Messenger Michigan Milk
The official publication of Michigan Milk Producers Association
Inside
www.mimilk.com VOL. 96 ISSUE 12 JUNE 2014
Hauler Tribute • Dairy Communicators • Dairy Month
contents Michigan Milk Messenger EDITOR’S LETTER
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MMPA Matters
6
Quality Watch
MMPA’s Plans for the Future
Help your Calves Beat the Summer Heat
8 News & Views Legislative Watch 10
12
Fact v. Fiction and What Really Changed with the GAAMPs?
FEATURES Every 12 Make Month Dairy Month
16 MMPA Dairy 18 Communicator Meeting
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June 2014
A Salute to MMPA Haulers
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Managing Editor............................. Sheila Burkhardt Editors.............. Laura Moser, Alex Schnabelrauch Advertising Manager..................Nancy Muszynski Circulation.................................................................... 2,972 An Equal Opportunity Employer – F/M/V/D Michigan Milk Messenger (USPS 345-320) is the official publication of Michigan Milk Producers Association, published monthly since June 1919. Subscriptions: MMPA members, 50¢ per year; non-members, $5 per year. 41310 Bridge St.
Telephone: 248-474-6672
16 P.O. Box 8002 FAX: 248-474-0924 Novi, MI 48376-8002 www.mimilk.com Periodical postage paid at Novi, MI and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Michigan Milk Messenger, PO Box 8002, Novi, MI 48376-8002. (ISSN 0026-2315)
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Everyone is ABLE to Promote Dairy Products during June Dairy Month
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USDA REAP Grant Applications Sought to Implement Energy Conservation Practices, Bioenergy Projects
Departments 24 Merchandise 25 Quality Premiums 26 Freeliners 28 Classifieds 29 Policies 30 Market Report 31 Staff
Cover Story MMPA milk haulers play an important role on our member farms. Read about the Ferris family and other multigenerational milk haulers and dairy farmers on page 16.
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.
District Directors 1. Hank Choate, Cement City 2. Tim Hood, Paw Paw 3. Bob Kran, Free Soil 4. John Kronemeyer, Pickford 5. Brent Wilson, Carson City 6. Tony Jandernoa, Fowler 7. Eric Frahm, Frankenmuth 8. Leonard Brown, Sandusky
517-529-9032 269-657-5771 231-464-5889 906-647-7638 989-584-3481 989-593-2224 989-652-3552 810-648-4505
June 2014
Officers: President: Ken Nobis Vice President: Bob Kran Treasurer: Mark Halbert Acting General Manager/Secretary: Joe Diglio Assistant Treasurer: Joe Diglio General Counsel: Todd Hoppe
Directors-At-Large Ken Nobis, St. Johns 989-224-6170 or 248-474-6672, ext. 201 Rodney Daniels, Whittemore 989-756-4935 Dan Javor, Hastings 269-948-8345 Mark Halbert, Battle Creek 269-964-0511 James Reid, Jeddo 810-327-6830
Messenger
Board of Directors
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MMPA MATTERS Ken Nobis
by
President
MMPA’s Plans for the Future June has been designated dairy month since 1937, and during the month events are aimed at the consumers of our product. This is also a good time to review what is going on at MMPA to make sure that a wholesome product continues to make its way from farm to table. The plans MMPA has for the future are important not only to the consumer, but to each of our members.
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June 2014
The strength of our co-op springs from the rich diversity and strong commitment of our members. Even though some prefer a traditional dairy lifestyle while others opt for a highly technical management style, all members are dedicated to producing a very high quality product. Our co-op leadership respects the wide range of approaches shown by our members, and we count on this diversity as a major strength of MMPA.
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The respect we have for our membership has motivated the board and management of MMPA to a high standard of performance during its 98 years of existence. The 13 elected members of the board have regularly attended educational seminars intended to help advance our performance, and this year we have taken that effort to an even higher level. The board and management team are setting some high standards and
are working together to make sure MMPA becomes an even more vital force in the industry. We are looking inside and out at ourselves and our organization to gain the best possible understanding of what makes us tick. We know that we have been successful as a co-op over the years. But given the many attributes of MMPA, we want to figure out how much more we can do than what we have done to date. It is springtime on our farms, and springtime in the life of our co-op as we plan our initiatives and projects. Here are just a few areas that we will be looking at as we move ahead toward our second century of existence. • Determining what facilities and products are needed beyond those we already have so we are in the best position to market the quantity of milk that is shipped by our producers • Recognizing the commitment of our members and providing them with the support they need • Recognizing the commitment of our staff in Novi, Ovid, Constantine and in the field working with producers, and providing the support that they need • Maintaining our reputation for quality and service, applying exceptional care from the time the milk is produced to when it is hauled off the farm and then passes through the various systems before it leaves our facilities and goes to our customers • Educating the public and our government leaders about
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our industry and supporting elected officials who support our industry Fostering excellent communications among our board, employees and members Continuing to value the perspective and service of our Advisory Committee members and our members who serve the co-op at the district and local levels and in other capacities Continuing to cultivate new leadership through the Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator program, scholarship support and other available avenues Remaining vigilant toward forces that impact our industry, such as the implementation of the Farm Bill and other legislation Maintaining a strong voice in the sustainability conversation Taking pride in what we have accomplished as we look forward to what we can accomplish in the future
Even though we will be celebrating our 100-year anniversary in just a couple of years, we are not a sleeping bear. We are giving our operation a good look-see, evaluating where we are now and where we need to be so we are meeting the needs of our members and our consuming public. Don’t forget to enjoy an ice cream cone during June Dairy Month, and you can do it with confidence that your co-op is providing you with the resources needed to fulfill MMPA’s mission to “market our members’ milk to the greatest advantage possible.”
2 June 2012
QUALITY WATCH By
Drew Rupprecht,
Member Representative and Christy Dinsmoore, Mastitis Management Specialist
Help Your Calves Beat the Summer Heat As spring fades into summer, calves face changing weather conditions – conditions dairy farmers can’t afford to ignore. Calves thrive best in environments ranging between 54-77 degrees Fahrenheit. In temperatures above this threshold, calves tend to eat less and use more energy to stay cool instead of growing. Calves dealing with heat stress show reduced movement, decreased feed intake, higher water consumption, rapid respiration, open mouth breathing and a lack of coordination. Heat stress causes maintenance energy increases of 20-30 percent. So heat stressed calves are not only uncomfortable, but inefficient. Dairies can reduce the stress of the impending warm weather by implementing a few simple daily calf care strategies. Trust us, your calves will thank you with improved growth, higher efficiency and reduced health costs.
Zero-in on Fresh and Frequent Feed and Water A well-managed feeding program provides calves with a foundation for future growth. Introduce calves to a starter and fresh water between one to three days after birth. Provide starter in small portions at first and steadily increase amounts as the calf consumes more. This will help prevent spoilage and keep feed fresh in the warmer weather. Experts recommend feeding starter through 12 weeks of age to encourage consumption though stressful events like dehorning, weaning, vaccination, etc. Offering fresh water multiple times a day also encourages feed consumption, which increases rumen development and promotes faster growth. Keeping water fresh and clean will keep bacteria loads down and help the calf remain hydrated. Typically, a calf will consume between 1 and 2.5 gallons of water a day. Shade Housing and Bring on the Beach Providing a cool and comfortable environment during warm weather months is essential for calf health.
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June 2014
There are several methods to ensure proper ventilation and reduce heat stress depending on calf housing types.
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Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) can be used as a tool to evaluate heat stress. Source: Form-A-Feed, Inc.
Keeping hutches out of direct
sunlight, propping up a corner and opening vents not only increases airflow, but helps lessen the stress of summer heat. Temporary shade structures could be constructed over calf hutches to reduce exposure to direct sunlight. Using fans, opening curtains or implementing a positive pressure ventilation system in barns aids air movement and improves air quality. Consider using sand as bedding during hot months. This can increase comfort and improve the dryness of pens. No matter what the bedding source, keeping it clean and dry will reduce the number of threatening pathogens and disease-carrying flies. Reduce Stress by Focusing on Comfort Changes in the calf’s routine, no matter the size, can create stress. Changes in weather, weaning, dehorning, feed changes, moving to group housing, etc., all create stress. By limiting these stressors, consistency is created, and calves thrive on consistency. Many of these stress-causing events can be performed in the cool morning or late evening hours to limit additional heat stress to the calf. Implement a fly management program early in the season. This will curb fly populations and provide a comfortable place for calves to grow. Cleaning pens regularly removes manure and spoiled feeds, ideal habitats for fly breeding. Dairy farmers can’t afford to ignore Continued on page 9
NEWS & VIEWS
April Class III Breaks Another Record
$3.8 Million Paid to MMPA Members
The Class IV price is $23.34, down 32¢ from March, but $5.24 higher than last year.
During fiscal year 2013, MMPA members earned $26 million in total premiums. These premiums are a combination of quality, volume, over-order premiums and a “13th” milk check and serve as a reflection of MMPA’s financial strength. MMPA has achieved these benchmark goals through earnings from the association’s plant operations and from its bulk milk marketing operations.
The USDA reported April’s Class III price is a record $24.31 per hundredweight, 98¢ higher than March and $6.72 higher than the 2013 price.
