MessengerMessengerMessengerMessengerMessengerMessengerMessengerMessengerMessenger www.mimilk.com VOL. 97 ISSUE 1JULY 2014

Michigan Milk

www.mimilk.com

The official publication of Michigan Milk Producers Association

A salute to those who serve FARM ProgramInside

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EDITORS LETTER

4 MMPA MattersBuilding Relationships

6 Quality Watch MMPA Thanks Gerry Volz for 40 Years of Dedicated Service

8 News & Views

10 Legislative Watch The Nolls go to Washington

FEATURES

12 National Dairy FARM Program Helps Farmers Promote Excellent Animal Care, Market Milk

14 Q & A with MMPA John Dilland Fellowship Intern Jennifer DeClerg

15 Hands-on Learning for Dairy Newcomer Christina Fenske

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contentsMichigan Milk Messenger

Managing Editor............................. Sheila BurkhardtEditors ............. Laura Moser, Alex SchnabelrauchAdvertising Manager .................Nancy MuszynskiCirculation ................................................................... 2,972An Equal Opportunity Employer F/M/V/DMichigan 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. Telephone: 248-474-6672

P.O. Box 8002 FAX: 248-474-0924Novi, MI 48376-8002 www.mimilk.com Periodical postage paid at Novi, MI and at additional offices.POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Michigan Milk Messenger, PO Box 8002, Novi, MI 48376-8002.

(ISSN 0026-2315)

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17 Crandall Dairy Farm hosts free Breakfast on the Farm event July 19

18 Land of the Free, Home of the Brave

23 Michigan 4-H State Dairy Award Winners

Cover StoryAs our nation celebrates its independence on the Fourth of July, we salute our members and employees who have served our country in the armed forces.

See their stories beginning on page 18.

Officers: President: Ken NobisVice President: Bob KranTreasurer: Mark Halbert Acting General Manager/Secretary: Joe Diglio Assistant Treasurer: Joe DiglioGeneral Counsel: Todd Hoppe

Michigan Milk Producers Association, established in 1916, is a member owned and operated dairy cooperative serving approximately 2,000 dairy farmers in Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin and Ohio.

Michigan Milk Producers Association

Board of Directors Directors-At-LargeKen Nobis, St. Johns 989-224-6170 or 248-474-6672, ext. 201Rodney Daniels, Whittemore 989-756-4935Dan Javor, Hastings 269-948-8345Mark Halbert, Battle Creek 269-964-0511James Reid, Jeddo 810-327-6830

District Directors 1. Hank Choate, Cement City 517-529-9032 2. Tim Hood, Paw Paw 269-657-5771 3. Bob Kran, Free Soil 231-464-5889 4. John Kronemeyer, Pickford 906-647-7638 5. Brent Wilson, Carson City 989-584-3481 6. Tony Jandernoa, Fowler 989-593-2224 7. Eric Frahm, Frankenmuth 989-652-3552 8. Leonard Brown, Sandusky 810-648-4505

Departments24 Merchandise25 Quality Premiums26 Freeliners28 Classifi eds29 Policies30 Market Report31 Sta

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Dairy Day at the Capitol was held on the lawn of the Capitol Building in Lansing on June 11. The event is sponsored by the Michigan Dairy Foods Association each year with various vendors providing dairy treats to legislators, their staff members and anybody who doesnt mind waiting in line for the chance to celebrate dairy month.

This year we were pleased when Governor Rick Snyder stopped by to thank MMPA for endorsing him in this years gubernatorial election. Many of our senators and representatives also took time to chat and enjoy the good food, including our own MMPA member, Senator Judy Emmons representing Michigans 33rd State Senate District.

With dairy being highlighted on the Capitol lawn, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to spend time visiting with individuals who are key to maintaining policy that is positive for our industry. Its pleasant to visit with our officials on occasion when we dont show up for the sole reason of asking for their help on a specific legislative or regulatory matter. It is good policy to be a friend before you need a friend. MMPA places a great deal of emphasis on making sure our voices are heard, so appointments were set up in advance for Sheila Burkhardt,

MMPAs director of member relations/public affairs, and I to visit individually with five people. Maintaining ongoing relationships with officials so that they are informed and understand the issues that affect our industry is important to MMPA.

On June 11 our meetings were with Governor Snyders Chief of Staff Dennis Muchmore, the Governors Director of Strategy Bill Rustem and the Director of the Department of Natural Resources Keith Creagh. During the week that followed, we met with the Director of the Department of Environmental Quality Dan Wyant and the Director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Jamie Clover-Adams. I think it is always a pleasant surprise for anybody connected with politics or regulatory positions when you want to meet with them without asking for a favor. Our only purpose in this round of meetings was to provide an update on the status of dairy in Michigan, and they appreciated the effort.

Our message is similar wherever we talk about our dairy industry and MMPA. Dairy is growing in Michigan and the nearby areas served by MMPA members. Many factors contribute to this growth. We have some of the best dairy producers in the U.S., cows like our moderate climate, we are blessed with fertile soils and ample water, we are in close proximity to a major portion of the U.S. population, we have earned a reputation for producing high quality milk and we have established a very good

relationship with elected and regulatory officials, Michigan State University and others. I could tell them about many more reasons to be proud of the job MMPA members do every day, but this is a good start.

The side benefit of arranging meetings to deliver our message on the same day as Dairy Day at the Capitol was, of course, the drawing card of dairy treats that lured many other elected officials out of the Capitol Building to visit with us. For the most part, discussions on the lawn were lighthearted and friendly, but we did put in a pitch for road funding. As you know by now, not even delicious dairy treats could win the day on that subject.

Now that June Dairy Month is behind us, we have to look ahead to continue to maintain good relationships. The settings might not be as appealing as the Capitol lawn on a lovely June day, but the message will be just as important as we strive to market our members milk to the greatest advantage possible in fulfillment of MMPAs mission.

Building Relationships

byKen NobisPresident

MMPA MATTERS

Ken Nobis visits with Governor Snyder in Lansing

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4 52 June 2012 Michigan Milk Messenger 3

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52 June 20122 June 2012

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Its hard to believe the average U.S. employee spends just four years with an employer. This month, we thank and celebrate an employee who has been with MMPA 10 times that long.

Gerry Volz joined MMPA as a member representative on July 1, 1974 and, 40 years and 1.6 million company miles later, hes hanging up his clipboard for the next adventure: retirement.

Back in 1974, Gerry was a recent graduate of Michigan State University with an associates degree in food processing. He came to MMPA with experience working at a manufacturing facility in Sandusky and doing dairy fieldwork with Borden Inc. But, Gerrys connection to dairy started back on his family farm in Minden City where his dad, grandpa and uncle milked 50 cows.

Since there wasnt room to return to the family farm, he did the next best thing: dedicate himself to helping other dairy farmers improve their operations and profitability. Instead of being limited to just managing one farm day-in and day-out, he liked the idea of helping a different dairy farm succeed every day.

Now, after spending two-thirds of his life working for MMPA, its hard to say how many farms hes been on and how many farmers hes helped. But the numbers have to be astronomical, and his impact is apparent.

When Gerry joined the co-op, MMPA had 5,426 member farms. The average producer shipped about 492,000 pounds of milk, making ends meet with an average $8.53/cwt. milk price. At the time, MMPA was marketing 2.7 billion pounds of milk annually.

A lot has changed in 40 years! As of Sept. 30, 2013, MMPA has 1,269 member farms. The average producer ships approximately 3.3 million pounds of milk, earning an average of $20.28/cwt. And last year, MMPA marketed 4.31 billion pounds of milk.

Just as the co-op has changed over Gerrys tenure, so too have his responsibilities. He served under six supervisors, five general managers and three presidents. In August 2011, he became the north area supervisor, mentoring nine member representatives in his region over the past three years.

