michigan milk messenger: may 2016

2015

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

mimilk.com

VOL. 98 | ISSUE 11 | MAY 2016

100th AnnualState Delegate Meeting

MESSENGER | MAY 20162

MESSENGER

Managing Editor ........................................... Sheila Burkhardt

Editor ........................................................................ Allison Stuby

Advertising Manager .................................Nancy Muszynski

Circulation .............................................................................. 2,843

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

Michigan Milk Messenger (USPS 345-320) is the official

publication of Michigan Milk Producers Association,

published monthly since June 1919. Subscriptions:

MMPA members, 50¢ per year; non-members, $5 per year.

41310 Bridge Street p: 248-474-6672

P.O. Box 8002 f: 248-474-0924

Novi, MI 48376-8002 w: 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)

16

Michigan Milk

Columns

4 MMPA Matters Building Relationships

Over One Century

6 Quality Watch Member Merchandise Program –

Your Partner in Profitability

8 News & Views

10 Legislative Watch

May Features

12 MMPA Young Cooperator Conference

14 Adversity Builds Character: The Fair Share Days

16 100th Annual MMPA State Delegate Meeting

19 MMPA Celebrates 100 Years, Donates 100 Gallons of Milk Per Day

12

MESSENGER19

Board of Directors

Officers

Ken Nobis, President

Mark Halbert, Vice President

Eric Frahm, Treasurer

Joe Diglio, General Manager/ Secretary

Josep Barenys, Assistant Treasurer

Todd Hoppe, General Counsel

Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA)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.

Departments36 Merchandise

37 Quality Premiums

38 Freeliners

40 Classifieds

41 Policies

42 Market Report

43 Staff

Directors-At-LargeKen Nobis, St. Johns ............................................ 989-224-6170 or 248-474-6672, ext. 201

Rodney Daniels, Whittemore ..............................................................................989-756-4935

Gertie van den Goor, Marlette ............................................................................989-550-8453

Mark Halbert, Battle Creek .................................................................................. 269-964-0511

James Reid, Jeddo ..................................................................................................810-327-6830

District Directors1. Hank Choate, Cement City ..............................................................................517-529-9032

2. Tim Hood, Paw Paw ...........................................................................................269-657-5771

3. David Pyle, Zeeland ...........................................................................................616-772-1512

4. Corby Werth, Alpena .........................................................................................989-464-5436

5. Doug Chapin, Remus ........................................................................................231-972-0535

6. Tony Jandernoa, Fowler ...................................................................................989-593-2224

7. Eric Frahm, Frankenmuth ................................................................................989-652-3552

8. Scott Lamb, Jeddo .............................................................................................810-327-6135

20 MMPA Recognizes 35 and 50+ Year Members

22 General Manager’s Report to the Delegates

27 Current Resolutions

32 Standing Resolutions

The 100th Annual MMPA

State Delegate Meeting

was held on March 24 in

Lansing. Gov. Rick Snyder

presented MMPA President

Ken Nobis with a tribute at

the meeting. Highlights of

the meeting and business

conducted by delegates

begin on page 16.

Cover Story

MAY 2016 | MESSENGER 3

Building Relationships Over One CenturyBY KEN NOBIS, PRESIDENT

In preparation for MMPA’s100th Annual Meeting held at the end of March, I did some research into the attributes of long lasting businesses. There are a variety of reasons companies are successful over the long haul, and MMPA could be the model for the generic description of such a business. One attribute that grabbed me immediately was dedication to great relationships.

Great relationships begin and end with people. We have invested in people over the life of the co-op, recognizing from the beginning that our success depended on a loyal and stable membership base. In addition, the dairy industry is unique, so retaining a dedicated and long-serving employee base in all areas of operation has been equally important over the life of the co-op.

We recognize our co-op’s many loyal employees, and we have recognized the contributions made by our 35 year owner-members each year at our annual meeting, asking them to share their comments about reaching this milestone. It is always gratifying to hear their kind remarks. The most common and memorable over the years have included, “I’ve never missed receiving a check,” and “MMPA has always been there to help us when we needed it.” In addition, this year we inaugurated the recognition of our 50 year members too. Hearing their comments about what MMPA and the dairy industry have meant to them was gratifying. Our 100 year anniversary seemed like the perfect time to honor these distinguished members.

