Michigan Milk Messenger: October 2012

October 2012 Volume 95 Issue 4

Michigan Milk Messenger 1

2 October 2012

October 2012

17

Contents

Volume 95 Issue 4 www.mimilk.com

Features

20

9

CWT Assists with 3.7 Million Pounds of Cheese and Butter Export Sales

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Michigan’s Frahm Sweeps All-American Junior Dairy Management Contest

11 Agriculture Groups Say 25 x 25 is Bad for Rural

Michigan, Join CARE for Michigan Coalition

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12 A Cheese By Any Other Name 13 Rewriting History: 2012 OYDC Kris and Carla Wardin 16 A World Of Fresh Ideas For Dairy Producers 17 More Than a Family Tradition: 2012 OYDC Runners-up

Josh and Lesley Lott 20 Not a Hail Mary Pass: Quality Milk Takes Deliberate

Management: National Quality Winners Reveal their

Secrets for Success 23 MMPA Clothing 27 Milk Culturing Class Scheduled

Departments

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.

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

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

MMPA Matters................................................ 5 Quality Watch.................................................. 6 News & Views.................................................. 8 Legislative Watch............................................ 10 Merchandise Memo........................................ 28 Freeliners........................................................ 30 Classifieds...................................................... 32 Policies........................................................... 33 Market Report................................................ 34 MMPA Lab Lines........................................... 35 MMPA Staff ................................................... 35

October 2012 Volume 95 Issue 4

Kris and Carla Wardin were selected as the 2012 MMPA OYDC. Read more about them and their farm on page 13.

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

(ISSN 0026-2315)

On the Cover

Michigan Milk Messenger 1

Michigan Milk Messenger 3

Michigan Milk Producers Association

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

Board of Directors

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

Mission Statement

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

Directors-At-Large Ken Nobis, St. Johns .........................989-224-6170

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MMPA Matters

By Ken Nobis President

Five Years Of Challenges Make Us Better Prepared To Meet The Future

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MPA held its annual employee service awards luncheon in mid-September. The average length of service at MMPA is 14 years, and those who have reached benchmark milestones in their careers during the past year are recognized for their service. This year’s benchmarks ranged from the five-year mark to the 35-year mark. This is always an enjoyable event where people reminisce and participating after having been president for five years started me thinking about those years.

Taking the time to reflect helped me understand why the past five years have flown by very rapidly.

Among other things, MMPA has been busy responding to the implications of world economic events, expanding our processing facilities, restructuring our co-op’s governance structure, coping with too much milk earlier this year and now wondering where we might find more milk.

We’ve witnessed Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) morph from a herd retirement program to a highly successful export assistance program. This happened at the right time, as we’ve watched dairy exports continue to grow at a rate that far outpaces the growth rate of dairy sales in our domestic market. We have invested over three years (so far) promulgating and now trying to convince Congress to pass a Farm Bill that includes a revolutionary approach of protecting margins as an improved safety net for dairy as opposed to the antiquated Dairy Product Price Support Program and the Milk Income Loss Contract Program.

Several points stand out more than others as highlights or low points over the past five years. One example, of course, is the economic collapse that led to the economic crisis we endured in 2009. The dairy farmer, whether an old dog or a young pup, had never experienced negative margins as severe as those encountered in 2009. This lasted far longer and was more severe than we had anticipated, but most of us made it through those horrible prices.

On the heels of 2009, 2010 wasn’t a bad year, and 2011 was pretty good. While 2009 provided a learning experience for us that we would have preferred to avoid, it did prepare us to be better managers to face a year like 2012.

MMPA entered the year 2011 with optimism. We recognized that it had been a long time since we had done a thorough review of our governance structure and so we took on that challenge. After all, the demographics of MMPA (and all of agriculture for that matter) had changed dramatically in the years since we had last updated. As a result of that introspective study, we enacted some subtle changes that update our methods to more closely match the needs of the 21st century.

As we entered 2012, we thought we had a pretty good handle on the mechanics of MMPA. We had a strong membership base, updated governance, and an expanded Ovid plant. But then, before we had much time to sit back and enjoy the situation, the weather intervened like it frequently does in our ag world.

Last winter, we discovered that cows, like humans, thrive in mild winter weather. Suddenly we had more

milk than we knew how to handle, and this resulted in long lines at milk plants. Milk haulers waiting in those long lines experienced difficulty getting back to farms where full bulk tanks waited as the next milking loomed. But once again, realizing that throwing our hands up in despair was not an option, we tweaked the system and found ways to get more milk through our plants. Of course the only problem is that we found the remedy just as the summer of 2012 heated up so that milk production was restricted a little more than usual. But we learned and it has prepared us to handle the increased volumes of milk that we know are in the offing.

It has definitely been an actionpacked five years during which we as members, and MMPA as a co-op, reacted proactively to the challenges.

That has made us better prepared to meet the future. I think the future looks promising for the MMPA membership area. We will continue to grow the dairy herd in this area, because in addition to excellent dairy producers we have four very important ingredients necessary for dairying: climate, land, water, and infrastructure. The grass isn’t always greener on the other side of the fence.

The happy cows now live here, and there aren’t many local dairy farmers “California dreaming” today. Now if only we could get Congress to pass the Farm Bill…..

Michigan Milk Messenger 5

Quality Watch

By Dean LetterLetter

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

MMPA Milker Training School – Striving to Serve Members’ Needs

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MPA member farms have some of the lowest SCC averages in the Midwest region.

This is certainly a testament to every member’s hard work and dedication to milk quality and animal health. MMPA has always strived to provide services that help its members achieve that goal.

MMPA’s Milker Training School has been one of those services for 16 years.

Since the inception of MMPA’s Milker Training Schools, nearly 4,000 students have attended the day-long session. Morning session topics explain the science of how proper teat stimulation followed by an optimal lag time reduces the bacteria population on the teat skin, enhances oxytocin release from the pituitary gland, and allows for a more efficient milk harvest. The procedure that is outlined at the school is backed by science. NMC and DPC (Dairy Practices Council) also promote the key concepts promoted at MMPA’s Milker Training School.

The afternoon session gives participants an opportunity to get a “feel” for the timing and technique taught during the morning session.

The purpose of the school is to recommend and teach a sound milking procedure effectively.

Training the milking crew is the first step to establishing a sound milking procedure. In order for the new procedure to “stick,” someone at the farm needs to “own” the procedure.

As the “owner” of the procedure, this person would periodically

6 October 2012

evaluate the milking crew. They provide the milkers encouragement by recognizing what they do well and provide retraining in areas where milkers have drifted from the established procedure.

A few years ago, an MMPA Food Systems Fellowship intern conducted a study that seemed to confirm what we thought to be true: milking crews that were routinely evaluated tended to more closely adhere to the established milking procedure. In other words, these milking crews experienced less “procedural drift.” For this reason, MMPA strongly encourages farm management to attend the schools along with their milking crews.

MMPA continues to strive to meet the needs of its members.

Determining the location of Milker Training Schools has been a challenge.

Ideally, the schools are conducted in locations where they can service the greatest number of members. While we would like to conduct a school in a location

that is convenient to everyone, this is practically impossible considering the distribution of our membership. Members interested in having a school near their farm should contact Marianne Gasiewski at the Novi office. Members can reach her at (800) 474-6672 ext.

215. When calling, please provide your farm’s permit number, contact person’s name, mailing address and phone number, the number of people that wish to attend a school, and whether the students prefer a Spanish speaking instructor or an English speaking instructor.

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Michigan Milk Messenger 7

News & Views The latest dairy news

August Class III Milk Up from July, but Down from 2011

Don’t Forget to Vote “Yes” to Continue the Michigan Dairy Check-off October 8-19

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Producers scoring 95 percent or more on Grade A Surveys and Federal Check Rating MMPA Ovid East August 2012

8 October 2012

Upcoming Events October

November

CWT Assists with 3.7 Million Pounds of Cheese and Butter Export Sales

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ooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted 11 requests for export assistance to sell 3.337 million pounds (1,514 metric tons) of Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese and 385,809 pounds (175 metric tons) of butter, to customers in Asia and the Middle East. The product will be delivered September 2012 through February 2013.

In 2012, CWT has assisted member cooperatives in making export sales of Cheddar, Monterey Jack and Gouda cheese totaling 82.4 million pounds, butter totaling 57.1 million pounds and anhydrous milk fat totaling 123,459 pounds, to 34 countries on four continents. On

a butterfat basis, the milk equivalent of these exports is 2.008 billion pounds, or the same as the annual milk production of 95,600 cows.

