Michigan Milk Messenger: June 2012 by Michigan Milk Producers Association

June 2012 Volume 94 Issue 12

Michigan Milk Messenger 1

2 June 2012

June 2012

Contents

Volume 12 Issue 1 www.mimilk.com

Features

DomiNOs HSUS

Guydeane Kirkpatrick Honored by UDIM

Michigan Ag Council Launches Pure Michigan Radio and Billboard Campaign

MMPA Members on the Big Screen for Pure Michigan Milk Campaign

2012 Dairy Communicator Conference

Chocolate Milk Promotion Across Michigan

Departments

Managing Editor...................... Sheila Burkhardt Editors........................................... Laura Moser ............................................... Alex Henry Advertising Manager..................... Karla Macelli Circulation............................................... 4,200

MMPA Matters................................................ 5 Quality Watch.................................................. 6 News & Views.................................................. 8 Legislative Watch............................................ 10 Merchandise Memo........................................ 24 Freeliners........................................................ 26 Classifieds...................................................... 28 Policies........................................................... 29 Market Report................................................ 30 MMPA Lab Lines........................................... 31 MMPA Staff ................................................... 31

An Equal Opportunity Employer â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 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, 50Â˘ per year; non-members, $5 per year. 41310 Bridge St. P.O. Box 8002 Novi, MI 48376-8002 Telephone: 248-474-6672 FAX: 248-474-0924 Periodical postage paid at Novi, MI and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Michigan Milk Messenger, PO Box 8002, Novi, MI 48376-8002.

November 2009 Volume 92 Issue 5

On the Cover Cory Jorgensen, Webberville, Mich., on camera for the Pure Michigan Milk commercial. See page 16 for more on the making of a Pure Michigan spot.

(ISSN 0026-2315) Michigan Milk Messenger 3

Michigan Milk Producers Association

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

Board of Directors

Officers President: Ken Nobis Vice President: Bob Kran Treasurer: Mark Halbert General Manager/Secretary: Clay Galarneau Ass’t. Treasurer: Joe Diglio General Counsel: David VanderHaagen

Mission Statement

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

Directors-At-Large Ken Nobis, St. Johns .........................989-224-6170 or 248-474-6672, ext. 201 Rodney Daniels, Whittemore.............989-756-4935 Mark Halbert, Battle Creek................269-964-0511 District Directors 1. Hank Choate, Cement City...........517-529-9032 2. Tim Hood, Paw Paw....................269-657-5771 4. Dan Javor, Hastings......................269-948-8345 5. Brent Wilson, Carson City............989-584-3481 6. Brad Ritter, Byron........................810-266-4091 7. James Reid, Jeddo........................810-327-6830 8. Leonard Brown, Sandusky............810-648-4505 10. Eric Frahm, Frankenmuth............989-652-3552 11. Bob Kran, Free Soil......................231-464-5889 12. John Kronemeyer, Pickford..........906-647-7638

Advisory Committee District One Brad Hart, Clayton Perry Cisco, Hudson Carlton Evans, Litchfield Glenn Preston, Quincy

517-445-2649 517-547-3231 517-398-0629 517-639-4182

District Six John Hufnagel, Westphalia Anthony Jandernoa, St. Johns Aaron Gasper, Lowell David Reed, Owosso

989-640-1394 989-593-2224 616-897-2747 989-723-8635

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

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

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

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

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

4 June 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

District Twelve Robert Barron, Gladstone Ron Lucas, Posen Corby Werth, Alpena Jeremy Werth, Alpena

906-786-7027 989-379-4694 989-379-3772 989-464-4022

MMPA Matters

By Ken Nobis President

Celebrate June Dairy Month

on’t you just love the month of June? The weather is usually warm but not too hot, and the days are long, leaving plenty of time for work and play. Many special days come in June, such as D-Day, Flag Day, Father’s Day, graduation day and the first day of summer. June also is popular for weddings. Some believe Juno to have been the Roman goddess of marriage, leading to the tradition that it is good luck to be married in June. I thought it was just because of the nice weather, but then I am a farmer, and I tend to think everything is weather related.

destination for our milk. In just the last couple of decades, whey has evolved from a waste - or at best an animal feed byproduct - to a dairy product that is in demand. At a recent U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) Board meeting, one of the questions asked was, “Where will we find enough whey to fill future demand?”

We celebrate not just one day but instead the whole month of June as Dairy Month. Dairy Month began in 1937 to promote dairy sales at a time of year when there was always excess milk on the market due to the annual “spring flush.” When cows went on pasture, milk production increased as sales actually underwent a seasonal decline. 1937 was a time when we didn’t know how to grow, harvest and store nutritious feed for our cows for the long winter. Today not as many cows are pastured; however, we still experience a less dramatic spring flush in milk production and a seasonal demand drop.

The global demand for dairy is growing, and forecasts indicate that growth will continue. In today’s world we see a population of 2.7 billion people considered to be low income, defined as surviving on $2.00 to $8.00 per day. This group is becoming more interested in the safety and nutrition of the food they eat and especially of the food their children eat. The next income category of global consumers that catches our attention is the group that breaks the $8.00 per day barrier, and that segment is expected to grow from 52% of the world population in 2011 to 66% by the year 2020. The interest in milk products is there today and will gain momentum as incomes rise. Dairy has the potential to satisfy many of the nutrition and safety concerns of consumers around the world.

The past 75 years have seen many changes on the production side of the dairy business as well as on the marketing side. In 1937 milk produced in the U.S. was almost entirely consumed in the U.S., but in 2012 we increasingly look to the global marketplace as an additional

But here we are in June 2012, and in the face of rising global demand we are once again experiencing an economic pinch on our dairy farms. This is especially hard to wrap our heads around, because inventory of milk is not rising particularly fast. So how do

we account for this pinch we are experiencing on the farm? Part of the answer is that the dairy price cycle in recent years has had a three-year duration. 2009 was the bottom of the last three year cycle, and we were expecting 2012 to bring another low point. What wasn’t expected was the depth of the low we are experiencing, a surprise that can legitimately be blamed on the weather. Even though inventory is not rising particularly fast, it is staying slightly elevated for a longer time period. Most dairy economists think we are at or near the bottom of the current cycle. The question is not “if ” but “when” we will see recovery in our operating margins, and many are predicting sometime in the fourth quarter of 2012. Though we have seen many changes in our industry over the last 75 years, some things never change. We continue to experience economic cycles and a “spring flush” that may or may not come in the spring. Dairy Month continues to provide our industry with some welcome attention just as it has done for the past 75 years. We welcome the chance to tell consumers about the safety and nutrition of our products in a celebratory manner, and that makes June special for the dairy industry.

Michigan Milk Messenger 5

Quality Watch

By By Dean Dean Letter Letter

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

Rural Watersheds and TMDLs

he U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final rule for implementing the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) program in July 2000. A TMDL is described by the EPA as a “pollution budget” designed to restore the health of a polluted body of water by “cutting spending” through reduced contaminant standards. TMDL development is usually carried out at the state level. Specific approaches and attitudes toward TMDLs vary by state according to their unique economies. For example, a state based on tourism may have different motivations and interests than a state centered on manufacturing or agriculture, forestry and mining. Under TMDL, states are to target polluted waters and establish a schedule for cleaning up these waters. For these waterways, states must allocate the “load” (quantity of allowable pollutants) to various discharge sources and develop an implementation plan for reducing pollutants and meeting water quality standards. Basically, states work backward from the TMDL standards to assign reduced load allowances for each discharge source. As a sidenote to our members, the TMDL program is particularly challenging to implement in rural watersheds where a significant portion of discharges come from nonpoint sources (many being privately-owned agricultural lands) making it even more important for us to stay informed and get involved. TMDL may sound daunting and overly complex, so let’s

break down the words behind the letters and dive into their meanings: Total— usually includes the meaning “quantity [of pollutants] from all sources.” The total quantity can also be segmented into the portion that is biologically available, the accumulative amount or the amount above some threshold. Maximum— both maximum and minimum are valued. The main interest may not always be the maximum; the minimum as well may be required for determination of level of impairment. Daily— in some environments or locations, high loads that occur over short periods of time may cause a problem, whereas others cause concern due to their long-term total load. Concerns about the daily load, the annual load or the load during the winter/warm/ breeding season may all be taken into consideration. Load—TMDLs may involve allowable concentrations, fluctuations or lack thereof, accumulated deviations over time, or frequency/ duration above a threshold (e.g., concentrations of herbicides may be permissible for a limited amount of time but could be damaging if sustained for a prolonged period) and, interestingly, do not always involve a concrete set volume of load. In short, TMDL is basically an EPA regulated program that attempts to evaluate current harmful “loads” of pollutants being released

into waterways and create a plan for reducing these loads if they exceed EPA standards. Load setting for each waterway typically falls on the state; states are charged with determining each waterway’s current pollution load compiled from all sources, permissible load levels, timing/ fluctuation of that load and how the load’s ideal standard will be measured. The components that make up a waterway’s TMDL can be broken down into a simple equation: TMDL or “Loading Capacity” = Waste Load Allocation (from point sources) + Load Allocation (from nonpoint sources) + Margin of Safety (room for uncertainty and natural error). The Loading Capacity reflects the ability of the system to absorb the designated load without damage. The focus of TMDL setting is determining which of the three components contributes and receives the largest portion of the load. Variables considered include: 1) agricultural impacts 2) drainage and water quantity 3) the need for more information 4) wastewater disposal 5) litter and spills and 6) sprawl. Promoters of the TMDL system for reducing pollutants believe watershed health equals community health. The implementation of the TMDL program will require public involvement, education and involvement of representatives from nonpoint sources (including farmers). One goal of the program is to set Continued on page 9

