Milk Messenger | June 2019

Michigan Milk

T H E O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F M I C H I G A N M I L K P R O D U C E R S A S S O C I AT I O N

VOL. 101 | ISSUE 12 | JUNE 2019

RAMONA OKKEMA 2019 EXCELLENCE IN DAIRY PROMOTION AWARD WINNER’S DEFINING JOURNEY

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JUNE 2019 FEATURES 16 |

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

The FARM program has created a culture of continuous improvement that inspires dairy farmers to commit to the

On the Cover

highest standards for animal care, wholesome milk, and

Ramona Okkema, 2019 Excellence in Dairy Promotion winner, farms with her family on De Grins Oer Dairy in Blanchard, Michigan.

silo for workforce development.

environmental stewardship. Now FARM is adding a new

18 |

A DEFINING JOURNEY TO DAIRY PROMOTION Over the Atlantic and back again, MMPA Member Ramona Okkema, uses her life experiences to drive dairy promotion efforts. Okkema was recently designated with the UDIM Excellence in Dairy Promotion award.

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MMPA MEMBERS STAR IN TV SHOW TOMORROW’S WORLD TODAY

MMPA members Eric and Ashley Kennedy of Sheridan Dairy starred in a recently aired TV show: Tomorrow’s World Today. The show takes viewers on the journey of Kroger chocolate milk from cow to consumer.

Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA), established in 1916, is a member owned and operated dairy cooperative serving approximately 1,600 dairy farmers in Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin and Ohio.

JUNE 2019 | MESSENGER

3

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MMPA DAIRY COMMUNICATORS MET FOR THEIR ANNUAL SPRING MEETING ON APRIL 17 IN ST. JOHNS, MICHIGAN. (PAGE 15)

CONTENTS 6

MILK MINUTE

8

QUALITY WATCH

10 12 13 15

Promoting and Learning Together

What does sustainability mean to the dairy community?

NEWS & VIEWS LEGISLATIVE WATCH MMPA TO REFRESH THE MICHIGAN MILK MESSENGER MMPA DAIRY COMMUNICATORS TOUR OVID PLANT AND RECHARGE FOR DAIRY PROMOTION

23 24

OYDC FINALIST SPOTLIGHT

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YOUR DAIRY PROMOTION AT WORK IN INDIANA

YOUR DAIRY PROMOTION AT WORK IN MICHIGAN

“Today I’m here at Sheridan Dairy to begin my exploration of the science and sustainability of modern milking. But mostly, I’m excited to meet some cows.”

— TOMORROW’S WORLD TODAY HOST

TAMARA KRINSKY (PAGE 22)

DEPARTMENTS 26 POLICIES 27

QUALITY PREMIUMS

28

FREELINERS & CLASSIFIEDS

29

MERCHANDISE REPORT

30

MARKET REPORT

31 STAFF

MMPA Core Values: » Quality » Integrity » Progress » Leadership » Community Managing Editor................................................ Sheila Burkhardt Editor..................................................................Allison Stuby Miller Advertising Manager......................................Nancy Muszynski Circulation..................................................................................... 2,609 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 Street P.O. Box 8002 Novi, MI 48376-8002

p: 248-474-6672 f: 248-474-0924 w: mimilk.com

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

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

(ISSN 0026-2315)

JUNE 2019 | MESSENGER

5 5

MILK MINUTE

Promoting and Learning Together

BY KRIS WARDIN, MMPA PRESIDENT

In this issue of the Messenger, you’ll read about the 2019 dairy communicator meeting.

When I spoke to attendees, I gave them my opinion that they were under-appreciated for all they do. I know for many of them, and many of you, promoting dairy is a daily activity that comes naturally. The more of us that individually promote dairy, the greater the rewards for all.

One individual MMPA member family that recently stepped up is the Kennedys. You’ll read about their appearance on the TV show “Tomorrow’s World Today” where they explained how technology increasingly drives our industry. One of our great customer partners, Michigan Dairy, is also featured bringing milk from farm to table. Thanks to the Kennedy family and Kroger for sharing their positive messages about dairy!

“Individual commitment to a group effort— that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.”

—Vince Lombardi

We honored another individual at the communicator meeting, Ramona Okkema, for her excellence in dairy promotion. She is a great example of “individual commitment to a group effort.” You can read more about her activities later in this issue. Congratulations to Ramona, and may she be an inspiration to all of us!

The dairy communicator program is just one of many great programs that MMPA members can take advantage of throughout the year. The Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator program, the upcoming 4-H Milk Marketing Tour, Dairy Care Academy— these are all examples of valuable programming that MMPA conducts for us as members.

Besides the information these programs offer, meetings give us the chance to get off our farms and get together. Dairy farming can sometimes be an isolated profession whether we’re alone in a tractor or the only person in a barn with cows that won’t talk. The value of group learning and networking cannot be overstated!

There are many studies supporting the benefits of group learning, here are just a few highlights:

• Students engaged in cooperative learning showed increased achievement vs. students learning alone • Student group work enhanced communication and other professional skills • Students learned as much or more from other peers as from the instructors I hope reading this helps remind some of you about the good times you’ve had over the years participating in MMPA programs. Think about the friends you met and still have to this day. Think about how these programs have benefited you both personally and professionally. Now I’d ask that you share these experiences with a friend, neighbor or child who might have been apprehensive in the past about participating. These personal invitations often mean more than a letter or email invite.

For those of you reading that haven’t participated, this letter is my personal invitation to you! Please consider taking advantage of one or more of these programs as part of the value of belonging to MMPA. I can tell you from personal experience that you’ll be glad you did!

As you find yourself alone for hours in the tractor seat or barn, think about which upcoming member events might benefit you. Think about how you might be able to implement some new promotion ideas in your community. These individual efforts from all will surely make MMPA and the dairy industry that much stronger. I wish you a safe and productive spring season, and I’ll see you at an MMPA event soon!

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MESSENGER | JUNE 2019

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QUALITY WATCH

What does sustainability mean to the dairy community?

Kendra Kissane

Doug Chapin

Angela Fredricks Anderson

Michigan Milk Producers Association, Sustainability Coordinator

Chapin Family Farm, Vice President, MMPA Board of Directors

Director of Customer Outreach, FARM Program

As MMPA’s sustainability coordinator, I help tell the story of how MMPA farms are ensuring environmental stewardship, community well-being and economic viability. In the dairy community, sustainability is referred to as the three P’s: taking care of people, the planet, and continuing to be profitable. Consumer Packaging Companies (CPGs) want to provide their consumers with products that are ethically and sustainably sourced and having a robust and transparent sustainability plan that shows continuous improvement is crucial.

As a producer, you think if you’re still in business today, you are sustainable.

However, sustainability in practice is represented by programs I support, such as the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP), FARM Environmental Stewardship (ES) Module, and FARM Animal Care Program. The biggest challenge for me in ensuring compliance with these programs was documenting what I was already doing: recording manure applications, antibiotic use and water use are some examples. Another area that took some time and thought was incorporating more areas into my written protocols to assure my employees also had the information they needed.

Today, foodservice, retail and CPG companies run the full spectrum of their interest and focus on sustainability in their business operations. For these “customers,” sustainability encompasses animal welfare, different societal issues, worker care, environment and how to become as carbon neutral as possible throughout the supply chain and in-store. Consumers have shifted their purchasing decisions based on their values – personal, social and environmental and customers have stepped up to this challenge by offering products that meet this demand.

This shift from an environment only definition of sustainability to a more holistic approach has those of us that work closely with customers changing our conversations with them.

Even though these are largely best practices that many farms have come to adopt over the years on their own, the “proof” comes through our participation in various programs that all target different aspects of sustainability. MMPA has been receiving great participation from our farmers in programs such as FARM AC, FARM ES and MAEAP, and other best management practices that continue to show our commitment as a dairy community to sustainability.

That’s what I love about the dairy community, we all work together to improve not only ourselves, but each other and the world.

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MESSENGER | JUNE 2019

As a dairyman on a farm with over 100 years of family history, I have a personal interest in maintaining and improving the environment. Sustainability programs such as MAEAP and FARM ES can serve as a tool to measure the operation’s progress.

I ultimately had to adjust a few practices on the dairy and I know we have a customer base that is very interested in how their food is grown. It is important that we can give them assurances that MMPA dairy products are produced in a humane and environmentally sound way.