His passion and proactive attention to resolving member quality issues have been tremendous assets to MMPA. Gerry helped our members adjust from the 1.5 million cells/mL legal SCC limit of 1974, to todays 750,000 cells/mL limit. Moreover, he has helped members adjust to

meeting even stricter customer and European Union requirements for SCC of 400,000 cells/mL or less. He also saw bulk tank antibiotic testing times shrink from six hours to 10 minutes. But perhaps his greatest legacy has been taking MMPAs younger field staff under his wing, teaching them how to troubleshoot problems and serve members.

Reflecting on his distinguished tenure, Gerry says, I never thought of going anyplace else. I enjoyed my job at MMPA too much to think about going somewhere else. It feels like I started yesterday, but I guess thats what happens when you love what you do.

In retirement, Gerry plans to travel with his wife, Linda, and camp in the seven U.S. states they havent made it to yet. (Im not totally sure how hes going to get a fifth-wheel camper to Hawaii, but Gerry has always been creative.)

We wish him the best and thank Gerry for his 40 years of tireless commitment to MMPA.

QUALITY WATCH

MMPA Thanks Gerry Volz for 40 Years of Dedicated Service

By Dean LetterDirector, Member Services

Gerry Volz, right, visiting with a member at Ag Expo.

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NEWS & VIEWS

Upcoming Events

July1 Advisory Committee Meeting Novi19 Breakfast on the Farm Crandalls Dairy22-24 Ag Expo East Lansing21-25 Michigan Dairy Expo East Lansing

August

14-15 MMPA OYDC Conference Novi 16 Breakfast on the Farm DeGrins Dairy

May Class III Down from April

The USDA announced Mays Class III price is $22.57/cwt., down $1.74 from April, but $4.05 above May 2013s price. The May Class IV price is $22.65, down 69 cents from April, but $3.76 above a year ago.

According to the June USDA report, milk production in May was up 1.4 percent from May 2013, according to the monthly report. U.S. milk cow numbers were estimated at 9.25 million head, 10,000 head more than April 2014. Production per cow averaged 1,951 lbs. for May. May milk production in the 23 major dairy states was up 1.5 percent. This is the highest rate of increase so far in 2014. The USDA also reported that Julys Class I base price will be $23.02/cwt., up 16 from June 2014, and $4.11 more than July 2013. Through the first seven months of 2014, the Class I base average is $23.02/cwt.

MMPA Promotes New Ovid Butter Churn at Dairy Foods Awareness Day at the Capitol

Legislators, staff and dairy processors celebrated Dairy Foods Awareness Day at the Capitol on June 11 on the State Capitol lawn with dairy product samples and facts. A celebration of June Dairy Month, the event showcased the impact of Michigans local dairy farm families on the economy and the role they play in feeding Michiganders.

Seven state dairy processors banded together to hand out dairy products and spread the word about the states leading agricultural segment. In celebration of MMPAs recent Ovid butter churn installation, the co-op handed out butter cookies, fuzzy I love milk stickers and bookmarks filled with Michigan dairy facts.

Other Michigan dairy processors, including Ashbys Sterling Ice Cream, Dean Foods, Hudsonville Ice Cream, Michigan Dairy (Kroger), Prairie Farms and Quality Dairy, also had displays at the event.

In addition, former Detroit Lions kicker Jason Hanson was on hand to sign foam footballs and promote the National Dairy Council and NFLs in-school nutrition and physical activity program, Fuel up to Play 60.

The Michigan Dairy Foods Association (MDFA) has sponsored and organized this event for more than 20 years.

Dairy farmers Sen. Judy Emmons (left) and Rep. Ed McBroom (right) pose with former Detroit Lions kicker Jason Hanson (center) during Dairy Foods Awareness Day at the Capitol.

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MMPA Advisory CommitteeDistrict OneCarlton Evans, Litchfield 517-398-0629 Perry Cisco, Hudson 517-547-3231Glenn Preston, Quincy 517-639-4182Art Riske, Hanover 517-524-6015 District TwoDonald Bever, Delton 269-671-5050Michael Oesch, 574-825-2454 Middlebury, INDanny Ransler, Gobles 269-628-4218Richard Thomas, 574-825-5198 Middlebury, IN

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

District FourMarvin Rubingh, Ellsworth 231-588-6084 Dave Folkersma, Rudyard 906-478-3023Corby Werth, Alpena 989-379-3772Jeremy Werth, Alpena 989-464-4022

District FiveBruce Benthem, McBain 231-825-8182Tom Jeppesen, Stanton 989-762-5399Bill Jernstadt, Big Rapids 231-796-4650 Mike Rasmussen, Edmore 989-762-5380

District SixAaron Gasper, Lowell 616-897-2747 Jamie Meyer, Ionia 989-587-6732David Reed, Owosso 989-723-8635 Kris Wardin, St Johns 989-640-9420

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

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

At-LargeBill Blumerich, Berlin 810-395-2926Pat Bolday, Emmett 810-395-7139 Mark Crandall, 269-660-2229 Battle CreekJames Droscha, Charlotte 517-543-5577Scott Lamb, Jeddo 810-327-6135 David Lott, Mason 517-676-4593Chuck White, Fowlerville 517-521-3564Tom Wing, Bellevue 269-660-0498

35th Annual Ag Expo, July 22-24 at Michigan State University

Ag Expo, the states largest outdoor farm show, returns to Michigan State University July 22-24. The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) has lined up another show for the agricultural community and anyone else who is interested in learning about Michigans agriculture industry.

As in years past, the 35th annual Ag Expo will showcase a wide variety of educational and commercial activities, including nearly 200 exhibits featuring products and services that provide Michigan agricultural producers with new knowledge and opportunities to have another successful year. As in the past, MMPA will be in attendance promoting cooperative initiatives and interacting with members and the public.

Ag Expo is known for being Michigans supreme source for the latest technology in agricultural production. The show will also offer research findings from CANR faculty members and a full schedule of educational demonstrations dedicated to providing Michigan farmers with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage successful farms.

We really try to make this event something special, and I think the agricultural community really embraces that,

said CANR Dean Fred Poston. People come to Ag Expo from all over the state. Its an exciting opportunity for our college, MSU Extension and AgBioResearch to join together to benefit the public and learn from one another as well.

Ag Expo visitors can view demonstrations related to equine pastures, sprayers, drones and biodiesel processing. A mortality composting demonstration will take place on Wednesday and there will be an air quality demonstration on Thursday. TheCANRtent will provide hands-on learning, including daily presentations on topics such as what you need to know about the Affordable Care Act, the 2014 Farm Bill and Smart Gardening.

The event runs from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. July 22 and 23, and 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 24. Admission to the grounds and parking at Farm Lane and Mt. Hope Road are free.

For more information on Ag Expo, call 800-366-7055 or visit www.agexpo.msu.edu.

Ag Expo attendees get a hands and noses-on education.

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LEGISLATIVE WATCH

The fun, historical Capitol and dwelling place of so many of our nations leaders was indeed an amazing place to meet for the National Milk Producer Federations spring board meeting.

Starting off, Mike, Sheila Burkhardt and I attended the Young Cooperators (YC) Advisory Council Meeting. We were joined by other YCs from around the country to plan and discuss events for the upcoming NMPF/Young Cooperators Meeting in Texas this fall. Speaker ideas, dairy topics, activities and tour ideas were all part of the discussion. After a productive session of brainstorming, we ate dinner and then watched the new documentary, Farmland. Though the movie does not include a dairy farmer, the six featured farmers (who grow different commodities) face similar situations to dairy farmers. Once it is more readily available, it will be a great tool for consumers!

Seeing as Mike had planted pretty much nonstop the entire week before, we hit the hay after that.

The next day was wonderful! The more understanding we have of our co-op and NMPF, the more fortunate we feel to be part of this organization. The policy of NMPF is to be the voice of our nations dairy producers. Their goal is to improve the well-being of dairy cooperatives and farmer owners and to assure an adequate supply of wholesome milk.

