michigan milk messenger: april 2012

PB April 2012 Michigan Milk Messenger 1

April 2012Volume 94 Issue 10

2 April 2012 Michigan Milk Messenger 3


PB April 2012 Michigan Milk Messenger 1

April 2012Volume 94 Issue 10

Contents

Managing Editor ..................... Sheila BurkhardtEditor ........................................... Laura MoserAdvertising Manager ....................Karla MacelliCirculation .............................................. 4,200

An Equal Opportunity Employer – F/M/V/D

Michigan Milk Messenger (USPS 345-320) is the official publication of Michigan Milk Producers Association, published monthly since June 1919. Subscriptions: MMPA members, 50¢ per year; non-members, $5 per year.

41310 Bridge St. P.O. Box 8002

Novi, MI 48376-8002 Telephone: 248-474-6672 FAX: 248-474-0924

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

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

(ISSN 0026-2315)

MMPA Matters ............................................... 5Quality Watch ................................................. 6News & Views ................................................. 8Legislative Watch ........................................... 10Merchandise Memo ....................................... 36Freeliners ....................................................... 38Classifieds...................................................... 40Policies .......................................................... 41Market Report ............................................... 42MMPA Lab Lines .......................................... 43MMPA Staff .................................................. 43

On the Cover

Volume 94 Issue 10www.mimilk.com

Departments

FeaturesApril 2012

The 96th Annual Delegate Meeting was held March 22 in Lansing, Mich. Meeting coverage can be found throughout this issue.

9 Governor Announces Appointments Made to Dairy Market Program Committee

11 MMPA and Kroger Participate in Ag Day at the Capitol

12 2012 MMPA District Officers

14 Historic Free Trade Agreement Takes Effect; U.S.-Korea FTA Now in Force

15 Scholarships Available for Youth that Exhibit in Livestock Events

16 MSU Students Awarded Scholarships from the Michigan Dairy Memorial and Scholarship Foundation

20 MMPA Honors 35-Year Members

21 MMPA General Manager’s Report to the Delegates

24 MMPA 2012 Annual Delegate Meeting

26 MMPA 2012 Resolutions

24

21

11


Officers President: Ken NobisVice President: Bob KranTreasurer: Mark Halbert General Manager/Secretary: Clay Galarneau Ass’t. Treasurer: Joe DiglioGeneral Counsel: David VanderHaagen

Directors-At-LargeKen Nobis, St. Johns ........................989-224-6170 or 248-474-6672, ext. 201Rodney Daniels, Whittemore ............989-756-4935Mark Halbert, Battle Creek ...............269-964-0511

Michigan Milk Producers Association, established in 1916, is a member owned and operated dairy cooperative serving approximately 2,200 dairy farmers in Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin and Ohio.

Mission Statement“To market our members’ milk to the

greatest advantage possible.”

District SixJohn Hufnagel, Westphalia 989-640-1394Anthony Jandernoa, 989-593-2224 St. Johns Aaron Gasper, Lowell 616-897-2747 David Reed, Owosso 989-723-8635

District SevenBill Blumerich, Berlin 810-395-2926Pat Bolday, Emmett 810-395-7139 Scott Lamb, Jeddo 810-327-6135Chuck White, Fowlerville 517-521-3564

District EightMike Bender, Croswell 810-679-4782Tim Kubacki, Sebewaing 989-883-3249Dale Phillips, Marlette 989-635-7917Steve Schulte, Harbor Beach 989-479-9339

District TenJohn Bennett, Prescott 989-345-4264Rod Fowler, Chesaning 989-845-6131Scott Kleinhardt, Clare 989-386-8037Ken Daniels, Sterling 989-654-2546

District ElevenJim Good, Caledonia 616-891-1414Frank Konkel, Hesperia 231-854-8041 David Pyle, Zeeland 616-772-1512Bill Stakenas, Free Soil 231-757-9340

District TwelveRobert Barron, Gladstone 906-786-7027Ron Lucas, Posen 989-379-4694Corby Werth, Alpena 989-379-3772Jeremy Werth, Alpena 989-464-4022

District OneBrad Hart, Clayton 517-445-2649Perry Cisco, Hudson 517-547-3231Carlton Evans, Litchfield 517-398-0629Glenn Preston, Quincy 517-639-4182

District TwoDonald Bever, Delton 269-671-5050Francis Burr, Mendon 269-778-3552Richard Thomas, 574-825-5198 Middlebury, IN Susan Troyer, Goshen, IN 574-533-4506

District FourDavid Bivens, Bellevue 269-758-3980Jeff Butler, Nashville 517-852-1859 Mark Crandall, 269-660-2229 Battle CreekDavid Lott, Mason 517-676-4593

District FiveTom Jeppesen, Stanton 989-762-5399Bill Jernstadt, Big Rapids 231-796-4650 Robert Lee, Marion 231-743-6794 Mike Rasmussen, Edmore 989-762-5380

Michigan Milk Producers Association

Advisory Committee

Board of Directors

District Directors 1. Hank Choate, Cement City ..........517-529-9032 2. Tim Hood, Paw Paw ...................269-657-5771 4. Dan Javor, Hastings .....................269-948-8345 5. Brent Wilson, Carson City ...........989-584-3481 6. Brad Ritter, Byron .......................810-266-4091 7. James Reid, Jeddo .......................810-327-6830 8. Leonard Brown, Sandusky ...........810-648-450510. Eric Frahm, Frankenmuth ...........989-652-355211. Bob Kran, Free Soil .....................231-464-588912. John Kronemeyer, Pickford .........906-647-7638


MMPA MattersBy Ken Nobis

President

The Added Value of Dairy Policy Involvement

Extracting the maximum value possible from MMPA members’

milk goes beyond applying marketing and manufacturing expertise. Dairy policy also plays an important role.

Today’s global marketplace calls for replacing our current national dairy policy with one that enhances our success in the 21st century. That policy is found in the components of the Dairy Security Act, and it needs to be implemented in the Farm Bill that ideally will be passed this year. Members of the MMPA Board and management staff travelled to Washington D.C. recently to work toward that goal by attending a breakfast sponsored by the Agricultural Leaders of Michigan (ALM). ALM is made up of agricultural commodity and agri-business leaders who join together to bolster the profile of the industry and educate policymakers. The purpose of the breakfast was to maintain and grow relationships with our Congressional delegation. Many representatives of Michigan’s agricultural community attended.

The breakfast was also well attended by our representatives in D.C. with presentations from Congressmen Dave Camp, Bill Huizenga, and Tim Walberg. A great deal of one-on-one and small group discussion took place before and after the formal presentations with these Congressmen and other legislators and staff members. The small group discussions allow us to get better acquainted with not only our own Michigan representatives, but with each other. Too often in today’s specialized world, I think we tend to focus too narrowly on our own segment of our work world, when in reality we have quite a bit in common

with other agricultural producers. The wider discussion brings back an awareness of this community.

After the breakfast event was underway, we received a briefing from Senator Debbie Stabenow and her staff regarding the status of the Farm Bill. With the Senator chairing the Senate Ag Committee, we had the advantage of receiving valuable information first-hand. The opportunity to hear a formal update and then have an open dialogue with the Senator and her staff does not arise in our normal day-to-day activities. While it is difficult to make a definitive call on the status of legislation in an election year, Senator Stabenow does feel that we have a good chance of seeing the Farm Bill passed in 2012.

I was also able to schedule additional meetings on Capitol Hill, with the assistance of Dana Brooks, Sr. Vice President of Government Relations for National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF). Together we visited with the House Ag Committee staff, during which time we discussed the prospects for passing the Farm Bill. Coincidentally, the House Ag Committee released dates for Farm Bill hearings that afternoon, which indicates that the process continues to move forward.

We also discussed issues with Congressmen Fred Upton and met privately with Congressman Dave Camp in addition to having visited with him at the breakfast. Both support our desire to pass a Farm Bill this year, and even though they see serious challenges, they believe that it can be done.

We spent time, too, with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s staff asking the same question, “How do

we get action on a Farm Bill?” The problem in the Senate is making sure that the Farm Bill has a high enough priority so that it will even come up for a vote. One of the problems this year is a lack of time. An election year means extended time spent in districts by members and therefore more limited time spent in session in Washington. Actively promoting Farm Bill passage is crucial because of this, and visiting with legislative leaders whenever possible can make a difference.

Making visits to Congressional offices with Dana was productive. Because of her background, which includes having been a Congressional staff member and lobbyist for other agricultural organizations before joining NMPF, she is able to arrange the most productive meetings in the least time. Add this to the positive results that the ALM breakfast yielded, and I felt a real sense of accomplishment when I boarded the plane to come home.

Our elected officials hear many opinions from a variety of constituents on what would make for the best dairy policy to be included in the Farm Bill. Therefore, to effectively get our point across, our position has to be not only well researched and well documented but delivered in a clear and concise manner. It’s important to establish and maintain relationships that will allow us to have an active voice in forming dairy policy. Because dairy policy has a direct effect on our commitment to fulfilling MMPA’s mission statement, “To market our members’ milk to the greatest advantage possible,” we will continue to work closely with our elected officials.


Providing Assurance to Our Customers is Key

By Dean LetterMMPA Manager of Producer Testing

and Herd Health Programs

Quality WatchBy Dean Letter

Director of Member Services

MMPA members have a great record of being excellent

caretakers of their land and animals. Our producers illustrate the care they give through the productive herds they raise and the high quality milk they produce. In 2011, milk production averaged 23,164 pounds per cow in Michigan herds. This was the sixth highest average in the nation and the highest east of the Mississippi River. In addition to high milk production, MMPA members also produce very wholesome milk. Our cooperative has experienced two consecutive years where the co-op average somatic cell count was less than 200,000, significantly lower than the regulatory requirement. These accomplishments occur when cows receive exceptional care.

While we in the dairy industry understand that production and quality markers are a result of the good care animals receive, many consumers do not make that correlation. As we have seen in recent years, consumer expectations of animal care have increased. Over the years, producers have taken applied advancements in nutrition, animal comfort, and other technologies to make their herds more productive.

This often times results in a dairy farm that the public may not recognize as a “family” farm. Because of the disconnect of the “look” of modern dairy production and consumer perceptions of dairy farming, a feeling of uncertainty or distrust of milk production practices has developed among some groups.

This disconnect puts the burden on dairy farmers to bridge the gap to consumers and assure them that our animals receive the best possible care. Participation in the National Dairy FARM (Farmers Assuring Responsible Management) Program is a great way for MMPA members to assure consumers that quality animal care is a high priority.

As dairy production has evolved over the years, more and more dairy producers are creating standard operating procedures (SOPs) to define how certain tasks are completed on their farms. The National Dairy FARM Program recommends the development of SOPs in areas of herd health, newborn management, feeding and nutrition, among others. The SOPs should be reviewed and updated at least annually (or as procedures change).

There has also been increased scrutiny in the area of milk and tissue drug residue. While meat is inspected and milk is tested prior to entering the human food supply, consumers and regulatory officials are looking for additional assurance that our food is safe. As a part of our commitment to producing safe, wholesome milk and dairy products, we need to be sure that we are doing everything we can to provide credible assurance.

This includes periodically reviewing treatment protocols as well as how closely and consistently the protocols are followed. Is the protocol the most effective way to treat the condition or should the protocol be updated? Are label directions being

followed: correct dosage, correct route of administration, correct milk or meat withhold? This is an area in dairy production that requires constant vigilance.

To provide additional assurance of food safety, MMPA offers a variety of drug residue testing options for its members. A number of residue tests are available through the MMPA Merchandise warehouse and can detect many of the drugs used on dairy farms. The Novi laboratory offers some additional tests that are not available through the warehouse. Now members may get milk samples tested for Flunixin through the Novi laboratory. Please contact the Novi laboratory for details.

People want to be assured that the dairy industry is always “doing the right thing” in how it cares for its animals and how it produces milk. We have a positive story to tell and the National Dairy FARM Program is great way to tell our story. I strongly encourage all members to consider enrolling in the National Dairy FARM Program. Members who are unsure whether the National Dairy FARM Program is “right” for them can talk to their neighbors who have already enrolled in the program. For additional details or to enroll in the National Dairy FARM Program, please call your member representative or the Novi office.


A SUBSIDIARY OF

The green killer with a heart of GREEN!


News & ViewsThe latest dairy news

January Class III Down $0.99

The Class III price for February is $16.06, down 99¢ from January and 94 cents lower than last year. The Class IV price for February is $15.92, down 64¢ verses the prior month and $2.48 less than last year.

Estimated February milk production in all 50 states was up 8.0% from a year ago, or 4.3% adjusted for the Leap Day, to 16.3 billion pounds, the USDA reported in March. This is based on 0.9% more cows, and 3.3% more daily milk per cow.

Upcoming Events

April23 MMPA Dairy Communicators Meeting—Lansing

24 MMPA Advisory Committtee Meeting—Novi

MMPA Returns Over $1.9 Million of Cash Patronage Refunds to Members

Michigan Milk Producers Association recently paid $1.9 million in cash patronage refunds to its dairy farmer members. This cash allocation represents 25 percent of the $6.3 million allocated net earnings generated by the cooperative in fiscal year 2011. The cash patronage returned includes 100 percent of the farm supply earnings and 25 percent of the milk marketing earnings. All members who marketed milk through MMPA for fiscal year 2011 received a portion of the $1.9 million.

During fiscal year 2011 MMPA members earned $32.9 million in total premiums. These premiums are a combination of quality, volume and over-order premiums and serve as a reflection of MMPA’s financial strength.

MMPA members received other cash payments in April 2011 of more than $4.8 million through retirement of the cooperative’s 2002 equities.

“The return of cash patronage refunds, premiums and allocated equities continues to occur as a result of successful operating results of MMPA,” says Clay Galarneau, MMPA General Manager. “The financial strength of our member-owned cooperative remains strong and we look forward another successful year for our dairy farmer members.”

MMPA Board Members Elected

During the 2012 MMPA District Meetings, one new board member was elected and two others were reelected to three year terms. In District 1, Hank Choate of Cement City, was elected to replace Earl Horning, who is retiring from the board after 12 years of service.

Eric Frahm, District 10 and John Kronemeyer were both reelected in their Districts to serve three-year terms.

At the MMPA Annual Delegate Meeting, Mark Halbert was re-elected to serve a three-year term as an at-large member on the board of directors.

MMPA Delegates Pass Bylaw Changes

At the recent MMPA Annual Delegate Meeting, MMPA members approved bylaw changes reflecting proposals put forth by a special Structure Review Committee that met over the last year. A summary of the bylaw changes, along with all the resolutions as passed, are printed on pages 22-31 of this issue.


Gov. Rick Snyder has announced the appointments of Brian Preston and Wayne Rodgers and the reappointments of Mark Halbert, Bryan

Hull and Robert Kran to the Michigan Dairy Market Program Committee.

In partnership with the program’s executive director, this 13-member group develops, implements and administers the dairy producer marketing program, which promotes the sale of Michigan dairy products and increases consumer knowledge of the nutritional importance of dairy. Michigan’s dairy industry contributes $5.9 billion to the state’s economy each year.

“Michigan has always been at the forefront of the nation’s food and dairy industry,” said Snyder. “These members will continue the committee’s outstanding leadership in ensuring proper operation of the marketing program.”

Appointed:

Preston, of Quincy, is owner of Preston Farms. He serves on the Michigan Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer State Committee and as a director on the Branch County Farm Bureau Board. Preston earned a bachelor’s degree in agribusiness management from Michigan State University. He will represent the Michigan Milk Producers Association and replaces Earl Horning.

