Milk Messenger by Stacy Love, Designer

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020

VOL. 103

/ NO. 3

LOCAL MEETING UPDATES INSIDE!

FORK TO FARM: HOW SHIFTING BEHAVIORS IMPACT FARMERS

LAYING THE FOUNDATION: DREW AND BETH RUPPRECHT NAMED 2020 OYDC RUNNERS UP

milk messenger / NOV-DEC 2020

features

14 Fork to Farm: How Shifting Behaviors Impact Farmers

“Farm to fork” is usually the path we use to describe the food system. But the choices people make about what to put on their plates affects those who produce and process food.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE 2020 MMPA LOCAL ELECTIONS

Like so many other things in 2020, Local Meetings will look different this year. With a focus on conducting only essential Local Association business, learn what that may look like this December.

LAYING THE FOUNDATION: DREW AND BETH RUPPRECHT NAMED 2020 OYDC RUNNERS UP

Drew and Beth Rupprecht, of Vassar, Michigan, were recently named 2020 MMPA Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperators runners-up.

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contents

CHARLOTTE RUPPRECHT

HERITAGE RIDGE CREAMERY CHEESES PLACE IN NATIONAL CONTEST

05 EDITOR’S NOTE

26 YOUR DAIRY PROMOTION AT WORK IN MICHIGAN AND INDIANA

06 MILK MINUTE

Food Safety is Priority Number One

08 QUALITY WATCH

28 FREELINERS & CLASSIFIEDS

What is Dairy Care Academy and how can it help your farm?

29 FARM SUPPLY STORE

10 NEWS & VIEWS

30 STAFF

12 LEGISLATIVE WATCH

MEMBER MOMENT

“The best way to accomplish getting better is by learning, and that’s why I make sure all of my employees attend Dairy Care Academy every year.” JEREMY BEEBE, MMPA MEMBER (PAGE 8)

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VOL. 103

/ NO. 3

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

Editor’s Note BY EMILY KITTENDORF

The holidays are about gathering, celebrating and setting goals for the year ahead. While that is all nice, 2020 has been a whirlwind and 2021 can’t come soon enough. As I’m writing this, the election is just a few days away and it’s impossible to predict what the future of that might hold and whether or not it will shift the world’s paradigm. Regardless of the unpredictability and the ability for the world to change at a rapid beat, it’s never been more important to turn to the future and learn from the past as we flip the calendar to January 2021. Our cover photo this issue is from MMPA member Renee McCauley from Lowell, Michigan.

Inside this Issue I had the opportunity to catch up with the 2020 Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator Runners-Up, Drew and Beth Rupprecht, who know the importance of setting goals and using them to guide their operation, despite the unpredictability of the world around them. I’ve never met a couple so driven and passionate about the dairy industry and dairy genetics. Check out their story on page 18. To feed your curiosity, or if you just want to limit some of the unpredictability for the month to come, check out page 14 to see what Center of Food Integrity is expecting for consumer behavior at the grocery store throughout the holidays. You can also prepare for Local Meetings by checking out page 16 for this year’s different delivery methods designed to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Finally, if you’re looking for a gift for those hard-to-buy-for dairymen and women in your life, check out the 2020 Gift Guide in the center of the magazine for great gift ideas. And for some non-COVID related parting words, I hope that you are able to find time to rest, be with family and find joy in the little things this holiday season. God bless!

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 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 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 Subscriptions: MMPA members - 50¢ per year Non-members - $5 per year Circulation: 2,600 (ISSN 0026-2315)

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MILK MINUTE

Food Safety is Priority Number One BY SUDEEP JAIN, MMPA DIRECTOR OF QUALITY ASSURANCE

t MMPA, the safety of our products is paramount. The year 2020 has brought so many challenges, but our commitment to producing safe, quality food has not, and should not waiver.

In this article, I want to share with you some of the work that happens every day at MMPA plants to ensure that the products are safe to consume and are made to the quality standards that our customers expect—no different than what our dairy farmer members are responsible for on their farms. We receive some of the best quality milk in the nation from our member farms, and convert it into finished products such as fluid milk, condensed skim milk, milk powders, butter, cream, Ultra-filtered skim milk, Ultra-filtered skim milk blends and various varieties of cheese. Most of these products are classified under the ready-to-eat (RTE) category. SUDEEP JAIN

Food safety is an expectation, not a competitive advantage, in the evolved, 21st century food landscape. Customers and consumers have choices. The way we see it, food safety is the minimum bar that a food processor must pass to offer their products to buyers. We want consumers to have undeniable trust in the safety of dairy products every day when they drink a glass of milk or eat a piece of cheese. All MMPA plants fall under the inspection by Food and Drug Administration (FDA), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and state regulatory agencies like the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development or the Indiana Board of Animal Health. The MMPA Quality Assurance team is constantly working to ensure that our plants meet the requirements of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). The latest regulation is FDA’s Intentional Adulteration rule, which is aimed at preventing intentional adulteration of food from acts intended to cause wide-scale harm to public health, including acts of terrorism targeting the food supply. For ensuring safe food production at our plant, we have divided the plant into “zones” depending on the activities that take place in those areas. We take microbiological swabs to check for the presence of pathogenic (disease causing) bacteria in those areas. If concerns are identified, corrective actions are taken to ensure that our plants remain safe to make food for human consumption. Additionally, all MMPA plants carry the Global Food Safety Initiative’s Safe Quality Food (SQF) Code (version 8.1). This is a voluntary certification program that standardizes the food quality and safety requirements across a broad spectrum of food manufacturers. Participation in this program helps our sales team sell products to a variety of customers and limits the number of audits that the plant operations team must manage. As our sales team works with customers to find new and innovative uses of MMPA products, my department, the quality assurance team, works side by side with them to support the research and development work—be it sharing samples, supporting documentation or new product specification development. We also believe that knowledge is best used when you are willing to share. Our quality team participates in industry workshops sponsored by Dairy Management Inc (DMI) and American Dairy Products Institute (ADPI) to help develop better testing methods, new ways of ensuring food safety in dairy plant operations, all of which may ultimately result in increased consumer confidence in dairy products.

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milk messenger / NOV-DEC 2020

QUALITY WATCH

What is Dairy Care Academy and how can it help your farm? WE ASKED THE EXPERTS:

Lyndsay Earl

Christy Dinsmoore

Jeremy Beebe

MMPA Member Representative

MMPA Area Supervisor

MMPA Member

Dairy Care Academy (DCA) is a unique training opportunity provided by MMPA to help our members meet the FARM program continuing education and employee training requirements. Our day-long training sessions cover three key topics to ensure proper milking practices, stockmanship and calf care. Each session reinforces best practices, provides a live forum for interaction and improves employee performance on the farm. With the gathering restrictions in place for the foreseeable future, we will have to get a little creative as to how we offer trainings in the coming year. As with most events, DCA will be going virtual for 2021. Our team is currently working on putting together virtual training options that will benefit members long after the initial training day. Though the details have not been finalized, we believe this will be a great opportunity for the future of employee training on member farms. We understand that this is not an ideal solution for all farms, as not everyone has the ability to attend an online meeting. Going forward, on farm trainings can still be conducted in small groups by member representatives for those interested in other training opportunities.