Relationships with our new and long term customers are very important to us as well. We want to serve our customers’ needs in every way possible. Our goal is to build trust and dependability by delivering outstanding performance. We recognize the importance of integrity and reliability in a business relationship. We can’t be successful if our customer isn’t successful. As consumers have become more and more removed from production agriculture, their interest in where their food comes from has grown. Concerns raised by consumers motivate the dairy industry to have in place a uniform method to confirm that we are responsible caretakers of our animals.

We work with our customers to assure them that our animal care practices follow the Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) guidelines developed by the National Milk Producers Federation and that every member of MMPA is FARM certified. Our customers can then, in turn, assure their customers that the animals that produce the milk they purchase are being treated properly. Sustainability is another concern, and we work with our customers in ways that make it possible for MMPA to efficiently report the sustainable practices incorporated on our member farms.

MMPA’s relationships with people and communities exemplify MMPA’ dedication to making the world a better place to live. We have in recent years expanded our manufacturing plants in both Ovid and Constantine. While expansion can sometimes create friction in a community, our expansions were not only welcomed but were actively supported by both communities so that we could quickly overcome hurdles. This is a reflection of our co-op’s integrity and reputation.

We have also supported many initiatives in various communities, including “Breakfast on the Farm.” We support 4-H, FFA and our own MMPA Dairy Communicators who do so much in their local communities to educate the public about dairy consumption and the true nature of farming operations. Included in community relationships would have to be our involvement with the Flint water crisis, and before that our contribution of milk to the Food Bank Council of Michigan in the summer of 2015. We also announced an additional contribution of 100 gallons of milk a day to the Food Bank Council of Michigan for the coming year in celebration of our 100th anniversary.

MMPA was formed 100 years ago with the focus “to market our members’ milk to the greatest advantage possible.” Dairy producer numbers have diminished over the years, and the industry has changed. We have successfully developed sound relationships with an ever-widening array of individuals to assist us in carrying out our mission in a world that is very different than it was when MMPA started in 1916.

MMPA MATTERS

“We have successfully

developed sound

relationships with an

ever-widening array

of individuals to assist

us in carrying out our

mission in a world that

is very different than

it was when MMPA

started in 1916.”


QUALITY WATCH


The MMPA Member Merchandise Program

Your Partner in ProfitabilityBY STEVE LEHMAN, TECHNICAL AREA SUPERVISOR

The MMPA Member Merchandise Program has provided access to dairy farm supplies at group buying prices to MMPA members for many years. While most of the products and services offered through the program are familiar to members, there are several that are not as well-known. Profits realized by the Member Merchandise Program are returned to the members that use the program, enhancing the profitability of their dairy operations.

CLEANERS, SANITIZERS, AND TEAT DIPS – MMPA has been a distributor of Ecolab (formerly known as Klenzade) products for over 40 years. The recent installation of the M-1 teat dip mixing system has significantly reduced the price of iodine teat dips available to members. Due to Ecolab’s presence in the food and institutional cleaning markets, MMPA members have access to not only dairy farm chemicals, but also products that can be used for tough equipment cleaning problems and farm laundry use. Ecolab representatives are available to help MMPA member representatives troubleshoot on-farm cleaning problems and provide support services. As a partner in MMPA’s Milking Systems Performance Assurance Program (MSPAP), Ecolab will cover the cost of up to four CIP evaluations per year for those farms enrolled in the program that are on 100 percent Ecolab chemical supplies.

MILKING EQUIPMENT PARTS – MMPA is also a distributor for Milk-Rite, one of the largest manufacturers in the world of rubber parts for milking systems. Milk-Rite manufactures a full line of inflations, air tubes, air and milk hoses, and jetter cups. Personnel from both MMPA and Milk-Rite are available to assist members in determining what inflations are best suited for their herds. The Milk-Rite cluster and shell exchange program is available to those members using the vented mouthpiece Impulse liners.

RECORDING THERMOMETERS – Recording thermometers are required on all direct load facilities, on all bulk tanks where partial milk pickups are utilized, and on all bulk tanks manufactured after January 1, 2000. MMPA is a dealer for Anderson instruments, carries a variety of parts, and can facilitate the repair of electronic components of these devices.

ELECTRONIC COMPONENT REPAIR – Many electronic components of milking systems, including liquid level controls, pulsation controllers, and automatic detacher/milk meter boards, may be able to be repaired. One of the vendors with which MMPA does business provides this service, which usually costs a fraction of the price of replacement components.