Rodgers, of Caledonia, is owner of Cal-E-View Farms. He is a graduate of the Michigan Agricultural Leadership Program and Michigan State University. Rodgers will represent the Dairy Farmers of America and replaces Dwight Nash.

Reappointed:

Halbert, of Battle Creek, is a partner of Halbert Dairy Farm LLC. He will represent the Michigan Milk Producers Association.

Hull, of Fenwick, is owner of Hull’s Dairy Farm LLC. He will represent the Dairy Farmers of America.

Kran, of Free Soil, is owner of Kran Dairy Farm. He will represent the Michigan Milk Producers Association.

All appointees will serve a three-year term expiring Dec. 31, 2014, and are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

Governor Announces Appointments Madeto Dairy Market Program Committee

MMPA NORTHEASTERNFebruary 2012

John & Janelle Herrick Robert Hemmingson Kevin & Karen Zbytowski Fred Werth Skudlarek Dairy Farm Butterwerth Dairy Farm LLC Emil & Julianne Soik*Todd Hemmingson *Jason & Mary Catherine Dellar * John & Jagelewski * Chippewa Dairy Ryan & Charina Dellar Melvin Mullet J & W Dairy Inc. Vernon Yoder

MMPA ROBERT LALONEMarch 2012

Koutz Dairy LLC Judge Dairy Farm Inc. Chapin Family Farm LLC Robert & Jeffrey Morlock *Tamara Jones*Hillhaven Farms Inc. Bollinger Farms LLC John Straathof David VanderZanden Maynard & Diane Bluhm Double-B Dairy Doeke & Melissa Prins Circle B Acres * 100 percent

Producers scoring 95 percent or more on Grade A Surveys and Federal Check Rating


Legislative WatchIssues important to today’s dairy farmers

The National Milk Producers Federation’s (NMPF) Board of Directors supports a resolution urging

Congress to pass a Farm Bill in 2012, one that contains an improved safety net for farmers in the form of the Dairy Security Act.

The resolution, passed unanimously by the NMPF Board at its spring meeting, made it clear that the organization does not support any approach in Congress that would extend current farm programs by another year, and delay the creation of a better dairy program.

“Postponing passage of a new Farm Bill until next year doesn’t make sense,” says MMPA President, and NMPF Vice President Ken Nobis. “Extending the current Farm Bill would mean extending dairy policy that didn’t serve the dairy farmers adequately in 2009.”

NMPF has worked since 2009 to formulate a comprehensive economic safety net that is based on margins, rather than just the farm level price of milk. After developing its own proposal, Foundation for the Future, NMPF worked with Reps. Collin Peterson (D-MN) and Mike Simpson (R-ID) to encapsulate those concepts into H.R. 3062, the Dairy Security Act.

“Dairy farmers still haven’t recovered fully from the economic losses of 2009,” Nobis says. “We’ve worked for almost three years researching, studying and discussing what we think is a more effective dairy policy for inclusion in the new Farm Bill. The proposed dairy policy saves tax payers money as does the entire Farm Bill proposal. So doesn’t it make sense to save tax payer money now rather than later and at the same time improve the safety net and other segments of dairy policy?”

The full text of the NMPF Farm Bill resolution reads:

WHEREAS, the NMPF Board of Directors recognizes that lower milk prices and higher feed costs are likely to result in significantly reduced operating margins for dairy producers across the country in 2012, and

WHEREAS, the NMPF Board of Directors also recognizes the ineffectiveness of current federal programs designed to help protect the livelihood of dairy producers, as witnessed during the catastrophic margins of 2009, it is:

RESOLVED, that the United States Congress be urged to pass a new Farm Bill as soon as possible that includes the provisions of the Dairy Security Act, and it is further

RESOLVED, that the NMPF Board of Directors does not support an extension of the current Farm Bill and urges Congress to enact the Dairy Security Act if a Farm Bill is not enacted in 2012.

NMPF Board of Directors Backs Resolution Urging Passage of Farm Bill in 2012

Dairy Farmers Need Improved Safety Net Sooner, Not Later

AgEquity Loans

Ron Dingerson• Jeff Geukes District Representatives

(269) 367-4442 www.americanfarmmortgage.com

• Revolving line of credit loan secured by a 1st mortgage on real estate • Amortization of up to 25 years • Draw periods of 5 or 10 years • Unlimited number of draws and repayments during the draw period • Rates as low as 2.75%


Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA)

participated in the 8th annual Ag Day March 14 at the Capitol event, a showcase of the vibrant agriculture industry in this state. The dairy industry is the leading segment of the state’s $71 billion agriculture business.

“Ag Day at the Capitol gives us a chance to meet with our legislators to discuss the importance of agriculture to our state’s overall economy,” says MMPA president and dairy farmer Ken Nobis. “Those unfamiliar with our industry are surprised to learn of the impact we have on the state, including the wide variety of fresh products grown right here in Michigan.”

The Kroger Co. joined MMPA at the event, highlighting the close relationship between the dairy farmers that produce the milk and the retailers who reach the consumers. MMPA members supply Kroger’s dairy plant, Michigan Dairy, with fresh milk on a daily basis.

Michigan Governor Rick Snyder also recognized the national celebration of the contribution farmers make to this country by declaring March 14 as “Michigan Agriculture Day.” The Governor combined Ag Day and National “Pi” Day, also on March 14 to link the state’s eduation and agriculture industries together.

“Today Michigan highlights two of my favorite things – math and agriculture. Both play key roles in driving Michigan’s reinvention,” said Snyder. “Michigan’s farmers not only provide us with food and fiber, but have laid the foundation for a dynamic food and agriculture industry which now contributes $71.3 billion to our state’s economy each year,” said Snyder. “I encourage you to join me in recognizing the importance of the state’s food and agricultural industry, and to support it as much as possible.

MMPA and Kroger Participate in Ag Day at the Capitol

Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted 15

requests for export assistance from Dairy Farmers of America, Darigold, Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative, Michigan Milk Producers Association and United Dairymen of Arizona to sell a total of 1,710 metric tons (3.770 million pounds) of Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese and 678 metric tons (1.495 million pounds) of butter to customers in Asia, the Middle East and Africa. The product will be delivered March through September 2012.

In 2012, CWT has assisted member cooperatives in making export sales of Cheddar, Monterey Jack and Gouda cheese totaling 34.2 million pounds and butter totaling 30.3 million pounds to 18 countries on four continents. On a butterfat basis, the milk equivalent of these exports is 977 million pounds, or the annual production of approximately 46,520 cows.

Assisting CWT members through the Export Assistance program positively impacts producer milk prices in the short-term by reducing inventories that overhang

the market and depress cheese and butter prices. In the long-term, CWT’s Export Assistance program helps member cooperatives gain and maintain market share, thus expanding the demand for U.S. dairy products and the farm milk that produces them.

CWT will pay export bonuses to the bidders only when delivery of the product is verified by the submission of the required documentation.

CWT Assists MMPA with Butter Export Sales


DISTRICT 1:Chairman: Scott Ferry, LitchfieldVice Chairman: Brian Preston, QuincySecretary: Art Riske, HanoverState Nominating Committee: Art Riske, HanoverState Credentials Committee: Danny Hart, Grass LakeState Resolutions Committee: Carlton Evans, Litchfield; Jim Marvin, Clayton; Glenn Preston, Quincy

DISTRICT 2:Chairman: Jerry Koebel, Jr., Three OaksVice Chairman: Timothy Villwock, Berrien CenterSecretary: Richard E. Ultz, Burr OakState Nominating Committee: Donald Bever, DeltonState Credentials Committee: Richard E. Ultz, Burr OakState Resolutions Committee: Donald Bever, Delton; Steven Post, White Pigeon; Susan Troyer, Goshen, IN

DISTRICT 4:Chairman: Jeff Butler, NashvilleVice Chairman: James Droscha, Charlotte, MISecretary: Brad Crandall, Battle CreekState Nominating Committee: David Lott, MasonState Credentials Committee: Sally Bivens, BellevueState Resolutions Committee: Tim Slocum, Hastings; Brad Crandall, Battle Creek; Josh Lott, Mason

DISTRICT 5:Chairman: Doug Chapin, RemusVice Chairman: Bruce Benthem, McBainSecretary: Gordon Dick, McBainState Nominating Committee: Bob Cnossen, FalmouthState Credentials Committee: Richard Hyde, MorleyState Resolutions Committee: Bruce

Benthem, McBain; Bob Cnossen, Falmouth; Tom Jeppesen, Stanton

DISTRICT 6:Chairman: Tony Jandernoa, St. JohnsVice Chairman: Jim Slavik, AshleySecretary: Steve Thelen, FowlerState Nominating Committee: Aaron Gasper, LowellState Credentials Committee: Tony Jandernoa, St. JohnsState Resolutions Committee: Aaron Gasper, Lowell; David Reed, Owosso; Kris Wardin, St. Johns

DISTRICT 7:Chairman: Bill Blumerich, BerlinVice Chairman: Bill Ankley, Imlay CitySecretary: Scott Lamb, JeddoState Nominating Committee: Scott Lamb, JeddoState Credentials Committee: Steve Foley, MillingtonState Resolutions Committee: Bill Blumerich, Berlin; Scott Lamb, Jeddo; Chuck White, Fowlerville

DISTRICT 8:Chairman: Darwin Sneller, SebewaingVice Chairman: Bryce Kundinger, SebewaingSecretary: Mike Erdman, Minden CityState Nominating Committee: Mike Bender, CroswellState Credentials Committee: Dale Phillips, MarletteState Resolutions Committee: Mike Bender, Croswell; Tim Kubacki, Sebewaing; Dale Phillips, Marlette

DISTRICT 10:Chairman: Ken Daniels, Sterling Vice Chairman: John Bennett, PrescottSecretary: Julie Schwab, StandishState Nominating Committee: Dan Fisk, SterlingState Credentials Committee: Dan Fisk, Sterling

State Resolutions Committee: John Bennett, Prescott; Dan Fisk, Sterling; Scott Kleinhardt, Clare

DISTRICT 11:Chairman: Glen Sparks, FremontVice Chairman: Bill Stakenas, FreesoilSecretary: Sharron Powers, PentwaterState Nominating Committee: Jim Good, CaledoniaState Credentials Committee: Sharron Powers, PentwaterState Resolutions Committee: Jim Good, Caledonia; Frank Konkel, Hesperia; Bill Stakenas, Freesoil

DISTRICT 12:Chairman: Corby Werth, AlpenaVice Chairman: Ron Lucas, Posen Secretary: Marvin Rubingh, EllsworthState Nominating Committee: Robert Barron, GladstoneState Credentials Committee: Marvin Rubingh, EllsworthState Resolutions Committee: Robert Barron, Gladstone; Ron Lucas, Posen; Jeremy Werth, Alpena

The following officers were elected during the MMPA District Meetings held in February.

2012 MMPA District Officers


800-435-9560 www.agriking.com

Mike Donaldson517-819-7002

Andrew Arens517-819-0714

David Conklin989-666-2039

David Lightner517-490-6677

Brian Sanford517-256-7750

Jim Bard269-214-0051

Chris Sanford517-206-2252

Zym-O-Factors®

2012 MMPA Advisory Committee Elections

DISTRICT 1 Position 1: Brad Hart, ClaytonPosition 2: Carlton Evans, Litchfield

DISTRICT 2Position 1: Susan Troyer, Goshen, INPosition 2: Francis Burr, Mendon

DISTRICT 4Position 1: Mark Crandall, Battle CreekPosition 2: David Bivens, Bellevue

DISTRICT 5Position 1: Mike Rasmussen, EdmorePosition 2: Bill Jernstadt, Big Rapids

DISTRICT 6Position 1: Tony Jandernoa, St. JohnsPosition 2: David Reed, Owosso

DISTRICT 7Position 1: Bill Blumerich, BerlinPosition 2: Chuck White, Fowlerville

DISTRICT 8Position 1: Tim Kubacki, SebewaingPosition 2: Dale Phillips, Marlette

DISTRICT 10Position 1: Scott Kleinhardt, ClarePosition 2: John Bennett, Prescott

DISTRICT 11Position 1: Dave Pyle, ZeelandPosition 2: Jim Good, Caledonia

DISTRICT 12Position 1: Robert Barron, GladstonePosition 2: Jeremy Werth, Alpena

The following officers were elected during the MMPA District Meetings held in February.

Want More Out of theCorn You Feed?

We Can Do That.


The U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) and the National Milk Producers Federation

(NMPF) welcomed the launch of the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (KORUS), the most economically significant U.S. FTA in nearly two decades. Thanks to this historic agreement, Korean consumers will now have greater opportunities to access high-quality dairy products from the United States.

“The United States has become an important supplier of cheese and other dairy products to Korea over the last few years,” said Tom Suber, president of USDEC, which along with the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) took the lead role in working with U.S. government officials to represent industry interests during trade negotiations. “We believe KORUS provides a valuable opportunity for our members to strengthen their ties to Korea and for us to work with the broader Korean dairy industry to grow consumption of dairy products.”

The FTA provides immediate zero tariff access for whey for feed use, as well as duty-free access for a total of 16,000 tons of cheese, milk powders, whey for food use and other products. The agreement also calls for most of Korea’s remaining tariffs to be phased out in 5-10 years.

“The first-year access alone that KORUS provides for dairy food products equates to 270 million pounds of U.S.-produced milk. That’s 4,435 loads of milk coming from America’s hard-working dairy farmers to meet Korea’s growing demand for safe and nutritious dairy products,” said Jerry Kozak, president and CEO of NMPF.

Suber further praised the benefits of the FTA, noting that, “The access this agreement provides will not only help our exporters better serve the demands of the Korean market, but also will play a key role in helping alleviate price inflation in Korea by expanding the range of affordable food supplies.”

Consumption of U.S. dairy products in Korea has risen steadily. U.S. cheese exports to Korea grew 75 percent in 2011, reaching nearly 72 million pounds, making the United States the largest supplier with a 43 percent market share. KORUS is expected to further encourage this trend as the terms of the FTA come into effect and ultimately influence food prices in Korea.

Historic Free Trade Agreement Takes Effect; U.S.-Korea FTA Now in Force

Control Butyric Acid andMaximize Every Bite!

More milk per ton of silage fed

• 4-day fermentation

• 5% more silage at feed-out

• Increased rate of fi ber digestion

• Higher starch retention

Over one million tons treated last year alone!

CATALYST 5 enzymes

withSilagePro®

American Farm ProductsArlin Koglin • 989-553-3370

Availablethrough MMPA

Merchandise

rm roddddduc srm PPProdddducts

tion

P d tdddd tPPPPP ddddd t


Application details available at www.michigan.gov/mda-mylsf

Since 2000, the Michigan Youth Livestock Scholarship Fund

(MYLSF) has awarded more than $300,000 in scholarships and educational awards to outstanding youth who have exhibited at the premier livestock events in the state of Michigan.

To be eligible for either the MYLSF general scholarship or the statewide scholarship, the applicant must be a resident of Michigan and a graduating high school senior or a high school graduate continuing their education at an accredited institution in the year in which they are applying.

For the general MYLSF scholarship, the applicant must have been a youth exhibitor at the former Michigan State Fair, Michigan Livestock Expo or the Michigan Dairy Expo for a minimum of three calendar years prior to the year of application. For the statewide scholarship, an applicant must have been a youth exhibitor at a local, county, or statewide exhibition for a minimum of three years prior to the year of application.

“We encourage youth that have been involved in the Michigan Dairy Expo or another qualifying event to apply for these scholarships,” says

Sheila Burkhardt, MMPA Director of Member Relations and Public Affairs. “MMPA has been a strong supporter of this scholarship program. We believe these activities are a great way to encourage dairy youth to continue their education and involvement in the industry.”

Specific proceeds from the Michigan State Fair Youth Livestock Auction and the Michigan Livestock Expo as well as charitable donations help fund the scholarships. The fund is governed by an 11 member board comprised of volunteers from Michigan’s agricultural community with the corpus of the fund held at the Battle Creek Community Foundation. In 2012, approximately $20,000 will be deposited in the Michigan Education Saving Plans for youth exhibitors that compete in judging and showmanship events at the Michigan Livestock Expo on the Michigan State University campus from July 13 -15.

The 2011 MYLSF $1,500 general scholarship winners were: Monica

Acker of Middleton; Shanna Acker of Middleton; Kelsey Casebere of Clare; Taylor Copes of New Lothrop; Tera Koebel of Three Oaks; Elizabeth Krhovsky of Corunna; Laura Krhovsky of Corunna; Melissa Reed of Owosso; Garrett Slavik of Ashley; and Kendra Van Order of Hamilton. The statewide $1,000 scholarship winner was Logan Bracy of Quincy. The Gene Thompson $500 scholarships were awarded to Ted Gatsey of Williamston; Aaron Helwig of Lake Leelanau; and Siobhan Kent of Lansing. Applications and qualification requirements for the MYLSF and the statewide scholarship can be obtained at www.michigan.gov/mda-mylsf and www.milivestock.com. Applications must be postmarked no later than June 1, 2012.

Scholarships Available for Youth that Exhibit in Livestock Event

The 2012 Hauler Meetings will take place in April and May. All contract haulers will receive an invitation to attend the meeting closest to their hauling operation. Various MMPA Managers and Directors will speak at the meet-ings.

Years-of-Service awards will be presented to haulers who have been associated with MMPA from 10-45 years.

All meetings begin at 6:15 p.m. with a social period and dinner will follow at 7:00 p.m. except Monday, May 14 at Chip-In Island Resort & Casino, when the social period will begin at 6:45 p.m. EST and dinner will follow at 7:30 p.m.

Tue. April 17 Gene Davis & Sons Banquet Center, Jackson

Thu. April 19 English Hills Country Club, Grand Rapids

Tue. April 24 Riverwood Recreation Center, Mt. Pleasant

Thu. April 26 Guerrazzi’s Italian American Restaurant, Lansing

Tue. May 1 Woodland Hills Golf Club, Sandusky

Mon. May 14 Chip-In Island Resort & Casino, Harris

Tue. May 15 B J’s Restaurant, Gaylord

MMPA 2012 Hauler Meetings

Money raised at the Michigan Livestock Expo helps support the Michigan Youth Livestock Scholarship Fund


The Michigan Dairy Memorial and Scholarship Foundation Inc. at Michigan State University (MSU)

has awarded more than $97,000 in scholarships to 30 current MSU students pursuing dairy industry-related programs of study for the 2011-2012 academic year.

The following 13 MSU students earned $3,500 Michigan Dairy Memorial Scholarships: Jordan Austin, animal science from Saranac; Lauren Bush, animal science from Swartz Creek; Kelsey Byars, animal science from Webberville; Leah Cardona, food science from Chicago, Ill.; Senior Stacey Choate, animal science from Cement City; Katelyn Horning, animal science from Manchester; Kristi Kocsis, animal science from Lansing; Brandon Gingrich, animal science from LeRoy; Kelly Jaynes, animal science from Bartlett, Ill.; Sarah Michalek, professional writing and agriscience from Deckerville; Jason Smith, crop and soil sciences from Fremont; Caroline Szybisty, animal science from Redford. The following five students, all Michigan residents majoring in dairy management in the Institute of Agricultural Technology, earned $2,000 Michigan Dairy Memorial Scholarships: Jade Cox, Coldwater; Cody Koster, McBain; Jeff Reid, Jeddo; James Stuart, Lowell; Britney Zondlak, Byron Center

First-year students awarded the Michigan Dairy Memorial Freshman Scholarships worth $1,500 include the following: Shelbie Britton, dairy management from Limestone; Ron Groen, dairy management from Teeswater, Ontario, Canada; Adam Guernsey, dairy management from Ionia; Sarah Ring, animal science from Belding; Laura Small, animal science, Kimball.

The Michigan Dairy Memorial and Scholarship Foundation oversees the largest scholarship program in the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and one of the largest at the University.

For information on making contributions to honor members of the dairy industry or to support student scholarships, please contact the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources External Relations at 517-355-0284. To learn more about the Michigan Dairy Memorial and Scholarship Foundation, contact Dr. Miriam Weber Nielsen in the Department of Animal Science at 517-432-5443 or [email protected]

MSU Students Awarded Scholarships from the Michigan Dairy Memorial and Scholarship Foundation

Tera Koebel of Three Oaks, Mich., was chosen as the 2011-2012 recipient of the John and Barbara Dilland endowed scholarship through the Michigan Dairy Memorial and Scholarship Foundation Inc., at Michigan State University (MSU). The $3,500 scholarship is named in honor of John Dilland, former controller, director of finance and general manager for the Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA),

and his wife Barbara. The award is presented to an MSU sophomore, junior or senior student majoring in the field of agribusiness management. Koebel, an MSU agribusiness management senior, is the daughter of Terry and Jennie Koebel. She received the award based on her academic achievements and involvement in extracurricular activities. While at MSU, Koebel has been an active member of and held leadership positions with the MSU Dairy Club, Sigma Alpha professional agriculture sorority, the Collegiate Farm Bureau and Collegiate FFA. She has completed two

study abroad experiences, including one trip to Belgium and the Netherlands and one to South Africa. Koebel was a member of the MSU dairy judging team that placed first in both oral reasons and the Holstein breed at the 2011 World Dairy Expo intercollegiate dairy judging contest. She was the third highest placing individual overall in oral reasons at the same contest. Last summer, Koebel completed an internship in Texas with Elanco Animal Health. She has accepted an offer to take part in a similar experience with the company this summer in the Midwest.

The John and Barbara Dilland endowed scholarship was established in 2010 by the MMPA board of directors upon John’s retirement. He held the positions of controller, director of finance and general manager over the course of his 35 years of service to the organization. Besides his involvement in MMPA, he has served in leadership capacities on several national organizations including the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, the National Milk Producers Federation and the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy.

John and Barbara Dilland Scholarship: Tera Koebel

16 April 2012


Redmond and Edna Cotter Scholarship: Henry Reinart

Eric Sneller of Sebewaing, Mich., was chosen as the 2011-2012 recipient of the Russel Erickson Scholarship from the Michigan Dairy Memorial and Scholarship Foundation Inc. The $5,000 scholarship is named after Russel Erickson, Michigan State University (MSU) professor emeritus in the

Department of Animal Science, and is awarded to a student whose career aspirations include working on or with dairy farms.

Sneller is the son of Darwin and Kathy Sneller. He is a senior and will receive his bachelor’s degree in animal science in May. Sneller received the award based on his academic achievements, involvement in extracurricular activities and interest in pursuing a career related to dairy production. His future career path includes returning to his family’s registered Holstein and Brown Swiss dairy operation.

While at MSU, Sneller has been an active member of the MSU Dairy Club, which has included helping with the organization’s annual cheese sale fundraiser and serving as co-chairperson of the annual Spartan Spectacular. He also competed on the Michigan 4-H and MSU dairy judging teams and represented the program on its most recent trip to Europe. Eric participated in the Midwest Regional Dairy Challenge and is a member of the MSU team competing in the North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge this spring.

Russel Erickson Scholarship: Eric Sneller

Henry Reinart of Hopkins, Mich., was chosen as the 2011-2012 recipient of the Redmond (“Red”) and Edna Cotter endowed scholarship through the Michigan Dairy Memorial and Scholarship Foundation Inc., at Michigan State University (MSU). The $4,000 scholarship is named in honor of Red Cotter, an inspirational dairy industry leader and respected

motivator of sales and marketing executives, and his wife Edna. Reinart is the first recipient of the Cotter endowed scholarship.

Reinart, the son of Christopher Reinart, received the award based on his academic achievements, involvement in extracurricular activities and interest in pursuing a career as a large animal (production animal) veterinarian. He graduated from MSU with a bachelor’s degree in animal science, with honors, in 2010. Reinart is on schedule to earn his master’s degree in food science

in May 2013 and his doctorate of veterinary medicine specializing in production animal medicine in May 2014.

While at MSU, Reinart has been an active member of and held leadership positions with the Michigan FFA, the Michigan FFA Past State Officer Organization, College of Veterinary Medicine Class of 2014 student organization, MSU Theriogenology Club, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) Student Senate, Associated Students of MSU, and Leadership in Environmental and Agricultural Fields (LEAF). He has also been a member of the MSU Food Animal Club, served on the College of Veterinary Medicine curriculum committee and the University Committee on Academic Policy, and was a finalist for the CANR Outstanding Senior Leadership Award and the MSU Department of Student Life Leader of the Year award. Reinart competed in the MSU Dairy Challenge (advanced division and veterinary division) and was a member of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners student quiz bowl 2011 national championship team. Last summer, he completed a food systems fellowship with Merck Animal Health.

First Day Formula®

First Day Formula®First Day Formula®


First Day Formula®



First Day Formula®



First Day Formula®

First Day Formula®First Day Formula®800-451-9275 | [email protected] | www.accelgen.com

A colostrum supplement And replAcement product for dAiry And beef cAlves, this product contains dried, natural bovine colostrum safe for newborns. first day formula® is fortified with essential vitamins and chelated trace minerals; its unique and healthy combination of proteins, vitamins and minerals make it an ideal supplement for poor quality colostrum or as a replacement when fresh colostrum is not available.

Jump-start your calves withFirst Day Formula.®

Michigan Milk Messenger 17


Lauren Bush of Swartz Creek, Mich., was chosen as a 2011-2012 recipient of the Jack and Betty Barnes Scholarship from the Michigan Dairy Memorial and Scholarship Foundation Inc. at Michigan State University (MSU). The scholarship is named after the late Jack and Betty Barnes and provides $1,000 in scholarship money for a student to complete an international study

experience. Jack Barnes was employed with the Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) for 39 years and served 26 of these years as general manager.

Bush is the daughter of George Bush and Betsy Bush of Swartz Creek and is an MSU junior studying animal

science. She received the award based on her academic achievements and involvement in extracurricular activities. While at MSU, Bush has been an active member of the MSU Dairy Club serving as membership and activities chairperson, helping with the organization’s annual cheese sale fundraiser and serving as co-chairperson of the annual Spartan Spectacular heifer sale. She also competed on the Michigan 4-H and MSU dairy judging teams and competed on the team that placed first in oral reasons and the Holstein breed at the 2011 World Dairy Expo intercollegiate dairy judging contest. Bush used her scholarship money to travel to Europe in June 2011 as a representative of the Michigan 4-H and MSU dairy judging program.

Jack and Betty Barnes Scholarship: Lauren Bush

Olivia DeVooght of Marquette, Mich., was chosen as the 2011-2012 recipient of the Glenn and Anne Lake Scholarship from the Michigan Dairy Memorial and Scholarship Foundation Inc. The scholarship is named after Michigan dairy farmers Glenn and Anne Lake and provides $7,500 in scholarship money divided over two semesters. Glenn Lake served as president of Michigan Milk

Producers Association and the National Milk Producers Federation.

DeVooght, the daughter of Bill and Mary DeVooght of Marquette, graduated in December 2011 with a double major in animal science and marketing. She has already acquired extensive dairy industry experience in animal health and nutrition research, merchandising and sales, farm management and data management. DeVooght received the award based on her academic achievements, involvement in extracurricular activities and interest in pursuing a career in the dairy industry. While at MSU, she has been an active member of the MSU Dairy Club. DeVooght’s future career path includes being actively involved with her family’s dairy farm or working in pharmaceutical sales.

Glenn and Anne Lake Scholarship: Olivia DeVooght

Archie Studer Scholarship: Garrett Slavik

Garrett Slavik of Ashley, Mich., was chosen as the 2011-2012 recipient of the Archie Studer Scholarship from the Michigan Dairy Memorial and Scholarship Foundation Inc. at Michigan State University (MSU). The $3,500 scholarship is named after the late Archie Studer, who owned and operated Kenowa Acres Dairy Farm for more than 35 years. Slavik is the first recipient of the Studer

Scholarship.

Slavik, the son of Jim and Doreen Slavik, is a freshman pursuing a degree in animal science. He received the award based on his academic achievements,

involvement in extracurricular activities and interest in pursuing a career related to dairy cattle breeding or production. Slavik’s future career path includes attending the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine to become a large animal veterinarian. His goal is to one day practice as a dairy and beef cattle veterinarian or specialize in embryo transfer, but he doesn’t leave out the possibility of returning to his family’s 400-acre, 140-cow dairy and 40-head beef cattle operation.

While at MSU, Slavik has been an active member of the MSU Dairy Club. He also competed on the Michigan 4-H dairy judging team, which finished third place in oral reasons and fifth place overall at the 2011 National 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging Contest in Madison, Wis.

18 April 2012


Bryan Mahoney of Saint Charles, Mich., was chosen as the 2011-2012 recipient of the Michigan Dairy Memorial and Scholarship Foundation

Inc., Velmar Green Scholarship at Michigan State University (MSU). The $3,500 scholarship is named in honor of innovative dairy leader Velmar Green of Elsie, Mich. The award is presented to a second-year student in the MSU Institute of Agricultural Technology dairy management certificate program.

Mahoney, the first-ever recipient of the Velmar Green Scholarship, is the son of John and Doris Mahoney. He received the award based on his academic achievements, involvement in extracurricular activities and interest in returning to his family’s dairy farm upon his graduation

in December from the MSU dairy management program. Mahoney, who completed his placement training last summer on a dairy farm in Shelby, Neb., hopes to one day purchase his family’s dairy operation from his parents. He hopes to expand the herd size internally and modernize the dairy’s milking and housing facilities. The family

currently milks 30 cows and farms 500 acres.

The Velmar Green Scholarship was established in 2011 by the Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) to recognize Green for his 42 years of service to the MMPA board of directors.

Velmar Green Scholarship: Bryan Mahoney

Brent Bebow is from Alma where he is active in his family’s 1,100 cow dairy operation. During high school, Brent was an active member of the FFA for four years. At MSU he is a member of the Farmhouse Fraternity. Following graduation, Brent would like to take over the family’s dairy and cash crop farms.

MMPA Scholarship Recipient

Editor’s note: This information was omit-ted from the complete listing of MMPA scholarship recipients in the March issue.



MMPA Honors 35-Year Members

MMPA President Ken Nobis recognized the following

MMPA members as 35-year mem-bers at the State Annual Delegate Meeting on March 22. He com-mended them for their dedication to the dairy industry and MMPA.

96th Annual MMPA Annual Meeting

What MMPA looked like in 1977, when these members joined:

Glenn Lake was presidentJack Barnes was general manager

MMPA was 61 years oldToday MMPA is 96 years old

MMPA had 5,761 members in 1977As of Sept. 30, 2011 MMPA has 2,114 members

The average producer shipped 592,479 pounds of milk in 1977MMPA members shipped, on average, 2,843,329 pounds of milk in 2011

The average value per shipper was $56,221 in 1977The average value per shipper last year was $573,426

The average price of milk was $9.49/cwt. in fiscal year 1977The average price of milk was $20.17/cwt. in fiscal year 2011

MMPA marketed 2.8 billion pounds of milk in 1977 MMPA marketed 3.9 billion pounds of milk in the last fiscal year In response to the many issues facing dairy farmers in 1977, President Glenn Lake said, “These events, and many others that developed during the 1976-77 fiscal year show the importance of all dairy farmers working together for our common good, and for the good of the milk marketplace…the only way the minority group of dairy farmers can effectively, strongly make its voice heard, its desires known, is to speak loudly and as a single body.”