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Employee training is critical to all dairy operations. Training keeps all animal caretakers on task and performing best practices to provide excellent care to animals. Though DCA may look differently this year, it continues to provide members an opportunity to train employees to meet FARM program requirements. During DCA, participants are trained in three key areas: milking practices, dairy stockmanship and calf care. These topics were selected because they have a direct impact on milk quality and production. With milking practices, corners tend to get cut over time and DCA training covers not only what procedures should be but why they are important. Good dairy stockmanship procedures help reduce cow and people injuries and good down cow management can get cows back on their feet and in the milk string faster. DCA teaches the importance of establishing procedures for calf feeding equipment cleanliness and colostrum feeding, which can lead to faster gains and healthier calves giving farms more choices in quality replacement animals. Farms that benefit most from training are those that commit to incorporating DCA best procedures on their farm. Setting expectations and evaluating adherence to procedures long term are surefire ways to help the farm team be successful.

If there is one thing anyone knows about me, it’s that I value continuing education. I’m always wanting to learn new things and share ideas and I try to pass that attitude onto my kids and farm employees. I’m never happy with just status quo because if we’re going to do something, we’re going to do it better. The best way to accomplish getting better is by learning, and that’s why I make sure all of my employees attend DCA every year. DCA serves as a training refresher for employees who have worked with me for years and as a more thorough training for newer employees. The best part about DCA is that it teaches people the why about what we’re doing and expecting from them. I don’t necessarily have time to teach them the why when I’m first bringing them on, so DCA provides that for me. Attending DCA is as good for me as it is for them because I know that I’m always going to hopefully learn at least one new thing. It may not be anything earth shaking, but I know I’ll walk away knowing something that I didn’t before.

Finding stability in the rumen and in your wallet With prices rising in the protein market, meeting your cows’ energy needs can be a costly challenge. Optigen is a profit-proving slowrelease nitrogen source that gives your herd the fuel they need to reach your production goals. Feeding the microbes in the rumen allows the animal to digest its diet more effectively, resulting in a boosted energy supply and a healthier, more productive dairy cow. What can microbial protein do for your herd? Supports milk production Maximizes rumen efficiency Enhances fiber digestion Promotes butterfat content

Matt Neumayer Territory Sales Manager mneumayer@alltech.com | 989-310-6013

Alltech.com

AlltechNaturally

@Alltech

milk messenger / NOV-DEC 2020

NEWS & VIEWS

UPCOMING

EVENTS Please note the 2020 Leaders' Conference has been canceled. Like previous meetings this year, the Advisory Committee meeting in December will take place virtually. More information about Local Meetings is on page 16.

MMPA producers scoring 95 percent or higher on Grade A Surveys and Federal Check Ratings JAMES W DELAGRANGE* DONALD LINDSEY* GREG MYERS* KEVIN & MARK KLINGAMAN* J & A KOEBEL FARM LLC* DANIEL L WILLIAMS CARL ZOOK RUBEN R HOCHSTETLER MIKE STEFANIUK HILLCREST FARM JONATHON SOUTHWORTH DOUGLAS L, BRAD D & MARK A SMITH GARY A MIDDLETON* MATTHEW SMITH* FERRIS FARMS* RISKE FARMS* WEIDMAYER FARMS LLC* LAMBARTH FARMS LLC* MARVIN FARMS INC STOUTCREST FARMS HARTLAND FARMS INC GRAND VALLEY FARMS HILLSIDE DAIRY FARMS LYNN A & GREG R DEFOREST ZENZ FARMS DRAKELAN FARMS LLC HORNING FARMS LLC VICTOR PUSCHEL* KEVIN DYKSTRA WELCHKIN ACRES LLC MELVIN T PUSCHEL LYNN J & DOUGLAS & TERRY HUFF BERNARD BAKER WAMHOFF FAMILY DAIRY FARM LLC BON-TEK OPERATIONS LLC* H & H DAIRY LLC GRAMER FARMS LLC *100 percent

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MMPA Awards Five Scholarships to Michigan State University Students Five students at Michigan State University were awarded scholarships, thanks to the Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA). As a longtime supporter of dairy education, the MMPA annually sponsors scholarships for members, their children and employees enrolled at Michigan State University (MSU). For the 2020-2021 academic year, MMPA awarded five scholarships, totaling $9,500, based on academics, involvement in the dairy industry and letters of recommendation. The scholarship fund aims to assist students pursuing a career in the dairy industry. The MSU scholarships available are for students enrolled in the Dairy Management Program. According to the MSU Institute of Agricultural Technology, the program delivers innovative, educational programs that develop career-ready graduates through intensive, practical learning and skill enhancement. Students in the dairy management program, advised by Dr. Joe Domecq, undergo a two-year, hands-on training program for careers in the dairy industry. A key component of the program is the completion of an internship at a dairy farm different than the student’s home farm.

Scholarship applications for the 2020-2021 academic year are due Sept. 1. for the MSU scholarships. A similar scholarship is established at Purdue University with scholarship applications due Jan. 1 for freshmen students and due Feb. 1 for current students. In continuation of MMPA’s efforts to support youth development and education, MMPA is a supporter of the Michigan Dairy Ambassador Scholarship and Leadership program and the Michigan Dairy Memorial and Scholarship Foundation.

Scholarship Recipients: • Jack Baker, Byron Center, MI Second Year Student Scholarship Recipient • Kassidy Thelen, Westphalia, MI Second Year Student Scholarship Recipient • Ian Black, Eagle, MI Employee Scholarship Recipient • Rachael Bosse, MI Employee Scholarship Recipient • Mikayla Bowen, Hudson, MI Employee Scholarship Recipient

Heritage Ridge Creamery Cheese Places in National Championship Cheese Contest

epper-jack and Monterey-jack

placed second in the natural cheese category.

cheese produced under the Heritage

The award was presented virtually on Oct. 27

Ridge Creamery brand at Michigan

by the National Milk Producers Federation

Milk Producers Association’s

(NMPF) during the federation’s annual meeting.

Middlebury, Indiana cheese plant recently

The annual contest includes cheese made by

snagged awards in a national cheese contest.

dairy cooperatives belonging to NMPF. The

Pepper-jack earned first place in the hot or

2020 contest judged 190 entries from dairy

spicy flavor category, while the Monterey-jack

cooperatives all over the U.S.

Future Dairy Leaders

APPLY NOW for the UDIM Board Mentor Program Do you have a passion for Michigan’s dairy industry and dairy promotion or know someone who does? The United Dairy Industry of Michigan is seeking candidates for its next class of the Board Mentor Program which begins March 2021. The program helps identify and develop future dairy leaders, increases their knowledge of UDIM initiatives and helps them spread the word about dairy promotion programs. The leadership curriculum involves a two-year commitment, during which participants: • Attend at least two quarterly UDIM board meetings to learn about dairy promotion and UDIM history.

HERITAGE RIDGE CREAMERY PEPPER-JACK CHEESE WON FIRST PLACE IN THE HOT AND SPICY CATEGORY OF THE NMPF CHAMPIONSHIP CHEESE COMPETITION.

