Michigan Milk Messenger: June 2013

June 2013 Volume 95 Issue 12

Julie Alexander: 2013 UDIM Excellence in Dairy Promotion Recipient

Michigan Milk Messenger 1

2 June 2013 2 June 2012

June 2013

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Contents

Volume 95 Issue 12 www.mimilk.com

Features

18

12 Pure Michigan adds Agriculture Apparel to

Online Store 13 MSU Upper Peninsula Research and Extension

Center Begins Focus on New Mission 14 From Milk Cans to Bulk Tanks 15 2013 Milk Hauler Awards

23

16 Making Dairy Promotion a Lifestyle 18 Modern Technology, Old-Fashioned Philosophy 22 MMPA Funds Research to Explore the Survival

of TB Bacteria in Ensiled Forages 23 Aren’t Cows’ “Gutters” Really in the Middle of

their Stomachs?

Departments

Managing Editor...................... Sheila Burkhardt Editors........................................... Laura Moser

.................................. Alex Schnabelrauch Advertising Manager.............. Nancy Muszynski Circulation............................................... 4,200

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

An Equal Opportunity Employer – F/M/V/D Michigan Milk Messenger (USPS 345-320) is the official publication of Michigan Milk Producers Association, published monthly since June 1919.

Subscriptions: MMPA members, 50¢ per year; non-members, $5 per year.

41310 Bridge St. P.O. Box 8002 Novi, MI 48376-8002

Telephone: 248-474-6672 FAX: 248-474-0924 Periodical postage paid at Novi, MI and at additional offices.

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

(ISSN 0026-2315)

June 2013 Volume 95 Issue 12

On the Cover MMPA member Julie Alexander of Hanover Township is the most recent recipient of the UDIM Excellence in Dairy Promotion Award. See her story on page 16.

Julie Alexander: 2013 UDIM Excellence in Dairy Promotion

Michigan Milk Messenger 1

Michigan Milk Messenger 3

Michigan Milk Producers Association

Michigan Milk Producers Association, established in 1916, is a member owned and operated dairy cooperative serving approximately 2,000 dairy farmers in Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin and Ohio.

Board of Directors

Officers President: Ken Nobis Vice President: Bob Kran Treasurer: Mark Halbert General Manager/Secretary: Clay Galarneau Ass’t. Treasurer: Joe Diglio General Counsel: David VanderHaagen Directors-At-Large Ken Nobis, St. Johns .........................989-224-6170

or 248-474-6672, ext. 201 Rodney Daniels, Whittemore.............989-756-4935 Mark Halbert, Battle Creek................269-964-0511

FRONT ROW (l-r): Mark Halbert, Treasurer, Director-at-Large; Hank Choate, District 1; Brad Ritter, District 6; Ken Nobis, President, Director-at-Large; Bob Kran, Vice President, District 11; James Reid, District 7; Leonard Brown, District 8; Clay Galarneau, General Manager/Secretary. BACK ROW (l-r): Brent Wilson, District 5; Joe Diglio, Director of Finance/Assistant Treasurer; David VanderHaagen, General Counsel; Dan Javor, District 4; Rodney Daniels, Director-at-Large; Tim Hood, District 2; Eric Frahm, District 10; John Kronemeyer, District 12.

District Directors 1. Hank Choate, Cement City...........517-529-9032 2. Tim Hood, Paw Paw....................269-657-5771 4. Dan Javor, Hastings......................269-948-8345 5. Brent Wilson, Carson City............989-584-3481 6. Brad Ritter, Byron........................810-266-4091 7. James Reid, Jeddo........................810-327-6830 8. Leonard Brown, Sandusky............810-648-4505 10. Eric Frahm, Frankenmuth............989-652-3552 11. Bob Kran, Free Soil......................231-464-5889 12. John Kronemeyer, Pickford..........906-647-7638

Mission Statement

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

Advisory Committee District One Carlton Evans, Litchfield Brad Hart, Clayton Glenn Preston, Quincy Art Riske, Hanover

517-398-0629 517-445-2649 517-639-4182 517-524-6015

District Six Aaron Gasper, Lowell Anthony Jandernoa, St. Johns David Reed, Owosso Kris Wardin, St Johns

616-897-2747 989-593-2224 989-723-8635 989-640-9420

District Two Donald Bever, Delton Francis Burr, Mendon Richard Thomas, Middlebury, IN Michael Oesch, Middlebury, IN

269-671-5050 269-778-3552 574-825-5198 574-825-2454

District Four David Bivens, Bellevue Mark Crandall, Battle Creek James Droscha, Charlotte David Lott, Mason

269-758-3980 269-660-2229 517-543-5577 517-676-4593

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

4 June 2013

231-825-2814 989-762-5399 231-796-4650 989-762-5380

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

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

District Eleven 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 Dave Folkersma, Rudyard Corby Werth, Alpena Jeremy Werth, Alpena

906-786-7027 906-478-3023 989-379-3772 989-464-4022

MMPA Matters

By Ken Nobis President

Defining Sustainability in Dairy

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very year since 1937, we have celebrated June as National Dairy Month to promote dairy consumption.

Why pick June? Because back then, consumption declined as kids left school for the summer just as milk production increased with the advent of spring. In 1937, we didn’t know how to harvest and store high quality feed for the long Midwest winters, so the spring flush was more pronounced than today.

Despite advances that would amaze the dairy farmers of 1937, celebrating June as National Dairy Month remains a good idea. Maybe it’s time to focus on issues that are important today, but were not recognized back then.

Sustainability as it relates to dairy today, tomorrow and beyond is an area of focus today. The word “sustainability” can mean different things to a variety of people, and just mentioning the word can open a can of worms. I think that very few people, dairy producers or anyone else, would find fault with the goal of producing milk on our farms by using practices that will benefit our consumers, our planet and ourselves. The disagreement arises when we try to pin down what these practices look like in our day-today world. There is rarely one magic solution to address any situation, and dairy, of course, is no different. In fact, it is probably among the more complex, because it involves living creatures and unpredictable weather conditions in addition to other considerations.

Some of the giants in the marketing industry have been looking at sustainability for a while now.

For example, I attended a summit in Arkansas several years ago when Wal-Mart was taking a serious look at this issue. Wal-Mart, of course,

is interested in making money – no surprise there. Sustainability fits into that picture, because a responsibly run, efficient operation not only conserves resources but reduces the cost to produce a product. What happens on the farm contributes in large part to the carbon footprint of the dairy chain from field to table, thus the interest in the producer —you and me. The result of those efforts was that data was gathered so that the carbon footprint of the dairy farms could be accurately measured. The outcome was positive, because the impact had been estimated to be substantially higher than it turned out to be once it was measured using current reliable data.

The sustainability discussion started long before that meeting (and probably even before the advent of National Dairy Month) although not in the same context, and it has continued to evolve so that it encompasses much more. The problem, I think, is that the question has still not been refined enough. We need to figure out exactly what we mean when we strive for sustainability, and how we can get there and still remain in business. What is it that we are striving to sustain? How can we get there, even as circumstances beyond our control change along the way? What data should we gather to arrive at the greater efficiencies that we strive to achieve every day on our farms?

needs to be considered. For example, if a system currently operates with the assistance of government subsidies, it is essential to determine whether it can continue once those subsidies cease.

Many factors must be considered if we aim to conserve Earth’s resources, retain our ability to make a living and allow agriculture to feed the world.

MMPA is actively involved in figuring out how the puzzle pieces fit together.

One thing that our co-op is doing is discussing protocols with a major food manufacturer to determine how our farms can practice sustainable methods that are in line with their mission. This gets back, once again, to the need to gather and apply accurate data to learn what works and what does not work.

Maximizing the use of electrical energy on our farms, managing cropping to best advantage, using some products that would otherwise end up in landfills and recycling water efficiently come to mind as areas where we can continue to make improvements.

Stay tuned as this initiative advances. MMPA is looking out for the interest of its member farms, large and small, taking a proactive approach to doing what is right. Dairy producers play a major role as employers and leaders in our MMPA membership area. It is important to approach the sustainability issue in a way that is effective, fair and responsible.

The answers will be varied, including some totally new approaches along with some that are not new but need to be revisited. At a time when different groups are now promoting specific practices as the answer to the question, the cost of developing and operating a sustainable practice 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

Recommended Farm Biosecurity Measures

D

airy farms experience an ever increasing amount of traffic: feed delivery trucks, milk trucks, veterinarians, hoof trimmers, inspectors, farm tours and the list continues. Additionally, cattle move on and off farms at an increasing volume and frequency. Vehicles, animals and people can all be vectors or carriers for various diseases, some of which can prove disastrous. Farms need to continuously review the effectiveness of their biosecurity measures, not only for the benefit of their farms, but for the benefit of the industry.

Reduce the Opportunity of Contamination from People:

The first step to verifying the effectiveness of a biosecurity plan is identifying points where pathogens may enter the farm. The United States enjoys having a disease-free status for many foreign animal diseases that afflict herds in other countries.