6 June 2012

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News & Views The latest dairy news

April Class III unchanged

The April Class III milk price is $15.72 per hundredweight. That’s unchanged from the month before, and $3.68 below year-ago levels. The 2012 average is now at $16.14. The Class IV price is down 55-cents from last month at $14.80, and is $4.98 lower than last year’s price for April.

Former Ovid Plant Manager Walt Huffman Passed Away

Walt Huffman, former Plant Manger at the MMPA Ovid plant passed away on May 3 at the age of 80. Walt retired from MMPA after 36 years of service to the cooperative. He also served as mayor of Ovid from 1960-1986 and was on the Ovid ambulance service for more than 20 years. He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Joan (Johnson) Huffman, children Lisa (Huffman) Ondrus and Steve Huffman, stepsons Rick, Scott and Wade Johnson and nine grandchildren. Sympathy may be expressed in the form of contributions to the National Kidney Foundation at www.kidney.org/support.

8 June 2012

Alex Henry Joins MMPA On May 14, MMPA welcomed its new Communications Coordinator, Alex Henry, to the Novi office. She’s charged with writing and editing the Michigan Milk Messenger, conducting the 4-H Milk Marketing Tour and assisting with other MMPA communication initiatives. A recent MSU Agriculture and Natural Resources Communications graduate, Alex joins MMPA after interning for the Michigan Ag Council, MSU ANR Communications Department, the Michigan FFA Foundation and Dow Chemical Company. Originally from Elwell, Alex grew up taking lambs and dairy feeder calves to the Gratiot County Fair for Youth through her 4-H club and FFA chapter. Her passion for agriculture and sharing farmers’ stories grew as she competed in various FFA competitions and assisted with a local agricultural literacy event – Rural Urban Day. In 2009, she was elected to serve as a National FFA Officer and postponed her studies for a year to travel for 330 days to more than 40 states conducting leadership workshops and speeches for high school agriculture students, networking with 70 national agricultural businesses and discussing international agricultural trade with stakeholders in Japan. She looks forward to working with our members to not only learn more about the Michigan dairy industry, but help tell their stories in an engaging, dynamic way that captures consumer’s attention.

Upcoming Events June 27-28

MMPA/4-H Milk Marketing Tour — Novi

July 2

Advisory Committee — Novi

17-19

Ag Expo — East Lansing

16-20

Michigan Dairy Expo — East Lansing

Rural Watersheds and TDMLs Continued from page 6

a good example of how to make TMDLs work in nonpoint source heavy rural watersheds. A coalition was formed and has been working in designated watersheds trying to raise awareness. The coalition is working toward local control and gaining support from the government. TMDL implementation plans often identify the threats or hazards in a particular environment and present information on how to lessen the risks. Often, implementing the plan to reduce loads means changing behaviors. Steps to minimize barriers to action are needed. Clear action recommendations and an understanding of behavioral influencers require collaboration with local assistance networks. It also requires involving various stakeholders in the planning and implementation phases. This process is not easy to carry out or understand and questions are often raised. The level of detail and difficulty involved in a TMDL tends to be greater in larger watersheds. Difficult TMDLs (characterized by the five factors below) require more data and more resources. •

When the problematic factors involve use impairment rather than standards violations.

•

When there are many sources of impairment.

•

When nonpoint sources are an important component.

•

When the processes involved are complex.

•

When the ecological principles involved are not well understood.

The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality describes watershed management as a community-driven process involving coalitions and partnerships of

stakeholders involved in developing multi-faceted solutions designed to meet specific water quality based goals. They see TMDLs as a framework from which to make water quality improvements while also providing infrastructure for watershed management. However, this framework does not ease some of the common TMDL points of contention: •

Is this water body really impaired? How do you know?

•

What is causing the impairment?

•

What should things really be like?

•

Do you have the correct loading capacity?

•

Have you identified the right sources and allocated the loading capacity in a reasonable fashion?

•

Who is responsible for the nonpoint-source load?

•

Who is going to pay for the clean up?

As specific watersheds in areas where MMPA member’s farm become “targeted” or are determined to be “nutrient impaired” by the EPA, farm management will need to become involved in local community partnerships to address these concerns and ensure their voices are part of the decision making process. Local Conservation District offices are great places to start building the needed working relationship. Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) Water Stewardship Technicians can help assess the farm’s specific situations where wind or water erosion of the soil could be a contributing factor to the watershed’s nutrient load. Local USDA NRCS service centers have staff knowledgeable

in Practice Standards that adhere to GAAMPs and often qualify for cost share programs. Your MMPA membership rep can provide contact information if requested. MAEAP is promoting stewardship among Michigan farmers who are committed to protecting the environment. MAEAP verification holds regulatory incentive as well. If a farm is MAEAP verified in all applicable “systems” (Farmstead, Cropping and Livestock) and is in a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Watershed, the farm will be considered as implementing the practices needed to meet a TMDL. All farms, regardless of size or type of operation, that achieve MAEAP verification and follow MAEAP standard are allowed this incentive. MAEAP is a tangible message dairy farmers can send to their communities affirming their commitment to the environment and the steps they’ve taken to lessen their environmental impact. Contact your MMPA member representative or Dale Ledebuhr to learn more about MAEAP or TMDL.

Producers scoring 95 percent or more on Grade A Surveys and Federal Check Rating

MMPA South Central May 2012 James & Ernest Ogden Donald & Roberta Lindsey Fred Feight and Sons Pleasant View Dairy Leroy Buss Elder Creek Farm Richard & Patricia Hawkins Thomas & Cheri Harsh

Michigan Milk Messenger 9

Legislative Watch Issues important to today’s dairy farmers

NMPF Urges Senate to Act on Farm Bill as Soon as Possible The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) is working with a bipartisan group of senators, as well as with other farm and agriculture organizations, to urge the Senate’s leaders to bring the pending 2012 Farm Bill legislation to a vote.. In a letter sent in May to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, 44 Senators urged that the farm bill be brought to a vote as soon as possible. If Senate action is delayed, it greatly diminishes the chance that the House of Representatives will make time to act on the Farm Bill yet in 2012 – meaning that important changes in dairy policy will not come to fruition this year. In the letter circulated by Agriculture Committee members Max Baucus (D-MT) and Mike Johanns (RNE), along with Sens. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Roy Blunt (R-MO), the Senate leadership is told: “We need to act soon to complete a farm bill in 2012 and provide certainty for farmers, ranchers, rural communities, other

10 June 2012

stakeholders, and all Americans. We very much appreciate your recognition of the need for timely action on the farm bill.” The Senate leadership received a similar letter from farm groups when NMPF joined more than 125 other agricultural organizations in pointing out how important it is to act on the farm bill quickly. That letter pointed out to Reid and McConnell that the farm bill “is one piece of legislation upon which all Americans depend, urban as well as rural. With limited time remaining before expiration of current program authorities, time is of the essence. While each of our respective organizations will continue to work to accomplish our key priorities, the farm bill must move forward.” NMPF President and CEO Jerry Kozak said that “the clock is ticking on our opportunity to get a farm bill done in 2012. We appreciate the display of bipartisan effort by senators from across the country to move this legislation forward.”