• Participate in promotion events to connect directly with consumers and tell dairy’s story.

Order Cheese Online! Holiday gift baskets available at heritageridgecreamery.com

Visit milkmeansmore.org today to learn more and apply for the program.

milk milkmessenger messenger/ /NOV-DEC NOV-DEC2020 2020

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LEGISLATIVE WATCH

Dairy Community Leaders Meet Virtually for NMPF/UDIA/NDB Joint Annual Meeting The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board (NDB) and the United Dairy Industry Association (UDIA) held their annual meeting virtually Oct. 27-28. The meeting was offered at no cost, allowing dairy farmers and others nationwide to participate in the annual policy and promotion leadership gathering.

he first day of the meeting included a dairy farmer leadership panel focused on lessons learned during unprecedented times, a forecast of the 2020 elections from David Wasserman, House editor for The Cook Political Report, and a moderated town hall with leaders from NMPF. In his remarks, NMPF President and CEO Jim Mulhern, reflected on the past year and the resiliency of the dairy industry. “This year has posed challenges beyond what any of us could have imagined just one year ago…. challenges on our farms, in our families and to our futures. And yet, the obstacles we’ve faced this year will only make us stronger as we deal with the hardships that, yes, still lie ahead,” he said. “Think back to March, when the COVID-19 crisis began to profoundly change all our lives,” Mulhern continued. “The challenges were

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immediate… and clear. The solutions, less so. At National Milk, as we looked at all of this, there were a few things we knew. We knew that the nation’s dairy farmers and our member cooperatives are essential for the nourishment of those we serve. We knew that the dairy community can be formidable when it pursues its goals with unity and commitment. And we knew that our organization has demonstrated a track record of effectiveness, even in the face of daunting tasks.” “Just as important as protecting our businesses, of course, is protecting our families, and our workers, and our communities, especially during a pandemic. Through the National Dairy FARM program, we quickly made available industry best practices and guidance to help address the crisis, and through our outreach and our coronavirus toolbox on our website, we gave our members – and all dairy farmers – the information they needed

to adjust to dairy farming in this new reality,” he said. “So, what will all this mean in the days ahead?” Mulhern continued. “Well, make no mistake: this crisis is far from over. Without a vaccine, with an uncertain political future, with an economy that still hasn’t found a ‘new normal,’ there’s no happy ending I can share with you today, because we still have a long way to go.” However, Mulhern concluded with a few observations that point toward optimism for the future: • The strength of farmer-owned dairy cooperatives. • The power of unity to allow the dairy industry to achieve goals and prevail. • The importance of lessons the industry has learned on advocating for Dairy Margin Coverage and touting dairy’s positive stewardship story. On the second day of the virtual meeting, a dairy executive panel shared promotion priorities and plans for 2021 and beyond, including how COVID-19 has uncovered and accelerated opportunities for U.S. dairy. Peter Sheahan, founder of Karrikins Group and a globally recognized thought leader, shared his thoughts on how companies develop and sustain a competitive edge. The meeting

concluded with a panel with updates and context around the industry’s sustainability journey. Barbara O’Brien, Dairy Management, Inc. president, discussed how checkoff organizations pivoted throughout tumultuous moments in 2020. “It has prompted staff at all levels to respond by doing everything necessary to keep products moving into the marketplace, restocking shelves and redirecting excess milk and other dairy products into food banks,” she said. In the export arm of the checkoff organization, Secretary Tom Vilsack, President and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council described the organization’s efforts to increase exports of U.S. dairy products through focusing on key markets and promoting what differentiates American dairy on the global stage.

“Especially with our sustainability commitment, we will be able to make the claim of dairy products being produced in the greatest sustainable way in the future,” he says. “We are pleased to have increased volume and milk solids in exports. We have all doubled down on exports, and it’s paying dividends. We will continue to work hard at USDEC to see that potential expand.” The virtual programming was also included a two-day Young Cooperator Leadership Program, hosted by NMPF and MMPA 2019 Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator James Weber, who

RECORDED SESSIONS FROM THE JOINT ANNUAL MEETING CAN BE ACCESSED ONLINE AT:

serves as the 2020 NMPF YC Chair.

WWW.ENGAGEZ.NET/

In the annual NMPF Communications

2020SPOTLIGHTDAIRY

Competition, MMPA won six awards, including “Best in Class” for the Milk Messenger magazine.

DISTRICT 3

DISTRICT 6

Gary Nelsen, Grant..............................231-834-7610

David Reed, Owosso............................989-274-8147

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

Mike Halfman, St. Johns......................989-640-1962

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

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

Max Carlson, Fremont.........................231-638-2183

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

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

Steve Thelen, Fowler...........................989-640-1075

DISTRICT 1

DISTRICT 4

DISTRICT 7

Dan Minnis, Dansville.........................517-719-5894

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tracy House, Mt. Pleasant...................989-621-6610

Clark Emmons, Fayette, OH.................419-466-4471

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

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

Brian Preston, Quincy.........................517-376-1350

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

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

DISTRICT 2

DISTRICT 5

DISTRICT 8

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

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

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

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

John Black, Howard City......................231-846-7252

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

Danny Ransler, Gobles.........................269-998-3802

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

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

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

Bruce Benthem, McBain......................231-920-1615

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

Advisory Committee

milk messenger / NOV-DEC 2020

FORK TO FARM

FORK TO FARM: HOW SHIFTING BEHAVIORS IMPACT FARMERS BY ROXI BECK, THE CENTER FOR FOOD INTEGRITY

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“FARM TO FORK” IS USUALLY THE PATH WE USE TO DESCRIBE THE FOOD SYSTEM. IDEAS AND INFLUENCE, HOWEVER, OFTEN MOVE IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION.

n the “fork to the choices people

As this disease continues to stay with us, some of the changes in shopping and dining habits are expected to remain, as well. A few things we should be on the watch for:

make about what to

• A sustained increase in online grocery shopping

farm” scenario,

put on their plates affects those who produce and process food. This process is complex and not easy to predict as consumer purchasing intent and their actual purchasing behavior

• Consumption of plant-based foods, not only because of curiosity and availability, but because of preference • Scrutiny for how food is produced, processed and packaged – in particular, “mass produced” food • Decreases in in-person dining given cooler temps and increases in infection cases • Processing plant operational disruption causing interference with consistent food supply

often are misaligned.

• Decreasing number of SKUs/variety of food products at retail

How to crack that code on the difference between what consumers say they’re going to do and what they actually do is a question I’ve received throughout my career. There are countless shifts that take place on an annual basis including changes in product variety, price, convenience and information – to name a few. Layer in COVID-19 and we see new behaviors, attitudes and habits unfolding.

While most of these things would be considered consumer issues, they will eventually impact those who produce food, some to a greater extent than others.

What’s on the horizon and how should farmers respond?

Pandemic Impact This year, without a doubt, has been extraordinary. When COVID-19 shut down restaurant dining and inspired a wave of home cooking, every link of the food chain has been impacted. Farmers, especially livestock, poultry and dairy producers, were hit hard by the sudden disruption in the markets.