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June 2014
Producers scoring 95 percent or more on Grade A Surveys and Federal Check Rating
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MMPA Michigan Dairy West April 2014 James/David/Steven Spencer Braid Farms Inc. Larry Steffey Clarinda Farms LLC Donal Farms LLC Kingsley Farms II * MSU Dairy Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority Robert/Robert II/Theodore Rowley MMPA South Central April 2014 Ronald Dean Truitt * Pleasant View Dairy Dale/Carol Baker Willow Farms Cary Dairy Farms Inc. * Crandall Dairy Farms LLC * Halbert Dairy Farm LLC * Ralph Fusco Kubiak Family Farms Richard/Patricia Hawkins
*100 percent
Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) made cash payments of $3.8 million in equity retirements in April. These cash payments represent the retirement of the 2005 equities. This is in addition to the $2 million in cash patronage from 2013 earnings paid to members earlier this year. Combined, MMPA has paid $5.8 million in addition to the monthly milk checks to its dairy farmer members in the first four months of 2014.
35th Annual Ag Expo, July 22-24 at Michigan State University
Ag Expo, the state’s largest outdoor farm show, returns to Michigan State University July 22-24. The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) has lined up another show for the agricultural community and anyone else who is interested in learning about Michigan’s agriculture industry. As in years past, the 35th annual Ag Expo will showcase a wide variety of educational and commercial activities, including nearly 200 exhibits featuring products and services that provide Michigan agricultural producers with new knowledge and opportunities to have another successful year. Ag Expo is known for being Michigan’s supreme source for the latest technology in agricultural production. The show will also offer research findings from CANR faculty members and a full schedule of educational demonstrations dedicated to providing Michigan farmers with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage successful farms. Ag Expo visitors can view demonstrations related to equine pastures, sprayers, drones and biodiesel processing. A mortality composting demonstration will take place on Wednesday and there will be an air quality demonstration on Thursday. The CANR tent will provide hands-on learning for youth, including daily presentations on topics such as what you need to know about the Affordable Care Act, the 2014 Farm Bill and Smart Gardening. The event runs from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. July 22 and 23, and 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 24. Admission to the grounds and parking at Farm Lane and Mt. Hope Road are free. For more information on Ag Expo, call 800-366-7055 or visit www.agexpo.msu.edu.
Upcoming Events
June
11 Michigan Dairy Foods Awareness Day — Lansing 25-26 MMPA 4-H Milk Marketing Tour — Novi
July
1 Advisory Committee Meeting —Novi 21-23 Ag Expo — East Lansing 22-26 Michigan Dairy Expo —East Lansing
Continued from page 6
Full Churn Ahead in Ovid
their future generation (young stock) when temperatures begin to climb and the heat of summer finally arrives.
Nearly a week ahead of schedule, the new Ovid butter churn ran its first batch of butter on Saturday, May 17. The churn is already producing a highquality, world-class product that is being shipped to MMPA customers. Kicking-off last summer, MMPA members invested $18.3 million to purchase the new churn, refurbish Ovid Plant Engineer Gasper Calandrino poses with the new butter churn. the old churn room and add a new finished product receiving and load-out bay to the Ovid plant. The new equipment will have the capacity to process all the butterfat in the milk received at the Ovid plant plus additional cream loads from outside suppliers. It touts three times the production capability of its contemporary counterpart and requires just one-third of the labor. The tireless efforts of Ovid employees and leadership coupled with an excellent member milk supply have positioned MMPA to dramatically increase its presence in domestic and international butter markets. Look for more information about the project and butter market outlook in future issues of the Messenger.
MMPA Advisory Committee 517-398-0629 517-547-3231 517-639-4182 517-524-6015
Donald Bever, Delton Michael Oesch, Middlebury, IN Danny Ransler, Gobles Richard Thomas, Middlebury, IN
269-671-5050 574-825-2454
District Two
District Five
At-Large
Bruce Benthem, McBain 231-825-8182 Tom Jeppesen, Stanton 989-762-5399 Bill Jernstadt, Big Rapids 231-796-4650 Mike Rasmussen, Edmore 989-762-5380
Bill Blumerich, Berlin 810-395-2926 Pat Bolday, Emmett 810-395-7139 Mark Crandall, 269-660-2229 Battle Creek James Droscha, Charlotte 517-543-5577 Scott Lamb, Jeddo 810-327-6135 David Lott, Mason 517-676-4593 Chuck White, Fowlerville 517-521-3564 Tom Wing, Bellevue 269-660-0498
District Six
269-628-4218 574-825-5198
District Three 616-891-1414 231-854-8041 616-772-1512 231-757-9340
District Four Marvin Rubingh, Ellsworth 231-588-6084 Dave Folkersma, Rudyard 906-478-3023 Corby Werth, Alpena 989-379-3772 Jeremy Werth, Alpena 989-464-4022
Aaron Gasper, Lowell Jamie Meyer, Ionia David Reed, Owosso Kris Wardin, St Johns
616-897-2747 989-587-6732 989-723-8635 989-640-9420
District Seven John Bennett, Prescott Ken Daniels, Sterling Rod Fowler, Chesaning Scott Kleinhardt, Clare
989-345-4264 989-654-2546 989-845-6131 989-386-8037
District Eight Mike Bender, Croswell Tim Kubacki, Sebewaing Dale Phillips, Marlette Steve Schulte, Harbor Beach
810-679-4782 989-883-3249 989-635-7917 989-479-9339
June 2014
Carlton Evans, Litchfield Perry Cisco, Hudson Glenn Preston, Quincy Art Riske, Hanover
Jim Good, Caledonia Frank Konkel, Hesperia David Pyle, Zeeland Bill Stakenas, Freesoil
Note: Learn more about calf management at Advanced Calf Care Schools. See page 17 for more information.
Messenger
District One
Paying close attention to feed, water, housing and calf comfort will help reduce overall stress on calves in the coming warm weather months; attention to detail will increase the number of healthy and strong calves on your farm. Spend time creating and implementing a warm weather calf care plan to limit heat stress today, and give your calves a chance to grow faster and improve the overall health and success of your herd.
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LEGISLATIVE WATCH
Fact v. Fiction and What Really Changed with the GAAMPs? by Jamie Clover Adams, Director, MI Department of Agriculture & Rural Development
R
ecent changes to the voluntary set of guidelines used to support the state’s Right to Farm Act have created a maelstrom of misunderstanding and misinformation about what the law does and does not do, including what protections it may or may not afford Michigan’s farming community. That misunderstanding continues to be amplified by social media reports which vastly misrepresent the facts and the potential impacts, especially as it relates to small and urban farmers. Since the beginning, the Right to Farm Act has been specific to commercial agriculture, both small and large. Raising chickens or other food for your own family’s consumption has never been within the scope of the Right to Farm Act and that has not changed. The Right to Farm Act is still in place and remains unchanged – it was not repealed as some have alleged in their reporting. So, what has changed?
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June 2014
The Right to Farm Act is a state law created in 1981 to address urban encroachment into rural areas because the folks moving into the country didn’t like the smells, sounds, dirt, etc. that come with agriculture and farming practices. The act provides an affirmative defense to nuisance lawsuits if farmers are in conformance with the relevant Generally Accepted Agricultural Management Practice (GAAMP) standards. It’s important to remember the Right to Farm Act has never provided blanket permission to locate farm animals in every corner of Michigan. The Livestock Site Selection GAAMP places conditions on the location of farm animals to reduce the risk of nuisance complaints. The difference over the past few years is individuals are bringing farm animals into existing, primarily residential areas increasing the potential for conflict and nuisance complaints.
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The Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development made revisions to the Livestock Site Selection GAAMP adding Category 4 sites, which are locations that are primarily residential, don’t allow agricultural uses by right and are, therefore, not suitable for farm animals for purposes of the Right to Farm Act. Under the Livestock Site Selection GAAMP,
primarily residential areas are sites with more than 13 non-farm homes within an eighth of a mile of the livestock facility or one non-farm home within 250 feet of the livestock facility. However, local communities can decide to allow farm animals under these circumstances. This decision was not made in haste. The commission took hours of public testimony, held a number of meetings and has been looking into this issue for several years. In recent years, there has been increased interest in having a small number of livestock in non-rural areas. While more than 40 communities in Michigan have ordinances allowing for the keeping of livestock in non-rural residential areas, many do not, resulting in increased conflict between municipalities and livestock owners in these areas. MDARD continues to support the expansion of urban agriculture and livestock production across the state, but has consistently said the expansion of agriculture into urban and suburban settings must be done in a way that makes sense for community residents, as well as the overall care of farm animals and livestock.
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By Alex Schnabelrauch
Make Every Month Dairy Month
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hile June is technically designated National Dairy Month, dairy promotion, education and outreach is a 365-day a year opportunity to build positive relationships with consumers. We caught up with some MMPA Dairy Communicators to get their take, learn more about what they’re doing to move the needle on consumer awareness and discover how all dairy farmers and employees can get involved.
Why are you so passionate about promoting dairy?
Carla: There are so few people who have any connection to a farm! If you have no idea what it’s about or what it’s like, you often don’t have anyone to ask. Kids especially, are curious and eager to learn, and it’s wonderful to be able to teach them. Gertie: We, and many other dairy farmers, are already doing the right things. We have to share these success stories with the public and share our story. If we don’t proactively tell our side of the story, the public will make up farm stories of their own.