As the dairy industry, it is our opportunity and obligation to have a shared dialogue about dairy’s social responsibility and how many of our current programs, such as the National Dairy FARM Program, help customers meet their corporate social responsibility goals. Our programs provide tangible evidence to customers that dairy farmers are doing what’s right for their animals, the environment and for people.

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NEWS & VIEWS

Producers scoring 95 percent or higher on Grade A Surveys and Federal Check Ratings Jack Evans Rick Newman Henry Hershberger Raymond / Miriam Kuhr Jerry Mitchell / Christina Carmichael Robert & Jeffrey Morlock / Tamara Jones Koppenol Dairy Farms Inc * Arlyn Walt Larsen Farms * Ervin Lee Yoder Vernon Yoder Eric / Janel Woodward Nathan / Jodie Mitchell Loyal / Dorcas Gingerich Firman / Ada Yoder Michael Yoder * Joseph Kauffman Paul Miller * David Yoder *100 percent

MMPA photo contest deadline quickly approaching

The second annual MMPA member photo contest is open with submissions due on or before July 1. Contest applicants are encouraged to submit photos that are reflective of what encompasses our cooperative and capture a wide variety of the dairy farm lifestyle. For more information, visit www.mimilk.com/photo-contest.

Upcoming Events June 1

World Milk Day

June 26-27 MMPA 4-H Milk Marketing Tour

June Dairy Month Dairy community focuses on fighting hunger Every year, National Dairy Month in June is a moment to celebrate the dairy community and the farmers and all that they make possible, including responsibly producing the delicious and nutritious dairy foods so many people enjoy. This year, in honor of World Milk Day and National Dairy Month, the U.S. dairy community is showcasing the industry’s commitment to nourishing people and local communities by focusing our efforts in June around food insecurity and child hunger.

One in six kids in the U.S. faces hunger. This problem is further complicated in the summer months when children don’t have the structure of school meals to provide them with the nourishment they need to grow.

To combat this, America’s dairy community is building on its commitment to nourishing people by joining forces with Feeding America and activating communities to help kids facing hunger this summer.

When food banks have the money and resources they need, they’re better able to provide local families with the nutrition they need, including dairy.

Milk is packed with essential nutrients kids need to grow, including protein, calcium, vitamin D and potassium.

Help us provide food to kids who need it this summer. Go to giveagallon. com and donate so kids in your community have access to high-quality nutrition, including milk.

IF YOU PARTICIPATE IN THE JUNE DAIRY MONTH GIVE A GALLON PROGRAM,

July 11

Advisory Committee Meeting

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MESSENGER MESSENGER| |JUNE JUNE2019 2019

LET MMPA KNOW! EMAIL MMPA@MIMILK.COM, TAG @MICHIGANMILK ON TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM OR ‘MICHIGAN MILK PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION’ ON FACEBOOK.

2019 Hauler Meetings All meetings on Wednesdays: 6:15 PM social, 7:00 PM dinner

Volunteer for the Great Dairy Adventure Mark your calendar for the 22nd Great Dairy Adventure on Wednesday, July 17 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.! This event is geared towards families, daycare centers, summer camps and anyone who wants to learn more about

AUGUST 7, 2019

Woodland Hills Country Club 320 Gates Rd Sandusky, MI 48471

dairy farming while sampling free ice cream and other dairy products.

Attendees will have a chance to try milking a cow, create a variety of craft projects, experiment with dairy recipes, pet calves and learn about the steps milk takes on its journey from cow to grocery store to family table. There will be samples of dairy foods, giveaways, and hands-on activities teaching the nutritional benefits of dairy foods. MSU student athletes will also be on hand for autographs.

The Great Dairy Adventure is part of the annual Michigan Dairy Expo, which takes place July 16-20, students from 4-H clubs and FFA chapters across the state take part in education skills contest during the week, and hundreds of cows will be exhibited by their owners in various breed shows.

AUGUST 14, 2019

Maddalena’s 4166 Lake Michigan Drive Grand Rapids, MI 49534 AUGUST 21, 2019

Riverwood 1313 East Broomfield Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858

MMPA members interested in volunteering at this year’s Great Dairy Adventure may contact Jessica Welch at 248-474-6672, ext. 303 or jwelch@mimilk.com.

MMPA Advisory Committee

DISTRICT 3

DISTRICT 6

Bill Stakenas, Free Soil......................... 231-425-6913

John Thelen, Westphalia.................... 989-587-3951

Burke Larsen, Scottville...................... 231-425-8988

Renee McCauley, Lowell.................... 616-283-6411

Arlyn Walt, Coopersville..................... 616-837-8247

Steve Thelen, Fowler........................... 989-682-9064

Tim Butler, Sand Lake.......................... 269-330-5538

David Reed, Owosso............................ 989-723-2023

Bill Gruppen, Zeeland......................... 616-520-5143

Mike Halfman, St. Johns..................... 989-640-1963

DISTRICT 1

DISTRICT 4

DISTRICT 7

Art Riske, Hanover................................ 517-524-6015

William Pirman, Skandia.................... 906-869-4515

Scott Kleinhardt, Clare........................ 989-386-8037

Clark Emmons........................................ 419-466-4471

Dave Folkersma, Rudyard.................. 906-630-1957

Philip Gross, Weidman........................ 989-289-0670

Brian Preston.......................................... 517-376-1350

Paul Ponik, Posen ................................ 989-464-5924

Jason Elenbaum, Mayville................. 989-274-1974

Scott Ferry, Litchfield.......................... 517-214-3298

Marvin Rubingh, Ellsworth............... 425-533-8106

John Bennett, Prescott....................... 989-345-4264

Jeff Horning, Manchester.................. 734-428-8610

Jeremy Werth, Alpena......................... 989-464-4022

Rodney Fowler, Chesaning............... 989-302-2299

DISTRICT 2

DISTRICT 5

DISTRICT 8

Danny Ransler, Gobles........................ 269-628-4218

Tom Jeppesen, Stanton...................... 989-506-5287

Mike Noll, Croswell............................... 810-404-4071

Dan Ritter, Potterville.......................... 517-645-7318

Bruce Benthem, McBain..................... 231-825-8182

Jeremy Sharrard, Peck......................... 810-404-5076

Richard Thomas, Middlebury, IN..... 574-202-5198

Amy Martin, Leroy................................ 231-388-0496

Bryan Schulte, Ruth............................. 989-551-8200

Mark Crandall, Battle Creek............... 269-660-2229

Robert Lee, Marion.............................. 231-743-6794

Bill Blumerich, Berlin........................... 810-706-2955

Michael Oesch, Middlebury, IN ...... 574-825-2454

Mike Rasmussen, Edmore................. 989-379-4694

Darwin Sneller, Sebewaing............... 989-977-3718

JUNE 2019 | MESSENGER

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LEGISLATIVE WATCH

USDA ANNOUNCES

NEW TOOL, NEW PROGRAM FOR DAIRY MARGIN COVERAGE

A

griculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced the availability of a new web-based tool – developed in partnership with the University of Wisconsin – to help dairy producers evaluate various scenarios using different coverage levels through the new Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program.

Economist. The tool was designed to help producers determine the level of coverage under a variety of conditions that will provide them with the strongest financial safety net. It allows farmers to simplify their coverage level selection by combining operation data and other key variables to calculate coverage needs based on price projections.

The 2018 Farm Bill authorized DMC, a voluntary risk management program that offers financial protection to dairy producers when the difference between the all milk price and the average feed cost (the margin) falls below a certain dollar amount selected by the producer. It replaces the program previously known as the Margin Protection Program for Dairy. Sign up for this USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) program opens on June 17.

The decision tool assists producers with calculating total costs and administrative fees associated with participation in DMC. It also forecasts payments that will be made during the coverage year.

“With sign-up for the DMC program just weeks away, we encourage producers to use this new support tool to help make decisions on participation in the program,” Secretary Perdue said.

“Dairy producers have faced tough challenges over the years, but the DMC program should help producers better weather the ups and downs in the industry.”

The University of Wisconsin launched the decision support tool in cooperation with FSA and funded through a cooperative agreement with the USDA Office of the Chief

“The new Dairy Margin Coverage program offers very appealing options for all dairy farmers to reduce their net income risk due to volatility in milk or feed prices.”