Considering how quickly and easily people move around the world, it is quite possible for someone returning from another country to bring a “gift” of disease along with them. The trouble is that some of these “gifts” keep on “giving.”

Foot and Mouth Disease (more aptly named Hoof and Mouth Disease since it only affects cloven hoofed animals) is a highly infectious disease that can be transported to a farm on people. For this reason, farms should verify any out-of-country visitors to mitigate foreign disease transmission.

Those people that have been out-ofcountry in the previous few weeks should be steered away from the dairy facility.

6 June 2013

Just because a person has not been out-of-country does not mean that he/ she can’t be a vector. The United States has a number of “homegrown” diseases that farmers need to guard themselves against. There are a number of steps farms can take to mitigate the risk of disease transmission: •

Provide foot sanitation stations at all points of access to milk house, parlor and cattle housing.

•

Make sure all visitors use sanitizing footbaths or disposable foot covers prior to entering milk house, parlor and cattle housing.

•

Provide single-service coveralls and foot covers for all visitors particularly if they are getting in close contact with animals.

Reduce the Opportunity of Contamination from Animals:

It should come as no surprise that animals can easily spread disease when certain precautions are not taken.

Precautions need to be taken to prevent disease transmission between herd mates as well as new additions.

When it comes to disease control, cleanliness is next to godliness. Three areas on the farm where animal caretakers cannot afford to take cleaning shortcuts are: the hospital pen, maternity pen and calf rearing area.

Cows entering the hospital pen can often be carrying a pathogen and be immune compromised— ideal for disease transmission. As part of the natural calving process, cows’ immune systems are suppressed around the time of delivery. Pathogens left because of an insufficient cleaning/sanitation

program can readily infect the next cow or calf. We expect maternity wards in hospitals to be clean and disinfected; we should expect no less of the farm maternity pen.

Calf rearing areas also need special attention. The hutch or pen needs to be cleaned and disinfected after each calf. This point was brought up at MMPA’s recent calf raising schools.

Land O’Lakes’ Dr. Tom Earleywine emphasized that cleaning technique is very important when it comes to cleaning calf housing; those that love to use high powered pressure washers need not apply. The purpose of cleaning is to remove soil and direct the soil to a designated area, not blast it up into the air as an aerosol so that it settles on other calves in the area.

The same care should be exercised in cleaning bottles and buckets.

Ideally, calves should be fed a high quality milk replacer at a rate to help the calf reach her growth potential.

Some farms have “discard” milk that they wish to feed to their calves.

Absolutely avoid feeding raw milk to calves. Some farms have purchased pasteurizers to make the milk safer for their calves. There is nothing magical about pasteurizers; they work if they are cleaned and operated as directed.

MMPA members can verify that their pasteurizers are working; contact your member representative for more details.

Since there are no truly “closed” herds, farms can benefit from establishing a sound vaccination program with their veterinarian.

Related to that, if a farm is purchasing additions to their herd, it would be helpful to know the vaccination and health history of those animals. If

Continued on page 9

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News & Views The latest dairy news

April Class III Up From March

Michigan Dairy Electronic Newsletter: Subscribe Today!

The April Class III milk price is $17.59 per hundredweight, up 66 cents from March and $1.87 above year-ago levels.

The Class IV price is also up 35 cents from March and is $3.30 higher than April 2012. The May average milk price should continue the upward price swing due to increases in the Class III prices and continued strength in Class IV commodity values.

An electronic newsletter, Michigan Dairy E-News, has arrived to provide Michigan dairy producers and allied professionals with information on MSU dairy Extension resources and events, topics pertinent to the Michigan dairy industry and weblinks for articles and research updates. For security concerns, the newsletter will not have any attached files. Additionally, the list of recipients will be kept confidential and used solely for sending the e-newsletter. Look for the first edition in your email inbox mid-June!

Our email address book of dairy producers in Michigan is incomplete at this time. Thus, if you do not receive a copy, or want to insure your subscription, please send an email to michigandairyenews@gmail.com.

Anyone wishing to unsubscribe will have the opportunity at anytime by following the link at the bottom of the page that says “SafeUnsubscribe.”

If you have any concerns or questions, please contact Dr. Ron Erskine, MSUCollege of Vet Med, erskine@cvm.msu.edu, 517-353-4637.

Producers scoring 95 percent or more on Grade A Surveys and Federal Check Rating MMPA Huron County April 2013 Alvin Gnagey Delcath Farms Triple M Farms Wiegert Dairy Farms LLC Thomas Schultz Muxlow Dairy Farm David Shoemaker Oak River Dairy LLC Richard Schroeder Joseph/Valerie Kubacki D & P Dairy LLC *

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8 June 2013

Upcoming Events

June

17-18

MMPA/4-H Milk Marketing Tour Novi

July 16-18

Ag Expo East Lansing

15-19

Michigan Dairy Expo East Lansing

REAL Seal to Launch New Social Media Campaign NMPF’s efforts to revitalize the REAL® Seal will take a big leap forward this spring, as a new campaign to build interest in the seal through social media is in the process of being launched.

The campaign will galvanize interest among consumers in real, American-made dairy products, using a new Facebook page, blogger outreach and digital advertising. The program will be launched in time for June Dairy Month.

The revamped REAL Seal® Facebook page will create a new voice and visual feel to engage and cultivate target audiences, especially moms and heads of households consuming dairy products. The page’s content will include interaction-provoking updates, multimedia presentations, contests, polls and quizzes. One of the elements of the launch will feature a “Name the Character” contest. Kids submitting the winning name will receive a packet of coupons provided by product marketers using the REAL® Seal.

The blogger outreach will generate engagement, online conversation and awareness surrounding the REAL® Seal campaign by driving consumers to official REAL® Seal platforms, and by interacting with bloggers writing about the mom/parenting, food/cooking, health/wellness and lifestyle topic areas. Starting in July, a special Buyer’s Guide section will be added to the REAL® Seal website, where consumers will be able to go to find REAL® dairy products, foods made with REAL® dairy products and restaurants that use and serve only REAL® dairy products.

REAL® Seal users will have the option of providing links to their company’s website as well.

Recommended Farm Biosecurity Measures Continued from page 6 the vaccination programs are not compatible, the deficiency needs to be addressed prior to introducing the purchased animals into the indigenous herd. I recall an instance where a farm lost a significant number of purchased animals because they had no protection against a pathogen in the indigenous herd. As an added precaution, isolate purchased animals for at least 21 days prior to introduction to the indigenous herd.

Michigan has a rather unique program to help control the spread of disease – the required use of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags. The use of RFID tags is crucial to Michigan’s program to control and eradicate bovine TB and maintaining Michigan’s TBfree status outside of those counties in northeast Michigan. These tags allow the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) to track the movement of calves and other cows for testing purposes. Under no circumstances should buyers accept Michigan cattle without RFID tags. In fact, Michigan Public Act 466 287.744, Sec 44 (4) a-c prescribes penalties for selling and transporting animals without proper identification. The proper and consistent use of RFID is so important to Michigan agriculture that violators should be reported to Bovine TB Program Coordinator Dr. Rick Smith at 517-373-8283. If you have questions about biosecurity, please contact me at the Novi office.

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Legislative Watch Issues important to today’s dairy farmers

MMPA Applauds Approval of Dairy Policy Reforms in Senate and House Farm Bill

M

ichigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) applauds the Senate and House Agriculture Committees for approving a farm bill that includes key improvements to dairy programs.

“We commend the House and Senate Agriculture Committees for their dedication in moving the farm bill legislation forward,” says Ken Nobis, MMPA President. “The dairy title in both the Senate and House versions of the farm bill contains much needed improvements to current dairy

programs that will better protect dairy farmers and minimize program costs.”

The dairy title contains the longawaited dairy reforms offered by the Dairy Security Act and supported

by MMPA and many other state and national farm organizations.

“We applaud Committee Chairwoman Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) for her leadership to move the legislation forward in the Senate and we appreciate Congressman Dan Benishek’s (R-MI) support for the dairy reform proposal in the House

Agriculture Committee,” says Nobis.

“We have worked on developing the components of the Dairy Security Act over the last four years,” says Nobis. “We look forward to the next step in the legislative process and urge the full Senate and House to preserve the important components of the dairy title.”

Senate Judiciary Committee Reviews Immigration Reform Legislation

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he Senate Judiciary Committee began consideration of S. 744, the comprehensive immigration reform bill containing the crucial agriculture worker provisions backed by NMPF.

The Senate legislation is the product of NMPF’s efforts in recent years to resolve the employment needs of dairy farmers and agriculture overall.

This legislation under consideration includes farm worker provisions crafted by the Agriculture Workforce Coalition (AWC) – of which NMPF is a member – and the United Farm Workers (UFW). More than 300 amendments have been filed to the Senate legislation.

