September 2011 Volume 94 Issue 3
FACT: All Michigan cattle are
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michigan.gov/mdard 517.373.1077
September 2011
Contents
Volume 94 Issue 3 www.mimilk.com
Features 12
9
“Year of Dairy Cows” at 2012 Indiana State Fair
10 Agriculture Secretary Vilsack and Senator Stabenow Hold Roundtable with Michigan Agriculture Leaders 10 ALM Hosts Ag Club Breakfast in Washington, DC 11 NMPF’s Foundation for the Future Program is National in Scope, Equal in Effect 12 Celebrating our Dairy Youth 16 Minute to Win It
18
16 20
17 Agricultural Leaders of Michigan Applaud USDA Support to Fight Bovine Tuberculosis 18 Informed Members Key to MMPA Success 20 2011 District OYDCs 22 Luther Elliss, Dairy Advocate for Michigan’s School Children
Departments
Managing Editor...................... Sheila Burkhardt Editor............................................ Laura Moser Advertising Manager..................... Karla Macelli Circulation............................................... 4,200
MMPA Matters................................................ 5 Quality Watch.................................................. 6 News & Views.................................................. 8 Legislative Watch............................................ 10 Merchandise Memo........................................ 24 Freeliners........................................................ 26 Classifieds...................................................... 28 Policies........................................................... 29 Market Report................................................ 30 MMPA Lab Lines........................................... 31 MMPA Staff ................................................... 31
An Equal Opportunity Employer – F/M/V/D Michigan Milk Messenger (USPS 345-320) is the official publication of Michigan Milk Producers Association, published monthly since June 1919. Subscriptions: MMPA members, 50¢ per year; non-members, $5 per year. 41310 Bridge St. P.O. Box 8002 Novi, MI 48376-8002 Telephone: 248-474-6672 FAX: 248-474-0924 Periodical postage paid at Novi, MI and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Michigan Milk Messenger, PO Box 8002, Novi, MI 48376-8002.
November September 2011 2009 Volume 92 Issue 5 Volume 94 Issue 3
On the Cover Leading dairy animals at the county fair or at the Michigan Dairy Expo is the summer highlight for many dairy kids.
(ISSN 0026-2315) Michigan Milk Messenger 3
Michigan Milk Producers Association Michigan Milk Producers Association, established in 1916, is a member owned and operated dairy cooperative serving approximately 2,200 dairy farmers in Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin and Ohio.
Board of Directors Officers President: Ken Nobis Vice President: Bob Kran Treasurer: Mark Halbert General Manager/Secretary: Clay Galarneau Ass’t. Treasurer: Joe Diglio General Counsel: David VanderHaagen
District Directors 1. Earl Horning, Manchester.............734-428-7641 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, FreeSoil.......................231-464-5889 12. John Kronemeyer, Pickford..........906-647-7638
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
Mission Statement
“To market our members’ milk to the greatest advantage possible.”
Advisory Committee District One Hank Choate, Cement City Perry Cisco, Hudson Carlton Evans, Litchfield Glenn Preston, Quincy
517-529-9032 517-547-3231 517-398-0629 517-639-4182
District Six John Hufnagel, Westphalia Anthony Jandernoa, St. Johns Aaron Gasper, Lowell David Reed, Owosso
989-640-1394 989-593-2224 616-897-2747 989-723-8635
District Two Donald Bever, Delton Francis Burr, Mendon Richard Thomas, Middlebury, IN Susan Troyer, Goshen, IN
269-671-5050 269-778-3552 574-825-5198 574-533-4506
District Four David Bivens, Bellevue Jeff Butler, Nashville Mark Crandall, Battle Creek David Lott, Mason
269-758-3980 517-852-1859 269-660-2229 517-676-4593
District Five Tom Jeppesen, Stanton Bill Jernstadt, Big Rapids Robert Lee, Marion Mike Rasmussen, Edmore
4 September 2011
989-762-5399 231-796-4650 231-743-6794 989-462-5380
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 Keith Wood, Kingston
810-395-2926 810-395-7139 810-327-6135 989-683-2070
Jim Good, Caledonia Frank Konkel, Hesperia David Pyle, Zeeland Bill Stakenas, Freesoil
616-891-1414 231-854-8041 616-772-1512 231-757-9340
District Twelve 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
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
Encouraging Our Dairy Youth
A
s summer winds down and the schools resume, its a good time to focus on our youth and how we can encourage them to be a part of our industry’s future. This includes making them aware opportunities and the role education plays in maximizing those opportunities. Over the years, a large number of the grown sons and daughters of farmers did not choose or did not have the opportunity to return to the farm but they still wanted to stay connected to agriculture. They have taken jobs in dairy processing, retailing, and regulatory offices, among others. In fact, several of our new MMPA employees grew up on an MMPA member farm. Today with fewer and smaller farm families, less people are available who have direct knowledge of the farm. Jobs between the milking parlor and the dinner table are being filled more and more by people who have little knowledge of the farm. As the number of people associated with farming dwindles, it is important to encourage youth to learn about agriculture and consider careers in agriculture. Providing scholarships and educational opportunities is one important way to achieve this goal. MMPA has responded to those challenges in a number of ways. One way is to fund endowed scholarships. The following three have been established to support students at Michigan State University: •
The Elwood Kirkpatrick fund, geared toward supporting applied dairy research
•
The John Dilland fund,
geared toward supporting students pursuing a degree in Agribusiness Management, and •
The Velmar Green fund, geared toward supporting students who intend to return to the farm.
MMPA also contributes to other scholarships through the Michigan Dairy Memorial Scholarship and Foundation Program and other scholarships where we feel it is appropriate. For example, for almost 40 years MMPA has supported Ag Technology Dairy Management Program scholarships, and MMPA has a scholarship at Purdue University for members or their children. In addition to these programs, it is also important to invest in youth activities and other scholarships as time goes by, due in part to diminished funding from the State of Michigan. For example, 3 years ago, the Michigan State Fair was in jeopardy, when it appeared that state funding would be eliminated. As a result, MMPA joined with other agriculture groups as Michigan Farm Bureau led the effort to create the Michigan Livestock Expo (MLE), held during the summer at the Livestock Pavilion at Michigan State University in East Lansing. Part of that event is a livestock sale, including four dairy entries, that generates money to support youth projects and scholarships. The Dairy Expo, a five-day event for 4-H members and breed associations that has been in existence for many years, takes place at the same time in the same location.
Before the advent of the MLE in mid-Michigan, the total amount raised from the sale of the dairy lots averaged about $5,000 per year, and that money went into the general Michigan Youth Livestock Scholarship fund. Under the new format, not only are the youth who win their respective classes recognized, but the money that is raised is placed into a specific fund to support statewide dairy youth activities. This benefits hundreds of youth interested in the dairy industry. This is an important change, especially now that funding sources are diminished. In the new format and location, additional partners have come on board to increase the funds used to bid at the MLE auction. As the program evolved, it became clear that some participants wanted to be involved but did not want to spend the amount required to make an individual purchase. They wanted to pool their money with others. The result was that this year dairy received enough contributions to make a strong statement for the commitment to dairy youth by being the top bidder of the Expo, purchasing the Supreme Champion Dairy Cow (specifically, a gift basket representing the cow rather than the actual cow). In total, more than six times as much money was raised for dairy this year than was raised before the new format was established to replace the State Fair auction. Some proceeds help fund Dairy Expo, which brings young people to the Michigan State University campus where they interact with Continued on page 8 Michigan Milk Messenger 5
Quality Watch
By By Gary DeanTrimner Letter MMPA Manager of ProducerControl Testing Director of Member Services/Quality and Herd Health Programs
Milk Storage is Now Exempt from SPCC Regulation This article is being reprinted from the May Messenger as a reminder of important deadlines approaching.
D
airy producers may have read in trade publications about the need to develop a Spill, Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) plan if they have oil storage exceeding a certain capacity. The goal of the SPCC program is to prevent oil spills into the waters or adjoining shorelines of the United States. The wrinkle for dairy farms is that milk was placed in the same category as petroleum and other oils (including those of plant and animal origin) in the initial rule. If this ruling had been enforced, the plans would include bulk milk tanks. As a result, nearly all of our member farms would have required an SPCC plan. Many in the industry considered this an unreasonable burden to dairy farmers, especially since bulk milk tanks are inspected frequently, greatly reducing the potential of a leak or spill. National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) petitioned the federal government to exempt milk from this regulation. On April 12, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an exemption for milk, indicating that it does not fall under the Spill, Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) regulation.
Date Facility Started
On or before August 16, 2002 From August 16, 2002 through November 10, 2011 After November 10, 2011
6 September 2011
NMPF worked with Congress and the EPA for two years to obtain the exemption for dairy farmers to avoid regulating their bulk milk storage equipment under the SPCC rules. The exemption is warranted since milk storage is already regulated as part of the current Grade A Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO). Even with the recent exemption of milk handling equipment, many farmers still need to have an SPCC plan. Such plans are required for farms which have an aggregate storage capacity of oil products of 1,320 gallons or more. The plan needs to address every storage container larger than 55 gallons. Farms with less than 10,000 gallons of total storage capacity and no single storage greater than 5,000 gallons can self-certify their SPCC plan. NMPF has completed the development of a self-certification template tool to assist dairy producers in developing their SPCC plans that covers all fuel and oil storage on their farms.
• Review the SPCC Rule
• Identify areas of your SPCC plan that require amendment • Make necessary facility modifications • Ensure that your SPCC plan is up-to-date by November 10, 2011 As noted above, farms should already have an SPCC plan. If a farm is subject to an environmental risk investigation, the producer may be requested to provide the investigator their SPCC plan. If your farm may be subject to SPCC regulation, it is advisable to develop or update your farm’s plan.
The template can be found at http://nmpf.org/files/file/SPCCPlan-Template-Revised-110910. pdf. For those who have not already seen the template, it may be intimidating at first glance. I recommend approaching and completing the template in the same manner a person would eat an elephant—one bite at a time. The template does three things: 1. Determines whether a plan is required, 2. Determines whether Farms subject to SPCC a farm can self-certify, and 3. regulation are to have a plan as Assists in completing an SPCC noted in the chart located on this plan, if applicable. The template page. EPA recommends that facilities currently states the definition of “oil” includes milk. This is because subject to the SPCC rule: the template was developed prior to Compliance Obligation EPA’s final ruling. Statements referring Maintain the existing SPCC Plan Amend to milk can now be and implement the amended SPCC Plan disregarded. Farms no later than November 10, 2011. that do not meet this Prepare and implement an SPCC Plan no exemption must have a plan certified by a later than November 10, 2011. professional engineer.
Prepare and implement an SPCC Plan before beginning operation.
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News & Views The latest dairy news
July Class III Milk at Record High The July Class III price set
a record-high at $21.37, $7.65 higher than a year ago. The July U.S. All Milk Price was $22.10, also a record amount and $6.20 higher than a year ago. For the first seven months of this year Class III averaged $17.68; $4.08 higher than 2010. Analysts believe July’s price to be the peak for 2011 with August Class III price dropping to $21.
MMPA Matters – Continued from page 5 college faculty and staff. Many of these youngsters maintain a relationship with MSU through the years that follows them when they become students there. This is also valuable for the industry, because having people with more complete knowledge of the dairy industry in dairy-related jobs is a great asset to us. The pool that was created to bid on dairy entries this year was a record amount. We can’t count on this happening every year, because some contributors to this year’s dairy pool will likely move their money from this group to other groups in future years in an effort to support youth activities in other sectors. Nonetheless, it’s all about the kids and encouraging them in agricultural activities so that they will have the desire and opportunity to pursue careers in agriculture.
Sharrard Named 2011 MMPA OYDC Jeremy and Jody Sharrard of Peck, Mich. have been named MMPA’s 2011 Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperators. The Sharrards were selected by a panel of judges after the annual OYDC Conference held August 17-18. They represent MMPA District 8 and the Southern Sanilac Local. As MMPA OYDC, they will represent MMPA at several events including the National Milk Producers Federation Annual Meeting in November. Chris and Michele Daniels of Whittemore, Mich. were named the 2011 OYDC Runners-up. The Daniels represent MMPA District 10 and the Sunrise Local. Highlights of the OYDC Conference appear on page 18 of this issue. The Sharrards and Daniels will be featured in the October issue of the Messenger. All the District OYDC representatives will be featured in upcoming issues of the Messenger.
Producers scoring 95 percent or more on Grade A Surveys and Federal Check Rating MMPA Country Fresh June 2011 Scales Prairie Farm * Robert / Donna Pepper * Med-O-Bloom Farms LLC * Lynn Huff* James Schaendorf * Rosebrook Farm * Heritage Farms LLC * Demann Farms LLC* Rodney / Claude Pillars*
Welchkin Acres Bernard Baker James Iciek Mark Hilaski Mark Simpson Louis Fifelski Melvin Puschel Randy Bender Burdock Hills Dairy LLC Plogsterd Farms
Upcoming Events September 28 MMPA Advisory Committee - Lansing
8 September 2011
“Year of Dairy Cows” at 2012 Indiana State Fair The Indiana State Fair, in partnership with the American Dairy Association of Indiana, has declared the 2012 fair to be the “Year of Dairy Cows.” This announcement means dairy cows will be featured prominently at next year’s fair through special exhibits, events and activities. Indiana is home to more than 1,500 dairy farms that produce more than 3 billion pounds of milk each year. Indiana also ranks second in the country in the production of ice cream. The 2012 Indiana State Fair will run Aug. 3-19.
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Michigan Milk Messenger 9
Legislative Watch Issues important to today’s dairy farmers
ALM Hosts Ag Club Breakfast in Washington, DC
O
n July 27, the Agriculture Leaders of Michigan (ALM) hosted the first Michigan Agriculture Club Breakfast in Washington, DC. Several Members from Michigan’s Congressional Delegation including Senators Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin, Representatives Candice Miller and Hansen Clarke along with various legislative staff members interacted with representatives from a variety of state and national agriculture organizations during the event. “The breakfast was well attended by friends of Michigan agriculture and was successful
in highlighting the diversity and strength of Michigan’s agriculture industry,” says Ken Nobis, MMPA president. Following breakfast, representatives from Michigan agriculture organizations participated in a briefing by several staff members of the Senate Agriculture Committee. The staff members all have specific responsibilities as it relates to the Farm Bill from energy and nutrition to dairy policy. “We were able to explain first-hand the benefits of various farm bill programs and how they impact
us as producers,” explains Brent Wilson, MMPA Board member. “The staff members were very interested in our input and it is essential that we are having these conversations heading into the 2012 Farm Bill.” Agriculture Leaders of Michigan consists of the following organizations: GreenStone Farm Credit Services, Michigan Allied Poultry Industries Inc., Potato Growers of Michigan, Michigan Pork Producers Association, Michigan Agri-Business Association and Michigan Milk Producers Association.
Agriculture Secretary Vilsack and Senator Stabenow Hold Roundtable with Michigan Agriculture Leaders
A
griculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow met with community leaders, farmers and ranchers in August to explore ways federal, state and local officials can work together to improve economic conditions and create jobs in Michigan. “The Obama Administration is focused on creating good-paying jobs in the Midwest and across America that help businesses grow and communities thrive,” said Vilsack. “We know that the best ideas come from the American people, so I am glad that Senator Stabenow gave me this opportunity to hear directly from Michigan residents about their ideas, so we can continue to put people back to work and grow our economy.”
10 September 2011
Secretary Vilsack highlighted that Michigan’s agri-food industry contributes $71.3 billion annually to the state’s economy, making it the state’s second-largest economic driver. The state’s production agriculture, food processing and related businesses employ more than one million Michigan residents. As one of the most agriculturally diverse states in the nation, Michigan farmers produce more than 200 different food commodities at farms on a wide range of sizes, and leading the nation in the production of 18 commodities. Last year, Michigan farm exports grew 10 percent over 2009 figures, delivering $1.75 billion in sales and supporting almost 15,000 jobs in the state. Soybean exports alone grew by 40 percent. This success underscores a larger success
story for U.S. agriculture as exports for 2011 are on course to shatter previous records to a $44 billion trade surplus. USDA is working to support those exports through President Obama’s National Export Initiative, which challenged U.S. businesses to double all exports by the end of 2014. To encourage Michigan’s local and regional food movement, USDA is supporting smaller and mid-sized farmers in Michigan, who may not have the ability to compete in international markets. USDA is providing specialty crop growers – who account for nearly $2 billion in annual agricultural sales for Michigan – with research and assistance aimed at combating pests and diseases that may threaten the productivity of farmers.
NMPF’s Foundation for the Future Program is National in Scope, Equal in Effect
T
he new legislative draft of National Milk Producers Federation’s (NMPF) Foundation for the Future program adheres closely to two key principles: that it be national in scope, and apply equally to all producers. Those key objectives were established two years ago when NMPF Chairman Randy Mooney, a dairy farmer from Rogersville, MO, formed a task force to examine how best to improve dairy policy. “The task force had to generate policies that were national in scope, meaning that because they would apply to all dairy farms across the country, they must treat all regions equitably – and any policy changes must not discriminate among producers in any way, especially with respect to the size of their farms,” Mooney said. The Foundation for the Future (FFTF) package “follows those principles because it treats each producer fairly and equally.” As a result of volume caps, current dairy safety net programs contain a major shortcoming in that
they do not protect the majority of U.S. milk production, leaving large segments of the industry exposed to the inherent, unique financial risks associated with dairy farming. This exposure threatens not only dairy farmers, but also American consumers by undermining the ongoing ability of producers to produce a reliable supply of nutritious, wholesome, and affordable dairy products, according to Mooney. FFTF’s Dairy Producer Margin Protection Program (DPMPP) guards against the economic hardship resulting from poor margins caused by low milk prices and high feed costs, and provides for a basic level of no-cost insurance coverage for all producers (and a larger share of the U.S. milk supply). It also incorporates an additional measure of risk management for those producers looking for supplemental protection – but largely at their own cost. In addition, by allowing farmers of all sizes to choose their own level of supplemental margin protection,
the DPMPP gives smaller producers access to a form of self-directed risk management that previously had been unavailable to them. A member of the NMPF task force that created the Dairy Producer Margin Protection Plan said that while each farm has different feed costs, those differences are minimal when margins are greatly compressed, as they were in 2009. Ken Nobis, MMPA President, from St. Johns, noted that “while operational costs will always differ among producers – even within states or local regions – these differences should have no bearing in the establishment of a safety net provided by the federal government. The Dairy Producer Margin Protection Program and the other elements of Foundation for the Future recognize this, and were designed to be available to all without bias.”
Foundation for the Future Grassroots Tour Stops The National Milk Producers Federation brought the Foundation for the Future Information Tour to Lansing on July 26. Staff from NMPF, including Jerry Kozak presented information and examples of the proposed new dairy policy. The stop in Lansing was one of 12 held throughout the summer. Dairy farmers attending the meeting had a chance to hear straight-forward information on the three components of the policy: Dairy Producer Margin Protection Program, Dairy Market Stabilization Program and Federal Milk Market Order
Reform. Following the formal presentations the floor was open to questions from the producers. “The U.S. dairy industry has called for dramatic changes in dairy policy, and Foundation for the Future answers that call,” says Jerry Kozak, NMPF President and CEO. “With Congress about to really begin sinking its teeth into dairy policy reform, it’s crucial that dairy producers also become more familiar with the many advantages of Foundation for the Future over the status quo. That’s why we have an aggressive outreach schedule this summer.”
Jerry Kozak, NMPF President and CEO speaking at the FFTF meeting in Lansing. Copies of the presentation from the meeting are available at www. futurefordairy.com
Michigan Milk Messenger 11
Celebrating our Dairy Youth
F
or one week each summer the MSU Pavilion comes alive with youth from all over the state that have a passion for dairy cows. The enthusiasm and energy buzzing through the pavilion during the annual Michigan Dairy Expo creates a sense of optimism for the entire dairy industry. This year 175 individuals competed in one or more of the events during the 15th annual event held July 18-23. 4-H Dairy Days offers young people interested in the dairy industry opportunities to compete for premiums, ribbons and scholarships in various activities, including dairy quiz bowls, dairy management contests, dairy cattle judging, showmanship and a youth show. Winners may also be selected to go on to represent Michigan in national competitions. The Overall Dairy Youth 4-H Dairy Days High Rank Award is awarded to the contestant who accumulates the highest total rankings in three of four contest categories: dairy cattle judging (conformation placings and oral reasons), dairy management, quiz
12 September 2011
bowl and showmanship. The senior division is open to youth ages 15 to 19; the junior division, to youth ages 9 to 14. Each participant may only win the high rank award once in the junior division and once in the senior division. CJ Berens, senior division, Allegan County, and Suzanna Hull, junior division, Hillsdale County, were recognized as the highest point-getters in this year’s 4-H Dairy Days. They each received a $1,000 cash prize. The second place individuals: Carmen Zwemmer, Huron County, in the senior division, and Shelby Berens, Allegan County, in the junior division received $750 cash prize. Joe Domecq, Michigan 4-H dairy youth specialist and coordinator of 4-H Dairy Days and the Michigan Dairy Expo, said that the weeklong event serves as the stage for showcasing some of the industry’s most talented and engaged youth and future dairy industry leaders. “Winning this award is a culmination of a lot of things on the part of the 4-H member,”
Champion Exhibitors from the 4-H dairy show meet Governor Snyder. (l-r) Parker Hardy, Supreme Champion Dairy Cow; Governor Snyder, Sarah Michalek, Supreme Champion Dairy Heifer, Brittany Westendorp, Supreme Champion Showman. he explained. “First, it requires being committed to long hours of practice and learning a number of skills in the months and weeks leading up to 4-H Dairy Days. Then, once they arrive here, these youth must compete in back-to-back contests, often while balancing the responsibility of taking care of their show animals in the barn.”
Skill Contest Winners: Dairy Management
Senior Division: TJ Frahm (Saginaw Co.); CJ Berens (Allegan Co.); Kelsey Casebere (Clare Co.); Katie Thelen (Clinton Co.); Carmen Zwemmer (Huron Co.); Hayleigh Geurink (Ottawa Co.); Janelle McClelland (Clinton Co.); Megan Filhart (Isabella Co.); Aaron Damveld (Allegan Co.); and Bryce Frahm (Saginaw Co.). Junior Division: CJ Shearer (Ottawa Co.); Suzanna Hull (Hillsdale Co.); Lance Frahm (Saginaw Co.); Allison Schafer (Clinton Co.); Shelby Berens (Allegan Co.); Sam Dekkinga (Ottawa Co.); Miles Wixom (Allegan Co.); Isaac Elzinga (Allegan Co.); Hannah Poling and Alexis Bowman (Hillsdale Co.). Novice Division: Megan Crevier (Shiawassee Co.), Daniel Remenar (Clinton Co.); Evelyn Fuhrman (Shiawasee Co.); Jake Nugent (Kent Co.); Nikki Nugent (Kent Co.); Kristen Burkhardt (Kent Co.); Connor Nugent (Kent Co.); Katrina Tucker (Allegan Co.); Brittany Dreyer (Ottawa Co.); and Holly Hart (Jackson Co.).
Quiz Bowl Senior Division Winning Teams: First place: Clinton County, members Kristine Batora, Kayle Jakus, Allison Pung and Katie Thelen. Second Place: Ottawa County members: Hayleigh Geurink, Casie Potts, Kelly Raterink and Dustin Tripp. Third place Allegan County members: CJ Berens, Aaron Damveld, Allie Elzinga and Jennie Lubbers. Junior Division Winning Teams: First place: Allegan County, members: Shelby and Heather Berens, Isaac Elzinga and Ezekiel Davies. Second place: Ottawa County, members: Chelsea Barnes, Jessica Holstege, CJ
Shearer and Makaya Tripp. Third place Clinton County Team A, members: Miriah Dershem, Joshua Markel, Forrest Nash and Allison Schafer. Novice Division Winning Teams: First Place: Clinton County Team A, members: Ian Black, Dakota Dershem, Daniel Remenar and Kyle Schafer. Second place Clinton County Team C: members: Amanda Hicks, Keith Schafer, McKenna Thelen and Sophie Wilsey. Third place Clinton County Team B, members: Miriam Cook, Carla Hicks, Josie Nash and Kassidy Thelen.
Dairy Judging In the dairy cattle judging contest, individuals in the senior division compete against one another with the shared goal of placing among the top 25, which earns them a chance to vie for one of 12 positions on the state’s 4-H traveling dairy judging teams. These teams will compete at three national contests in the fall. The 4-H Dairy Days dairy judging contest is just the first step in what will be a series of intensive workouts and independent practices to earn a spot on one of the teams. The team that competes at World Dairy Expo also vies for a chance to earn an invitation to travel to Europe if they finish among the top three highest placing teams. This year approximately 160 youth participated in the dairy judging contest. Senior Division Top 10 Individuals: Lucas Moser (Ingham Co.) Katelyn Horning (Washtenaw Co.), Cameron Zwemmer (Huron Co.), CJ Berens (Allegan Co.), Megan Bush (Genesee Co.) Megan Filhart (Isabella Co.),
Heather Vanlieu (Branch Co.), Natalie Horning (Washtenaw Co.), Timothy and Bryce Frahm (Saginaw Co.). Junior Division Top 10 individuals were: Mason Horning (Washtenaw Co.); Alexis Butcher (Shiawassee Co.); Suzanna Hull and Alexis Bowman (Hillsdale Co.); Joshua Markel (Clinton Co.); Morgan Luoma (Calhoun Co.); Darrell Dochstader (Hillsdale Co.); Zeke Breuninger (Washtenaw Co.); Hannah Poling (Hillsdale Co.); and CJ Shearer (Ottawa Co.). Novice Division Top 10 Individuals: Nikki Nugent, Kristen Burkhardt and Connor Nugent, (Kent Co.); Keith Schafer (Clinton Co.); Jake Nugent (Kent Co.); Caitie Theisen (Isabella Co.); Kurtis Stitt (Newaygo Co.); Amanda Hicks (Clinton Co.); Ian Black (Clinton Co.); and Jessie Nash (Clinton Co.).
Showmanship: Supreme Champion Showman: Brittany Westendorp Winners of the individual classes, divided by age, were: Division 1: Josie Nash, Clinton Division 2: Shannon Good, Kent Division 3: Cole Provoast, Ogemaw Division 4: Kylie Slavik, Gratiot Division 5: Chelsea Barnes, Ottawa Division 6: Jacob Armstrong,Branch Division 7: Kelsie Letts, Calhoun Division 8: Eric Moser, Ingham Division 9: Amanda Schneider, Genesee Division 10: Jenna Beeker, St. Joseph Division 11: Shelby Berens, Allegan Division 12: Danielle Heisler, Calhoun Division 13: Parker Hardy, Lenawee Division 14: Michael Batora, Clinton Division 15: Amber Theisen, Isabella Division 16: Brittany Westendorp, Barry
Michigan Milk Messenger 13
Governor Appoints Directors to Michigan Beef Industry Commission Governor Rick Snyder has appointed Scott Acker of St. Louis and Bret Schapman of Almont to the Michigan Beef Industry Commission. Garry Wiley of Gladwin was reappointed. The Commission administers the beef checkoff program, which is designed to improve profitability by strengthening beef ’s position in the marketplace and by expanding consumer demand for beef.
WiIey
Scott Acker is the Senior Regional Manager for United Producers, Inc. and will be representing livestock markets on the board. For 24 years he has worked directly with producers in marketing livestock. He is succeeding Randy Heselschwerdt. Bret Schapman is a partner in Ingleside Farms in Macomb County. He represents the cattle feeding industry and also grows crops on 2,000 acres. He is the 2010 MCA “Young Cattleman of the Year.” Schapman is succeeding Scott Cary. Garry Wiley owns and manages a 220 head cow-calf farm. He is president of the Michigan Cattlemen’s Association and represents the Michigan beef industry on the Federation of State Beef Councils.
Acker
Schapman
Beef Checkoff Helps MSU Bring Beef to Campus Plates The “buy local” trend has consumers and restaurant operators looking for beef produced in Michigan. A key to providing locally raised beef is the ability of the end user to use as much of the animal as possible. That’s why the Michigan Beef Industry Commission (MBIC) has been working closely with Michigan State University’s culinary services to promote balanced use of the beef carcass. The university’s concept is to bring beef raised at the MSU farms to the plates of hungry patrons on its campus. The goal of the project is to develop a model that can be replicated throughout the state, whereby institutions, universities, hotels, and restaurants can source beef from Michigan producers, providing their customers with the local food they seek. For the checkoff role in carcass utilization, MBIC helped conduct a workshop where MSU chefs experimented with beef cuts that are not currently being used on campus. With chefs eager to source new cuts, and a Michigan processor and distributor committed to the project, the project is off to a great start and the first MSU beef products will be served on campus this fall.
MBIC Promotes Beef and Barbeque The beef checkoff, Sam’s Club and the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) celebrated summer with a beef grilling and BBQ tour. Named the American GrillMaster Experience, the tour included beef BBQ and grilling demonstrations, product sampling, recipes and other checkoff materials designed to educate and inform consumers on beef nutrition and BBQ techniques. MBIC supported the tour when it came to Sam’s Club in Traverse City by distributing beef information and answering consumer’s questions. The beef checkoff ’s GrillMaster prepared Sesame Beef Steaks, Ribeye Steaks with Blue Cheese Butter, and Balsamic Marinated Flank Steak for consumers to sample. Recipes for these and other delicious grilled beef dishes can be found at www.MIBeef.org
To lean more about your beef checkoff, visit MiBeef.org or call (517) 347-0911 Funded by the Beef Checkoff.
“My beef checkoff can
reassure consumers of our commitment to responsible farming.” “At the Sears farm, we raise cattle and crops, but we also raise a family” says Jill Sears, a Director of the Michigan Beef Industry Commission. “Living on the farm, I know that the food my family eats has been grown in a safe and sustainable manner, but we need to make sure that message gets to consumers who buy our product.” That is where the beef checkoff comes in. Through the checkoff, the Michigan Beef Industry Commission provides information that consumers are seeking at events like farm tours or through on-line social networks.
Jill Sears, Horton, Mich.
“By reaching out to consumers, we can enhance the image of beef and insure there is a viable industry for the next generation,” says Jill.
My beef checkoff…a producer-funded program for building beef demand.
Get to know your checkoff — visit
MyBeefCheckoff.com or (517) 347-0911
Funded by the Beef Checkoff.
Minute to Win It
D
ave Leavine has been milking cows his entire life, yet he still found the on-farm milking lessons taught by the MMPA member representative team to be a valuable experience. Leavine, drove 40 miles from his farm in Port Austin to join the crew at Highland Dairy in Sebewaing for an afternoon of hands-on learning offered by the MMPA staff. “I have milked cows my whole life, but there is always something new to learn,” Leavine says. “Today, I just kept thinking ‘minute to win it.’ Sixty seconds for milk prep, 60 seconds for milk letdown. It is the little things, that make a big difference in the milking routine.” The MMPA Milker Training School Team was at Highland Dairy conducting an on-farm milker training school. While MMPA offers milker training schools every year, they also offer the sessions onfarm for those unable to make the schools in the winter. “When a milking parlor is running 24 hours a day it is tough to get all the employees out to a training session,” says Tom Herremans, MMPA Mastitis Management Supervisor. “The important part is that the workers are trained properly, so when
necessary we will go out to the farm.” The on-farm training is run much like the milker training schools. The day begins with “classroom learning” before heading to the milking parlor. Once the milking begins, the employees are asked to put into practice the techniques taught in the classroom. Tom and the MMPA staff observe the employees including tracking how long each step in the process takes. “It works well to come to the farm and allow the employees to work in their own environment,” Tom says. “We time their procedure to track their process.” Timing in the milking routine is a critical part of the milking process. The timing of various steps of the milking procedure affect the milk flow rate and unit “on-times.” Specifically, teat dip needs to be in contact with the skin long enough to sanitize the teat. Along with stimulation and contact times, the school focuses on what is called “lag” time. “Lag” time is the amount of time elapsed between the onset of stimulation and milk cluster attachment. The “lag” time correlates to the amount of time it takes for stimuli to reach
the pituitary gland in the brain to release oxytocin and how long it takes for stimulation to get from the brain to the udder via the blood stream. It typically takes 60 to 90 seconds for the cow to let her milk down after the onset of stimulation. The owners of Highland Dairy, Theo and Annemiek Poelma, appreciate the training and service they receive from MMPA, especially when it comes to obtaining high quality milk. “We get excellent service from Rich Fluegge and the rest of the staff,” says Annemiek. “He and Tom have helped us a lot with employees and our milking procedure. They really help us keep on top of things.” The Poelma’s attribute their SCC of roughly 100,000 on their herd of 1,500 cows to the teamwork they have with MMPA. “We love to work with ambitious people,” Annemiek says. “Rich and Christy (Dinsmoore) are eager to do a good job.” In addition to improving milk quality, one of the areas of focus in the National Dairy FARM Program is employee training and standard operating procedures (SOP), recommending that employees receive annual training and SOP’s are posted or otherwise available to employees. For farms involved in the FARM Program, MMPA’s Milker Training Schools can help by providing employee training in effective udder prep procedures. The 2012 Milker Training School schedule will be released later this fall. If you are interested in having a school in your area, or would like to have on-farm training contact Tom Herremans at (269) 967-0890 or Christy Dinsmoore at (989) 528-9102.
MMPA Mastitis Management Supervisor Tom Herremans times member Dave Leavine during milker training.
16 September 2011
Agricultural Leaders of Michigan Applaud USDA Support to Fight Bovine Tuberculosis
A
gricultural Leaders of Michigan applauded new resources to help stop bovine tuberculosis from spreading in northern Michigan and putting livestock producers and local jobs at risk. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced last month it is providing an additional $500,000 to livestock farmers in Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Montmorency, Presque Isle, Oscoda and Otsego counties to implement practices that keep bovine TB carriers such as deer and other wildlife away from their animals. “Bovine tuberculosis is a serious threat to Michigan’s dairy industry, which employs more than 26,500 people across the state, and we welcome efforts to stop it in its tracks,” said Ken Nobis, president of the Michigan Milk Producers Association. “The dairy sector is Michigan’s No. 1 commodity and pumps more than $6 billion into our economy. We look forward to growing this important industry further and creating more jobs and opportunities – and that means addressing the threat of disease effectively.” “Michigan pork producers applaud the announcement by the Department of Agriculture to give livestock farmers the tools and resources we need to keep disease threats at bay,” said Sam Hines, executive vice president of the Michigan Pork Producers Association. “Michigan’s pork farmers are working hard to attract new investments and compete in more markets. The last thing we need are devastating diseases and
invasive species such as feral swine that carry bovine TB that will set us back and hurt local farmers, and we welcome the USDA’s support for Michigan livestock farmers.” Bovine tuberculosis is believed to be spread to livestock, including cattle and dairy cows as well as domestic hogs, by wild deer through direct contact or from contaminated food or water. While bovine TB is generally not a threat to humans, they are devastating to domestic livestock. The state Department of Agriculture earlier this year set up high-risk monitoring zones in a handful of northern Michigan counties after deer were tested positive for the disease in 2010 and 2011. In April 2011, several beef cattle were also destroyed in Alpena County because of positive bovine TB tests. The state has adopted several vital steps to prevent the spread of bovine TB, including a ban on deer baiting and implementation of zoning measures. “The spread of Bovine TB in Michigan has led to severe economic consequences for the entire state,” said Senator Debbie Stabenow, Chairwoman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry. “I’m working closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help Michigan producers address the spread of the disease, so that Michigan’s hardworking livestock producers can focus on what’s important – growing their businesses, creating jobs and boosting Michigan’s economy. “Michigan’s livestock sector is a very promising area in our state’s agriculture economy, with
tremendous potential for growth and increased investments, and that’s why we must do everything we can to contain threats to local businesses, farmers, producers and workers,” said Dave Armstrong, president and CEO of GreenStone Farm Credit Services. “We applaud the USDA and Sen. Debbie Stabenow for their leadership on this issue and giving Michigan agriculture a way to fight back against diseases that threaten millions of dollars in investments and thousands of local jobs. Michigan agriculture is competing in a global economy, and we won’t slow down for bovine tuberculosis.” “The spread of diseases and disease management are among the most significant issues facing Michigan agriculture today, and the USDA and Sen. Debbie Stabenow deserve credit for recognizing their impact on the agriculture economy,” said Jim Byrum, president of the Michigan Agri-Business Association. “These additional resources are even more important at a time when Michigan livestock farmers are doing more and producing more with less. They also address agriculture’s strong belief that an ounce of prevention now is better than a pound of cure later.” The $500,000 is the third allocation of funding for bovine tuberculosis for the 11-county area in northern Michigan over the last three months, bringing the total invested in preventing the spread of and eradicating bovine tuberculosis to $1.5 million. For more information producers can visit their local NRCS field office or go to the NRCS-Michigan website at www.mi.nrcs.usda.gov.
Michigan Milk Messenger 17
MMPA OYDC Conference August 17-18, 2011 — Novi, Mich.
Informed Members Key to MMPA Success T
he 2011 District OYDCs attended the OYDC Conference August 17-18 at the MMPA headquarters in Novi. The annual conference is designed to give younger members a chance to learn more about their cooperative and milk marketing. The District OYDCs were selected from local nominations during the local meeting season and were selected at the district level to represent their respective districts. The 2010 OYDC Burke and Lisa Larsen of Scottville hosted the two-day conference. While at the Novi office, the OYDCs had the chance to tour the office, including the laboratory where member milk samples
are tested. They also gained knowledge about current market issues and MMPA services from MMPA staff members and president Ken Nobis.
OYDCs had a chance to visit and get to know each other better. They are also encouraged to ask questions and interact with the staff and judges at the meeting.
“It is critical that our members understand how their cooperative operates and the basics of milk marketing,” says Ken Nobis, MMPA president. “Attending the OYDC conference gives these members a chance to learn more about MMPA. An informed membership is critical to our success, now and in the future.”
“The conference is designed to be a two-way interaction between members and between members and staff,” says Sheila Burkhardt, Director of Member Relations and Public Affairs. “We hope they leave the conference with a better understanding of MMPA and the industry and with a few new friends.”
The OYDC conference is perhaps the most indepth conference offered to MMPA members. Throughout the conference they learn some basics of milk pricing and producing quality milk and then the MMPA staff help weave that information into the services MMPA provides its members.
During the annual conference, a panel of judges evaluates the participants knowledge of dairy issues, farm management skills and community involvement. During the conference the OYDCs exhibit speaking skills and knowledge of current dairy issues, through an opening introduction and question and answer period. Based on the OYDCs conference participation, application and personal interview, the judges selected the top OYDCs.
“Once members understand some of the basic principles of milk marketing and how we need to react to not only fluctuating supplies but changing customer needs, they can better appreciate the role MMPA plays in the dairy industry,” says Clay Galarneau, MMPA General Manager. In addition to the educational sessions, the
18 September 2011
This year’s judges were: MSU professor of Agricultural Economics Dr. Chris Wolf, MMPA Board Member Brent Wilson, and 2000 OYDC Teresa Crook.
Following the conference, the judges traveled throughout the state to visit the farms of the top four participants. The farm visits are the final part of the evaluation before the judges select the OYDC and runners-up.
the Southern Sanilac Local. As MMPA’s OYDCs, the couple will represent the cooperative at various activities including the National Milk Producers Federation Annual Meeting in November.
While only one couple will be selected as the State OYDC, it is hoped that all the participants gained some new insights while at the conference.
This year’s OYDC runners-up are Chris and Michele Daniels of Whittemore. They represent District 10 and the Sunrise Local. As runners-up, they will also represent MMPA at the NMPF Annual Meeting.
“We hope that these young people will use their experience in the program to springboard into other leadership roles, both in formal situations and in informal settings as well,” Sheila says. “Not everyone can hold an elected position, but every member can take the information they learned at the conference and pass it on to a fellow MMPA member. Many times these local connections are the most effective form of leadership we have.” The 2011 OYDC are Jeremy and Jody Sharrard of Peck, Mich. They represent District 8 and
upcoming conference is open to all dairy farmers age 21-40 who wish to learn more about the issues and concerns facing today’s young dairy farmers. For more information on MMPA’s OYDC program or the YC Conference, please contact the Member Relations Department in the Novi office.
The Sharrards and Daniels will be featured in the October issue of the Messenger. All of the 2011 District OYDC representatives will also be featured in future issues of the Messenger. The 2010 and 2011 OYDC winners and runners-up will work together to plan MMPA’s annual Young Cooperator Dairy Leadership Conference. The annual conference will take place on Friday, March 30, 2012 in Mt. Pleasant, Mich. The
Conference judges: Brent Wilson, Teresa Crook and Dr. Chris Wolf.
Michigan Milk Messenger 19
District Outstanding Y
District 1
Jeremy and Jenelle Brenner Hillsdale-Litchfield Local
District 4
Dan and Sarah Minnis Ingham County Local
District 5
Jason and Shari Benthem Evart Local 20 September 2011
District 6
John and Frances Hufnagel Mid-Michigan Local
Young Dairy Cooperators
District 7
Alan and Melissa Simons St. Clair-Macomb Local
District 8
Jeremy and Jody Sharrard Southern Sanilac Local
District 10
Chris and Michele Daniels Sunrise Local
District 12
David and Ann Folkersma Chippewa County Local Michigan Milk Messenger 21
Luther Elliss, Dairy Advocate for Michigan’s School Children
By Mitch Smith Director of Marketing Resources United Dairy Industry of Michigan
W
ith student wellness an important concern in Michigan’s schools--along with a growing body of evidence that links poor nutrition, physical activity and obesity as factors that directly relate to lower levels of school achievement--the United Dairy Industry of Michigan has been working intensively to activate the Fuel Up to Play 60 (FUTP 60) program throughout the state. Helping affect positive change in the healthy eating and physical activity environment in schools is a step in the right direction toward having more focused, engaged, and higher-achieving students. FUTP 60 supports national health, nutrition and physical education/physical activity guidelines and standards, and helps schools meet their wellness goals, supporting a Coordinated School Health approach. The program also delivers the star power of the NFL through professional football player appearances at select school events throughout the state. Developing a great spokesman from the ranks of the NFL is not always an easy thing to do. After all, to have key messages to deliver to an audience is one thing but to have a true understanding of dairy farming and why dairy farmers’ promote a school wellness program can be a difficult bridge to span. It takes the right person, the proper attitude and the passion to seek the knowledge that will take him from a spokesperson to a true advocate.
22 September 2011
Former Detroit Lion Luther Ellis (right) and MMPA member Steve Brock Enter Luther Elliss, retired Detroit Lions player who carries with him a passion for children and their health and wellbeing. Elliss had a bit of exposure to farming in his youth, but it was shoveling cow manure out of barns at a relative’s farm. Then sports took over his life. Four years at the University of Utah and 11 seasons as an NFL starter were his consuming passions. After injury forced him to retire from the NFL, Elliss continued to be involved with causes to support children. Part of this interest in children comes from the fact that he and his wife, Rebecca, are the proud parents of 12 children, both biological and adopted. He is a natural spokesperson for the FUTP 60 program in Michigan schools and quickly became involved in promoting FUTP 60 throughout the state at special events during the school year. Elliss’ understanding about why dairy farmers put so much effort behind a program like FUTP60 grew unexpectedly while traveling to FUTP 60 events in May 2011. Along with the school stops, Elliss was given the opportunity
to visit two Michigan family dairy farms. Elliss toured each facility and learned what happens on dairy farms to produce the safe, wholesome and nutritious products that he was promoting to school children. Elliss also found he was carrying around a few misconceptions about dairy farm practices as well. At the McCune Dairy Farm in St. Louis, Chase McCune, who works along side his dad Chuck every day at their farm, explained what goes on in his milking parlor and throughout the farm. Steve Brock, dairy farmer from Daggett, introduced Elliss at an assembly held for the Stephenson middle/high school students to introduce them to the FUTP60 program. “I am proud to introduce Mr. Luther Elliss to the students of Stephenson and I am proud of the FUTP60 program which I and my fellow dairymen are providing to schools,” said Brock. “After that introduction at the Stephenson school by Steve,” Elliss said, “my whole way of thinking about the program shifted. I began
to see how passionate and caring the dairy farmers were. Steve took two days away from his farm to personally be at these events. From the way dairy farmers like Steve care for their cows to the passion for their programs to promote dairy products in the schools. I see that they are really great people who love and take great pride in what they do and the products they produce.”
perspective. Now, at the beginning of each presentation, Elliss tells the students that they really need to “Thank your local Michigan dairy farmers for delivering this program to your school because they are the ones that fund, organize and deliver FUTP60 to make a difference in your health.”
Later, Elliss added that, “It might be a partnership with the NFL, but it is the dairy farmers that are funding and driving home this program.”
The next stop was Steve Brock’s dairy farm, where Elliss not only got to know Steve and his wife Becky and their three children, he tried his hand at milking cows in the Brock’s parlor alongside the other milkers. After a final FUTP60 school event at Stambaugh Elementary School in Iron River, Elliss visited the Jilbert Dairy in Marquette where he met with fans in the ice cream parlor. He followed up the fan meet and greet with a tour of the dairy processing plant, where he witnessed milk being processed and bottled and turned into the dairy products that he enjoys and promotes. “Seeing what happens to the milk after it leaves the farm, all the safety steps and care that goes into making sure it stays cold and fresh, and ends up in a bottle, often the same day, is so impressive,” said Elliss after the tour of Jilbert Dairy. “Everybody I met during this trip--the farmers, the school FUTP60 supporters and the dairy plant workers-all are very proud of the products that they work so hard to produce and promote. They wear their hearts on their sleeves and I respect that,” said Elliss. Elliss now views the FUTP60 program with a new
Michigan Milk Messenger 23
Merchandise Memo To order call: 1-800-572-5824 then dial 2
Milk Hose And Vacuum Tubing The MMPA Merchandise Department can fulfill most milking or vacuum hose needs. We stock various kinds of Transflow tygon and black rubber hoses. We can also special order “cut to order” lengths in many varieties of material.
Tygon-Milk and Vacuum Tubing Saint-Gobain makes the Transflow M34R milk tubing. It is clear with a blue stripe and comes in numerous inside diameter sizes. Transflow vacuum tubing is available in black with a white stripe or clear with a black stripe. It can be purchased as single or twin inside diameter (ID) sizes. Tygon in Stock Special order sizes include: 7/16” on up through 4”
ID size 5/8” 9/16” 1/2” 3/4”
Stock # 5185 5187 5186 4138
Transflow vacuum tubing is available by special order only. ID sizes include: Single Twin
¼”, 9/32”, 3/8”, 7/16”, 1/2” ¼”, 9/32”, 3/8”
Silicone Tubing All silicone tubing is available as a special order item only and has ID sizes of: 9/16”, 5/8”, 3/4”, 7/8” Black Rubber in Stock: ID size 5/8” x 50’ 5/8” x 54’ 7/16” x 7.5’
ID size 5/8” 3/4”
Black rubber milk and vacuum tubing can be purchased in rolls, or it can be custom cut into special order lengths by the Coburn Company. The MMPA Member Merchandise Department is able to purchase a wide assortment of quality milk hoses and vacuum tubing for its members. To place a special order, contact the St. Louis warehouse at (989)681-2334 or toll free at (877)367-6455.
A SPECIAL HERD SIRE OR A TRUCK LOAD OF BREEDER BULLS. READY TO GO TO WORK ON YOUR FARM!
•
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• FROM OUR TOP PRODUCTION COWS.
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6400 HOLLISTER RD.
24 September 2011
Stock # 5183 5184
Special order ID sizes include: Single ¼”, 9/32”, 3/8”, 7/16”, ½”, 9/16”, 5/8” Twin ¼”, 9/32”, 3/8”
OVER 100 SERVICE AGE BULLS FOR YOUR SELECTION!
ELSIE, MI 48831
5423 1182 5180 Stanchion Hose
Ultra Clean Black Rubber (white inner lining) 65’ length:
REGISTERED HOLSTEIN BULLS
PH: 989-862-4291
Stock #
WWW.GREENMEADOWFARMS.COM
GENERATORS Winpower & Katolight
Stocking up to 100 KW 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE serving Michigan for the past 30 years 800-345-1887 MIDWEST POWER SYSTEMS
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 - 275,000 +10¢/cwt. • 276,000 - 500,000 00¢/cwt. • 501,000 - 600,000 -10¢/cwt. • 601,000 - 750,000 -50¢/cwt. • Over 750,000 -$1.50/cwt. A payment of 5¢/cwt. will be added for each of the following, if the count is equal to or below: • 10,000 Raw Bacteria Count • 20,000 Pre-Incubated (PI) Count There will be a deduction of 10¢/cwt. for: • Greater than 100,000 Raw Bacteria Count
A high raw count deduction will be waived if the producer has received the quality premium the previous three months for raw bacteria count. To qualify for Raw and PI Bacteria Count premiums there must not be any of the following during the month: • Positive drug residue • Abnormal freeze points • High load count shipment or rejected load shipment • #3 or #4 sediment • Raw Bacteria count over 100,000 The count levels for raw and PI will be determined on one test run per month. To qualify for MMPA SCC premiums there must be: • No abnormal freeze points during the month To qualify for MMPA volume premiums there must be: • No abnormal freeze points during the month • An average somatic cell count of 750,000 or less.
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.
Members who choose to receive their lab test results via U.S. postal service: $2/month Additional Tests Available: All costs are listed per individual sample. • Mycoplasma Cultures $ 8 • Bacteriology Cultures $12 – Includes identification of bacteria and drug susceptibility.
• Bovine Viral Diarrhea - PCR - ELISA • Johne’s Milk Test - PCR - ELISA – cows - ELISA – tank • Bovine Leukosis Test - ELISA – cows - ELISA – tank
$40 $ 6 $40 $ 6 $10 $ 6 $10
All tests must be scheduled through your MMPA Member Representative or the laboratory for proper sample submission protocol.
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 Rick Schoenhofen W5389 North Shore Dr. Shawano, WI 54166 715-524-2928 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
Freeliners Call 1-800-572-5824 ext. 224 to place your ad
Bulls Registered Holstein Bulls: We now have a nice selection of service age bulls, sired by top AI sires. Green Meadow Farms, Elsie, MI. 989-862-4291 or see our website at www. greenmeadowfarms.com. Service age Holstein bulls. Call Steve Alexander, 810-622-8548 evenings or 810404-8548.
Freeliner Policy The Freeliners column is open to current MMPA members who wish to advertise—at no charge—goods or services relating directly to their dairy farm operations. • An item submitted will be published for no more than two consecutive months (one month, unless otherwise requested). • After that, it will be withdrawn. • It will be published again for no more than two consecutive months only if the member resubmits the item by contacting their MMPA Member Representative or by writing or calling the Novi office. • Reference to a name of a firm or other commercial enterprise with which a member is involved will be deleted, with permission of the member. • If the member does not wish such deletion, he may choose to have the item published as a Classified Ad at the regular perline Classified Ad rate. • Freeliners must be received by the 10th of the month preceding the desired month of publication. Example: to be included in the January issue, the freeliner must be at the MMPA office by December 10.
26 September 2011
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.
J.D. 444 corn head, $2,500. J.D. 2 row forage head, $1,250. 616-970-0451.
One breeding age Jersey bull, $850. 989551-7539.
Gehl 910 and 960 self unloading wagons on tandem gears, $1,500 and $3,200 or make offers. BU940 for parts or use $600 box only. Maytag gas clothes dryer, $50 or offer. 810404-0468.
Cows and Heifers Cows and heifers for sale from clean farm, well know sires. 734-776-0285.
Equipment N.H. 1895 forage harvester, newer 300 h.p. cat motor, 4 row corn head, 10 ft. hay head. 989-277-6320. NDE vertical TMR mixer, flip out conveyor, VG cond. 260-768-7698. 4 – 16.1 x 16.5 floatation tires on 8 bolt rims. 1490 Case IH hydroswing haybine. 269-758-3268. J.D. 7720 combine, 4 WD, big rubber drive tires, like new, feederhouse, reverser, DAM, everything works, cold AC w/ 918 flex head, SS bottom, just ran wheat, always housed. 989-761-7269.
2 – 150 bushel J&M gravity boxes on 953 J.D. running gears, $1,500 ea obo. 616-8896854.
Gehl 865 forage harvester w/ corn head. 18.4 x 38 axle duals w/ International hubs. 269-758-3268.
Dairy Equipment Automated Dairy Equip pipeline washer model 31, needs a water valve. 517-331-3872. DeLaval New Century 1,000 gal. tank and washer, $2,250. 5 h.p. DeLaval vacuum pump, $400. 810-387-2087.
Misc. Border Collie pups, all red and white, mother and father on site in Sanilac Co. 810-366-0666.
Wanted 20 ft. silo unloader in working condition. 231-825-0159.
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wet, smelly bed crawling with bacteria. You wouldn’t lie in a
Bedding Additive
Why should she? Dry, odor-free bedding gives you both a good night’s sleep. Dirty bedding can cause mastitis, the most costly disease in agriculture. Sani-Bed II™ bedding additive dries and absorbs ammonia to quickly control bacterial growth in your herd’s environment for several days. Its superior effectiveness also reduces environmentally caused lameness and fly problems. • • • •
Helps reduce environmental mastitis Retains comfort of organic material without typical bacterial downside Absorbs moisture and ammonia better than lime Fast acting, long lasting and cost effective
Learn more about Sani-Bed II — call 800.225.3832 or visit www.AandL-Labs.com. © 2010 A&L Laboratories Sani-Bed ll is a trademark of A&L Laboratories.
Classifieds Call 1-800-572-5824 ext. 224
Classified Ads ($5.65 per line) Mail ads, preferably typewritten, to: Classified Ads, Michigan Milk Messenger, PO BOX 8002, Novi, MI 48376-8002. Ads must be received by the 10th of the month before the month of desired publication. Send check or money order for $11.30 (two 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: 5000-4000-3000-2500-20001500 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. ______________________________________ BARN WHITE WASHING: servicing all of Michigan and Indiana. Miller Spray Service, Inc. 574-825-9776. ______________________________________ CUSTOM HEIFER RAISING, family owned, 20 yr. exp., 2,500-3,000, AI breeding, clients choice of semen, preg. checked, nutritionist, veterinary and vaccination protocol, member of Dairy Calf and Heifer Assn. 231-757-3118 or cell 231-590-7455. ______________________________________ LARGE SQUARE BALES CLEAN, bright straw. Will deliver. 989-723-1886. ______________________________________ CERTIFIED SEED WHEAT (red or white) and fall barley seed. 989-723-1886. ______________________________________ BARN WHITE WASHING: Scholten Spraying Services, 616-895-6307, Allendale. ______________________________________
28 September 2011
Precision Reproductive Management ™
We are getting cows pregnant sooner “Since we installed Select Detect, our breeding performance has really improved. We are getting 25 percent more pregnancies each week with Select Detect compared to the same period last year when we were using timed A.I. We are getting cows pregnant sooner and that saves us time and money. Select Detect is the best investment I’ve made in three years.” Mario VanderHulst, Sturgis Dairy, Sturgis, Michigan
Monitors cow activity around the clock so you don’t have to 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 Backed by professionally trained, local service representatives Photo by Jenny Thomas, Cybil Fisher Photography
Talk to your area NorthStar representative to learn more.
800.631.3510 northstarcooperative.com
Policies MMPA Policy on Drug Residue in Milk: MILK ON FARM – DRUG RESIDUE SUSPECTED
MILK SHIPPED — POSITIVE DRUGS CONFIRMED
If a member suspects milk in the farm bulk tank contains drug residue:
If a member ships milk from the farm and testing by approved laboratory methods show that the milk contained drug residue, the member will be assessed the penalties imposed by the state regulatory agency and be disqualified for raw and PI bacteria count premiums.
1. Call a MMPA Member Representative to have the milk in the tank tested. A “hold” must be placed on the tank contents until the test results are known. - OR 2. The member can test the milk on the farm. If dumped, the member must be sure to take the stick reading, record the number of pounds of milk, and report the information to their membership representative. • If the tank tests negative (no drugs present), the milk may be released and shipped.
• If the tank tests positive (drugs present), the membership representative will authorize the member to dump the tank of milk. The member will be paid 75% of the value of the tank of milk involved.* • If for any reason MMPA personnel must pick up samples at the farm for testing three or more times within 12 consecutive months, the member involved will be charged $25 per trip.
If a loss is incurred by MMPA due to the disposal and/or nonmarketability of a load of milk or milk products containing drug residue, then the member responsible will be provided an invoice for the entire value of the loss plus transportation and disposal costs as required by the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance. This invoice may be submitted to the member’s insurance carrier. MMPA must receive settlement on the invoice within 90 days of issuance. If settlement is not made within 90 days, the full amount of the invoice will be deducted from the next milk check unless other settlement arrangements are made. Milk from that member’s farm tank must be tested and found clear of drugs before the next tank of milk can be picked up. A hauler whose entire load sample shows the presence of drugs will be charged the amount of an average shipment on that load if the individual member samples all show negative. ALL POSITIVE DRUG RESIDUE SHIPMENTS MUST BE REPORTED TO THE ENFORCEMENT AGENCY.