I have to commend NMPF on prepping all of us present with the how-tos of discussing important political topics pertaining to dairy farmers on Capitol Hill. The hot topics we hit were: Enacting immigration reform Establishing a federal standard for voluntary labeling

of products with GMOs rather than mandatory labeling

Supporting the ongoing Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations and Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership negotiations

Mike, Sheila and I, along with two other wonderful dairy couples from Michigan (non-MMPA members but we

wont hold that against them) sat down in the offices of Dave Camp, Candice Miller, Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow to have conversations and relay concerns about the topics with staffers. As farmers residing in Michigan, we should all count our many blessings. Our Congressmen and women are very supportive of the things we do. When they dont understand something, they ask and listen to the farmer!

That evening we joined the rest of the YCs and board members of NMPF for dinner. We were able to honor Senator Debbie Stabenow as she spoke about the passing of the Farm Bill. One of the things she said really made a huge impact on us; she explained how often she called upon our own MMPA President Ken Nobis and how much input he had in the dairy portion of the Farm Bill. Ken is also the first vice-chairman on the NMPF board.

Our trip to Washington, D.C. showed us there are always ongoing decisions to be made, battles to be won, minds to be changed and people needed for the job. As YCs on this journey, Mike and I have come to realize that, though we are fortunate to be in the industry we are in, without the good leadership, wisdom and integrity of people like Ken Nobis and the other board members, our industry wouldnt be what it is today. We can only hope to somehow fill the shoes of those who have lead before us.

The Nolls go to Washington

Mike and Jordan Noll pose on the Capitol steps during a recent trip to Washington, D.C. for the legislative forum and NMPF board meeting.

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N ew MISS DIG rules took effect May 1 after passage of Public Act 174 designed to protect agricultural workers and underground utilities. Public Act 174 amends the 40-year-old MISS DIG law and clarifies those engaged in routine farming operations must call MISS DIG to request staking at least three days before beginning work, unless one of three conditions is met:

Soil disturbance is in the public right of way AND not deeper than 12 inches. There are no above grade structures such as phone pedestals within six feet of the activity.

Soil disturbance is outside public right of way and more than 25 yards from a pipeline. There are no above grade structures such as phone pedestals within six feet of the activity.

Soil disturbance is outside public right of way, within 25 yards of a pipeline but not deeper than 18 inches. There are no above grade structures such as phone pedestals within six feet of the activity.

Everyone, including farmers, need to call MISS DIG prior to performing any other excavation projects, such as installing drain tiles or wells, which are not defined as routine farming operations.

Those who worked to enhance PA 174 cooperated with agricultural community leaders to better define MISS DIG requirements for excavation activities used in farming.

MISS DIG is providing a free membership to farm property owners. The membership includes notification to farm property owners whenever a MISS DIG staking request is made for excavations near their property in order to help them know when buried utilities are being placed on or near their property.

Reach MISS DIG by calling 811. MISS DIG sends work requests to member facility owners who will mark the approximate location of their underground utility lines at no charge. Excavators are required to hand expose the buried facilities to determine their precise location if digging near the marks.

Details of PA 174 are posted online at www.missdig.net.

Do You Know the New MISS DIG Rules?

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By Alex Schnabelrauch

Undercover Video Shows Animal Abuse on Local Dairy Farm. Cows Crammed into Dirty, Hot Factory Farms. Good Moms Only Give their Kids Grass-Fed Milk. Untruthful, anti-dairy and agriculture propaganda plagues many of todays newspapers, magazines, blogs, websites and television shows.

Consequently, the media-frenzied, popular culture picture painted of modern farmers is anything but compassionate, kind and family-driven. Many consumers view farms as money-making factories, pushing the needs and comfort of animals aside for corporate farmers bottom line.

As farmers and agriculturalists, we know all too well the mistruths being dished up to consumers. We can attest to the care and compassion used on our farms firsthand. But how do we relay the real story to our consumers?

The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program, created and administered by the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), aims to help showcase the great things happening on American dairy farms, assisting farmers (and their milk marketing cooperatives) in selling milk and dairy products to concerned customers.

Why the Focus on FARM?More than likely, youve heard about the National Dairy FARM Program before. Weve plugged it in past issues of the Messenger and at virtually every co-op meeting since its adoption. But whats the big deal? Is the program really worth your time? Is it necessary?

The short answer: yes.

If participating in the FARM Program is going to help market our milk, why not? MMPA member and Dairy Communicator Missy Prins says. People want to know where their food comes from, and the program is another way for us to stand behind what were doing. If we can do it with a 7-month-old, anyone can do it!

The goal of the National Dairy FARM Program is to provide consistency and uniformity to the best practices in animal care and quality assurance in the dairy industry. It was developed by an advisory

committee consisting of farmers, cooperatives, food companies and veterinarians. Using the veterinarian-endorsed Dairy Animal Care Manual as a guide, the National Dairy FARM Program helps farmers gauge their progress towards achieving best management practices for animal care issues.

Without a unified program, each individual dairy customer McDonalds, Burger King, Meijer, etc. would develop its own certification program for suppliers, and many may be developed with little to no consideration of the science and practicality of the evaluation requirements.

Instead of undergoing dozens of certifications for each customer, the National Dairy FARM Program provides a proactive, realistic solution for customers looking to ensure proper animal care without putting dairy farmers at risk.

MMPA Member Representative Ben Chapin assures members, There are no right or wrong answers during the evaluation and everything is kept confidential. The purpose of the program is to shed some light on what farmers can do to improve their success through improved cow comfort. It may even help member reps troubleshoot quality and performance issues throughout the operation.

The second-party evaluation consists of two parts: an interview and herd scoring. (A more thorough description of the process is included on the next page.) MMPA member representatives are certified to

National Dairy FARM Program Helps Farmers Promote Excellent Animal Care, Market Milk

Ben Chapin (left) stands with Doeke and Hudson Prins (right) during a FARM evaluation in May.

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conduct the evaluation and, with their help, 83 percent of the MMPA member milk supply is already enrolled in the National Dairy FARM Program. To highlight our members commitment to animal care and retain an advantage in the marketplace, MMPA will continue to strive for 100 percent voluntary participation.

Still Have Reservations?According to Ben, many of the producers who are hesitant to participate in the program have three primary concerns: privacy, time and auditing. All data is kept confidential by the member rep, Novi office and NMPF and isnt subject to the Freedom of Information Act. Your answers are never tracked back to you, and responses are only reported in big-picture, co-op level and nationwide summaries. The entire process takes two to three hours, depending on the farm size, and only occurs every three years, Ben affirms. And only a few percent of national second party evaluations are verified. Third-party verifiers

are people in the industry vets and retired farmers and are only verifying the accuracy of the second party evaluator the member rep not your farm.

MMPA member representatives continuously update local veterinarians on the programs changes, explaining how vets can help farmers adhere to the principles described in the Dairy Animal Care Manual.

Missy attests, We were just recertified in May and believe the program is the first step to becoming an informed producer. I think everyone should be certified. Its an easy process that gives MMPA an advantage when marketing our milk.

If youre interested in becoming National Dairy FARM Program certified, contact your member representative. His/her information can be found in the staff listing on the last page.

1. Exploratory Phase Each MMPA member representative keeps track of which farms have/have not been FARM evaluated and explains the program during other farm visits (inspections, equipment checks, etc.).

2. Scheduling Once a farm agrees or shows interest in participating in the National Dairy FARM Program, the member representative schedules an evaluation date, reserving two to three hours for the evaluation. The member representative will drop off an information booklet which gives an overview of the components of the evaluation.

3. Interview On the date of the evaluation, the member representative meets the farm owners and/or herdsperson in an office or home to go through the farm management areas described in the informational booklet. The member representative helps explain the meaning of each question, asking follow-up questions to ensure each response best conveys the farms management practices.