10 June 2013

Many of these could have a direct or indirect impact on farmers, and NMPF staff members are carefully weighing positions on each. Despite the sensitive nature of the immigration issue, NMPF is optimistic that this legislation will advance through the Judiciary committee with the vital reforms needed by dairy farmers as part of the package. The committee will likely take a number of days to complete consideration of the bill.

Meanwhile, in the House of Representatives, Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte recently introduced H. R. 1773, the Agricultural

Guestworker Act. While the AWC remains committed to the agreement reached with UFW, the coalition remains deeply engaged with Rep. Goodlatte and other House members on this matter. The House Judiciary Committee will have an agriculturefocused hearing to begin the process of developing a farm worker immigration plan. While the path ahead remains unclear in the House, NMPF will continue working to ensure that the needs of dairy farmers are addressed.

MMPA

Outcomes at National Conference on Interstate Milk Shipments Disappointing to NMPF

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or the second time in two years, state public health and agriculture department officials participating in the National Conference on Interstate Milk Shipments (NCIMS) turned down a proposal to reduce the maximum allowable level of somatic cell counts in milk.

At its meeting in Indianapolis in April, the NCIMS voting delegates – a group of state regulators overseeing milk safety rules – considered a proposal sponsored by NMPF to reduce the maximum threshold of allowable somatic cells in milk at the farm level from the current 750,000 cells/mL, down to 400,000, starting in 2015. But on a close vote, the delegates rejected the proposal, meaning that the status quo threshold of 750,000 will remain for domestic milk production – putting the U.S. “behind the curve when it comes to milk quality standards,” according to Jerry Kozak, NMPF President & CEO.

On a related decision with trade policy implications, the NCIMS delegates approved a proposal to permanently allow foreign dairy marketers to participate in the U.S. Grade A program, by permitting required sanitation evaluations of overseas dairy farms and processing facilities to be carried out by third-party, non-governmental inspectors.

“Dairy farmers in the world’s major milk producing regions have made great strides in reducing somatic cell count levels. Regulatory systems around the world have moved to incorporate these lower somatic cell count levels, and the U.S. needs to be on board with that process, not be left watching from the side of the road by the failure to update our standards,” said Kozak. “We continue to be perplexed by the inconsistency of those state regulators who voted to make it easier to import Grade A dairy products into the United States

by outsourcing mandatory inspections, while at the same time rejecting efforts to facilitate the export of American dairy products,” Kozak said.

A similar somatic cell count proposal was defeated by the NCIMS in 2011. Since then, the European Union has moved ahead with a somatic cell count limit of 400,000 for dairy products being exported by the U.S. to EU member countries.

NMPF also expressed disappointment at the NCIMS delegates’ rejection of a resolution calling for the enhanced enforcement of federal labeling regulations affecting the marketing of imitation Grade A dairy products, such as soy, hemp and rice “milks,” and soy and rice “yogurt.” The recommendation was also opposed by representatives of the dairy processing community.

ENZYMES Michigan Milk Messenger 11

Pure Michigan adds Agriculture Apparel to Online Store Pure Michigan Agriculture and Pure Michigan Farmer

Merchandise now available at puremichiganstore.org

T

he Michigan Ag Council, in partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), has developed a new line of apparel as part of their Pure Michigan Agriculture and Pure Michigan Farmer agricultural awareness campaign.

“The goal of this merchandise is to offer apparel to Michigan consumers, agriculturalists and farmers who are proud of one of our state’s leading sectors,” said Laura Moser, communications manager of the Michigan Milk Producers Association and president of the Michigan Ag Council. “It’s a personal way to share the Michigan agriculture message and raise awareness of our state’s food and farm sector.”

The merchandise is available at the Pure Michigan online store and includes t-shirts, sweatshirts, ball caps,

12 June 2013

beanies and Carhartt® jackets sporting either the Pure Michigan Agriculture or Pure Michigan Farmer logo.

“This partnership brings some great new products to the Pure Michigan store,” said George Zimmermann, vice president of Travel Michigan, part of MEDC. “Michigan is continuing to grow as a culinary destination and working with our state’s agricultural industry on projects like this is a great way to spread that word.”

To find Pure Michigan Agriculture and Pure Michigan Farmer products, visit www.puremichiganstore.org and click on the Agriculture/Apple tab at the top of the page.

Products in the Pure Michigan online store are made in the USA, and, in many cases, in Michigan. A portion

of every sale supports the Pure Michigan advertising campaign.

Pure Michigan Agriculture is a project of the Michigan Ag Council and MEDC that aims to raise awareness of food and agriculture in Michigan today.

MSU Upper Peninsula Research and Extension Center Begins Focus on New Mission

By MSU ANR Communications

A

shley McFarland has been named center coordinator for the MSU Upper Peninsula Research and Extension Center (UPREC) in Chatham, Mich. It is a new position created as the research and Extension facility begins to take shape under a newly implemented long-term plan.

UPREC was reviewed in spring 2012 after being identified as one of the most costly of the 13 MSU AgBioResearch research facilities to operate. As a result of the review, UPREC, previously the Upper Peninsula Research Center, was renamed in January to acknowledge the significant contributions made by MSU Extension to facility operations. In line with the name change, the center will focus on collaboration and integration across three programmatic systems:

livestock, plants and local food systems.

MSU AgBioResearch Associate Director John Baker said the committee report was issued last fall and work began almost immediately to implement the new vision.

“We’re very pleased to have Ashley joining the team and helping with the re-direction of UPREC,” Baker said. “She will be an integral part of a strategic effort to bring forth more valuable research to benefit the agriculture industry in the U.P. and across the state.”

McFarland hails from Iowa and has earned degrees from Central College in Pella (B.A. in political science and environmental studies) and Iowa State University (M.S. in environmental science/water resources). She has spent the last five years with the University of Idaho “A full service insurance agency” Extension as a county Extension We specialize in Farms and offer a full range of coverages to education and area serve all of your insurance needs. natural resource • Competitive – Farmowners. educator.

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Steve Lovejoy, associate director of MSU Extension, said McFarland will also focus on working with key stakeholders and keeping the industry informed on issues relative to UPREC. “Ashley brings a great deal of experience in Extension and outreach that will be very valuable as we move forward and implement our plan

Ashley McFarland has been named center coordinator for the MSU Upper Peninsula Research and Extension Center (UPREC) in Chatham, Mich. for the future of the UPREC,” Lovejoy said.

As the new center coordinator at Chatham, McFarland will provide an important link between campusbased faculty coordinators and the implementation of programs and oversight of operations at the center and throughout the U.P. She will also work to increase visibility of the center and build relationships with stakeholders.

McFarland said she is excited about the new opportunities.

“I look forward to working with MSU researchers, the staff at Chatham and stakeholders throughout the U.P. to developing meaningful education, outreach and integrated research programs that will enrich the lives of those engaged in agriculture and local food systems,” she said.

Baker said three long-term objectives were identified by the review committee: 1. Improvement of soil quality in a way that emphasizes health linkages between soil, crops,

Continued on page 21 Michigan Milk Messenger 13

From Milk Cans to Bulk Tanks A Firsthand History of Milk Hauling from 65-years of Experience

By Alex Schnabelrauch

I

t was supposed to be a one-year stint—haul milk for a year, then leave for college. Sixty-five years later, Robert (Bob) Hebeler’s oneyear job has turned into his life’s profession and family legacy.

Hauling milk to MMPA plants since 1948, Bob started when he was just 17. At the time, Cliff Saxton convinced the young high school graduate to purchase his route to save up for college. “I had helped other guys with their routes in the past, so I knew what I was getting myself into,” he smiles. “I started back in the can days – the good old days.”

What has kept him in the business for 64 years longer than planned? “I liked becoming part of the families on my route. And let me tell you, the kids on my route were something else! They were always outside and, more often than not, I had to stop my truck before pulling in to pick up and clear out the younger ones from the driveway. I saw some of my route kids more than I got to see my own kids,” he fondly recalls.

“I loved watching them grow up, get married and raise kids of their own.”

Wearing many different hats, Bob explains that sometimes listening was the biggest service he could offer his farmers. “I specifically remember this one day a farmer came up to me hopping mad about one thing or another. He went on and on, venting about this and that. After he was done and calmed down, he said, ‘Thanks for listening to me. I feel much better.’

Sometimes people just need someone to shut their mouth and listen. As haulers, that’s what we do.”

When asked about the changes he’s witnessed throughout his lifetime of hauling experience, Bob points to 14 June 2013

Bob Hebeler started hauling milk for MMPA farms in 1948. Sixty-five years later, he reflects on a lifetime of service to the industry. three major shifts: larger production and hauling volumes, fewer farms and plants and improved road conditions.

“At one point, I had five can trucks running at the same time. Now, we’re hauling more with one 5,600-gallon tanker than those five trucks combined.

Today’s farms are much bigger and the plants can handle more milk than they could when I got started,” he explains.

