Michigan Milk Messenger: March 2014

Messenger Michigan Milk

The official publication of Michigan Milk Producers Association

Inside

www.mimilk.com Vol. 96 Issue 9 March 2014

2014 Dairy Farmers of the Year • 2014 Farm Bill

contents Michigan Milk Messenger EDITOR’S LETTER

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MMPA Matters

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News & Views

2014 Farm Bill—Finally

Quality Watch

FARM Herd Health Plan May Actually Help Your Operation

FEATURES

10 Understanding the Dairy Title Provisions of the

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2014 Farm Bill

Director-At12 One Large Position Election at the

98th MMPA State Annual Meeting

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March 2014

Hands-on Ownership

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2014 MSU Dairy Farmers of the Year

Managing Editor............................. Sheila Burkhardt Editors.............. Laura Moser, Alex Schnabelrauch Advertising Manager..................Nancy Muszynski Circulation.................................................................... 4,200 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.

20 41310 Bridge St. Telephone: 248-474-6672 P.O. Box 8002 FAX: 248-474-0924 Novi, MI 48376-8002 www.mimilk.com

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

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

(ISSN 0026-2315)

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Twelve Youth Named Michigan Dairy Ambassadors

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MMPA Scholarship Winners

Departments 24 Merchandise 25 Quality Premiums 26 Freeliners 28 Classifieds 29 Policies 30 Market Report 31 Staff

Cover Story Meet the 2014 MSU Dairy Farmers of the Year — Geert and Gertie van den Goor. See page 15 for their story.

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 4. Dan Javor, Hastings 5. Brent Wilson, Carson City 6. Brad Ritter, Byron 7. James Reid, Jeddo 8. Leonard Brown, Sandusky 10. Eric Frahm, Frankenmuth 11. Bob Kran, Free Soil 12. John Kronemeyer, Pickford

517-529-9032 269-657-5771 269-948-8345 989-584-3481 810-266-4091 810-327-6830 810-648-4505 989-652-3552 231-464-5889 906-647-7638

March 2014

Officers: President: Ken Nobis Vice President: Bob Kran Treasurer: Mark Halbert General Manager/Secretary: Clay Galarneau 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 Mark Halbert, Battle Creek 269-964-0511

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Board of Directors

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MMPA Matters Ken Nobis

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President

Signed, Sealed, Delivered On February 7, 2014 Air force One landed in Lansing, Mich. bringing the President of the United States to sign the farm bill on the campus of Michigan State University.

Michigan agriculture was in the news around the globe for the day, and that elevates awareness of the impact of agriculture on Michigan’s economy…always a good thing.

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March 2014

I was invited to the signing ceremony and gladly accepted.

After all, how often does a person get the chance to sit in the fourth row when the President signs a bill? The atmosphere was relaxed, despite tight security, but maybe that is to be expected when it has taken so long to pass a bill that should have been enacted in 2012.

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President Obama signed the bill in East Lansing at the request of Senator Debbie Stabenow, who played a major role in its development as chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee.

The President’s signature officially ushered the dairy industry into a new era. The dairy policy signed into law isn’t exactly what we wanted, but it provides a reasonable compromise. The Dairy Margin Protection Program (DMPP) that National Milk Producers Federation created is intact. The Dairy Market Stabilization Program (DMSP) didn’t make the final cut.

The objective in creating the DMPP was to establish a relevant safety net for dairy farmers so the devastating financial damage inflicted by the recent economic recession could be avoided in the future. Instead of being based solely on the price of milk, the DMPP looks at the margin between milk price and the cost to feed the cow.

However, establishing a safety net runs the risk of creating a program that reduces the risk of producing milk too much. This concern is what led to DMSP, which would have created financial disincentives to adding production in times when the milk being produced is already more than the market can bear. DMSP ran into a hurdle in Congress. Although we had the votes, Speaker of the House John Boehner threatened to sabotage the entire farm bill by not allowing a House vote if the DMSP was part of the bill. Frank Lucas, chair of the House Agriculture Committee and chair of the Conference Committee, pulled his support as a result of that threat.

In the end, we can live with the compromise that was reached. The farm bill allows for a permanent base for the five-year life of the bill, fixed premium rates, rates more heavily subsidized on the first 4 million pounds of production and a substantial increase in the producer’s share of the cost of insuring margin at the $7 to $8 levels. The DMPP that did make it into the bill offers a subsidized premium rate on up to 90 percent of established base production.

Lower premium rates to insure the first 4 million pounds will encourage all producers to get involved, since it is a voluntary program. The permanent base provides allowances for growth equal to the national average growth rate, but increases beyond that standard will not be covered by this program. Higher premium rates at the margin levels above $7 will give serious pause to the producer “over insuring” the base with an eye toward larger expansion. DMPP will give us a better safety net without encouraging over-production.

Dairy industry representatives held their first official meeting to begin developing dairy policy in June 2009. So there we were last month, just four months shy of the fifth anniversary of the beginning of the process, with the bill signed, sealed and delivered. It has been worth everything - the work, frustrations, disappointments - everything.

Because in spite of it all, people with very diverse interests had input all along the way and into the final version. Compromises were made by everybody (well, almost everybody) which proves hard work and a give-and-take attitude can result in a significant step forward. I believe the dairy policy changes in this farm bill address challenges we face to successfully market our milk in the 21st century.

2014 MMPA State Annual Delegate Meeting

The annual delegate meeting of the Michigan

Milk Producers Association (MMPA) will begin at

10 a.m. on Thursday, March 20 at the:

The Lansing Center 333 E. Michigan Avenue Lansing, Michigan.

Registration will begin at 9 a.m. Business will be conducted only by accredited delegates, but all members are welcome to attend. The agenda will include consideration of policy statements, resolutions and the election of one director-at-large position on the MMPA board of directors.

If the Lansing Center parking area is full, the North Grand ramp located next to the Radisson Hotel has a walkway to the Lansing Center.

THE

POWER of ownership

QUALITY Watch Christy Dinsmoore

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Mastitis Management

FARM Herd Health Plan May Actually Help Your Operation!

Reenrollment in the National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program is underway.

Member representatives have been contacting farms to schedule appointments for reenrollment as well as first-time enrollees. MMPA has 80 percent of its milk supply enrolled in the program.

The National Dairy FARM Program goes through a threeyear reevaluation period where stakeholders in the program have an opportunity to provide input.

What emerges is an updated FARM evaluation and reference manual.

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March 2014

The biggest change from the first reevaluation period has been the addition of a guideline requiring a written herd health plan (HHP).

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A written HHP includes written protocols for the main management areas of your farm (i.e. vaccinations, newborn calf management, non-ambulatory animal management, etc.) These written protocols often include written step-by-step standard operating procedures (SOPs) that occur on your farm including proper administration of injections, tube feeding newborn calves, equipment utilized to move a

down animal and other common processes.

set of eyes to review procedures and make suggestions.