Responding to the Pressure Consumers ask many questions of branded food companies, restaurants and grocery stores at which they shop. As pressure from consumers increases, food companies turn to agriculture through associations, organizations and influencers for engagement and

even change. This is part of the work The Center for Food Integrity facilitates for our members – to ensure food system decision makers understand more about why the segments operate in the way they do, and to convey the tradeoff implications for decisions they’re considering. The best thing farmers can do is truly listen to what consumers are saying – not so we can identify where consumers need education, not to simply correct their information, and certainly not to persuade them out of their deep-seated fears or positions. Truly listening will help you understand what is driving their concerns. When you listen with the intent to understand (versus with the intent to refute their claims), you start to hear why their ideas and concerns are valid. I’m not advocating for farms and food companies to agree with every consumer demand or idea. And I’m not advocating for consumers to agree with every decision of the food system. But I am encouraging all of us involved in food production to be willing to be educated about consumer perceptions in a way that’s consistent with the way we wish consumers were educated about food production. When that happens, I think there will be better outcomes for everyone. The Center for Food Integrity has several resources available to help farmers learn about consumer behaviors. We’re here to help. LEARN MORE FROM THE CENTER FOR FOOD INTEGRITY AT FOODINTEGRITY.ORG.

“The best thing farmers can do is truly listen to what consumers are saying – not so we can identify where consumers need education, not to simply correct their information, and certainly not to persuade them out of their deep-seated fears or positions.” milk messenger / NOV-DEC 2020

WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR 2020 MMPA LOCAL ELECTION

M PA’s traditional Local meeting season will look different this

year given the on-going impact of COVID-19. Changes to the upcoming Local meeting season are being made out of an abundance of caution and for the health and safety of members, employees, and our communities. The goal of this year’s Local meeting season will be to conduct only the essential business that needs to be conducted in accordance with our Association bylaws while limiting congregation of large groups of people considering the current pandemic.

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This year’s Local meeting will consist of members stopping by a location to cast their vote for the essential business that needs to be conducted such as the election of local delegates, local officers, Dairy Communicators, Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperators and voting on Local dues. When members stop by to cast their vote, they will also be provided with a list of Local quality award recipients, a local meeting gift and a printed MMPA business update report. The location and format of each Local election will be determined by the Local officers. All Locals are being asked to have their local elections during the month of December when hopefully the weather is a little better than in January. Members will be mailed information about the date, location and format of their Local election. This year’s options for Local meetings were developed in close coordination with MMPA’s legal counsel to ensure we are adhering to MMPA bylaw requirements. While we understand this format represents a significant change from our traditional Local meeting season, we hope everyone understands the need to operate in a safe and cautious manner while still conducting the essential business of the Association.

2019-2020 LOCAL OFFICERS 4

During the local meetings held by each local last year, the following officers were selected to lead their local throughout the year. Elections for 2020-2021 officers will take place at each local meeting this December. DISTRICT 1

DISTRICT 3

Adrian Local

Grand Rapids Local

President: Clark Emmons V. President: Chad Hart Sec/Treas: Gary Stout Dairy Communicators: Geraldine Emmons, Joy Marvin

President: Tim Butler V. President: Jonathan Acker Sec/Treas: Ken Leseman

Hillsdale-Litchfield Local President: Scott Ferry V. President: Bruce Lewis Sec/Treas: Dan Williams Dairy Communicators: Jennifer Lewis, Carol Marz-Evans

Jackson County Plus Local President: Dan Minnis V. President: Tom Zenz Sec/Treas: Arthur Riske Dairy Communicators: Theresa Choate, Stacey Hughes

Saline-Ann Arbor Local President: Jeff Horning V. President: Samantha Mamarow Sec/Treas: Bruce Breuninger Dairy Communicators: Lynda Horning, Samantha Mamarow, Katelyn Packard

DISTRICT 2 Barry-Eaton Local President: Tom Wing V. President: Brad Crandall Sec/Treas: Heather Wing Dairy Communicators: Gloria Crandall, Larry Crandall, Zach Pixley

Blossomland Local President: Heather Carpenter Sec/Treas: Joshua Gamble Dairy Communicator: Heather Carpenter

Constantine Local President: Richard Ultz V. President: Jesse Ramer Sec/Treas: Richard Thomas Dairy Communicators: Cynthia Adam, Richard Ultz

Kalamazoo Local President: Craig Newland V. President: Garrett Bartholomew Sec/Treas: Dan Ransler Dairy Communicator: Tammy Spicher

Lansing Local President: Daniel Ritter Sec/Treas: Kristina Langmaack Dairy Communicator: Kristina Langmaack

Marinette

6 2

Muskegon Local

St. Joseph

Elkhardt

1 LaGrange Noble

Marshall

President: Bill Stakenas V. President: Glen Sparks Sec/Treas: Burke Larsen Dairy Communicators: Lisa Larsen, Terri Stakenas

Kosclusko Allen

West Michigan Local President: Bill Gruppen V. President: Doug Huff Sec/Treas: Darren Coffey Dairy Communicator: Regina Coffey

DISTRICT 6

DISTRICT 4

Livingston Charter Local

Chippewa County Local

President: Scott Bontekoe V. President: Chuck White Sec/Treas: Janet White Dairy Communicator: Jodi Hill

President: David Folkersma Sec/Treas: Jonathan Miller Dairy Communicators: Anne Folkersma, Diane Miller

Hillman Local President: Jeremy Werth V. President: Russ Tolan Sec/Treas: Matt Noffze Dairy Communicators: Amy Bodnick, Connie Lucas, Michelle Lucas

Upstate Local President: Marv Rubingh V. President: Wilson Boss Sec/Treas: Richard Fettig Dairy Communicator: Rebekah Rubingh

U.P. West Central President: William Pirman V. President: Galen Van Drese Sec/Treas: Kimberly Pirman Dairy Communicator: Kimberly Pirman

DISTRICT 5 Alma Local President: Mike Rasmussen V. President: John Black Sec/Treas: Jack Jeppesen Dairy Communicators: Cheri Chapin, Kellie Jeppesen, Ramona Okkema

Evart Local President: Gordon Dick V. President: Bruce Benthem Sec/Treas: Amy Martin Dairy Communicator: Amy Martin

Mid-Michigan Local President: John Hufnagel V. President: Leroy Schafer Sec/Treas: Tom Cook Dairy Communicators: Patti Jandernoa, Renee McCauley, Doreen Slavik, Carla Wardin

Owosso Local President: Brad Ritter V. President: Jim Anibal Sec/Treas: David Reed Dairy Communicator: Shauna Weil

DISTRICT 7 Clare-Mt. Pleasant Local President: Philip Gross V. President: Tracy House Secretary: Philip Gross Treasurer: Doug Stevens

Deford/Clifford-Mayville Local President: Ray Wolak V. President: Keith Wood Sec/Treas: Steven Adamic Dairy Communicators: Wendy Bodeis, Katie Schumacher, Jane Wood, Kaila Wood

Sunrise Local President: John Bennett V. President: Jeremy Beebe Secretary: Chris Daniels Treasurer: Kyle Bennett Dairy Communicator: Nicole Wren

DISTRICT 8 Huron Local President: Mark Ziel V. President: Bryan Schulte Secretary: Ashley Kennedy Treasurer: Gary Protzman Dairy Communicators: Ashley Kennedy, Shelly Messing, Melissa Siemen