Back in the 1950s, Bob’s largest farm shipped eight cans (less than 500 pounds) of milk per day. Today, the route’s largest farm ships almost 50,000 pounds daily.

Driving across the Ovid and St. Johns countryside, Bob gives testament to the industry’s consolidation, pointing to farmstead after farmstead that used to ship milk. In fact, all of his original route farms have gone out of business.

“There are less than half the farms on our route than there used to be because every house had cows back then. They might not have many, but they had some. Many of the owners went to work in factories and sold out,” he remembers. “Today, we make two trips to haul about 100,000 pounds of milk to the Ovid plant from nine farms.

Back in the day, I covered three routes to transport 4,000 pounds of milk to three different plants from 20 farms.”

Offloading milk at three separate plants in the 1950s, Bob remembers the long, time consuming lines at each stop. He elaborates, “There were days when I’d leave at 3:30 a.m. and get back at midnight because of backups at the plants.”

In the midst of spring pothole discovery and construction season, Bob

may be one of the few Michiganders thankful for the state’s transportation infrastructure and road commissions.

He confirms contemporary roadways, no matter the cracks, are a vast improvement from the conditions he faced back in 1948.

“There were days when I’d start down a road in the winter just to get buried halfway. Now, we don’t have to shovel the roads out by hand just to get down them,” he grins.

Along with the major industry changes already discussed, Bob relays that technology and innovation has changed the business of milk hauling

all together. While he loaded heavy milk cans one-by-one on and off his truck by hand, his grandson now uses a pump to load thousands of pounds of milk onto the tanker from each farm’s bulk tank.

True, Bob isn’t driving the milk truck anymore; but he takes pride in the fact that his grandson, Michael Jr., still carries on the family business with the occasional help of his father, Michael Sr.

the people that made all the years of hard work and long hours worth it.”

Bob gives all the credit to his wife of 62 years, Pauline, who raised their three children (Robin, Janice and Michael) while he hauled milk, worked at the Detroit Creamery and farmed.

At 82, Bob still plants the family’s 500 acres and enjoys spending long-overdue downtime with his bride at their home in Ovid.

Even after reflecting on the years of hard work lifting cans and digging out snowbound trucks, he wouldn’t have had it any other way, saying, “It has been a good life and I’ve enjoyed it. It’s

2013 Milk Hauler Awards The following milk haulers were recognized at the spring hauler meetings for their service to MMPA. Congratulations and thank you for your years of continuous service.

10 Years of Service Lee Patterson Jeff Weatherwax Devren Beecham Jay Beecham Doug Yonker Charles Quick Allen Lentner Heather Lentner Tim Lentner Alan McCarty Chuck Northrop Ryan Pringle Matthew Main

15 Years of Service Gary Hansen Jeff Halifax

20 Years of Service Dave Ames Tracey Roberts Scott Smith Brian Laramore Roger Hooper

25 Years of Service Brook Ferris Tom Taylor

30 Years of Service Steve Robinson Larry Carpenter Robert Gibbs Eric Maxfield Paul Styma

40 Years of Service Dan Simon

45 Years of Service Duane LaLone Richard Linton

50 Years of Service Larry Maxson Eugene T. Rumble

55 Years of Service Jerry Myers Marvin Plagens

65 Years of Service Robert Hebeler

35 Years of Service Earl Sneden Greg Gepford John McGuire

Michigan Milk Messenger 15

Making Dairy Promotion a Lifestyle 2013 UDIM Excellence in Dairy Promotion Award Winner Julie Alexander sees every interaction and event as an opportunity to raise awareness

By Alex Schnabelrauch

W

hen you think about dairy promotion, what comes to mind?

Milk mustaches, school presentations and farm tours no doubt. And while 2013 Excellence in Dairy Promotion Award Winner Julie Alexander has done her fair share of traditional promotions, her current dairy outreach activities are a little less… conventional.

“Our former county commissioner was running for the State House of Representatives and the soon-tobe-vacant seat needed to be filled.

Knowing that policies and budget decisions set by the commissioners could affect agriculture and our rural life, my husband, Jeff, and I knew we had to get involved to make sure our voice was heard. Amongst five candidates, I was elected and am in my third year of service to Jackson County,” explains Julie.

and relays dairy interests as chair of the Human Services Committee and a member of a number of boards including South Central MichiganWorks!, Jackson Parks and Recreation, the Jackson County Land Bank Authority and several countywide educational initiatives.

While rubbing elbows with community leaders in all sectors of the Jackson County economy, Julie never passes up an opportunity to include dairy and agricultural messaging in her day-to-day interactions. From tying in agricultural topics when promoting the Hanover Horton Fourth of July Celebration to bringing a radio personality a yogurt smoothie gift bag during a county radio update, she uses dairy products to fortify common ground and build relationships.

Public Service Gets a Dose of Dairy

When the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce decided to partner with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Pure Michigan Campaign two years ago, Julie was first in line to ask the chamber president, “Who is sitting at the message strategy meeting representing agriculture?” Her passion and initiative earned her a committee appointment.

In her second term as a Jackson County commissioner, Julie represents

She explains, “I spent weeks compiling information and contacting

A walking billboard for dairy and the Michigan agricultural industry, she sees her involvement in local politics as a way to share the dairy story with influential community leaders – an audience that might not always keep agriculture top-of-mind.

16 June 2013

other agriculture groups to make sure our voice was not only heard, but everyone in the room understood the importance of agriculture. The individuals in the room walked away with a new or reinforced understanding about the importance of agriculture, and they were reminded of the assets we have right in our own backyard.”

Even though she never set foot on a farm before meeting Jeff, Julie uses her acquired knowledge of farm life and agriculture to talk to politicians and consumers on a level playing field.

A self-proclaimed “farmer’s wife,” she speaks from a consumer point of view sharing, “As agricultural production becomes even further removed from the majority of peoples’ lives, we have a responsibility to be the voice sharing our story in every situation to every audience we encounter. Offering factual information and our personal testimony will help consumers make informed decisions.”

A Natural Dairy Educator

With 22 years of past experience as a public school teacher, Julie’s heart for education isn’t a recent development.

She spent nine years of her career teaching middle school English and language arts and 13 years as a part-

time adult education teacher. This zeal for teaching took on another focus after marrying Jeff and moving to the farm in 1987.

“Shortly after getting married, I joined the Jackson County REAL Dairy Association. The group’s main function is running the ‘Ice Cream Store’ at the Jackson County Fairgrounds. The highlight of my tenure was helping the group contribute a $10,000 donation to get milk vending machines installed in local Jackson County schools,” she recalls.

Serving as the group’s secretary for 18 years, Julie’s involvement spanned the gamut of dairy promotions: local elementary school visits, an annual Easter Egg Hunt, two family farm fests open to the public and numerous farm parties using fun dairy products (flavored milks, soft serve ice cream, variety of cheeses to top burgers) to start conversations.

Never missing an opportunity for agricultural education, she adds, “I always keep a stash of dairy coloring books, recipes, bags and pencils on hand at my house. It’s not unusual to get a call from a friend or neighbor saying their grandchildren are in town and have never been to a farm. I tell them to bring the kids over, and I make sure they don’t leave empty handed.”

A few of Julie’s tried-and-true everyday dairy promotion strategies include “Got Milk” baby shower bags (with bib, bottle and pacifier) for new babies and dairy potluck and party dishes. “People seem to want to know where their food comes from and I often get asked, ‘Is this cheese from your farm?’” she laughs.

But her all-time favorite promotion strategy is a testament to surprise marketing. “When Jeff and I go out to dinner, he likes to order ‘a round’ for the table of friends seated nearby… A round of milk that is,” Julie smiles.

Years of Dedicated Dairy Outreach

Sharon Toth, chief executive officer of UDIM, comments, “Julie Alexander’s many years of leadership in promoting the dairy industry and volunteering in her community exemplify the essence of the Excellence in Dairy Promotion Award. We are

proud to honor Julie for her dedication, accomplishments and service to the dairy industry.”

Julie was surprised to receive the award, remarking, “It’s an honor to be recognized out of such an outstanding group of dairy promoters in the state.”

Celebrating 26 years of marriage, Julie admits that marrying Jeff after just 11 months of courtship was the best decision she’s ever made. “I admire and appreciate all the hard work and long hours my husband and family invests in our farm. It includes tremendous amounts of frustration, but even more satisfaction. There’s no better place to raise a family,” she affirms.

Whether advocating for dairy and agriculture-friendly policies as a Jackson County commissioner or working agriculture into her conversations with media personalities, Julie Alexander never passes up an opportunity to tell her story.

In addition to serving as a county commissioner, Julie is a member of the Michigan Farm Bureau (MFB) and has assisted many committees and activities. She has served on the NorthStar DHI Advisory Council and as coordinator for the Jackson Washtenaw County DHI Annual Banquet. Julie was also named the Jackson County Dairy Woman of the Year in 1993 and received the Jackson County Farm Bureau Service to Agriculture Award in 2004.