DomiNOs HSUS

ominos Pizza’s shareholders sent their message loud and clear on April 25: scientific expertise trumps special interest groups when it comes to what’s best for their pizza. Eighty percent of shareholders voted against a resolution submitted by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) that would have authorized a study to examine purchasing all of the pizza giant’s pepperoni and ham from cratefree sources. Only 4 percent of shareholders voted in favor of the resolution while 16 percent abstained. While other large food companies have buckled under HSUS’s pressure to eliminate gestation-crate-raised pork from their supplies, Dominos shareholders opted to side with agricultural industry experts on the issue. Company spokesperson, Tim McIntyre affirmed Dominos shareholders voted in line with the Board of Directors’ recommendation and said, “We rely on animal experts to determine what is the best way to raise an animal that’s being used for food.”

indicating there are advantages and disadvantages to both cage-free and caged pork production methods.” The website also reveals the company’s pork suppliers already harvest animals from farms “that use a variety of animal management systems, including from farms that do not use gestation stalls.” McIntyre assured the public that the company will continue monitoring the situation and gauging the progress of other food service providers. This isn’t the first time Dominos has been supportive of the agricultural industry. Collaborating with Dairy Management Inc., Dominos launched their Smart Slice school lunch program three years ago adding more lite mozzarella cheese to meet USDA school lunch calorie, fat and sodium nutrition standards. As a result, the company used 23 percent more cheese in 2010 than it did in 2009. That increase is even more impressive when we consider than a quarter of the cheese consumed in the United States is melted on top of pizzas.

Yet, even though the resolution failed, HSUS “was happy with the vote,” says Matthew Prescott, HSUS food policy director. “Garnering 4 percent of the vote in favor of the resolution means the organization can bring it back again next year. By next year Domino’s management will be hard-pressed to continue to ignore this.”

Over the past year, the program has tripled the number of schools served jumping from 1,100 schools in early 2011 to more than 3,000 schools to date. The Domino’s Smart Slice school lunch program is currently active in 37 states including Michigan and offers a delicious, yet nutritious slice made with whole grain crust, lite mozzarella, reduced-sodium pizza sauce and reduced-fat and sodium pepperoni.

But according to the company’s website, Dominos has been doing everything but ignoring animal welfare. After the resolution was defeated, Domino’s stated, “The American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Association of Swine Veterinarians have published statements

Dairy farmers and agriculturalists agree, it’s reassuring to see large businesses taking a stand against animal rights activists and helping promote nutritious agricultural products. Give the cook in your family a break this weekend and thank your local Dominos for their support.

Mastitis Bacteriology & Decision-Making Workshop MSUE is offering a course that will teach dairy producers, veterinarians and other industry professionals about basic mastitis bacteriology, milk culturing techniques, interpretation and application of culture results for both individual cows and the dairy herd. Participants will practice plating milk samples, practice diagnostic bacterial typing methods, examine cultures of various organisms and determine unknown cultures. June 27, 2012 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM Buchanan Room, Veterinary Medical Center Michigan State University Registration: $150 (Includes lab supplies, lunch, snacks and parking pass) Class limited to 16 participants Minimum class size 12 Taught by Dr. Ron Erskine, MSU College of Veterinary Medicine and Phil Durst, MSU Extension Educator. For more information, contact Ron at erskine@msu.edu or 517-353-4637 or Phil at durstp@ msu.edu or 989-387-5346. To Register: Send check payable to “MSU” to: Dr. Ron Erskine 736 Wilson Rd. LACS D202 VMC E. Lansing, MI 48824

Michigan Milk Messenger 11

Guydeane Kirkpatrick Honored by UDIM C

onducting effective dairy promotions in local communities takes a dedicated team of volunteers, each bringing their unique set of skills and leadership styles to the task to launch a successful activity. While a strong leader is critical to the team, dedicated workers are just as important. This year the UDIM recognized the efforts of one of the “behind the scenes” workers in dairy promotion, Guydeane Kirkpatrick of Kinde, Mich.

the dairy business any more, but we still work on dairy promotion because we know how important it is to the other dairy farmers. Once you are a dairy farmer —you are always a dairy farmer.” The women that have worked with Guydeane over the years share a deep admiration and respect for her and the work she has done, in many areas of the industry.

Guydeane Kirkpatrick and her daughter and son-in-law Lisa and Craig Iden.

Guydeane has been involved with dairy promotion activities for over 40 years. While never one to seek the top leadership role, she could always be counted on to show up and ask, “Where do you need me?” It is her steadfast commitment to the dairy industry and willingness to do whatever was asked that qualified her to be this year’s recipient of the 2012 Excellence in Dairy Promotion Award.

The Excellence in Dairy Promotion Award, sponsored annually by the United Dairy Industry of Michigan through its Dairy Diplomats of Michigan program, recognizes one outstanding Michigan dairy farm family member for his or her dedication to promoting dairy products. Award recipients possess extensive dairy promotion accomplishments and dedicate numerous hours of volunteer service to the dairy industry and his or her local community.

Guydeane’s avid promotion

12 June 2012

of dairy products traces back more than 40 years. Her long list of accomplishments includes being selected as the 1971 Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) Outstanding Young Dairy Couple (OYDC) with then-husband Elwood Kirkpatrick and attending numerous state, regional, national and international dairy industry meetings and events through the years. She also played a pivotal role in establishing the Huron County Dairy Diplomats organization and served as the group’s treasurer for 10 years. “We started doing dairy promotion on the county level before there was a statewide group,” Guydeane says. “It was an energetic group of dairy farm women that wanted to help promote milk. We all enjoyed each other and it became like a sisterhood for us. Most of our husbands at the time were active with MMPA, and this group gave us a chance to do things together. Unfortunately, many of us are not in

“Guydeane has worked tirelessly to promote the dairy industry over the years,” said Debbie Kubacki, MMPA member from Sebewaing who nominated Guydeane for this year’s award. “She has worked for many years in our Little Red Barn at the Huron County Fair selling milk and ice cream and was involved for many years with the dairy promotion booth at the Michigan State Fair.” It is the long-hot days in Detroit at the Michigan State Fair that Guydeane enjoyed the most. The chance to talk with people who had never been to a farm, or knew much about agriculture was motivating for Guydeane. “Being at the Michigan State Fair was always one of my favorite activities,” she says. “I felt like we reached more people that didn’t understand the importance of drinking milk. I think it made a difference.” Guydeane was also instrumental in talking with lunch program directors at local schools about ensuring that students were only served fresh, cold milk with their meals and conducted numerous cheese promotions at area grocery

Preserve & Protect

stores. Her June Dairy Month promotions included heading up the local radio trivia contest, and she volunteered seven of the past eight years with the “Give a Pint (of blood), Get a Pint (of ice cream)” promotion held in recognition of July is Ice Cream Month. She has also worked with the Huron County Farm Bureau Project RED (Rural Education Day) committee for the past 14 years to educate area third grade students about agriculture. “Guydeane’s life has been a colorful tapestry of hard work, integrity, love of promoting the dairy industry and dedication to the many friendships and relationships she has nurtured through the years,” Kubacki noted.“But, most of all, Guydeane is humble, has a great heart, strength of character and a deep-seeded love for dairy promotion. Simply said, she loves UDIM and the Dairy Diplomats and what they represent: promoting and educating others about the dairy industry.” Guydeane was surprised and humbled to received the UDIM recognition. “Dairy promotion is just something we always did. I never thought much about it and I always enjoyed doing it. There are so many that have done so much. I have just been one of the ‘Indians’ not the chiefs. So I was truly surprised, and honored to receive this award.” But those who presented the award were proud to recognize her, “Guydeane’s decades-long leadership in promoting the dairy industry and volunteering in her community exemplify the essence of the Excellence in Dairy Promotion Award,” said Sharon Toth, chief executive officer of UDIM, headquartered in Okemos. “We are proud to honor Guydeane for her dedication, accomplishments and service to the dairy industry.”