Why did you start promoting dairy?
Carla: I got started when my children went to school. The teachers and the administrators were very open to me coming in and teaching a lesson. After word spread about my school visits, organizers of school and community health fairs contacted me to help with their events as well.
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June 2014
Heather: I think of my promotions as a way to improve our family’s job security. When I was a kid, I hated it when someone told my story. They usually got it wrong. The same holds true with dairy farming. I want to be the one to tell people about the wonderful life I have the privilege to live. If we don’t take the time to tell the right story, we won’t have much room to complain when someone gets it all wrong.
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What are some of your favorite dairy promotions?
Cami: My favorite promotion activity is Breakfast on the Farm or ice cream socials on the farm. I have helped with as many of them as possible and always learn a ton about how the public perceives our lives.
Gertie: My favorite promotions are giving tours to the local eighth graders and speaking to Rotary Clubs and other community organizations. We’ve also hosted a Breakfast on the Farm event, manage an active farm Facebook page and hand out milk during a local parade. Heather: I especially enjoy reading stories to elementary classes and making butter with them. A few of my other favorite promotions include Ag Awareness Day, county fair ice cream socials and local elected officials’ dairy breaks. I also never pass up the opportunity to set the story straight in the dairy aisle of my local store.
Do consumers care? Are they looking for dairy information and nutrition?
Cami: Consumers care very much. I feel they are almost more concerned about what farmers do to protect the environment and the animals than they are about their own nutrition. I think as a whole, they are glad to learn about how things are done “out here,” and can reassure themselves the products they consume are produced in a responsible manner by someone who cares. Leona: I find consumers really do care about where their food comes from, and they are interested in talking directly to farmers to find the answers. With the Internet and social media, they are constantly bombarded with information. But the consumer wants to get the “correct information, the real scoop” from someone they feel they can trust, someone to help them sort out the hype from the truth. And that someone should be us! I firmly believe that knowledge is power and every dairy farmer has an obligation to share their wealth of knowledge with consumers.
Do you have any specific stories of off-thewall consumer questions, misconceptions or interactions which reaffirm the need to promote dairy?
Carla: I was asked, “Are all farmers fat?” The little boy explained farmers are always fat in cartoons. That was especially timely because he asked right after I explained I was a farmer. This also made me laugh because a friend recently asked me, “Are all male farmers good looking?” Another student asked, “Do other mammals give milk? Like ... people?” I was honest, but tried to be tactful, answering, “Yes… Ask your parents.”
Leona Daniels Daniels Haven Dairy, Sterling 40 years of dairy promotions
Heather: Most of the startling questions are about animal care. I’ve had third graders ask the breed of my “dog” at a petting zoo. (I have black and white Holsteins.) I’ve had several people question why I keep veal calves in the little white hutches. When I explained those are not veal calves on my farm, they are heifers that are given their own room so they can grow up without health risks or the danger of being crushed by a full size cow, most people seem to understand. The one topic most people don’t understand is pasteurized milk. Many consumers want to drink raw milk, but do not realize the health risk to humans.
What resources are out there for dairy farmers and employees looking to educate and interact with consumers?
Cami: There’s a ton of information out there from the United Dairy Industry of Michigan, United Dairy Industry Association and Farm Bureau about how to educate consumers. Additionally, there are several seminars helping teach farmers how to tell the dairy story. Leona: The United Dairy Industry of Michigan is a wonderful resource for promotional materials, but I also highly value their expertise with nutrition-related questions and their assistance in networking with other professionals in the dairy industry. At one time or another, I think I have partnered with almost all the commodity groups. Editor’s Note: Check out page 20 for more information on promotion resources and your chance to apply for $1,500 of dairy products.
Why should all dairy farmers spend time promoting their products?
Cami: Very simply, we need to spend time saying what we do and illustrating how we do it or someone else will fill that information gap, and it may not be the way we are really doing it at all. In the absence of information, the grapevine, blogosphere or Internet become gospel, and they may not present the truth about dairy farming. Leona: I think what we do as dairy farmers, not just our job but the way we do it and the life we live, is pretty
Cami Marz-Evans Evans Dairy Farm, Jonesville Promoting dairy since fifth grade
Heather Wing Wing Acres Dairy, Bellevue 10 years of dairy promotions
interesting. Many times it’s not at all what the public perceives our job and lifestyle to be. Yes, we work very hard physically and spend lots of time in the dirt and dust. But we also use the very latest technology to be the most productive farmers in the world. We have to tell our stories to correct consumers’ misconceptions, and there is no one that can tell our story better or more accurately than dairy farmers.
What are one or two tips you can share with farmers starting local promotions events in their area?
Cami: The biggest tip I can share with everyone is just to talk openly and candidly to others about what we do every day. When you’re approachable and genuine, people will ask questions and interact far more. If you don’t have an answer, tell them that, but then make sure to find out and get back with them as soon as you can. Carla: Get into the schools! Most teachers love having people come in and children are excited about learning from and meeting a real farmer. You might be the only one they ever meet. Gertie: Be sure to remember the details! Check with your insurance if you are planning on giving tour. Prepare for hard questions. Speak from the heart. And most of all: have fun! People want to know and see that you’re passionate about what you do. Heather: If you aren’t sure where to start, team up with other events. Volunteer at a Breakfast on the Farm event. Work with other commodity groups at a previously scheduled event. Coordinate volunteers from your local and sell milk at the fair. Take your county commissioners a basket full of dairy products for a “dairy break” after their next meeting.
What can every farmer and dairy farm employee do to promote dairy this June Dairy Month?
Heather: Buy someone else an ice cream cone. Take a box of sundaes to ball practice to share. Sponsor a chocolate milk mustache party after church. Take an ice cream sundae to the editor of the local paper and get them
June 2014
Gertie van den Goor Goma Dairy Farm, Marlette 16 years of dairy promotions
Messenger
Carla Wardin Evergreen Dairy, St. Johns 5 years of dairy promotions
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Continued from page 13
2014 Dairy Communicators interested in supporting local dairy farmers. Wear dairy promotional clothing EVERYWHERE! A big thank you to all of our MMPA Dairy Communicators and members willing to go the extra mile to promote dairy! Share pictures of your June Dairy Month promotions on the MMPA Facebook page (www.facebook.com/MichiganMilkProducersAssociation) and Twitter account (#MichiganMilk). Virginia Ankley Sally Bivens Liz Bontekoe Heather Carpenter Cheri Chapin Kathleen Clinton Barbara Cotey Leona Daniels Arlene DeForest Katie Dellar Ken DeZeeuw Stacey Edick Jenny Elzinga Geraldine Emmons Diane Foley Ann Folkersma Kathy Heisler Jodi Hill Megghan Honke
Lynda Horning Karen Jahfetson Patti Jandernoa Kathleen Knust Debra Krafft Debbie Kubacki Nancy Laeder Kristie Lamb Kristina Langmaack Sara Lee Jennifer Lewis Connie Lucas Lorelei Lutz Amy Martin Joy Marvin Maria Marvin Cami Marz-Evans Shelly Messing Evelyn Minnis
Jordan Noll Abigail O’Farrell Judy Oesch Ramona Okkema Rita Phillips Melissa Prins Barb Radloff Gail Rubingh Jody Sharrard Doreen Slavik Tammy Spicher Terri Stakenas Bertha Mae Stough Michelle Stough Doris Stuever Melissa Sullivan Arlene Ter Haar Richard E Ultz Gertie van den Goor
Sylvia Verville Barbara Wardin Carla Wardin Beth Weiss Joanmarie Weiss Margie Weiss Kay Willcome Brent Wilson Heather Wing Jane Wood Katie Wood Janel Woodward
When It Comes To Feeding Enzymes...
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June 2014
Our 45 Years of Experience makes us Out-standing in our field!
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517-256-7750 • 800-435-9560 www.agriking.com
A Tribute to Jim Burnett
Jim Burnett, past MMPA director of member relations and public affairs, passed away in April at the age of 88. With 10 years of service at MMPA, we pay tribute to a man who helped further the goals and mission of the cooperative. Jim’s efforts certainly enhanced MMPA’s presence in Michigan agriculture and in the national dairy picture. John Dilland, retired MMPA general manager, says, “Jim was always outgoing, positive and upbeat in his outlook, and genuinely interested in our members and their welfare. He knew and understood dairy farming and readily related to member issues, particularly
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excelling in his work with the OYDC contest and its participants. On a personal note, our sons especially enjoyed going to the Burnett tree farm near Whitmore Lake to cut our annual Christmas tree and to ride on his farm wagon to the tree yard.” Jim’s obituary follows: Jim Burnett of Chelsea (formerly of Dexter) passed away Saturday, April 5 at his home. He was born January 25, 1926 in Lansing, the son of John Eric and Ruth E. (Valentine) Burnett. Jim graduated from Michigan State University and managed dairy plants for about 10 years, then supervised elevators and farm supply cooperatives for 22 years.
Producers Association, he retired with his wife, Pat, to the family farm near Dexter. Throughout his life, he has enjoyed hobbies of horses, Christmas trees, golf and chair caning. Jim has been a life-long Episcopalian, serving on many committees and vestries. He was a member of St. James’ Episcopal Church in Dexter, as well as Lions and Optimist clubs. Jim is lovingly survived by his wife of 65 years, Patricia “Pat”; two sons, James of Chicago, Ill. and Michael of Kalamazoo; one daughter, Susan Hudson of Greenville; eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by three brothers, William, Thomas and John.
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June 2014
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By Alex Schnabelrauch
Another Family Dairy Story
A Salute to MMPA Haulers
W
e’ve told the story time and time again: dairy farming is a family business. But the family focus of the dairy industry doesn’t start and end at the farm driveway. MMPA’s 300 dedicated milk haulers, working the co-op’s 76 routes, know firsthand the joys and struggles of working with family. “We’ve been able to weather a lot of storms since my grandpa and father started hauling milk in 1915, and there aren’t many family partnerships that have lasted that long,” Dennis Simon, who owns and operates Simon Brothers with his brothers, Dan and George, in Fowler, explains. As birds of a feather flock together, so too do MMPA’s family farm members and family milk haulers.
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June 2014
Dairy Blood Runs Deep “Milk hauling is in your blood,” Brook Ferris, owner of Ferris & Sons Milking Hauling Inc. in Addison, explains. “I’ve been doing this for 27 years. My sons used to ride with me in the milk truck when they were in diapers, and I couldn’t be more proud to have them as business partners today.”
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But Brook isn’t the family’s first experience with dairy. His great grandfather and grandfather owned Lakeview Dairy until 1941 where they bottled milk, made cottage cheese and butter and sold door-todoor. On the production side, Brook’s father and two brothers are MMPA members and milk 140 cows in Addison. So it came as no surprise
The Ferris Family boasts two, three-generation dairy businesses – Ferris Farms and Ferris & Sons Milk Hauling Inc. Pictured (left to right): Rob Corona, Stanley, Jay, Kel, Brady, Brook Jr., Jayson and Brook Ferris and Lauren Goodlock. when Brook married the milk hauler’s daughter, his wife, Kathy – who continues to handle the business’s bookwork and manage dispatch – and purchased his fatherin-law’s, Lauren Goodlock, route in 1987. “Sure, there are times when you need an extra two hours in a 24-hour day just to catch up. But it takes all of us – farmers, haulers and MMPA dispatch – to keep things running smoothly,” he adds. “Our 14 trucks travel 4,600 miles a day and pick up from 31 farms. It takes the right kind of person to handle a 365-day business while maintaining family harmony.” Yet, many MMPA haulers manage to make it work. When scanning the long list of co-op haulers, it’s not uncommon to find the names of second, third and even fourth generation milkmen and women.
The Art of Keeping the Peace While some families worry about the annual reunion getting heated, many haulers have to navigate family relationships on a day-to-day basis. “When you spend so much time with people, there’s no way they’ll always agree. But at the end of the day, we have to put our differences aside and work together for the betterment of the business,” Dennis says. “How can we keep our 22 trucks on the road and manage our milk, grain, manure and fertilizer trucking business without everyone on board?” A third generation, 99-year-old business, the Simon brothers understand the importance of not only keeping the peace, but the power of three sets of eyes. “With three brothers, every problem gets three sets of perspectives, three sets of ideas and three sets of solutions.
“I still remember when some of our current farm operators were just little ones in a playpen in the milkhouse. Now they’re grown up, taking over and having little ones of their own,” Paul Styma, second generation hauler who owns Northeastern Transfer in Posen with his brothers, John and Joel, relays. Enlisting the help of their other brother, Pat, and two of the brothers’ wives, the Stymas continue to operate the business Paul’s dad built in the 1950s.
2014 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 Richard Heyboer John Koldos, Jr. Matthew Wadsworth 15 Years Gregory Fisk Robert Rowley II Karl Taylor 20 Years Bob Abraham Deena Patterson Don Rhode Don Rumble Dennis Rye Wayne Salo Keith Stoneman Don Wetthuhn 30 Years Jay Nihart, Jr.
35 Years Richard Jackson Jim McClelland Louise Northrop John Styma Gordon Veale 40 Years George Simon Marc Paul Traver 45 Years Al Denbrock Ron Halifax Ronald Maxson 50 Years William Bone Mike Greenlee Robert Rowley Lifetime George Mohr
“Just like anything, hauling has gotten tougher as the years progress. Margins are tight. But we still love working with farmers; that’s why we do this. They are our neighbors, our friends and our extended families. We hope milk hauling will continue to be an important, special part of our business for many years to come,” Paul concludes.
MMPA and Land O’Lakes present…
Advanced Calf Care Schools August 12: Tuscola Technology Center Caro, Mich. August 13: Clare Church of the Nazarene Clare, Mich. Calf care on a dairy farm does not happen by accident. Land O’ Lakes and MMPA want to assist you with raising the healthiest calves possible. This school will have hands-on demonstrations as well as some classroom interaction. Topics to be covered include colostrum management, veterinary procedures and proper milk replacer mixing. Look for a schedule and more information in the July Messenger.
Contact Marianne Gasiewski at the Novi office (800-572-5824, ext. 215) to register. A nominal $10/person registration fee will help defray the cost of lunch. Class size is limited to 30, so register today! June 2014
The Extended Dairy Family Getting every load of milk picked up from MMPA’s over 1,200 member farms and delivered to 30 to 50 customers every day is no easy task. By and large, haulers spend more time on the road than they do at home. Long hours committed to the members they work for, many haulers consider their farmers more than customers. They think of them as family.
Dennis, Brook and Paul agree, it’s their farmer customers who get them out of bed every morning. From 20- to 2,000-cow herds, grazing operations to robotic dairies, servicing the diverse needs of all of their route’s farmers is their business model.
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Working with family helps us brainstorm and consider lots of positive ideas.”
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MMPA Dairy Communicator Meeting Proactive Crisis Planning
H
eifers prancing across the neighborhood after escaping through a damaged fence. Extremists filming undercover videos on dairy farms. Heavy rains threatening the integrity of manure storage. There’s no question, dairy farming is a risky business. Tack on the advent of the 24-hour news cycle, urbanization and suburbanization of the population and untruthful agenda pushed by extremists, and it’s clear modern dairy producers don’t have an option; they must proactively build positive relationships in their communities and be prepared to tell their story and handle issues as they arise. “Crisis communication is all about preparing for the worst and praying for the best. It’s about planning for and developing tools that you hope you never have to use,” Shelly Mayer, dairy farmer and executive director of the Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin, emphasized to the over 60 Dairy Communicators (DCs) gathered for a day of training and idea sharing on April 24 in Lansing. “The more you think about something before it happens, the more prepared you are when it does happen.” Shelly urged DCs (and all dairymen and women) to dedicate time to uncover the potential “crises” that could arise on their operations and create a farm crisis plan.
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June 2014
Don’t Get Caught without Insurance “You don’t realize how much you need a crisis plan until an issue arises, and if or when it does, you don’t want to get caught without a plan. How we react to a situation dictates how long it will last, how stressful it gets and how big of a toll it takes on our way of life. Creating a crisis plan is like taking out an insurance policy to protect our farms from the worst,” Shelly explained to attendees.
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She advised all farms to formulate a crisis plan, following the steps below. • Identify a core communications team and compile their contact information (farm managers, employees, communicators, legal counsel, public relations counsel, etc.)
Shelly Mayer, dairy farmer and executive director of the Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin, stressed the importance of developing proactive dairy farm crisis plans during the recent MMPA Dairy Communicator Meeting.
• Develop a crisis communications plan process (plan of attack) and assign each task to a member of the core communications team. • Designate a list of first responders – trained communicators ready to react to a situation if/ when it occurs. • Craft key messages – involve the farm owners and veterinarian to construct positive, brief, consumer-friendly messages that are shared with all employees and family members. • Prepare a statement describing the farm’s focus on animal care, environmental care, stewardship, etc. • Compile dairy farmer resources including answers to tough questions and communication tips. • Complete detailed contact lists including information for first responders, key stakeholders, agriculture and consumer media contacts. “The purpose of a crisis communications plan is to collect all the relevant messages and contact information while designating a plan and assigning roles and responsibilities so, in the event of an on-farm crisis, everyone understands what part they will play, are on the same page and can react quickly. It answers the question of, ‘If this, then what?’” Shelly added.
From past experience, she advised farms to designate one spokesperson to release statements and handle media interviews. This person should be part of the farm family and needs to be proactively trained on proper communications techniques and farm messages. Know the Rules of Engagement “One of the hardest dilemmas farmers and their advocates face in the midst of a crisis is the urge to ‘set the record straight.’ Whether it’s a neighbor or other farmers in the area, everyone wants to come to the aid of a farm being criticized in the media,” Shelly relayed. “But we need to be aware that sometimes the agricultural community feeds the fire. We need to know when it’s better to be silent and let news coverage die down.”
goodwill bank accounts. Then, when or if a crisis arises, dairy farmers can draw from many positive experiences and relationships. Shelly encouraged DCs, closing with this message: “Consumers aren’t really asking about the size and color of your barn. They want to know that you still care as much as your grandparents did – about your animals, land and environment. It’s our job to build the bridge and show how and why we care before we’re facing a crisis.”
She outlined three broad crisis communication goals which unite all parties involved: control and contain the message, seek balance in media coverage and minimize the news cycle. Since news breaks and turns over so quickly in this digital age, Shelly advised DCs to really focus on containing the buzz during a crisis.
By volunteering at local schools, building relationships with neighbors, local and state government, planning farm field trips for community members and writing letters to the editor, dairy farmers can invest in their
20 Years Jane Wood, Deford/Clifford-Mayville Local (pictured right) 10 Years Kathy Heisler, Jackson County Plus Local Sylvia Verville, Upstate Local 5 Years Jennifer Lewis, Hillsdale-Litchfield Local
June 2014
Build Up the Goodwill Bank Account Yet, one of the most underrated steps dairy farmers can take when preparing for an on-farm crisis is, in the words of Shelly, “Building up that trust and goodwill bank account.”
Dairy Communicator Service Award Recipients 35 Years Leona Daniels, Sunrise Local (pictured left)
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While most consumers have a very short media memory, they are sure to remember stories that remain in the headlines day after day. It’s important to quickly respond to a crisis with a truthful, positive, sincere statement while resisting the urge to become defensive. Taking a defensive approach just gives credibility to the extremists’ agendas and prolongs the news cycle.
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By Kristy Smith, UDIM
Everyone is ABLE to Promote Dairy Products During June Dairy Month
J
une’s annual recognition as National Dairy Month gives dairy farmers and advocates the best excuse in the world to boldly promote the merits of milk and other dairy products. That doesn’t mean farmers should carry a large, highly visible sign and shout milk messages up and down the street, but rather make sure they maximize the available resources for dairy promotion. United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM) wants to help. Go to UDIM’s www.milkmeansmore.org website for a host of ideas for promoting dairy during National Dairy Month and beyond. UDIM can help you get the word out about dairy by authentically connecting with your community. You don’t have to be bold to follow the bold-letters below. With UDIM’s help, everyone is ABLE to help promote dairy. Access Producer Grants – Check out UDIM’s promotional grant program that gives Michigan dairy farmers access to up to $1,500 annually toward dairy products and related supplies. The grant can help you showcase dairy’s goodness at special events and promotional opportunities in your community. Michelle Hart at UDIM (800-241-MILK) can help walk you through the grant process if you don’t feel comfortable completing and submitting the application using the handy online form.
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June 2014
Borrow Ideas – You don’t have to be highly creative to engage in effective dairy promotion. Build on the time-proven promotional campaigns of other Michigan dairy farmers. UDIM’s website features 12 different promotional toolkits, one for each month of the year (although most of the sample promotions can be done just about any time). Pick one that fits your farm and your personality, then follow the checklist of steps to make it happen. There’s a variety of ideas starting from small to large, and ranging from individual efforts up to community partnerships.
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Link to Existing Messages – Share with others the dairy-related videos, stories, photos, recipes and electronic links you enjoy. Start with the ones found on UDIM’s www.milkmeansmore.org website, Facebook page and other social media channels. Create linkages
A UDIM promotional grant provided Joy Marvin with milk to share as part of her community’s Chocopalooza event.
where you think dairy information might benefit others. Re-post information on your farm’s website or Facebook page. Tweet or Pin items of interest. Become a distributor of others’ dairy information. Educate Using Existing Materials – UDIM has a host of informational and messaging materials in stock to aid your promotional efforts. They range from milk’s journey from farm to table, to dairy’s nutritional properties, to the differences between milk and milk substitutes. Handouts, brochures, DVDs, coloring books, milk-messaging apparel and fun giveaway items (including stickers and pencils) are available for no- or low-cost ordering. Check out UDIM’s online catalog at www.milkmeansmore.org. Now that you’re ABLE to promote dairy, your willingness is the only potential drawback to implementing a successful National Dairy Month promotion. Enact one of the many ways milk means more and give your community something dairy positive to talk about.
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Mike Sevcik, Dealer Development 612-741-3330 msevcik@supremeinternational.com
June 2014
Contact Supreme International to find out more information on the benefits of being an authorized Supreme dealer.
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By Charles Gould and Al Go, Michigan State University Extension
USDA REAP Grant Applications Sought to Implement Energy Conservation Practices, Bioenergy Projects
T
he Fiscal Year 2014 Notice of Funding of Availability (NOFA) for the Rural Energy for America (REAP) Guaranteed Loan and Grant Program was released May 5, 2014. For Michigan farmers, this means it is time to apply for grant dollars and low interest loans to implement energy conservation practices. Conserving energy puts money back in the farmer’s pocket. Most practices have a payback period of less than four years. For example, on average, dairy farms who have conducted energy audits by the Michigan Farm Energy Program have identified energy conservation measures amounting to a potential reduction of 49 percent in their energy costs. The average potential energy savings is 40 percent for farm operations and rural businesses. What is the process for applying for REAP funds? The first step in the application process is to have a Tier 2 energy audit completed by a certified auditor. Audits take about three to four hours, and the farmer must accompany the auditor on the audit. Dairy farmers who are members of Michigan Milk Producers Association can contact their member representatives to conduct their audit.
Table 1. 2010 – 2013 Average Potential Energy Efficiency Saving
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June 2014
(Michigan Farm Energy Program)
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The next step is to complete the application form and requirements. Those who qualify to apply for the REAP program are agricultural producers (defined as an individual or entity directly engaged in the production of agricultural products that gets 50 percent plus of their gross income from agricultural production) or small rural businesses (must meet the U.S. Small Business Administration definition of a small business) that are private entities, sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations or cooperatives. The applicant must also be a citizen of the U.S. and must not have federal judgments or delinquent federal taxes. Rural small business projects must be located in a rural area. Agricultural producer projects have no rural limitations. REAP funds must be used to purchase a renewable energy system or energy efficiency improvements. Some examples of energy efficiency improvements include: • Freezer and cooler upgrades • Lighting improvements, window and plumbing upgrades, insulation • Replacement grain dryers • Replacement irrigation units (diesel to electric, high presser to low pressure, traveler to pivots) • Greenhouse heating, lighting and cooling improvements • High efficiency motors, pumps, fans, blowers, compressors • HVAC equipment upgrades/ replacement
Operation Type
Ave. % Energy Cost Savings
Ave. Pay-back (Yrs)
Average Energy Saved ($)
Dairy*
49%
2.7
$8,223
Greenhouse
39%
3.8
$33,343
Crops*
41%
2.2
$7,142
Grain Drying*
35%
8.0
$15,688
Irrigation
73%
3.9
$14,506
Hogs*
23%
3.4
$4,745
Beef*
49%
3.8
$1,261
Food Processing/ Marketing
36%
4.9
$8,360
Rural Business
38%
2.2
$26,777
Totals (225)
40%
3.8
$13,924
* Homestead activities only. Does not include field operations.
Some examples of renewable energy systems include: • Wind • Solar • Biomass/ Biofuel • Anaerobic digester • Geothermal • Hydropower Such systems or improvements must be commercially available and replicable technology. All projects must have technical merit. REAP funds cannot be used for residential improvements or used to purchase agricultural tillage equipment, used equipment and vehicles.
The final step is to submit the application. Paper and electronic applications for grants only or combination loans and grants must be RECEIVED no later than 4:30 p.m. on July 7, 2014. Applications received after 4:30 p.m., July 7, 2014, regardless of the application postmark, will not be considered for funding in Fiscal Year 2014. Applications for guaranteed loans only must be received
In preparation for REAP funding, Michigan State University Extension held a series of energy conservation workshops in November 2013 and April 2014 across the state. These workshops will be offered again in winter 2014. For more information about the workshops, contact Charles Gould at 616-994-4547 or gouldm@msu.edu. For more information on energy conservation programs, contact Al Go at 517-353-0643 or goaluel@egr.msu.edu. This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu. To contact an expert in your area, visit http://expert.msue.msu.edu, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).
June 2014
The simplified application is easy to fill out and should not take applicants long to complete. Applicants may want to consider hiring a reputable consultant to complete the full application.
no later than July 31, 2014. Applications for guaranteed loans only received after 4:30 p.m., July 31, 2014, regardless of the application postmark, will not be considered for funding in Fiscal Year 2014.
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There are two types of applications, the simplified and full. The simplified application is for projects with eligible costs of $200,000 or less. The full application is for projects with eligible costs over $200,000. The difference between the two is in the reporting. The simplified application requires a more streamlined technical report whereas the full application requires additional documentation for the technical report and additional financial documentation. Applicants can contact their nearest USDA Rural Development Center and talk to a business specialist about their project and receive information about filling out an application.
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MERCHANDISE
Dried Bovine Colostrum To order call: 1-800-572-5824 then dial 2
I
f you read the May and June Quality Watch articles, you’re aware of the importance of quality calf management. To ensure a calf’s short- and longterm health, an adequate supply of colostrum must be delivered in the first 24 hours of life (most importantly within the first 30 minutes). Calves that receive inadequate or no colostrum are predisposed to disease. Colostrum provides both disease protection and high quality nutrition for your calves.
Blue Ribbon Dried Bovine Colostrum has a guaranteed analysis of 70 percent minimum protein, 5 percent minimum fat and 16 percent maximum lactose. Each carton contains 12- ¾ lb packets, with each packet equaling one dose. If you are looking for an additional tool for you calf management program, consider adding dried bovine colostrum to your calf care toolkit. Item Dried Bovine Colostrum
Although the mother’s colostrum is usually preferred, it may be of poor quality or may not be practical to feed to the calf. She may have Johne’s Disease or Leukosis which can be passed to the calf through the milk. For cases like these, the merchandise program stocks Merrick’s Blue Ribbon Dried Bovine Colostrum.
Stock number Member Price 1009
$155.88
This product can be used to extend the supply of colostrum on the farm and to improve low quality colostrum. It provides 55 grams of globulin proteins, energy and other essential nutrients. It is also pasteurized to maximize biosecurity. Multiple doses can be fed during the first 24 hours of life to increase the amount of immunoglobulins consumed.
Improve bottom-line $$. Lower feed costs. Maximize production. Ingredients from your trusted source.
Zeeland Farm Services, Inc.® MI: 866.888.7082 Fax: 616.772.7067 www.zfsinc.com
Low Fat Hominy 7% minimum protein 7% maximum fiber 4% minimum fat
Citrus Pulp
16% maximum fiber 6% minimum protein 2.1% maximum calcium 2% minimum fat
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June 2014
Valero Meal
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34% minimum protein 13% maximum crude fiber 4% minimum fat
Traditional ZFS® Menu Soybean meal, soybean hulls, cereal feed, cottonseed, distillers, gluten, canola meal, beet pulp, wet feeds, and more!
Order Your MMPA Merchandise through your milk hauler or call: Supervisor: Duane Farmer 989-681-2334 Fax: 989-681-3988 Toll Free: 877-367-6455 Orders (Novi) 800-572-5824 then dial 2
50,000 or below 51,000-75,000 76,000-100,000 101,000-125,000 126,000-150,000 151,000-175,000 176,000-200,000 201,000-225,000 226,000-250,000 251,000-300,000 301,000-400,000 401,000-500,000 501,000-600,000 601,000 and greater
+55¢/cwt. +50¢/cwt. +45¢/cwt. +40¢/cwt. +35¢/cwt. +30¢/cwt. +25¢/cwt. +20¢/cwt. +15¢/cwt. +00¢/cwt. - 30¢/cwt. -$1.00/cwt. -$1.50/cwt. -$2.00/cwt.
A payment of 5¢/cwt. will be added for each of the following, if the count is equal to or below:
A high raw count deduction will be waived if the producer has received the quality premium the previous three months for raw bacteria count. To qualify for Raw and PI Bacteria Count premiums there must not be any of the following during the month: • Positive drug residue • Abnormal freeze points • High load count shipment or rejected load shipment • #3 or #4 sediment • Raw Bacteria count over 100,000 The count levels for raw and PI will be determined on one test run per month. To qualify for MMPA SCC premiums there must be: • No abnormal freeze points during the month
• 10,000 Raw Bacteria Count • 20,000 Pre-Incubated (PI) Count
To qualify for MMPA volume premiums there must be:
There will be a deduction of 10¢/cwt. for:
• No abnormal freeze points during the month • An average somatic cell count of 750,000 or less
• Greater than 100,000 Raw Bacteria Count
MMPA Member Testing Fees Payment for testing will be made through an automatic milk check deduction. All costs are listed per individual sample. Cow Tests $1 Cow samples may be tested for: Culture for Streptococcus agalactiae, Strep non ag, Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase negative staph, gram negative and/or SCC. Additional testing can be coordinated through your MMPA Member Representative to include: Raw bacteria count and components. All herd tests must be scheduled with the laboratory through your MMPA Member Representative. Members who choose to receive their lab test results via U.S. postal service: $2/month
Additional Tests Available: All costs are listed per individual sample. • Mycoplasma Cultures $12 • Bacteriology Cultures $13 – Includes identification of bacteria and drug susceptibility.
• Bovine Viral Diarrhea - PCR - ELISA • Johne’s Milk Test - PCR - ELISA – cows - ELISA – tank • Bovine Leukosis Test - ELISA – cows - ELISA – tank • Milk Pregnancy ELISA
$40 $ 6 $40 $ 6 $10 $ 6 $10 $4.50
All tests must be scheduled through your MMPA Member Representative or the laboratory for proper sample submission protocol.
Chemical, Sanitizer & Teat Dip Contact Information
These are service personnel only. Order your Member Merchandise supplies through your hauler.
ECOLAB
24 - Hour Medical Emergency Hotline: 1-800-328-0026 For Service, call the Ecolab Service Message Center 1-800-392-3392 or Stan Palmer 5303 E. Swan Drive #3 Port Clinton, OH 43452 419-797-2101 Ben Johnson 4461 Cambridge Dr. Port Huron, MI 48060 810-824-0636 Jason Koerth 7509 Aborcrest Dr. Portage, MI 49024 269-207-3773 Pat Mitchell 7273 N. Rollin Hwy. Addison, MI 49220 517-403-0928
A & L Laboratories
24 - Hour Medical Emergency Hotline: 1-800-424-9300 Kurt Fiene 8356 C.R. 115 Kenton, OH 43326 612-889-1063 Jeff Timm NW 8665 C.R. M Shawano, WI 54166 612-840-0555
June 2014
Somatic Cell Count premiums and deductions (in addition to Federal Order SCC Adjustments computed in the producer pay price) will be paid at the following levels:
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MMPA Quality Premium Program
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FREELINERS
Call 1-800-572-5824 ext. 202 to place your ad or email to: Muszynski@mimilk.com or fax 248-426-3412. Bulls
Registered Holstein Bulls: We now have a nice selection of service age bulls, sired by top AI sires. Green Meadow Farms, Elsie, MI. 989-862-4291 or see our website at www.greenmeadowfarms.com. Service age Holstein bulls. Call Steve Alexander, 810-622-8548 evenings or 810-404-8548. Service age Reg. Holstein bulls, deep pedigrees, some red carriers. Jenesis Genetics, 231-924-6163 or 231-225-8615. Registered Holstein breeding bulls, all AI sired from top bulls, b&w, red, red carrier and some polled, high production, low SCC herd. Bulls are priced to sell. Ver Hage Holsteins, 269673-4886 or 269-217-6076, ask for Tim. www.verhageholsteins.com. Crossbred bulls 100% AI. 810-724-8825.
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 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.
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June 2014
• 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.
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• 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.
Bulls for heifers and cows. Calving ease, BEW, Red, RC and polled genetics available. GTPI’s to 2220. Wardin Brothers Registered Holsteins 989-642-3262.
Cows & Heifers
Three 2-yr. old beef heifers due in June, $1,850 each. 810-300-8654. Bred Holstein heifers. 517-648-0588.
Equipment
New Holland 570 square baler, excellent condition, $8,250 or best offer. VanDale 16-ft. Magnum silo unloader, excellent condition, $800 or best offer. Call 989-224-2615 or 517-204-0888. 772 John Deere combine, 643 6-row corn head, 18-ft. grain head, will separate. 231-425-6913. John Deere 3970 forage chopper 7 ½ -ft. hay head, electric controls, metal alert, axel extension, field ready, $9,500. 810-3385265. 20-ft. X Fold Brillon Cultipacker. 810724-8825. 1 New Holland 1431 Dicsbine 13-ft. Hyd Center pivot, very good condition, $10,500. 2 New Holland 144 inverter with a brand new conveyor belt, $1,000. 3 Gehl 1580 blower, $750 obo. 4 Kilbrothers 450 center dump box with running gear, $1,250 obo. 517-231-5098. New Holland 900 chopper with hay head, metal alert, 50-gal. inoculent applicator, 1,000 pto, asking $6,500 obo. 16-ft. Hanson silo unloader, ring drive, rings and augers 1-year-old asking $2,000 obo. Delaval complete pipeline system, 230-ft. of 2-in. stainless line. Delaval 78 vacuum pump, $3,000 obo. Mueller 600-gal. bulk tank, $3,000 obo. 989-736-6508 Sweet Farms, Mikado, Mich. John Deere 3975 pull type chopper with heads, excellent condition, $17,500. Knight 3030 mixer wagon with scales, excellent condition, $7,500. 54 Michigan freestalls with rails, $30 each. 517-8995359. New Holland 40 blower, like new, used very little, asking $2,500. 810-648-2379.
Dairy Equipment
Two Delaval CF1000 Computer Calf Feeders with 4 nipples and laptop
with software. Will feed milk or milk replacer, $17,500 for everything or could split them up. 517-749-9112. Delaval 3-in. receiver with smooth operator variable speed milk pump, 150ft. of 3-in. milk line, $3,500 or best offer. 517-719-5894. 2-in. Delaval pipeline milking system complete with 240-ft. of line with 3-in. vacuum. Electronic surge pulsation 1 yr. old. 6 units with a Delaval vacuum pump and a Delaval heat exchanger, like new. 616-836-4093. 1 Sunset bulk tank, 2 lid, 415-gal. Mc415px. Sn. 19mc267. $1,400. 517-3173040. 800 gallon milk cooler with r-22 compressor. Asking $1,000 obo. Also selling 2-in. stainless pipeline, 10 h.p. oil-less compressor, and all accessories. Asking $4,000 obo. We will consider splitting up units. Great working order. Please call Dan Brusie with any questions, 810-614-2644.
