whiplach complete stomach pump system $300. Cito Thaw, thaws semen, electric $50. 1 udder singe complete w/20lbs tank $75. Parlor foamer run on air w/ product $500. Delaval Auto cow brush w/extra brush $2,000. 2 Calf-tel super huts w/fences and feeders $400 each. 1 Poly super hut $400. 1 Koster moisture tester w/ electric scale $150. 9 Schaefer 36 -in fans single phase 110 volt $150 each. 2 Gandy electric box meters for dry preservative $225 each. Sebewaing, Mich. call 989551-9715 or 989-551-9765. New Holland 870TL quick attach front end loader. 96 inch bucket. Fits TG and T80 series tractors. $9,500 989-345-3952.

Dairy Equipment

Two Delaval CF1000 Computer Calf Feeders with 4 nipples and laptop with software. Will feed milk or milk replacer, $17,500 for everything or could split them up. 517-749-9112. 800 gallon milk cooler with r-22 compressor. Asking $1,000 obo. Also selling 2-in. stainless pipe line, 10 hp oil-less compressor, and all accessories. Asking $4,000 obo. We will consider splitting up units. Great working order. Please call Dan Brusie with any questions 810-614-2644. New Holland 900 chopper with hay head, metal alert, 50-gal. inoculent applicator, 1,000 pto, asking $6,500 obo. 16-ft. Hanson silo unloader, ring drive, rings and augers 1 year old asking $2,000 obo. Delaval complete pipeline system, 230-ft. of 2-in. stainless line. Delaval 78 vacuum pump $3,000 obo. Mueller 600gal. bulk tank $3,000 obo. 989-736-6508 Sweet Farms, Mikado, Mich. John Deere 3975 pull type chopper with heads, excellent condition, $17,500. Knight 3030 mixer wagon with scales, excellent condition, $7,500. 54 Michigan freestalls with rails, $30 each. 517-8995359.

New Holland 40 blower, like new, used very little, asking $2,500. 810-648-2379. Vacuum pump horizontal stand, 10 h.p., 100 cfm, $1,000. 989-255-6016 2,700 gal. Mueller bulk tank with Century II system and two coolers, $19,500. 989-255-6016. 2 brand new, complete, peach teat nurser bottle, one has molded handle on it, the other is regular bottle, both features a speed feeding pin, to adjust the flow of milk. Asking $8 each plus shipping. Shipping depends on where it is going. Call 231-625-2036, Michigan.

Misc.

Australian Shepherd puppies. Born June 6. All colors, parents good farm dogs. $125 to $200. 989-386-3679.

Farm For Sale

Dairy Farm, Cheboygan, Mich. 367.11 acres. 25x56 double 16 parallel parlor put in 3 yrs. ago. 2,000 gal. bulk tank, 400 free-stall barn, 48x100 calf barn, 80x80 commodity barn, 64x280’ hay barn, 32x56 maternity barn, 44x100 tool pole barn. 45 acre pasture by barn 7-bedroom L shaped brick home, built 1976. Can send packet with more info & appraisal if interested. Turn key operation if you want cows & equipment, or will sell farm separate. We also rent 670 acres paying $40 ac. most acres, less amt. David Brown, 231-625-2036.

Wanted

Registered Holsteins. Call Brent at 989-551-0681. 1,500-2,000 gal. milk tank in working condition. 231-757-2934.

Messenger

July 2014

CLASSIFIEDS

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

Mail ads to: Classified Ads, Michigan Milk Messenger, PO BOX 8002, Novi, MI 48376-8002. Email to Muszynski@mimilk.com or fax 248-426-3412. 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

A SURE WAY TO KEEP YOUR COWS UPRIGHT! Concrete grooving/ texturing brings existing grooves back to 100% efficiency & provides high quality traction in new & old concrete, fast service. BLUE RIBBON HOOF TRIMMING, LLC. 989-635-1494.

BARN WHITE WASHING AND CLEANING WITH HIGH PRESSURE AIR: Serving all Michigan and Indiana. Miller Spray Service, Inc. 574-825-9776.

FOR SALE: 5000-4000-3000-25002000-1500 OH MUELLER LATE MODEL BULK TANK MILK TANKS, complete, will trade. 1-800-558-0112.

GRINDING IN THE THUMB AREA. LARGE SQUARE OR ROUND BAILS. Straw, hay, baleage and soybean. Call for rates. Aaron Martus 810-356-8305.

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

TRADE OR SELL: 80 gal. Commercial gas hot water heater in use, trade for 40 gal. electric or sell for $300. Phone 989-593-2488.

FOR SALE: (2) 7,000 TANDEM FOOD GRADE TANK TRAILERS. Set up for direct load w/chutes & spill dams. 1999 Walker 7,000 gal. 2000 Walker 7,000 gal. Call Matt Veale @ Burch Tank 989-4009536.

ALFALFA HAYLAGE & CORN SILAGE. 989-723-1886 OR 989-277-1414.

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

Messenger

July 2014

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!

•

GREEN MEADOW FARMS

• FROM OUR TOP PRODUCTION COWS.

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

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

WWW.GREENMEADOWFARMS.COM

POLICIES

MMPA Policy on Drug Residue in Milk:

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.