SPECIAL ORDER ITEMS – The items stocked at the Mt. Pleasant warehouse are a fraction of the items available to MMPA members. MMPA is a dealer for several dairy equipment suppliers, such as E-Zee Milking Equipment, Coburn, Schlueter, Sunset, NASCO, and Nelson-Jameson. These vendors carry many parts for milking equipment, both aftermarket and OEM, along with some items pertaining to animal care. Used and rebuilt parts for most brands of milking equipment are also available. Many of these companies have online catalogs that list and/or illustrate the items that may be ordered on their websites.

To order items from these catalogs, provide the personnel at the merchandise warehouse with the quantity, stock number, and description of the items desired. The member is responsible for shipping and handling charges. Please note that if these items are returned, any restocking or return shipping charges will be the responsibility of the member that ordered the items.

Products are distributed to farms in a variety of ways. Non-chemical items may be shipped via UPS or USPS. Haulers deliver many products to their patrons and farms with a $750.00 or greater order are eligible for direct farm delivery. Deliveries are made on a four-week schedule, and orders must be submitted to the warehouse at least two days prior to the scheduled delivery date. For more information regarding the direct farm delivery program, please contact the warehouse.

Other items, such as softener salt, cloth and paper towels, milk replacer, filters, and floor patching supplies are available through the Member Merchandise Program. An online catalog is in development. Take the opportunity to see how the MMPA can help to make your dairy more profitable. If you have questions regarding the Member Merchandise Program, contact your member representative, or the warehouse at 989-317-8370.

“Profits realized by the Member

Merchandise Program are

returned to the members that

use the program, enhancing the

profitability of their dairy operations.”

Advancing milk quality through industry-leading service and expertise When you partner with milk quality experts and world class service, you can be confident of reaching higher milk premium goals and profitable results.

¡ IMPROVE HYGIENE

¡ IMPROVE EFFICIENCY

¡ MAXIMIZE PROFITS

UDDER HYGIENE

CLEAN-IN-PLACE SOLUTIONS

SPECIALTY PRODUCTS

TECHNICAL EXPERTISE & TRAINING

That Delivers Proven Results

Milk Production Solutions

For high quality products and services for today’s progressive dairy operations, call 1 800 392 3392 or visit www.ecolab.com

Sign up today to receive our FREE quarterly Quality Counts e-newsletter at www.ecolab.com/dairyqc

©2015 Ecolab USA Inc. All rights reserved.

PARTNERSHIP


Advancing milk quality through industry-leading service and expertise When you partner with milk quality experts and world class service, you can be confident of reaching higher milk premium goals and profitable results.

¡ IMPROVE HYGIENE

¡ IMPROVE EFFICIENCY

¡ MAXIMIZE PROFITS

UDDER HYGIENE

CLEAN-IN-PLACE SOLUTIONS

SPECIALTY PRODUCTS

TECHNICAL EXPERTISE & TRAINING

That Delivers Proven Results

Milk Production Solutions

For high quality products and services for today’s progressive dairy operations, call 1 800 392 3392 or visit www.ecolab.com

Sign up today to receive our FREE quarterly Quality Counts e-newsletter at www.ecolab.com/dairyqc

©2015 Ecolab USA Inc. All rights reserved.

PARTNERSHIP


8

NEWS & VIEWSNEWS & VIEWS

Upcoming Events

MMPA Board Members Appointed to the Michigan Dairy Marketing CommitteeGov. Rick Snyder announced the appointment of Peter Kleiman of Wilson, and the reappointments of Timothy Hood of Paw Paw, Dwight Nash of Elsie, Kenneth Nobis of St. Johns, and James Reid of Jeddo, to the Michigan Dairy Marketing Committee. Hood, Nobis and Reid all currently serve on the MMPA board of directors. The 13-member committee oversees the budget and operations of the dairy producer marketing program, which supports the Michigan dairy industry.

Producers Scoring 95 Percent or More on Grade A Surveys and Federal Check RatingsRodney ImbrockKevin MellerScott NordenRowley Dairy LLC James / Edward / Patrick Bolday*Braid Farms Inc Charles / Janet White Donal Farm LLC Weldon / David KellerDenning Farms LLCDrakeland Farms LLCHowe FarmsJames DelagrangeCrandall Dairy Farm LLC **100 percent.