It may not seem necessary to have these protocols and SOPs written, and I’ve heard it all. “They are tasks that are performed every day of the year. You train employees by doing the tasks with them and giving verbal directions. It takes time to write procedures and time is a precious commodity.” However a written HHP does have a place on your farm.

Don’t Leave Them Guessing New employees don’t have the benefit of experience performing procedures that may seem second nature. Written procedures and SOPs are an excellent reference for them. MMPA member, Jason Elenbaum, says, “Written procedures can help new hires know how to deal with a situation if no one is immediately available to help them. It keeps things running smoothly.” Employee training should include reviewing SOPs and showing new employees where they can find the SOPs when questions arise.

“The strongest memory is weaker than the faintest ink. A HHP fosters communication, reduces protocol drift and ensures everyone on the farm related to a task hears and understands a consistent message and plan,” Ron Erskine, Michigan State University dairy veterinarian and professor, explains.

Why are You Doing What You’re Doing?

Writing the procedure really makes farmers analyze what they are doing and how best to do it. Try writing out your milking procedure and count the number of times you ask yourself, “What gets done next?” Identify the goal you are trying to accomplish and ask yourself if the procedure, as performed, fulfills that goal. Is there a more efficient or improved way of performing a task? This is a perfect opportunity to involve employees in writing and/or reviewing procedures. The people performing those tasks day-in and day-out will have valuable input and suggestions to make their jobs easier and better for the animals in their care. Herd veterinarians and other consultants can be an outside

Employees Need to Know What’s Expected Clearly written and posted protocols convey a farm’s commitment to doing things right.

That is an attitude all employees should share. Setting expectations for job performance bolsters the team approach to accomplishing a task the right way every time it is performed.

And Cows Benefit, Too! The benefits of written procedures are not just for us humans. Cows are creatures of habit and will benefit from the consistency of procedures, regardless of who performs them. For example, the result of feed being mixed for six minutes versus 12 minutes can be dramatic for the cows. If everyone knows to mix feed for six minutes, the cows benefit from a consistent ration.

Continued on page 8

MASTICARE WITH LSA TECHNOLOGY KILLS VIRTUALLY ON CONTACT AND KEEPS WORKING, MAKING IT BOTH AN EXCELLENT PRE- AND POST-DIP SOLUTION. LSA technology also gives you more powerful broad spectrum protection. It kills mastitis-causing pathogens, including bacteria, fungi and viruses. Even when exposed to high levels of organic contaminants, which can lower the effectiveness of other traditional non-iodine dips, MASTICARE stays as effective as iodine. It’s gentle too. You’ll see less irritation and smoother softer teats, in all kinds of weather. That means better teat sanitation, lower somatic cell counts and improved milkability throughout your herd.

www.AandL-Labs.com www.AandL-Labs.com • 800-225-3832 1001 Glenwood Ave. N., Minneapolis, MN 55405

NEWS & Views

January Class III Up $2.20, 2013 Dairy Exports Boom January’s Class III price is $21.15 per hundredweight, up $2.20 from December and $3.01 above January 2013. The Class IV price is $22.29 per hundredweight, up 75¢ from December and $4.66 above yearago prices.

2013 U.S. dairy product exports (as a percent of total U.S. dairy product production) set record highs. An estimated 16 percent of total milk solids were exported last year, compared to less than 10 percent just five years ago.

Upcoming Events

March 19

State Resolutions Committee Meeting - Lansing

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MMPA State Annual Delegate Meeting - Lansing

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March 2014

April

8

4

YC Conference - Grand Rapids

24 Dairy Communicator Meeting

- Lansing

Producers scoring 95 percent or more on Grade A Surveys and Federal Check Rating MMPA ROBERT LALONE January 2014 Paulen Farms Inc.

Chapin Family Farm LLC William Stein Pine Hills Dairy LLC

Michael Hogan* H Brushaber Sons Farm LLC Grassley Farms Hillhaven Farms Inc.

Javian Coats OK Farms LLC Beth Ingraham MMPA VISSERS January 2014 Vissers Dairy LLC MMPA Constantine Northern Indiana February 2014 Ray / Katherine / James Eash* Steven Miller* Thaddeus Coning Calvin Miller Raymond Miller* Ernest Mast Philip Bontrager Milton Bontrager Maynard Mast* Darrel Yoder Jeremiah Lambright* Elmer Beechy Harvey Schrock* Harvey / Lamar Yoder Willis Miller* Lyle Warkentine

MMPA Michigan Dairy South February 2014 Feldkamp Farm LLC

Lynn / Greg Deforest Tom Hammond Weidmayer Farms LLC Brian Sweetland Marcus Bristle Breuninger Farms LLC

Horning Farms LLC* Drakelan Farms LLC

Grand Valley Farms* Williams Family Farm LLC Huehl Acres* Ron Laustein Gary Middleton MMPA South Central February 2014 James Ogden Ernest O’Conner Penney Farms Denningsons Farms

Rex Wells Cary Dairy Farms Inc.

Crandall Dairy Farm LLC Halbert Dairy Farm LLC* CAR-MIN-VU Farm LLC Choate’s Belly Acres

Gordon / Joy / Justin Porter Kubiak Family Farms *

*100 percent

Continued from page 6 You’re Not Done Yet… After writing a HHP and conducting employee training (and retraining) your job is not done. Annually reviewing your farms HHP with your veterinarian ensures procedures and SOPs have not become out of date. It also gives you and your veterinarian a chance to discuss the current goals of your farm and what kind of progress you’ve made toward those goals. If results have not been to your standards, there’s a possibility that a tweak in procedure could make a difference.

Milk quality and animal wellbeing does not happen by accident. A written HHP can guide your farm toward success far beyond participation in the National Dairy FARM Program.

NEWS & Views

Straight-Forward Contracting

By FCStone Managing risk has become increasingly important in navigating rising marketplace volatility.

With record prices on the board to kick off 2014, Michigan Milk Producers Association, in an effort to continually support its producers, offers a state-of-the-art forward contracting program for your use.

MMPA producers will find the forward contracting program desirable for a number of reasons, starting with the simplicity of how it functions. MMPA offers the ability to lock in your milk price when you choose. With that flexibility in mind, you can sell Class III milk by using the futures market (direct price) and/or options-on-futures (minimum price or minimum/ maximum range). More importantly, the program allows you the freedom to make marketing decisions without dipping into an operating

line or establishing a new line of credit to meet “margin” calls.

Another attractive feature unique to forward contacting is the flexibility in the size increments a producer may wish to sell at their desired time. The current size of the Class III contracts at the exchange are 200,000 pounds. As an MMPA producer, you have the ability to contract your milk in increments starting at 25,000 pounds.

If you’ve not yet signed up for the forward contracting program, you can do so quite easily by contacting Nancy Muszynski at 248-474-6672, ext. 202. Approved MMPA members can market or protect up to 75 percent of their production per month up to 24 months out into the future at their determined price

based on CME futures markets.