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Michigan Milk Messenger 13

Michigan Ag Council Launches Pure Michigan Radio and Billboard Campaign

rom Traverse City cherries to South Haven blueberries, Frankenmuth chicken to Hudsonville Creamery ice cream, there’s nothing that says Pure Michigan like Michigan agriculture. The Michigan Ag Council (MAC) – with support from their commodity group and agricultural business partners including MMPA – is collaborating with Travel Michigan to launch a “Pure Michigan Agriculture” campaign advertising the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of Great Lakes food this summer. With a focus on the tradition and heritage of Michigan’s hard working farmers and their families, “Pure Michigan Agriculture” will attempt to introduce consumers to the kind, honest, committed people behind their dinner plate. Coupled with the sector’s substantial contribution to the economy, the homegrown aspect of the over 200 foods produced in Michigan is the major message of the campaign. “Pure Michigan Agriculture,” will launch June 4 with radio spots and billboards on high traffic highways in five major Michigan media markets—Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Traverse City and Flint. The Pure Michigan Agriculture website will also feature links to information on the foods grown and raised in the state. MAC partners will feature information about their commodity or business area on the Michigan.org website and will also post summer food updates on the Pure Michigan Facebook page. Since agriculture is such a key component to Michigan’s serene landscape, George Zimmermann, Vice President of Travel Michigan remarks that agriculture is a great fit for the nationally-acclaimed,

14 June 2012

most visited tourism site in the United States. “Our agricultural resources are already playing a valuable role in our efforts to attract new visitors to Michigan. Who doesn’t enjoy biting into the first Michigan apple of the season or sitting down to a meal prepared with fresh, local products? Michigan is the second most agriculturally diverse state in the nation, and with culinary tourism on the rise there are countless opportunities for the tourism industry to work closely with our agricultural community to showcase these assets to visitors from across the country,” Zimmermann says. MMPA Manager of Communications and Michigan Ag Council President Laura Moser agrees that the partnership is a win-win. “Michigan agriculture is great for this state in more ways than one,” Moser said. “Our family-

owned farms not only provide local food, they support 923,000 jobs and contribute $91.4 billion to the state’s economy.” Tune in to Michigan radio stations from June through August to listen to the spots live or visit http://www.youtube.com/ puremichigan to playback a copy of the spot online. Direct your family, friends and neighbors to http:// www.michigan.org/Partners/ Michigan-Agriculture for more information. The Michigan Ag Council is made up of diverse commodity groups and ag businesses working together to design and implement multiple programs that will inform and educate consumers on the benefits of Michigan’s modern agriculture production. To learn more about MAC, visit their website at http://www.miagcouncil.org/.

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Know What’s in Your Alfalfa Seed Bag Reading labels isn’t just important when you’re watching your diet. Knowing how to read an alfalfa seed tag can also reap big dividends, in managing seed costs and ensuring you plant the amount of pure live seed intended. Many alfalfa growers do not realize they may be purchasing heavy-coated seed that reduces the pure live seed they’re actually planting. Unless you increase the seeding rate for heavy-coated seed, your stand establishment is at risk.

percent total germ equaling only 59 percent pure live seed. That’s quite a difference, and one that could affect stand density unless seeding rate is adjusted.

Light Coat example: 90 percent pure seed x 90 percent germ + hard = 81 percent PLS

Heavy Coat example: 66 percent pure seed x 90 percent germ + hard = 59 percent PLS

What the PLS Score Means A good stand of alfalfa will have 20 to 25 plants per square foot following its first winter. To achieve this, plant enough seed to allow for the attrition that occurs as seedlings emerge, contend with diseases and compete with weeds. Throughout most of North America, alfalfa growers have settled into seeding rates that achieve about 80 pure live seeds per square foot. This equates to 13.9 pounds of pure live seed per acre, assuming 250,000 seeds per raw pound. This equals 16 pounds per acre of traditional pink-treated seed at 90 percent total germination, which includes about 3 percent weight gain from fungicide, Rhizobium and colorant. Using this as a starting point, the table below shows the pounds of pure live seed and equivalent seeding rates needed to achieve 80 pure live seeds per square foot: Many seed companies sell coated alfalfa seed, and the coating material can range from the 9 percent light coat used by Pioneer, up to 34 percent of total weight or more in heavy-coated alfalfa seed from many other companies. Rhizobium, fungicide and colorant account for approximately 3 percent of the coating weight. Any additional weight listed as coating material is primarily a mineral such as limestone, gypsum or mica, with a polymer that binds these materials to the seed. The most common coating is a 34 percent limestone, referred to here as heavy-coat. Alfalfa growers should realize these coatings add volume and weight to the bag — weight beyond the actual seed. This added weight reduces the number of pure live seeds per pound, increasing the risk of inadequate stand establishment if the seeding rate per acre is not adjusted accordingly. This is especially true with cloddy seedbeds or increased weed pressure during early growth. Pioneer uses a proprietary patented light coat of 9 percent, applied in a layering process; a layer of fungicide directly on the seed, followed by a separating layer of mica and polymer, then a layer of rhizobia, with a final layer of mica and polymer. This layering results in separation of fungicide from rhizobia, and provides for optimal rhizobial activity and longevity. Pioneer uses mica (a mineral with similar flowability properties as the talc that’s used as a planter box treatment for improved flowability in seed corn) as opposed to rough limestone or gypsum commonly used in heavy-coated seed.

9% LightCoated Seed

34% HeavyCoated Seed

Total germination (from the seed tag)

90%

Pure seed (from the seed tag)

90%

66%

Pure live seed, percent (total germ x pure seed)

81%

59%

17.2 pounds/ acre

23.6 pounds/ acre

If cost of bag is:

$225

$190

Then seed cost per acre is:

$77

$90

If cost of bag is:

$350

$300

Then seed cost per acre is:

$120

$142

Pounds of seed needed for 80 seeds per square foot

Without this seeding rate adjustment for pure live seed, you’ll be reducing the number of seeds per square foot and increasing the risk of not attaining a full stand of alfalfa. Lower seeding rates of pure live seed are associated with reduced yield in the establishment year. Spotty stands hurt production throughout the stand’s life. Weed competition can be more impactful in non-uniform stands too, further reducing yield and quality. In the example above, the heavy-coated seed costs more per acre than light-coated seed when you adjust for pure live seed equivalency.

Adjust Seeding Rates

Find out what’s in your bag of alfalfa seed to establish a long-term, viable alfalfa stand.

Growers should adjust seeding rates based on the level of pure live seed (PLS) per unit of alfalfa seed. You can calculate pure live seed from information on the tag.

To learn more, talk to your local Pioneer Representative.

Pure Live Seed = percent pure seed x percent total germination Pure live seed is seed you can expect to germinate and contribute to stand establishment. In the case of Pioneer’s light coat seed, multiply the 90 percent pure seed times 90 percent germination, to equal 81 percent pure live seed. A heavy-coat seed would typically show 66 percent pure seed, with a 90 percent total germ. The calculation for this heavy-coated seed is 66 percent pure seed multiplied by 90

® TM SM

Michigan Milk Messenger 15

MMPA Members on the Big Screen for Pure Michigan Milk Campaign

t was 3 a.m. when Aaron Jorgensen and his family welcomed the 31-person Pure Michigan video crew onto Ri-Val-Re Farms in Webberville. A semi packed with props, motor home filled with wardrobe, two trucks stuffed with camera and lighting equipment, a catering truck and caravan of cars dotted the sides of their dirt road as crew members prepared for the first of two days of filming to create a 30-second “Pure Michigan Milk” commercial. Pure Michigan is a nationallyacclaimed advertising campaign focused on promoting Michigan’s tourism industry. The campaign is funded and administered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and offers financial and logistic support 16 June 2012

for nationwide visit Michigan commercials, billboards and radio spots. The “Pure Michigan Milk” commercial is part of an in-state campaign funded by MEDC. Kroger is purchasing the rights to use the commercial in their advertising. The commercial centers on the hard working, trustworthy, kind families behind Michigan’s milk while connecting viewers to the state’s dairy farmers. Kroger Manager of Integrated Communications Dale Hollandsworth explains Kroger’s creative partnership with Pure Michigan as an effort to forge relatable common ground between producers and consumers. “While we can’t tell the whole dairy story in a 30-second

commercial we are hoping to reconnect our customers with the

people that produce their food, and in this case, their milk on a day-to-day basis. Returning to the heritage and legacy of dairy farming provides the emotional tie from the farm to the customer needed to construct a solid, meaningful link that viewers will remember. We hope that this is just the first of many steps in closing the

Both farm families agreed that the Pure Michigan production process was bigger than they could have imagined. “All the crew and equipment was impressive. They accomplished a lot of work in a little time and it was truly an amazing display of teamwork,” Stuever commented.

The film crew tests lighting in the barn at the Stuever Farm. gap between the people that produce food and the people that enjoy it everyday.” The video crew spent their first day of filming at the Jorgensen’s farm. After 18 hours of wrangling cows to look “just right” in their pasture, diving into the grass to get out of the shot every time the director yelled, “Down!”, loading and reloading straw into the back of a farm truck and pouring a pitcher of milk into a glass at least 10 times to get the perfect shot, the Jorgensens learned firsthand what it was like to be on the set of a major production. “You don’t realize how much goes into a 30-second commercial until you’re part of it,” Aaron Jorgensen remarked. “It makes you appreciate all the work and people it takes to come up with every 30-second ad you see on TV.” From using large white screens and reflectors to control the lighting to bringing in fog machines to add a soft mist quality to a shot, Jorgensen was amazed with all the little details it takes to pull off a successful video shoot. “It was a very enjoyable experience and the staff was extremely nice. Working with Pure Michigan to showcase our farm and our industry was a once in a lifetime opportunity that our whole family

enjoyed.” He added, “The final result will take people back to a simpler time relating dairy farmers to good old fashioned values.”