When asked about the motivation behind her involvement, Julie credits participation in a co-op young cooperator program and MFB Young Farmer Program. “The training and information shared with us over the course of many years has proven to be a tremendous asset. I strongly believe in the value of training our young farmers to interact with the public and media. If we don’t share our own story, who do we want to share it for us?”

Jeff joined his parents on NaLar Farm (named after Jeff ’s parents, Nadine and Larry) in 1977, and the couple took over in 1993. Second generation farmers, they milk 100 cows and operate 1,000 acres in Hanover Township. They boast the 2012 ninth highest producing herd in the state.

The Alexanders have four children: Andrew (25, working on the farm), Adam (24), Jared (19, serving in Security Forces as a Marine) and Anna (15, sophomore at Hanover High School). A new little bundle of joy – granddaughter Addison – was added to the family in 2010.

Julie’s advice to other MMPA members: “Be aware of simple promotion opportunities that present themselves to you in day-to-day interactions. We can ALL play a role in promoting dairy in our local communities.”

While extremely involved off the farm, Julie still manages to handle the operation’s record and book keeping.

She also assists feeding calves and doing daily chores.

Michigan MichiganMilk MilkMessenger Messenger 17 17

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Modern Technology, Old-Fashioned Philosophy

By Alex Schnabelrauch

O

n March 16, 1946, William Calder fired up his retrofitted, 12-year-old laundry truck for the inaugural route of his start-up milk delivery service. He brought home just $17.38.

Seventy years, a farm, 15 delivery trucks and a tanker later, William’s sons, John and Billy, carry on the family dairy business serving 2,000 home delivery customers and hundreds of wholesale patrons throughout southeastern Michigan.

“Our biggest achievement after all these years is surviving as a family dairy business,” explains company owner, John. “Like MMPA, we have a rich history in the Michigan dairy industry.

We’ve been a longtime customer of the co-op ever since my dad exclusively sourced his milk from MMPA back in 1946. Today, we have our own herd which fulfills a large part of our milk demand, but we’re still buying milk from MMPA to meet our customer’s needs.”

Once Upon a Milk Cart With previous experience delivering milk from a horse-drawn milk cart, William used his Air Force bonus check to buy the company’s first delivery truck after he returned from military service in World War II. He purchased milk from local farmers, processing and bottling the product in the company’s Lincoln Park plant. Calder Dairy’s milk was then delivered door-to-door throughout the downriver area.

Calder Farm hosts 8,000 visitors for guided farm tours annually; that doesn’t include the thousands of drop-in visitors and country store patrons who make the trek to the Carleton farm and Lincoln Park dairy.

18 June 2013

After building up the business, expanding the customer base and adding to the plant with the help of his wife, Velma, his brother, Jim, and nephew, Pat, William purchased a

farm in Carleton in 1967. Originally purchased as a weekend getaway and future retirement location, neighboring farmers suggested the Calders buy a cow to keep the farm’s lawn in check.

The farm’s original lawnmower Brown Swiss cow had a calf, and the rest is history. The herd slowly grew adding many more Brown Swiss, Holstein and a few Jersey cows to its ranks. Currently, Calder Farm milks 153 cows, supplying raw milk to the Lincoln Park plant.

Same Small Company, More Products and Services A mix of home delivery, wholesale and agritourism serving hundreds of consumers each day, it’s hard to imagine today’s Calder Dairy and Farm started with a used laundry truck.

The company processes 2,000 gallons of milk four to five days a week using small batch pasteurization – bringing 300-gallon vats of milk up to 155° F for 30 minutes. Their product offerings include: fluid milk (whole, creamline, skim, 2 percent and chocolate), half-and-half, heavy whipping cream, buttermilk, butter, sour cream, chip dip, cottage cheese, drinkable yogurts, New-England style eggnog, fudge and ice cream. Fluid milk is offered in pint to half gallon recyclable glass or plastic bottles.

The majority of the company’s dairy product ingredients are sourced in-state as the Calders are dedicated to mutually beneficial local relationships.

John adds, “We were local before it was cool to be local. Now, it’s fashionable to be a small, family-based, Michigan company. We started as a family business and continue to be family owned and operated, involving direct family and our extended family in the form of our loyal, longterm core group of employees.”

Focused on offering customers the convenient nostalgia of days long past, home delivery is still a large part of Calder Dairy’s business. Two thousand customers in Monroe, Wayne, Washtenaw and (southern) Oakland counties pay an extra $3 for each once-a-week delivery placed with care on customers’ doorsteps… or close to them.

Pictured above: Top: Current company mastermind, John Calder has been active in every aspect of the family business - from milking cows to driving a delivery truck to managing the dairy plant.

Bottom: General Manager Nicola Noble has worked for Calder Dairy and Farm for 20 years and started as the farm’s herdsman.

Calder Dairy and Farm General Manager Nicola Noble elaborates, “Our customers put a lot of trust in our dependable drivers providing extra keys and garage door openers to ensure delivery. The

customers appreciate the quality of our products, that we’re a local company and that our service is all about oldfashioned courtesy. They place a standing weekly order for our products as well as other local products – coffee, baked goods, eggs, cheese – that we also carry on our trucks.”

Consumers can also purchase Calder Dairy products at various wholesale locations including: Plum Market, Zingerman’s, Westborn Market, Holiday Market, Whole Foods Market, Busch’s, Food Town Market, select Kroger stores and an assortment of smaller markets. The company supplies local restaurants to boot.

Agritourism is another growing enterprise for Calder Dairy and Farm.

Each year, over 8,000 visitors sign-up for guided tours of Calder Farm in Carleton. And that’s just the people on record.

“It’s hard to keep track of all the people who visit us for self-guided tours or to purchase products from our stores and dipping parlor. But on summer weekends, the lines are typically out the door. Annually, we sell 40,000 gallons of ice cream,” Nicola points out.

Dairy Agritourism Focused on Modern Practices As if producing a quality product isn’t enough, John has a passion for also telling the dairy story. He says, “We hope that by encouraging people to come out to the farm, we are educating people about agriculture and promoting the practical and real aspects of the modern dairy industry. We want to show them a real, working farm, not just a commercialized ‘show’ farm.”

From printing a farm newsletter on the back of customer bills to posting consumer-friendly dairy and agricultural facts throughout the farm, Calder Dairy and Farm has made consumer education a top priority.

Nicola explains, “Today’s consumers want to know where their food comes from and if it’s sustainable.

They ask us about the treatment of our cows and our use of GMOs. It’s a constant process of slowly trying to close the knowledge gap between our customer base and the agricultural Michigan Milk Messenger 19

community. Robb Harper from Edible Wow phrased it so well when he wrote that we want to ‘shake the hand that feeds [us]’.”

Farm and plant visitors have a chance to do just that. Calder Farm hosts guided farm tours, daily calf feeding experiences, a milking parlor viewing area and a country store packed with Michigan dairy and agricultural products open seven days a week, year-round. Calder Dairy is home to a store and ice cream dipping parlor touting Calder dairy products and local foods.

Long-time Partnership with MMPA Boasting almost 70 years of partnership, Calder Dairy and Farm is a proud MMPA customer. John relays, “The co-op has a resounding history of great service! From Patti Huttula at the Novi lab to Rick Grill in transportation to our long-time hauler, Marvin Plagens, and Wadsworth Trucking, everyone is excellent to work with and works hard to meet our expectations.”

MMPA product is used to balance Calder Farm’s dairy supply, especially during the holidays. In addition to buying and repackaging MMPA butter, cooperative supply is added to the company’s fluid milk sales.

John adds, “MMPA had been good to us and good to work with since my dad started the company in 1946. The co-op is known for quality milk and we’re known for our quality products.

It’s a mutual benefit because our goals are the same. That’s why we’re such a great match.”

Visionary Leadership When most visitors and customers think of Calder Dairy and Farm, visions of ice cream, thick chocolate milk and Holstein-print delivery trucks dance through their heads (and tickle their taste buds.) Yet, today’s successful business is a tribute to founder William Calder, and to his son, John Calder, as he guides the company using his father’s vision.

Unassuming and humble, Calder Dairy and Farms’ current owner, John, is the hard working mastermind behind the business. “John’s father picked 20 June 2013

him up every Saturday when he was little to ride along on his milk route. Ever since, he’s been involved in a very hands-on way. In fact, he was still driving a milk delivery truck until five years ago.

Many of our customers didn’t realize that their milkman was actually the owner of the company,” Nicola smiles.

Even in high school, John would rise before the sun to milk cows and transport milk to the dairy before heading off to school. When the original farm’s barn burned to the ground while he was studying philosophy at the University of Michigan, John decided that taking over the dairy and farm was his destiny.

He’s been helping orchestrate the company’s success ever since.

“John established our Ann Arbor, Chelsea and Dexter milk routes. He leaves the farm every morning at 5 a.m. to go to the dairy to oversee morning operations. He spends most of his afternoons at the farm making sure the

other part of the business is running effectively,” says Nicola.