DR. MARK STEPHENSON

“The new Dairy Margin Coverage program offers very appealing options for all dairy farmers to reduce their net income risk due to volatility in milk or feed prices,” said Dr. Mark Stephenson, Director of Dairy Policy Analysis, University of Wisconsin, Madison. “Higher coverage levels, monthly payments and more flexible production coverage options are especially helpful for the sizable majority of farms who can cover much of their milk production with

SIGNUP FOR DAIRY MARGIN COVERAGE BEGINS JUNE 17 AT YOUR LOCAL FARM SERVICE AGENCY

12

MESSENGER | JUNE 2019

the new five million pound maximum for Tier 1 premiums. This program deserves the careful consideration of all dairy farmers.”

For more information, access the new tool at fsa.usda.gov/dmc-tool.

For DMC sign up, eligibility and related program information, visit fsa.usda.gov or contact your local USDA Service Center. To locate your local FSA office, visit farmers.gov/ service-locator.

SOURCE: USDA FARM SERVICE AGENCY

REPAYMENT OPTIONS FOR PRODUCERS WITH COVERAGE IN PREVIOUS MARGIN PROTECTION PROGRAM FOR DAIRY USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) said dairy producers who had coverage under the Margin Protection Program for Dairy (MPP-Dairy), which provided payments to producers when the price of milk fell below the feed costs to produce it, are eligible to receive a repayment for part of the premiums paid into the program. An operation either can elect to receive 50 percent of the repayment amount as a cash refund or take 75 percent of the amount as a credit that can be used toward premiums for the new Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) Program.

MMPA TO REFRESH THE

MICHIGAN MILK MESSENGER AND MODIFY PUBLICATION SCHEDULE

MMPA WILL REVAMP THE MICHIGAN MILK MESSENGER THIS SUMMER TO ENHANCE THE PUBLICATION’S VALUE AND ACHIEVE EFFICIENCIES AFTER STUDYING THE RESULTS OF A RECENT MEMBER COMMUNICATION SURVEY.

T

he refreshed publication will transition to an every other month schedule with the ‘July/August’ issue.

The issue is the first of Volume 102 and will be published on July 15.

To reflect MMPA’s expanded regional scope, the magazine will now be called the Milk Messenger.

“With this transition, we are tailoring our communication efforts through the magazine to the engaging stories of our members and partners in the community in the Great Lakes region,” Allison Stuby Miller, MMPA communications manager and editor, said.

The monthly magazine was first published in June 1919 and reaches an audience of members, employees, customers, legislators and others with an interest in agriculture and dairy.

In addition to the Milk Messenger, MMPA publishes a monthly member newsletter and connects with audiences through mailings, regular meetings, digital communication and other outreach efforts.

“As the Milk Messenger reaches a wider audience than our other member-specific resources, we will be enhancing the publication to better appeal to all friends of MMPA,” Stuby Miller said.

“With this transition, we are tailoring our communication efforts through the magazine to the engaging stories of our members and partners in the community in the Great Lakes region.”

ALLISON STUBY MILLER, MMPA COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

MMPA conducted a member communication survey over the summer of 2018 and has since then adjusted the various communication channels available to members with member feedback in mind. Though paper and mail communication continue to be preferred, over the years MMPA has diversified its communication resources to appeal to the varying needs of all members.

The Milk Messenger editorial staff will also use the survey feedback to make content decisions and seek stories of greater interest and value to readers.

For exclusive members-only news, the monthly Member Connection newsletter will continue to serve members. In February, MMPA expanded the newsletter to include new features including a product

spotlight. Members receive the newsletter in the milk check and can also access it online at producers.mimilk.com.

In the upcoming issues of the Milk Messenger, please be aware that the following sections will be removed from regular publication in the magazine: Quality Premiums (page 26 of this issue) – find this information online at producers. mimilk.com. In addition, a document with the Premiums and Testing Fees will be mailed periodically to members in the milk check.

Polices (page 27 of this issue) – find this information online at producers. mimilk.com. In addition, a document with the Drug Residue and Milk Quality policies will be mailed periodically to members in the milk check.

Market Report (page 30 of this issue) – find this report listed in the Member Connection newsletter, mailed monthly with the milk check and online at producers.mimilk.com.

IF YOU HAVE A STORY IDEA OR SUGGESTION FOR THE MILK MESSENGER, PLEASE EMAIL MESSENGER@MIMILK.COM.

JUNE 2019 | MESSENGER

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MMPA DAIRY COMMUNICATORS TOUR OVID PLANT AND RECHARGE FOR DAIRY PROMOTION MMPA Dairy Communicators met for their annual spring meeting on April 17 in St. Johns, Michigan.

The network of approximately 60 communicators are nominated by their MMPA Local and work in their various communities in the Great Lakes Region to promote dairy.

The day began with a tour of the plant in Ovid, Michigan, where MMPA manufactures dairy ingredient products.

The plant is MMPA’s largest, with a daily capacity of around 5 million pounds of milk. Plant Manger Ron Steinhorst taught the Dairy Communicators about the products made at the facility and how customers use them to make retail products like ice cream and baked goods.

The meeting included a presentation from MMPA President Kris Wardin.

Wardin expressed MMPA’s continued commitment to marketing members’ milk to the greatest advantage possible.

The Dairy Communicators then heard from MMPA Senior Director of Sales Jim Feeney about the innovative

solutions MMPA is undertaking to provide value to members through strategic customer relationships and value added products.

For a dairy checkoff perspective, Jolene Griffin and Bridget Moore from the United Dairy Industry of Michigan discussed ongoing dairy promotion activities and the value of unity and endorsing the entire dairy industry.

The interactive presentation included a “milk tasting” session featuring a few of the many different options of milk sold in grocery stores.

The Dairy Communicator meeting, held in the weeks leading up to June Dairy Month, provides a space for peers to gather and explore new promotion ideas. MMPA Dairy Communicators undertake various projects in June Dairy Month and throughout the year. To learn more about the work of MMPA Dairy Communicators, see the stories in this issue about Dairy Communicators Ramona Okkema (page 18) and Ashley Kennedy (page 22).

Dairy Communicator Service Awards During the MMPA Dairy Communicator annual meeting, individuals are honored when reaching a service milestone.

25 YEARS Jane Wood, Deford/Clifford-Mayville Local, District 7

10 YEARS Jennifer Lewis, Hillsdale-Litchfield Local, District 1

5 YEARS Jordan Noll, Mid-Sanilac Local, District 8 Abigail O’Farrel, Sunrise Local, District 7

MMPA DAIRY COMMUNICATOR SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENTS, FROM LEFT: JENNIFER LEWIS, ABIGAIL O’FARREL AND JANE WOOD. NOT PICTURED: JORDAN NOLL.

JUNE 2019 | MESSENGER

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Creating a Culture of Continuous Improvement FARM PROGRAM ADDS PEOPLE PIECE

BY MELISSA HART

Today, 98 percent of the U.S. milk supply is enrolled in the Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Animal Care program.

For MMPA, it’s 100 percent.

According to Nicole Ayache, the Director of Sustainability Resources of the FARM program, it has created a culture of continuous improvement that inspires dairy farmers to do things even better every day – helping to build a stronger, more resilient dairy industry over time.

While the FARM program has been instrumental for the dairy industry to demonstrate and prove to customers 16

MESSENGER | JUNE 2019

and consumers that dairy producers are committed to the highest standards for animal care, wholesome milk, and environmental stewardship, another area needs to be addressed: human resources.

Unemployment is low, the economy is booming and while that is great for people who need a job, it has led to a labor crunch down on the farm. A survey conducted by the California Farm Bureau showed that fifty-six percent of those farmers surveyed haven’t been able to hire all of the employees they need on their farms.

According to Ayache, U.S. dairy farmers have a lot to be proud of when it comes to labor. “We provide jobs to over 150,000 hired workers, not to mention our family labor that also make their living through dairying,” Ayache commented.

She noted that the dairy industry provides stable, year-round employment in rural communities, competitive wages and it has a diverse workforce, particularly in terms of nationalities and languages spoken.

“But we also face key challenges.

Labor shortages and competitive labor

markets across the country have made it hard for dairies to find and keep employees. The challenge isn’t unique to dairy – all of agriculture has been feeling the crunch,” Ayache said. “We know that all of agriculture faces tragic fatalities and injuries. Safety affects not just our employees, but also our dairy farm families.”

farm labor. “Anecdotal situations pop up in the news and have been seen by some as the norm. As a result, customers and consumers have grown concerned about dairy on-farm labor practices. FARM WFD is dairy’s opportunity to demonstrate that we are fully committed to safe and thriving work environments.”