Mid-Sanilac Local President: Mike Noll V. President: Jeremy Sharrard Secretary: Sara Lee Treasurer: Dennis Lee Dairy Communicators: Sara Lee, Jordan Noll, Jody Sharrard, Gertie van den Goor

Mid-Thumb President: Bill Blumerich V. President: Patrick Bolday Sec/Treas.: Kristie Lamb Dairy Communicators: Virginia Ankley, Pat Bolday, Kathleen Clinton, Kristie Lamb, Kip Siegler

Frankenmuth Local President: James Weber V. President: Eric Frahm Sec/Treas: Bob Krafft Dairy Communicators: Amy Bergdolt, Debra Krafft, Joanmarie Weiss

milk messenger / NOV-DEC 2020

2020 OYDC RUNNERS UP

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Laying the Foundation DREW AND BETH RUPPRECHT NAMED 2020 OUTSTANDING YOUNG DAIRY COOPERATOR RUNNERS-UP BY EMILY KITTENDORF

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rew and Beth Rupprecht, the 2020

Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator Runners Up, took a leap of faith. Four years ago, they turned their part-time dairy show gig into a full-fledged milking operation with a focus on quality dairy genetics. “In 2016, we would send cows to six or eight different farms to be milked and when they dried off, we would bring them back here and graze the heifers,” Beth said. “It got to the point where we had to ask ourselves, ‘Are we all in or are we all out? Are we going to milk cows or not?’ Needless to say, we took the leap.” They renewed their ancestor’s farming legacy by keeping the name King Street Dairy for their registered Holsteins, named after King Street Stock Farm, the original name of the family’s farm in England, and started laying their own foundation with their farm Thistle Dew Dairy for their registered Jerseys and Milking Shorthorns. The Rupprechts have continued to keep an eye on the future, setting guiding goals that have lead them to success, while reminding themselves of the foundation their family established before them, with an original sale advertisement of Drew’s family’s farm in England hanging in their home’s hallway.

“

It got to the point where we had to ask ourselves, ‘Are we all in or are we all out? Are we going to milk cows or not?’ Needless to say, we took the leap. 20

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BETH AND DREW RUPPRECT, 2020 OYDC RUNNERS-UP ARE MEMBERS OF THE FRANKENMUTH LOCAL IN DISTRICT 7.

Genetic Goals The Rupprechts are fortunate to have Drew’s family’s background in dairy. When they were starting out, they relied heavily on Drew’s dad, who knew cows and the equipment that remained in the barn from when his parents sold in 2004. “We take advantage of opportunities where we can work with others in the neighborhood and help each other out,” Beth said. Their strong focus on community comes from growing up in a small town and is propelled by the community they live in and the people Beth services as a Michigan Farm Bureau Regional Manager. In the role, she meets members where they are and brings back the information to the home office, acting as a liaison. Drew served in a similar capacity at MMPA, working as an MMPA Field Representative after graduating from MSU with an agribusiness major.

Going from servicing farms as a field representative to showing up at the Frankenmuth Local meeting as a fellow cooperator was awkward initially. Ultimately though, they united over the same passion for the industry, even if slightly different with Drew’s intense focus on genetics. “I like looking out my window and just looking at them," Drew said as he pointed at a pasture full of cows. "I like trying to make better ones. I like showing. I like getting out and being with other people at shows that like doing the same thing.” The Rupprecht’s initial herd of show cattle was small since they relied on other farms to milk for them, so when they started their own milking operation they expanded their herd to the 55 it is today. “There are cows out there that are high excellent cows now that started with nothing behind them,” Drew said. “The farms they came from might have registered them, but they were never on tests, never scored, never shown, never nothing.”

Taking nothing and making into something is exciting for the Rupprechts and, as of last year, their Holstein herd was ranked thirteenth in the Midwest region based on Breed Association Averages (BAA) with Holstein U.S.A. Calculated based on a formula from average scores per age group from across the nation, the Rupprecht’s BAA of 111 is an impressive feat. “We have cow family’s with a history of 11 generations of excellence and breeding another generation of excellence was fun, but it is cool to be starting our own foundation and our own excellent line,” Beth said. Cool, for sure, but they have even higher goals of achieving top 10 BAA in the United States by 2025 with 75 percent of their herd being bred and owned by them along with breeding an All-American animal by 2025.

“

We have cow family’s with a history of 11 generations of excellence and breeding another generation of excellence was fun, but it is cool to be starting our own foundation and our own excellent line.

Lifestyle Goals Drew and Beth started out milking in the stanchion barn that was left behind on the Rupprecht’s original homestead in Vassar, Michigan. While it was working, it wasn’t what Drew and Beth had in mind for their lifestyle, so they installed a Lely A3 robotic milker in December 2019 for added flexibility.

“Installing the robot met my objective of just wanting to pick my kids up from daycare,” Beth said. “As a mom, it was important to me to be the one to pick them up. I also wanted to have dinner on time, but that hasn’t happened yet. Let’s not jump the gun!” Along with allowing Beth to meet her motherhood goals, Drew is happy that the robot allows them more flexibility to be off the farm. Although Beth was quick to mention, “We’ve only been gone together four nights since we started the robot.” Which Drew countered with, “That’s more than the year before!” Regardless, there’s no question that the robot gave the Rupprechts added flexibility, but it isn’t perfect. Drew provided a realistic outlook though that “no matter what way you’re going to milk cows, there will be headaches, it’s just different headaches.” (CONTINUED ON PAGE 22)

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(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21)

Financial Goals Drew and Beth are also driven to meet their financial goals. Along with their herd’s genetic achievements, they hope to become a debt-free operation by 2030. Certainly lofty by all means, Beth is confident that “it’s going to happen” and they’re being as sustainable as possible to make sure that it does. “We try to do small projects to maintain a debt-load that we are comfortable with,” Beth said. “I like paying people off and being done. That’s why we’ve purchased used equipment or completed projects in incremental steps.” Along with financial sustainability, Drew and Beth are focused on treating the environment they interact with in a way that sets them up for success. Their farm is located in a high-risk watershed area that makes every action they take to protect the environment vital for the Saginaw Bay that ultimately receives any runoff from their operation. The Rupprechts utilize cover crops for forage, minimize tilling of their fields, are MEAEP verified and are working on getting their Comprehensive Nutrient

Management Plan. In the future, they want to improve their manure storage and bury a tank underground to catch any of their farm’s runoff, bettering the farm for the next generations to come.

Future Goals Bettering the future is a theme for Thistle Dew Dairy and it’s rooted in Beth’s outlook on life. When asked what motivates her every day, she replied without skipping a beat, “To be better. My dreams of what this farm will be, and they keep getting bigger and bigger.”

“

What motivates me every day? To be better. My dreams of what this farm will be, and they keep getting bigger and bigger. Pair that optimistic attitude with Beth’s entrepreneurship master’s degree and you have the future of the Rupprecht’s farm. The Oklahoma State University program taught Beth business basics and allowed her to graduate with a completed business plan for their next phase.

THE RUPPRECHT'S HOME—AND HOME OF KING STREET DAIRY/THISTLE DEW DAIRY

While there’s a lot that their goals involve, Drew’s realities experienced as a field representative make him quick to slow Beth’s motion and point out the legalities that the developing dream might not include right now. Regardless of the details to be agreed on yet, the goals are shared, and Drew will be happy by just continuing as a contributing member of the industry. Afterall, “just look at them,” cows are certainly nice to look at! The Rupprecht’s two kids, Braxton (4) and Charlotte (2), agree that cows are great and are quickly following in Drew and Beth’s footsteps. The ultimate goal for the future of the farm is to allow the seventh generation the opportunity to be a part of the operation. “We want to create a farm that our kids can come back to. They’re going be here in 20 years, so although we are passionate about pedigreed animals and our future goals, we are trying to build a foundation that will allow our kids to come back to the farm, work with us on the farm and be able to sustain three families.” Drew and Beth’s coordinated and strategic goal setting is allowing them to take the leap on business decisions that will lay the foundation for their family and their farm to have a successful, promising and exciting future.

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outstanding

be an Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator

What is the OYDC Program? Since 1950, MMPA has been identifying future leaders through the Young Cooperator and Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator (OYDC) program. The purpose of the program is to strengthen leadership abilities in young farmers, broaden young farmers’ knowledge of milk marketing and MMPA and recognize the abilities and stewardship of our young dairy farmers. Each year, MMPA selects winning and runners-up OYDC to represent the co-op at local and national events.

JEREMY AND DEANNA BEEBE 2018 OYDC RUNNERS-UP

TALK TO YOUR LOCAL ABOUT PARTICIPATING IN THE OYDC PROGRAM Nominees must be involved on an MMPA member farm and be between 21 and 41 years of age as of Jan. 1, 2021. OYDC applicants do not need to be a voting member or on the MMPA contract to apply. For more information, contact Jessica Welch at jwelch@mimilk.com or 248-474-6672.

OYDC SELECTION PROCESS FOR 2021 DECEMBER 2020

MARCH-APRIL 2021

MAY 2021

AUGUST 2021

Locals nominate an individual or couple for the program during each local meeting

Nominees submit an application to be considered by the state nominating committee

Finalists selected from pool of local nominees and invited to attend OYDC conference

Finalists attend conference to learn more about MMPA while judges select winning OYDCs milk messenger / NOV-DEC 2020

Everything you need to produce high quality milk

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American Farm Products Inc. is excited to welcome Brigitte Grobbel to the mid-west branch of the American Farm Products family.

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AM1 – Optimum® AcreMax® 1 insect protection system with an integrated corn rootworm refuge solution includes HXX,LL,RR2. Optimum AcreMax 1 products contain the LibertyLink® gene and can be sprayed with Liberty® herbicide. The required corn borer refuge can be planted up to a half-mile away. AM – Optimum® AcreMax® insect protection system with YGCB,HX1,LL,RR2. Contains a single-bag integrated refuge solution for above-ground insects. In EPA-designated cotton-growing counties, a 20% separate corn borer refuge must be planted with Optimum AcreMax products. AMT – Optimum® AcreMax® TRIsect® insect protection system with RW,YGCB,HX1,LL,RR2. Contains a single-bag refuge solution for above- and below-ground insects. The major component contains the Agrisure® RW trait, the YieldGard® Corn Borer gene and the Herculex® I gene. In EPA-designated cotton-growing counties, a 20% separate corn borer refuge must be planted with Optimum AcreMax TRIsect products. AMX – Optimum® AcreMax® Xtra insect protection system with YGCB,HXX,LL,RR2. Contains a single-bag integrated refuge solution for above- and below-ground insects. In EPA-designated cotton-growing counties, a 20% separate corn borer refuge must be planted with Optimum AcreMax Xtra products. AMXT (Optimum® AcreMax® XTreme) – Contains a single-bag integrated refuge solution for above- and below-ground insects. The major component contains the Agrisure® RW trait, the YieldGard® Corn Borer gene and the Herculex® XTRA gene. In EPA-designated cottongrowing counties, a 20% separate corn borer refuge must be planted with Optimum AcreMax XTreme products. Q (Qrome®) – Contains a single-bag integrated refuge solution for above- and below-ground insects. The major component contains the Agrisure® RW trait, the YieldGard® Corn Borer gene and the Herculex® XTRA gene. In EPA-designated cotton-growing counties, a 20% separate corn borer refuge must be planted with Qrome® products. Qrome products are approved for cultivation in the U.S. and Canada. For additional information about the status of regulatory authorizations, visit http://www.biotradestatus.com/. YGCB,HX1,LL,RR2 (Optimum® Intrasect®) – Contains the YieldGard® Corn Borer gene and Herculex® I gene for resistance to corn borer. YGCB,HXX,LL,RR2 (Optimum® Intrasect® Xtra) – Contains the YieldGard® Corn Borer gene and the Herculex XTRA gene for resistance to corn borer and corn rootworm. RW,HX1,LL,RR2 (Optimum® TRIsect®) – Contains the Herculex I gene for above-ground pests and the Agrisure® RW trait for resistance to corn rootworm. AML – Optimum ® AcreMax ® Leptra ® products with AVBL,YGCB,HX1,LL,RR2. Contains a single-bag integrated refuge

solution for above-ground insects. In EPA-designated cotton-growing counties, a 20% separate corn borer refuge must be planted with Optimum AcreMax Leptra products. AVBL,YGCB,HX1,LL,RR2 (Optimum® Leptra®) – Contains the Agrisure Viptera® trait, the YieldGard® Corn Borer gene, the Herculex® I gene, the LibertyLink® gene and the Roundup Ready® Corn 2 trait. HX1 – Contains the Herculex® I insect protection gene which provides protection against European corn borer, southwestern corn borer, black cutworm, fall armyworm, lesser cornstalk borer, southern cornstalk borer and sugarcane borer; and suppresses corn earworm. HXRW – The Herculex® RW rootworm protection trait contains proteins that provide enhanced resistance against western corn rootworm, northern corn rootworm and Mexican corn rootworm. HXX – Herculex® XTRA insect protection contains the Herculex I and Herculex RW genes. YGCB – The YieldGard® Corn Borer gene offers a high level of resistance to European corn borer, southwestern corn borer and southern cornstalk borer; moderate resistance to corn earworm and common stalk borer; and above-average resistance to fall armyworm. LL – Contains the LibertyLink® gene for resistance to Liberty® herbicide. RR2 – Contains the Roundup Ready® Corn 2 trait that provides crop safety for over-the-top applications of labeled glyphosate herbicides when applied according to label directions. AQ – Optimum® AQUAmax® product. Product performance in water-limited environments is variable and depends on many factors, such as the severity and timing of moisture deficiency, heat stress, soil type, management practices and environmental stress, as well as disease and pest pressures. All products may exhibit reduced yield under water and heat stress. Individual results may vary. BMR – Brown MidRib Corn. Herculex® insect protection technology by Dow AgroSciences and Pioneer Hi-Bred. ® Trademark of Dow AgroSciences, DuPont or Pioneer, and their affiliated companies or their respective owners. YieldGard®, the YieldGard Corn Borer Design and Roundup Ready® are registered trademarks used under license from Monsanto Company. Liberty®, LibertyLink® and the Water Droplet Design are registered trademarks of BASF. Agrisure® and Agrisure Viptera® are registered trademarks of, and used under license from, a Syngenta Group Company. Agrisure® technology incorporated into these seeds is commercialized under a license from Syngenta Crop Protection AG.