A celebration of Dairy month, the commercial will air throughout June as a tribute to Michigan dairy farmers. Additionally, in-store “Pure Michigan Milk” signs will feature various MMPA farm families in the Kroger Dairy aisles and dairy social media updates will set up shop on the Pure Michigan Facebook page. Watch for the spot this month or check out the commercial online on the Pure Michigan YouTube Channel http://www.youtube.com/user/ puremichigan.

Day two of the shoot took the crew to Duane Stuever and family’s Lynn Island Farm in Capac. Panning down the alley of the freestall barn during feeding, capturing farm workers feeding calves and filming children playing in the country landscape were just a few of the shots the director snapped at Stuever’s pristine farm. Even after two weeks of coordinating logistics and planning shots, added to a hectic morning of filming, Duane Stuever positively affirmed, “It went really well! The film crew waits while the Stuever family Promotion and advertising of gets a calf ready for the camera. our industry is so important and being part of the Pure Michigan campaign will help the whole state, not just dairy.”

When asked about what he thought viewer’s reactions would be to the spot, Stuever explained, “I think this commercial will be very different from what we’ve done in the past. Viewers are going to get a warm fuzzy feeling since the commercial is definitely a Everyone at the Stuever Farm did their part to dairy feel-good ad.” help with the filming.

Michigan Milk Messenger 17

2012 Dairy Communicator Conference

elling your story, is the charge directed to dairy farmers as interest increases from those not familiar with modern dairy practices. MMPA is fortunate to have a group of dedicated members committed to helping improve dairy farmer image and increase the understanding of those not associated with dairying. Our team of dairy communicators work in their local communities, around the state and through social media to tell their story. Each year, this energetic group of members meets to gain new information and share ideas in the area of dairy promotion. This year’s dairy communicator meeting was held on April 23 at the Kellogg Center in East Lansing. During the day-long meeting, the dairy communicators heard industry updates and reports from MMPA President Ken Nobis, MMPA General Manager Clay Galarneau and UDIM Director of Producer Relations Mitch Smith.

President Ken Nobis gave an

update on the current farm bill and expressed concern on the timing of the bill saying, if a new bill is not enacted soon, many farm programs will expire. Ken encouraged the group to keep track of the farm bill’s progress and to contact their congressional representatives over the summer months while they are back in the districts. Ken also highlighted the impact the MMPA President Ken Nobis discuss the pending Farm Cooperatives Working Bill and other industry issues with the group. Together (CWT) program is having on assisting with an ongoing challenge. By 2014, export sales. He reported that in 44% of the current members of the 2011 92.4 million pounds of cheese Mich. House of Representatives was exported to 25 countries on four will be term limited including 14 continents through CWT. Representatives in 2012.” Ken concluded his remarks by Clay explained how the stressing the increasing need for a unexpected increase in milk strong PAC. production has affected the flow of milk in Michigan and around the “With term limits in place country. “Nobody expected to see building relationships with elected the increase in milk production we officials and keeping them informed have experienced earlier this year,” of issues important to our industry is Clay said. “The moderate winter weather created favorable weather for milk production. We anticipated a 2 percent growth in the first quarter of the year, but we saw over 5 percent. The increased milk production puts pressure on our plants as well as our customers attempting to process the heavy milk volumes. We are seeing production start to level out to a point that our plants can handle,” he adds. Higher milk volumes are also attributing to lower operating results and a declining milk price. As milk production increases, milk prices fall.

Shelly Mayer, Executive Director of PDPW, discusses effective listening with the Dairy Communicators. 18 June 2012

Clay explained Michigan rank 8th in the country for total milk production yet ranked 6th

in the country on production per cow. He also praised the communicators and fellow MMPA members for the outstanding level of milk quality produced on MMPA farms. MMPA member milk production has seen a steady decrease in SCC levels which on average, fall consistently below 200,000. After the service award luncheon, Shelly Mayer, executive director of the Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin, gave an informative presentation on active listening. She encouraged the group to work on their listening as well as speaking skills when telling their dairy farm story. 2012 Service award recipients: Janel Woodward, Evelyn Minnis, Patti Jandernoa, Lynda Horning, Michele Klingaman, Sally Bivens, Melissa Prins.

The 2012 Service Award Recipients 15 Years Jodi Hill, Livingston Charter Local Gerald Miron, Western U.P. Local

Rule number one is good communication, according to Shelly,

is connecting with the person’s heart before you ask for the hand. Rule number two is to be sincere, honest and focused on the other person’s needs. “In effective communication it is important to listen and not just hear, understand the motivation behind the question and handle the question, not just react to it,” she says. Shelly, who in addition to her work with PDPW, also milks cows with her husband in southeast Wisconsin, shared her personal stories as a dairy farm owner, relating well to the group. She encouraged them to work together remembering that regardless of how big or small our farms are, organic or conventional, Wisconsin or Michigan, we all share one brand—milk and we must work to protect the brand. The day-long meeting concluded with an update on UDIM activities from Mitch Smith and an idea sharing session with the communicators.

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Michigan Milk Messenger 19

Chocolate Milk Promotion Across Michigan

ichigan residents will be enjoying chocolate milk and receiving the benefits of this nutrient rich beverage in a variety of ways and at a wide range of venues in 2012 thanks to dairy farmers’ investment in promotion.

College athletes are fueling their workout with milk Two of Michigan’s Division 1 colleges are taking the science behind ReFuel with Chocolate Milk and adding it to their post-workout plan. Michigan State University (MSU) and Central Michigan University (CMU), working through United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM), have placed coolers in their weight rooms which they keep stocked with ice-cold chocolate milk for the athletes to enjoy post-workout. More than three years ago, Mt. Pleasant area dairy farmers

introduced chocolate milk to the CMU football team as a replenishment drink for after practice. The program grew to include almost 400 student athletes in all their team sports. The Rose Center Athletic Training facility on campus features a cooler to provide chocolate milk to the athletes after workouts. “Here at CMU, we use chocolate milk as a recovery drink,” said Rick Perry, CMU Strength and Conditioning Head Coach. “Research shows that it can be just as effective as other recovery drinks. The protein, carbohydrates and other key nutrients help speed up the recovery process and gets our athletes ready for that next workout, that next practice, that next game.” MSU coaches and trainers are providing chocolate milk to athletes after their workouts at four athletic training facilities on campus -- the Breslin Center, Duffy Daugherty

Football Building, Munn Ice Arena and Jenison Fieldhouse -- serving more than 800 athletes. “For our hockey players, chocolate milk has become a part of their lifestyle,” said Dave Carrier, MSU Hockey Athletic Trainer. “Not only do we have the cooler at Munn Ice Arena available 24/7 and stocked with chocolate milk single-serves, the athletes are drinking chocolate milk post- and pre- workout, before classes

Want More Out of the Corn You Feed?

We Can Do That.

20 June 2012

and with their team meals as well. They love the taste and convenience and the coaches and trainers at MSU love that it is great nutritionally for the athletes.” Chocolate Milk: Nature’s Sports Drink Grant In 2011, UDIM offered Michigan high school fall sport teams the opportunity to enjoy chocolate milk after games and practices to promote the nutritional benefits of chocolate milk as an ideal re-hydration beverage for high school athletes. Fifteen teams, including football, girls volleyball, boys soccer and girls swimming not only enjoyed the nutritious beverage of chocolate milk, but the athletes also sported their milk mustaches on posters throughout their community to promote the great taste of chocolate milk to all their friends and neighbors.

use for the promotion of “Chocolate Milk: Nature’s Sports Drink,” and a professional print of the teams’ chocolate milk mustache photo.

“RunHard.DrinkSmart.” Chocolate milk at Michigan road races Recent studies have shown that the nine essential nutrients in low-

fat chocolate milk make it an ideal drink after intense exercise, including marathon and triathlon training and competition. UDIM is taking this message to 16 road races across Michigan in 2012 and will provide chocolate milk as a refuel drink for an estimated 50,000 participants at the finish lines.