Preferring his “undercover boss” persona, John wraps up, “The dairy business has been good for two generations, and will hopefully continue for future generations as they, too, guide the family business using William Calder’s original vision.

Farmers work hard, love their occupation and it’s not just a financial drive, but true dedication that makes us get up every morning. It’s been a great way to live and we’re still improving to best serve our customers and educate consumers.”

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Continued from page 13 livestock and people.

2. Development of a close collaboration between UPREC and the MSU Lake City Research Center (LCRC) in Lake City to foster complementary research between integrated crop livestock systems at UPREC and grass-based livestock production at LCRC. 3. Development of regional food systems that builds community sustainability while linking to objectives 1 and 2.

Additionally, three MSU faculty coordinators have also been named and will work with McFarland to oversee both research and extension activities at the center: •

•

•

Jason Rowntree, assistant professor in the Department of Animal Science, will provide expertise on livestock systems.

Kim Cassida, forage extension specialist in the Department of Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences, will work with plant systems.

Matt Raven, professor in the Department of Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Resource Studies, will work with the food systems.

As part of an effort to harmonize cattle genetics with LCRC and improve research opportunities, some of the herd at Chatham was sold in March and replaced by cattle relocated from LCRC.

A 15 percent cut in state funding FY 2011-2012 prompted MSU AgBioResearch and Extension to take a close look at all of its facilities and operations.

“It’s been a challenging couple of years, but I’m confident the agriculture industry in the U.P. is going to see the benefits from these changes at UPREC,” said Baker. “It is my hope that we will soon start to see some of the findings applied directly to nearby farms.”

For more information on UPREC, visit http://agbioresearch.msu.edu/ uprc/index.html.

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MMPA Funds Research to Explore the Survival of TB Bacteria in Ensiled Forages

F

or nearly two decades Michigan farmers and university researchers have worked to understand and control the spread of bovine Tuberculosis from wildlife to cattle. While much has been learned, there is still a lot to know about the potential modes of transmission of this disease between wildlife and cattle. Understanding how the disease is spread is important in mitigating the risk of transmission.

Unfortunately, because bovine TB (at this time) is seen as a regional concern, it does not attract large research funding.

Realizing the need for continual research in this area, MMPA has invested $43,577 from the MMPA Applied Research Fund to a study led by Dr. Dan Grooms, MSU College of Veterinary Medicine, to look at the survival of Mycobacterium bovis in ensiled forages. Through this study, Dr. Grooms and his team will explore if the bacteria can survive the ensiling process, specifically the use of wrapped plastic, creating an ensiled feed known as baleage.

“We know that the bacteria can live and potentially be transmitted on feed but it is unknown if the bacteria can survive the ensiling process and serve as a potential reservoir of indirect transmission to cattle,” Dr. Grooms says. “Through this research we will mimic the most common forages and ensiling practices found in northeast Michigan.“

The research will be done at the MSU Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health (DCPAH) under biosecurity level 3 protocols. The research will be conducted this summer and fall as the forages are harvested. The forages will be contaminated with M. bovis and then sealed in vacuum pouches to simulate the ensiling process.

The contaminated bags and the control (uncontaminated bags) will be opened and tested at various time points throughout the study.

In addition to the researchers, Dr. Grooms is also working with MMPA member Corby Werth and Michigan State University Extension Educator Phil Durst creating a local tie to northeast Michigan.

“Having Corby and Phil involved helps us better understand the kind of forages and ensiling processes the farmers use in that area,” Dr. Grooms says. “Because we are working with M. bovis, the research has to be done at DCPAH, but we will replicate the actual field conditions as closely as possible.”

Through the research project, Dr. Grooms expects to determine the risk of ensiled forages as a reservoir for M. bovis transmission to cattle.

Understanding this risk will allow cattle producers to better manage bovine TB risk in northeast Michigan further advancing the eventual eradication of the disease from Michigan.

Collaborators on the project with Dr. Grooms include: Dr. Dan Buskirk, MSU Department of Animal Science; Dr. Steve Bolin, DCPAH; Phil Durst, Michigan State University Extension; Dr. John Kaneene, MSU Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences; Dr. Steve Rust, MSU Department of Animal Science; Dr. Mike Allen, MSU Department of Animal Science; Joe Hattey, DCPAH; Dr. Rick Smith, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and Dr. James Averill, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Dr. Grooms plans to release the findings from the research early in 2014. The MMPA Applied Research Fund is funded by MMPA members through a once-a-year milk check deduction.

22 June 2013

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MMPA Dairy Communicators Spread the Dairy Message to 500 Elementary Students

H

ow does the milk get to be chocolate? Are all farmers fat like the ones in story books? Do other mammals give milk? Like… people?

These are just a few of the questions MMPA Dairy Communicators (DC) Evelyn Minnis, Carla Wardin and Heather Wing had to content with while volunteering at the Brighton Health and Fitness Day at Hilton Elementary School on April 26. Over the course of the day, over 500 first through fourth grade students interacted with the DCs and completed hands-on dairy education activities.

“The entire school had a chance to milk the cow and ask questions. It was so much fun talking to them, as few of them had never milked a cow or even met a farmer. One kid even said it was the best day of his life…To be fair, he has only lived six years,” joked Carla.

Hosting eight 25-minute sessions, each DC took one-third of the group to hone in on a dairy topic.

Heather focused her part of the presentation on farm life, covering animal welfare, feed selection and environmental stewardship in ways that resonated with the young audience.

She asked questions giving volunteers “Drink Milk for Life” rulers and Dairy News Bureau stickers.

Carla used a host of dairy product packages to help students understand which foods contain dairy and how milk gets from the cow to their tables.

She explained the REAL® Seal and helped students complete a dairy related craft.

Evelyn, a registered nurse, helped students connect dairy products to healthy living. Students did jumping jacks and frog leaps while learning the “3-A-Day” rule – healthy kids eat three servings of dairy each day.

Students also had a chance to milk the wooden cow (“Earlene”) owned by fellow DC Debbie Kubacki.

Thanks to a United Dairy Industry of Michigan School Grant, all of the students received an ice-cold single-

serve container of chocolate or white milk, a GoGurt and a dairy gift bag packed with sticker milk mustaches, temporary “Got Milk” tattoos and a coloring book. Registered dietitians at the event also used grant-funded string cheese to make mozzarella bugs with the children.

Nancy MooreLincoln, Hilton Elementary School PTO member and event organizer, gave the DCs rave reviews, saying, “The dairy session hosted by MMPA was a hit with the students AND teachers!

The kids loved milking the wooden cow and meeting real dairy farmers. We all learned a lot about dairy.

My son loved it so much he refused to take off his sticker milk mustache all night!”

In addition to the dairy education session, students rotated from room-toroom learning about health and fitness related topics like karate, nutritious food, germs and gymnastics. The purpose of the Brighton Health and Fitness Day was to introduce students

to healthy eating and exercise habits in a fun and interactive way with hopes of laying the foundation for a lifetime of healthy choices.

This June Dairy Month, take a few minutes to be a dairy communicator – share your story with interested consumers in your community. Take a look at www.dairycheckoff.com for more information and outreach ideas.

Michigan Milk Messenger 23

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Changes to SaniBed II and Kleen & Dri

T

he merchandise program has been informed of upcoming changes for both the Sanibed II and Kleen & Dri products. These products are both manufactured by A&L Laboratories.

A&L Labs have been in negotiations with its supplier of Sanibed II for several months to solidify availability and pricing. Unfortunately, they were unable to come to an agreement to ensure an adequate supply. As a result, Sanibed II will be replaced by a similarly named product called SaniBED. This change will take effect immediately.

While Sanibed II was a granular product, SaniBED will come in a powdered form. Other changes to this product include being packaged in a 55 pound bag instead of a 50 pound box. SaniBED is a white powder with the odor of citronella which is manufactured in Europe. Its unique bedding additive helps to reduce bacterial growth by drying the bedding. It also helps control ammonia and improves the quality of the bedding. It is suitable for use with mats, concrete stalls, bed packing areas and calf hutches and pens.

SaniBED also helps to provide a fresh smell in the barn.

Description: SaniBED Member Price: $54.91

Stock #: 1149

There are also some changes to the Kleen & Dri wipes.

The new version of Kleen & Dri wipes will be a more uniform size and provide a quantity of 1,000 wipes per pail or refill, compared to only 800 wipes in the previous version. The new Kleen & Dri is manufactured from a nonwoven material that is completely biodegradable. It is a premoistened udder prep towel that is designed to kill mastitis causing organisms upon contact. We will begin offering the new version of Kleen & Dri when our current inventory of the old product has been exhausted.