4. Herd Scoring and Observation Based on the number of animals on the operation, member representatives walk the facilities evaluating all-age animals based on body condition, locomotion, hygiene and hock and knee lesions. For biosecurity reasons, member representatives start their observations with the youngest group of animals and continue up to the least biologically sensitive group of animals. A statistical representation of the herd must be evaluated to comply with program requirements, but no more than 100 animals will be evaluated. Follow-up observation questions are asked along the way to determine additional management practices.

5. Double Check After the interview and herd scoring segments of the process are completed, the member representative rechecks their answers to ensure accuracy.

6. Evaluation Review The member representative reviews the evaluation to identify areas to where the farm deviates from the programs best management practices, developing a list of suggested improvements. These suggested improvements are reviewed with the farm representative leading the visit as well as the farm owner.

7. Farm Authorization The last on-farm step is securing the farmers signature, agreeing to participate in a third-party verification if their farm is randomly selected. Reminder: Only a small percent of all U.S. farms participating in the National Dairy FARM Program are third-party verified.

8. Data Input The farms answers are kept confidential by the member representative and are sent to the Novi office. Data is keyed into NMPFs National Dairy FARM Program system. This information cannot be acquired through the Freedom of Information Act and is kept confidential. Data is reported holistically and individual farm answers are never utilized or referenced.

9. Feedback Once the data is entered into the system, the Novi office prints a copy of the farms final evaluation and sends a copy back to the farm along with a $25 MMPA Merchandise gift certificate as a token of appreciation for participating in the program.

10. Recognition All farms evaluated throughout the year will be recognized at their local meeting.

The National Dairy FARM Program Step-by-Step Certification Process

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Get to know MMPAs John Dilland Fellowship Intern Jennifer DeClerg and what role shell play in the Manufactured Product Sales Department this summer.

Tell us a little bit about yourself. Where did you grow up? How did you get involved in the dairy industry?I am from Durand, Mich., and I grew up on a small crop farm. This will be my 13th and final year showing livestock at the Shiawassee County Fair, including market beef, sheep and swine. Currently, I am attending Michigan State University, majoring in agribusiness management with a specialization in food industry management. This internship is my first real involvement in the dairy industry. I have been on field trips through the FFA to dairy farms and have spent a considerable amount of time in the dairy barn at the fair.

Why did you apply for the MMPA internship? When I was looking into internships I wasnt really sure what I was looking for. After talking to some friendly faces from MMPA at the career fair, I decided that even though I didnt know much about the industry, it would be a good challenge to gain valuable work experience.

What have and will you be doing this summer and how does this play into your future plans? I have been assigned a couple of research projects as well as the task of conducting a customer satisfaction survey for the MMPA Manufactured Product Sales Department. In addition, I have done ride-alongs with two member representatives and toured the MMPA plants in Constantine and Ovid and the Novi lab. I am looking forward to working with individuals in each department in the office to learn more about their respective positions and try to wrap my head around everything that goes into milk production and processing.

My hope is to possibly work for a commodity cooperative or promotional group after graduation. I have also contemplated continuing my education and possibly studying public policy.

What have you learned on the job so far? More than I ever expected to know about the dairy industry! I have learned how valuable milk and milk products are and what we are capable of producing

with them. However, it has been disheartening to come across a considerable amount of negative media that discourages the consumption of dairy products for various reasons. This resistance is proof the entire agricultural industry has many challenges approaching in the future, and we will have to be prepared to educate the public with the truth.

Anything else you think MMPA members should know? I like a challenge, and I like to stay busy! Last spring I began long boarding and taught myself how to juggle in the past couple of months. As most everyone in the Novi office knows, I ride my bike to work and work at the MSU Tollgate Farm in the evenings. I have had the opportunity to study abroad in Belize for a couple of weeks and was fortunate enough to venture to Pasadena this past January to witness the Rose Bowl festivities and a great MSU win.

The John Dilland Fellowship Program is named in honor of John Dilland, former MMPA general manager, who retired in 2010 after 35 years of service. The intent of the program is to encourage high caliber students to consider careers at MMPA, a business uniquely suited to enhance the financial health and management of family dairy producers.

Q & A with MMPA John Dilland Fellowship Intern Jennifer DeClerg

Jennifer DeClerg MMPA John Dilland Fellowship Intern passes out butter cookies at the co-ops booth during Dairy Awareness Day at the Capitol.

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Learn more about our 2014 MSU Food Systems Fellowship Intern Christina Fenske and how shell be serving MMPA members this summer.

Tell us a little bit about yourself. I grew up near Allendale, Mich. and have a background in business management. I just finished my first year at the Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine, where I became interested in large animal medicine and currently serve as the president of the Food Animal Club. My mentor at school is Dr. Ron Erskine, who piqued my interest in the dairy industry last fall with a tour of Green Meadow Farms.

Why did you apply for MMPAs internship? The truth is, I dont have a lot of experience in the production animal industry, which is exactly why I applied for this internship. MMPA is a very well respected cooperative, so I knew my experience with this organization would be a great one and I would learn a lot about the dairy industry.

What do you like most about working in the dairy industry? Why are you interested in dairy? So far my favorite part of working in the dairy industry is the people and the environment. I love being out in the country and interacting with people who are passionate about what they do. I find it interesting to see the different milking systems and management practices employed on farms of various sizes.

What does your internship entail? In the first two weeks of the internship I rode along with member representatives to get a feel for the services MMPA provides members. For the rest of the summer, I will be visiting farms to observe milking and dry-off procedures as well as collecting management data and milk samples. I am carrying out the second segment of a studyon intramammary teat infusions and their potential impact on mastitis.

From your interactions with our members, what makes them different? I have been very impressed with the hard work and dedication MMPA member farms put forth every day. They strive to produce a high quality product while caring for their animals and the land.

From your experience thus far, what value does MMPA offer members? In my opinion, MMPA is dedicated to helping farms produce a quality product that will demand the best price. Member representatives are an invaluable asset in this endeavor, as they provide the essential connection between the farms and the offices. I am also impressed by how proactive MMPA is in anticipating and responding to the dairy industrys consumer-driven market. Services like MAEAP, energy audits and the National Dairy FARM Program will set Michigan farms up for success well into the future.

Whats your favorite dairy product? CHEESE!

Whats next for you? Ill be starting my second year of veterinary school this fall. I plan to continue pursuing large animal experiences throughout the next few years of schooling and hope to work in a mixed animal practice upon graduation.

To help provide experiences for veterinary students focused on serving the food animal industry, the Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine established the Summer Food Systems Fellowship Program in 2006. By joining forces with food industry partners, like MMPA, the goal of this program is to provide a training experience that broadens the students vision of the food industry.

Hands-on Learning for Dairy Newcomer Christina Fenske

Christina Fenske MMPA MSU Food Systems Fellowship intern takes down ear tag numbers during a herd test on a member farm in Marlette.

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MMPA and Land OLakes present

Advanced Calf Care SchoolsSet your farm up for success by starting your young stock off on the right hoof! Join MMPA and Land OLakes for Advanced Calf Care Schools this August. From colostrum to disease management, the schools cover hands-on tips and tools to improve your calf management program. Get a sneak peek of what will be covered in the tentative agenda included below, and register today.

August 12: Tuscola Technology Center Caro, Mich.

August 13: Clare Church of the Nazarene Clare, Mich.

Contact Marianne Gasiewski at the Novi office (800-572-5824, ext. 215) to register. A nominal $10/person registration fee will help defray the cost of lunch.

Class size is limited to 30, so reserve your spot early!

Tentative Working Schedule10 a.m. Welcome and Introductions

What are Your Calf Raising Goals?

Avoiding the Pitfalls of Calf and Colostrum Management

Full Potential Feeding and Costs

Heat Stress and Calves

12 p.m. Lunch

Automatic Calf Feeders

Breakout Sessions

Veterinary 411 (blood and fecal samples, dehorning, castration, tubing, disease identification)

Calf Nutrition: Storage to Delivery (CMR mixing, temperatures and weight, refractometer, cleaning, colostrum storage, grain weights, water)

3 p.m. Adjourn

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T he Calhoun County Breakfast on the Farm (BOTF) will take place on July 19 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with breakfast served from 9 a.m. till noon. Crandall Dairy Farm LLC, a family-owned and -operated dairy farm located five miles from Battle Creek at 22231 North Ave., will host the event.