“Drinking chocolate milk has Continued on page 22

“We also understood how important chocolate milk was after the hard work our athletes put in,” said Joanne Spry, Athletic Director at St. Louis High School, “I took the proposal to our sports boosters. They were very excited to help our athletes and have committed $1,000 for next year’s budget to help sustain the availability of chocolate milk for next year.” UDIM has extended this grant opportunity to all high school athletic teams in Michigan for 2012. Notifications were sent out to all high school athletic directors and high school principals in mid-April. Fifty fall and winter high school sports teams in Michigan will be rewarded with a grant. The monies can be used to purchase chocolate milk for their team to replenish after practices and games for the entire season. The grant also provides up to two soft-sided cooler bags for easy milk transport, prizes and nutrition education materials to

Michigan Milk Messenger 21

Chocolate Milk Promotion Across Michigan Continued from page 21 been found to be one of the best postexercise beverage choices for adults due to the unique combination of natural nutrients,” said Amy Viselli, a registered dietitian for UDIM. “When consumed within two hours after exercise, chocolate milk is effective in providing endurance athletes the carbohydrates and protein necessary to refuel and repair muscles, the calcium to help maintain strong bones and the fluids to rehydrate after a strenuous workout.” Chocolate milk contains the same nine essential nutrients as white milk: calcium, potassium, phosphorous, protein, vitamins A, D and B12, riboflavin and niacin. The runners are loving the after-race replenishment and are adding it to their training and workouts as indicated by the following posts on the ReFuel With Chocolate Milk Facebook page: “Nice!! I had my glass after 10 miles of trail running this morning” -- Jon D. “I just started using chocolate milk as a recovery drink about 2 weeks ago - went to breakfast with some folks from my training team after our 20 miler and they all swear by it! I love chocolate milk at all times of day mostly as a pre-sleep snack.” – Erica V. For more information about our Chocolate Milk programs or other UDIM promotions, please call us at 1.800.241.MILK(6455).

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 22 June 2012

Hosted by Michigan Land Improvement Contractors Association & Michigan State University Extension

Located at Pleasant View Dairy 5211 W. Chicago Rd. Jonesville, MI 49250 Promoting Soil, Water and Nutrient Management Advancements in Agriculture Trade show events run 9 am to 4 pm both days Lunch can be purchased on site.

Field demonstrations will run continuously with a short break over the noon hour. Field Demonstrations will include:    

Drainage system design & installation Drainage tile smoke demonstration Water control structures & controlled drainage Tillage for residue management and manure applications

The Michigan Land Improvement Contractors Association and Michigan State University Extension will be demonstrating the latest advancements in Nutrient Management and Agricultural Drainage. Exhibitors will be on hand displaying equipment and supplies relating to the drainage and excavating industry, as well as livestock and crop production.

Educational sessions each day at 10:30 and 1:15. Join these fast paced sessions to hear how these systems work on local farms along with specialists from surrounding states:

  

Cover crops & nutrient recycling of manure Manure calibration Multipurpose drainage systems: Farmer experience in sub irrigation, recycling of livestock wash water and more. 4 CCA credits: 2 SW, 2 NM

For more information contact : www.michiganlica.org Will Word at (517) 398-1105 Natalie Rector at (269) 967-6608

BRING ALONG YOUR FRIENDS, CLIENTS, & ASSOCIATES Michigan Milk Messenger 23

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

Fly Control Fly population control is very important on dairy operations during the warm time of the year. Minimizing disease transmission to livestock and humans and preventing product contamination are extra challenges during fly season. MMPA Merchandise stocks two products members can purchase to use as tools in their fly management program: QuikStrike and Prozap LD-44Z.

QuikStrike – Stock # 5503 QuikStrike strips are a ready to use, self-contained product, designed to be placed in fly foraging areas. The active ingredient, Nithiazine, kills flies seconds after they feed on

Quikstrike. The flies are attracted to the sugar base matrix and a strong fly pheromone attractant. QuikStrike is effective only after flies ingest the active ingredient Nithiazine. Therefore, it needs to be placed in areas where flies actively feed. The best placement is 2-4 ft. above ground level in an area protected from children, animals, direct sunlight, wind, and rain. QuikStrike strips are effective for six to eight weeks and are helpful in controlling flies in calf raising areas, milking barns and feed storages. It is not approved however for use in the milkhouse. QuikStrike is available in a box containing 2 strips per package.

Stock number 5503 5501

Description Quikstrike Prozap LD 44Z

REGISTERED HOLSTEIN BULLS OVER 100 SERVICE AGE BULLS FOR YOUR SELECTION! A SPECIAL HERD SIRE OR A TRUCK LOAD OF BREEDER BULLS. READY TO GO TO WORK ON YOUR FARM!

•

GREEN MEADOW FARMS

• FROM OUR TOP PRODUCTION COWS.

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

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

24 June 2012

WWW.GREENMEADOWFARMS.COM

Prozap LD-44Z – Stock# 5501 MMPA Merchandise also stocks Prozap LD-44Z farm insect fogger. The active ingredients in Prozap LD-44Z, Pyrethrins and Piperonyl Butoxide, repel and kill a host of insects. Prozap LD-44Z contains no CFC’s and may be used in milkrooms and livestock housing if used according to label directions. Prozap LD-44Z is available in a 20oz. aerosol can.

Member price $20.88 per package $10.81 per can

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

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

MMPA Quality Premium Program

omatic Cell Count premiums and deductions (in addition to Federal Order SCC Adjustments computed in the producer pay price) will be paid at the following levels: • 50,000 or below +55¢/cwt. • 51,000 - 75,000 +50¢/cwt. • 76,000 - 100,000 +45¢/cwt. • 101,000 - 125,000 +40¢/cwt. • 126,000 - 150,000 +35¢/cwt. • 151,000 - 175,000 +30¢/cwt. • 176,000 - 200,000 +25¢/cwt. • 201,000 - 225,000 +20¢/cwt. • 226,000 - 250,000 +15¢/cwt. • 251,000 - 400,000 00¢/cwt. • 401,000 - 500,000 -15¢/cwt. • 501,000 - 600,000 -30¢/cwt. • 601,000 - 750,000 -$1.00/cwt. • Over 750,000 -$1.50/cwt. A payment of 5¢/cwt. will be added for each of the following, if the count is equal to or below: • 10,000 Raw Bacteria Count • 20,000 Pre-Incubated (PI) Count There will be a deduction of 10¢/cwt. for: • Greater than 100,000 Raw Bacteria Count

A high raw count deduction will be waived if the producer has received the quality premium the previous three months for raw bacteria count. To qualify for Raw and PI Bacteria Count premiums there must not be any of the following during the month: • Positive drug residue • Abnormal freeze points • High load count shipment or rejected load shipment • #3 or #4 sediment • Raw Bacteria count over 100,000 The count levels for raw and PI will be determined on one test run per month.

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

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

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

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

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

MMPA Member Testing Fees

ayment for testing will be made through an automatic milk check deduction. All costs are listed per individual sample. • Scheduled Herd Tests $1 Scheduled Herd Test samples are tested for: Culture for Streptococcus agalactiae, Strep non ag, Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase negative staph, coliform and SCC. Additional testing can be coordinated through your MMPA Member Representative to include: Raw bacteria count and components. All herd tests must be scheduled with the laboratory through your MMPA Member Representative.

Chemical, Sanitizer & Teat Dip Contact Information

Members who choose to receive their lab test results via U.S. postal service: $2/month Additional Tests Available: All costs are listed per individual sample. • Mycoplasma Cultures $ 8 • Bacteriology Cultures $12 – Includes identification of bacteria and drug susceptibility.

• Bovine Viral Diarrhea - PCR - ELISA • Johne’s Milk Test - PCR - ELISA – cows - ELISA – tank • Bovine Leukosis Test - ELISA – cows - ELISA – tank

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

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

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

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

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

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

Michigan Milk Messenger 25

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

Bulls Registered Holstein Bulls: We now have a nice selection of service age bulls, sired by top AI sires. Green Meadow Farms, Elsie, MI. 989-862-4291 or see our website at www.greenmeadowfarms.com. Service age Holstein bulls. Call Steve Alexander, 810-622-8548 evenings or 810404-8548. Registered Holstein breeding bulls, all AI sired from top bulls, b&w, red, red carrier and some polled, high production, low SCC herd. Bulls are priced to sell. Ver Hage Holsteins, 269-673-4886 or 269-2176076, ask for Tim. www.verhageholsteins. com.