Description: Kleen & Dri refills Member Price: $62.63

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

24 June 2013

Order Your MMPA Merchandise through your milk hauler or call: Supervisor: Duane Farmer 989-681-2334 Fax: 989-681-3988 Toll Free: 877-367-6455 Orders (Novi) 800-572-5824 then dial 2

MMPA Quality Premium Program

S

omatic Cell Count premiums and deductions (in addition to Federal Order SCC Adjustments computed in the producer pay price) will be paid at the following levels: • 50,000 or below +55¢/cwt.

• 51,000 - 75,000 +50¢/cwt.

• 76,000 - 100,000 +45¢/cwt.

• 101,000 - 125,000 +40¢/cwt.

• 126,000 - 150,000 +35¢/cwt.

• 151,000 - 175,000 +30¢/cwt.

• 176,000 - 200,000 +25¢/cwt.

• 201,000 - 225,000 +20¢/cwt.

• 226,000 - 250,000 +15¢/cwt.

• 251,000 - 400,000 00¢/cwt.

• 401,000 - 500,000 -15¢/cwt.

• 501,000 - 600,000 -30¢/cwt.

• 601,000 - 750,000 -$1.00/cwt.

• Over 750,000 -$1.50/cwt.

A payment of 5¢/cwt. will be added for each of the following, if the count is equal to or below: • 10,000 Raw Bacteria Count • 20,000 Pre-Incubated (PI) Count There will be a deduction of 10¢/cwt. for: • Greater than 100,000 Raw Bacteria Count

A high raw count deduction will be waived if the producer has received the quality premium the previous three months for raw bacteria count.

To qualify for Raw and PI Bacteria Count premiums there must not be any of the following during the month: • Positive drug residue • Abnormal freeze points • High load count shipment or rejected load shipment • #3 or #4 sediment • Raw Bacteria count over 100,000 The count levels for raw and PI will be determined on one test run per month.

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

P

Members who choose to receive their lab test results via U.S. postal service:

$2/month Additional Tests Available: All costs are listed per individual sample.

• Mycoplasma Cultures $12 • Bacteriology Cultures $13

– Includes identification of bacteria and drug susceptibility.

• Bovine Viral Diarrhea

- PCR

- ELISA • Johne’s Milk Test

- PCR

- ELISA – cows - ELISA – tank

These are service personnel only.

Order your Member Merchandise supplies through your hauler.

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

MMPA Member Testing Fees ayment for testing will be made through an automatic milk check deduction. All costs are listed per individual sample.

• Scheduled Herd Tests $1

Scheduled Herd Test samples are tested for: Culture for Streptococcus agalactiae, Strep non ag, Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase negative staph, coliform and SCC.

Additional testing can be coordinated through your MMPA Member Representative to include: Raw bacteria count and components.

All herd tests must be scheduled with the laboratory through your MMPA Member Representative.

Chemical, Sanitizer & Teat Dip Contact Information

$40 $ 6 $40 $ 6 $10

• Bovine Leukosis Test

- ELISA – cows - ELISA – tank

$ 6 $10

• Milk Pregnancy ELISA

$4.50

Pat Mitchell 7273 N. Rollin Hwy. Addison, MI 49220 517-403-0928

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

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

Michigan Milk Messenger 25

Freeliners

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

Bulls Registered Holstein Bulls: We now have a nice selection of service age bulls, sired by top AI sires. Green Meadow Farms, Elsie, MI. 989-862-4291 or see our website at www.greenmeadowfarms.com.

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

Service age registered Holstein bulls. Call 989-271-8757.

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

One Milking Shorthorn bull. One Guernsey bull. Two Jersey bulls. 269-7583268

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

Equipment

Registered Holstein breeding bulls, all AI sired from top bulls, b&w, red, red carrier

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 2013

New Holland 8970, 215-hp., 6,280 hours, good condition, $48,500 obo. 231-388-0339.

2007 New Holland TM140 Loader tractor MFWD with 3,600 hours, asking $50,000.

Two New Holland LS170 Skidsteers, 2002 with 6300 hours and 2004 with 5400 hours, asking $15,000 each. Will consider offers.

989-756-5044 Whittemore, Michigan.

Boumatic RFID sort gate, 5 years old, limited use, $15,000. Call 989-550-0158.

each or make offer. Harvestor 210 belt conveyor 25-ft., $75 obo. 810-404-0468.

Gehl Model 1265 Chopper with a threerow corn head, 7-ft. hay head, tandem axel. Good condition, always stored inside. $7,000 or best offer. Call 517-930-2699.

Gehl 1870 round baler, auto tie with monitor, excellent shape, stored inside, $5,500. Pronovost dump wagon on heavy duty Knowles gear with grain door, $6,000.

989-701-8659.

195 New Holland manure spreader, 425 bushel, 20-in. truck tires, $11,000. Good working condition. 810-300-8654. China, Mich. 48054.

Penta 3020 SD with 6-ft. flip up conveyor.

Lavern Kurtz, 574-642-3468 ext. 3.

(4) 16.1 by 16.5 floatation tires on rims.

269-758-3268 Saddle spray tanks 400-gal., $500. Weed wiper 30-ft., $500. Call 616-634-2958.

Crowd gate from Sikkema Equipment, 24ft. wide, $1,800. 260-768-7698.

Dairy Equipment

15-ft. Woods Batwing mower, model B315, older but nice, $6,000 obo.

989-382-7138.

(12) Wakito Milk Meters, $50 each, (12) Boumatic Little Champ/Wakito takeoffs, $300 for all plus spare parts. 616636-8257.

16 universal milker claws, $500 or $35 each. 8 stainless COP washers, $50 each. 12 ton Knowles tandem running gear, excellent condition, $1,200. 10 ton Knowles running gear, $600. New Holland 670 square baler, excellent condition, $8,900 obo. Beaters off a 980 Gehl forage wagon, like new, $200 each. Richie 7-ft. electric plastic waterer, $600. 989-224-2615 or 517-204-0888.

(8) Delaval DV300 with H.P. 102 pulsators. 810-404-0468.

Germania Take-off parts-16 air chambers, 16 sensor valves, 16-On-Off valves several extra new needle valves and on-off valves.

Reasonable. Call 616-634-2958.

Case IH 8450 round baler, twine tie $5,500.

Gehl 2360 10’ discbine, $5,000. NH 260 rake, $1,200. 616-636-8257.

Surge misc. 2-in. and 3-in. pipe and fittings. 16 Delaval Mark 3 65 pound milk meters with quick attach. Surge Alamo 100 plus vacuum pump, 5-hp. 12 Delaval parlor feed stainless steel mangers. 989-255-6113.

International V-Ripper, model 11, 9 tooths, 22-in. centers, has spring release, 3 point hitch, $2,000. Cheboygan, Mich. Call after 5:00 p.m. 231-625-2036.

Wanted

New Holland #40 blower, very good condition, $1,750 obo. Gehl unloading wagon parts: top cross conveyor tray part #045022, $50; and apron chains 16-ft, $75

A complete pipeline system. Abe Bontrager, 260-499-3318 ext. 9.

Michigan Milk Messenger 27

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

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

Mail ads to: Classified Ads, Michigan Milk Messenger, PO BOX 8002, Novi, MI 48376-8002. Or email to Muszynski@mimilk.com. Ads must be received by the 10th of the month before the month of desired publication. Send check or money order for $20 for up to 6 lines with your order. MMPA neither sponsors nor endorses products or services advertised in the Messenger.

OPPERMAN GROOVING: 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. ______________________________________ LIQUID MANURE HAULING. Truck tankers can spread or load farm spreaders. Scott M. Powell Trucking 517-437-9562 or 517-320-0443. ______________________________________ BARN WHITE WASHING AND CLEANING WITH HIGH PRESSURE AIR: Serving all Michigan and Indiana. Miller Spray Service, Inc. 574-825-9776. ______________________________________ GLEANER F2 DIESEL COMBINE, 1225 separator hours, 2000 engine hours, 13-ft. table with 4-row 30-in. black corn head and soybean head, $7000 OBO, stored inside. Standish, MI 989-437-0380. ______________________________________

Beneficial Fly Eliminators, insects to control filth breeding flies in your cattle barns.

Why not give nature a chance? A non chemical alternative. Over 50,000 pupae placed every two weeks as average for herd of 100-200. $80.00.

Programs based on herd size and fly problem.

Basic HS Acres, basichsacres@sch-net.com, 989-846-9494. ______________________________________

Concrete Grooving and Texturing

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

Generators Winpower & Katolight

Stocking up to 100 KW 24 Hour Emergency Service serving Michigan for the past 30 years 800-345-1887 Midwest Power Systems

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

Over 100 service age bulls for your selection! a special herd sire or a truck load of breeder bulls. Ready to go to work on your farm!

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

GREEN MEADOW FARMS

• FROM OUR TOP PRODUCTION COWS.

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

28 June 2013

www.greenmeadowfarms.com

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

MILK SHIPPED — POSITIVE drugs CONFIRMED

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

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

1. Call a MMPA Member Representative to have the milk in the tank tested. A “hold” must be placed on the tank contents until the test results are known. - OR 2. The member can test the milk on the farm. If dumped, the member must be sure to take the stick reading, record the number of pounds of milk, and report the information to their membership representative.