Alma LocalRichard HydeRonald LitwillerLeroy PaulenFrederick Simon

Brown City-Marlette LocalCarolyn CumperRandall Wood

Chippewa County LocalJohn HillAlan Raynard

Deford/Clifford-Mayville Lo-calWilliam Maasch

Flint LocalTom Atherton

Frankenmuth LocalTerry KeinathMark Schiefer

Hillsdale-Litchfield LocalGlenn & Suzanne PrestonKeith & Paula Preston

Ingham County LocalLinda Grettenberger

Kalamazoo LocalTim Hood

Mid-Michigan LocalKen Halfman

Muskegon LocalSteven SommerfeldtJames Wolter

Saline-Ann Arbor LocalWayne DeForest

Sandusky LocalBrad RichRandy Rich

St. Clair-Macomb LocalDuane JurnJames Reid

West Michigan LocalArlyn CoffeyMerle CoffeyVernon KlingerLloyd KoopmanArlyn Walt

20 April 2012


2011 was a tremendous year for MMPA and the dairy industry; it was a year of unparalleled dairy demand. We reached record export volumes for our dairy products nationally and domestic demand for our nation’s cheeses and yogurts continues to expand. The USDA’s latest statistics on per capita cheese consumption show Americans are now eating an average of 33.4 pounds of cheese annually. That’s up 1.6% from the prior year and nearly double the amount of cheese we ate in 1980.

About one third of our members’ milk now goes to the bottlers for Class I milk uses. Unfortunately, per capita consumption of fluid milk continues to slip and as our members continue to add more milk production the Class I portion of our total sales continues to be lowered. About 25% of our milk is going to Class II and III manufacturers directly from the farm to cheese customers like Leprino Foods in Allendale and Remus and yogurt

manufacturers like Yoplait in Reed City. The remaining portion of your milk production is going to our own plants at either Constantine or Ovid. The volume of milk being delivered to our own plants continues to grow at a fairly steady pace.

Last year we talked about the Ovid expansion project being completed and its ability to take in greater volumes of milk with reduced operating costs. We were proud to be recognized as Dairy Food Magazine’s Dairy Plant of the Year for 2010. In 2011 our plants have concentrated on putting more milk through their facilities and improving processing efficiencies in an effort to enhance member milk checks.

As we have moved into the current year, each passing month we are seeing even greater milk volumes delivered to our plants. For the first 5 months of this fiscal year, for the months of October 2011 through February 2012, milk

delivered to the Ovid plant was up nearly 34% over last year’s volume for the same 5 month period.

There has been plenty of milk in the country this winter. For the most part, the whole country has experienced milder than normal winter weather and the cows have responded with production increases that are up year to date by 3.9 percent nationally and the USDA is predicting the annual production for 2012 to be up 1.8% over 2011.

That may not sound like much of an increase, but the seemingly small percentage of extra milk has pushed balancing plants across the country to maximum capacity levels. We have even heard that some Western co-ops have imposed quotas on member milk production in order to reduce the burden on their balancing plants.

Michigan has seen an increase in milk production that has been running similar

General Manager’s Report to the Delegates



to the national average of about 3.9% ahead of last year’s numbers for the last five months and our own members’ milk is up slightly more. That has generated almost 27 million more pounds of milk per month in the state and our Ovid plant has received nearly all of the additional milk volume and in many cases much more. That additional milk volume and the fact that balancing plants across the country have been running at capacity, has occasionally led to milk hauler backups at our Ovid plant.

Carl Rasch our Director of Milk Sales and his dispatch team have been working diligently to find new homes for some of the unexpected increase in volume that has been pushed back to our plants. It has been a tough task as there have been very few outlets available with room to take milk and it seems even fewer trucks are available to move the milk to those locations.

Plants at or Near Capacity Our plants have been running at or near capacity since before Christmas and they are doing an exceptional job. Our employees at Ovid, led by Director of Operations and Plant Manager Dave Wittkop have been consistently breaking production records for volumes of milk processed for the last several months.

In just the first five months of this fiscal year, we produced over 19 million pounds of powder, which contrasts sharply with 2005 when we only produced 18 million pounds of powder during the whole year. Our

butter churns have been running at capacity and it is unlikely they will see much relief before the summer.

The Constantine plant led by Plant Manager Dave Davis has not only been busy making our traditional nonfat dry milk and butter products, but they have been building quite a reputation for producing some excellent organic butter and powder for our friends at Organic Valley. We are also very proud of the first place butter awards that the Constantine plant won last fall for our salted and unsalted varieties at the World Dairy Expo held in Madison, Wisconsin.

Export Customers This last month we were excited to learn the CWT program accepted several of our bids for export assistance to help move over a million pounds of butter to the Middle East. We have been a firm supporter of the CWT program since its inception and it has been times like these that bring the value of this program back to home. These sales have helped to keep our inventories in check and reduce some of the downward pressure being forced on product prices. As we are introduced to new customers from abroad, we look forward to developing new and lasting supply relationships that should benefit us for many years to come.

There has been considerable speculation regarding the new milk processing capacity for Michigan that is scheduled to start this spring. Word from General Mills is that the Yoplait yogurt plant in Reed City should

start receiving some additional milk volume as early as this April and then they plan to ramp up milk receiving to over a million pounds per day by early summer. The balancing plant in Coopersville, that is being built by Continental Dairy reports that they are on target to receive milk as early as next week and hope to be fully ramped up to receive as much as four million pounds per day by mid-May or early June. The completion of these two new milk receiving operations should help relieve some of the balancing pressures we have experienced this last winter.

Meeting Customer Needs MMPA members are fortunate to live in an area with relatively easy access to large metropolitan areas that have a good appetite for dairy products. Our ability to provide a reliable supply of high quality milk to the local manufactures of dairy products has been and continues to be a major key to our success at MMPA.

I realize meeting the changing needs of today’s consumer hasn’t always been an easy task for our members. Customers have made many demands on the quality of our milk supply and even on our methods of production. The most recent notable customer demand requiring our attention has come from overseas, regarding our Somatic Cell Count averages for EU certification.

Even though our combined averages of the member milk supply have been superior, with February’s results showing an average SCC for

22 April 2012

96th Annual MMPA Annual Meeting


MMPA members of 168,000 and our annual average for 2011 was less than 190,000, the recent requirement from the EU insists that every farm’s SCC average should also be below 400,000.

FARM Program Sign-ups Another area that is receiving greater consumer awareness has been the developing issue regarding the treatment of our dairy farm animals. MMPA has had a long standing policy of advocating for the proper care and treatment of animals. We have supported the efforts the National Milk Producers Federation to implement the national program; Farmers Assuring Responsible Management. For over a year now, we have been successful in steadily increasing the ranks of our membership enrolled in this program.

Dean Letter, our new Director of Member Services, and his team have been persistent in their efforts to persuade our members to be part of this national program. The sign-ups this winter for participation in the FARM program have been great but we still have a way to go to reach our participation goal, so I would like to encourage any of you who have not yet signed up for this program to do so soon.

We have had several members receive recognition this year for some rather special accomplishments. I am pleased to report Earl Horning was awarded the Richard E. Lyng Promotion Award for his many years of promotional service for the dairy industry, which was presented to him at the Joint National Dairy Board/National Milk Producers Federation and United Dairy Industry Association Annual meeting. Jim Reid was awarded MSU’s Dairy Farmer of the Year, Leona Daniels received UDIM’s Excellence in Dairy Promotion Award, Richard Thomas presented a bottle of milk to last year’s Indy 500 winner and several Michigan and Indiana

dairy producers were recognized by the Northstar Cooperative’s DHI Services Annual Performance Summary. Congratulations to all of you for your excellent efforts in dairy promotion and production.

Forward Contracting Last summer the Director of Finance, Joe Diglio and I along with the help of MSU Professor Chris Wolf from the Ag Economics Department put on several forward milk contracting seminars to introduce members to our new variable milk priced contracts. The half-day seminars discussed dairy price risk mitigation strategies that featured options as a way of creating variable priced milk contracts as an alternative to our traditional fixed priced offerings. We had good interest in our meetings and several members have since taken advantage of these new pricing mechanisms. Currently about a third of our forward contract volume with members now uses one or more of these variable pricing techniques.

Our Director of Information Systems Greg Schulkey and Director of Member Relations Sheila Burkhardt have been working to improve the timeliness of urgent member communications with email and fax deliveries. Their departments are also nearing completion of a major upgrade of our MMPA website. Look for several new security features, improved functionality and greater access to member production information to be available soon.

Our Director of Human Resources Cindy Tilden was very busy last year in labor negotiations with the Ovid union employees bargaining unit. The negotiation process took over seven months to complete, but resulted in a new contract which met the needs of our current employees and included terms and conditions more adaptable for meeting the competitive labor requirements for future growth.

Milk Price Forecast For the calendar year 2011 the MMPA all Milk Average Price was $20.71 per cwt. The USDA has calculated the National All Milk Average Price for 2011 at $20.14 per cwt. and their projection for 2012 is $17.90. The MILC payment program did not make any payments for 2011.

However, the latest MILC payment projections for 2012 from NMPF now show that February will likely be the first month to receive a payment of about $.34 with the following months of March through September ranging from about $.40 to just over $1.00 per cwt.

Based on this week’s futures markets, MMPA is looking at an All Milk Average Price of $18.11 per cwt. for calendar year 2012 and for those that will capture the full advantage of the MILC payments for all of next year, it looks like their price could average about $18.55. We will keep you posted with the latest MILC forecasts and milk price projections as we continue through the year.

In conclusion, we can expect that the year ahead will be a much tougher year for dairy farmers, but we remain optimistic that demand for our dairy products will continue to improve over time, with a good pull coming from the developing global demand and improvements in domestic consumption. MMPA is committed to helping our members succeed in the life they have chosen in the dairy industry.

We are confident that MMPA is positioned well for the future with a solid team of hard working dedicated employees and a management staff devoted to “Marketing our Members’ Milk to the Greatest Advantage Possible.”



96th Annual

Lansing, Michigan

MMPA ANNUAL MEETING

Pictured:Top Left: MMPA vice-president Bob Kran opens the Annual Meeting.

Bottom Left: Wayne and Arlene DeForest comment on their 35 years of membership with MMPA.

Top Right: Jerry Dryer, editor, Dairy and Food Market Analyst, told the delegates that there is an endless number of opportunities to drive the market for U.S. dairy products overseas.

Bottom Right: 2012 OYDC Jody and Jeremy Sharrard (r) receive their award from Burke and Lisa Larsen, 2011 OYDC and MMPA board member Brent Wilson.

24 April 2012


Our strength...

is in our Members!

MMPA ANNUAL MEETING

Pictured:Top Left: Ryan and Charina Dellar, Harrisville, are the 2012 MMPA top quality award winners. MMPA board member John Kronemeyer presented them with their award.

Bottom Left: MMPA treasurer Mark Halbert was reelected to a three-year term as an at-large member on the MMPA board of directors.

Top Right: MMPA delegate Steve Foley discusses a policy resolution. The delegate body approved 39 current resolutions, 35 standing resolutions and one set of bylaw changes during the meeting.



March 22, 2012MMPA Resolutions

C-1. NMPF Strategic Planning Task Force We applaud the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) for creating the NMPF Strategic Planning Task Force in response to the economic challenges the dairy producer community faced in 2009. The purpose of the Task Force was to build consensus across the dairy industry about both the causes affecting producer prices, and ways the industry can develop solutions to address the economic challenges. The Task Force met several times since its formation and developed the Foundation for the Future (FFTF), a package of proposed dairy policy programs that will bring much needed change to many aspects of current dairy programs and is designed to help reduce price volatility and protect producer income.

The components of the Foundation for the Future program include:

1. Replacing existing federal dairy support programs;

2. Introducing a new margin protection program to protect producer equity;

3. Implementing a stabilization program to address market imbalances;

4. Reforming milk pricing regulations set by the Federal Milk Marketing Order System.

We applaud the Task Force for being responsive to industry and producer concerns by adjusting the original proposal to allow farmers to voluntarily choose between having a basic level of government-sponsored protection or opting out of the protection. We believe the FFTF package provides

a new approach to better protect dairy farmers, allow for growth, and save taxpayer dollars. We urge members of Congress to adopt the FFTF in the 2012 Farm Bill.

C-2. MMPA Dairy Policy

We continue our firm commitment to maximizing returns to dairy farmers and ensuring stability of the milk market. We believe in the concept of over-order pricing and acknowledge its effectiveness when accompanied with equitable sharing of proceeds among all dairy farmers in the market.

We urge MMPA to maintain the concept of over-order pricing and equitable sharing of the over-order proceeds among all dairy farmers.

We endorse the voluntary superpool, which is currently supported by all market participants. We urge cooperatives and all others involved in the dairy industry across the country to work together in a manner that promotes market stability. We encourage our leaders, when possible, to work with dairy organizations to solve problems to the benefit of all dairy farmers.

C-3. Cooperatives Working Together

We support the industry-led Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) program developed to help strengthen farm milk prices. The CWT program demonstrates the ability of farmers to work together to impact their industry. We commend the program’s success. We support CWT’s current efforts to focus exclusively on an Export Assistance Program in 2012 and 2013. CWT’s Export Assistance

Program has demonstrated its effectiveness in enhancing dairy farmer revenue by expanding the demand for U.S. dairy products. We urge all dairy farmers across the U.S. to participate in the CWT program.

Furthermore, we urge NMPF to renew and utilize the program to its fullest potential to help provide long term stability for the dairy industry. We are in favor of the possibility of increasing our financial support to the CWT program.

Advertising, Research, Education & Public Relations

C-4. Fluid Milk Promotion Campaign

We applaud the efforts of the National Fluid Milk Processor Promotion Board for their Milk Processor Education Program (MilkPEP). We believe this program serves as a complement to the ongoing producer financed dairy product promotion program and support the integrated marketing plan now underway between the producers and processors. We strongly encourage continued product promotion by the National Fluid Milk Processor Promotion Board.

In addition to the joint marketing plan, we support the continuation of joint programs between the MilkPEP and Dairy Management Incorporated (DMI) that utilize the same research and market data, detailing the motivations, attitudes and behavior of consumers toward dairy products and channels of distribution. We support efforts to bring dairy farmers and processors together to

identify and break through barriers to fluid milk marketing.

We are excited about the many successful DMI promotional efforts; including 3-Every-Day of Dairy, The New Look of School Milk, Fuel Up to Play 60, food service partnerships with fast food retailers, dairy ingredient marketing efforts, and nutrition research and education programs that help promote dairy as part of a healthy diet.

C-5. Promotion Assessment on Dairy Imports

We applaud USDA for implementing the long-delayed promotion checkoff on dairy imports. The measure had been mandated by Congress in both the 2002 and 2008 Farm Bills. USDA’s Final Rule extended the promotion checkoff to all 50 states and Puerto Rico. On August 1, 2011 USDA began assessing the equivalent of 7.5 cents per hundredweight on all dairy-based imports, including cheese and butter products, as well as dry ingredients such as casein and milk protein concentrates. Importers of dairy products, who have long benefitted from U.S. dairy promotion programs, will now help by paying some of the costs associated with growing U.S. demand for dairy products.

C-6. MSU Extension

We recognize that as the state budget continues to tighten, MSU Extension must restructure its resources to best serve the citizens of Michigan. As the restructuring process develops, we urge MSU Extension to be mindful of the important role

CURRENT RESOLUTIONSApproved at the MMPA State Annual Meeting March 22, 2012

26 April 2012


production agriculture plays in our state’s economy. We urge the leadership within MSU Extension to carefully examine ways to best meet the needs of the agriculture community and to bolster the industry’s growth as a vital contributor to our state’s economy. We urge state lawmakers to provide adequate funding to keep MSU Extension effective and viable. We further urge county governments to continue their support for MSU Extension.

C-7. Michigan 4-H Dairy and Livestock Youth Specialist Positions

We are deeply disappointed in the decision by Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) to eliminate the 4-H Dairy Youth and 4-H Youth Livestock positions effective August 2012. While we understand that MSUE is facing tough budget restraints, we believe the decision to eliminate the two positions is short-sighted and without reasonable justification. The two positions play an important role in the continued growth of Michigan’s agriculture industry and should be a priority for funding. Without proper leadership at the state level, the successful 4-H livestock and dairy programs will fade.

Financial support for the programs carried out in the 4-H Dairy and Livestock area have primarily come from the industry. Having both a consistent state 4-H Program leader and strong industry support is the key to continued growth in the 4-H livestock and dairy programs. We strongly urge the leadership of MSUE to reevaluate their decision and develop a process of ongoing communication with the livestock and dairy industry when matters such as this arise.

C-8. Michigan State University

We continue our support for Michigan State University’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the College of Veterinary Medicine, and programs of Extension and Research. We support continued legislative funding for these two colleges and their facilities at appropriate levels.

We urge the MSU Administration and Board of Trustees to continue the focus on improving agricultural education, research, and extension programs. We support the continuation and strengthening of the Agricultural Technology program at MSU.

We acknowledge the importance of a working partnership between the dairy industry and university. We expect to achieve cooperative efforts from the college faculty, providing partnership and interchange between the university and the agriculture industry. We further encourage the university to conduct research programs that support the mainstay of the agriculture industry.

We endorse efforts to re-establish the Dairy Industry Advisory Committee to provide input and future direction to research programs impacting the dairy industry.

C-9. MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources

The current budget situation at Michigan State University will require tough decisions and reductions in university, college and department budgets. We urge the Dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources to be mindful of the purpose of the Land Grant University when making any changes. We must not lose, through any departmental

changes, the agricultural focus that has been so vital to the university, the state of Michigan and its citizens.

Furthermore, we urge the college to engage in the dialogue surrounding the use of safe, approved and scientifically sound technology used in production of food. We rely on the university to make their research findings available to not only those involved in agriculture but to the general public when modern farming practices are challenged.

C-10. Food Animal Production Medicine

We are concerned about the shortage of veterinarians in the area of food animal production medicine. It is important for the animal agriculture industry to have qualified and experienced animal health professionals to protect the State’s livestock industry.

We support the Production Animal Scholars Program developed jointly by the Department of Animal Science and the College of Veterinary Medicine at Michigan State University. The program encourages interested students to pursue food-animal medicine careers and provides them with a broader understanding of the entire food production system.

We encourage the MMPA Board of Directors, management and members to work with the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine to assist in efforts to increase the number and level of experience of food animal practitioners.

C-11. Michigan Ag Council

We support the collective efforts of the Michigan Ag Council as a way to bring awareness and education to the role of animal agriculture in Michigan. The collaborative efforts of the Ag Council

partners serve as an effective tool in bringing unity among agricultural organizations to promote a positive image for the agriculture industry. The Michigan Ag Council takes an assertive, proactive approach in telling the story of modern agriculture practices and advancements.

Legislative and Regulatory Issues

C-12. International Trade

We direct the MMPA board of directors to closely monitor international trade discussions to ensure the interests of U.S. dairy farmers are preserved and advanced. Furthermore, we support the consensus position on trade policy in the dairy industry “white paper” drafted by the United States Dairy Export Council and endorsed by National Milk Producers Federation and the International Dairy Foods Association. The white paper calls for the following:

1. Work toward the reduction and elimination of export subsidies.

2. Standardize tariff rates between countries and eventually eliminate all tariffs.

3. Seek out new market-opening measures in a multilateral setting rather than in less significant bilateral agreements.

We urge Congress to reauthorize the Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) which provides the administration the power to be effective in trade negotiations. We encourage the Administration to maintain fair trade policies when negotiating with any country to ensure the preservation of the U.S. dairy industry.

We urge the MMPA board of directors and management to closely monitor the WTO negotiations and the impact the negotiations have on U.S. dairy policy. It is important



that international trade agreements do not hinder the ability to provide an effective safety net for the U.S. dairy industry. We are specifically concerned about the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement negotiation that would create a trade agreement with New Zealand. The negative impact of additional imports from New Zealand on the U.S. dairy industry would be tremendous. The TPP Agreement would offer no new opportunities for U.S. dairy exports, thus creating an unfair and unbalanced trade agreement. We therefore insist that all New Zealand dairy products be fully excluded from the TPP Agreement.

We applaud the U.S. House and Senate for passing three free trade agreements (FTAs) with South Korea, Panama and Columbia. The agreements will provide major benefits to U.S. dairy producers by expanding sales of U.S dairy products into Korea, Panama and Columbia. The Korea FTA alone is expected to provide an additional $380 million, on average, in annual dairy export sales.

We endorse the dairy industry’s challenges to countries we believe to be in violation of WTO policies and urge continual monitoring of those areas.

In addition, because various countries within the WTO are working to increase access to world markets, we ask the FDA and USDA to inspect all dairy imports to ensure they meet U.S. health and quality standards. We further support enforcement action which ensures that imported dairy foods meet the same compositional requirements as domestically-produced standardized dairy foods.

C-13. Land Use Policies

We support positive land use policies, including urban

redevelopment and higher density suburban growth.

C-14. Farmland And Open Space Preservation Act

We reaffirm our support of the Farmland and Open Space Preservation Act, 1974 PA 116, as an effective, voluntary method to preserve essential farmland and open space while providing farmers needed tax relief. We further urge the Treasury Department to process PA 116 refunds in a timely manner.

C-15. Right To Farm

Knowing the importance of protecting our environmental resources, we strongly encourage dairy farmers to maintain high standards of environmental practices. We acknowledge and support the Michigan Commission of Agriculture’s role in developing and reviewing Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices (GAAMPs). Practices dealing with livestock manure management and utilization, nutrient utilization, pesticide utilization and pest control, care of farm animals, irrigation water use and site selection and odor control for new and expanding animal livestock facilities are reviewed and approved by the commission on an annual basis. We encourage the continued development of other GAAMPs that will provide protection for other segments of agriculture. We urge awareness among the Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development, Michigan State University and others involved in developing the guidelines that there is an opportunity to preserve the quality of our environment while maintaining an efficient agriculture community.

C-16. Nutrient Management

We acknowledge that it is the responsibility of all livestock producers to follow proper nutrient management guidelines to prevent any contamination of our environment. We strongly encourage producers to follow the Michigan Right to Farm Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices (GAAMPs) for Manure Management and Utilization and Site Selection.

We endorse the efforts of the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) to help producers assess and reduce environmental risks on farms. We encourage all producers, regardless of farm size, to seek environmental assurance through MAEAP verification in Michigan or similar programs in other states.

We encourage all producers to develop a comprehensive nutrient management plan (CNMP) as outlined under the MAEAP for their farming operation. A CNMP addresses manure handling and storage, land application of manure, farm specific conservation practices, feed management, record keeping, and other aspects of waste and nutrient management.

We further support the MAEAP Livestock*A*Syst program which confidentially assesses a producer’s environmental risks and helps identify issues to be addressed in order to apply for the MAEAP Livestock System verification. The program targets small and medium-sized operations and assists producers in planning over time.

C-17. CAFO Regulations

We urge the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) to not adopt any rules or regulations that

exceed those established by the EPA.

Furthermore, we urge the MMPA Board of Directors and management to closely monitor actions of the EPA, MDEQ and all other agencies in Michigan in an effort to protect the interest of livestock producers.

C-18. Water Use

We understand that water used in agricultural production is in the public interest and represents an essential and necessary use of water for the production of food and fiber.

We urge the MMPA Board of Directors and management to closely monitor the implementation of any water use legislation or regulation that would create additional water quantity related fees or rules.

Furthermore, we are aware that since 1972, the Clean Water Act has regulated “navigable waters” to improve the quality of the nation’s waters. We oppose any legislative or regulatory efforts to expand the authority of the Clean Water Act (CWA) by granting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) unlimited regulatory authority over all “intrastate waters,” rather than specifically “navigable” waters. We are deeply concerned that expanding the CWA beyond protecting wetlands and waterways would transform it into a vehicle for regulating virtually every wet area in the nation, including ditches, gutters, and possibly even groundwater. Expanded federal jurisdiction would preempt traditional state and local government authority over land and water use decisions and alter the balance of federal and state authority. Dairy farmers are committed to conserving and restoring the nation’s water resources and believe this can be achieved without a

28 April 2012

MMPA Resolutions


dramatic expansion of the CWA.

C-19. Air Quality

We understand that data from the National Air Emissions Study has been released and will be utilized by the Environmental Protection Agency to develop emission standards for different types and sizes of feeding operations. Lawsuits driven by environmental groups continue to force the development of regulation and law in the absence of sound science. We strongly urge that any government air quality standards be based on sound science and take into consideration the economic impact in our agricultural industry.

C-20. Tax Relief Measures

We applaud Congress for passing legislation that exempts the first $5 million of a person’s estate indexed for inflation and includes a maximum 35 percent tax rate. The estate tax exemption is in effect during 2012. We further urge the continuation of the current $5 million estate tax exemption to assist farm families in passing the farm from one generation to the next.

We further support the reduction of the capital gains tax and urge the U.S. Congress to include this provision in future legislation.

We urge keeping the stepped up tax basis now in effect on the assets heirs receive from estates.

We oppose any effort to increase the state estate tax.

We oppose any new or increased permits or fees imposed by the state, which result in an inequitable burden on the agricultural community.

We urge the elimination of the Alternative Minimum Tax.

We applaud Members of Congress for repealing the 1099 reporting requirement that was included in the health care reform bill passed by Congress in 2010.

We further support allowing farmers and other small businesses to expense under Section 179 at the amount of $500,000. We understand the maximum deduction under Section 179 will decrease to $139,000 ($125,000 indexed for inflation) for 2012. We urge the $500,000 deduction level be maintained as the minimum level and be indexed for inflation.

We oppose any increase in the state income tax rate and any changes to the current property tax system that would adversely affect farmers without a vote of the affected property owners.

We urge that any Michigan tax change be broad based and that business to business transactions be exempt from tax, including sales tax.

We oppose a tax or fee that negatively effects agriculture such as a tax on gross receipts, a tax on personal property or a tax on assets.

C-21. Michigan Dairy Industry Research Fund

We support efforts to explore the development of a Michigan dairy industry checkoff program to address environmental, animal research and animal welfare issues and help fund other applied dairy research programs.

C-22. Applied Research Funding

In 2007, MMPA delegates initiated an applied research fund in an amount equal to $.01/cwt. on MMPA members’ September milk production. In 2011, delegates approved increasing

the amount to $.02/cwt. We fully understand that applied research is important to the advancement of the dairy industry, and traditional research funding sources have become limited. We therefore support the continuation of funding for the applied research fund in the amount equal to $.02/cwt. produced by MMPA members for the month of September. This fund is to be managed by the MMPA board of directors or delegated committee.

We also encourage MMPA to work with other cooperatives and dairy industry groups to get all milk in the state participating in a similar manner.

C-23. Immigration Reform

We urge Congress to carefully consider immigration reform proposals and the impact they may have on the agriculture and dairy industry. Due to the importance of immigrant labor to the dairy industry, we believe that any final piece of legislation concerning immigration reform must contain the following components:

1. An affordable and efficient guest worker program that ensures continued availability of immigrant labor for all of agriculture.

2. A provision that allows those currently employed or with recent history in the U.S. to earn the right to work here legally.

3. A provision that specifies that the responsibility for ultimate verification of the legal status of a worker lies with the government, not with the employer. Dairy farmers will have no choice but to vigorously oppose any immigration reform package that does not contain these three components because it would impose tremendous costs on our businesses and consumers and create hardships on our

farms, while not making our country any more secure.

C-24. Capper-Volstead Protections

We strongly support the protections provided by the Capper-Volstead Act’s limited antitrust immunity for farmers and their cooperatives. The Capper-Volstead Act gives agricultural producer organizations limited antitrust immunity “in collectively processing, preparing for market, handling and marketing” their products. We urge Congress to support and maintain the protections provided by the Capper-Volstead Act. These protections are as important to farmers and cooperatives today as they were when originally passed in 1922.

C-25. Milk Labeling Requirements

We urge the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Indiana Board of Animal Health, Ohio Department of Agriculture and Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection to continue to strictly enforce label claims on packages of all milk and dairy products. We further urge these agencies to take action to prevent misleading and false in-store promotions of milk and dairy products.

C-26. Term Limits For State Legislators

In 1992 Michigan voters approved term limits for members of the Michigan House of Representatives, and Michigan Senate. We recommend that the term limits be changed to six, two-year terms for our House of Representatives and three, four-year terms for the Michigan Senate. We further support a change to a part-time legislature.



C-27. Michigan Department Of Agriculture And Rural Development

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) provides beneficial services to all people in the state of Michigan. MDARD plays a key role in ensuring the safety of our food supply and protects the well being of the plant and animal industries to make sure our state is a reputable and reliable supplier of products to food processors and international markets.

As the second leading industry in Michigan, the continued growth of the agriculture industry has a significant impact on the state’s economy. It is important that the funding for the MDARD continue at a level that will protect our state’s food supply and protect animal health. Having a properly funded Michigan Department of Agriculture will enable the agriculture and dairy industry to continue to play a vital role in our state’s economy and will allow our industry to continue to grow and remain competitive on the national level.

Furthermore, since the functions of the MDARD benefit all Michigan citizens we believe funding for regulatory and enforcement actions should be taken from the state’s General Fund, understanding that significant funding currently is provided by the industry

We further support the continued existence of the MDARD as a distinct Department within State government. We oppose any attempt to dilute the effectiveness of the MDARD by merging it with any other government agency or department.

C-28. Regulatory Fees

Because the function of state regulatory agencies benefits all citizens, we believe that any costs imposed on dairy farmers by state regulatory agencies should come from a state’s General Fund, understanding that significant funding currently is provided by the industry.

C-29. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Concerns

We understand there are conflicting arguments within the scientific and political community surrounding the validity of global warming and climate change. There is some belief that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from human activities are contributing to an increase in average global temperatures and adverse changes in the world’s climate and weather. GHG emissions include carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane. While we do not accept the responsibility for the increase in GHG emissions, the dairy industry is poised to play a unique role in the climate change debate. We urge the MMPA board of directors and management staff to closely monitor any climate change legislation or greenhouse gas reporting that may adversely impact the dairy industry’s ability to provide a safe and abundant milk supply. Furthermore, we oppose any efforts to regulate livestock operations’ GHG emissions through the Clean Air Act. It is important to recognize the great strides that have been made in lowering the environmental and greenhouse gases (GHG) footprint of the U.S. dairy industry. Today’s U.S. dairy industry is supplying consumers’ needs for dairy products with about one-third of the GHG emissions generated by the system in 1944 per pound of milk produced. The imposition of GHG standards

could stifle the further success and ongoing innovations in the dairy and agriculture industry.