Crandall Dairy is a Centennial Farm, first established in 1883. Brad and Mark Crandall along with their families are the familys fifth generation to own and operate the farm. The family milks 280 dairy cows three times daily and produces crops such as alfalfa, corn, soybeans and wheat. Crandall Dairy has received awards at both the state and national level for producing high-quality milk. The farm was honored as the 2011 Michigan State University Dairy Farm of the Year.

The Crandalls pride themselves on the quality of their product. Monica Crandall, Brads wife, said, We want people to know that we truly care about our animals and strive to take care of our land.

Attendees at the Calhoun County Breakfast on the Farm will enjoy a free pancake and sausage breakfast, before setting off on a self-guided walking farm tour featuring numerous educational exhibits hosted by local farmer volunteers. There will be a chance to see a

milking parlor, baby calves and various farm equipment including tractors. Volunteers will be on hand to answer any questions and share their expertise about farming.

The Crandalls believe this event is a great opportunity to teach others about agriculture.

It is important to open our doors; this is an opportunity to teach consumers about farm life, Monica said. Most people nowadays are two to three generations removed from the farm. If you are not around something, you are unable to have the knowledge about it.

Breakfast on the Farm is a statewide Michigan State University Extension program. More than 200 local volunteers help organize the event. In addition to the Calhoun County Breakfast on the Farm scheduled for July 19, two other breakfast events are planned for 2014:

August 16 hosted by De Grins Oer Dairy Farm, Blanchard, Mecosta County

September 6 hosted by Uphaus Farms, Manchester, Washtenaw County

The statewide sponsors for the 2014 Breakfast on the Farm events include the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan and the Michigan Corn Growers Association, Crystal Flash, Dairyland Seed Co., Farm Bureau Insurance, GreenStone Farm Credit Services, the Kroger Company, Michigan Farm Bureau, Michigan Milk Producers Association, Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee, Michigan Wheat Program, Northrop Trucking Inc., Pioneer Brand Products and the United Dairy Industry of Michigan. In addition, the Battle Creek program has received generous support from many local sponsors.

For more information about the Calhoun County Breakfast on the Farm or other BOTF events, visit www.breakfastonthefarm.com, or contact Ashley Kuschel at kuschela@anr.msu.edu or Nancy Thelen at thelenn@anr.msu.edu.

Crandall Dairy Farm hosts free Breakfast on the Farm event July 19

The Crandall Family will welcome thousands of guests to their farm in Battle Creek on July 19.

Land of the Free, Home of the Brave

I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

How many times have we recited those words? Like rattling off our address or the Lords Prayer, its easy to say the words and go through the motions without consciously thinking about what were saying or the power contained behind them.

But, this Fourth of July, I read those words with renewed perspective thanks to time spent with a few of our members.

About a month ago, I set out to find and interview MMPA member veterans, planning to pull together a feel-good patriotic story just in time for the holiday. I got way more than I bargained for, a new appreciation,

awareness and admiration for all those who have answered the call to protect our freedom.

Amelia Earhart once said, Courage is the price that life exacts for granting peace. Thank you to all active duty military personnel and veterans who have courageously stepped-up to serve so

we might wake up without sounds of bombs in the background, walk on the streets without fearing the contents of nearby backpacks and pursue our dreams without worry of

persecution. I offer my sincere appreciation to the Szymanski, Bever and Weller families for their service and willingness to share their stories. I hope they touch

your heart the way they touched mine.

Sisters in ArmsSisters typically

help each other pick out

clothes, get over a crush or sneak out after curfew.

Sisters, members of the Michigan Army National Guard and MMPA members, Lacey Szymanski and

Chelsea Walker on the other hand have helped each other drive 20-ton Heavy Equipment Transporters (HETs), charge Mark 19 grenade launchers and survive military tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

A lot of the skills we used in the military we learned on the farm common sense and how to fix things and operate equipment.

We werent intimidated by a large truck and we already knew how to drive a stick, Lacey laughs.

Chelsea, adds with a smile, Whenever someone would hesitate to drive one of the trucks or charge one of the large guns, the non-commissioned

officer in charge would always ask, Where are my farm girls?! He knew we

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didnt shy away from a challenge and were tough from our years on the dairy farm.

Regardless of their work ethic and experience, their daily battles against rain and high counts couldnt have fully prepared them for the War on Terror.

Shipping OutWhen the Szymanskis enlisted, Lacey was 20 and Chelsea was just 17, needing a signed parent waiver before taking her oath. Six months later, they completed five months of basic and advanced training in different states, keeping in touch by mail.

The sisters completed their monthly drill weekends and two weeks of training each summer, working on the family farm between. That was until they were involuntarily transferred to the 1461st Combat HET in January 2006 and given five months to prepare and train for a tour in Iraq.

We reported to Iraq mid-August 2006, driving in convoys of HETs transporting tanks, battle damaged equipment, tires and other supplies across Iraq. For the first six months, we were both stationed outside of Tikrit, Lacey explains. The second six months, I was transferred to Baghdad.

Just a month before the sisters were slated to go home, Chelseas biggest fear became a reality.

One of our friends had just been killed in the line of duty a few weeks before. I was looking at the black explosion mark the attack left as I drove by. And all of a sudden, there was a boom and my HET was engulfed in flames, she recalls. I grabbed my gun and jumped out with my truck partner. We went back-to-

back, frantically scanning the horizon for hostiles until gun support could arrive. I didnt sleep for two days.

Riding SoloThe Szymanskis returned home in August 2007 and life settled back into semi-normalcy. Lacey and Chelsea formed a partnership with one of their brothers, Johnny, buying into their fathers 156-cow, 375-acre dairy.

Four years later, Chelsea formed another partnership of her own, marrying Todd Walker.

As the National Guards five-year dwell time approached, the sisters received a warning order theyd be deploying to Afghanistan. Training picked up as they prepared for their upcoming tour and things seemed to be progressing as expected until a detour rerouted Chelseas life forever.

I found out three months before we deployed that I was pregnant. I cried a lot, she admits. I was ready to go

to war. I wasnt ready to be a mom! But, looking back, I wouldnt give up my son for anything.

Chelsea was taken off the deployment list as Lacey continued her final preparations, leaving for Fort Hood, Texas in June 2012 and Kandahar Airfield Afghanistan two months later.

During my tour, I served as the detachment platoon sergeant. Working with a team of 25 other soldiers, I coordinated 144 missions and participated in 15, Lacey relays. That 8-month tour was the longest time Chelsea and I ever spent apart, and it was extremely hard. Everything we had done in the military we had done together.

Dairy Rehabilitation As much as Lacey and Chelsea looked forward to civilian life, being back home brought its fair share of challenges. Driving was especially nerve racking as the sisters watched every piece of garbage for signs explosives were stuffed inside and analyzed concrete curbs and culverts for traces of planted C4. The transition from the high-paced tempo of the military to civilian life is tough, Lacey confirms. Only those you served with understand what you went through, and I think thats why so many of our military friends came to visit and work weekends on the farm. We needed a purpose and the farm gave us that.

While the Szymanski sisters still cant watch fireworks without being on edge, Lacey urges MMPA members, Fourth of July is a time to spend with your family and appreciate the freedom you have here in the United States.

Dont forget to love and cherish that freedom because the families of those who gave it all still miss them every day, Chelsea affirms.

Chelsea Walker (left) and Lacey Szymanski (right) are sisters, dairy farmers and members of the Army National Guard.

Continued on page 20

Land of the Free, Home of the Brave

I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

How many times have we recited those words? Like rattling off our address or the Lords Prayer, its easy to say the words and go through the motions without consciously thinking about what were saying or the power contained behind them.