While the human resource piece is not always at the top of the list of dairy farm priorities, the need to address the various challenges is apparent. Thus, the FARM Workforce Development (FARM WFD) program was created. Ayache stated, “By creating the new FARM Workforce Development program area, we’re extending our reach to HR and safety. These are critical topics for our industry and they are topics that customers and consumers are increasingly paying attention to.”

The FARM Workforce Development program provides owners and managers with guidance and best management practices around HR and safety so that they can continue to enhance their workplaces.

“We want to secure dairy’s place as the employer of choice in rural America.

And we want to promote continuous improvement when it comes to safety and HR management,” Ayache said.

“We already know they care; this is about getting great quality materials and resources in their hands, so they can build on what they already have and improve over time.” Ayache said.

“The expanded suite of educational materials will help farmers who want basic human resources tools and safety practices for their employees to increase worker engagement, reduce employee turnover and manage liabilities from the safety risks of dairy farming.”

She also mentioned there is a lot of misinformation out there about dairy

When it comes to hiring employees, who are either from the U.S. or outside

MILKERS ARE VITAL EMPLOYEES TO A DAIRY FARM’S OPERATIONS FOR THEIR ROLE IN ACHIEVING HIGH QUALITY MILK.

of the country looking for temporary work, ultimately legal compliance is a responsibility of the individual dairy farm. However, Ayache says their resources can help with that effort.

“One of our key resources is a set of legal fact sheets – both federal and state by state. These sheets summarize state laws and regulations on a variety of human resource issues for dairy farms, including wages, paystubs, deductions, youth employment, and more,” Ayache said. “Each fact sheet provides an overview of select issues with a highlevel explanation of key requirements for each one, with links to more information and resources throughout the document.”

Ayache pointed to their HR manual containing a chapter on Recruitment and Hiring that covers important considerations for that process, including performing I-9 Verification.

And the chapter on HR Recordkeeping provides guidance on paperwork that should be retained to assist with good management and legal compliance.

So far, the feedback about the resources has been great. Ayache explains, “Farmers are part of the Working Groups that reviewed our HR and Safety Manuals. The general feedback from farmers has been that our Manuals are great resources, but that they’re also daunting given the sheer number of best practices that are out there for HR and safety management. As we continue to build out our resources over the next couple of years, we’re keeping this in mind. She concluded, “We want to develop materials that help farms with the question ‘Where do I start?’ To help with that, we are aiming to develop short case studies, a safety ‘roadmap, an online resource center, and more.”

For more information about the FARM Animal Care program visit www.nationaldairyfarm.com.

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A DEFINING JOURNEY

to Dairy Promotion MMPA MEMBER RAMONA OKKEMA DESIGNATED WITH UDIM EXCELLENCE IN DAIRY PROMOTION AWARD

BY ALLISON STUBY MILLER

R

amona Okkema boarded a plane at eighteen years old and forever altered the course of her life. A New England dairy farmer’s daughter, she went on a 4-H international exchange trip to the Netherlands. Her trek brought her to seven farms across the small northern European country.

There was the greenhouse where she trimmed and sorted roses.There was the farm owned by a Baron in a castle where she could feel the history behind the stone walls. And there was the moat-guarded dairy farm where she met her future husband, Tjerk.

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DE GRINS OER DAIRY MEANS “OVER THE BORDER” DAIRY IN FRIESIAN. (PHOTO BY DIRK OKKEMA)

“Tjerk couldn’t speak 10 words of English and I couldn’t speak 10 words of Friesian,” she laughed. Yet the young couple navigated through the language and culture gap to eventually marry and start a family on the 350-year-old Dutch dairy farm in Friesland, a province in the Netherlands.

Almost four decades later, Okkema is on her third dairy farm and a vocal proponent of the nourishing liquid that brought her across the world and back again: milk. So much so, in fact, that the United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM) noticed her efforts and honored Okkema with the 2019 Excellence in Dairy Promotion award at the Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference in Frankenmuth, Michigan.

Dirk, her son and MMPA member representative, says Okkema has been involved in dairy promotion for many years. “Her work has been spread all around the community and the state of Michigan,” he said.

An MMPA Dairy Communicator, Okkema has organized promotions at local events and volunteered for Montcalm County Little Red Barn and Great Dairy Adventure.

Though she’s a proud dairy farmer and promoter today, Okkema didn’t think she would return to dairy farming.

Growing up on a dairy farm in New Hampshire, she had other plans for her future.

“I wanted to learn how to fly airplanes.

That was my dream,” she said, firmly

“There was a connection growing up on dairy farm in New England then marrying a dairy farmer in the Netherlands and then moving here. I’ve seen the work my father and my husband and my family do. Yet the general public doesn’t really understand the benefits of dairy. I decided it was time to share.”

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denying ever planning to be a dairy farmer when she was younger.

While she does have a pilot’s license and a degree in horticulture from the University of New Hampshire, she is now co-owner of De Grins Oer Dairy in Blanchard, Michigan. They milk 675 cows and have 1,400 total head.

The Okkemas moved to Michigan in 1999 to start De Grins Oer Dairy, which means “over the border” dairy in Friesian. Though Okkema is an American, they didn’t have any familiar ties to Michigan. But between ads in a local farm magazine, new connections made by happenstance, and a well-todo uncle nudging the family to return to this side of the Atlantic Ocean, the choice became clear. “’Michigan’ was just in this neon blinking status,” she recalled.

Okkema’s three children—Dirk, Evelyn and Cora—were born in the seven and half years she lived in the Netherlands.

All are active on the farm or in the dairy industry and have dual citizenship.

A sense of community tethers Okkema to the dairy industry. Before they left the Netherlands, the town came together to

offer well wishes on the family’s new adventure. “A couple of weeks before we left the Netherlands, my husband came running into the farmhouse and said, ‘You got to get dressed. They’re here to pick us up! They’re here to pick us up!’” she recalled.

Okkema says villagers hired a Friesian horse and buggy to take them up and down every street to say goodbye. “It was absolutely amazing,” she said, noting the community support from their former home.

Back in the U.S., Okkema strives to be part of their current community and share her dairy story. Okkema says she feels a drive to promote the product her farm produces because of a culmination of her life experiences.

“There was a connection growing up on dairy farm in New England then marrying a dairy farmer in the Netherlands and then moving here,” she explained. “I’ve seen the work my father and my husband and my family do. Yet the general public doesn’t really understand the benefits of dairy. I decided it was time to share.”

Okkema received her first lesson in the consumer knowledge gap as a young girl. She was the only one of the 453 people in her graduating class who lived on a dairy farm. In an area where she says today the property hardly sells for less than $1 million per acre, there were a lot of “misconceptions” about dairy farming among her peers.

“I think it’s the way I’m wired that enamored me to set the record straight of just how good and special and unique it is to live the life of a dairy farming family,” she explained.

Today, she’s using her life’s journey as a motivator for her dairy promotion work in Michigan.

“Ramona’s dedication to promoting dairy goes above and beyond,” said Sharon Toth, CEO of UDIM “She is an inspiration to everyone in the dairy community.”

For example, Okkema helps out at the Montabella School Carnival, where students learned about farm animals such as lambs, calves, chickens, ducks and rabbits. She also brought Maxine—a simulated cow for the

MAXINE IS A “HIT” AT PROMOTION EVENTS.

children to milk—to help them learn more about what cows eat and the nutrition benefits of milk.

“Maxine is such a hit,” she said. “It’s worked so much so that there is a ‘Maxine 2’ owned by Mecosta County Farm Bureau. She has been cloned.”

Okkema has also used UDIM resoures including the Nature’s Sport Drink Grant for the Montabella High School football team and a “Jump with Jill” event at the Montabella Elementary School. The Okkema family and farm employees work together on a float for the local parade with a theme focused on educating the public about dairy farming.

Then in 2014, her family hosted Breakfast on the Farm for 2,000 people.

“I enjoyed being right there with people and answering questions one on one,” Okkema said.

Okkema recommends individuals hoping to amp up their dairy promotion should look within their community to events already happening. “If you want to expound people’s awareness of dairy, then find an area where a lot of dairy products could be utilized,” she said.

After earning the honor of the Excellence in Dairy Promotion award, Okkema feels more of a responsibility to continue promoting dairy.

OKKEMA VOLUNTEERED AT GREAT DAIRY ADVENTURE ALONGSIDE MSU’S MASCOT SPARTY.