MMPA Policy on Milk Quality QUALITY QUESTIONABLE 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 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. * The member will only be paid for two (2) voluntary dumps in a rolling 12 month period.

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. REJECTED LOAD SHIPMENT If: 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 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.

July 2014

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 -

MILK SHIPPED — POSITIVE DRUGS CONFIRMED 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.

Messenger

MILK ON FARM – DRUG RESIDUE SUSPECTED If a member suspects milk in the farm bulk tank contains drug residue:

MARKET REPORT

May 2014 MARKET STATISTICS Mideast Federal Order #33 (pounds)

This Month

NATIONAL TRENDS (million pounds)

Total Class 1 Sales

513,558,857

Total Class 2 Sales

205,922,386

% Change 539,206,769 -4.76 Production California 317,138,476 -35.07

Total Class 3 Sales

546,688,953

479,660,761

+13.97

Wisconsin

2,386

2,385

+0.0

Total Class 4 Sales

274,686,095

232,264,340

+18.26

New York

1,190

1,193

-0.3

1,540,856,291

1,568,270,346

-1.75

Idaho

1,184

1,178

+0.5

33.3%

34.4%

Pennsylvania

928

941

-1.4

Texas

925

840

+10.1

Michigan

824

798

+3.3

Minnesota

787

788

-0.1

New Mexico

724

714

+1.4

Washington

573

558

+2.7

Ohio

477

489

-2.5

Indiana

342

340

+0.6

* Total U.S.

16,897

16,648

+1.5

* U.S. Y-T-D

81,001

79,954

+1.3

Total Production Class 1 Utilization

Year Ago

Mideast Federal Order #33

Current Month Total Producers 6,036 Average Daily Production per Farm 8,235 Average Protein Test 3.06% Average Butterfat Test 3.65% Average Other Solids Test 5.73% Average SCC Count (MMPA) 168,000

2014

2013 % Change

3,756

3,720

+1.0

* For 23 states

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

$3.9553

Butterfat Price/lb.

$2.2721

Other Solids Price/lb.

$0.4897

Class III Price @ 3.5%

$ 22.57

Messenger

July 2014

Prod. Price Diff/cwt. (Mich. Mkt.)

$1.27

Uniform Price @ 3.5%

$ 23.84

SCC Adjustment/cwt./1000

$0.00109

NASS Survey Prices

Monthly Avg

Cheese /lb

2.1703

Butter /lb

2.0477

Nonfat Dry Milk /lb

1.8768

Dry Whey /lb

0.6745

MMPA

STAFF

NOVI (Headquarters) 248-474-6672 • 800-572-5824 Acting General Manager Joe Diglio, ext. 240

Laboratory Supervisor Patti Huttula, ext. 219

Human Resources Cindy Tilden, ext. 220

Member Services Dean Letter, ext. 213

Manufactured Product Sales Jim Dodson, ext. 229

Member Relations/Public Affairs Sheila Burkhardt, ext. 208

Milk Sales/Dispatch Carl Rasch, ext. 244

Quality Amandeep Dhillon, ext. 305

Finance/Controller Joe Diglio, ext. 240

Credit/Insurance Cheryl Schmandt, ext. 210

Data Processing Gregory Schulkey, ext. 237 Member Communications Laura Moser, ext. 296 Alex Schnabelrauch, ext. 211

MANUFACTURING PLANTS Constantine 269-435-2835 Plant Manager Dave Davis Ovid 989-834-2221 Plant Manager Colt Johnson

MMPA FIELD STAFF NORTH AREA Frank Brazeau 920-834-4059 Oconto, Wis., cell: 906-250-0337

SOUTH AREA

Ben Chapin Blanchard 989-289-0731

Krista Beeker LaGrange, IN 269-986-6792

Lyndsay Earl Ludington 231-519-2455

David Brady 517-522-5965 Grass Lake cell: 517-937-9061

Lindsay Green Dewitt

989-488-8159

Emily Butcher Bronson 269-535-0822

Angelee Kirsch Harbor Beach 231-414-4539

Violet Lombard Delton 248-520-3481

Sarah Michalek East Lansing

248-305-0537

Andrew Rupprecht Clio 269-986-6793

Deborah Navarre Leroy 248-520-3580

Elyse Martin Charlotte 810-701-6460

Ashley Werth 269-245-6632 Alpena

Ed Zuchnik Three Rivers

Supervisor: Ed Zuchnik Coldwater Office 269-967-7351

269-967-7351

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

MMPA Labs Novi:

800-572-5824 (in MI) 800-233-2405 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. Mon-Fri

Ovid:

989-834-2515 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. Daily

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

Steven Lehman 989-875-3441 Ithaca cell: 989-330-1638 Mastitis Management

Katie Pierson Coleman 989-289-9686 Merchandise Coordinator, Energy Auditor

Christy Dinsmoore Fairgrove 248-513-7920 Mastitis Management

Merchandise—St. Louis

Duane Farmer, Supervisor 989-681-2334 Fax 989-681-3988 Toll Free 877-367-6455 Orders (Novi) 800-572-5824 then dial 2

July 2014

Gary Best 810-664-4984 Lapeer cell: 586-484-9279 Bulk Tank Calibration

Messenger

Other Services: