EDITOR’S NOTE

BY ALLISON STUBY MILLER

MMPA is committed to cooperative social responsibility and sustainable business practices throughout our entire supply chain. We can see this take shape in how we commit to our people, how we interact with our communities and how we conserve our natural resources. It’s not a destination, it’s a continual journey where we must be open to learning and growing.

On the Cover

From a community standpoint, supporting local food banks and the patrons they serve continues to be essential. The past year has brought new challenges to us all, though some have been more disproportionately affected and food insecurity has swelled across the country. We talked with the United Dairy Industry of Michigan and the Food Bank Council of Michigan about their added efforts in the fight against hunger on page 18.

Also Inside

We are also looking at learning opportunities in environmental stewardship. This issue also includes coverage of the MMPA Cover Crop Project, a component of the sustainability program on page 8 and page 14. Plus we learn from the wisdom of milestone members (page 22) and look to the next generations with an Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator finalist (page 24) and dairy youth programming (page 25).

As we continue down the path of social responsibility, working together and learning from one another will make it possible. Though the landscape is ever changing, our commitment to the dairy community will never waver. As we head into June, I hope you take a moment to recognize the great things about our industry and enjoy a sunny National Dairy Month!

VOL. 103 / NO. 6 Milk Messenger (USPS # 345-320) is published bimonthly by the Michigan Milk Producers Association, 41310 Bridge Street, Novi, MI 48376-8002. Periodicals postage paid at Novi and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Milk Messenger, PO Box 8002, Novi, MI 48376-8002.

President and Chief Executive Officer

Joe Diglio

Managing Editor

Sheila Burkhardt, Senior Director of Member and Government Relations

Editors

Allison Stuby Miller, Communications Manager Emily Kittendorf, Communications Coordinator

Advertising

Emily Kittendorf, messenger@mimilk.com, 248-474-6672, ext. 234

Publication Designer

reZüberant! Inc., Stacy Love rezudesign.com

Printing

Foresight Group, Stacey Trzeciak staceyt@foresightgroup.net

Publication Office

MMPA Milk Messenger P.O. Box 8002, Novi, MI 48376-8002 p: 248-474-6672 f: 248-474-0924 e: messenger@mimilk.com w: mimilk.com

Established in 1916, MMPA is a member owned and operated dairy cooperative serving dairy farmers in Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin and Ohio. An Equal Opportunity Employer – F/M/V/D

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mimilk.com/subscribe MMPA members - 50¢ per year Non-members - $5 per year

Circulation: 2,600 (ISSN 0026-2315)