“It is just truly, truly important that people understand it’s not just a place where air has the certain aroma to it and you can hear cows mooing,” she said. “Dairy is the greatest gift that nature could give mankind.”

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MMPA MEMBERS STAR IN TV SHOW: TOMORROW’S WORLD TODAY MMPA members Eric and Ashley Kennedy of Sheridan Dairy starred in a recently aired TV show: Tomorrow’s World Today. Sheridan Dairy milks around 260 cows and is located in Bad Axe, Michigan.

lap of cow luxury,” Krinsky said after seeing the Kennedys’ robotic milkers and the flexibility the system provides for cows and farm managers.

Tamara Krinsky, the show’s discovery reporter, traveled to Michigan to take viewers on the journey of Kroger chocolate milk from cow to consumer.

After the farm visit, the show takes the viewer to Michigan Dairy, Kroger’s bottling plant in Livonia, Michigan and to a local Kroger store.

“Today I’m here at Sheridan Dairy to begin my exploration of the science and sustainability of modern milking.

But mostly, I’m excited to meet some cows,” Krinsky said during the opening monologue.

“Now that I’ve spent some quality time with the cows, I’ve decided to get a hands-on look at how the milk is processed, pasteurized and made ready for retail,” Krinsky said on the tour of Michigan Dairy.

The episode showcased modern dairy farming and the advantages of technology like robotic milkers used on Sheridan Dairy. “This is like the

The Tomorrow’s World Today episode further spotlighted the food safety, sustainability and technology involved at every step of the dairy supply chain,

“That’s our main goal. We want happy, healthy cows,” Ashley Kennedy added.

TAMARA KRINSKY LOVED THE CALVES ON SHERIDAN DAIRY.

such as Kroger’s “Zero Hunger | Zero Waste” program. The social impact plan is Kroger’s commitment to end hunger in their communities and eliminate waste by 2025.

MMPA and Sheridan Dairy were selected to be included in the TV show because of MMPA’s reputation in the industry and the cooperative’s strong relationship with Kroger.

The episode, “Sustainable Dairy,” aired on May 11 and May 18 on the Science Channel and is available on demand on Amazon Prime.

ERIC AND ASHLEY KENNEDY WELCOMED THE TOMORROWS WORLD TODAY CAMERA CREW TO THEIR FARM TO SHOOT THE ‘‘SUSTAINABLE DAIRY’’ EPISODE.

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ABOUT TOMORROW’S WORLD TODAY: TOMORROW’S WORLD TODAY IS AN EXCITING NEW TV SHOW EXPLORING SUSTAINABILITY, TECHNOLOGY, NEW IDEAS AND WORLDWIDE CONCEPTS AROUND INNOVATION. TOMORROW’S WORLD TODAY TOOK ON A HUGE CHALLENGE: FIND A BETTER WAY FOR OUR SOCIETY TO LIVE A MORE SUSTAINABLE LIFE. WHAT IS NEXT IN TERMS OF INNOVATION IN OUR DAILY LIVES THAT WE CAN SEE TODAY AND WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE TOMORROW? THIS CUTTING-EDGE TELEVISION SHOW WILL TRAVEL THE WORLD IN SEARCH OF INNOVATIVE PIONEERS WHO ARE CREATING NEW WAYS TO UTILIZE OUR NATURAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL RESOURCES FOR A MORE SUSTAINABLE LIFESTYLE. TOMORROW’S WORLD TODAY IS SET IN PITTSBURGH, PA, ONE OF THE NATION’S MOST PROGRESSIVE TECH LANDSCAPES, HOME TO DUOLINGO, THE MOST DOWNLOADED EDUCATIONAL APP IN THE WORLD, AND UBER’S FLAGSHIP LOCATION FOR AUTONOMOUS TRANSPORTATION.

OYDC SPOTLIGHT

2018

OYDC FINALIST Quinn Smith & Lisa Plemmons ABOUT US…

Quinn Smith manages Smith Farms in Homer, Michigan. Founded in 1909, Quinn and his brother, Mason, are fifth generation farmers.

“Our mission is to produce a wholesome product as efficiently and in the most environmentally conscious way,” Smith said.

Quinn’s role on the farm includes feeding calves, milking and field work. Quinn’s fiancée, Lisa

Cows: 95 milking, 185 total head

Plemmon, occasionally helps on the farm and

Milking facility: twice a day in a double ten parallel parlor

recently engaged and plan to be married in

Member of: Hillsdale-Litchfield Local, District 1

also works as a dental hygienist. They were October of 2020.

“Our future goals are to grow our herd and eventually build more barns to maximize efficiency through our parlor,” he said.

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YOUR DAIRY PROMOTION AT WORK

UNITED DAIRY INDUSTRY OF MICHIGAN

Taking Dairy to Consumers Not everyone is able to visit a dairy farm to see for themselves the care that goes into getting milk to their tables, so we go to them.

Throughout the year, the staff at United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM) engages with Michigan residents wherever they are and during the summer those opportunities multiply.

Leveraging the dairy industry’s Undeniably Dairy campaign, we are excited to share dairy’s story with consumers at both new and existing events. These events draw thousands of consumers of all ages and provide an opportunity to show the truth about dairy farming and dairy foods.

visitors a chance to test their skills.

We also engage with visitors by sharing dairy messages via a tabletop electronic game, fun giveaways and a summer-long sweepstakes to win dairy for a year.

Dairy foods ranging from milk to mac’ and cheese to ice cream treats will be sampled to remind their taste buds of dairy’s deliciousness and reiterate there’s something in the dairy case for everyone.

We want you, the experts, to be on hand to answer questions and show the care you give your animals. Would you, your family members or farm team like to join us and share about your farm?

A few of the events are listed below, but there are many more on our calendar!

• CLASSIC CAR EVENT – JUNE 8 IN GRAND RAPIDS

• REAL LOVE CONVOY – JULY 9 IN DETROIT

• GREAT DAIRY ADVENTURE – JULY 17 AT THE MSU PAVILION

• BIGGEST BLOCK PARTY – JULY 20 IN GRAND RAPIDS

• TIGERS ICE CREAM SOCIAL – JULY 21 IN DETROIT

• GROWLERS MAC’ N CHEESE EVENT – SEPTEMBER 28 IN KALAMAZOO

During the previous two summers we focused on increasing our presence in the Detroit area, where over 50% of our population lives. This year, we’re finding new ways to implement consumer events in other major areas of the state.

The Undeniably Dairy campaign highlights that dairy is local, responsibly produced, nutritious and delicious. Our presence at the events features a farm-themed tent with a milking cow simulator that offers 24

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And, many more!

A few of our biggest events happening this summer include the Real Love Convoy, the Great Dairy Adventure and the Mac’ n Cheese Event.

REAL LOVE CONVOY The Real Love Convoy is part of a national movement within the dairy community. Dairy Management Inc., the national dairy checkoff, is joining forces with Feeding America and MilkPEP to raise awareness and activate communities to help kids facing hunger. The convoy will visit Detroit where UDIM will use Ford Field as a summer feeding site. After the meal, we’ll host youth activities through FUTP60 at the stadium. A school bus furnished with fun activities will show how dairy gets from the farm to them. We will also host a Food Truck in downtown Detroit to surprise and delight those nearby.

GREAT DAIRY ADVENTURE For nearly 20 years, the entire Michigan dairy community has hosted the Great Dairy Adventure, a free event for Lansing families and day cares.

Visitors can pet calves, learn how to milk a cow, see what cows eat, create dairy crafts and enjoy dairy treats.

MAC’ N CHEESE EVENT This September, the Kalamazoo Growlers will host their first Mac’ and Cheese Event at the baseball field, sponsored by UDIM. Restaurants and food trucks will provide samples of their cheesiest recipes. We need dairy farmers to mingle with participants and answer their questions.

If you’d like to hear more or can join us at an event, please contact Jolene Griffin at Jolene@MilkMeansMore.org

PARTNERSHIP UPDATE: FUEL UP TO PLAY 60

ALLIE RIETH

STAFF FEATURE: ALLIE RIETH, FARMER RELATIONS MANAGER New ADAI Farmer Relations Manager is Allie Rieth.

She comes to the dairy association from Indiana Farm Bureau, where she served in roles including north-central Indiana Regional Manager and Young Farmer Coordinator.

Prior to her tenure with Farm Bureau, Allie worked in program development for the Animal Agriculture Alliance in Washington DC. Allie developed a passion for farming from her family, who live and farm in Elkhart County. She holds a degree in Animal Science from Purdue University and a Master’s in Strategic Communications, also from Purdue. At ADAI, she will focus on maintaining and building public confidence in the dairy industry, farmers and products, and supporting farmers in crisis preparedness and dairy promotion. Allie looks forward to empowering dairy farmers to share their story, and connecting the public with those stories.

Fuel Up to Play 60 (FUTP 60) is a leading national in-school health and wellness program launched by the National Football League and National Dairy Council, in collaboration with the United States Department of Agriculture. FUTP60's primary focus is to help schools meet their wellness goals and encourage youth to consume nutrient-rich foods and achieve at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day.

In the state of Indiana, we are proud to partner with the Indianapolis Colts, building a strong relationship with the Colts organization, our player ambassadors, and Blue the Colts mascot. In 2018, Blue took the initiative to create a five-part video series focused on the idea of farm to school, the importance of health and wellness in everyday life, and the great dairy industry. Blue has utilized his connection with the American Dairy Association Indiana to connect with a few dairy farms around the state and even a processing plant, to give the full picture of all things dairy. This five-part video series is shared publicly on his YouTube channel, and is accessed by schools throughout the state of Indiana for fund education about these topics. These videos have also been utilized at many of the ADAI events throughout the year including Fuel Up to Play 60 Training Camp, the National School Breakfast Week event at Longfellow Middle School, and informational meetings for Fuel Up to Play 60 program advisors around the state.

CELEBRATING NATIONAL SCHOOL BREAKFAST WEEK AT LONGFELLOW MIDDLE SCHOOL WITH DAIRY FARMER KELLY MACKINNON OF THORNTOWN, IN (RIGHT) AND OTHER INDIANAPOLIS CELEBRITIES, INCLUDING (LEFT TO RIGHT) COLTS MASCOT BLUE, COLTS PLAYER AMBASSADOR JACK DOYLE, INDIANAPOLIS 500 PRINCESSES, PACERS MASCOT BOOMER, AND COLTS CHEERLEADERS.

DAIRY FARMER ANDREW KUEHNERT (FT. WAYNE, IN) SHOWED COLTS MASCOT BLUE AROUND HIS MODERN DAIRY FARM FOR THE “BLUE UNIVERSITY” VIDEO SERIES.

EVENT SPOTLIGHT: DIETITIANS SUMMIT American Dairy Association is proud to host the Registered Dietitians Summit each year.

The full day continuing education program covered Sports Nutrition and the value of dairy protein for athletes and more. This year’s Summit was so popular, we had to start a waiting list for registration! Leveraging support from local partners, the event and follow up information reached 83% of dietitians in Indiana, providing leading research on the importance of dairy in a healthy diet. We were also excited to provide a dairy focused nutrition presentation to 70 family practice doctors at the Indiana Academy of Family Physicians winter symposium for the first time. Understanding the influence that family doctors and dietitians have with the general public, we look forward to continuing to build relationships with these groups.

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POLICIES NOTE: IN THE UPCOMING ISSUES OF THE MILK MESSENGER, PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THIS INFORMATION WILL NO LONGER BE PUBLISHED. YOU WILL BE ABLE TO FIND THIS INFORMATION ONLINE AT PRODUCERS.MIMILK.COM. IN ADDITION, A DOCUMENT WITH THE PREMIUMS AND TESTING FEES WILL BE MAILED PERIODICALLY TO MEMBERS IN THE MILK CHECK.

Drug Residue Policy

MMPA Milk Quality Policy

MILK ON FARM – DRUG RESIDUE SUSPECTED

MILK ON FARM – QUALITY QUESTIONABLE

MILK SHIPPED – REJECTED LOAD SHIPMENT

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

When a member suspects that the milk in

IF a load of milk is rejected (not unloaded) at a dairy processing plant

1 Call a MMPA member representative to have the milk in the tank tested.

should call a MMPA member representative

A “hold” must be placed on the tank contents until the test results are known.

dumped. If the member dumps the milk on

OR 2 The MMPA 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 member representative.

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

who will authorize milk in the tank to be their own, they must be sure to take the stick reading and record the number of pounds of milk, and report the information to the member representative.

If the milk is dumped, the member will be paid 75% of the value of the tank of milk involved.* In order to receive payment for an added water voluntary dump, the member

• If the tank tests positive (drugs present), the member 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.*

must install a Swingline Safety Switch.

• 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.

Reimbursement for the Swingline Safety

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

If a loss is incurred by MMPA due to the disposal and/or non-marketability 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.

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the farm bulk tank is of poor quality they

MESSENGER | JUNE 2019

The Swingline Safety Switch can be ordered from the Mt. Pleasant warehouse.

The MMPA member representative will verify the switch has been installed.

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 a load of milk is received (unloaded) at a dairy processing plant AND IF a sample from the load has a bacteria count of 300,000 or more AND IF 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. *The member will only be paid for two (2)

AND IF 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 IF 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.

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 three or more occurrences 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.

MILK HAULERS A hauler whose entire load sample exceeds 300,000 cfu 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 cfu per mL.

TEMPERATURE BULK TANK FARMS A hauler will be responsible for all costs incurred by MMPA for loads rejected for temperature.

voluntary dumps in a rolling 12 month period.

DIRECT LOAD FARMS

** For members using more than one bulk tank,

A hauler will be responsible for the freight and disposal charges for all loads of milk rejected for temperature. If farm conditions indicate an on-farm cause for the load to be warm, the member will be responsible for the loss of milk value. In the case where a member cannot be shown as the cause of the rejected load for temperature, the hauler will be responsible for the freight, disposal charges, and loss in milk value.

the assessment will be based on the value of milk in the tank or tanks in violation of the MMPA quality policy.

QUALITY PREMIUMS NOTE: IN THE UPCOMING ISSUES OF THE MILK MESSENGER, PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THIS INFORMATION WILL NO LONGER BE PUBLISHED. YOU WILL BE ABLE TO FIND THIS INFORMATION ONLINE AT PRODUCERS.MIMILK.COM. IN ADDITION, A DOCUMENT WITH THE DRUG RESIDUE AND MILK QUALITY POLICIES WILL BE MAILED PERIODICALLY TO MEMBERS IN THE MILK CHECK.

MMPA Quality Premium Program

MMPA Member Testing Fees

SOMATIC CELL COUNT (SCC) PREMIUMS AND DEDUCTIONS

Payment for testing will be made through

Somatic Cell Count premiums and deductions

All costs are listed per individual sample.

an automatic milk check deduction.

(in addition to Federal Order SCC Adjustments computed in the producer pay price) will be

COW TESTS: $1

paid at the following levels:

Cow samples may be tested for:

50,000 or below...................................... +55¢/cwt.

• Culture for Streptococcus agalactiae

51,000-75,000..........................................+50¢/cwt.

• Strep non ag

76,000-100,000......................................+45¢/cwt.

101,000-125,000..................................... +40¢/cwt.

• Staphylococcus aureus • coagulase negative staph

NORTHSTAR MI LABORATORIES To avoid potential service charges, this card MUST be filled out completely when sending samples to be tested by NorthStar Labs.

Refer to fee schedule to the left for current pricing.

The cost of testing is the responsibility of the producer.

• gram negative and/or SCC

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.

251,000-300,000................................... +00¢/cwt.

301,000-400,000.................................. - 30¢/cwt.

401,000-500,000.................................-$1.00/cwt.

501,000-600,000................................. -$1.50/cwt.

601,000 and greater...........................-$2.00/cwt.

A payment of 5¢/cwt. will be added for each of the following, if the count is equal to or below:

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.

ADDITIONAL TESTS AVAILABLE: All costs are listed per individual sample.

• Mycoplasma Cultures...................................... $14 • Bacteriology Cultures – includes identification of bacteria and drug susceptibility....................................$16

• 10,000 Raw Bacteria Count

• Bovine Viral Diarrhea

• 20,000 Pre-Incubated (PI) Count

- PCR......................................................................$40

- ELISA..................................................................... $6

There will be a deduction of 10¢/cwt. for: • Greater than 100,000 Raw Bacteria Count

• Johne’s Milk Test

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

- PCR......................................................................$40

- ELISA – cows...................................................... $6

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

- ELISA – tank..................................................... $10

__________________________ Sample Date: __________________________ Member name: __________________________ __________________________ Sample ID: __________________________ __________________________ __________________________ __________________________

• Bovine Leukosis Test

- ELISA – cows...................................................... $6

- ELISA – tank..................................................... $10

• High load count shipment or rejected load shipment

• Milk Pregnancy ELISA................................ $4.50

• #3 or #4 sediment

LAB TEST RESULTS BY MAIL – $2/MONTH

• Raw Bacteria count over 100,000

Loc/Hlr/Producer #

The count levels for raw and PI will be determined on one test run per month.