Freeliner Policy The Freeliners column is open to current MMPA members who wish to advertise—at no charge—goods or services relating directly to their dairy farm operations. • An item submitted will be published for no more than two consecutive months (one month, unless otherwise requested). • After that, it will be withdrawn. • It will be published again for no more than two consecutive months only if the member resubmits the item by contacting their MMPA Member Representative or by writing or calling the Novi office. • Reference to a name of a firm or other commercial enterprise with which a member is involved will be deleted, with permission of the member. • If the member does not wish such deletion, he may choose to have the item published as a Classified Ad at the regular per-line Classified Ad rate. • Freeliners must be received by the 10th of the month preceding the desired month of publication. Example: to be included in the January issue, the freeliner must be at the MMPA office by December 10.

26 June 2012

Service age Reg. Holstein bulls, deep pedigrees, some red carriers. Jenesis Genetics, 231-924-6163 or 231-225-8615. Breeding bulls, red & white and black & white Holstein. Also, Jersey/Holstein crossbred. Out of high butterfat and protein dams, free deliver avail. Jerry Good, 616-262-6904.

Cows and Heifers

beaters, $75 ea. obo. 2 – 16 ft. apron chains, $75 obo. Cross conveyor chain $35 or whole box $400 obo. N.H. 60 in. Qtach bucket, $300 obo. 810-404-0468. 60 tie stall w/ water cups. 2 – 50 ft. N.I. hay elevator hyd. drive. 810-837-3403. 4400 combine, 1 owner, 213 grain head, 443 – 4 row corn head, always housed, 989-615-6372.

Cows for sale from herd w/ 82 lb. average on a 2 times a day milking. Plenty of cows to choose from, 734-7760285.

Single post hoist w/ tank and pump, complete, $250. Bottom auger for N.H. 308V spreader, will also fit others, $200. Beaters for a Gehl self unloading wagon. N.H. 195 spreader, exc. cond., $5,500. 989-224-2615 or cell 517-204-0888.

Herd reduction sale, barns too full, heifers and cows for sale, Holstein and crossbred from a 500 cow freestall herd, 616-262-0551.

Dairy Equipment

Herd of Holstein cattle: 40 milking cows, 16 heifers shortbred to springing, 7 heifers of breeding age, 989-833-5566.

Equipment Gehl 865 chopper w/ corn head. J.D. 70 gas tractor, 269-758-3268. Hydraulic tip table for hoof trimming, very little use, $1,300. 989-277-2880. DR740 N.H. round baler, net wrapped and super sweep pick up, $18,000. Gehl 99 high throw blower, $1,200, 989-8712915. Cross conveyor extension for a Gehl 970 silage wagon, $250, 734-915-4332. J.D. 925 Moco, good cond., 9 ft., 6 in. cut, discbine w/ impeller, stored inside, $8,600, 616-897-0620. Heston wagon, 16 ft. w/tandem running gear, roof and three beaters, $2,500 obo. 20 ft. litter spreader, 2 yr. old, A1 shape, $14,000 obo. 616-754-9404. N.H. #40 forage blower, $1,750 obo. N.H. #358 grinder mixer, 20 ft. folding auger, hyd. Drive, 4 screens, $6,500 obo. Gehl BU940 box for parts, two good

2 – Copeland 5 h.p. compressors, 3 phase, $1,000 ea. or both for $1,600, 989658-8782. 1,500 gal. Zero milk tank, Universal double six milking system, Universal 15 hp vacuum pump& oil reclaimer, sentinel 350 vacuum regulator, 18 Germania Auto takeoffs. Call 989-271-8757.

Misc. Australian Shepherd pups, ready April 24, parents good cattle dogs, $75 ea. 989471-2535.

Wanted Parts for Patz gutter system, higher paddles preferred, needs to rotate to the left. Voice mail: 574-642-1300 ext. 3160.

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Confidence

C IR - K LENZ II

P I P E L I N E A N D B U L K TA N K C L E A N E R Cir-Klenz II is a new chlorinated detergent that provides longer stability at higher storage temperatures and better hard water tolerance than standard chlorinated alkalines. With built-in conditioners, chelates, chlorine and surfactant thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no mixing or dissolving required.

PERFORM

A C I D C I R C U L AT I O N C L E A N E R Perform is a concentrated acid-based detergent especially formulated for recirculation cleaning of dairy systems that canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t tolerate foam. It also features a unique blend of three acids plus surfactant to remove soils and mineral deposits, quickly and cost-effectively.

Michigan Milk Messenger 27

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

Classified Ads ($5.65 per line) Mail ads, preferably typed, to: Classified Ads, Michigan Milk Messenger, PO BOX 8002, Novi, MI 48376-8002. Ads must be received by the 10th of the month before the month of desired publication. Send check or money order for $20 for up to 6 lines with your order. MMPA neither sponsors nor endorses products or services advertised in the Messenger. OPPERMAN GROOVING: Diamond sawed grooves, no hammering or cracking of concrete. No hoof damage. Call Opperman Grooving Inc., Portland. 517-647-7381. ______________________________________ DAVIDSON CEMENT GROOVING, INC: NO water needed. Wider, rougher grooves for better traction. We also offer texturing for your previously grooved floors. 3 operators will travel Michigan and other states. No interest payment terms. Est. since 1987. Call 1-800-365-3361. ______________________________________ CONCRETE GROOVING BY TRI-STATE SCABBLING, home of the 2” wide groove. Best traction, lowest prices. (800) 554-2288. www.tristatescabbling.com ______________________________________ CONCRETE GROOVING/FLOOR TEXTURING: Bring existing grooves back to 100% efficiency/new construction. Blue Ribbon Hoof Trimming, LLC. 989-635-1494. ______________________________________ FOR SALE: 5000-4000-3000-2500-2000-1500 OH MUELLER LATE MODEL BULK TANK MILK TANKS, complete, will trade. 1-800-558-0112.

WANTED TO BUY: USED BULK MILK TANKS, 200 gallons & larger, Sunset & Mueller, 1-800-558-0112. _______________________________________ LARGE SQUARE BALES CLEAN, bright straw. Will deliver. 989-723-1886. _____________________________________ WANTED TO BUY: corn silage. 989-7231886 or 989-277-1414. _____________________________________ MEDIUM RED JUNE CLOVER SEED, spring barley, seed oats, RR soys (BG2707RN, BG 2405NRR, BG7230, BG7180RR2Y, BG7290RR2Y), MCIA 2323 soys, MCIA 2409LL and MCIA 2610LL soys. Will deliver. 989-723-1886. ________________________________ HOOF TRIMMING: certified, experienced, w/ references. Craig Martin, 517-231-7790. _____________________________________ BARN WHITE WASHING: servicing all of Michigan and Indiana. Miller Spray Service, Inc. 574-825-9776. _____________________________________ 120,000 LB. TOLEDO TRUCK SCALES, basement style, already removed, good cond., $13,000, 989-277-5503.

HOOF TRIMMING: SERVICING CENTRAL TO WEST MI. Dairyland Hoofcare Institute certified, references available upon request. Reaux-Dale Hoofcare, 616-862-6668. _____________________________________ LOOKING TO LEASE: Hunting land in SC and SE Michigan. References available. Cell 734-776-7851. _____________________________________ SUNSET COOLER, 1,000 GAL. W/ COMPRESSOR. DeLaval LVP 3000 10 h.p. vacuum pump. Surge 2 ½ in. pipeline, electro brain, liquid dispenser, and pipeline cleaner. 65 heavy duty freestalls. 119 acres dairy farm for sale, 100 acres tillable, in Alpena County. 989-657-1079. _____________________________________ DAIRY/BEEF FARM FOR SALE: 248 acres, 140 tillable, swing-12 parlor, and 7 acres of sugar maple trees. 15 yr. old house w/ 5 bedrooms and 2 3/4 baths and an easement to nearby lake. Plenty of pasture and hunting opportunities. Alpena County, MI, $420,000, (989) 356-0786. _____________________________________ WE WOULD LIKE TO RAISE YOUR HEIFERS: Please call 810-679-3389 for details.

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

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

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

Citrus Pulp

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

Valero Meal

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

28 June 2012

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!

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

MILK SHIPPED — POSITIVE DRUGS CONFIRMED

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

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

1. Call a MMPA Member Representative to have the milk in the tank tested. A “hold” must be placed on the tank contents until the test results are known. - OR 2. The member can test the milk on the farm. If dumped, the member must be sure to take the stick reading, record the number of pounds of milk, and report the information to their membership representative. • If the tank tests negative (no drugs present), the milk may be released and shipped.