Assisting CWT members through the Export Assistance program positively impacts producer milk prices in the short-term by reducing inventories that overhang the market and depress cheese and butter prices. In the long-term, CWT’s Export Assistance program helps member cooperatives gain and maintain market share, thus expanding the demand for U.S. dairy products and the farm milk that produces them.CWT will pay export bonuses to the bidders only when delivery of the product is

verified by the submission of the required documentation.

The Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) Export Assistance program is funded by voluntary contributions from dairy cooperatives and individual dairy farmers. The money raised by their investment is being used to strengthen and stabilize the dairy farmers’ milk prices and margins.

For more information about CWT, visit www.cwt.coop.

Michigan’s Frahm Sweeps All-American Junior Dairy Management Contest

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.J. Frahm from Frankenmuth, Mich., was high individual in the 26th annual Junior Dairy Management Contest, held Tuesday, Sept. 18, at the 2012 All-American Dairy Show in Harrisburg.

Repeating wins last year were the New York State 4-H team, with Hunter Calyer, Peter Gartung, Noah Ives and Cody Sears, and the Big Spring FFA, with team members Cody Bear, Laura Ryan, Mark Shughart and Joe Weber.

“It’s an honor to win,” said Frahm, a freshman at Michigan State University, who has also participated in other management contests. A member of the Michigan State 4-H team, Frahm grew up honing his dairy management skills on a 120-cow dairy in Frankenmuth. T.J. is the son of MMPA members Eric Frahm and Teresa Crook.

“This contest is a training

ground for young dairymen,” said Carl Brown, one of the event’s organizers.

“It provides an exercise in the width and breadth of dairy management.” From the beginning of the contest, participants evaluate cows to find the best, most profitable ones, then determine how to feed them, keep them healthy, measure their performance and tie that all together in an economical package designed to help participants succeed in the highly competitive dairy business.

feed identification and management, nutrient management, dairy tools and equipment, Dairy Herd Improvement Association records and dairy business management.

The Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association sponsored a $1,000 scholarship T.J. Frahm of for the high individual.

Frankenmuth, was top Sponsors for the event individual of the Junior included Alltech Dairy Management Pennsylvania, Balchem Contest at the 2012 AllEncapsulates, Church American Dairy Show in & Dwight Company, Harrisburg.

Elanco Animal Health, Kirby Ag, Land O’ Lakes Milk Coop., MarylandVirginia Milk Producers, Milk Specialties Company, Pennsylvania

Participants competed in Farm Bureau, Prince Agri-Products, six classes, including dairy cattle Inc. and The Old Mill-Troy, Inc. selection and dairy linear type,

Michigan Milk Messenger 9

Legislative Watch Issues important to today’s dairy farmers

MMPA President Urges Congress to Pass New Farm Bill at Capitol Hill Rally

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ichigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) President Ken Nobis joined hundreds of other farmers on Capitol Hill last month at a rally urging Congress to pass a new, five-year farm bill before current farm programs expire.

friendly. By not acting on this measure, Congress actually increases federal spending next year,” Nobis said.

Nobis, who also serves as First Vice Chairman of National Milk Producers Federation, told those assembled that politics shouldn’t stand in the way of helping America’s farmers.

If the bill can’t be approved this fall, the path forward is murky at best.

“Dairy farmers have worked with Democrats and Republicans, in the Senate and the House, to create a farm bill that saves taxpayers money, and at the same time offers dairy producers a more effective safety net when times are tough,” Nobis said. “It would be a tragic mistake, after this bill has already passed the Senate, and the House Agriculture Committee, to let it wither and die on the political vine, rather than make the necessary effort to get it passed in the coming weeks.”

Nobis reminded lawmakers that the dairy reforms included in the new farm bill will reduce government expenditures compared to current policy, which should appeal to those members of the House concerned with the deficit.

“If the question in Washington is how to reform government programs and make them more effective, we have an answer: pass the 2012 Farm Bill. The dairy title, along with the rest of the program, is budget-

10 October 2012

The rally on Capitol Hill was organized by the Farm Bill Now coalition, which brought dozens of groups and hundreds of farmers together at the steps of the U.S. Capitol. The event has been endorsed by 88 organizations representing a broad range of associations and coalitions, including MMPA.

es x o ailb of m t r s you ete li nts. h pl tc me Wa a com dorse te on n vo for AC e t to P ge MM t for ! ’ 6 Don mber ve No

Agriculture Groups Say 25 x 25 is Bad for Rural Michigan, Join CARE for Michigan Coalition

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n September 7, three of rural Michigan’s leading voices called out the 25 x 25 ballot proposal for what it is: a costly, unreliable, irresponsible constitutional mandate.

The Michigan Milk Producers Association, the Michigan Sugar Company and the Michigan Farm Bureau announced their opposition to the 25 x 25 energy initiative set for the November ballot last month. The proposal would amend Michigan’s constitution and, if passed, cost Michigan families and businesses at least $12 billion.

The groups join another rural powerhouse, the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association, which represents Michigan’s 11 rural electric cooperatives. MECA announced its opposition to the reckless mandate earlier in September. Combined, the groups speak on behalf of millions of Michigan residents.

“Just like we can’t predict Michigan’s weather patterns, we certainly can’t predict the state’s energy future,” said Ken Nobis, president of the Michigan Milk Producers Association. “To lock this costly, restrictive proposal into the constitution is unwise for Michigan families and the state’s agriculture community.”

“Michigan’s energy future is not something we as agriculture leaders want to gamble with,” said Mark Flegenheimer, president and CEO of the Michigan Sugar Company.

“We need affordable, reliable energy to keep our operations running smoothly, and locking this restrictive proposal into our constitution doesn’t guarantee stability for our industry.”

“The Michigan Farm Bureau has strong concerns that this initiative would hurt the pocketbooks of Michigan families, businesses and our farms,” said Wayne Wood, president of the Michigan Farm

Bureau. “Many of our members use renewable energy to help run their farms and we support those efforts, but locking energy policy into the state’s constitution is bad policy, plain and simple.”

The initiative set for the November ballot would change the state constitution to require 25 percent of Michigan’s electricity to come from renewable sources by 2025, no matter how much it costs the state’s residents. Experts predict the proposal would cost Michigan families and businesses at least $12 billion. The proposal would make Michigan the first–and only–state in the nation to include a renewable portfolio standard in its constitution.

Coalition is fighting to ensure reliable, clean, affordable energy for Michigan families and businesses.

The diverse coalition, including labor and business, Michigan energy providers, citizen groups and local officials, supports the state’s landmark 2008 energy policy, which requires energy providers to generate 10 percent of Michigan’s electricity from renewable sources like wind and solar by 2015. Michigan utilities are halfway there, thanks to current challenging but realistic goals. The coalition opposes efforts to alter the state constitution to inject an arbitrary, ill-considered 25 percent renewable energy standard and urges Michigan residents to support the state’s current reasonable and responsible standard.

Business, labor, local government organizations, agriculture groups and elected officials from both parties have joined the CARE for Michigan “A full service insurance agency” Coalition to oppose the 25 We specialize in Farms and offer a full range of coverages to x 25 initiative. serve all of your insurance needs.

The ballot • Competitive – Farmowners. proposal would • Co-op Members in good standing receive additional alter Michigan’s premium discounts on Farmowners policy. current • Group Medical – Regardless of health conditions energy policy, for 2 plus groups. which was approved by an • Low Cost Term Life “Debt Protection.” overwhelming vote of the legislature mfu@comcast.net in 2008 after two years of research and deliberation.

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Michigan Milk Messenger 11

A Cheese By Any Other Name

By Jerry Kozak, Preseident/CEO National Milk Producers Federation

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he U.S. cheese business is built on a heritage dating back hundreds of years, since the time when immigrants, mostly from Europe, brought their food preferences with them from the Old World to the New. Unfortunately, the Europeans now want to ignore that global migration, and reclaim some products’ names just for themselves.

For the past several years, trade negotiators with the European Union (EU) have been making greater inroads in restricting the use of the names and translations – in trade parlance, the Geographic Indications (GIs) – for some foods and beverages made in certain parts of the world. Champagne from France is an obvious example. But so are cheeses such as Feta from Greece, Gorgonzola from Italy and others.