Pioneer® brand products are provided subject to the terms and conditions of purchase which are part of the labeling and purchase documents. TM ® SM Trademarks and service marks of Corteva Agriscience and its affiliated companies. © 2020 Corteva. PION0LOCL055

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milk messenger / NOV-DEC 2020

YOUR DAIRY PROMOTION AT WORK

Michigan and Indiana Dairy Checkoff Updates BY AMERICAN DAIRY ASSOCIATION OF INDIANA AND UNITED DAIRY INDUSTRY OF MICHIGAN

s we near the final season of 2020, we begin to reflect on a year that couldn’t be more different from those in living memory. Your checkoff staff have adjusted plans and programming to fit the greatest needs in communities across our states as schools, businesses, retail and more opened and closed and opened again. Through it all, dairy farmers have continued to care for their animals and produce the nutritious dairy foods needed now more than ever. These updates include the recent promotions at the local and national level - learn more about how your investment combats hunger, supports trust and builds sales in dairy. LOCAL UPDATES

Hunger Activation The “Home Fridge Advantage” video series opens the door to professional football players and celebrities’ actual refrigerators and highlights dairy’s essential role in their day-to-day lives. UDIM is giving away a brand new refrigerator prior to each Detroit Lions home game, and ensure the fridges of those in need are stocked for the holidays. In partnership with the Lions and Kroger, each winner will receive a refrigerator, a $500 grocery gift card and $500 cash (to help offset the tax burden of winning). Winners are selected from a panel of dairy farmers, Kroger and the Lions staff. The winner then gets to complete a “Forward Pass” and name a food pantry or school to receive equipment to help provide fresh, nutritious foods (including dairy) to those in need.

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The Busch’s Fresh Market Fall Milk Drive ran from September 21 through October 4. Due to social distancing guidelines, the high school sports teams could not promote in person, so they helped via social media. Shoppers at the 16 stores donated 40,626 gallons, exceeding their goal. Nine truckloads of fresh, nutritious milk headed to Forgotten Harvest in Detroit and Food Gatherers in Ann Arbor. Milk Means More provided incentives for the store teams and chocolate milk grants for the high school teams.

Sports Nutrition and Promotion Milk Means More launched the first volume of a Sports Nutrition Newsletter to over 700 recipients. The quarterly newsletter is an opportunity to followup with chocolate milk enthusiasts who engage with us at races across the state. Even with races moving to virtual platforms, we are still able to reach consumers through digital expo opportunities and by providing chocolate milk sweepstakes for virtual runs. ADAI partnered with several college athletic departments and Ascension St. Vincent Sports Performance through a webinar series establishing dairy nutrition as an integral part in sports nutrition. Athletic trainers and directors at Wabash College, Earlham College, St. Mary’s College and several others in surrounding states learned how to incorporate dairy into athletes’ diets to build muscle and promote recovery in the over 1,000 student athletes they represent.

Community Support with Kids and Families Community Kicks is a community program designed to teach basic soccer skills and nutrition and relate them to skills needed in life to be successful. Implemented in partnership with summer feeding programs around the state. The numbers are in and our virtual Community Kicks program was a success. • 6 Meet Up and Eat Up Partners • 6000 kids • 12 coaches • 20,000+ lunch bags • 660,000 organic social media platform impressions • 13,400 unique website visits • 39,340 page views • 250,000 estimated reach with Detroit News publication featuring Lindsay Tarpley

UNITED DAIRY INDUSTRY OF MICHIGAN

NEWS ABOUT RECENT PROMOTIONS AT THE LOCAL AND NATIONAL LEVEL In Indiana, ADAI is sharing dairy stories and tips with families of young children through a great partnership with Indy’s Child Magazine. September’s article highlights the importance of Plants + Dairy, children’s need for calcium and sustainable nutrition. The October edition celebrated Farm to School month and included farm facts, dairy processing and fall fun at home. Each month, Indy’s Child reaches over 120,000 readers with award-winning content, creating an important partnership to connect with young families.

Meeting with Thought Leaders In September, UDIM participated in two virtual health professional conferences. Michigan Chapter American Academy of Pediatrics is a prestigious group of health professionals who have influence over the decisions that parents make when it comes to child and family health. In a video that played in the virtual Milk Means More booth, pediatric specialist Dr. Robert Murray reviewed the essential nutrients that dairy provides and the critical role dairy plays in supporting child health and growth. Dr. Murray also delivered a brief welcome message and dairy nutrition tips each day of the conference. The first ever Maternal and Infant Health Summit was also held virtually. Attendees included WIC nutritionists, nurses, physicians and social work/ mental health support professionals that work closely with mothers and children to promote health and safety.

Staying connected with these groups provides the opportunity to keep them informed on topics related to dairy science and dairy nutrition, reinforcing the importance of dairy in the diets of growing children. To support and strengthen advocates in the dairy industry, ADAI added 15 members to the Dairy Farmer Spokesperson Network through an intensive communications training workshop. New members included dairy farmers, co-op field representatives, dairy vets, students and others vital to building trust in dairy. Led by leading media specialist Joan Horbiak, participants learned how to handle media requests while speaking with consumers. When media requests speakers or events occur surrounding dairy, these champions can be called upon to share their dairy story confidently with the public.

www.fueluptoplay60.com/ educator-corner

Fuel Up to Play 60 Homeroom This new digital resource for dairy health and wellness information is accessible to educators, students and parents as they navigate today’s adaptive learning environment at home and in school. The homeroom connects users with the Fuel Up To Play 60’s new engaging “edutainment” (education and entertainment) content to build trust and drive consumption.

NATIONAL UPDATES

Subway Partners with Dairy Farmers

Dairy Celebrated During McDonald's McFlurry 25th Birthday

All 21,000 Subway sandwich shops will support two Fuel Up to Play 60 promotions to bring awareness about America’s dairy farmers’ support for youth wellness and more funding for GENYOUth’s Emergency School Meal Delivery Fund. As part of the initiatives, Subway® will support students in 73,000 schools across the United States and encourage healthy meal choices, including dairy.

In September, the McFlurry celebrated 25 years with a new flavor, Chips Ahoy! McFlurry. To celebrate, a special segment aired on CBS’s The Late Late Show with James Corden. McDonald’s and DMI worked together to spotlight dairy and dairy farm families during the show creating more than 1 million impressions across the U.S.

milk messenger / NOV-DEC 2020

FREELINERS AND CLASSIFIEDS.

TO SUBMIT ADS, CONTACT MMPA VIA EMAIL AT MESSENGER@MIMILK.COM OR VISIT MIMILK.COM/ FREELINER-CLASSIFIED.

freeliners Freeliners 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.