But, this Fourth of July, I read those words with renewed perspective thanks to time spent with a few of our members.

About a month ago, I set out to find and interview MMPA member veterans, planning to pull together a feel-good patriotic story just in time for the holiday. I got way more than I bargained for, a new appreciation,

awareness and admiration for all those who have answered the call to protect our freedom.

Amelia Earhart once said, Courage is the price that life exacts for granting peace. Thank you to all active duty military personnel and veterans who have courageously stepped-up to serve so

we might wake up without sounds of bombs in the background, walk on the streets without fearing the contents of nearby backpacks and pursue our dreams without worry of

persecution. I offer my sincere appreciation to the Szymanski, Bever and Weller families for their service and willingness to share their stories. I hope they touch

your heart the way they touched mine.

Sisters in ArmsSisters typically

help each other pick out

clothes, get over a crush or sneak out after curfew.

Sisters, members of the Michigan Army National Guard and MMPA members, Lacey Szymanski and

Chelsea Walker on the other hand have helped each other drive 20-ton Heavy Equipment Transporters (HETs), charge Mark 19 grenade launchers and survive military tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

A lot of the skills we used in the military we learned on the farm common sense and how to fix things and operate equipment.

We werent intimidated by a large truck and we already knew how to drive a stick, Lacey laughs.

Chelsea, adds with a smile, Whenever someone would hesitate to drive one of the trucks or charge one of the large guns, the non-commissioned

officer in charge would always ask, Where are my farm girls?! He knew we

By Alex Schnabelrauch

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didnt shy away from a challenge and were tough from our years on the dairy farm.

Regardless of their work ethic and experience, their daily battles against rain and high counts couldnt have fully prepared them for the War on Terror.

Shipping OutWhen the Szymanskis enlisted, Lacey was 20 and Chelsea was just 17, needing a signed parent waiver before taking her oath. Six months later, they completed five months of basic and advanced training in different states, keeping in touch by mail.

The sisters completed their monthly drill weekends and two weeks of training each summer, working on the family farm between. That was until they were involuntarily transferred to the 1461st Combat HET in January 2006 and given five months to prepare and train for a tour in Iraq.

We reported to Iraq mid-August 2006, driving in convoys of HETs transporting tanks, battle damaged equipment, tires and other supplies across Iraq. For the first six months, we were both stationed outside of Tikrit, Lacey explains. The second six months, I was transferred to Baghdad.

Just a month before the sisters were slated to go home, Chelseas biggest fear became a reality.

One of our friends had just been killed in the line of duty a few weeks before. I was looking at the black explosion mark the attack left as I drove by. And all of a sudden, there was a boom and my HET was engulfed in flames, she recalls. I grabbed my gun and jumped out with my truck partner. We went back-to-

back, frantically scanning the horizon for hostiles until gun support could arrive. I didnt sleep for two days.

Riding SoloThe Szymanskis returned home in August 2007 and life settled back into semi-normalcy. Lacey and Chelsea formed a partnership with one of their brothers, Johnny, buying into their fathers 156-cow, 375-acre dairy.

Four years later, Chelsea formed another partnership of her own, marrying Todd Walker.

As the National Guards five-year dwell time approached, the sisters received a warning order theyd be deploying to Afghanistan. Training picked up as they prepared for their upcoming tour and things seemed to be progressing as expected until a detour rerouted Chelseas life forever.

I found out three months before we deployed that I was pregnant. I cried a lot, she admits. I was ready to go

to war. I wasnt ready to be a mom! But, looking back, I wouldnt give up my son for anything.

Chelsea was taken off the deployment list as Lacey continued her final preparations, leaving for Fort Hood, Texas in June 2012 and Kandahar Airfield Afghanistan two months later.

During my tour, I served as the detachment platoon sergeant. Working with a team of 25 other soldiers, I coordinated 144 missions and participated in 15, Lacey relays. That 8-month tour was the longest time Chelsea and I ever spent apart, and it was extremely hard. Everything we had done in the military we had done together.

Dairy Rehabilitation As much as Lacey and Chelsea looked forward to civilian life, being back home brought its fair share of challenges. Driving was especially nerve racking as the sisters watched every piece of garbage for signs explosives were stuffed inside and analyzed concrete curbs and culverts for traces of planted C4. The transition from the high-paced tempo of the military to civilian life is tough, Lacey confirms. Only those you served with understand what you went through, and I think thats why so many of our military friends came to visit and work weekends on the farm. We needed a purpose and the farm gave us that.

While the Szymanski sisters still cant watch fireworks without being on edge, Lacey urges MMPA members, Fourth of July is a time to spend with your family and appreciate the freedom you have here in the United States.

Dont forget to love and cherish that freedom because the families of those who gave it all still miss them every day, Chelsea affirms.

Chelsea Walker (left) and Lacey Szymanski (right) are sisters, dairy farmers and members of the Army National Guard.

Continued on page 20

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The Ripple of One LifeGrandkids scamper through the kitchen playing with green tractors and pink dolls. Outside, a son checks the herd using the same care and compassion as his father before him. Walls, covered with photos, tell the story of a happy family, growing first in height and then in numbers.

From the outside looking in, youd never guess Don and Judy Bevers 46 years of happily ever after was, at one time, nothing but an improbable dream.

I had graduated from high school and was in the process of buying a farm, but had to put everything on hold when that letter came. I got my draft notice when I was 19 and left Sept. 16, 1966 for Fort Knox, Ky. Six months later for Vietnam, Don explains.

Dont get me wrong, Im proud to be a veteran. But I didnt want to be there. I know lots of the names etched into that black wall in Washington, D.C. and, on more than one occasion, I thought I was going to be one of them.

Forty-six years after coming home without fanfare, a parade or warm welcome, the nightmares of his 24 months of service still creep into his dreams. But, with the help of his patient bride, five wonderful children and 12 energy-filled grandchildren, Dons outlook is that of gratitude.

Cook School to CombatDue to a prior knee injury, Don was assigned three low-impact specialties

during his time in basic training: cooking, clerical work and truck driving. Yet, when he arrived at the Long Bihn Post in Vietnam, those specializations flew out the window.

It didnt matter what I had trained for, we all had to do our jobs and more. I was a jack of all trades and was singled out to do a lot of off-the-books missions alone, Don relays. And thats all I can tell you. I did things that werent televised or talked about after the fact.

Engaged during his term of service, Judy sent letters from her dorm room at Western Michigan University to Don in Vietnam. However, she rarely knew the extent of the fighting or the true bleakness of the circumstance.

It took Don a long time to talk to anyone about what he saw in Vietnam. He was a different person when he came home than when he left, Judy says. Back then, death was something for old age, not for 58,000 young men and women just starting their adult lives. Today, people in our generation know firsthand how precious life is. We remember our family and friends who died in unpopular wars.

War forced Don to grow up fast. During his 15 months in Vietnam, he was sprayed with Agent Orange and lost more friends than he can count. One of his particularly vivid memories is that of finding the body of the bases Vietnamese barber who was a Viet Cong soldier at night.

Too often I thought I wasnt going to make it back. We had some close

calls. By the grace of God, I walked away without a scratch, Don quietly adds, eyes lowered.

Picking Up the PiecesAfter the horrors of Vietnam, Don and Judy managed to salvage moments of happiness. They were married two months after Dons flight landed in Kalamazoo.

The newlyweds used the combat pay Don sent home to purchase 60 acres in Delton and a few dairy cows. In 1971, they officially bought the farm Don had tried to purchase before being drafted, the same farm the Bevers still live on today.

As the memories of Vietnam have faded, war has been replaced by joy in the Bever house. Five children Shelly, Donny Jr., Jeffery, Rob and Ben have helped the farm grow and prosper. Shady Acres Dairy now encompasses 400 acres and is home to 120 cows. Dons son, Rob, has joined the operation and all the Bever kids, their spouses and children can be found enjoying weekly Sunday dinner at the farm.