Benefits of forward contracting include: • No margin posted – takes the emotion out of establishing a profit margin • Flexibility in size of contract • Use of Put Options to set a minimum “floor” price • Use of options to create a minimum/maximum milk price range • Dedicated line to FCStone’s office for market information Continued on page 11

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

District Two

Donald Bever, Delton Richard Thomas, Middlebury, IN Michael Oesch, Middlebury, IN

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

District Five

District Ten

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

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

District Six

District Eleven

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

District Four

District Seven

David Bivens, Bellevue 269-758-3980 Mark Crandall, 269-660-2229 Battle Creek James Droscha, Charlotte 517-543-5577 David Lott, Mason 517-676-4593

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

District Twelve

Robert Barron, Gladstone 906-786-7027 Dave Folkersma, Rudyard 906-478-3023 Corby Werth, Alpena 989-379-3772 Jeremy Werth, Alpena 989-464-4022

March 2014

Carlton Evans, Litchfield Brad Hart, Clayton Glenn Preston, Quincy Art Riske, Hanover

MMPA Advisory Committee

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District One

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Legislative Watch

Understanding the Dairy Title Provisions of the 2014 Farm Bill

N

ow that the ink has dried on the 2014 Farm Bill, the real work will begin putting the details to the changes outlined in the law. The Dairy Title calls for a restructuring of how the government will interact with milk marketing. Gone, are the Milk Income Loss Contract Program and price supports. In their place is a new margin protection program and a product donation program.

While the basic structure of these programs are defined in the law, the USDA will now begin writing the rules and definitions. The information presented here is based on the intent of the law and may change as the rules are written.

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The final product passed in late January is a compromise of many proposals and amendments debated over the past four years.

Scott Brown, farm bill advisor and professor at the University of Missouri, sums it up in a recent webinar by saying, “Forget everything you knew about the farm bill prior to January 2014. It

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President Obama signs the 2014 Farm Bill on the MSU campus in February. has many of the components of prior proposals but it has evolved a great deal. Producers need to pay attention to the final language and not the earlier proposals. “ Brown stresses this farm bill puts much of the decision making back on the producers; it is not a onesize-fits-all farm bill. Producers need to make individual decisions on how the farm bill may affect them.

for risk management for dairy producers. It will provide a new level of flexibility for them. Each dairy is unique and needs to critically evaluate their level of risk.

They need to crunch their financial numbers and strategically decide their level of participation,” he adds.

Margin Protection Program The heart of the dairy title is the Margin Protection Program (MPP). This program is designed “The farm bill is a great opportunity to provide a safety net in times of extremely low margins, like those experienced in 2009.

Marketings Under 4 Million Pounds Marketings Over 4 Million Pounds Operating like an insurance Coverage Level Premiums* Coverage Level Premiums policy, producers who are $4.00 None $4.00 None enrolled and pay a $100 $4.50 $.01 $4.50 $.02 enrollment fee, receive $5.00 $.025 $5.00 $.04 coverage at a $4 margin $5.50 $.04 $5.50 $.10 (calculated milk price over $6.00 $.055 $6.00 $.155 feed price). The milk price $6.50 $.09 $6.50 $.29 is the monthly U.S. All-Milk $7.00 $.217 $7.00 $.83 price and the feed costs are a $7.50 $.30 $7.50 $1.06 national monthly feed price $8.00 $.475 $8.00 $1.36 based on corn, soybean meal and alfalfa hay. *Except for the premium at the $8.00 level, these premiums will be reduced by 25 percent for each of calendar years 2014 and 2015 and only for marketings under 4 It is important to note the million pounds. program supports margins, not prices. Producers

Margin protection will be calculated on each herd’s production base, calculated on their annual production for 2011, 2012 or 2013, whichever is highest. Herds without a full year of production will have a base calculated on projected production for the year. (Base averages will be adjusted annually by the USDA based on overall U.S. milk production.) This program does not limit growth; however, margin protection will only be provided on the percentage of the producer’s base enrolled in the program, never to exceed 90 percent of the base amount (with annual adjustments).

Dairy Product Donation Program Also under the new farm bill is a dairy product donation program that will be triggered when margins fall below $4. This program will provide dairy products to food banks or other feeding programs in an effort to remove extra product from the marketplace. This program will activate only when margins are at the $4 level for two consecutive months. The program would retract after three months, or when margins rebound above $4.

Under this provision, the USDA will provide a variety of dairy products to distribute to food banks or related non-profit organizations.

USDA is not required to distribute or store the products.

As stated by Brown, producers will decide individually the extent they want to use the program.

Producers will be able to select margin protection coverage at 50¢ increments beginning at $4 per cwt. through $8 per cwt. for 25 to 90 percent of their production history (in 5 percent increments).

The amount of coverage will be dependent on each farm’s risk strategy.

The Margin Protection Program is expected to be in place by September 1, 2014. If conditions warrant, the MILC payments will be temporarily available to producers until the implementation of the new

Going Forward Although there was a collective sigh of relief as the 2014 Farm Bill was finally signed into law, our work is not finished. MMPA and NMPF will continue to work with the USDA as the rules and definitions are written to ensure the intent of the law is upheld and the rules are reasonable for our producers. We will continue to provide information as it is available. In the meantime, we encourage you to look at the structure in place to determine how you can best implement the MPP in your operation.

Continued from page 9 Less milk production met by stronger export sales growth has caused significant, contra-seasonal price spikes for both physical product as well as futures prices. It has also created excellent marketing opportunities for MMPA producers.

We’ve all heard the adage “high prices cure high prices.” While we don’t know when those high prices will cure high prices, what we can offer is the instruction on the tools you have at your disposal. Call us to discuss how you can proactively secure a profit for your dairy in 2014.

For information on where current market prices or options premiums are trading, you have a direct line to FCStone’s office in Chicago at 1-888-3411773 where brokers are available to discuss markets and forward contracting opportunities pertinent to you.

Herremans Receives NMC Award of Excellence

Dr. Ron Erskine, MSU, presents Tom with the NMC Award Retired MMPA Mastitis Management Supervisor, Tom Herremans was presented with the 2014 NMC Award of Excellence for Contribution to Mastitis Prevention and Control at the recent NMC meeting.

This award, in its third year, is sponsored

by Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc., and recognizes an NMC member for sustained contribution to mastitis prevention and control through research, extension or education, clinical practice or service to producers.

Tom was instrumental in developing and implementing MMPA milker training schools, which have taught thousands of dairy producers and their employees effective mastitis management techniques. Tom worked closely with MMPA members to design management programs to reduce somatic cell counts and lower the incidence of mastitis. He has also presented at many regional and national conferences on effective mastitis management programs. It was Tom’s dedication and commitment to mastitis management that set him apart for this award.

Congratulations to Tom on this welldeserved recognition.

March 2014

program or September 1, 2014, whichever happens first. After the implementation of the MPP, the MILC Program will be terminated.

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wanting higher levels of margin protection can pay premiums to protect against lower margins up to an $8 margin (see premium chart).