Misc.
1st cutting haylage. 989-640-3370.
Farms For Sale
160 acres, 115 tillable, 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 5 barns w/lagoon, Alpena County. 989-356-2756. Dairy Farm, Cheboygan, Mich. 367.11 acres. 25x56 double 16 parallel parlor put in 3 yrs. ago. 2,000 gal. bulk tank, 400 free-stall barn, 48x100 calf barn, 80x80 commodity barn, 64x280’ hay barn, 32x56 maternity barn, 44x100 tool pole barn. 45 acre pasture by barn 7-bedroom L shaped brick home, built 1976. Can send packet with more info & appraisal if interested. Turn key operation if you want cows & equipment, or will sell farm separate. We also rent 670 acres paying $40 ac. most acres, less amt. David Brown, 231-625-2036.
CLASSIFIEDS
Classified Ads ($20 per ad up to 6 lines) Mail ads to: Classified Ads, Michigan Milk Messenger, PO BOX 8002, Novi, MI 48376-8002. Email to Muszynski@mimilk.com or fax 248-426-3412. Ads must be received by the 10th of the month before the month of desired publication. Send check or money order for $20 for up to 6 lines with your order. MMPA neither sponsors nor endorses products or services advertised in the Messenger. OPPERMAN GROOVING: We can fix your scabbled floors. Diamond sawed grooves, no hammering or cracking of concrete. No hoof damage. Call Opperman Grooving Inc., Portland. 517-647-7381. DAVIDSON CEMENT GROOVING, INC: NO water needed. Wider, rougher grooves for better traction. We also offer texturing for your previously grooved floors. 3 operators will travel Michigan and other states. No interest payment terms. Est. since 1987. Call 1-800-365-3361. CONCRETE GROOVING BY TRI-STATE SCABBLING, home of the 2” wide groove. Best traction, lowest prices. 800-554-2288. www.tristatescabbling. com
A SURE WAY TO KEEP YOUR COWS UPRIGHT! Concrete grooving/ texturing brings existing grooves back to 100% efficiency & provides high quality traction in new & old concrete, fast service. BLUE RIBBON HOOF TRIMMING, LLC. 989-635-1494.
FOR SALE: (2) 7,000 TANDEM FOOD GRADE TANK TRAILERS. Set up for direct load w/chutes & spill dams. 1999 Walker 7,000 gal. 2000 Walker 7,000 gal. Call Matt Veale @ Burch Tank 989-4009536.
FOR SALE: 5000-4000-3000-25002000-1500 OH MUELLER LATE MODEL BULK TANK MILK TANKS, complete, will trade. 1-800-558-0112.
DOUBLE 4 HERRINGBONE PARLOR, Complete 1,500 gal. Mueller, 3-in. low line, 2,000V takeoffs, 32 plate Mueller cooler, Airstar V pump, Mueller freheater, etc. 989-874-4654.
WANTED TO BUY: USED BULK MILK TANKS, 200 gallons & larger, Sunset & Mueller, 1-800-558-0112.
NI 4844 4x4 ROUND BALER NETWRAP OR TWINE. (2) 10’x18’ THROWER WAGONS. 989-874-4654
BARN WHITE WASHING AND CLEANING WITH HIGH PRESSURE AIR: Serving all Michigan and Indiana. Miller Spray Service, Inc. 574-825-9776.
Concrete Grooving and Texturing Call: Jeff Brisky - Owner Toll Free: 1-800-294-1202 Cell: 1-716-353-1137 Concrete Services Company
Messenger
June 2014
REGISTERED HOLSTEIN BULLS
28
PTO and Automatic Start Generators 1-800-248-8070 M-40 South Hamilton, MI 49419
OVER 100 SERVICE AGE BULLS FOR YOUR SELECTION! A SPECIAL HERD SIRE OR A TRUCK LOAD OF BREEDER BULLS. READY TO GO TO WORK ON YOUR FARM!
•
GREEN MEADOW FARMS
• FROM OUR TOP PRODUCTION COWS.
SIRED BY THE TOP SIRES FROM THE U.S. AND CANADA
6400 HOLLISTER RD. ELSIE, MI 48831 PH: 989-862-4291
WWW.GREENMEADOWFARMS.COM
POLICIES
MMPA Policy on Drug Residue in Milk:
2. The member can test the milk on the farm. If dumped, the member must be sure to take the stick reading, record the number of pounds of milk and report the information to their membership representative. •
If the tank tests negative (no drugs present), the milk may be released and shipped.
•
If the tank tests positive (drugs present), the membership representative will authorize the member to dump the tank of milk. The member will be paid 75% of the value of the tank of milk involved.*
•
If for any reason MMPA personnel must pick up samples at the farm for testing three or more times within 12 consecutive months, the member involved will be charged $25 per trip.
MMPA Policy on Milk Quality QUALITY QUESTIONABLE When a member suspects that the milk in the farm bulk tank is of poor quality they should call a MMPA Member Representative who will authorize milk in the tank to be dumped. If the member dumps the milk on their own, they must be sure to take the stick reading and record the number of pounds of milk, and report the information to the Member Representative. If the milk is dumped, the member will be paid 75% of the value of the tank of milk involved.* In order to receive payment for an added water voluntary dump, the member must install a Swingline Safety Switch. The Swingline Safety Switch can be ordered from the St. Louis warehouse. The MMPA Member Representative will verify the switch has been installed. Reimbursement for the Swingline Safety Switch and the voluntary dump will then be made to the member. The member assumes all liability for losses incurred as a result of shipping poor quality or contaminated milk. MILK SHIPPED – HIGH BACTERIA COUNT If: 1. A load of milk is received (unloaded) at a dairy processing plant and, 2. a sample from the load has a bacteria count of 300,000 or more and, 3. testing of the individual member samples on that load identifies the member or members having a bacteria count of 300,000 or more, then the member or members involved will be charged the value of one-half of one day’s production** and will be disqualified for raw and PI bacteria count premiums. **For members using more than one bulk tank, the assessment will be based on the value of milk in the tank or tanks in violation of the MMPA quality policy. * The member will only be paid for two (2) voluntary dumps in a rolling 12 month period.
If a loss is incurred by MMPA due to the disposal and/or nonmarketability of a load of milk or milk products containing drug residue, then the member responsible will be provided an invoice for the entire value of the loss plus transportation and disposal costs as required by the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance. This invoice may be submitted to the member’s insurance carrier. MMPA must receive settlement on the invoice within 90 days of issuance. If settlement is not made within 90 days, the full amount of the invoice will be deducted from the next milk check unless other settlement arrangements are made. Milk from that member’s farm tank must be tested and found clear of drugs before the next tank of milk can be picked up. A hauler whose entire load sample shows the presence of drugs will be charged the amount of an average shipment on that load if the individual member samples all show negative. ALL POSITIVE DRUG RESIDUE SHIPMENTS MUST BE REPORTED TO THE ENFORCEMENT AGENCY. REJECTED LOAD SHIPMENT If: 1. A load of milk is rejected (not unloaded) at a dairy processing plant and, 2. the milk cannot be sold through normal Grade A channels for reasons of quality which results in the load being sold or disposed of at a loss to MMPA, and, 3. testing of the individual member samples on that load identifies the member or members that caused the contamination or rejection of the load, then, the member or members responsible will be charged the full value of the loss to MMPA plus transportation and disposal costs, and be disqualified for raw and PI bacteria count premiums except for loads rejected for temperature. 4. MMPA will provide an invoice to the member for the amount of the loss, to be submitted to the member’s insurance carrier. MMPA must receive settlement on the invoice within 90 days of issuance. If settlement is not made within 90 days, the full amount of the invoice will be deducted from the next milk check unless other settlement arrangements are made. If a member has a third occurrence or more within 12 consecutive months, that member must appear before the MMPA board of directors to review steps taken on the farm to correct the quality problem which will enable MMPA to continue to market the milk for this member. HAULER A hauler whose entire load sample exceeds 300,000 cells per mL bacteria count will be charged the amount of an average shipment on that load if the individual member samples all are less than 100,000. A hauler will be responsible for all costs incurred by MMPA for loads rejected for temperature. Charges and assessments made under this program will be withheld from milk checks of members or haulers involved.
June 2014
1. Call a MMPA Member Representative to have the milk in the tank tested. A “hold” must be placed on the tank contents until the test results are known. - OR -
MILK SHIPPED — POSITIVE DRUGS CONFIRMED If a member ships milk from the farm and testing by approved laboratory methods show that the milk contained drug residue, the member will be assessed the penalties imposed by the state regulatory agency and be disqualified for raw and PI bacteria count premiums.
Messenger
MILK ON FARM – DRUG RESIDUE SUSPECTED If a member suspects milk in the farm bulk tank contains drug residue:
29
MARKET REPORT
April 2014 MARKET STATISTICS Mideast Federal Order #33 (pounds)
This Month
NATIONAL TRENDS (million pounds)
Total Class 1 Sales
511,965,858
Total Class 2 Sales
224,443,971
% Change 538,074,706 -4.85 Production California 186,658,876 +20.24
Total Class 3 Sales
438,762,990
477,978,102
-8.20
Wisconsin
2,303
2,309
-0.3
Total Class 4 Sales
245,641,750
214,033,641
+14.77
New York
1,135
1,132
+0.3
1,420,814,569
1,416,745,325
+0.29
Idaho
1,129
1,117
+1.1
36.0%
38.0%
Pennsylvania
905
904
+0.1
Texas
887
816
+8.7
Michigan
785
765
+2.6
Minnesota
753
774
-2.7
New Mexico
690
700
-1.4
Washington
555
537
+3.4
Ohio
457
473
-3.4
Indiana
331
328
+0.9
* Total U.S.
