EDITOR’S NOTE

Change is something that most people are uncomfortable with, but with recent events we’ve all been forced to adapt in one way or another. We’ve seen firsthand systems that were traditionally not flexible, rapidly adapting to change and overcoming what initially seemed impossible. It’s been all hands-on-deck throughout the entire industry to battle the challenges at hand and on page 14 MMPA Board Chairman Doug Chapin expresses his thanks to the MMPA team for continuing their work in marketing milk.

On the Cover

MMPA employees are just one part of the expansive supply chain. For MMPA customer Saputo Inc., their ability to adapt to the times is what allowed them to transition from a business done on bike to the well-known name it is today. It’s also what encourages them to continue innovating, a major reason they were awarded MMPA’s Valued Partner Award. Learn more about their story and how they’ve transitioned to the global top 10 dairy processor they are today on page 22.

Inside this Issue

Perhaps no one knows change better than students leaving the farm for the first time to pursue a college education. Learn about how the Michigan Dairy Memorial Scholarship Foundation (MDMSF) helps fund young people challenging themselves to become educated before carrying on the family business or supporting the industry in another way on page 17. Be sure to also meet MMPA Director-at-Large Bruce Lewis on page 16 and 2019 OYDCs on page 20. Despite the uncomfortableness that comes with change, we hope that you are adapting to the new normal and enjoying everything that summer brings. With longer days, field work to be done and ice cream to enjoy in the summer heat, there remains a lot to be thankful for.

VOL. 103 / NO. 1

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 AMiller@mimilk.com Emily Kittendorf, Communications Coordinator EKittendorf@mimilk.com

Advertising Manager

Nancy Muszynski Muszynski@mimilk.com

Publication Designer

reZüberant! Inc., Stacy Love rezuberantdesign@gmail.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 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

Subscriptions:

MMPA members - 50¢ per year Non-members - $5 per year

Circulation: 2,600 (ISSN 0026-2315)