Its tough to think that all of this would have never happened if I hadnt made it out of Vietnam. Im proud to have served my country and grateful for the men and women who have died to give us the freedoms we have today, Don adds. I dont take our freedom and life for granted. And I know God has blessed me far beyond what I deserve.

Don and Judy Bever have full laps and full hearts sitting in front of their farm after 46 years of marriage.

Don, drafted at 19, spent 15 months in Vietnam.

Continued from page 19

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Hidden Warriors in Our Ranks Hes flown around the world eight times. Hes been in (or flown over) all but 14 countries. He became the youngest instructor and evaluator in his 300-person squadron at 23, one of the units only three flight engineer instructors.

And, after 24 years of distinguished service in the United States Navy, Brent Weller now works for MMPA.

Its seriously a dream come true to be back in Michigan working for the cooperative my parents shipped milk to when I was young, Brent, MMPA Ovid Plant production manager, smiles. Ive come full circle and, after working hard to help our members at the plant level, I hope to someday have my own cows and become an MMPA member myself.

Many marvel Brents willingness to put in 12- to 14-hour days for the co-op. Yet, growing up on an MMPA dairy farm just three miles outside of Ovid, he knows all too well the working hours and dedication of dairy farmers.

He still keeps his senior picture clad in an MMPA hat and belt buckle on his desk, a constant reminder of his connection to the farmers he serves.

More Than a Paycheck For some, military service is a family tradition. For others, its a way to pay for college. But for Brent, it was more than that.

For me, the service was a calling. I wanted to do my part. For centuries, others have volunteered and raised their hand to protect our country. I felt it was my duty to do the same, Brent says proudly.

He enlisted in 1986, two years out of high school. Willing to fulfill any task or need, Brent expected to be sent to California to work on an aircraft carrier. But after superiors saw his test scores in boot camp, they had other plans for him: flight.

He learned, and eventually trained and evaluated 950 others, to fly the Lockheed P-3 Orion a four-engine, 68-ton turboprop used for anti-submarine warfare. His mission: search and destroy enemy submarines and, eventually, air to ground support.

With the tireless support of his wife, Karen, and daughter, Ashlynn, Brent served in the Navy for 24 years before retiring in 2010. Thankfully, MMPA has benefitted from his expertise ever since.

Farming in the Veins Despite ascending from a rank of E1 to E7 and being chosen to serve for the Commodore of an Air Wing, there was one title Brent could never shake: farm boy.

Wellers have been MMPA members for over 70 years. The first time I ever stepped foot in the Ovid plant was

when I was in kindergarten, learning about cottage cheese on a school field trip, Brent explains. The major reason for my success in the military was the fact I grew up on a dairy farm where I was taught the value of work ethic and commitment.

Regardless of his distance from home during active duty, Brent never strayed from his farming roots. As a flight instructor, one of my greatest joys was choosing where wed go for the test flights. I always picked rural locations, traveling across the country to see what the farmers were doing during that season or in that location, he admits.

If I saw a farmer cutting hay, wed do several touch-and-gos at a nearby runway. It was like heaven on earth the smell of home filling the plane as we took off.

Looking to Veterans for Co-op Leadership Brents Navy uniform betrays its owners humble nature, medal by medal, telling the story of impressive accomplishments and leadership. Lucky for MMPA, hes now putting those same skills and experiences to work for our members.

Continued on page 22

Brent Weller is one of MMPAs over 20 employee veterans.

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I work with five veterans, and theres just something different about employees who have a history of military service, Dave Hurst, MMPA Ovid Plant warehouse supervisor, says. They are well organized, stay late and always step-up to fill formal and informal leadership roles in their respective departments. Brent is no exception and epitomizes the stereotype.

Military ties run deep in the co-op with a multitude of veteran members and haulers, three veterans on MMPAs board of directors and 7 percent of the total co-op workforce touting past military experience. Members can rest assured this Fourth of July that, regardless of the holiday, committed MMPA employees both veterans and civilians alike are working around the clock to market member milk.

I take the same sense of responsibility in my role as MMPA Ovid production manager that I did with my service in the Navy, Brent assures MMPA dairy farmer members.

Americans can sleep through the night because I, and thousands of other service members, have protected and continue to protect their freedom at home and abroad. Ill do my best to continue guarding our members livelihood by keeping our plant operating at its greatest potential.

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Continued from page 21

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N atalie Horning of Washtenaw County and Madeline Meyer of Ionia County were named as senior and junior winners of the 2014 Dairy Cattle Science 4-H State Award during 4-H Exploration Days at Michigan State University on Thursday, June 19. This is the highest honor bestowed on Michigan 4-H youth.

To apply, youth submitted an extensive application detailing their experience in the dairy cattle science project area. Applications were carefully reviewed by a selection committee and delegates were announced in April. Delegates were invited to participate in either an advanced leadership development program (juniors) or competitive interviews (seniors) during 4-H Exploration Days.

In total, two juniors Madeline Mayer of Ionia County and Mason Horning of Washtenaw County and

three seniors Natalie Horning of Washtenaw County, Jenna Beeker of St. Joseph County and Nicole Chase of Muskegon County participated in the 2014 Dairy Cattle Science 4-H State Award Program.

State 4-H Award winners become a part of an elite group of 4-H youth who have demonstrated the highest level of excellence. While all State 4-H Award winners receive a plaque, seniors receive a $200 cash award and juniors receive a $50 cash award.

Michigan 4-H State Dairy Award Winners

Award winners Madeline Meyer (left) and Natalie Horning (right) with UDIM CEO Sharon Toth (center).

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To order call: 1-800-572-5824 then dial 2

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through your milk hauler or call:

Supervisor:Duane Farmer 989-681-2334

Fax: 989-681-3988

Toll Free: 877-367-6455Orders (Novi)

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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

SilagePro More than just an Inoculant

MERCHANDISE

SilagePro offers a trifecta of benefits. It quickly lowers pH It reduces dry matter loss It saves energy

SilagePro contains purified enzymes and four cascading lactic acid bacteria to serve your feeding needs.

The products enzymes splinter the cell walls and release sugars that feed the bacteria. SilagePro enzymes are unique because they work at any pH level. The four cascading bacteria in SilagePro start working immediately at any pH level during the fermentation process.

Enterococcus faecium: grows rapidly at pH above 6. Pediococcus pentosaccus and pediococcus acidilacti:

grows rapidly at pH above 5 Lactobacillus plantarum: grows best below pH of 5Silage pH is usually stable within 96 hours. By dropping the pH fast in haylage, the chance of producing butyric acid is eliminated.

Research has shown SilagePro can reduce dry matter losses by 3 percent over traditional inoculants and 7 percent over untreated silage. When dry matter losses occur, the loss is the non-structural carbohydrates. It would take 60 pounds of cornmeal per ton of silage to replace a 3 percent loss of dry matter. It would take 140 pounds of cornmeal to replace a 7 percent loss of dry matter.

The merchandise warehouse stocks Silage Pro in two varieties, granular and water soluble (concentrate). Silage Pro granular comes in a 50-pound bag and treats 100 tons. We also carry two concentrates, Silage Pro 100 and Silage Pro 250. The Silage Pro 100 treats 100 tons while the Silage Pro 250 will treat 250 tons. Silage Pro 500 (available by special order only) will treat 500 tons.

Looking for a more affordable option? Also available, by special order, is a product called AgriSile. It contains the same four cascading bacteria as SilagePro, but does not have the enzymes.

For more information on SilagePro and other products offered by American Farm Products, go to the companys website at afpldt.net or call our American Farm Product representative Arlin Koglin at 989-553-3370. Description Stock number Member priceSilage Pro (50 lb) 8311 $110.00Silage Pro 100 8312 $107.00Silage Pro 250 8313 $261.00Silage Pro 500 8348 $400.00Agrisile (special order) please call for pricing

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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

orStan Palmer

5303 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

Payment for testing will be made through an automatic milk check deduction. All costs are listed per individual sample.