The EU asserts that if the principle of Geographic Indications is applied to these cheeses, any similar food products made elsewhere, from Argentina to the U.S., are not just pale imitators, but in violation of international trade laws.

While clawing back these names of common and popular consumer products may seem like a far-fetched goal, the EU has already had success in restricting the use of several key GIs in a free trade agreement it reached with South Korea. For instance, any cheeses labeled as Asiago, Feta, Fontina and Gorgonzola now sold in Korea can only come from Europe. And even though the U.S. just signed its own free trade deal with South Korea, we’re now subject to the cheese GI restrictions written into the deal between the EU and Korea.

The stakes for this battle are big and growing. More than $20 billion in U.S. cheese production utilizes European-origin names. Last year, 12 October 2012

almost $1 billion in U.S. cheeses were exported; many of these could be harmed by the EU’s aggressive attempt to confiscate common names.

As global trade barriers gradually

In order to fight this trend, NMPF earlier this year joined with the U.S. Dairy Export Council and other domestic and international organizations to form the Consortium for Common Food Names (CCFN). MMPA is also a member of CCFN. The CCFN is devoted to informing consumer groups, farmer associations, manufacturers, trade and intellectual property officials of the damage that will be caused in their own countries if efforts to restrict the use of common food names go unchecked.

CCFN provides an internationallyorganized counterbalance to the EU’s overly-aggressive approach to restricting product names. Its website, www.commonfoodnames.com, provides information to companies interested in joining this important effort, as well as to policy makers around the world.

new barriers in different forms – or

While focused on more than just dairy foods, the Consortium for Common Food Names is reaching to all manufacturers of cheeses and milk producers to encourage them to challenge the EU’s attempt to produce more free trade deals like the one between Europe and South Korea. While the World Trade Organization talks are in suspended animation, other broad, multi-party talks are moving forward, where a discussion of limiting the use of GIs may be on the table. The EU has concluded free-trade agreement talks with South Korea, Colombia, Peru and Central America in the past few years. Negotiations with India, Brazil, Singapore, Malaysia and more than 30 other countries are ongoing.

come down, bit by bit and country by country, groups like NMPF, MMPA and the CCFN have to ensure that in different names – don’t rise to take their place.

And once a precedent is set among these countries to restrict GIs, the limitations could be very damaging to future commerce, even if the U.S. isn’t a party to the agreement.

Moreover, the biggest prize of all – the U.S. market – is one the EU is keenly eyeing as it insists on imposing its views on GIs on the U.S. With a potential U.S.-EU trade deal currently under consideration, the U.S. cheese sector faces a very real threat if negotiators write any GI restrictions into a resulting agreement.

A reasonable path exists to protect location-specific GIs, say, for Parmigiano Reggiano, as opposed to the much more generic Parmesan.

The U.S. has some interest in using GIs of its own, but a clear and limited scope of protection is what is needed, not a blanket restriction.

It doesn’t help that Europe has been incredibly arbitrary in fighting for some GIs, such as Asiago, but not others, such as “Cheddar.”

As global trade barriers gradually come down, bit by bit and country by country, groups like NMPF, MMPA and the CCFN have to ensure that new barriers in different forms – or in different names – don’t rise to take their place. The U.S. versions of Feta and Gorgonzola should be able to compete with versions made elsewhere. Consumers around the world will be the ultimate judges as to which are best.

Rewriting History 2012 OYDC Kris and Carla Wardin

By Alex Schnabelrauch

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ntil September 2006, dairy farming was history for Kris and Carla Wardin. Kris is a fifthgeneration dairy farmer whose parents, Mike and Joanna Wardin, still farm in Hemlock with Mike’s two brothers and their families. With an equally-impressive pedigree, Carla is also a fifth-generation farmer. Her parents Jack and Cherie Anderson operated the 130-year-old family farm in St. Johns until 2007.

But in 2006, Kris and Carla lived in Connecticut. Kris had a thriving career climbing the management ladder at Caterpillar and Carla was impressing coworkers with her knack for marketing writing at Michigan-based TechSmith Corporation. They were successful, young, “employees to watch” taking advantage of opportunities to travel and advance their careers. But something was missing.

“We always knew we wanted our own business,” Kris describes. “That’s why when Carla’s parents came out East for a visit in the fall of 2006 talking about selling the farm to retire, the wheels started turning.”

That night after the Andersons left, Kris pitched the

idea to Carla. “I loved growing up on a farm and that way of life. I just never dreamed Kris would dairy farm and that I would want to come back … but literally overnight everything changed. I called mom the next morning and said, ‘Tell dad not to sell the cows. We’re considering buying the farm!’ Mom said, ‘Okay,’ and hung up. Not really the reaction I was expecting,” Carla grins.

A month later, Kris and Carla came back for an MSU football game and the chance to talk business with Carla’s parents. The Andersons arrived at the couple’s hotel room armed with the farm’s financials and Carla’s mom’s, “List of Things to Consider.”

After crunching the numbers and discussing the life change, Kris and Carla decided that they wanted to start a family back in Michigan, raising their kids with the same farming lifestyle they enjoyed. After wrapping up work commitments and preparing for the transition, the Wardins moved to St. Johns during the spring of 2007 with no concept of where life was about to take them.

Continued on page 14 Michigan Milk Messenger 13

Continued from page 13 Learning the Ropes and Improving Infrastructure

“June of 2007 was probably the most chaotic time of our entire lives,” Carla relives. “I gave birth to our twins right at the beginning of calving season. We jumped into being parents and farmers at the same time.

It was crazy!”

They spent their first year trying to get a handle on what was working well and what needed to be improved. Maintaining the same herd size, Kris slowly started making changes to ensure long-term viability of the operation.

“After a year under our belts, we started strategically investing in modernizing our facilities. We knocked down silos and increased feed storage. Since we’re a pasturebased farm, we installed a second irrigation pivot to provide room for future expansion. Then we built a calf barn that easily transitions to accommodate our seasonal calving schedule,” Kris explains.

Currently, the Wardins milk 260 cows with a goal of expanding to 400. They operate 700 acres, 280 of which is pasture, and plant corn and alfalfa. To make room for the family’s planned expansion, they’ll break ground on a new lagoon this fall and start construction on a freestall barn in spring.

Kris manages the farm, taking the lead on employee management, herd health, feeding, cow numbers, cropping, bookkeeping, financial planning and payroll. “I also work day-in and day-out helping our employees carry out farm tasks. I plant, chop, feed and milk alongside our workers,” he explains.

“There are lots of ways to run a good farm, but this setup is good for our employees, our cows, and our lifestyle,” Kris states. “Pasturing works well for us because we have the layout, it’s good for cow health and it enables seasonal breeding. We also exclusively use natural service bulls because it creates a low stress

14 October 2012

environment for our cows and our labor as we try to be as efficient as possible. It also helps keep feed costs in check.”

Set up for seasonal calving, the majority of the Wardins’ calves are born in three months. In fact, 90 percent of their heifers calve in the first six weeks. Carla speaks from experience: “At the height of calving season, we have 10-12 calves a day!”

Finding Balance

Even through expansion projects and adjusting to a new way of life, work-life balance for themselves and their three full-time and four part-time employees is the Wardins’ focus. “Our parents created a culture where employees are dependable and self-sufficient. Our workers are experienced, long-time family

friends and neighbors, some of whom worked for my dad before we took over. When we leave, we don’t have to worry,” Carla relays.

Carla’s role on and off the farm revolves around balancing the kids’ – Ty (5), Cole (5) and Max (1) – activities and dairy promotion and education. “Growing up, it seemed like everyone lived on a dairy farm.

Branching out into other fields, I’ve realized how rare a dairy farming background truly is. So I try to publicize what we do. The more people know about what goes on at our farm, the more they care,” Carla says.

Carla is also extremely involved off the farm, serving as a MMPA Dairy Communicator for three years, writing for her church newsletter, teaching swimming lessons and toddler Sunday school, running, blogging (www.truthordairy.blogspot. com) and guest blogging. She also wrote a book, “Every Other Twin Book is Wrong” which is available on Amazon.com.

Kris serves as MMPA MidMichigan Local secretary/treasurer, state delegate and a member of the State Resolutions Committee. He’s also a member of the Clinton County Farm Bureau Board, financial secretary for the church and avid MSU football and basketball season ticket holder.

“Any time you own a business, it becomes your life. But with reliable employees we’re able to get off the farm, see what other farmers are doing, and learn from them. Balancing time at work with community involvement and time with my family is essential,” Kris adds.