All tests must be scheduled through your MMPA

To qualify for MMPA SCC premiums there must be:

proper sample submission protocol. Lab form

member representative or the laboratory for

n BLV ELISA n Johne’s ELISA n Johne’s PCR n Pregnancy

provided below for your convenience.

• No abnormal freeze points during the month

EU SCC REQUIREMENT All MMPA member milk must meet the requirements of European Union certification for SCC which is an average of 400,000 or

If you would like lab test cards provided to you, please contact the MMPA laboratory in Novi at 800-572-5824.

less calculated by a rolling geometric mean.

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FREELINERS & CLASSIFIEDS TO SUBMIT ADS, EMAIL MESSENGER@MIMILK.COM, FAX 248-426-3412, OR VISIT MIMILK.COM/FREELINER-CLASSIFIED

Freeliner Policy The Freeliners column is open to current MMPA members who wish to advertise—at no charge—goods or services relating directly to their dairy farm operations.

• An item submitted will be published for no more than two consecutive months (one month, unless otherwise requested). After that, it will be withdrawn.

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

• 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/she may choose to have the item published as a Classified Ad at the regular per-line rate.

• Freeliners must be received by the 10th of the month preceding desired month of publication.

FREELINERS Bulls Service age Holstein bulls. Call Steve at 810-622-8548 (evenings) or 810-404-8548.

Two yearling Jersey bulls. Full ET brothers.

Sired by Disco. GJPI 141, milk +1212, JUI 24.39. Asking $1,000 each or $1,700 for both. 989-305-0143 Service age Holstein bulls: B&W, R&W and polled. These sires are bred for calving and components. Wardin Bros. 989-642-3262.

Cows Registered Holstein dairy herd for sale.

200 lactating and 35 dry. 79 lb avg, BFT 4.01, PTN 3.1, SCC 141. Springers and youngstock also available. 231-425-7708

Equipment Calf-tel calf hutches, 10 small, 2 large, buckets, bottles, gates and calf blankets Delaval swinging cow brush. 269-317-8425

Haybuster 1000 Tub Grinder. Has 2 new screens, good hammers, a new auger pan and like new augers. Works great! Asking 7,000. Contact Neal at 989-315-1104.

Forage Harvester IH 830 w/two row narrow $2000.00. Forage box Knight 16 ft. w/tandem $3500.00. Forage box Badger 16 ft. w/tandem $2500.00. Only filled 20x60 not used for 5 years. All equipment stored inside and in EXCELLENT condition.

616-681-9668 IH silo blower 540 pto $600 OBO. VanDale 20’ ground drive silo unloader rebuilt gear box $500 OBO. John Deere 315 16’ disk, 9” spacing, 22” blades $2800 OBO. 989-307-0669

International 435 square baler with thrower and chute $1,200. JD 494 four row wide plate planter mechanical lift $800. Both have been stored inside. 810-614-0947

Milking Equipment 1,000 gal. Delaval bulk tank with 5 hp compressor. Delaval double 4 milking parlor equipment including vacuum pump and (8) 60-pound weigh jars. Lucknow stationary TMR mixer with stainless steel liners, 7.5 hp electric motor, very good condition.

For more information call 989-652-6006 (leave message.)

320-gal. Bulk Tank, small surge pipe line with 4 milker`s and vacuum pump, receiver jar, automatic pipe line washer. Best offer.

616-754-3064

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

Complete flat barn parlor, 20 headlocks, 10 MU480 milk meters with takeoff and Delpro software, 3-in milk and vacuum line, 2-in wash line plate cooler and vacuum pump. 269-317-8425

LEGENDAIRY. No bull.

Co-Products Menu

Soybean meal, canola meal, hominy, oat hulls, wheat midds, citrus pulp, malt sprouts, beet pulp, soybean hulls, cereal feed, cottonseed, distillers, gluten feed, wet feeds and more!

Non-GMO

products available

Contact merchandisers at ZFS, Inc: MI/IN/OH: 866.888.7082 WI: 800-523-6760 www.zfsinc.com/divisions/ingredients

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

28

MESSENGER | JUNE 2019

MERCHANDISE

Classifieds Policy Cost for classifieds is $25 for the first 35 words and then $5 for each additional word. Payment due with order. All ads must be received by the 10th of the month preceding desired month of publication.

MMPA neither sponsors nor endorses products or services advertised in the Michigan Milk Messenger.

OPPERMAN GROOVING: We can fix your scabbled floors. Diamond sawed grooves, no hammering or cracking of concrete. No hoof damage. Call Opperman Grooving Inc., Portland. 517-647-7381.

DAVIDSON CEMENT GROOVING, INC: NO water needed. Wider, rougher grooves for better traction. We also offer texturing for your previously grooved floors. 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 A SURE WAY TO KEEP YOUR COWS UPRIGHT! Concrete grooving/texturing provides high quality traction in new & old concrete, fast service. Call for your below pricing 989-635-1494. BLUE RIBBON HOOF TRIMMING, LLC. FOR SALE: NEW & USED MILK TANKS. We stock all sizes, makes, models. Special prices to co-op members, corporate & private farms. Contact us anytime day or night. Spring special 2000 gal. Muellers for $13,900 & up. 2700 & 4000 gal. Muellers call for quote. 800-558-0112.

STRAW & DRY HAY (large & small bales).

Feed Oats, Feed Barley and Corn Silage.

Delivery Available. 989-723-1886 or 989-2771414.

ALPHALFA HAYLAGE (excellent & fair grades) & CORN SILAGE. 989-723-1886 or 989-277-1414.

NEW KATOLIGHT PTO GENERATOR, 60 KW, keep everyone warm and producing if there is a power outage. Call Brent at 248770-5122.

HOOF TRIMMING - 20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE. Also doing fly control and cement grooving. Gibson Hoof Care (Tom) 989-239-6843.

SEED CORN - 85 Day “Minnesota 13” open pollinated, heirloom yellow field corn seed.

Non-GMO, 80,000 viable seeds per bag. $95. High yield, high protein, fast dry down, great stalk strength. Free delivery available.

Visit JanksSeeds.com 989-284-5052.

BARN WHITE WASHING AND CLEANING WITH HIGH PRESSURE AIR: Serving all Michigan and Indiana. Miller Spray Service, Inc. 574-825-9776.

Fly Control Temperatures are on the rise and of course as the temperatures increase, so do the flies. Fly population control is very important on dairy operations during the warm time of the year. Minimizing disease transmission to livestock and humans and preventing product contamination are extra challenges during fly season. MMPA Merchandise stocks two products members can purchase to use as tools in their .fly management program: QuikStrike and Prozap LD-44Z. PROZAP LD-44 MMPA Merchandise stocks Prozap LD-44Z farm insect fogger. The active ingredients in Prozap LD-44Z, Pyrethrins and Piperonyl Butoxide, repel and kill a host of insects. Prozap LD-44Z contains no CFC’s and may be used in milkrooms and livestock housing areas, if used according to label directions. Prozap LD-44Z is available in a 20-oz. aerosol can.

Stock #5501

Member price: $14.11/can

QUIKSTRIKE QuikStrike strips are a ready to use, self-contained product, designed to be placed in fly foraging areas. The active ingredient, Nithiazine, kills flies seconds after they feed on Quikstrike. The flies are attracted to the sugar base matrix and a strong fly pheromone attractant. QuikStrike is effective only after flies ingest the active ingredient Nithiazine. Therefore, it needs to be placed in areas where flies actively feed. The best placement is 2-4 ft. above ground level in an area protected from children, animals, direct sunlight, wind, and rain. QuikStrike strips are effective for six to eight weeks and are helpful in controlling flies in calf raising areas, milking barns and feed storages. QuikStrike is available in a box containing two strips per package.

Stock#5503

Member price: $17.60/pkg.

Chemical, Sanitizer and Teat Dip Contact Information These are service personnel only.

Order your Member Merchandise supplies through your hauler.