FOR SALE: 18 REGISTERED HEIFERS starting to calve end of December. 989-467-0330. FOR SALE: 1250 MUELLER BULK TANK with washer and newer 5 hp. compressor with two fans; 2 in. lowline receiver stainless steel and 12 Delaval units and pulsator and a plate cooler. 15 Poly Square calf hutches. 810-404-8548. WANTED: USED DON THEM CRANK STYLE (MANUAL) TRIMMING SHOOT. Please call Kurt at (989) 289-5090. FOR SALE: 550 MILK COW FARM, approximately 90 acres, double-8 expandable to 12, right angle boumatic parlor (new in 2005), 400-cow barn (new in 2012), 4,000 gallon milk tank. House, shop

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

and storage buildings. Call Dawn 989-329-1913.

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

LEGENDAIRY.

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

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classifieds 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 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 and 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. Special on 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 989-277-1414. ALFALFA 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 248-770-5122. HOOF TRIMMING - 20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE. Also doing fly control and cement grooving. Gibson Hoof Care (Tom) 989-239-6843.

Calf Blankets Calves are affected by cold temperatures much more than we realize. To help them stay warm and comfortable, the MMPA Farm Supply Store carries calf blankets by Udder Tech. These high-quality blankets are designed to stay on the calf and are easy to put on and take off. When compared to other insulation, inch for inch, no other insulation is warmer than Thinsulate insulation and its performance remains virtually unchanged after repeated cleanings. Some of the unique features of these blankets include: • 3M Thinsulate insulation • Belly strap to keep blanket secure; snuggly wraps calf when laying down • Durable, water-resistant nylon • Extra strap length to accommodate growth • Machine wash and dry (very important!) • Quick release buckles, not the Velcro that often get matted with use The warehouse carries four versions of Udder Tech blankets. We have a single insulation blanket (150 grams insulation) which comes in the regular/medium size. These blankets are blue with black trim. We also stock double insulated blankets (300 grams insulation) in small (pink), medium and large. STOCK #

DESCRIPTION

5636

REGULAR/MEDIUM SINGLE INSULATION

MEMBER PRICE

$32.60

5635

SMALL DOUBLE INSULATION (PINK)

$34.21

5680

REGULAR DOUBLE INSULATION

$35.83

5728

LARGE DOUBLE INSULATION

$52.06

If you wish to order these products or any of the other items we stock, please call the MMPA Farm Supply Store at 1-877-367-6455.

THREE WAYS TO ORDER MMPA MERCHANDISE FROM THE FARM SUPPLY STORE 1 Order online at www.mimilk.com/farm-supply-store 2 Call in your order: Main Line: 989-317-8370 Toll Free: 877-367-6455 Orders (Novi): 800-572-5824 then dial 2 3 Fax in your order: 989-317-8372

CHEMICAL, SANITIZER AND TEAT DIP CONTACTS These are SERVICE personnel only. Order your supplies through your hauler.

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 Hwy., Addison, MI 49220 » Jason Wolfe – 540-553-5755 - 1890 Canter Drive, Riner, VA 24149

milk messenger / NOV-DEC 2020

MMPA STAFF

MMPA Field Staff

Novi Headquarters

Dean Letter, Newaygo, Member Services Director.................. 231-679-0337

Main Office

Steve Lehman, Ithaca, Raw Milk Compliance.............................989-330-1638

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

Ben Chapin, Remus, Field Services Manager........................... 989-289-0731 Christy Dinsmoore, Vassar, Supervisor....................................248-513-7920 Frank Brazeau, Oconto, WI......................................................... 906-250-0337 Lyndsay Earl, Ludington, Animal Care.......................................231-519-2455

President and Chief Executive Officer Joe Diglio.......................................................................................ext. 202 Chief Financial Officer Josep Barenys...............................................................................ext. 240

Ashley Herriman, Herron............................................................269-245-6632

Member and Government Relations Sheila Burkhardt...........................................................................ext. 208

Sarah Michalek, Dewitt, Sustainability Supervisor.................248-305-0537

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

Laura Gucwa, Bad Axe.................................................................248-826-6294

Deb Gingrich, Leroy, Animal Care/Sustainability......................248-520-3580 Lindsay Green, East Lansing, Animal Care /Sustainability ......989-488-8159

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

Dave Brady, Grass Lake, Supervisor.........................................517-937-9061

Quality Sudeep Jain...................................................................................ext. 249

Rachel Brown, Charlotte............................................................. 248-826-7243 Alyssa DeWitt, Elkhart, IN...........................................................269-967-7351 Brandon Ewers, Coldwater, Sustainability.................................231-414-4539 John Lehman, Elsie, Bulk Tank Calibration................................248-444-6775 Joe Packard, Manchester, Animal Care......................................248-520-3481 Brittni Tucker, Eagle.....................................................................248-880-3785

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

Farm Supply - Mt. Pleasant Supervisor: Duane Farmer, Mt. Pleasant 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, Mt. Pleasant................................................. 989-289-9686 Farm Supply Sales Representative

Jake Riley, Mt. Pleasant....................................................... 248-912-5070

Manufacturing Kaylan Kennel......................................................................248-880-5413 Member Services Emily Keranen...............................................................................ext. 203 Human Resources Kelly Kerrigan................................................................................ ext. 301 Credit/Insurance Cheryl Schmandt........................................................................... ext. 210 Communications Allison Stuby Miller.......................................................................ext. 296 Emily Kittendorf............................................................................ext. 234 Corporate Controller Jeannie Strain................................................................................ ext. 311 Supply Chain Therese Tierney..............................................................................ext. 217 Member Relations Jessica Welch................................................................................ext. 303

Manufacturing Plants Constantine, Michigan Dave Davis, Plant Manager...................................................269-435-2835

Ovid, Michigan Kaylan Kennel....................................................................... 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.

milk messenger

/ NOV-DEC 2020

Board of Directors Officers Doug Chapin, Board Chairman Tony Jandernoa Board Vice Chairman Eric Frahm, Treasurer Joe Diglio, President and CEO Josep Barenys, Asst. Board Treasurer Todd Hoppe, General Counsel Directors-At-Large Carlton Evans, Litchfield 517-398-0629 Aaron Gasper, Lowell 616-291-4092 Bruce Lewis, Jonesville 517-869-2877 Gertie van den Goor, Marlette 989-550-8453 Kris Wardin, St. Johns 989-640-9420 District Directors 1 Hank Choate Cement City 517-529-9032 2 Tim Hood Paw Paw 269-657-5771 3 Bill Stakenas Freesoil 231-425-6913 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

MEMBER MOMENT

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THE WEATHER IS CHANGING FAST, A NEW SEASON HAS ARRIVED MUCH TO THE DELIGHT OF YOUNG KIDS AND CALVES ALIKE. BIG BROWN EYES AND A GENTLE NOSE CATCHING SNOWFLAKES AS THEY FALL. PRANCING THERE, PUTTING ON A SHOW GLITTERING SNOW AS THE DISCO BALL. PHOTO BY: BETH RUPPRECHT, VASSAR, MI WORDS BY: EMILY KITTENDORF

milk messenger / NOV-DEC 2020

P.O. Box 8002 Novi, MI 48376

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GIFT GUIDE

Milk Messenger

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EDITOR’S NOTE

FARM SUPPLY STORE