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One Director-At-Large Position Election at the 98th MMPA State Annual Meeting Delegates at the 98th MMPA State Annual Delegate Meeting will cast their ballots to elect one at-large member to the MMPA board of directors. Rodney Daniels, Whittemore, Mich. is the current director seeking re-election. The MMPA Nominating Committee submitted the following nominees for the director-at-large position: Robert Barron, Gladstone, Mich.; Rodney Daniels, Whittemore, Mich.; and Dale Phillips, Marlette, Mich.

Robert Barron

Robert (Bob) Barron farms in partnership with Tom Barron in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

They milk 250 cows and operate 1,500 acres on their Gladstone, Mich. farm.

Bob serves as president of the MMPA Menominee-Vacationland Local and has been a district delegate for over 20 years. He also serves on the Nominating and Advisory Committees.

In his community, Bob has served as a trustee of the Bay de Noc Community College for 30 years and on local boards including Equity UP Livestock, Farm Credit Services and the FmHA board. He is currently a trustee of Northwoods Baptist Church.

Rodney Daniels First elected in 2006, Rodney Daniels is seeking his fourth term as a director at-large on the MMPA board of directors.

Prior to being elected to the board, Rodney served on the Resolutions, Nominating and Credentials committees as well as a Sunrise Local board member and District 10 delegate.

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Outside of his MMPA activities, Rodney has been involved with the Michigan District VII Holstein Association, local fire department and the WhittemorePrescott Area Schools Sports Boosters.

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Rodney, with his brothers, nephews and their families farm together in Iosco County near the town of Whittemore on the family farm, now known as W-R-L Daniels Farm LLC. The farm was started in 1953 by Rodney’s parents, Donald and Dorothy Daniels. It

now consists of a 450-head milking herd of partially registered Holsteins and 1,370 acres. They consistently earn MMPA quality awards and place in Michigan’s top 150 herds on DHIA. Rodney and his wife, Anne, have five adult daughters – Jennifer Kyle, Audrey Bischoff, Laura Anschuetz, Bonnie Rossow and Catherine Daniels – and five grandchildren – Megan, Allison and Luke Kyle and Otto and Clara Anschuetz.

Dale Phillips

Dale Phillips, and his wife, Rita, partner with Dale’s brother, Glen, and nephew, Eric, to operate Phillips Farms in Marlette.

They milk 100 cows and operate 1,400 acres of corn, soybeans, wheat and alfalfa. Dale has been a dairy farmer for 35 years.

He has served on the Brown City – Marlette Local board for 15 years, serving as secretary/treasurer and president, a position he currently maintains. Dale also has served on the MMPA State Advisory Committee for 15 years and is a member of the Resolutions Committee.

In the community, Dale has been a member of the Marlette Oil and Gas board for 15 years. Dale and Rita have one daughter, Sharon Freeman, and two grandchildren.

MMPA YC Conference Network | Learn | Connect | Grow Connecting Younger Members for Two Decades

April 4, 2014 Crowne Plaza Hotel Grand Rapids – Airport Grand Rapids, Mich.

To our fellow MMPA Young Cooperators, Are you getting cabin fever?

Has this cold winter slowed down your social life?

Sick of thawing waterers and dealing with icy milkhouse floors?

Forgotten what it is to take your spouse out for a “day away?”

Then this conference is for you! Bring your significant other or neighboring dairy friends over to Grand Rapids to meet up with other young dairy cooperators who get it.

Find out how they are handling this frigid Michigan weather and keeping their cows comfy, water thawed and houses warm. “Farm talk” with other dairy men and women to your heart’s content!

• Speaker: Dr. Gordie Jones, a veterinarian from Wisconsin, will tackle the ABCs of profitability while helping producers identify bottlenecks impeding cow performance on their farms.

• Tour: Nate and Jenny Elzinga of the Grand Rapids area are hosting a farm tour. You will love learning how they are using automatic calf feeders to improve efficiency on their farm.

• Producer Panel: YC panelists will discuss their business planning protocols and field questions from the group.

• Tailgate Party: It’s been too long since the Super Bowl. This is sure to be a crowd pleaser (maybe even more exciting than the actual Super Bowl).

What are you waiting for?? Sign up today! We’ll keep your seats warm!

Mike and Jordan Noll 2013 MMPA OYDC Registration

Conference registration is free to MMPA members and MMPA member employees. Send the YC Conference registration card mailed in the February 17 milk check by March 18 to: MMPA Member Relations Department PO Box 8002 Novi, MI 48376 For additional information, contact Alex Schnabelrauch at 800-572-5824, ext. 211 or email aschnabelrauch@mimilk.com.

Hotel Reservations Make hotel reservation by March 13 and mention MMPA to receive the discounted $99 rate. Call 1-616-957-1770 to make your reservation.

2014 MMPA Milker Training Schools Attention to detail and consistency in milking procedures make the difference between a good milking routine and an excellent one. Whether you or your employees have been milking for 30 years or three months, at MMPA Milker Training Schools (MTS) you will learn best milking procedures which will lead to improved milk quality, higher monthly quality premiums, reduced new mastitis infections and antibiotic use and increased milk production.

MMPA MTS is a day-long session offered free of charge to MMPA members and their employees. A combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training helps participants understand the “why” and “how” of an excellent udder prep procedure. Both managers and employees are encouraged to attend to promote consistent, operation-wide adoption, implementation and reinforcement of milking procedure techniques.

The registration form and schedule are included below. Each MTS is limited to 35 people; however, a

second session may be held to meet demand. Please register early to help us determine if a second day is needed at some locations. Contact your MMPA member representative or the Member Services Department at the Novi office (see contact information below) with any questions or registration information.

Hispanic Milker Training Schools Have trouble communicating with Spanish-speaking employees? Some Michigan dairy farms employ Hispanic milkers and, more often than not, the language barrier makes communication between milkers and owners difficult.

To help overcome this obstacle, MMPA offers MTS taught by a Spanish-speaking instructor. A concurrent, but separate, session is also held to give employers and/or milking supervisors an overview of the techniques the employees are taught so everyone is on the same page after attending MTS.

2014 Milker Training School Locations and Dates Registration: 9:30 a.m.

Program: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (lunch is provided) March 6 Bad Axe Huron County Expo Center March 18 St. Johns Agro-Culture Liquid Headquarters (English) March 19 St. Johns Agro-Culture Liquid Headquarters (Spanish) April 9 Newaygo Cronk’s Oakridge Restaurant April 23 Alpena A-Plex May 1 Clare Clare Church of Nazarene

Milker Training School Registration Name: Address: Telephone: Producer Permit Number: Date and Location of Session You Will be Attending:

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March 2014

Number of People Attending:

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Send this form to: MMPA Milker Training School Member Services Dept.

P.O. Box 8002 Novi, MI 48376-8802 Or call/email Marianne Gasiewski with this information at 248-474-6672 or Gasiewski@mimilk.com.