MMPA Policy on Milk Quality QUALITY QUESTIONABLE
REJECTED LOAD SHIPMENT
When a member suspects that the milk in the farm bulk tank is of poor quality they should call a MMPA Member Representative who will authorize milk in the tank to be dumped. If the member dumps the milk on their own, they must be sure to take the stick reading and record the number of pounds of milk, and report the information to the Member Representative.
If:
If the milk is dumped, the member will be paid 75% of the value of the tank of milk involved. In order to receive payment for an added water voluntary dump, the member must install a Swingline Safety Switch. The Swingline Safety Switch can be ordered from the St. Louis warehouse. The MMPA Member Representative will verify the switch has been installed. Reimbursement for the Swingline Safety Switch and the voluntary dump will then be made to the member. The member assumes all liability for losses incurred as a result of shipping poor quality or contaminated milk. MILK SHIPPED – HIGH BACTERIA COUNT If: 1. A load of milk is received (unloaded) at a dairy processing plant and, 2. a sample from the load has a bacteria count of 300,000 or more and, 3. testing of the individual member samples on that load identifies the member or members having a bacteria count of 300,000 or more, then the member or members involved will be charged the value of one-half of one day’s production** and will be disqualified for raw and PI bacteria count premiums. **For members using more than one bulk tank, the assessment will be based on the value of milk in the tank or tanks in violation of the MMPA quality policy.
1. A load of milk is rejected (not unloaded) at a dairy processing plant and, 2. the milk cannot be sold through normal Grade A channels for reasons of quality which results in the load being sold or disposed of at a loss to MMPA, and, 3. testing of the individual member samples on that load identifies the member or members that caused the contamination or rejection of the load, then, the member or members responsible will be charged the full value of the loss to MMPA plus transportation and disposal costs, and be disqualified for raw and PI bacteria count premiums except for loads rejected for temperature. 4. MMPA will provide an invoice to the member for the amount of the loss, to be submitted to the member’s insurance carrier. MMPA must receive settlement on the invoice within 90 days of issuance. If settlement is not made within 90 days, the full amount of the invoice will be deducted from the next milk check unless other settlement arrangements are made. If a member has a third occurrence or more within 12 consecutive months, that member must appear before the MMPA board of directors to review steps taken on the farm to correct the quality problem which will enable MMPA to continue to market the milk for this member. HAULER A hauler whose entire load sample exceeds 300,000 per mL bacteria count will be charged the amount of an average shipment on that load if the individual member samples all are less than 100,000. A hauler will be responsible for all costs incurred by MMPA for loads rejected for temperature. Charges and assessments made under this program will be withheld from milk checks of members or haulers involved.
* The member will only be paid for two (2) voluntary dumps in a 12 month period.
Michigan Milk Messenger 29
Market Report For Milk Marketed in July 2011
MARKET STATISTICS
Mideast Federal Order #33 (pounds)
This Month
Year Ago
% Change
Total Class 1 Sales
474,222,505
506,431,790
-6.36
Total Class 2 Sales
263,443,467
170,191,040
+54.79
Total Class 3 Sales
529,004,695
521,407,404
+1.46
Total Class 4 Sales
133,329,361
79,560,055
+67.58
1,400,000,028 1,277,590,289
+9.58
Total Production Class 1 Utilization
33.9%
39.6%
Mideast Federal Order #33
Current Month Total Producers 6,743 Average Daily Production per Farm 6,698 Average Protein Test 2.93% Average Butterfat Test 3.54% Average Other Solids Test 5.71% Average SCC Count (MMPA) 211,000
NATIONAL TRENDS (million pounds) Production California
2011
2010 % Change
3,550
3,401 +4.4
Wisconsin
2,187
2,267
-3.5
Idaho
1,193
1,138
+4.8
New York
1,092
1,094
-0.2
Pennsylvania
880
909
-3.2
Texas
798
737
+8.3
Minnesota
735
787
-6.6
Michigan
714
725
-1.5
New Mexico
695
679
+2.4
Washington
546
512
+6.6
Ohio
415
443
-6.3
Indiana
288
292
-1.4
15,445
15,316
+0.8
107,325 105,417
+1.8
* Total U.S.
COMPONENT PRICING INFORMATION Mideast Federal Order #33 Protein Price/lb.
$3.8292
Butterfat Price/lb.
$2.2511
Other Solids Price/lb.
$0.3608
Class III Price @ 3.5%
$ 21.39
Prod. Price Diff/cwt. (Mich. Mkt.) Uniform Price @ 3.5% SCC Adjustment/cwt./1000
$0.32 $ 21.71 $0.00106
NASS Survey Prices
Monthly Avg. Cheese/lb. 2.1243 Butter/lb. 2.0304 Nonfat Dry Milk/lb.
1.6159
Dry Whey/lb.
0.5494
30 September 2011
* U.S. Y-T-D * For 23 states
COMMODITY CREDIT CORP. (CCC) PURCHASES (million pounds) Butter Cheese Nonfat Dry Milk Total Solids
This Year Month Ago 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
MMPA Staff NOVI (Headquarters) 248-474-6672
800-572-5824 General Manager Clay Galarneau, ext. 200 Member Services/Quality Control Milk Sales/Dispatch Finance/Controller Gary Trimner, ext. 213 Carl Rasch, ext. 244 Joseph M. Diglio, ext. 240 Producer Testing/Herd Health Programs Manufactured Sales Credit/Insurance Dean Letter, ext. 217 Jim Dodson, ext. 229 Cheryl Schmandt, ext. 210 Laboratory Supervisor Member Relations/Public Affairs Data Processing Patti Huttula, ext. 219 Sheila Burkhardt, ext. 208 Gregory Schulkey, ext. 237 Human Resources Member Communications Cindy Tilden, ext. 220 Laura Moser
MANUFACTURING PLANTS
Constantine 269-435-2835 Plant Manager Dave Davis
MMPA FIELD STAFF
MASTITIS MANAGEMENT
EAST AREA
Tom Herremans............................231-853-8008 Ravenna mobile 269-967-0890
Supervisor: Michael Marvin Marlette Office..........................989-635-3650
Steven Lehman............................989-875-3441 Ithaca mobile 989-330-1638
Gary Best........................................810-664-4984 Lapeer mobile 586-484-9279 Bulk Tank Calibration
Christy Dinsmoore.................................................. Fairgrove mobile 989-528-9102 Environmental Specialist Dale Ledebuhr.......................269-965-2474 Battle Creek mobile 269-986-6791 NORTH AREA Supervisor: Gerry Volz St. Louis Office..........................989-289-9219 Frank Brazeau...............................920-834-4059 Oconto, Wis. mobile 906-250-0337 Ben Chapin................................................................ Big Rapids mobile 989-289-0731 Preston Cole..................................231-584-2587 Mancelona mobile 989-289-9301 Steven Lehman............................989-875-3441 Ithaca mobile 989-330-1638 Katie Pierson............................................................. Coleman mobile 989-289-9686 Kendra Stieg.............................................................. Kentwood mobile 269-245-6632 Gerry Volz.......................................989-848-5996 Fairview mobile 989-289-9219
Christy Dinsmoore.................................................. Fairgrove mobile 989-528-9102 Richard Fluegge....................................................... Cass City mobile 248-709-0283 Michael Marvin......................................................... Marlette mobile 989-670-4864 Kristin Rawlings........................................................ Deckerville mobile 231-414-4539 Andrew Rupprecht................................................. Clio mobile 269-986-6793 SOUTH AREA Supervisor: Lyndsay Stakenas Battle Creek Office 269-962-5550 Krista Beeker............................................................. Howe, IN mobile 269-986-6792
Ovid 989-834-2221 Plant Manager/Plant Operations David Wittkop
If you are unable to reach your assigned member representative, contact any one of the representatives listed in your area.
MMPA LABS Novi: 800-572-5824 (in MI) 800-233-2405 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. Mon-Fri
David Brady...................................517-522-5965 Grass Lake mobile 517-937-9061
Ovid: 989-834-2515 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. Daily
Melissa Erdman........................................................ Kalamazoo mobile 810-701-6460
Constantine: 800-391-7560 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. Daily
Lyndsay Stakenas.................................................... Coldwater mobile 231-519-2455 Ed Zuchnik................................................................. Three Rivers mobile 269-967-7351
MERCHANDISE—ST. LOUIS Supervisor: Duane Farmer......989-681-2334 Fax.................................................989-681-3988 Toll Free.......................................877-367-6455 Orders (Novi).......800-572-5824 then dial 2
Michigan Milk Messenger 31