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

• If the tank tests positive (drugs present), the membership representative will authorize the member to dump the tank of milk.

The member will be paid 75% of the value of the tank of milk involved.*

• If for any reason MMPA personnel must pick up samples at the farm for testing three or more times within 12 consecutive months, the member involved will be charged $25 per trip.

If a loss is incurred by MMPA due to the disposal and/or nonmarketability of a load of milk or milk products containing drug residue, then the member responsible will be provided an invoice for the entire value of the loss plus transportation and disposal costs as required by the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance. This invoice may be submitted to the member’s insurance carrier. MMPA must receive settlement on the invoice within 90 days of issuance. If settlement is not made within 90 days, the full amount of the invoice will be deducted from the next milk check unless other settlement arrangements are made.

Milk from that member’s farm tank must be tested and found clear of drugs before the next tank of milk can be picked up.

A hauler whose entire load sample shows the presence of drugs will be charged the amount of an average shipment on that load if the individual member samples all show negative.

ALL POSITIVE DRUG RESIDUE SHIPMENTS MUST BE REPORTED TO THE ENFORCEMENT AGENCY.

MMPA Policy on Milk Quality QUALITY QUESTIONABLE

REJECTED LOAD SHIPMENT

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

If:

If the milk is dumped, the member will be paid 75% of the value of the tank of milk involved.*

In order to receive payment for an added water voluntary dump, the member must install a Swingline Safety Switch. The Swingline Safety Switch can be ordered from the St. Louis warehouse. The MMPA Member Representative will verify the switch has been installed. Reimbursement for the Swingline Safety Switch and the voluntary dump will then be made to the member.

The member assumes all liability for losses incurred as a result of shipping poor quality or contaminated milk.

MILK SHIPPED – HIGH BACTERIA COUNT If:

1. A load of milk is received (unloaded) at a dairy processing plant and,

2. a sample from the load has a bacteria count of 300,000 or more and,

3. testing of the individual member samples on that load identifies the member or members having a bacteria count of 300,000 or more, then the member or members involved will be charged the value of one-half of one day’s production** and will be disqualified for raw and PI bacteria count premiums. **For members using more than one bulk tank, the assessment will be based on the value of milk in the tank or tanks in violation of the MMPA quality policy.

1. A load of milk is rejected (not unloaded) at a dairy processing plant and,

2. the milk cannot be sold through normal Grade A channels for reasons of quality which results in the load being sold or disposed of at a loss to MMPA, and,

3. testing of the individual member samples on that load identifies the member or members that caused the contamination or rejection of the load, then, the member or members responsible will be charged the full value of the loss to MMPA plus transportation and disposal costs, and be disqualified for raw and PI bacteria count premiums except for loads rejected for temperature.

4. MMPA will provide an invoice to the member for the amount of the loss, to be submitted to the member’s insurance carrier. MMPA must receive settlement on the invoice within 90 days of issuance. If settlement is not made within 90 days, the full amount of the invoice will be deducted from the next milk check unless other settlement arrangements are made.

If a member has a third occurrence or more within 12 consecutive months, that member must appear before the MMPA board of directors to review steps taken on the farm to correct the quality problem which will enable MMPA to continue to market the milk for this member.

HAULER

A hauler whose entire load sample exceeds 300,000 per mL bacteria count will be charged the amount of an average shipment on that load if the individual member samples all are less than 100,000.

A hauler will be responsible for all costs incurred by MMPA for loads rejected for temperature.

Charges and assessments made under this program will be withheld from milk checks of members or haulers involved.

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

Michigan Milk Messenger 29

Market Report For Milk Marketed in April 2013

MARKET STATISTICS Mideast Federal Order #33 (pounds)

This Month

Year Ago

Total Class 1 Sales

538,074,706

501,017,446

+7.40

Total Class 2 Sales

186,658,876

259,310,214

-28.02

Total Class 3 Sales

477,978,102

570,039,223

-16.15

Total Class 4 Sales

214,033,641

212,633,491

1,416,745,325 1,543,000,374

Total Production Class 1 Utilization

38.0%

2013

2012 % Change

+0.66

Production California

3,626

3,632 -0.2

-8.18

Wisconsin

2,315

2,286

+1.3

New York

1,138

1,119

+1.7

Idaho

1,114

1,108

+0.5

Pennsylvania

904

904

+0.0

Texas

816

843

-3.2

Minnesota

784

770

+1.8

Michigan

760

750

+1.3

New Mexico

700

718

-2.5

Washington

537

528

+1.7

Ohio

470

469

+0.2

Indiana

337

327

+3.1

* Total U.S.

16,079

16,031

+0.3

* U.S. Y-T-D

67,765

68,276

-0.7

32.5%

Mideast Federal Order #33

Current Month Total Producers 6,141 Average Daily Production per Farm 7,690 Average Protein Test 3.11% Average Butterfat Test 3.77% Average Other Solids Test 5.74% Average SCC Count (MMPA) 161,000

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

$3.0130

Butterfat Price/lb.

$1.8227

Other Solids Price/lb.

$0.3863

Class III Price @ 3.5%

$ 17.59

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

30 June 2013

$0.70 $ 18.29 $0.00087

NATIONAL TRENDS (million pounds)

% Change

* For 23 states

NASS Survey Prices

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

1.7310 1.6766 1.5312 0.5741

MMPA Staff NOVI (Headquarters) 248-474-6672 800-572-5824 General Manager Clay Galarneau, ext. 200 Member Services Milk Sales/Dispatch Finance/Controller Dean Letter, ext. 213 Carl Rasch, ext. 244 Joseph M. Diglio, ext. 240 Laboratory Supervisor Manufactured Product Sales Credit/Insurance

Patti Huttula, ext. 219 Jim Dodson, ext. 229 Cheryl Schmandt, ext. 210 Human Resources Member Relations/Public Affairs Data Processing

Cindy Tilden, ext. 220 Sheila Burkhardt, ext. 208 Gregory Schulkey, ext. 237

Member Communications

Laura Moser, ext. 296

Alex Schnabelrauch, ext. 211

MANUFACTURING PLANTS

Constantine 269-435-2835 Plant Manager Dave Davis

MASTITIS MANAGEMENT Tom Herremans......................231-853-2045 Ravenna................. mobile 269-967-0890 Steven Lehman.......................989-875-3441 Ithaca .................... mobile 989-330-1638 Christy Dinsmoore........................................

Fairgrove............... mobile 989-528-9102 NORTH AREA Supervisor: Gerry Volz................................

St. Louis Office....................989-289-9219 Frank Brazeau........................920-834-4059 Oconto, Wis........... mobile 906-250-0337 Ben Chapin....................................................

Big Rapids............. mobile 989-289-0731 Preston Cole............................231-584-2587 Mancelona............. mobile 989-289-9301 Lyndsay Earl.................................................

Ludington.............. mobile 231-519-2455 Angelee Kirsch..............................................

Harbor Beach........ mobile 231-414-4539 Violet Lombard.............................................

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

Leroy....................................248-520-3580 Lindsay Santure............................................

St. Johns.................. mobile 989-488-8159 Gerry Volz...............................989-848-5996 Fairview................. mobile 989-289-9219

MMPA FIELD STAFF

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

SOUTH AREA Supervisor: Ed Zuchnik..............................

Coldwater Office....................269-967-7351 Krista Beeker.................................................

Howe, IN .............. mobile 269-986-6792 David Brady............................517-522-5965 Grass Lake............ mobile 517-937-9061 Emily Butcher................................................

Middlebury, IN...... mobile 269-535-0822 Kendra Kissane.............................................

Grand Rapids........ mobile 269-245-6632 Andrew Rupprecht.......................................

Clio......................... mobile 269-986-6793 Elyse Martin..................................................

Eaton Rapids.......... mobile 810-701-6460 Ed Zuchnik....................................................

Three Rivers.......... mobile 269-967-7351 Other Services: Gary Best................................810-664-4984 Lapeer .................... mobile 586-484-9279 Bulk Tank Calibration

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

MMPA Labs Novi: 800-572-5824 (in MI)

800-233-2405 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. Mon-Fri Ovid: 989-834-2515 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. Daily

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

Coleman................. mobile 989-289-9686 Merchandise Coordinator, Energy Auditor

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

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

Marlette...............................989-670-4864 Energy Auditor

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

Michigan Milk Messenger 31

Shared Values.

Shared Vision.

Membership in Michigan Milk Producers Association goes much farther than designating a place to market your milk. When you join forces with MMPA you are aligning with a cooperative that has your best interest in mind. MMPA works on your behalf on issues important to today’s dairy farm families: youth education, leadership, policy issues and quality milk production.

Michigan Milk Producers Association. Member Owned. Member Driven.

www.mimilk.com 800.572.5824.