Hands-on Ownership 2014 MSU Dairy Farmers of the Year Goma Dairy LLC

The Marlette couple, recently named 2014 Dairy Farmers of the Year by Michigan State University, starts each morning at 6 a.m., pulling on their rubber boots and working alongside their employees.

“People think because we’re a large farm, we’re not involved in the dayto-day operations. That couldn’t be farther from the truth,” Gertie explains. “I spend every morning feeding and checking on the calves before heading inside to manage the bookwork. Geert individually talks and plans the work day with each employee, filling in wherever necessary.”

Caring for 3,000 cows and 34 employees, daily schedules gets chaotic. But the van den Goors consistently go the extra mile to be hands-on business owners, employing the same relentless work ethic they used when Goma Dairy had far fewer cows and employees.

Shortening the Learning Curve Just 16 years ago, the van den Goors lived in a different country, spoke a different primary language and operated in a totally different dairy climate. Farming under the strict quota system of the Netherlands, Geert operated in partnership with his brother, tending to their herd of 120 cows.

In 1998, Geert sold his share of the family business and, after looking for a location environmentally and economically suited for dairy production, purchased a farm in Marlette. “The farm was the right

size and the right price for our situation. We started with 250 cows and immediately converted the operation to accommodate 300,” Geert relays.

The first year was one of the hardest as the young van den Goor family adjusted to the relocation, managing their cows and cropland with the help of only one other employee.

“Many people just see what our operation looks like today. They weren’t around for those first few years, but I remember all the long days and short nights,” Gertie smiles.

“The closest Dutch farmers were an hour away, so we constantly asked neighbors and local dairy farmers for their business recommendations.

Some days, we’d have to take half a machine to the dealership to explain what part we needed! But we were lucky to be immersed in the

March 2014

G

eert and Gertie van den Goor don’t have to be cast for an episode of Undercover Boss to know what their employees are doing.

Geert and Gertie van den Goor, 2014 Dairy Farmers of the Year

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By Alex Schnabelrauch

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community from the beginning; now those helpful and welcoming neighbors are some of our closest friends.”

With neighbors’ support, the van den Goors quickly adjusted to dairying in Michigan and constructed an additional freestall barn just two years after purchasing the farm, expanding their herd to 700. In 2006, they built a new parlor and grew their herd to 1,500 cows.

By 2007, the second phase of parlor construction was completed and 2,500 cows called the farm home.

The current Goma Dairy herd boasts an impressive 29,000 pound rolling herd average (RHA) and 125,000 cells/mL average somatic cell count (SCC).

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March 2014

Putting People First However, the biggest paradigm shift didn’t come from managing a larger herd’s RHA and SCC. “In general, a lot of farmers don’t like to work with people. In the Netherlands, it wasn’t uncommon to go a whole day without talking to anyone,” Geert recalls. “Now, I talk with every person involved in our operation on a daily basis. My job has changed from farmer to people manager. And honestly, I really enjoy both.”

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The van den Goors accept their award from Dr.Janice Swanson, chair of the MSU Animal Science Department, on behalf of MSU. Pictured above (l-r) Geert, Lotte, Giel, Gertie and Dr. Swanson.

Below: Both Geert and Gertie remain hands-on owners, working alongside their employees every day. Pictured: Gertie tends to a newborn calf.

“Just because you have the way you’d like cows to be milked in your head, you can’t assume someone else thinks the same way and can read your mind. That’s why we’ve worked with our vet and other consultants to write protocols for everything from treating cows to calf feeding and delivery,” Gertie says.

He adds, “Unfortunately at the beginning, there’s no handbook to understand employee management!”

Constantly reinforcing the farm’s commitment to quality, all milkers are required to attend a monthly training meeting with the farm’s veterinarian. Only those milkers in attendance are eligible for the milk quality bonuses.

The van den Goors quickly realized a quality team improves an operation’s success. Working with specialized consultants and leveraging Gertie’s past experience following structured, formalized procedures as a registered nurse, Goma Dairy drafted written protocols for common on-farm activities, keeping everyone on the same page.

“With so many employees, we have to get the right people in the right spots throughout our operation.

We spend time working alongside employees and talking with them about what they are seeing in our barns so they aren’t intimidated to approach us with their questions and concerns. We try to be easily accessible for every employee,” Geert affirms.

Redefining Sustainability While some dairy farmers tend to bristle at the mere mention of “sustainability,” the van den Goor’s make it a daily priority.

“For us, taking good care of the environment is just one part of being a sustainable business. We also have to be economically and social viable, being efficient and

profitable enough to pay our bills while taking care of our employees and engaging with our community,” Gertie elaborates.

In addition to recycled plate cooler water, light sensors, fan timing controls, fluorescent lighting and MAEAP verification in farmstead and livestock systems, the van den Goors focus on social sustainability, providing employees with health insurance and weekly paychecks and sharing the reality of modern dairy farming with anyone willing to take a farm tour.

Geert concludes, “If you just do it for the money, you’re not a farmer.

There isn’t always money to be had in our industry. But those of us with a passion for dairying, that never goes away. It’s our job to promote agriculture to our future consumers and our future workforce. Kids don’t realize there are big opportunities at every level of our industry. It starts with us.”

Owners: Geert and Gertie van den Goor Children: Anne (23), Giel (20) and Lotte (18) Herd Size: 2,800 milking, 350 dry Replacements: 2,600 Acres Farmed: 800 (rent out their land to buy crops from a local crop farmer) Milking Regiment: three-a-day milking in a double-36 parallel parlor Sustainable Practices: recycled plate cooler water, high efficiency lighting, light sensors, fan timing controls Breeding Program: AI Certifications/Training: FARM certified, MAEAP verified Ag, Dairy and Community Involvement: The van den Goors have been a Breakfast on the Farm host farm along with hosting a group of mommy bloggers for a farm tour. They also chaired a 2013 Breakfast on the Farm Planning Committee while volunteering with the Volunteer Freedom Riders 4-H Club and Sanilac County Farmers Care group. In addition, Geert has been involved in the statewide MMPA large producers group. Gertie has served on the Sanilac County Dairy Banquet Committee, has been a hospice volunteer and was an AYSO soccer coach. Statewide, Gertie serves as an MMPA Dairy Communicator, an MMPA state delegate and is a current member of the MSU Dairy Extension Advisory Team.

March 2014

From hosting a Breakfast on the Farm event to speaking with local Kiwanis and Lions Clubs, managing an active farm Facebook page to handing out milk during a local parade, the van den Goors invest substantial time and resources into sharing the dairy story.

Goma Dairy Highlights

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“We, and many other dairy farmers, are already doing the right things when it comes to sustainability. 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,” Gertie attests.

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It’s the Law — No One Is Exempt!

March 2014

THE BEEF CHECKOFF It’s the Law — No One Is Exempt!

Beef BeefCheckoff Checkoff——It’s It’sthe theLaw Law

Have HaveYou YouSold SoldCattle Cattleon onthe theFarm?