Cow Tests $1 Cow samples may be tested for: Culture for Streptococcus agalactiae, Strep non ag, Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase negative staph, gram negative and/or 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 $12 Bacteriology Cultures $13 Includes identification of bacteria

and drug susceptibility.

Bovine Viral Diarrhea - PCR $40 - ELISA $ 6 Johnes Milk Test - PCR $40 - ELISA cows $ 6 - ELISA tank $10

Bovine Leukosis Test - ELISA cows $ 6 - ELISA tank $10 Milk Pregnancy ELISA $4.50

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.251,000-300,000 +00/cwt.301,000-400,000 - 30/cwt.401,000-500,000 -$1.00/cwt.501,000-600,000 -$1.50/cwt.601,000 and greater -$2.00/cwt.

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

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

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BullsRegistered Holstein Bulls: We 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.

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

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.

Bulls for heifers and cows. Calving ease, BEW, Red, RC and polled genetics available. GTPIs to 2220. Wardin Brothers Registered Holsteins 989-642-3262

Cows & HeifersBarn is full and need to reduce herd size select your cows and negotiate a price. 3 cows to 100 cows. Call John at 574-535-4884 for additional details or to schedule a visit.

Equipment772 John Deere combine, 643 6-row corn head, 18-ft. grain head, will separate. 231-425-6913.

John Deere 3970 forage chopper 7 -ft. hay head, electric controls, metal alert, axle extension, field ready, $9,500. 810-3385265.

20-ft. X Fold Brillon Cultipacker. 810-724-8825.

1 New Holland 1431 Dicsbine 13-ft. Hyd Center pivot, very good condition, $10,500. 2 New Holland 144 inverter with a brand new conveyor belt $1,000. 3 Gehl 1580 blower $750 obo. 4 Kilbrothers 450 center dump box with running gear, $1,250 obo. 517-231-5098

2007 Kuhn Knight 8132 spreader. $1,800. Call Brent at 989-551-0681.

8 Spring cattle scratchers $100 each. 1 Cow Hip Lift $100. 3 Quarter Milkers $20 each. 1 Nupuse Milker W/build in pulsator run off of vac. W/80 Lb. clear bucket and lid $300. 1 Willman calf puller W/12in. ext $225. 400 plus tire sidewalls for bunker cover $1.20 each. Whiplach complete stomach pump system $300. Cito Thaw, thaws semen, electric $50. 1 udder singe complete w/20lbs tank $75. Parlor foamer run on air w/ product $500. Delaval Auto cow brush w/extra brush $2,000. 2 Calf-tel super huts w/fences and feeders $400 each. 1 Poly super hut $400. 1 Koster moisture tester w/ electric scale $150. 9 Schaefer 36 -in fans single phase 110 volt $150 each. 2 Gandy electric box meters for dry preservative $225 each. Sebewaing, Mich. call 989-551-9715 or 989-551-9765.

New Holland 870TL quick attach front end loader. 96 inch bucket. Fits TG and T80 series tractors. $9,500 989-345-3952.

Dairy EquipmentTwo Delaval CF1000 Computer Calf Feeders with 4 nipples and laptop with software. Will feed milk or milk replacer, $17,500 for everything or could split them up. 517-749-9112.

800 gallon milk cooler with r-22 compressor. Asking $1,000 obo. Also selling 2-in. stainless pipe line, 10 hp oil-less compressor, and all accessories. Asking $4,000 obo. We will consider splitting up units. Great working order. Please call Dan Brusie with any questions 810-614-2644.

New Holland 900 chopper with hay head, metal alert, 50-gal. inoculent applicator, 1,000 pto, asking $6,500 obo. 16-ft. Hanson silo unloader, ring drive, rings and augers 1 year old asking $2,000 obo. Delaval complete pipeline system, 230-ft. of 2-in. stainless line. Delaval 78 vacuum pump $3,000 obo. Mueller 600-gal. bulk tank $3,000 obo. 989-736-6508 Sweet Farms, Mikado, Mich.

John Deere 3975 pull type chopper with heads, excellent condition, $17,500. Knight 3030 mixer wagon with scales, excellent condition, $7,500. 54 Michigan freestalls with rails, $30 each. 517-899-5359.

New Holland 40 blower, like new, used very little, asking $2,500. 810-648-2379.

Vacuum pump horizontal stand, 10 h.p., 100 cfm, $1,000. 989-255-6016

2,700 gal. Mueller bulk tank with Century II system and two coolers, $19,500. 989-255-6016.

2 brand new, complete, peach teat nurser bottle, one has molded handle on it, the other is regular bottle, both features a speed feeding pin, to adjust the flow of milk. Asking $8 each plus shipping. Shipping depends on where it is going. Call 231-625-2036, Michigan.

Misc.Australian Shepherd puppies. Born June 6. All colors, parents good farm dogs. $125 to $200. 989-386-3679.

Farm For SaleDairy Farm, Cheboygan, Mich. 367.11 acres. 25x56 double 16 parallel parlor put in 3 yrs. ago. 2,000 gal. bulk tank, 400 free-stall barn, 48x100 calf barn, 80x80 commodity barn, 64x280 hay barn, 32x56 maternity barn, 44x100 tool pole barn. 45 acre pasture by barn 7-bedroom L shaped brick home, built 1976. Can send packet with more info & appraisal if interested. Turn key operation if you want cows & equipment, or will sell farm separate. We also rent 670 acres paying $40 ac. most acres, less amt. David Brown, 231-625-2036.

WantedRegistered Holsteins. Call Brent at 989-551-0681.

1,500-2,000 gal. milk tank in working condition. 231-757-2934.

Call 1-800-572-5824 ext. 202 to place your ad or email to: Muszynski@mimilk.com or fax 248-426-3412.

FREELINERS

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Mail ads to: Classified Ads, Michigan Milk Messenger, PO BOX 8002, Novi, MI 48376-8002. Email to Muszynski@mimilk.com or fax 248-426-3412. 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 ($20 per ad up to 6 lines)

1-800-248-8070

M-40 South

Hamilton, MI 49419

PTO and Automatic

Start Generators

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.COM6400 HOLLISTER RD.

ELSIE, MI 48831PH: 989-862-4291

OVER 100 SERVICE AGE BULLS FOR YOUR SELECTION!

Concrete Grooving and TexturingCall: Jeff Brisky - Owner

Toll Free: 1-800-294-1202Cell: 1-716-353-1137

Concrete Services Company

CLASSIFIEDS

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

DAVIDSON CEMENT GROOVING, INC: NO water needed. Wider, rougher grooves for better traction. We also offer texturing for your previously grooved floors. 3 operators will travel Michigan and other states. No interest payment terms. Est. since 1987. Call 1-800-365-3361.

CONCRETE GROOVING BY TRI-STATE SCABBLING, home of the 2 wide groove. Best traction, lowest prices. 800-554-2288. www.tristatescabbling.com

A SURE WAY TO KEEP YOUR COWS UPRIGHT! Concrete grooving/texturing brings existing grooves back to 100% efficiency & provides high quality traction in new & old concrete, fast service. 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.

FOR SALE: (2) 7,000 TANDEM FOOD GRADE TANK TRAILERS. Set up for direct load w/chutes & spill dams. 1999 Walker 7,000 gal. 2000 Walker 7,000 gal. Call Matt Veale @ Burch Tank 989-400-9536.

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

ALFALFA HAYLAGE & CORN SILAGE. 989-723-1886 OR 989-277-1414.

GRINDING IN THE THUMB AREA. LARGE SQUARE OR ROUND BAILS. Straw, hay, baleage and soybean. Call for rates. Aaron Martus 810-356-8305.

TRADE OR SELL: 80 gal. Commercial gas hot water heater in use, trade for 40 gal. electric or sell for $300. Phone 989-593-2488.

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MILK ON FARM DRUG RESIDUE SUSPECTEDIf 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 CONFIRMEDIf 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 members 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 members 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 QUESTIONABLEWhen 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