The Happy Ending They Never Thought They Wanted

Just a few years ago, the Wardins probably wouldn’t have believed they’d be back on a Michigan dairy farm. But now, they wouldn’t have it any other way.

lifestyle. Like many Michigan dairy farmers, we could have had lots of other jobs that we would enjoy and do well. But dairy farming was ‘it’ for us. I’m glad we chose Michigan, dairying, and this family-based lifestyle.”

Carla likes the fact that while on the farm, her kids don’t have to wonder what their parents do for a living; rather they experience it as members of the family business. “It seems like farms are storybook things – something that people want to have ties to. True, they’re idealized. But for us, there’s no better place to raise our family,” she confirms.

As the 2012 OYDC the Wardins will represent MMPA at various functions including the National Milk Producers Federation Annual Meeting in October.

Kris solidifies, “This isn’t just a job. We’re in this together as a

Michigan Milk Messenger 15

A World Of Fresh Ideas For Dairy Producers

T

he global dairy industry is gearing up for the world’s largest dairyfocused event – World Dairy Expo.

Officials are anticipating over 65,000 producers and industry professionals gathering from over 90 countries.

Attendees can expect to experience innovative new concepts at Expo Seminars, Virtual Farm Tours, dairy cattle competition, dairy company displays and many contests. The 2012 theme, “Market Fresh,” exemplifies the show mantra of sharing fresh ideas for the future success of the dairy industry around the globe.

Dairy producers who want to discover the latest in technologies, products and services should find the New Holland Trade Center a welcome expansion of the huge trade show.

Over 850 exhibiting companies from 28 countries will be on display at Expo, many unveiling their newest ideas.

Dairy producers will enjoy face-toface discussion with their peers at the Virtual Farm Tours, which highlight successful dairy operations from across the United States featuring unique facilities, herd management and marketing opportunities.

When you’re looking to maximize your corn silage acres, look no further than Pioneer® brand corn silage hybrids. DuPont Pioneer offers the choices you want to balance yield and quality. And when you can produce and feed more of your own high quality corn silage, you can maximize forage intake and reduce ration costs.

Rely on your local dairy specialist, agronomic and nutritional experts, and your Pioneer sales professional to get the right product on the right acre.

For additional information, go to www.pioneer.com/cornsilage

To get every cow to do her best, every acre has to do its best

Dairy cattle show fans will be treated to facility improvements this year to enhance their experience as they watch over 2,500 head of North America’s finest cattle parade across the famed “colored shavings.” All seven dairy breeds will compete for the ultimate Supreme Champion on Saturday, October 6 at 5 p.m.

World Dairy Expo, which will be held October 2-6 at the Alliant Energy Center, Madison, Wisconsin, “the place where the dairy industry meets.” Hours for World Dairy Expo are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, through Saturday. Daily admission is $10 per person and season passes are $30 per person. Parking is free. Visit www. worlddairyexpo.com, contact via email wde@wdexpo.com or call 608-2246455 for more information.

16 October 2012

The DuPont Oval Logo is a registered trademark of DuPont. ® TM SM , , Trademarks and service marks of Pioneer.

All purchases are subject to the terms of labeling and purchase documents. © 2012 PHII. CRNSL025898P360MVA

CRNSL025898_P360M_VA.indd 1

9/10/12 3:41 PM

More Than a Family Tradition 2012 OYDC Runners-up Josh and Lesley Lott

By Alex Schnabelrauch

I

t took 365 days. Just a year after Josh Lott left his family’s farm for a welding job, he realized that home is where his heart is. He pitched the idea of coming back to the farm to his father, Dave, and joined the family partnership with his brother, Jake, in 1998.

“It didn’t take long to decide I wanted to come back.

I tried other jobs, but I didn’t like following a set schedule.

Sure, I work a ton more hours on the farm, but I’m around family and I’m my own boss,” Josh says.

A few years later, Josh’s younger brother Ethan followed suit, bringing the partnership count up to four.

The fourth generation at the family farmstead in Mason, Josh says farming doesn’t even feel like a job. His wife of nearly three years, Lesley remarks, “I don’t know what he’d do if he wasn’t farming! It’s a great way of life and a lifestyle choice more than a career choice.”

Home Sweet Mar-Jo-Lo Farms The Lotts currently milk 500 cows and run 740 acres of corn, alfalfa and rye with plans to increase their herd size and land base. To support four families, they’ve had to transition farm management to a more stringent business model, creating room for growth.

The first phase of their expansion was completed in 2007, adding the capacity of a 2 million gallon slurry to their previous 3 million gallon lagoon, as well as a new 6-row freestall barn with management rail. Capitalizing on mostly internal replacements, the Lotts raise their heifer calves until they’re 6 to 8 months old. To maximize labor and feed efficiencies, the family’s heifers are then transported to a farm in Westphalia and return two to three months before they calve.

Likewise, efficiency through division of labor is an important part of the Lotts’ business model. Josh and his father head up the crop section of the business and maintain the machinery while assisting with calf care and health. Jake takes the lead on feeding and nutrition, and Ethan manages cow care and herd health. “Dividing up segments of the business into enterprises gives us each something to focus on daily. It increases our consistency and therefore our quality,” Josh explains.

They milk 20 hours a day in their retrofitted double-14 parlor with the help of six full-time milkers. An ABS Global technician is responsible for managing the herd’s reproduction and has substantially improved the farm’s conception rate.

Continued on page 18

Michigan Milk Messenger 17

Continued from page 17 Expanding the Gene Pool Sure, getting the right genetics is vital for farm success… And the Lotts have taken that to heart.

Neighbors joke that the Lott boys have pulled off some very advantageous, strategic marriages adding value to the farm.

Lesley has a master’s degree in entomology from Michigan State University (MSU) and conducts specimen processing at the MSU Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health and Clinical Pathology Laboratories. The laboratory tests for bacteria and nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) and even examines milk samples (some from MMPA members).

Lesley assures, “It’s not like the family farm gets free testing or I can fill them in on what other farms are doing, but my backgrounds in crop pests and knowledge of veterinary tests have come in handy!”

As if an expert in insect and nematode pests of crops wasn’t enough, one of Josh’s sisters-inlaw is a veterinarian. “People sometimes get the wrong idea.

We still have to pay for our vet visits like everyone else, but it’s convenient to have a vet so close to the farm. It makes the 3 a.m. calls a little more bearable,” Josh laughs.

Progress with New Technology The farm’s proximity to MSU has given the Lotts a unique edge and insider’s look at new technologies.

“We’ve worked with professors on rootworm research, growing their new varieties,” Josh tells. “True, they had to destroy the research crop, but the behind-the-scenes experience increased our adoption of the new technology because we had already watched its impressive results in action.”

18 October 2012

Corn trials were just the beginning for the tech-savvy Lotts.

Their herd is fitted with pedometers which assist with breeding cycle and illness detection. An automated post-milking footbath automatically dumps and refills after every 100 cows, and an electronic sort gate on the parlor exit helps separate cows based on production.

On the grain side of the business, a feed tracking system on the family’s TMR mixer automatically syncs with cow numbers in each pen. “It tells us what we need to feed and

what we did feed. It makes us all more conscientious of what we’re doing and helps our nutritionist make effective management decisions,” Josh explains.

“We also received our FARM certification in the spring of 2010 so we could show our neighbors we’re kind to our animals,” he adds.

And this is just the beginning.

The family is currently looking into installing a methane digester and other experimental technologies that would require outside investors.

Lesley elaborates, “From an outside

point of view, they [the Lotts] are extremely progressive and forward thinking. They try to adopt new technologies early to lessen their impact on the environment while maximizing cow comfort and production.”

It’s Good to Get Out While managing the family business is enough to keep everyone tied up on the farm, Josh and Lesley stress the importance of community involvement. “I love working on the farm, but you’ve got to know what’s going on in the industry,” Josh compels producers. “You’re not going to see things change if you never leave the farm.”

Josh serves as the Ingham County Local president and previously served as vice president.

He’s been a member of the Resolutions Committee and state delegate as well as an active member of the Mason FFA Alumni.

An “import” to the dairy farm lifestyle, Lesley emphasizes, “It’s so important to get out of your sphere and network! I never would have met Josh if I had stayed in my equine-based world.” Lesley was introduced to animal agriculture through 4-H and owns three horses, showing on the Class A Arabian Horse circuit.

presented to various audiences through MSU Extension.

“We’re involved because we like knowing what’s going on with the coop. I wish more young people saw the value in participating in the OYDC program and other opportunities to get a better idea of what our investment in MMPA means,” Josh closes.

The Lotts represented District 4 at the OYDC Conference in August and will also represent MMPA at the National Milk Producers Federation Annual Meeting later this month.

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As a graduate student, Lesley was involved in the Society of Nematologists as well as a member of the Entomological Society of America. She was a teaching assistant for six semesters and

Identifies a high percentage of cows in heat Reduces the need for timed A.I., saving you time and money Identifies non-cycling cows quickly

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Michigan Milk Messenger 19

Not a Hail Mary Pass: Quality Milk Takes Deliberate Management National Quality Winners Reveal their Secrets for Success

By Alex Schnabelrauch

D

riving up US-127 and M-115 the scenery looks more like a haven for summer-cottages and hunting cabins than a hub for Michigan agriculture. Passing crowded putt-putt golf courses and mom-and-pop ice cream shops, it is evident the majority of the population has no clue celebrities live right up the road. Well… nationally-acclaimed, dairy quality celebrities that is.

Duane and Laurie VanPolen have achieved dairy-superstar status, receiving three Hoard’s Dairyman National Dairy Quality Platinum Awards in the past four years.

Two of them back-to-back in 2010 (60,000 average SCC) and 2011 (72,000 average SCC).

The Van Polens, (l-r) Mike, Beth, Duane and Laurie.

Impressive to say the least! But satisfied. “I was thrown into milking produce quality milk,” relays Laurie. their story hasn’t always been so right away so I didn’t really have time With 15 years of training, adjustments record-breaking. to ease into it and do my research. So I and advice, she believes that if you From the Most Unlikely Places asked for tips from everyone I came into follow the right procedure consistently,

Farm girl by marriage and the contact with – the cattle nutritionist, quality management practices don’t daughter of a gas and service station our vet, the DHIA milk tester. With take much more time. In fact, she owner, Laurie VanPolen seemed like their help, we made little tweaks here thinks they save time by eliminating the an unlikely candidate for farmhand of and there to improve every year. Those need to separate as many mastitis cows the year. Yet, a positive attitude, thirst little changes have turned into awesome for individualized care. for improvement and stubborn stick-toresults,” she reflects.

In Laurie’s mind, a commitment to itiveness propelled this improbable hero

She also attended a MMPA Milker milk quality requires time management to nationwide quality sensation.

Training School (MTS) just after taking skills, consistency, teamwork, patience,

“When the herdsman quit 15 years over the herdsman duties. Laurie says cleanliness, keen observation skills and ago, I volunteered! I thought, ‘I can her MTS experience made her more a calm demeanor – all characteristics do that,’ thinking it was a temporary conscious of all the steps required to she has tried to instill in her family and thing... A decade and a half later, I’m maximize cow comfort, production milkers. “On a given day, I can tell who still in charge of milking the cows,” and quality. “Milker Training School milked just by checking SCCs. It takes Laurie grins. “I can’t tell you how many gave me lots of great tips that were the right mix of skills and personality to people told me, ‘You won’t last a week. extremely useful as a new milker. It achieve superior quality.”

You’re not a farm girl!’ But that made was also a great refresher for those The Moral of the Story me want to prove them wrong even who had been milking for years. It’s

From humble beginnings, the Van more.” important to constantly search out tips Polen family’s milk quality went from for improvement and tweak them to fit

I think it’s fair to say Laurie got the good to stellar in just over 10 years. your situation. Not everything works for last laugh.

It didn’t take magic or even a new every farm.”

There’s No Such Thing as Too Many milking parlor. “When it comes down Producing Quality has to be Questions to it, quality milk is a direct result of a Intentional milker’s willingness to do things right

When Laurie took over milking,

“Being new to working on the day-in and day-out. If a gas station the VanPolens’ SCC averaged between farm, I learned quickly that anybody owner’s daughter can do it, so can you.

150,000 and 200,000. Still considered can milk a cow. But not just anyone can It’s just a matter of investing the time high quality by most, Laurie wasn’t 20 October 2012

needed to gather the right tips and training, and committing to continuous improvement,” Laurie encourages.

“It’s all about making quality milk a priority and realizing that just because you’ve always done things a certain way, doesn’t mean it’s the best way.”

out that our facilities aren’t efficient for our expanding herd. If we can update our facilities and improve our quality management procedures, we can cut milking, treating and feeding time so people can spend more time in the areas we need it the most,” he adds.

To learn more and get some easy tips for increasing your milk quality, check out some of the VanPolens’ milk quality game changers on the next page.

Still in partnership with Duane and Laurie, Duane’s father, Ken, takes pride in operating a quality, family business. “A lot of people have to call professionals to fix problems. If a combine breaks down they call the

It All Comes Back to Family

While farm life was new to Laurie when she married Duane 25 years ago, the family farm started back with Duane’s grandparents in 1942. The fourth generation to farm near Marion, Mich., Duane and Laurie’s children are still actively involved in the day-to-day operations and instrumental in their quality success.

dealer. When things get busy, they call custom harvesters to harvest their crops.

Not us. We do things ourselves and do things right,” he proudly confirms.

“When it comes down to it, sure, we get paid more for quality milk.

But our family likes to know that the product we’re shipping to our neighbors is quality. I try not to be prideful, but we are proud of the quality milk we produce by working together as a family,” Laurie concludes.

Their oldest son – Mike, 25 – has taken over managing the family’s 600 acres of alfalfa, barley and corn.

Kristin, 22, recently moved to Texas to work under a world-class horse trainer; prior to the move, she was the head herdswoman charged with animal health and care, barn cleaning, calf raising and some of the milking. Her husband Alex worked with Laurie as the primary milkers for the past four years.

The family’s calf and young cattle care is headed by their youngest daughter, Beth, who is 18.

When asked what brought him back to the farm after graduation, Mike laughs, “I didn’t know any better! We grew up with a strong family work ethic and because we all work here together, we appreciate the lifestyle of a family business. We’ve grown into working together and have each started finding our niche on the farm and take pride in the responsibilities we manage.”

Laurie remarks, “Some people aren’t lucky enough to work with their kids. It’s a blessing.”

With two full-time and three parttime employees not to mention building a new milk parlor last year as well as on-going construction on a new freestall barn nearing completion this fall, Duane has been busy managing cattle care and the building projects. “We’re figuring

Michigan Milk Messenger 21

me Changers

uality Ga VanPolens’ Milk Q

ery shift e procedure for ev r Hired Help Expectations fo ees follow the sam oy ng out pl tti rry em Se ca all d s to y an re su ad Training til they’re re as Laurie en un m ie far ur en La ol or nP ndom d/ Va ra e an g ecks durin g with Alex phasized on th few shifts workin g up for milker ch in st Consistency is em fir ow sh eir ere is a d th th , d an lly en ns sp na tio milkers ts. Additio ar expecta and weekend. New bit,” she commen on. By setting cle isi ha a rv pe be su to t s ou ha th t “I wi . ure st happen the family’s proced oyees to consult. quality doesn’t ju edure for all empl are reminded that oc s pr ee oy ilk pl m em en s, itt ift sh th the wr milking parlor wi note posted in the ent to removal. If Dipping w] to claw attachm e-Stripping and co Pr [a , r nd go he h Sa uc e to th e you first ws at a time, then Wiping Away “We prep three co itical – from the tim s. cr rn is g wa in ie pp ur tri La e-s suffer,” g and pr letdown.” ht, your SCC will “Timing, cleanin of lag time for milk g and steps just rig in nt ou tim e am th t te ge ua eq n’t ad you do allow an claw, ensuring we back to attach the and Wet Sand ing Out Manure ck Ki cows’ ly nt ta ns y and Co ance to get on the fore they have a ch stalls Twice a Da be ee Fr ria e cte th ba e ng os pi th of Scra e means getting rid ce to start.” liminating manur it even has a chan re fo be is tit She elaborates, “E as m p sto to y wa ive entat udders. It’s a prev r swollen right. Looking fo something is not r Sick Cows fo en t wh y close l Ou pa e tel o st Ey als ju e n an Keeping e bulk tank. W ers are, you ca th m in far up iry ds da en as h ilk for cows with fore their m nd cows as muc ie says. “We watch catch sick cows be ur us La s “When you’re arou lp l for n,” he tio g in fec pp in out of the freestal tible to new while pre-stri or refuse to get up udders or flaking at are most suscep w th slo e ws ar co at ed th en ws sh and co wly fre indicate infection attention to our ne es, smells that may ey en nk su rs, ea droopy milking.” uously d new system! uipment Contin it looks like a bran Eq ar, r ye a rlo r Pa fo e d us an s in m the milk supply has been Washing Milker ria as far away fro 12 milking parlor cte leba ub ep do ke ted to da lls up wa s and VanPolens’ e equipment, floor Even though the constantly clean th to t gh tau e ar s ee Employ as possible. ttle e advice of their ca Towels s. After taking th Paper to Cloth ain mention m pl to ex fro ot ie N ng ur s. ni La cle io ,” rti Transit the job done holds solid pa ng d tti an ge s n’t ab re gr we ely st tiv ore effec per towels ju of cloth towels m “We found that pa g the udder. found the texture s en successfully dryin ol re nP efo Va er e th th d, ui liq e or nutritionist, m rb so eased ability to ab they have the incr s nd sawdust. Again, les st Bedding to Sa milking time than ent and Sawdu at m f of Ce h m us br fro d ng an ing dry Switchi r to keep sand bedd farm, it was easie d infections. en ce ol du nP re Va to e e th lat On which trans ria cte ba er few ns moisture mea Laurie says. them some more,” y dr !” y, dr s el ’re w ey To th u think ve killed all of them Drying Cloth them and when yo ore likely that you’ ry m s ‘D it’ e, , m ats ld bit to ha ce eir nist on n kill th “Our cattle nutritio ents. So if you ca t, warm environm we in e riv th ia ter “Bac

MMPA Ag Wear 8900

K500 PC90H

L500

PC90H Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt

9-ounce, 50/50 cotton/poly fleece Dyed-to-match drawcord (Ash and Athletic Heather have white drawcord) Adult Sizes: S-4XL Colors: White, Ash, Athletic Heather, Gold, Orange, Dark Chocolate Brown, Red, Cardinal, Maroon, Pale Pink, Purple, Royal, Navy, Safety Green, Kelly, Dark Green, Black.

$27.00

8900 Summit Jacket

Windproof/water resistant heavyweight nylon shell lined with super heavyweight anti-pilling Panda Fleece. Also features contrasting color on front and back panel plus two front pockets with zippers and one inner right chest pocket with zipper. Elastic waistband, Velcro cuff closure, and a hood concealed in the collar.

Sizes: S-3XL (available in all colors) 4XL – 6XL, LT – 6XLT (available in * colors) Colors: Yellow*, Black*, Imperial Blue*, Red*, Charcoal*, Maroon, Olive, Khaki*, Forest Green* Price: $59.00

K500 Silk Touch Sport Shirt

An enduring favorite, this comfortable classic sport shirt is anything but ordinary. Superior wrinkle and shrink resistance.

5-ounce, 65/35 poly/cotton pique Flat knit collar and cuffs Metal buttons with dyed-to-match plastic rims Double-needle armhole seams and hem Side vents Sizes: XS-6XL (available in all colors) Colors: White*, Light Pink, Tropical Pink, Hibiscus, Red*, Burgundy*, Maroon, Banana*, Gold, Texas Orange, Orange, Light Stone, Stone*, Coffee Bean, Light Blue*, Ultramarine Blue, Maui Blue, Mediterranean Blue, Royal*, Navy*, Purple, Eggplant, Lime, Mint Green, Kelly Green, Court Green, Clover Green, Dark Green*, Bark, Steel Gray, Cool Gray*, Black*.

LT-4XLT (available in *colors)

Please Note: All clothing will have an MMPA logo embroidered on it.

Price: $18.50

L500 Ladies Silk Touch Sport Shirt

Sizes: XS-6XL (available in all colors)

Price: $18.50

Michigan Milk Messenger 23

L705

J705

JST73

S608

Please Note: All clothing will have an MMPA logo embroidered on it.

JST73 Hooded Raglan Jacket

A hit on and off the field, these jackets are comfortable, stylish and quiet. These favorites have sporty hoods and raglan sleeves. They also offer an unrestrictive fit and lightweight weather protection.

100% polyester shell Jersey lining with mesh insets at gussets for added breathability, Side pockets, Articulated elbows for greater mobility, Half elastic, half self-fabric cuffs for comfort Drawcord hem with toggle, Drawcord hood with toggles Sizes: XS-6XL Colors: True Red, Maroon, Forest Green, True Royal, True Navy, Black Price: $31.00

J705 Textured Soft Shell Jacket

Perfect for everyday wear. Super soft and flexible, these jackets deliver pure comfort as well as water and wind protection. The raglan silhouette gives you optimum range of motion, while the angled zippered chest pocket adds visual appeal.

1000MM waterproof rating, 1000G/M2 breathability rating Storm flap with chin guard, Ergonomic zipper pulls Zippered chest pocket, Front zippered pockets Spandex-trimmed cuffs, Open hem with drawcord and toggles for adjustability Sizes: XS-4XL Colors: Black, Insignia Blue, CafĂŠ Brown, Stone

24 October 2012

Price: $56.00

L705 Ladies Textured Soft Shell Jacket Gently contoured silhouette, Princess seams Open hem Ladies Sizes: XS-4XL Price: $56.00

S608 Easy Care Shirts

These comfortable wash-and-wear shirts are indispensible for the workday. Wrinkle resistant. 4.5 ounce, 55/45 cotton/poly, Button down collar, Dyed-to-match buttons, Patch pocket, Box back pleat Sizes: XS-6XL (available in all colors) Colors: White*, Light Pink, Tropical Pink, Hibiscus, Red*, Burgundy*, Yellow, Gold, Athletic Gold, Texas Orange, Light Stone*, Stone*, Coffee Bean, Light Blue*, Maui Blue, Ultramarine Blue, Mediterranean Blue*, Royal*, Navy*, Classic Navy, Purple, Eggplant, Court Green, Clover Green, Dark Green*, Steel Gray, Black*.

LT-4XLT (available in *colors):

Price: $24.30

L608 Ladies Easy Care Shirts

Sizes: XS-6XL (available in all colors)

Price: $24.30

K431

L431

J763H

J355 J763

J763H Duck Cloth Hooded Work Jacket

Tough enough to do the job, this work jacket layers easily over shirts and jackets so it’s great for mild or harsh weather.

12-ounce, 100% cotton duck cloth, 6-ounce polyfill nylon lining for added warmth. Hood with dyed-to-match drawcord, Rib knit cuffs and waistband Front hand warmer pockets Colors: Duck Brown, Navy, Black Sizes: XS-6XL Price: $63.00

J763 Duck Cloth Work Jacket

A workwear staple, this jacket has triple-needle stitching at the shoulders and armholes so it will last job after job.

12-ounce, 100% cotton duck cloth, 6-ounce polyfill nylon lining for added warmth, Corduroy collar, Bi-swing back Zippered chest pocket, Adjustable 2-snap sleeves, Front slash pockets Adjustable button waist tabs Colors: Black, Duck Brown, Navy Sizes: XS-6XL Price: $60.00

J355 Challenger Vest

The new versatile Challenger vest has spandex-trimmed armholes and hem for long-wearing durability.

Hidden zippered chest pocket, Double-needle stitching throughout Open hem Colors: Goldenrod, True Red, True Royal, True Navy, True Hunter, Steel Gray, True Black.

Sizes: XS-4XL Price: $41.00

K431 Cool Mesh Sport Shirt

Soft, garment washed sports shirt with breathable mesh weave.

6.3-ounce, 100% ring spun combed cotton, double needed stitching throughout, flat knit collar, 3-button placket with horn-tone buttons. Features tipping stripe trim. Adult sizes XS-6XL Colors: Red/Ivory/Khaki, Banana/Ivory/Navy, Blueberry/Ivory/Navy, Oxford Heather/Ivory/Black, White/Khaki/Navy, Royal/Khaki/Navy, Burgundy/Khaki/Navy, Stone Heather/Ivory/Black, Cypress/Navy/ Khaki, Navy/Ivory/Khaki, Black/Ivory/Khaki.

Price: $28.00

L431 Ladies Cool Mesh Sport Shirt

V-neck Johnny collar Sizes: XS-4XL Price: $28.00

Please Note: All clothing will have an MMPA logo embroidered on it.