Farm?

IfIfso, so,bebesure sureyou youpaid paidthe the$1.00 $1.00checkoff checkoff

Did Didyou youknow? know?

• •Every Every time time you you sellsell a bovine a bovine animal, animal, regardless regardless of of age, age, sex, sex, breed, breed, purpose purpose or or number, number, a dollar a dollar perper head head is due. is due.

• •ThTh e dollar e dollar is to is to bebe collected collected byby thethe buyer buyer from from thethe seller, seller, although although both both parties parties areare responsible responsible forfor remittance. remittance.

• •ThTh e checkoff e checkoff is designed is designed so so that that everyone everyone pays pays their their fairfair share. share.

How Howare areyour yourcheckoff checkoffdollars dollarsbeing beingused? used?

• • • • •

•Beef Beef and and veal veal promotions promotions and and digital digital advertising. advertising.

•Food Food safety, safety, health health and and nutritional nutritional research. research.

•Product Product technology technology and and development. development.

•Educating Educating consumers consumers and and children children about about beef beef ’s role ’s role in in a healthy a healthy diet. diet.

•Refuting Refuting issues issues that that could could negatively negatively impact impact thethe beef beef industry, industry, such such as as BSE, BSE, E Coli E Coli and and Foot-and-Mouth Foot-and-Mouth disease. disease.

How Howdodoyou youpay? pay?

Complete Complete a remittance a remittance form form and and mail mail it along it along with with your your check check to to thethe Michigan Michigan Beef Beef Industry Industry Commission.

Commission.

Additional Additional remittance remittance forms forms areare available available through through thethe Michigan Michigan Beef Beef Industry Industry Commission.

Commission.

ForFor more more information, information, contact: contact:Michigan Michigan Beef Beef Industry Industry Commission, Commission, 2145 2145 University University Park Park Drive, Drive, Suite Suite 300, 300, Okemos, Okemos, MIMI 48864, 48864, 517517347-0911, 347-0911, fax:fax: 517-347-0919.

517-347-0919.

Who Whopays? pays?

When When cattle cattle areare sold sold or or imported, imported, thethe buyer buyer of of thethe cattle cattle must must withhold withhold a dollar a dollar perper head, head, or or equivalent, equivalent, from from thethe seller’s seller’s purchase purchase price. price.

Failure Failure to to dodo so so is aisviolation a violation of of thethe lawlaw andand may may be be subject subject to to a $5,500 a $5,500 penalty. penalty.

It’sIt’s thethe lawlaw —— nono oneone is exempt! is exempt!

Beef BeefPromotion Promotionand andResearch ResearchProgram Program Private PrivateTreaty TreatySales SalesCheckoff CheckoffInvestment InvestmentForm Form

Both Both thethe seller seller andand thethe buyer buyer have have thethe responsibility responsibility to have to have thethe $1-per-head $1-per-head assessment assessment collected collected andand remitted remitted to the to the qualifi qualifi ed ed state state beef beef council. council.

This Thform is form is designed is designed forfor thethe seller seller to use to use in private in private treaty treaty sales. sales.

Date Date Seller’s Seller’s Name Name Buyer’s Buyer’s Name Name Address Address Address Address City/State/Zip City/State/Zip City/State/Zip City/State/Zip Seller’s Seller’s Signature Signature Buyer’s Buyer’s Signature Signature Total Total Number Number of of Cattle Cattle Sold Sold X $1 X $1 perper head head = $= $ Date Date of of Sale Sale State State of of Origin Origin Person Person remitting remitting assessment assessment Seller Seller Buyer Buyer Send Send Form Form && Remittance Remittance to:to: Michigan Michigan Beef Beef Industry Industry Commission Commission 2145 2145 University University Park Park Drive, Drive, Suite Suite 300, 300, Okemos, Okemos, MIMI 48864 48864 According According to thetoPaperwork the Paperwork Reduction Reduction Act ofAct 1995, of 1995, an agency an agency may not mayconduct not conduct or sponsor, or sponsor, and aand person a person is notisrequired not required to respond to respond to a collection to a collection of information of information unlessunless it displays it displays a valida valid OMBOMB control control number. number.

The valid The valid OMBOMB control control number number for this forinformation this information collection collection is 0581-0093. is 0581-0093.

The time The required time required to complete to complete this information this information is estimated is estimated to average to average 1.8 minutes 1.8 minutes per response, per response, including including the time the time for reviewing for reviewing instructions, instructions, searching searching existing existing data sources, data sources, gathering gathering and maintaining and maintaining the datat the datat needed, needed, and completing and completing and reviewing and reviewing the collection the collection of information. of information.

The U.S. TheDepartment U.S. Department of Agriculture of Agriculture (USDA) (USDA) prohibits prohibits discrimination discrimination in all in itsall programs its programs and activities and activities on theonbasis the basis of race, of race, color,color, national national origin,origin, sex, religion, sex, religion, age, disability, age, disability, political political beliefs, beliefs, sexualsexual orien-orientation,tation, or marital or marital or family or family status.status.

(Not all (Not prohibited all prohibited basesbases applyapply to all to programs.) all programs.)

Persons Persons with disabilities with disabilities who require who require alternative alternative meansmeans for communication for communication of program of program information information (Braille, (Braille, large large print,print, audiotape, audiotape, etc.) should etc.) should contact contact USDA’s USDA’s TARGET TARGET CenterCenter at 202-720-2600 at 202-720-2600 (voice(voice and TDD). and TDD).

To fileToa ficomplaint le a complaint of discrimination, of discrimination, write write USDA, USDA, Director, Director, OfficeOffi of Civil ce of Civil Rights, Rights, RoomRoom 326-W, 326-W, Whitten Whitten Building, Building, 14th and 14thIndependence and Independence Avenue, Avenue, SW, Washington, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 DC 20250-9410 or callor202-720-5964 call 202-720-5964 (voice(voice and TDD). and TDD).

USDAUSDA is an equal is an equal opportunity opportunity provider provider and employer. and employer.

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March 2014

Twelve Youth Named Michigan Dairy Ambassadors

T

welve dairy youth kicked off their year of dairy promotion and outreach as Michigan dairy ambassadors during the Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference (GLRDC) in Mt. Pleasant, Mich. on Friday, Feb. 7.

Three high school junior dairy ambassadors – Mason Horning of Manchester, Evelyn Okkema of Blanchard and Libby Venema of Deford – and nine college senior dairy ambassadors – Megan Bush of Swartz Creek, Natalie Horning of Manchester, Kayle Jakus of St. Johns, Quinn Kolar of Troy, Jennie Lubbers of Lake Odessa, Laura Lubeski of Bad Axe, Allison Pung of Portland, Kailey Sweers of Dansville and Heather Van Lieu of Reading – spent the day training for their upcoming role as dairy advocates.