C-30. Feral Animals

Many farmers and rural residents are very concerned about the increasing population of feral hogs and other destructive wild animals. We need to have every tool or means available to help control these animals. We strongly support the state order that went into effect on October 8, 2011 that declares wild hogs an invasive and prohibited species. The state order is essential to protect Michigan’s agriculture industry from the destructive animals.

C- 31. Taxation on Renewable Energy Sources

Many dairy farmers are looking to create renewable energy systems on their farms using sources such as wind, solar and methane digestion; yet the current tax liabilities incurred outweigh any economic incentives to use renewable energy sources. Removing these tax burdens will assist in meeting federal renewable energy goals.

C- 32. 25 By 25 Ballot Initiative

We oppose a November 2012 ballot initiative that would require 25 percent of Michigan’s energy to come from renewable energy sources by the year 2025. Current law requires 10 percent of Michigan’s electricity to come from renewable sources by 2015. Under the ballot proposal, energy companies could not raise electricity rates by more than 1 percent in any year in order to comply with the move to more green energy.

C-33. State Funding for Agriculture

We applaud Governor Snyder’s 2012-13 proposed budget that includes additional funds supporting Michigan agriculture. We look forward to the opportunity to discuss additional funding opportunities that will help grow Michigan’s dairy industry.

Animal Health and Milk Quality

C-34. Starling Control Measures

Starling numbers have continued to increase in dairy facilities. Their droppings in feed and bedding areas have known negative effects on livestock health. We approve USDA’s program for starling control and urge the continuation and expansion of the program. We encourage producers to participate in the program.

C-35. Johne’s Disease

We are concerned about the significant animal health problems and economic impact on dairy farms from Johne’s disease.

We encourage Michigan State University (MSU) Animal Science Department, MSU College of Veterinary Medicine, departments of Large Animal Clinical Sciences and the Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory, MSU Extension, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to work cooperatively to develop control and prevention guidelines to assist producers in managing Johne’s disease.

We applaud the MMPA members who have conducted a Johne’s risk assessment on their farms. We strongly encourage all members to utilize MMPA’s Johne’s risk assessment program, test and

30 April 2012

MMPA Resolutions


implement control measures to help identify and determine risk factors that are important in limiting the spread of Johne’s.

We further oppose the classification of Johne’s disease as a reportable disease.

In addition, we urge that all imported cattle be tested negative for Johne’s.

C-36. Animal Identification System

We applaud Michigan’s efforts to require mandatory cattle identification. The mandatory requirement is important to help Michigan achieve Bovine Tuberculosis (TB) free status for all Michigan counties while helping to maintain the TB Free status for the 57 counties and Upper Peninsula that have been designated as Bovine TB free.

We urge the USDA to implement a mandatory RFID animal identification program immediately. We also urge that the identification database system be maintained under the control of USDA to expedite the traceback of animals. The system should protect farmers’ privacy, while also allowing for immediate access of relevant information by government authorities in the event of an animal disease crisis. We therefore urge that the information in the animal identification database be exempt from the Freedom of Information Act.

C-37. Bovine Tuberculosis

We commend Michigan dairy and livestock producers, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and its partners for their efforts to restore the

Bovine Tuberculosis (TB) Free status to 57 counties in Michigan in 2011. The TB-Free designation was long-awaited and anticipated news to Michigan’s dairy industry. By designating 57 counties as TB Free, along with the already designated TB Free Upper Peninsula, it allows for more effective use of limited resources to help eradicate Bovine TB from the state completely.. We urge that all efforts possible be undertaken to restore Michigan’s TB free status and reduce bTB to the point of non-detection in both the wild and domesticated animal populations in northern Michigan. We recognize the stringent management practices many of our members have put in place in order to minimize the transmission of this disease. We believe their efforts including the adoption of Wildlife Risk Mitigation Plans, helped expedite our TB-Free status in other areas of the state and that Wildlife Risk Mitigation practices should be implemented by all cattle producers in northern Michigan. We also encourage all landowners in northern Michigan be active in the legal control of the deer population. We commend our MMPA field staff, management and others that have helped educate producers and others about controlling this disease. We urge the MDNR to increase their efforts in managing deer and wildlife, to help further eliminate Bovine TB. We also believe that the changes necessary to reduce Bovine TB to the point of non-detection in the wild and domestic animal populations must be permanent changes in order to prevent resurgence of the disease.

Furthermore, we encourage USDA to seek additional funding so that eradication goals can be achieved. We also support: 1. Payment of fair market value for animals that need to be destroyed. 2. An appeals process as part of the Federal indemnity program that includes specifics of what constitutes a valid appeal, defined timeframes for filing and responding to an appeal, and opportunity for an onsite appraisal. 3. A limit on maximum federal indemnity allowable by animal and by herd, but also a provision that allows the state to provide additional payment to reach the full appraisal of an animal without penalty.

C-38. Animal Care

We believe in and support the humane treatment of animals. We recognize the importance of maintaining a sound animal care program on our farms.

We applaud the efforts of National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) for their role in launching the National Dairy FARM Program: Farmers Assuring Responsible Management. The National Dairy FARM Program was formed to bolster consumer trust and confidence in the U.S. dairy industry and demonstrate the industry’s commitment to the highest levels of animal care and quality assurance. The dairy animal well-being program demonstrates the dairy industry’s awareness of the need to communicate our commitment to animal well-being to customers and consumers. We strongly encourage all producers to participate in the National Dairy FARM Program.

Furthermore, in the interest of the animals, consumers, and the economics of the animal owners, we are opposed to any further restrictions on the administration and sale of drugs and vaccines to animal owners, provided use is consistent with label directions. We oppose any attempts to further restrict harvest options or market opportunities for the livestock and dairy industries.

Association Issues

C-39. Political Action

We reaffirm our belief in the need to actively support the Michigan Milk Political Action Committee (MMPAC) as a legitimate means for organized involvement in areas of government legislation and regulation that affect dairy farmers and agriculture. To ensure that the dairy industry’s needs are addressed in state and national lawmaking and policy-making circles, we strongly recommend a voluntary milk check deduction by each member at the rate of $5 per member per month.



S-1. Farmer Cooperatives

We believe that the concept of farmer cooperatives and family farms, upon which this nation relies for providing high-quality agricultural products at reasonable prices, is of immeasurable value. We urge the Administration to be guided by that fact as it formulates and carries out policies and programs pertaining to farming. We will continue to strongly resist efforts in private or government sectors to weaken or destroy farmer cooperatives. We are determined that present tax regulations, which result in a single taxing of farmer cooperatives’ overages allocated to members, must be maintained.

S-2. Dairy Product Identity

We pledge continued support for work of the National Milk Producers Federation, United Dairy Industry Association, National Dairy Promotion & Research Board, and other responsible groups that defend and promote the integrity of “Real” dairy products.

S-3. Agricultural Public Affairs — Dairy Communicators

We commend the corps of the MMPA Dairy Communicators for their efforts to improve the position of dairy farmers. We recognize the growing need for regular communication with legislators, and news media; for local promotion and consumer education activities geared to the milk consuming public. We re-emphasize our

continuing belief that all news media must be made aware of, and have access to, up-to-date information regarding our views on a wide range of agriculture-related issues. We encourage the participation of all designated Dairy Communicators and local officers in events that allow communication about dairying and other agricultural issues to the general public.

S-4. Allied Organizations

We acknowledge the increased importance of marketing services and programs of such dairy farmer cooperatives as MMPA in our complex marketplace. We, therefore, pledge continued support to the activities of the following organizations, allies working to extend the effectiveness of MMPA members and all other dairy farmers: National Milk Producers Federation in representing dairy farmers and their cooperatives in Washington, D.C.; National Council of Farmer Cooperatives in conveying the farmer cooperative story to elected officials and federal agencies.

S-5. MMPA Leadership Potential

We recognize the importance of programs that help ensure MMPA’s future strength and effectiveness, and we continue our endorsement of programs that identify and build future leadership for this cooperative. We urge young cooperators to attend association meetings, share ideas and concerns, discuss solutions to common problems, and become involved in activities which lead to development of abilities needed to provide sound, foresighted operation

of agricultural cooperatives.

S-6. Image Enhancement

We direct the MMPA board of directors to work with leaders of other farm groups to enhance the image that farmers and agriculture project to the general public.

S-7. Quality Premium Program

We commend the MMPA board of directors and management for their continuing vigil over the quality of milk produced on our farms. We commend them for developing and implementing the Quality Premium Program, which provides to MMPA members financial incentive to produce superior quality milk. We direct the MMPA board and management to monitor the progress of this important program and to make adjustments, as needed, to ensure its effective continuation.

S-8. Michigan Dairy Market Program

We continue our solid endorsement of the Michigan Dairy Market Program, which funds dairy product promotion and market-building activities of the United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM) and United Dairy Industry Association (UDIA) at a rate of $.10/cwt. through dairy farmer investment.

S-9. Expanding Marketing Opportunities

We direct MMPA management to continue to aggressively seek new customers for milk-derived products made at the MMPA manufacturing plants. We

support MMPA’s expansion of its marketing activities into that segment of the food industry, in addition to the broad range of traditional products. We endorse continuation of that practice, as a way to capitalize upon milk marketing opportunities that enable MMPA to market its members’ milk to their best advantage.

S-10. Involvement: The Community of Agriculture

We urge each MMPA member to seek and/or accept the responsibility for involvement in local government. We urge each member to enter into this continuing vigil in the spirit of responsible citizens as his or her livelihood and way of living depends on it. We suggest strongly that the areas to be closely monitored — with an eye to potential impact on the agriculture community — include issues related to: livestock management, environmental integrity, equitable taxation, planning commission and zoning ordinance board.

S-11. Michigan Beef Industry Commission

We support the Michigan Beef Industry Commission and the National Beef Check-off Program of which over 40 percent of the Michigan funds come from dairy beef and veal in Michigan. Therefore, we support the Michigan Beef Industry Commission in directing dairy farmers’ check-off dollars to promote beef through its consumer education, industry information, and a more aggressive beef promotion program.

STANDING RESOLUTIONS Approved at the MMPA State Annual Meeting March 22, 2012

32 April 2012

MMPA Resolutions


S-12. Industry Relations

With the declining number of producers in the agricultural community, it behooves all producers to stand together when confronting agricultural issues. We are encouraged by recent movement to work toward common goals and encourage further cooperation and unity in dealing with future beef and dairy legislation.

S-13. Michigan Agriculture Commission

We recognize the value of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development having its operating policy determined by the Michigan Agriculture Commission. We urge the Governor to ensure that animal agriculture interests are adequately represented and to seek input from the agriculture industry when opportunities arise to fill vacancies on the Michigan Agriculture Commission. Recognizing that the dairy industry represents 25 percent of Michigan’s agricultural income, and is a major user of Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development services, we encourage the appointment of an individual directly involved in the dairy industry. Further, we strongly urge that steps be taken to allow the Commission to approve the rules and regulations promulgated by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD).

S-14. Natural Resources Commission

We encourage the Governor to maintain a person with an agricultural background on the Natural Resources Commission.

S-15. Sponsoring of Events

Many times MMPA is asked to sponsor many events such as dinners, special events, etc. We support such sponsorship, however, when MMPA sponsors these events, one stipulation must be made to the group that wants our sponsorship. The group that wants our sponsorship must agree to serve “Real” dairy products at the event.

S-16. Residue Prevention Quality Assurance/HAACP Programs

Recognizing the importance of producing a safe, residue-free product, we encourage participation in the Milk and Dairy Beef Quality Assurance Program or a similar HAACP-based program by every MMPA member. These programs enable producers to carefully evaluate their production and management practices to enhance production of residue-free milk and meat.

S-17. Public Nutrition Programs

We recognize the importance of public nutrition programs that help maintain the nation’s health and provide stable markets for agricultural commodities. We urge Congress to take the necessary steps to maintain child feeding, school breakfast and lunch programs, and other public nutrition programs that include REAL dairy products. We further urge Congress to ensure these programs are adequately funded, regulated, and administered. In addition, we urge the U.S. Department of Agriculture to ensure that adequate funds are made available to states for distribution of dairy products to needy families.

S-18. GREEEN

We support the partnership efforts of Michigan State University, the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, Michigan State University Extension, state government, the state’s commodity groups and food processors and consumers in structuring the GREEEN program (Generating Research and Extension to meet Economic and Environmental Needs). The GREEEN proposal seeks to boost the state’s economy by expanding Michigan’s plant-based agriculture and processing systems through research and educational programs while protecting and preserving the quality of the environment and the safety of our food supply.

S-19. Private Property Rights

We believe that property owners have the constitutional right to be duly compensated for any use by the government that in any way diminishes the property owners use of the property. Any action taken by the government that lessens an owner’s right to use his property constitutes a taking of that owner’s property and should be appropriately compensated to the owner. Compensation should be paid from the budget of the agency responsible for the action and must be of fair market value.

S-20. Food Safety

We acknowledge that the public perception of food safety may have adverse public policy and market-related impacts upon dairy farmers. MMPA and NMPF have taken and will continue to take proactive positions to protect the nation’s milk and dairy beef supply from violative animal drug residues and other potential contaminates.

S-21. Federal Orders

We strongly endorse the continuation of the Federal Milk Marketing Order system, established by the Agriculture Marketing Agreement Act of 1937. The Federal Order system has a long history and time-tested record of changing individual order rules and regulations to meet changing market conditions and consumers’ needs. The formal hearing process used to amend Federal Orders has served the industry well. We endorse the use of the recently revised hearing and decision making process.

S-22. National Dairy Promotion/Market-Building Programs

We reaffirm our support for market-building programs financed by producer investment. We endorse funding of these programs which include the National Dairy Board (NDB) and United Dairy Industry Association (UDIA), at levels that ensure continued effectiveness.

S-23. Truck Weights

We oppose any efforts by the state legislature to reduce Michigan’s gross vehicle weight limits. Lowering truck weights would result in higher energy, environmental and transportation costs, negatively affecting the income of dairy farmers and ultimately impacting the prices consumers pay for dairy products. Studies have shown that individual axle loads and speed are more important than total gross vehicle weight when determining factors that affect road damage.

S-24. Michigan Dairy Expo

We applaud the efforts of the Michigan State University 4-H program at the Michigan Dairy Expo. The development of this event has revitalized



the Dairy 4-H program in Michigan. We support the educational and promotional activities associated with the Michigan Dairy Expo and encourage participation in this event. Furthermore, we extend our appreciation to the numerous 4-H volunteers and leaders and MMPA members who had the vision to make the Michigan Dairy Expo a reality. Without their continuing commitment to our youth, the programs and activities at Michigan Dairy Expo would not be possible.

S-25. 4-H, FFA And Agriscience Education

We reaffirm our belief in the value of youth-directed programs and activities of the Michigan 4-H Clubs, FFA, and Agriscience Education — all of which are vital to the future of America. We recognize that most MMPA members benefited from taking part in these programs and we recommend that each dairy farm family accept the challenge of personal involvement to help perpetuate these valuable programs and activities. We support the establishment of standards for ethical behavior in exhibiting livestock at fairs and expositions. Furthermore, we support youth livestock ethics education and awareness. Further, in view of the vital investment that vocational agriscience programs represent in the future well-being of the state’s economy, we urge that these programs be fully funded, on a continuing basis, at levels to ensure their effectiveness and state accreditation. That is particularly important in small rural school districts located in areas that often must compete for funds with large urban school districts.

S-26. United States Dairy Export Council

We support and encourage further development of the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) to increase net exports of U.S. dairy products. With the continued productivity of U.S. dairy farms, we will have an even greater reliance on world markets for our products. We therefore need to continue to effectively work to develop international markets through the USDEC.

S-27. Low Voltage (Brown Outs)

We urge all electrical utility companies maintain and improve their delivery systems to ensure that the expensive problem of low voltage (brown outs) ceases to exist.

S-28. Cloned Animal Products

We are reassured that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) review finds no health or safety issues with food from cloned animals. We endorse the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s request that cloning technology providers, and the owners of existing cloned livestock continue to observe the moratorium on the commercial marketing of cloned animal products. This will allow a further review of the economic and trade issues regarding the new technology. We further oppose labeling which would differentiate between milk and meat from cloned and conventionally bred animals.

S-29. Stray Voltage Stray voltage, sometimes known as neutral to earth voltage, is an electrical problem that can affect livestock operations. Stray voltage can be attributed to a number of potential sources. We applaud the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) for the adoption

of stray voltage rules formally known as “Rules and Regulations Governing Animal Contact Current Mitigation.” The rules outline realistic stray voltage standards and the process for investigations when necessary by neutral third parties to resolve disputes between utilities and producers. By following the steps outlined in the rules, producers have the opportunity to address stray voltage concerns in a consistent, fair and systematic manner. We also encourage the MPSC to routinely evaluate the rules and procedures of stray voltage standards and the best management practices that coincide with them. We encourage the commission to also review research conducted on the impact stray voltage has on livestock. We will continue to work with electric suppliers and the Public Service Commission to resolve problems with stray voltage on farms to ensure that problems are resolved in a fair and equitable manner for all involved. We further encourage and support research on the effects of stray voltage on livestock. Furthermore, we encourage the MMPA board of directors and management to monitor individual farm situations to determine if the current standards and regulations are still applicable to on-farm situations. We strongly urge utility companies to fully fund their Agricultural Service Departments so there are enough personnel to routinely visit dairy farms and identify and solve stray voltage problems. S-30. Approved Technology

We urge the MMPA board of directors and management to continue monitoring the existing and potential impact of advances in technologies on our

farming operations. We are concerned about the growing scrutiny surrounding approved technology and management practices used in production agriculture. We believe it is the responsibility of the entire agriculture community, including government agencies and universities, to protect our industry by informing consumers of the safety and efficacy of modern farming practices in producing an abundant, safe and affordable food for the consumer. Without proper education we will continue to lose our ability to use FDA approved technologies on our farms due to consumers’ lack of understanding of our industry.

S-31. Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health

The Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health in East Lansing, Mich. plays a critical role in protecting the health and safety of humans and animals throughout our state and nation. With new and improved technology and increased bio-security including threats of bio-terrorism, we support full funding for the effective operation of the lab.

S-32. Livestock Seizure

We understand that in any group of livestock, condition may exist where some animals will appear to be in better health and body condition than others due to weather and other external factors. We believe that people not familiar with standard livestock animal care do not have the right—because they think the animal is being abused—to confiscate or have confiscated another person’s livestock from the owner’s property without a judicial review and determination, including notification of the owner, prior to the seizure of animals.

34 April 2012

MMPA Resolutions


Law enforcement agencies (including animal control authorities) should obtain the opinion of two unbiased local livestock professionals and a large animal veterinarian prior to the seizure of a person’s livestock. The accuser should pay for costs associated with the resulting investigation if no abuse is found.

S-33. Animal Diseases

Animal diseases continue to reduce profitability for dairy producers and may impede exports and international market development. Diseases such as Tuberculosis, Brucellosis, and Johne’s Disease and others can significantly increase costs to dairy producers in terms of decreased milk production, loss of animals, and replacement of animals. In an effort to protect the

entire livestock industry in the United States from possible occurrence of animal diseases, we recommend a very aggressive enforcement of regulations to limit all imports of livestock and animal by-products. We encourage the continued and increased financial support of research to determine the causative agent, life cycle and possible control of these diseases. We urge MSU, MDARD and USDA to provide sufficient funding and programs for animal health education, disease monitoring, border inspections and disease eradication that protect the United States livestock industry and ensure continued market access. We further oppose importation of livestock that does not meet import testing requirements as

deemed appropriate by the Director of Agriculture and Rural Development, have appropriate quarantine protocols in place, and have an animal I.D. system to track the movement of livestock to prevent the possible spread of disease.

S-34. Chronic Wasting Disease

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a fatal brain disease that attacks the nervous systems of deer and elk, causing chronic weight loss that eventually leads to death. It is not known to be contagious to humans, livestock or other animals. We encourage Federal and State agencies to study, monitor, control and eventually eradicate CWD from the nation’s deer and elk population.

S-35. Raw Milk Consumption

We know that according to the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control, consumption of raw milk poses a health risk to humans. We therefore support Michigan’s legal requirement that prohibits the sale of unpasteurized (raw) milk to consumers. All milk intended for direct consumption should be pasteurized as a matter of food safety. Since its introduction over a century ago, pasteurization has been recognized around the world as an essential tool for ensuring that milk and dairy products are safe.

Summary of Bylaw AmendmentsApproved by delegates March 22, 2012

Article 1(a). These changes: (a) cap at 4 the number of votes that can be cast at a local meeting on behalf of a member that is a partnership, a limited liability company or a corporation, (b) prohibit voting by proxy, and (c) provide a framework for establishing who may cast votes on behalf of members that are partnerships, limited liability companies or corporations.

Article 5(f ). These changes provide a formula to establish annually the total number of delegates; and then allocate annually the number of delegates among all of the locals according to a formula based half on the relative number of member producers in each local and half on the relative amounts of member milk produced in each local.

Article 5(g), Article 9(f ) and Article 11(a). These amendments provide consistent eligibility requirements for delegates, alternates, advisory committee members, and members of the Association’s board of directors.

Article 6(b). This increases the size of the district nominating committee to two representatives from each local in the districts.

Article 5 (e). This amendment identifies a quorum for local meetings.

Article 8(a). This amendment eliminates the state districting committee, because representation is automatically reapportioned annually by virtue of the amendments to Article 5(f ).

Article 14(c). This amendment increases the amount of annual patronage distributions of net earnings that may be paid entirely in cash.

Miscellaneous. Obsolete provisions in Article 2(b), Article 6(b), Article 9(h), Article 10 (a)(f ) & (g), and Article 11(g) are updated or eliminated.



Merchandise MemoTo order call: 1-800-572-5824 then dial 2

Order Your MMPA Merchandise through your milk

hauler or call:Supervisor:

Duane Farmer 989-681-2334

Fax: 989-681-3988

Toll Free: 877-367-6455Orders (Novi) 800-572-5824

PortaSCC on Farm Test Kit

The MMPA merchandise warehouse is now carrying a

new addition to the PortaSCC line up. The PortaSCC Quick Test is the newest somatic cell estimation kit from PortaCheck. It uses the same proven technology as the original PortaSCC milk test. This is an excellent on-farm tool for the early detection of mastitis. PortaCheck is offering a special 10% discount on the PortaSCC Quick test for orders taken in the months of April and May of 2012.

The PortaSCC Quick test delivers results in about 5 minutes. The test is based on a chemical reaction between a dye on the test strip and an enzyme found on the cells in the milk. This reaction makes the test strip sample well change to a blue color. The darker the blue color, the higher the

cell count. Simply add four drops of milk to the test sample well and add four drops of Activator solution. You then wait five minutes and estimate the somatic cell count by comparing the strip to the included color chart. Milk used for testing should be as fresh as possible. If necessary, samples can be refrigerated for up to eight hours. There are 40 test strips in each kit. While the Quick test will not work with a reader, the color chart is easy to use and provides very good somatic cell estimates.

The PortaSCC 45 minute test is also still available and provides results in less than an hour. The test is designed to be used on fresh milk and can be used on quarter samples, composite samples, group samples or even bulk tank samples as long as the milk being tested is not older

than eight hours. The test is easy to perform: one drop of milk and three drops of activator are put into the sample well of the test strip. The SCC is read by observing the color change of the test well and is ready to read in 45 minutes. A color chart with six shades of blue, each corresponding to a SCC level, is provided to determine an actual numerical Somatic Cell Count. The color chart uses different shades of blue to categorize the cell counts as below 100,000; 250,000; 500,000; 750,000; 1,500,000; or over 3,000,000. Test kits are available in quantities of 24 or 100 test strips per kit. This test can also be used with the available digital reader for those who prefer a numerical read out.

These items can be ordered through your hauler or also by calling the warehouse directly.

Stock number Item Member Price6134 PortaSCC Quick test-40 pkg. $54.95 (price before discount)6131 PortaSCC 24pkg $34.956136 PortaSCC 100pkg $125.006137 PortaSCC Strip Reader $212.30

REGISTERED HOLSTEIN BULLS

A SPECIAL HERD SIRE OR A TRUCK LOAD OF BREEDER BULLS. READY TO GO TO WORK ON YOUR FARM!

GREEN MEADOW FARMS

• SIRED BY THE TOP SIRES FROM THE U.S. AND CANADA

• FROM OUR TOP PRODUCTION COWS.

WWW.GREENMEADOWFARMS.COM

6400 HOLLISTER RD.

ELSIE, MI 48831

PH: 989-862-4291

OVER 100 SERVICE AGE BULLS FOR YOUR SELECTION!


These are service personnel only. Order your Member Merchandise

supplies through your hauler.

ECOLAB24 -Hour Medical Emergency

Hotline: 1-800-328-0026

For Service, call the Ecolab Service Message Center

1-800-392-3392 or

Stan Palmer5303 E. Swan Drive #3Port Clinton, OH 43452

419-797-2101

Ben Johnson4461 Cambridge Dr.

Port Huron, MI 48060810-824-0636

Jason Koerth7509 Aborcrest Dr.Portage, MI 49024

269-207-3773

Pat Mitchell7273 N. Rollin Hwy.Addison, MI 49220

517-403-0928

A & L Laboratories24 -Hour Medical Emergency

Hotline: 1-800-424-9300

Kurt Fiene8356 C.R. 115

Kenton, OH 43326612-889-1063

Jeff TimmNW 8665 C.R. M

Shawano, WI 54166612-840-0555

P ayment for testing will be made through an automatic milk

check deduction. All costs are listed per individual sample.

• Scheduled Herd Tests $1

Scheduled Herd Test samples are tested for: Culture for Streptococcus agalactiae, Strep non ag, Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase negative staph, coliform and SCC.

Additional testing can be coordinated through your MMPA Member Representative to include: Raw bacteria count and components.

All herd tests must be scheduled with the laboratory through your MMPA Member Representative.

Members who choose to receive their lab test results via U.S. postal service: $2/month

Additional Tests Available: All costs are listed per individual sample.

• Mycoplasma Cultures $ 8

• Bacteriology Cultures $12 – Includes identification of bacteria

and drug susceptibility.

• Bovine Viral Diarrhea - PCR $40 - ELISA $ 6

• Johne’s Milk Test - PCR $40 - ELISA – cows $ 6 - ELISA – tank $10

• Bovine Leukosis Test - ELISA – cows $ 6 - ELISA – tank $10

All tests must be scheduled through your MMPA Member Representative or the laboratory for proper sample submission protocol.

Somatic Cell Count premiums and deductions (in addition to

Federal Order SCC Adjustments computed in the producer pay price) will be paid at the following levels:• 50,000 or below +55¢/cwt.• 51,000 - 75,000 +50¢/cwt.• 76,000 - 100,000 +45¢/cwt.• 101,000 - 125,000 +40¢/cwt.• 126,000 - 150,000 +35¢/cwt.• 151,000 - 175,000 +30¢/cwt.• 176,000 - 200,000 +25¢/cwt.• 201,000 - 225,000 +20¢/cwt.• 226,000 - 250,000 +15¢/cwt.• 251,000 - 400,000 00¢/cwt.• 401,000 - 500,000 -15¢/cwt.• 501,000 - 600,000 -30¢/cwt.• 601,000 - 750,000 -$1.00/cwt.• Over 750,000 -$1.50/cwt.

A payment of 5¢/cwt. will be added for each of the following, if the count is equal to or below:• 10,000 Raw Bacteria Count• 20,000 Pre-Incubated (PI) Count

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

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

To qualify for Raw and PI Bacteria Count premiums there must not be any of the following during the month:• Positive drug residue • Abnormal freeze points• High load count shipment or rejected load shipment• #3 or #4 sediment• Raw Bacteria count over 100,000The count levels for raw and PI will be determined on one test run per month.

To qualify for MMPA SCC premiums there must be:• No abnormal freeze points during the month

To qualify for MMPA volume premiums there must be:• No abnormal freeze points during the month• An average somatic cell count of 750,000 or less.

MMPA Quality Premium Program

MMPA Member Testing Fees

Chemical, Sanitizer & Teat Dip Contact

Information


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

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

• After that, it will be withdrawn.

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

• Reference to a name of a firm or other commercial enterprise with which a member is involved will be deleted, with permission of the member.

• If the member does not wish such deletion, he may choose to have the item published as a Classified Ad at the regular per-line Classified Ad rate.

• Freeliners must be received by the 10th of the month preceding the desired month of publication. Example: to be included in the January issue, the freeliner must be at the MMPA office by December 10.

Bulls

Registered Holstein Bulls: We now have a nice selection of service age bulls, sired by top AI sires. Green Meadow Farms, Elsie, MI. 989-862-4291 or see our website at www.greenmeadowfarms.com.

Service age Holstein bulls. Call Steve Alexander, 810-622-8548 evenings or 810-404-8548.

Registered Holstein breeding bulls, all AI sired from top bulls, b&w, red, red carrier and some polled, high production, low SCC herd. Bulls are priced to sell. Ver Hage Holsteins, 269-673-4886 or 269-217-6076, ask for Tim. www.verhageholsteins.com.

Service age Reg. Holstein bulls, deep pedigrees, some red carriers. Jenesis Genetics, 231-924-6163 or 231-225-8615.

Registered Jersey breeder bull for sale, 517-231-7790.

Crossbred bulls, Jersey, Brown Swiss, Holstein, and Scandinavian Red, 100% AI, 810-724-8825.

Equipment

Conveyor chain for Harvestore unloader, bought new, used very little, 989-640-3607.

H&S 4 basket tedder used on approx. 400 acres, hydraulic folds, model #RT5200H, excellent, asking $4,200. Brillion compaction commander, 5 shank, inline ripper, 3 pt. w/ colters and gage wheels, spring reset, good cond., asking $4,250. 989-330-3270 or 989-330-2885.

20 ft. Badger silo unloader, pack drive, 231-946-6109.

Two – 6200 Liston bean combines, $3,500 ea. obo. Krause 28 ft. disk, 1 year use on front blades, $10,000 obo. J.D. 4 row wide corn head, $1,000 obo. IHC 7500 grain truck, tri-axle, 20 ft. bed, hoist - would make a good silage truck, $3,500 obo. 616-754-9404.

Freestall mats, 3 runners – 5 ft. by approx. 30 ft. and 20 individuals. Also, chiller barrel, 105 gal., cools Freon and pre-heats water, 574-642-4537 v.m.

Two – 25 ft. wood feed conveyors, $350 ea. 734-915-4332.

Hydraulic cross auger for 6 row planters or 15 ft. grain drills, in great cond., $500 obo. 2 – self unloading wagons, one Gehl and one Knight, both have roofs and tandem running gears, in good cond., $1,400 ea. or $2,500 for the pair. Single post hoist w/ tank and pump, complete, $250. Bottom auger for N.H. 308V spreader, will also fit others, $200. Simplicity zero turn mower, low hrs., great cond., $2,900. 989-224-2615 or cell 517-204-0888.

1980 Ford 600 dumptruck, $1,800, 810-724-8825.

Used calf hutches, $50 ea., 231-878-3768.

N.H. 273 square baler w/ thrower, $2,500 obo. Sweet Farms, 989-736-6508.

Dairy Equipment

Surge Alamo 100 plus pump, $90, 810-724-8825.

Eight Surge Eclipse milker claws, 989-593-2774.

Double 12 parabone milking parlor frame w/ feeders, washline 2/ jeter cups, 810-305-2771.

16 auto takeoffs, $1,000, 989-652-6006.

16 – 65 lb. DeLaval whey jars. Misc. 1 ½ in. glass line. 2 – 20 ft. VanDale silo unloaders, for parts, 810-404-3717.

Feed

3x4 large square bales of straw, roto cut, 989-640-3607.

Hay for sale, 4x5 round bales, $25 ea., 989-464-7364.

100 bales of 2010 4th cutting hay, 3x4x8 squares, RFD 100, $140/ton. Also, 100 bales of 2011 second cutting. 989-640-3370.

Wanted

PTO or belt driven corn sheller, 231-946-6109.

7.5 or 10 h.p., 1 ph, 1,750 rpm motor, 574-642-4537.

Used CS60 Fredenthal comfort stalls or very similar stalls, 989-736-6508.

Drinking cups for a tie stall barn, 517-543-0356.

DeLaval #75 or 76 vacuum pump, Concrete bunker blocks. Self lock bunk stanchions. 260-768-4550 x2.

FreelinersCall 1-800-572-5824 ext. 224 to place your ad


KLNZ362-ARTEC AD 11/9/11 1:14 PM Page 1

Composite

C M Y CM MY CY CMY K

Ecolab Inc.370 Wabasha St. N.St. Paul, MN 55102©2011 EcolabAll rights reserved

Artec Sanitizing/Conditioning Teat Dip:A new and better way to protect your herd when the weather gets harsh.Artec creates a powerful layer of protection between your cow’s teats andthe elements. The patent-pending formula features a unique antimicrobialthat dramatically reduces the occurrence of mastitis-causing organisms.The 78% emollient tri-blend provides excellent teat conditioning that

reduces the need for teat salves or creams. This highly effective combinationof ingredients helps reduce mastitis and protect against the elements.

Artec Sanitizing/Conditioning Teat Dip:• Convenient• Faster and less messy than salves and creams• Soothes and protects• One of the highest levels of glycerin

in the industry

Jack Frost does morethan nip at your nose.

#30898/0300/1000

call 1-800-392-3392


Call 1-800-572-5824 ext. 224

Mail ads, preferably typewritten, to: Classified Ads, Michigan Milk Messenger, PO BOX 8002, Novi, MI 48376-8002. Ads must be received by the 10th of the month before the month of desired publication. Send check or money order for $20 for up to 6 lines with your order. MMPA neither sponsors nor endorses products or services advertised in the Messenger.

Classified Ads ($5.65 per line)

OPPERMAN GROOVING: Diamond sawed grooves, no hammering or cracking of concrete. No hoof damage. Call Opperman Grooving Inc., Portland. 517-647-7381.______________________________________DAVIDSON CEMENT GROOVING, INC:NO water needed. Wider, rougher grooves for better traction. We also offer texturing for your previously grooved floors. 3 operators will travel Michigan and other states. No interest payment terms. Est. since 1987. Call 1-800-365-3361.______________________________________CONCRETE GROOVING BY TRI-STATE SCABBLING, home of the 2” wide groove. Best traction, lowest prices. (800) 554-2288. www.tristatescabbling.com______________________________________CONCRETE GROOVING/FLOOR TEXTURING: Bring existing grooves back to 100% efficiency/new construction. Blue Ribbon Hoof Trimming, LLC. 989-635-1494. ______________________________________

FOR SALE: 5000-4000-3000-2500-2000-1500 OH MUELLER LATE MODEL BULK TANK MILK TANKS, complete, will trade. 1-800-558-0112.______________________________________WANTED TO BUY: USED BULK MILK TANKS, 200 gallons & larger, Sunset & Mueller, 1-800-558-0112._______________________________________LARGE SQUARE BALES CLEAN, bright straw. Will deliver. 989-723-1886._____________________________________WANTED TO BUY: corn silage. 989-723-1886 or 989-277-1414._____________________________________MEDIUM RED JUNE CLOVER SEED, spring barley, seed oats, RR soys (BG2707RN, BG 2405NRR, BG7230, BG7180RR2Y, BG7290RR2Y), MCIA 2323 soys, MCIA 2409LL and MCIA 2610LL soys. Will deliver. 989-723-1886._____________________________________BENEFICIAL INSECTS TO CONTROL FILTH breeding flies, harmless to animals but deadly to fly babies. Programs based on number of animals. Start in May through fly season. Basic HS Acres, [email protected], 989-846-9494._____________________________________

ClassifiedsCall 1-800-572-5824 ext. 224

GENERATORSWinpower & KatolightStocking up to 100 KW

24 HOUREMERGENCY SERVICE

serving Michiganfor the past 30 years800-345-1887

MIDWEST POWER SYSTEMS

1-800-248-8070

M-40 South

Hamilton, MI 49419

PTO and Automatic

Start Generators

SHORT BRED HOLSTEIN HEIFERS, bred to high genomic sexed semen for calving ease, $1,450 ea. Dale Hackney, Durand, Mich., 810-962-0184._____________________________________LARGE ACREAGE OF PASTURE LAND FOR RENT, with management for Holstein heifer development. Capacity up to 500 head. 231-878-0311._____________________________________WANTED TO BUY: Patz barn cleaner shoot, left hand, 18 inches x 20 feet long, must be good. 231-347-9290._____________________________________

34% minimum protein13% maximum crude fiber

4% minimum fat

Valero Meal

16% maximum fiber6% minimum protein

2.1% maximum calcium2% minimum fat

Citrus PulpLow Fat Hominy7% minimum protein7% maximum fiber4% minimum fat

Improve bottom-line $$. Lower feed costs. Maximize production.Ingredients from your trusted source.

Soybean meal, soybean hulls, cereal feed, cottonseed, distillers, gluten, canola meal, beet pulp, wet feeds, and more!

Traditional ZFS® Menu

Zeeland Farm Services, Inc.® MI: 866.888.7082 Fax: 616.772.7067 www.zfsinc.com


MILK ON FARM – DRUG RESIDUE SUSPECTED

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

1. Call a MMPA Member Representative to have the milk in the tank tested. A “hold” must be placed on the tank contents until the test results are known. - OR -

2. The member can test the milk on the farm. If dumped, the member must be sure to take the stick reading, record the number of pounds of milk, and report the information to their membership representative.

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

• If the tank tests positive (drugs present), the membership representative will authorize the member to dump the tank of milk. The member will be paid 75% of the value of the tank of milk involved.*

• If for any reason MMPA personnel must pick up samples at the farm for testing three or more times within 12 consecutive months, the member involved will be charged $25 per trip.

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.

MMPA Policy on Drug Residue in Milk:

MMPA Policy on Milk QualityQUALITY QUESTIONABLE

When a member suspects that the milk in the farm bulk tank is of poor quality they should call a MMPA Member Representative who will authorize milk in the tank to be dumped. If the member dumps the milk on their own, they must be sure to take the stick reading and record the number of pounds of milk, and report the information to the Member Representative.

If the milk is dumped, the member will be paid 75% of the value of the tank of milk involved.

In order to receive payment for an added water voluntary dump, the member must install a Swingline Safety Switch. The Swingline Safety Switch can be ordered from the St. Louis warehouse. The MMPA Member Representative will verify the switch has been installed. Reimbursement for the Swingline Safety Switch and the voluntary dump will then be made to the member.

The member assumes all liability for losses incurred as a result of shipping poor quality or contaminated milk.

MILK SHIPPED – HIGH BACTERIA COUNT

If:

1. A load of milk is received (unloaded) at a dairy processing plant and,

2. a sample from the load has a bacteria count of 300,000 or more and,

3. testing of the individual member samples on that load identifies the member or members having a bacteria count of 300,000 or more, then the member or members involved will be charged the value of one-half of one day’s production** and will be disqualified for raw and PI bacteria count premiums.

**For members using more than one bulk tank, the assessment will be based on the value of milk in the tank or tanks in violation of the MMPA quality policy.

* The member will only be paid for two (2) voluntary dumps in a 12 month period.

REJECTED LOAD SHIPMENT

If:

1. A load of milk is rejected (not unloaded) at a dairy processing plant and,

2. the milk cannot be sold through normal Grade A channels for reasons of quality which results in the load being sold or disposed of at a loss to MMPA, and,

3. testing of the individual member samples on that load identifies the member or members that caused the contamination or rejection of the load, then, the member or members responsible will be charged the full value of the loss to MMPA plus transportation and disposal costs, and be disqualified for raw and PI bacteria count premiums except for loads rejected for temperature.

4. MMPA will provide an invoice to the member for the amount of the loss, to be submitted to the member’s insurance carrier. MMPA must receive settlement on the invoice within 90 days of issuance. If settlement is not made within 90 days, the full amount of the invoice will be deducted from the next milk check unless other settlement arrangements are made.

If a member has a third occurrence or more within 12 consecutive months, that member must appear before the MMPA board of directors to review steps taken on the farm to correct the quality problem which will enable MMPA to continue to market the milk for this member.

HAULER

A hauler whose entire load sample exceeds 300,000 per mL bacteria count will be charged the amount of an average shipment on that load if the individual member samples all are less than 100,000. A hauler will be responsible for all costs incurred by MMPA for loads rejected for temperature. Charges and assessments made under this program will be withheld from milk checks of members or haulers involved.

Policies


MARKET STATISTICSMideast Federal Order #33

(pounds)

Mideast Federal Order #33

COMPONENT PRICING INFORMATIONMideast Federal Order #33

NATIONAL TRENDS(million pounds)

This Month Year Ago % Change

Total Class 1 Sales 509,384,701 503,815,803 +1.11




Total Production 1,469,717,215 1,214,965,571 +20.97

Class 1 Utilization 34.7% 41.5%

Current Month

Total Producers 6,479

Average Daily Production per Farm 7,822

Average Protein Test 3.12%

Average Butterfat Test 3.75%

Average Other Solids Test 5.75%

Average SCC Count (MMPA) 168,000

Protein Price/lb. $2.6627

Butterfat Price/lb. $1.5739

Other Solids Price/lb. $0.4541

Class III Price @ 3.5% $ 16.06

Prod. Price Diff/cwt. (Mich. Mkt.) $0.72

Uniform Price @ 3.5% $ 16.78

SCC Adjustment/cwt./1000 $0.00077

2012 2011 % Change Production California 3,506 3,161 +10.9

Wisconsin 2,171 2,007 +8.2

New York 1,055 988 +6.8

Idaho 1,044 968 +7.9

Pennsylvania 849 820 +3.5

Texas 800 731 +9.4

Minnesota 737 698 +5.6

Michigan 714 652 +9.5

New Mexico 665 612 +8.7

Washington 498 457 +9.0

Ohio 424 407 +4.2

Indiana 298 271 +10.0

* Total U.S. 15,162 13,997 +8.3

* U.S. Y-T-D 30,968 29,216 +6.0

* For 23 states

Market ReportFor Milk Marketed in February 2012

Monthly Avg

Cheese /lb 1.5410

Butter /lb 1.4712

Nonfat Dry Milk /lb 1.3792

Dry Whey /lb 0.6400

NASS Survey Prices


MMPA FIELD STAFF

NOVI (Headquarters)248-474-6672

800-572-5824General Manager

Clay Galarneau, ext. 200

Member Services Milk Sales/Dispatch Finance/Controller Dean Letter, ext. 213 Carl Rasch, ext. 244 Joseph M. Diglio, ext. 240Laboratory Supervisor Manufactured Sales Credit/Insurance Patti Huttula, ext. 219 Jim Dodson, ext. 229 Cheryl Schmandt, ext. 210Human Resources MemberRelations/PublicAffairs DataProcessing Cindy Tilden, ext. 220 Sheila Burkhardt, ext. 208 Gregory Schulkey, ext. 237 Member Communications Laura Moser, ext. 211

MANUFACTURING PLANTS Constantine Ovid 269-435-2835 989-834-2221 Plant Manager Plant Manager/Plant Operations Dave Davis David Wittkop

Novi: 800-572-5824 (in MI) 800-233-2405 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. Mon-Fri

Ovid: 989-834-2515 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. Daily

Constantine: 800-391-7560 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. Daily

MMPA LABS

If you are unable to reach your assigned member representative, contact any one of the representatives listed in your area.

NORTH AREA

Supervisor: Gerry Volz St.LouisOffice ..............989-289-9219

Frank Brazeau ..................920-834-4059 Oconto, Wis. mobile 906-250-0337Ben Chapin ............................................. Big Rapids mobile 989-289-0731

Preston Cole .....................231-584-2587 Mancelona mobile 989-289-9301

Steven Lehman ................989-875-3441 Ithaca mobile 989-330-1638

Katie Pierson .......................................... Coleman mobile 989-289-9686

Kendra Stieg ........................................... Kentwood mobile 269-245-6632

Gerry Volz.........................989-848-5996 Fairview mobile 989-289-9219

MMPA Staff

EAST AREA

Supervisor: Michael Marvin MarletteOffice ...............989-635-3650

Gary Best..........................810-664-4984 Lapeer mobile 586-484-9279 Bulk Tank Calibration

Christy Dinsmoore .................................. Fairgrove mobile 989-528-9102

Michael Marvin ....................................... Marlette mobile 989-670-4864

Kristin Rawlings ...................................... Deckerville mobile 231-414-4539 Andrew Rupprecht .................................. Clio mobile 269-986-6793

SOUTH AREA

Supervisor: Lyndsay Stakenas ColdwaterOffice .............. 231-519-2455

Krista Beeker .......................................... Howe, IN mobile 269-986-6792

David Brady ......................517-522-5965 Grass Lake mobile 517-937-9061

Lyndsay Stakenas .................................. Coldwater mobile 231-519-2455

Elyse Wilcox ........................................... mobile 810-701-6460Ed Zuchnik.............................................. Three Rivers mobile 269-967-7351

MERCHANDISE—ST. LOUISSupervisor: Duane Farmer 989-681-2334 Fax.................................989-681-3988 Toll Free ........................877-367-6455 Orders (Novi) 800-572-5824 then dial 2

MASTITIS MANAGEMENT

Tom Herremans................231-853-8008 Ravenna mobile 269-967-0890

Steven Lehman ................989-875-3441 Ithaca mobile 989-330-1638

Christy Dinsmoore .................................. Fairgrove mobile 989-528-9102 Environmental SpecialistDale Ledebuhr.......................269-965-2474 Battle Creek mobile 269-986-6791

Monthly Avg

Cheese /lb 1.5410

Butter /lb 1.4712

Nonfat Dry Milk /lb 1.3792

Dry Whey /lb 0.6400

44 April 2012 Michigan Milk Messenger PB

Our strength

MEMBERS!is in our

MMPA embodies the cooperative spirit — a network of

individuals working together to enrich the quality of life

for every dairy farmer member. MMPA members are

the owners, the operators and the strength of the cooperative.

From participation at the local level to representation on

national issues, MMPA members are the strength of the co-op.

Find out more about MMPA membership by

calling (248) 474-6672.

www.mimilk.comThe Sharrard FamilyPeck, MI

michigan milk messenger: april 2012

Documents