THREE WAYS TO ORDER YOUR MMPA MERCHANDISE

ECOLAB 24-Hour Medical Emergency Hotline: 1-800-328-0026 Service Message Center: 1-800-392-3392 Service Representatives: » Pat Mitchell 517-403-0928 7273 N. Rollin Highway Addison, MI 49220 » Jason Wolfe 540-553-5755 1890 Canter Drive Riner, VA 24149

1 Place your order through your milk hauler 2 Call in your order: Duane Farmer, Supervisor 989-317-8370

Toll Free: 877-367-6455

Orders (Novi): 800-572-5824 then dial 2

3. Fax in your order: MMPA Merchandise fax 989-317-8372

JUNE 2019 | MESSENGER

29

MARKET REPORT

Statistical Summary

|

FOR MILK MARKETED IN APRIL 2019

IN THE UPCOMING ISSUES OF THE MILK MESSENGER, PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THIS INFORMATION WILL NO LONGER BE PUBLISHED. YOU WILL BE ABLE TO FIND THE MARKET REPORT LISTED IN THE MEMBER CONNECTION NEWSLETTER, MAILED MONTHLY WITH THE MILK CHECK AND ONLINE AT PRODUCERS.MIMILK.COM.

AMS Survey Prices (monthly average, per pound)

Cheese 1.5383 / LB

Market Statistics - Mideast Federal Order #33

# This Month

# Year Ago

Total Class 1 Sales

560,693,919

542,642,206

+3.33

Total Class 2 Sales

219,367,456

341,434,821

-35.75

Total Class 3 Sales

633,125,340

444,282,040

+42.51

Total Class 4 Sales

251,360,251

285,934,173

-12.09

1,664,546,966

1,614,293,240

+3.11

33.7%

33.6%

Total Production Class 1 Utilization

% Change

Mideast Federal Order #33 Total Producers............................................................................................ 4,284 Avg. Daily Production per farm................................................................. 12,534

Butter 2.2740 / LB

Avg. Protein Test........................................................................................ 3.19% Avg. Butterfat Test...................................................................................... 3.93% Avg. Oth Solids Test................................................................................... 5.78% Avg. SCC - MMPA................................................................................... 164,000

Component Pricing Information Mideast Federal Order #33 Protein Price /lb........................................................................................$1.6303

Milk Powders

Butterfat Price /lb.....................................................................................$2.5461 Other Solids Price /lb...............................................................................$0.2200

Nonfat Dry Milk

Class III Price @ 3.5%..................................................................................$15.04

0.9589 / LB

Prod. Price Diff /cwt. - Mich Mkt...................................................................$0.95

Dry Whey

Uniform Price @ 3.5%.................................................................................$15.99

0.4127/ LB

SCC Adjustment /cwt /1000...................................................................$0.00077

National Trends* (production in millions of pounds)

*For 23 States 30

MESSENGER | JUNE 2019

California Wisconsin New York Idaho Pennsylvania Michigan Texas Minnesota New Mexico Washington Ohio Indiana Total U.S. U.S Y-T-D

2018

2017

% Change

3,614 2,616 1,292 1,284 893 965 1,181 851 712 567 466 357 17,815 51,341

3,589 2,605 1,263 1,266 959 961 1,116 847 741 569 491 369 17,826 51,070

+0.7 +0.4 +2.3 +1.4 -6.9 +0.4 +5.8 +0.5 -3.9 -0.4 -5.1 -3.3 -0.1 +0.5

MMPA STAFF MERCHANDISE

MMPA Field Staff

Novi Headquarters

Manager of Field Services Ben Chapin, Blanchard......................................989-289-0731

Main Office Local line...................................................... 248-474-6672 Toll free......................................................... 800-572-5824

Northwest Area

Chief Executive Officer Joe Diglio................................................................ ext. 202

Supervisor Sarah Michalek, Dewitt.....................................248-305-0537 Animal Care Coordinator Deb Gingrich, Leroy...........................................248-520-3580 Frank Brazeau, Oconto, WI................................906-250-0337 Lyndsay Earl, Ludington.....................................231-519-2455 Elyse Martin, Charlotte......................................810-701-6460 Dirk Okkema, Blanchard.................................. 248-756-2062 Brittni Tucker, Eagle...........................................248-880-3785

Chief Financial Officer Josep Barenys......................................................... ext. 240 Hedging and Business Development Aaron Beak............................................................. ext. 256 Quality Sudeep Jain............................................................ ext. 249 Member and Government Relations Sheila Burkhardt..................................................... ext. 208

Board of Directors Officers Kris Wardin, President Doug Chapin, Vice President Eric Frahm, Treasurer Joe Diglio, CEO / Secretary

East Area

Management Information Systems Andrew Caldwell.....................................................ext. 304

Supervisor & Mastitis Management Specialist Christy Dinsmoore, Vassar.................................248-513-7920

Sales James Feeney.......................................................... ext. 258

Todd Hoppe, General Counsel

Laboratory Supervisor Patti Huttula........................................................... ext. 219

Directors-At-Large

Animal Care Coordinator Lindsay Green, East Lansing...............................989-488-8159 Ashley Herriman, Herron...................................269-245-6632 Laura Gucwa, Bad Axe......................................248-826-6294 Emily Peacock, Otisville......................................248-826-7243

South Area Supervisor Dave Brady, Grass Lake......................................517-937-9061 Joe Packard, Manchester...................................248-520-3481 Anna Tucker, Mt. Gilead, OH.............................248-533-2288 Brandon Ewers, Coldwater................................231-414-4539

Other Member Services Energy Auditor Ed Zuchnik, Three Rivers....................................269-967-7351 Bulk Tank Calibration John Lehman, Elsie............................................248-444-6775 Sustainability Coordinator Kendra Kissane, Byron Center...........................248-880-4234 Raw Milk Compliance Manager Steve Lehman, Ithaca........................................989-330-1638

MMPA Labs Novi (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.)

In Michigan....................................................800-572-5824 Toll Free 800-233-2405 Ovid (Daily, 6 a.m.-10 p.m.)..................... 989-834-2515 Constantine (Daily, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.).........800-391-7560

Merchandise - Mt. Pleasant Supervisor: Duane Farmer Main Line......................................................... 989-317-8370 Toll Free............................................................ 877-367-6455 Orders (Novi)..................................800-572-5824, then dial 2 Fax................................................................... 989-317-8372 Merchandise Coordinator, Energy Auditor Katie Pierson.....................................................989-289-9686

Manufacturing Kaylan Kennel............................................... 248-880-5413 Human Resources Kelly Kerrigan......................................................... ext. 301 Member Services Dean Letter................................................... 989-289-9251 Credit/Insurance Cheryl Schmandt.................................................... ext. 210 Communications Allison Stuby Miller................................................. ext. 296

Josep Barenys, Asst. Treasurer

Kris Wardin, St. Johns 989-640-9420 Gertie van den Goor, Marlette 989-550-8453 Carlton Evans, Litchfield 517-398-0629 Mark Iciek, Gladwin 989-387-4767 Aaron Gasper, Lowell 616-291-4092

Controller Shelly Sowers.......................................................... ext. 259

District Directors

Supply Chain Therese Tierney....................................................... ext. 217

1 Hank Choate Cement City 517-529-9032

Member Relations Jessica Welch.......................................................... ext. 303

Manufacturing Plants Constantine, Michigan Dave Davis, Plant Manager............................ 269-435-2835 Ovid, Michigan Ron Steinhorst, Plant Manager...................... 989-834-2221 Middlebury Cheese Company, Middlebury, Indiana Bela Sandor, Plant Manager.......................... 574-825-9511

If you are unable to reach your assigned member representative, please contact the representatives listed in your area. Your assigned member representative is listed on your quality statements or can be found by visiting mimilk.com/contact/ field-staff and searching by your producer number.

2 Tim Hood Paw Paw 269-657-5771 3 David Pyle Zeeland 616-772-1512 4 Corby Werth Alpena 989-464-5436 5 Doug Chapin Remus 231-349-4059 6 Tony Jandernoa Fowler 989-593-2224 7 Eric Frahm Frankenmuth 989-652-3552 8 Scott Lamb Jeddo 810-327-6135

JUNE 2019 | MESSENGER

31

P.O. Box 8002 Novi, MI 48376

Own it.

Love it.

MEMBERS SAVE 20% Shop online at heritageridgecreamery.com To earn the 20% off discount, checkout using the email address associated with your account on producers.mimilk.com and use coupon code MEMBER20.

11275 W. 250 N., Middlebury, IN 46540 » 574-825-9511 » heritageridgecreamery.com