Michigan Dairy Ambassadors pose after their training during the Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference. Pictured: front (left to right) Evelyn Okkema, Kailey Sweers, Heather Van Lieu, Allison Pung and Libby Venema and back (left to right) Jennie Lubbers, Laura Lubeski, Natalie Horning, Mason Horning, Kayle Jakus, Quinn Kolar and Megan Bush.

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March 2014

Ambassadors participated in educational sessions covering topics ranging from media relations to social media while showcasing their passion for the dairy industry to a panel of judges.

Throughout the year, the 12 reigning dairy ambassadors will be afforded further training as well as opportunities to represent the dairy industry during promotion and outreach events.

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In addition to training sessions, ambassadors competed for scholarships and the titles of junior and senior Michigan dairy ambassador representative.

Mason Horning, a sophomore at Manchester High School, was named the junior ambassador representative and was awarded a

$1,000 scholarship. Megan Bush, a junior at Michigan State University, and Kailey Sweers, a sophomore at Hope College, were announced as the senior ambassador representatives, each receiving a $1,500 scholarship.

“The 12 candidates who participated in the 2014 Michigan Dairy Ambassador Program were remarkable young people, each of whom has a passion for agriculture and valuable knowledge of the state’s dairy industry. By combining these characteristics with the lessons learned throughout the training, the new ambassadors will be outstanding advocates for the Michigan dairy industry,” Jamie Wilson, training presenter and judge, commented.

The ambassadors and representatives were announced

Feb. 7 during the GLRDC’s Michigan Dairy Industry Recognition Night.

The ambassador representatives were selected based on each ambassador’s application, professional introduction, interview and participation throughout the training.

The GLRDC established the Michigan Dairy Ambassador Scholarship and Leadership Program in 2006. The program provides future young dairy leaders with an opportunity to develop communication, promotion and leadership skills while representing the dairy industry in person and online.

To learn more about the Michigan Dairy Ambassador Scholarship and Leadership Program, visit www. glrdc.msu.edu.

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MMPA Scholarship Winners

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or over 40 years, MMPA has sponsored scholarships for MMPA members, their children and employees enrolled in the Agricultural Technology Dairy Management Program at Michigan State University (MSU) with the hope of encouraging more young people to pursue dairy careers. Scholarships are based on academics, involvement in the dairy industry and letters of recommendation. The following students received MMPA scholarships to support their dairy education during the 2013-2014 school year.

MMPA First Year Scholarships

Macy Cole works on her family’s dairy farm in Bancroft. In high school, she was a member of the Durand volleyball, track and tennis teams and participated in 4-H and FFA. Along with owning 25 head of her own, Macy is active in the MSU Dairy Club and her county’s junior fair board and hopes to one day take over her family’s dairy and crop business or become a dairy nutritionist.

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March 2014

Emily Laeder hails from Harbor Beach and was a member of the Harbor Beach FFA, Ribbons and Bows 4-H Club, Junior Livestock Association and basketball team in high school. Currently, Emily is a member of the MSU Dairy Club and hopes to manage or serve as a herdsman for a large dairy operation after graduation.

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Allison Pung graduated from Portland High School with honors and was a member of the Clinton County 4-H for 10 years. In college, she is active in the MSU Dairy Judging Program and competed in the MSU Dairy Challenge. She also

Pictured above: MMPA scholarship winners were recognized at the 2013 MMPA Leaders’ Conference. Back (left to right): Andy Slocum, Kelvin Webster, Jorin Ouwinga, Matthew Stanton and Sawyer Johnson. Front (left to right): Allison Pung, Caleb Brown, Emily Laeder and Macy Cole. attended the 2013 National 4-H Dairy Conference as one of the top participants in the MMPA 4-H Milk Marketing Tour. After completing the two-year program, she plans to pursue a four-year degree in agribusiness management.

MMPA First Year Employee Scholarships

Caleb Brown, of Jonesville, is employed by MMPA member Steve Denning. In high school, Caleb was an FFA member and captain of the Jonesville soccer team. A member of the MSU Dairy Club, he actually took two years off before starting college, working on a dairy farm in Greece and taking care of dairy heifers on a ship traveling from Delaware to Russia. After completing his twoyear degree, he plans to pursue a four-year degree in agribusiness management and eventually work for his father’s company, FirstMidwest Ag. Sawyer Johnson, of Lakeview, is employed by MMPA member Jeff Nielsen. In high school, he was a member and president of his FFA chapter, a member of the class council and student government

and a basketball and soccer athlete.

He’s a member of the MSU Rodeo and Dairy clubs with aspirations of becoming a herdsman and making a positive impact on the Michigan dairy industry.

MMPA Second Year Scholarships

Andy Slocum is from Hastings where he is active as the sixth generation on his family’s dairy operation. In high school, Andy was active in FFA for three years, participating in the parliamentary procedure contest and making it to the state level twice. He’s a member of the MSU Dairy Club and the Farmhouse Fraternity. Andy completed an internship in Northern California this summer working for a family that has three dairies milking over 3,000 cows utilizing an organic, pasture-based system. Following graduation, Andy plans to return to his family farm and serve as the operation’s herdsman.

Kelvin Webster is in the second year of the dairy program at MSU. He is from Elsie where he’s involved on his family’s 3,200-cow dairy operation and owns 40 head of his own. He has

participated in 4-H and is a member of the MSU Ag Tech Dairy Judging Team. He completed an internship at Thelen Dairy Inc. in Fowler, Mich. Kelvin plans to return to his grandfather’s farm after graduation.

Second Year Employee Scholarship

Matthew Stanton is from Elkton and works for Te Voortwis Dairy LLC milking 1,850 cows. In high school, Matt studied electrical technology at the Huron Area Technical Center and competed in Skills USA competitions at the regional and state levels.

He’s a member of the MSU Dairy Club, participated in the MSU Dairy Challenge and the National Dairy Challenge Academy and completed a summer internship with Agri-King.

Following graduation, Matt plans on returning to the Te Voortwis Dairy as a full time employee with hopes of one day owning or operating his own dairy farm.

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If you, your children or employees are interested in applying for an MMPA scholarship, the scholarship application and two letters of recommendation must be submitted to the Dairy Management Coordinator by September 27 of each year to be considered for the next school year. The applicant must have been accepted in the Institute of Agricultural Technology Dairy Management Program.

March 2014

Jorin Ouwinga is from McBain where he works for Daniel DeZeeuw helping manage the farm’s 120 cows. In high school, Jorin was active in FFA, 4-H and the National Honor Society. He is in his second year of the dairy program at MSU and is a member of the MSU Ag Tech Dairy Judging Team and Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity.

He completed an internship at the Cal Poly University Dairy in California where he supervised students as the lead student in charge of the operation. Jorin would like to move back to McBain, work full time for Dan DeZeeuw Dairy and start his own dairy after graduation.

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MERCHANDISE

Super Calf Kit

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

I

t has been an unusually cold winter and many of us are dreaming of an early spring. However, if the warm temperatures and sunny days don’t make their hoped-for early appearance, baby calves will still have to battle the cold through March and April. At temperatures below 30° F, young calves should be given a supplement to their milk diet.