Michigan Milk Messenger 25

Ship To:

MMPA Ag Wear Order Form Office Use Only

Name: Street Address:

Order #

City: State: Zip:

DS DR

Phone:

Style/Code# Description Color Size Total Price Total Please add $2 for size 2XL and

Qty. Each Amount larger or any tall sizes.

Please note: All clothing will have an MMPA logo embroidered on it.

Ordered By: Name: Street Address: City: State: Zip:

Phone: Ordering Information: Please complete all necessary information. Indicate sizes where required. Costs can be deducted from producer’s milk check. Money orders and checks are also accepted. Do not mail cash. Orders must be sent to the Novi Office. Allow 3-4 weeks for delivery (all items shipped USPS).

Use size chart to determine your correct size. Specify the

Merchandise Subtotal 6% Sales Tax Add S&H Charges Total Order

Payment: Milk Check deduction: Loc _____ Hlr.______ State #______

Please subtract this amount from my milk check.

Check or money order enclosed payable to MMPA. No invoices will be issued.

(Signature) (Date)

quantity by size.

Size Chart S M L XL 2X 3X 4X 34-36 38-40 42-44 46-48 50-52 54 56

Please read size chart carefully. Since garments are decorated, returns or exchanges will only be accepted with prior approval.

$8.00

Mail order to: MMPA Clothing P.O. Box 8002 Novi, MI 48376-8002 or fax to: (248) 426-3400

Milk Culturing Class Scheduled Learn more about the bacteria that cause mastitis and how to identify them through on-farm milk culture in this workshop at MSU on October 27.

M

SU Extension and the College of Veterinary Medicine will offer another workshop on Mastitis Bacteriology and Herd Decision-Making on Saturday, October 27, 2012, from 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. This workshop will teach participants about the various organisms responsible for mastitis in dairy herds and how to identify those organisms through on-farm milk culture. Participants will practice inoculating culture plates and learn various specific diagnostic techniques to determine the organism.

4

This workshop is intended for dairy producers, employees on dairy farms and professionals working with farmers. The class size is limited to the first 16 so that there is adequate opportunity in the lab to practice.

Participants will also be given unknown samples to determine using a diagnostic flow-chart and the information they determine from tests. In addition, for participants who chose, they will be mailed unknown samples several months after the workshop that they can plate out and report back their findings.

Following that they will receive the official identities.

Whether or not participants choose to begin on-farm milk cultures, this class will be valuable in improving their knowledge of

mastitis prevention and treatment based on the organisms involved.

The cost of the workshop is $115 per participant. It is supported with grants from Pfizer Animal Health, Animart and Portacheck. A complete culture kit, including incubator, culture plates, instruction book and everything else needed, has been donated by Animart and will be given away to one participant.

To get a copy of the flier for the workshop, see the MSU Extension Dairy Team website at http:// dairyteam.msu.edu, or contact Phil Durst at durstp@msu.edu or Dr. Ron Erskine at erskine@cvm.msu.edu

The registration fee includes parking on campus, a morning snack and lunch. Sign up today for this workshop on October 27.

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Michigan Milk Messenger 27

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

Ultimate P.D. Now Available Through the MMPA Merchandise Program

W

e are introducing a new teat dip to our lineup. Ultimate P.D. is a non-iodine pre dip manufactured by Ecolab. It is highly concentrated and mixes at a ratio of 1:9. In other words, one gallon of concentrate mixed with 9 gallons of water will make 10 gallons of ready to use dip.

The germicidal formula in Ultimate P.D. is a unique combination of lactic acid and linear alkylate sulfonates which include sulfonated oleac acid and linear benzene solfonic acid. This formula is equally effective against infectious mastitis organisms and environmental types such as E. Coli. Ultimate P.D. also contains a 4% sorbital based emollient package.

Its excellent detergent blend provides for quick and thorough udder prep.

not stain and can be applied as a spray or as a dip. Ultimate P.D. is available in both a 1.5 gallon container and a 55 gallon drum. The 1.5 gallon container mixes easily by simply pouring the container into a clean, empty 15 gallon drum and adding water. There is a mixing pump available for use with the larger 55 gallon drum container. If you are looking for a cost effective non iodine pre dip, Ultimate P.D. may be the answer.

Due to its low viscosity, it pumps readily at virtually any temperature. It is orange in color, will

Description

Size

Stock #

Member Price:

Ultimate P.D

1.5 gal

5921

$67.50 = $4.50/gal.

Ultimate P.D

55 gal

6072

$1677.50 = $3.05/gal.

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

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

GREEN MEADOW FARMS

• FROM OUR TOP PRODUCTION COWS.

ELSIE, MI 48831

www.greenmeadowfarms.com

6400 HOLLISTER RD. PH: 989-862-4291

28 October 2012

MMPA Quality Premium Program

S

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

• 51,000 - 75,000 +50¢/cwt.

• 76,000 - 100,000 +45¢/cwt.

• 101,000 - 125,000 +40¢/cwt.

• 126,000 - 150,000 +35¢/cwt.

• 151,000 - 175,000 +30¢/cwt.

• 176,000 - 200,000 +25¢/cwt.

• 201,000 - 225,000 +20¢/cwt.

• 226,000 - 250,000 +15¢/cwt.

• 251,000 - 400,000 00¢/cwt.

• 401,000 - 500,000 -15¢/cwt.

• 501,000 - 600,000 -30¢/cwt.

• 601,000 - 750,000 -$1.00/cwt.

• Over 750,000 -$1.50/cwt.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MMPA Member Testing Fees

P

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

• Scheduled Herd Tests $1

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

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

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

Chemical, Sanitizer & Teat Dip Contact Information

Members who choose to receive their lab test results via U.S. postal service: $2/month

These are service personnel only.

Order your Member Merchandise supplies through your hauler.

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

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

Additional Tests Available: All costs are listed per individual sample.

• Mycoplasma Cultures $ 8 • Bacteriology Cultures $12 – Includes identification of bacteria

and drug susceptibility.

• Bovine Viral Diarrhea

- PCR

- ELISA • Johne’s Milk Test

- PCR

- ELISA – cows - ELISA – tank • Bovine Leukosis Test

- ELISA – cows - ELISA – tank

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

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

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

Michigan Milk Messenger 29

Freeliners

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

Bulls Registered Holstein Bulls: We now have a nice selection of service age bulls, sired by top AI sires. Green Meadow Farms, Elsie, MI. 989-8624291 or see our website at www. greenmeadowfarms.com.

Service age Holstein bulls. Call Steve Alexander, 810-622-8548 evenings or 810-404-8548.

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.

Registered Holstein breeding bulls, all AI sired from top bulls, b&w, red, red carrier and some polled, high production, low SCC herd. Bulls are priced to sell. Ver Hage Holsteins, 269-673-4886 or 269-217-6076, ask for Tim. www.verhageholsteins.com.

Service age Reg. Holstein bulls, deep pedigrees, some red carriers.

Jenesis Genetics, 231-924-6163 or 231-225-8615.

R & W bull born 2/15/12. Sired by Lawn Boy P-Red. Dam Apple-Red. Grand Dam Marmax. 810-404-0468.

Breeding bulls, including Russell Super Sampler son from VG Bolton born 10/8/10 with 2000 GTPI. Several bulls ready for heifers and a 3/20/12 Red Polled bull around 2000 GTPI. Call Wardin Bros. at 989-642-3262.

Cows and Heifers

• It will be published again for no more than two consecutive months only if the member resubmits the item by contacting their MMPA Member Representative or by writing or calling the Novi office.

Bred heifers due September, October and November. 231-256-7127.

• 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.

18 registered Holstein heifers, due now, bred 9/15 through 12/1. 989635-2796 or 989-467-0215.

• 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.

30 October 2012

Holstein heifers, springers and short bred. 616-835-6776.

Equipment Silage bagger, 8 ft. x 150 ft., $2,600.

419-758-3191.

NH #40 Forage Blower, small 1000 PTO one owner, excellent condition, $1,750 obo. Gehl Cross Conveyor tray part #045022, like new, $50. 810-404-0468.

Very good condition Lilliston bean combine, 6-row Lockwood bean windrower and 6-row speedy edible bean puller. $5,000 for all. Call 616634-2958.

John Deere 4400 combine with 213 grain platform and 443 corn head.

989-615-6372.

Dairy Equipment Single 10 parallel parlor with automatic takeoffs, pulsators, milker units. Complete with pipeline, washer, controls, minus vacuum pump, $7,500. Surge stainless steel 800 gal. bulk tank w/washer, compressor, Freon water cooler & storage tank, $4,000 obo. AO Smith gas water heater, $500. 989-871-3401.