• If the tank tests positive (drugs present), the membership representative will authorize the member to dump the tank of milk. The member will be paid 75% of the value of the tank of milk involved.* • If for any reason MMPA personnel must pick up samples at the farm for testing three or more times within 12 consecutive months, the member involved will be charged $25 per trip.

If a loss is incurred by MMPA due to the disposal and/or nonmarketability of a load of milk or milk products containing drug residue, then the member responsible will be provided an invoice for the entire value of the loss plus transportation and disposal costs as required by the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance. This invoice may be submitted to the member’s insurance carrier. MMPA must receive settlement on the invoice within 90 days of issuance. If settlement is not made within 90 days, the full amount of the invoice will be deducted from the next milk check unless other settlement arrangements are made. Milk from that member’s farm tank must be tested and found clear of drugs before the next tank of milk can be picked up. A hauler whose entire load sample shows the presence of drugs will be charged the amount of an average shipment on that load if the individual member samples all show negative. ALL POSITIVE DRUG RESIDUE SHIPMENTS MUST BE REPORTED TO THE ENFORCEMENT AGENCY.

MMPA Policy on Milk Quality QUALITY QUESTIONABLE

REJECTED LOAD SHIPMENT

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

If:

If the milk is dumped, the member will be paid 75% of the value of the tank of milk involved. In order to receive payment for an added water voluntary dump, the member must install a Swingline Safety Switch. The Swingline Safety Switch can be ordered from the St. Louis warehouse. The MMPA Member Representative will verify the switch has been installed. Reimbursement for the Swingline Safety Switch and the voluntary dump will then be made to the member. The member assumes all liability for losses incurred as a result of shipping poor quality or contaminated milk. MILK SHIPPED – HIGH BACTERIA COUNT If: 1. A load of milk is received (unloaded) at a dairy processing plant and, 2. a sample from the load has a bacteria count of 300,000 or more and, 3. testing of the individual member samples on that load identifies the member or members having a bacteria count of 300,000 or more, then the member or members involved will be charged the value of one-half of one day’s production** and will be disqualified for raw and PI bacteria count premiums. **For members using more than one bulk tank, the assessment will be based on the value of milk in the tank or tanks in violation of the MMPA quality policy.

1. A load of milk is rejected (not unloaded) at a dairy processing plant and, 2. the milk cannot be sold through normal Grade A channels for reasons of quality which results in the load being sold or disposed of at a loss to MMPA, and, 3. testing of the individual member samples on that load identifies the member or members that caused the contamination or rejection of the load, then, the member or members responsible will be charged the full value of the loss to MMPA plus transportation and disposal costs, and be disqualified for raw and PI bacteria count premiums except for loads rejected for temperature. 4. MMPA will provide an invoice to the member for the amount of the loss, to be submitted to the member’s insurance carrier. MMPA must receive settlement on the invoice within 90 days of issuance. If settlement is not made within 90 days, the full amount of the invoice will be deducted from the next milk check unless other settlement arrangements are made. If a member has a third occurrence or more within 12 consecutive months, that member must appear before the MMPA board of directors to review steps taken on the farm to correct the quality problem which will enable MMPA to continue to market the milk for this member. HAULER A hauler whose entire load sample exceeds 300,000 per mL bacteria count will be charged the amount of an average shipment on that load if the individual member samples all are less than 100,000. A hauler will be responsible for all costs incurred by MMPA for loads rejected for temperature. Charges and assessments made under this program will be withheld from milk checks of members or haulers involved.

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

Michigan Milk Messenger 29

Market Report For Milk Marketed in April 2012

MARKET STATISTICS

Mideast Federal Order #33 (pounds)

This Month

Year Ago

Total Class 1 Sales

501,017,446

525,628,479

-4.68

Total Class 2 Sales

259,310,214

175,327,164

+47.90

Total Class 3 Sales

570,039,223

498,918,781

+14.25

Total Class 4 Sales

212,633,491

98,215,391

1,543,000,374 1,298,089,815

Total Production Class 1 Utilization

32.5%

2012

2011 % Change

+116.50

Production California

3,628

3,519 +3.1

+18.87

Wisconsin

2,267

2,190

+3.5

New York

1,119

1,080

+3.6

Idaho

1,108

1,077

+2.9

Pennsylvania

909

918

-1.0

Texas

843

816

+3.3

Minnesota

770

760

+1.3

Michigan

752

708

+6.2

New Mexico

718

693

+3.6

Washington

530

509

+4.1

Ohio

455

434

+4.8

Indiana

322

305

+5.6

* Total U.S.

15,983

15,475

+3.3

* U.S. Y-T-D

63,385

60,464

+4.8

40.5%

Mideast Federal Order #33 Current Month Total Producers 6,591 Average Daily Production per Farm 7,804 Average Protein Test 3.08% Average Butterfat Test 3.67% Average Other Solids Test 5.76% Average SCC Count (MMPA) 164,000

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

$2.6568

Butterfat Price/lb.

$1.5645

Other Solids Price/lb.

$0.4048

Class III Price @ 3.5%

$ 15.72

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

30 June 2012

$0.31 $ 16.03 $0.00077

NATIONAL TRENDS (million pounds)

% Change

* For 23 states

NASS Survey Prices Monthly Avg Cheese /lb Butter /lb Nonfat Dry Milk /lb Dry Whey /lb

1.5361 1.4634 1.2514 0.5921

MMPA Staff NOVI (Headquarters) 248-474-6672

800-572-5824 General Manager Clay Galarneau, ext. 200 Member Services Milk Sales/Dispatch Finance/Controller Dean Letter, ext. 213 Carl Rasch, ext. 244 Joseph M. Diglio, ext. 240 Laboratory Supervisor Manufactured Product Sales Credit/Insurance Patti Huttula, ext. 219 Jim Dodson, ext. 229 Cheryl Schmandt, ext. 210 Human Resources Member Relations/Public Affairs Data Processing Cindy Tilden, ext. 220 Sheila Burkhardt, ext. 208 Gregory Schulkey, ext. 237 Member Communications Laura Moser Alex Henry, ext. 211

MANUFACTURING PLANTS

Constantine 269-435-2835 Plant Manager Dave Davis

MMPA FIELD STAFF

MASTITIS MANAGEMENT

EAST AREA

Tom Herremans................ 231-853-8008 Ravenna mobile 269-967-0890

Supervisor: Michael Marvin Marlette Office................ 989-635-3650

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

Gary Best..........................810-664-4984 Lapeer mobile 586-484-9279 Bulk Tank Calibration

Christy Dinsmoore................................... Fairgrove mobile 989-528-9102

Environmental Specialist Dale Ledebuhr.......................269-965-2474 Battle Creek mobile 269-986-6791

Michael Marvin........................................ Marlette mobile 989-670-4864

NORTH AREA Supervisor: Gerry Volz St. Louis Office............... 989-289-9219

Kristin Rawlings....................................... Deckerville mobile 231-414-4539 Andrew Rupprecht................................... Clio mobile 269-986-6793

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

SOUTH AREA

Ben Chapin.............................................. Big Rapids mobile 989-289-0731

Supervisor: Lyndsay Stakenas Coldwater Office............... 231-519-2455

Preston Cole......................231-584-2587 Mancelona mobile 989-289-9301 Steven Lehman................. 989-875-3441 Ithaca mobile 989-330-1638 Katie Pierson........................................... Coleman mobile 989-289-9686 Kendra Stieg............................................ Kentwood mobile 269-245-6632 Gerry Volz.........................989-848-5996 Fairview mobile 989-289-9219

Krista Beeker........................................... Howe, IN mobile 269-986-6792 David Brady.......................517-522-5965 Grass Lake mobile 517-937-9061 Lyndsay Stakenas................................... Coldwater mobile 231-519-2455 Elyse Wilcox............................................ mobile 810-701-6460 Ed Zuchnik.............................................. Three Rivers mobile 269-967-7351

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

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 MERCHANDISEâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;ST. LOUIS Supervisor: Duane Farmer.989-681-2334 Fax.................................989-681-3988 Toll Free.........................877-367-6455 Orders (Novi).800-572-5824 then dial 2

Michigan Milk Messenger 31

Our strength is in our

MEMBERS! M

MPA embodies the cooperative spirit â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a network of individuals working together to enrich the quality of life

for every dairy farmer member. MMPA members are

the owners, the operators and the strength of the cooperative. From participation at the local level to representation on national issues, MMPA members are the strength of the co-op. Find out more about MMPA membership by calling (248) 474-6672.

The Sharrard Family Peck, MI

32 June 2012