16,305
16,105
+1.2
* U.S. Y-T-D
64,077
63,306
+1.2
Total Production Class 1 Utilization
Year Ago
Mideast Federal Order #33
Current Month Total Producers 5,987 Average Daily Production per Farm 7,911 Average Protein Test 3.10% Average Butterfat Test 3.73% Average Other Solids Test 5.72% Average SCC Count (MMPA) 170,000
2014
2013 % Change
3,678
3,622
+1.5
* For 23 states
Messenger
June 2014
COMPONENT PRICING INFORMATION Mideast Federal Order #33
30
Protein Price/lb.
$4.7089
Butterfat Price/lb.
$2.1207
Other Solids Price/lb.
$0.4926
Class III Price @ 3.5%
$ 24.31
Prod. Price Diff/cwt. (Mich. Mkt.)
($0.03)
Cheese /lb
2.3547
Uniform Price @ 3.5%
$ 24.28
Butter /lb
1.9227
SCC Adjustment/cwt./1000
$0.00118
Nonfat Dry Milk /lb
2.0191
Dry Whey /lb
0.6774
NASS Survey Prices Monthly Avg
MMPA
STAFF
NOVI (Headquarters) 248-474-6672 • 800-572-5824 Acting General Manager Joe Diglio, ext. 240
Laboratory Supervisor Patti Huttula, ext. 219
Human Resources Cindy Tilden, ext. 220
Member Services Dean Letter, ext. 213
Manufactured Product Sales Jim Dodson, ext. 229
Member Relations/Public Affairs Sheila Burkhardt, ext. 208
Milk Sales/Dispatch Carl Rasch, ext. 244
Quality Amandeep Dhillon, ext. 305
Finance/Controller Joe Diglio, ext. 240
Credit/Insurance Cheryl Schmandt, ext. 210
Data Processing Gregory Schulkey, ext. 237 Member Communications Laura Moser, ext. 296 Alex Schnabelrauch, ext. 211
MANUFACTURING PLANTS Constantine 269-435-2835 Plant Manager Dave Davis Ovid 989-834-2221 Plant Manager Colt Johnson
MMPA FIELD STAFF NORTH AREA
SOUTH AREA
Frank Brazeau 920-834-4059 Oconto, Wis., cell: 906-250-0337
Krista Beeker Howe, IN 269-986-6792
Ben Chapin Blanchard 989-289-0731
David Brady 517-522-5965 Grass Lake cell: 517-937-9061
Lyndsay Earl Ludington 231-519-2455
Emily Butcher Middlebury, IN
Lindsay Green Dewitt
Andrew Rupprecht Clio 269-986-6793
269-535-0822
Angelee Kirsch Harbor Beach 231-414-4539
Elyse Martin Eaton Rapids
810-701-6460
Violet Lombard Delton 248-520-3481
Ed Zuchnik Three Rivers
269-967-7351
Deborah Navarre Leroy 248-520-3580 Gerry Volz 989-848-5996 Fairview cell: 989-289-9219
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
Ashley Werth 269-245-6632 Alpena
Other Services:
If you are unable to reach your assigned member representative, contact any one of the representatives listed in your area.
Gary Best 810-664-4984 Lapeer cell: 586-484-9279 Bulk Tank Calibration
Steven Lehman 989-875-3441 Ithaca cell: 989-330-1638 Mastitis Management
Katie Pierson Coleman 989-289-9686 Merchandise Coordinator, Energy Auditor
Christy Dinsmoore Fairgrove 248-513-7920 Mastitis Management
Merchandise—St. Louis
Duane Farmer, Supervisor 989-681-2334 Fax 989-681-3988 Toll Free 877-367-6455 Orders (Novi) 800-572-5824 then dial 2
June 2014
989-488-8159
Supervisor: Ed Zuchnik Coldwater Office 269-967-7351
Messenger
Supervisor: Gerry Volz St. Louis Office 989-289-9219
31
Calving EasE spECialists - april 2014 AARON-ReD GOlD CHip New ROlAND MOSeBy MiCkey SHOT plAN OleGANT CROwN ROBuST plATO DOMiNGO SHOT GuN New OBSeRVeR GuTHRie DieNeR MAuSeR ReAl-DeAl HuSky New Al BiGSHOT GeRRy DeATON SpuR O-BeNNeT BACARDi kiD wATSON BOOkeM DuRABle MONTNey yANCe MACGuiNeSS MASkill*BY eNeRGy exCel plANeT eNiD SHAMROCk luCifeR BliTz JiNTx pASSiON New ATlANTiC luCiANO flAx TeMpO MR MuDD BRyCeN MAiNSTReAM
%DBH1 Rel.% 4.8 4.9 5.0 5.0 5.1 5.3 5.3 5.4 5.6 5.7 5.8 5.8 5.9 5.9 5.9 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.3 6.3 6.4 6.4 6.4 6.4 6.5 6.6 6.6 6.7 6.7 6.8 6.8 6.9 6.9 6.9 6.9 7.0 7.0 7.0 7.1 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.3 7.4 7.4 7.4
97 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 91 99 99 99 96 99 90 99 99 90 90 98 89 92 95 99 99 99 90 99 99 91 98 93 99 92 99 93 99 88 99 75 98 99 97 88 99
Milk
+46 +211 +1,684 +646 +1,509 +1,175 +1,074 +1,078 +571 +1,638 +1,170 +1,277 +643 +1,476 +173 +866 +1,349 +909 +1,203 +228 +1,023 +1,857 +1,936 +1,615 +1,637 +292 +1,456 +533 +1,585 +522 +773 +1,936 +963 +2,143 +1,368 +1,001 +2,105 +431 +1,399 +360 +2,192 +1,585 +691 +2,159 +785 +1,405 +826 +1,958 +2,098
Rel.% 98 94 99 93 99 99 96 89 99 98 99 99 93 99 98 97 95 98 93 99 98 93 93 94 93 94 96 95 99 99 94 94 98 93 93 93 99 94 99 94 99 91 99 89 98 97 97 93 94
Type
+1.94 +3.70 +1.49 +1.21 +1.48 +2.69 +1.63 +1.81 +1.70 +1.88 +1.13 +1.67 +1.92 +2.70 +3.19 +2.07 +1.60 +1.39 +2.18 +2.20 +1.31 +1.74 +1.95 +2.88 +1.51 +1.61 +1.88 +2.14 +2.62 +1.60 +1.97 +1.78 +2.22 +1.74 +1.78 +1.41 +1.73 +2.49 +2.35 +2.14 +0.57 +1.81 +3.00 +1.92 +1.50 +2.08 +1.57 +1.08 +1.14
Rel.% 96 89 94 91 99 97 93 84 96 96 97 97 91 99 94 93 91 93 89 99 95 92 92 91 91 91 93 92 97 97 92 92 95 91 91 89 99 91 96 92 97 88 99 83 93 93 93 92 91
Manage tomorrow’s calving stress by using sires that deliver calving ease and much more. Contact your NorthStar representative for these calving ease sires today! Visit www.northstarcooperative.com or call 800.631.3510.
Green Meadow Farms, Elsie, MI
Preston Farms, Quincy, MI
1Service-sire calving ease data ●eligible for semen export to Canada. ^limited semen available. By-Tested as a carrier for the undesirable genetic recessive, Brachyspina. uSDA-CDCB/HA Genomic evaluation 04-14. photos (top-bottom): Jenny-lou Observer Tally-eT (VG-85), Mystic Valley Dairy llC, Sauk City, wi; Green-Meadow kid Olivia (G-79), Green Meadow farms, inc., elsie, Mi; preston Husky 3756 (Gp-82), The preston farms, Quincy, Mi; Vir-Clar Shot 9807, Vir-Clar farms, fond du lac, wi. SS937-0414. product of the uSA.
• 7HO10647 • 7HO10920 • 7HO8946 • 7HO9989 • 7HO8350 • 7HO9222 • 7HO10690 • 7HO9501 • 7HO9321 7HO10524 • 7HO9173 • 7HO8361 7HO10804 • 7HO10606 • 7HO9420 • 7HO9961 • 7HO10700 • 7HO9270 • 7HO10709 • 7HO10176 • 7HO9281 • 7HO10645 • 7HO10729 • 7HO10723 • 7HO10640 • 7HO10248 • 7HO10679 • 7HO10356 • 7HO10721 • 7HO9107 • 7HO10429 • 7HO9925 • 7HO10550 • 7HO10172 • 7HO9443 • 7HO10702 • 7HO8081 7HO10412 • 7HO10849 • 7HO10250 • 7HO7560 • 7HO10751 • 7HO9893 • 7HO10632 • 7HO10148 • 7HO10624 • 7HO10375 • 7HO10446 • 7HO9703