Used 1500 gal. Zero Super Cooler milk tank. 231-347-9534, Petoskey, Mich.

Wanted Pulsators Delaval Deltron 60/40.

Call or text 616-799-5379.

Small herd of milking cows that can be bought on milk check assignment.

616-889-0769.

Used plate cooler. 517-543-2415.

Michigan Milk Messenger 31

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

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

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

OPPERMAN GROOVING: Diamond sawed grooves, no hammering or cracking of concrete.

No hoof damage. Call Opperman Grooving Inc., Portland. 517-647-7381. ______________________________________ DAVIDSON CEMENT GROOVING, INC: NO water needed. Wider, rougher grooves for better traction. We also offer texturing for your previously grooved floors. 3 operators will travel Michigan and other states. No interest payment terms. Est. since 1987.

Call 1-800-365-3361. ______________________________________ CONCRETE GROOVING By TRI-StaTE Scabbling, home of the 2” wide groove. Best traction, lowest prices.

(800) 554-2288. www.tristatescabbling.com ______________________________________ Concrete Grooving/Floor Texturing: Bring existing grooves back to 100% efficiency/new construction. Blue Ribbon Hoof Trimming, LLC. 989-635-1494. ______________________________________

For sale: 5000-4000-3000-2500-2000-1500 OH Mueller late model bulk tank milk tanks, complete, will trade.

1-800-558-0112. ______________________________________ Wanted to buy: Used bulk milk tanks, 200 gallons & larger, Sunset & Mueller, 1-800-558-0112. ______________________________________ Hoof trimming: certified, experienced, w/ references. Craig Martin, 517-231-7790.

Fall barley seed and June clover seed.

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

Hoof trimming: Servicing Central to West MI. Dairyland Hoofcare Institute certified, references available upon request. Reaux-Dale Hoofcare, 616-862-6668. ______________________________________ Certified Red & White wheat seed.

Call for varieties and price. 989-723-1886 or 989-277-1414. ______________________________________

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

Ingredients from your trusted source.

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

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

Citrus Pulp

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

Valero Meal

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

32 October 2012

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

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

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

MILK SHIPPED — POSITIVE drugs CONFIRMED

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MMPA Policy on Milk Quality QUALITY QUESTIONABLE

REJECTED LOAD SHIPMENT

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

If:

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

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

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

MILK SHIPPED – HIGH BACTERIA COUNT If:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HAULER

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

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

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

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

Michigan Milk Messenger 33

MarketReport Report Market ForMilk MilkMarketed MarketedininAugust August2012 2012 For

MARKETSTATISTICS STATISTICS MARKET

MideastFederal FederalOrder Order#33 #33 Mideast (pounds) (pounds) ThisMonth Month This

YearAgo Ago Year

TotalClass Class1 1Sales Sales Total

515,257,151 515,257,151

534,314,392 534,314,392

-3.57 -3.57

TotalClass Class2 2Sales Sales Total

299,711,058 299,711,058

286,997,789 286,997,789

+4.43 +4.43

TotalClass Class3 3Sales Sales Total

306,139,057 306,139,057

490,579,385 490,579,385

-37.60 -37.60

TotalClass Class4 4Sales Sales Total

166,337,885 166,337,885

100,465,423 100,465,423

1,287,445,151 1,412,356,989 1,412,356,989 1,287,445,151

TotalProduction Production Total Class1 1Utilization Utilization Class

40.0% 40.0%

2012 2012

2011 %%Change Change 2011

+65.57 +65.57

Production Production California California

3,299 3,299

3,502 3,502

-5.8 -5.8

-8.84 -8.84

Wisconsin Wisconsin

2,313 2,313

2,206 2,206

+4.9 +4.9

Idaho Idaho

1,179 1,179

1,181 1,181

-0.2 -0.2

NewYork York New

1,110 1,110

1,089 1,089

+1.9 +1.9

Pennsylvania Pennsylvania

869 869

884 884

-1.7 -1.7

Texas Texas

766 766

781 781

-1.9 -1.9

Minnesota Minnesota

753 753

733 733

+2.7 +2.7

Michigan Michigan

748 748

710 710

+5.4 +5.4

NewMexico Mexico New

661 661

681 681

-2.9 -2.9

Washington Washington

523 523

541 541

-3.3 -3.3

Ohio Ohio

437 437

425 425

+2.8 +2.8

Indiana Indiana

304 304

292 292

+4.1 +4.1

TotalU.S. U.S. * *Total

15,313 15,342 15,342 15,313

-0.2 -0.2

U.S.Y-T-D Y-T-D * *U.S.

126,159 122,652 122,652 126,159

+2.9 +2.9

37.8% 37.8%

MideastFederal FederalOrder Order#33 #33 Mideast CurrentMonth Month Current TotalProducers Producers 6,237 Total 6,237 AverageDaily DailyProduction Productionper perFarm Farm 6,659 Average 6,659 AverageProtein ProteinTest Test 3.00% Average 3.00% AverageButterfat ButterfatTest Test 3.55% Average 3.55% AverageOther OtherSolids SolidsTest Test 5.75% Average 5.75% AverageSCC SCCCount Count(MMPA) (MMPA) 197,000 Average 197,000

COMPONENTPRICING PRICINGINFORMATION INFORMATION COMPONENT Mideast Federal Order #33 Mideast Federal Order #33 ProteinPrice/lb.

Price/lb.

Protein ButterfatPrice/lb.

Price/lb.

Butterfat

$3.1211 $3.1211 $1.8339 $1.8339

OtherSolids SolidsPrice/lb.

Price/lb.

Other ClassIIIIIIPrice Price@@3.5% 3.5% Class

$0.3462 $0.3462 17.73 $ $17.73

Prod.Price PriceDiff/cwt.

Diff/cwt.(Mich.

(Mich.Mkt.) Mkt.) Prod.

UniformPrice Price@@3.5% 3.5% Uniform

($0.46) ($0.46) 17.27 $ $17.27

SCCAdjustment/cwt./1000 Adjustment/cwt./1000 SCC

October2012 2012 3434October

$0.00088 $0.00088

NATIONALTRENDS TRENDS NATIONAL (million pounds) (million pounds)

Change %%Change

For2323states states * *For

NASSSurvey SurveyPrices Prices NASS MonthlyAvg Avg Monthly Cheese/lb /lb 1.7682 Cheese 1.7682 Butter/lb /lb 1.6859 Butter 1.6859 NonfatDry DryMilk Milk/lb /lb 1.2543 Nonfat 1.2543 DryWhey Whey/lb /lb 0.5352 Dry 0.5352

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

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

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

Member Communications

Laura Moser ext. 296

Alex Schnabelrauch ext. 211

MANUFACTURING PLANTS

Constantine 269-435-2835 Plant Manager Dave Davis

MASTITIS MANAGEMENT Tom Herremans......................231-853-8008 Ravenna mobile 269-967-0890 Steven Lehman.......................989-875-3441 Ithaca .................... mobile 989-330-1638 Christy Dinsmoore........................................

Fairgrove............... mobile 989-528-9102

NORTH AREA Supervisor: Gerry Volz St. Louis Office....................989-289-9219 Frank Brazeau........................920-834-4059 Oconto, Wis. mobile 906-250-0337

MMPA FIELD STAFF

SOUTH AREA Supervisor: Lyndsay Stakenas Coldwater Office.................231-519-2455 Krista Beeker.................................................

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

Clio......................... mobile 269-986-6793 Lyndsay Stakenas..........................................

Coldwater.............. mobile 231-519-2455 Elyse Wilcox...................................................

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

Three Rivers.......... mobile 269-967-7351

Ben Chapin....................................................

Big Rapids mobile 989-289-0731 Preston Cole............................231-584-2587 Mancelona mobile 989-289-9301 Kendra Kissane.............................................

Hudsonville mobile 269-245-6632 Katie Pierson.................................................

Coleman mobile 989-289-9686 Kristin Rawlings...........................................

Cass City mobile 231-414-4539 Gerry Volz...............................989-848-5996 Fairview mobile 989-289-9219

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

Other Services: Gary Best................................810-664-4984 Lapeer .................... mobile 586-484-9279 Bulk Tank Calibration Michael Marvin......................989-670-4864 Marlette Energy Auditor

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

Michigan Milk Messenger 35

2 June 2012

Grand Champion Cheese Cowslip Creamery