Studies have shown that cold stress occurs at the following ambient temperatures: • Calves under 21 days – 60° F • Calves over 21 days – 42° F

The Merrick Company has a product filling this need.

Super Calf Kit is an additive that can be mixed with whole milk or milk replacer to increase the caloric intake of young calves. This product contains 60 percent crude fat, 7 percent crude protein and extra sources of vitamin A, D3 and E.

The St. Louis warehouse currently stocks Super Calf Kit in two containers:

Daily energy requirement increase: • From 60°F to 32°F – 30 percent • From 60°F to 5° F – 60 percent

Stock # 1114 8# pail Stock # 1115 25# bag

Member Cost: $13.46 Member Cost: $32.34

Feeding instructions are as follows: Add one measure (2 oz.) of Super Calf Kit to two quarts of whole milk or reconstituted milk replacer and feed twice daily. Milk or milk replacer should be at least 110-115° before blending in the Super Calf Kit. Use of this product will help reduce cold stress-related death among young calves and give them a thicker hair coat and fat layer for winter survival.

Improve bottom-line $$. Lower feed costs. Maximize production.

Ingredients from your trusted source.

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

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

Citrus Pulp

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

Valero Meal

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March 2014

34% minimum protein 13% maximum crude fiber 4% minimum fat

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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 March 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 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.

Cross bred bulls 100% AI. 810-7248825.

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.

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March 2014

• 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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• 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.

Cows & Heifers

60 crossbred Montbeliarde, Swedish Red, Holstein cows for sale. Low SCC high components. For more information call 989-551-1429.

Equipment

“Roto Grind” bale chopper, model 760, 1,000 RPM. Chops to any size bale, eliminates cows sorting feed. New 12-611, perfect condition, and is stored under cover. Selling because we bought a JD silage baler. $14,500. Cheboygan, Mich.

231-625-2036.

Knight 1140 box spreader excellent shape, $14,500. Unverferth 4 shank zone builder, $4,500. New Idea 6-ft. snow blower, $700. 810-531-4619.

92 John Deere 5830 chopper 4x4 with KP and many new parts. 989-551-5644.

5127 Kuhn Knight TMR mixer with flip out conveyor and scales in A1 condition.

574-642-1247.

7720 John Deere combine. 643 6-row corn head. 18-ft. grain head. Will separate. 231-425-6913.

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, too. 517-749-9112.

Jamesway bulk tank with compressor, 500 gal., $2,150. 616-897-0620.

Complete Delaval pipeline milking system, approximately 200-ft. stainless with Delaval C125 washer, no vacuum pump, $2,000 obo. One AO Smith 80 gal. propane water heater, 3 years old, $400 obo. 989-268-5789 leave message.

Double-7 Herringbone Milking Parlor.

Modified Surge Superstalls with a stainless steel weaver index rail. Bou Matic 4400 Signature Series detachers, Flo Star units, 10 hp Sutorbilt vacuum pump, Mueller plate cooler, Therma-Stor heat recovery for hot water, 3” low line and all control boxes. Call for details 989 551-6751.

Dairy Farm

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, Cheboygan, Mich. 231-625-2036.

Misc.

1st, 2nd & 3rd cutting balage and dry hay, round bales. Also, round bales of straw. 810-531-4619.

1st cutting haylage. 989-640-3370.

Wanted

Used bulk tanks for storage and other stainless steel tanks 200 gal. to 3,000 gal.

989-826-5453.

Herd of dairy cows: If you are considering retiring from dairy farming and looking for an economical way, consider selling your herd on a milk check assignment. If this sounds appealing to you please contact us at 616-889-0769.

Dairy farm help wanted. Light maintenance and a lot of field work.

616-218-9350.

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

CORN SILAGE, HAYLAGE & HAY. 989-723-1886 or 989-277-1414 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.

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

JUNE CLOVER SEED, MICHIGAN CERTIFIED oats and spring barley seed.

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

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

Messenger

March 2014

REGISTERED HOLSTEIN BULLS

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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

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.

March 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:

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MARKET REPORT

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

This Month

NATIONAL TRENDS (million pounds)

Total Class 1 Sales

566,300,727

Total Class 2 Sales

155,692,081

% Change 564,184,672 +0.38 Production California 290,910,447 -46.48

Total Class 3 Sales

462,287,081

434,040,740

+6.51

Wisconsin

2,305

2,375

-2.9

Total Class 4 Sales

137,799,160

243,641,208

-43.44

New York

1,135

1,132

+0.3

1,322,079,049

1,532,777,067

-13.75

Idaho

1,110

1,106

+0.4

42.8%

36.8%

Pennsylvania

908

904

+0.4

Texas

845

818

+3.3

Michigan

789

779

+1.3

Minnesota

780

797

-2.1

New Mexico

682

688

-0.9

Washington

533

524

+1.7

Ohio

461

467

-1.3

Indiana

329

324

+1.5

* Total U.S.

16,082

15,927

+1.0

* U.S. Y-T-D

16,082

15,927

+1.0

Total Production Class 1 Utilization

Year Ago

Mideast Federal Order #33

Current Month Total Producers 6,005 Average Daily Production per Farm 7,102 Average Protein Test 3.19% Average Butterfat Test 3.89% Average Other Solids Test 5.71% Average SCC Count (MMPA) 170,000

2013

2012 % Change

3,624

3,462

+4.7

* For 23 states

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

$4.1870

Butterfat Price/lb.

$1.7874

Other Solids Price/lb.

$0.4155

Class III Price @ 3.5%

$ 21.15

Messenger

March 2014

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

30

$0.55

Uniform Price @ 3.5%

$ 21.70

SCC Adjustment/cwt./1000

$0.00104

NASS Survey Prices

Monthly Avg

Cheese /lb

2.0838

Butter /lb

1.6475

Nonfat Dry Milk /lb

2.0335

Dry Whey /lb

0.6025

MMPA

STAFF

NOVI (Headquarters) 248-474-6672 • 800-572-5824 General Manager Clay Galarneau, ext. 200

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 Ahmandeep Dhillon, ext. 304

Finance/Controller Joseph M. 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

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

Angelee Kirsch Harbor Beach 231-414-4539

Andrew Rupprecht Clio 269-986-6793

Violet Lombard Hubbard Lake

Elyse Martin Eaton Rapids

810-701-6460

Ed Zuchnik Three Rivers

269-967-7351

Deborah Navarre Leroy 248-520-3580 Lindsay Green Dewitt

269-535-0822

989-488-8159

Gerry Volz 989-848-5996 Fairview 989-289-9219

Other Services:

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

MMPA Labs Novi:

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

Ovid:

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

Constantine: 800-391-7560

7 a.m. - 10 p.m. Daily

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

March 2014

248-520-3481

Supervisor: Ed Zuchnik Coldwater Office 269-967-7351

Messenger

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

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