May 23MMPA Centennial

Anniversary Celebration,

East Lansing

June 15-16MMPA 4-H

Milk Marketing Tour,

Novi

June 28Advisory Committee Meeting,

Novi

Michigan State University Extension Names Jeff Dwyer Director

Jeff Dwyer, interim director of Michigan State University Extension since Jan. 1, has been named director of MSU Extension. Previously he was a senior associate dean in the MSU College of Human Medicine, with primary responsibilities related to research and community engagement.

The decision to move Dwyer to the permanent role was made jointly by Buhler, MSU Provost June Youatt and MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon, in consultation with incoming CANR Dean Ronald L. Hendrick.

“Dr. Dwyer has already forged relationships

with stakeholder groups across the state and spread the reach of MSU

Extension,” Hendrick said. “I look forward to having a team of strong

leaders in the college so we can hit the ground running in July. I am

pleased that Dr. Dwyer will be among those leaders.”

Before joining MSU, Dwyer was a tenured professor at Wayne State University, where he was the director of the Institute of Gerontology and professor of sociology. He was the founding director of the Institute on Aging and a tenured professor of medicine at the University of Florida from 1999 to 2003. Dwyer received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from California Lutheran University in 1982 and a doctorate in sociology from the University of Florida in 1988.

Class III and IV Prices Continue to Decline

The USDA reported that March’s Class III milk price is $13.74 per hundredweight, down 6 cents from February's price, and $1.82 below March 2015. The Class IV price was $12.74, down 75 cents from February, and $1.06 less than March of last year.

2016 Breakfast on the Farm Hosts Announced

The Breakfast on the Farm program will take place at two farms this summer, one of which is an MMPA member:

August 13

Zwerk & Sons Farms

Vassar, Michigan

August 27

Hartland Farms

Clayton, Michigan

For more information or to volunteer at an event, please visit breakfastonthefarm.com.

9MAY 2016 | MESSENGER

MMPA Hosts FSMA TrainingNew Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) regulations require that key personnel in charge of managing the Food Safety Plan at a company must be a Preventive Control Qualified Individual (PCQI). The Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance (FSPCA) has partnered with the FDA to develop course curriculum to meet the PCQI requirements. MMPA hosted PCQI training for employees and customers in late March to emphasize the importance of food safety and collaboration across food manufactures. MMPA Director of Quality Amandeep Dhillon, a certified instructor authorized to train individuals to become PCQI, lead the course.

« FRONT ROW (L-R): NICK FERGEN OF HOUSE OF FLAVORS, GREG MCGUIRE OF GUERNSEY’S DAIRY, DR. ARVIND PATEL, CF BURGER AND AMANDEEP DHILLON OF MMPA. BACK ROW (L-R): DANIEL MCCREEDY OF MCCLURE’S PICKLES, JOE KINVILLE OF GUERNSEY’S DAIRY, RON STEINHORST OF MMPA, JESSICA WAG-NER OF MMPA, KATHRYN PARIKH OF VERNDALE PRODUCTS, JILL FELDPAUSCH OF MMPA AND MARK HOVOREK, AN INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT.


LEGISLATIVE WATCH

10101010

USDA Announces Improvementsin Dairy Margin Protection Program

Several important improvements in the new safety net program for dairy farmers were announced April 12

by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, following recommendations made to the agency by the National Milk Producers Federation to enhance the value of the dairy Margin Protection Program (MPP).

“The Margin Protection Program must continue to evolve based on the experiences of NMPF’s members and others in the dairy industry,” said Jim Mulhern, president and CEO of NMPF. “USDA is constrained in what it can do to strengthen MPP, but we very much appreciate these steps to implement administrative changes that will improve the program’s usefulness to dairy farmers.”

Since MPP’s enactment in 2014, NMPF has worked with USDA to make the program a more flexible and effective national safety net for all of America’s dairy farmers. Mulhern said the program remains a work in progress, given the challenging farm milk price situation facing dairy farmers

2016 MMPA Advisory Committee

District 1Bruce Lewis, Jonesville ....................................... 517-869-2877Jeff Horning, Manchester .................................... 734-428-8610Art Riske, Hanover .............................................. 517-524-6015Clark Emmons, Fayette, OH................................ 419-466-4471Jeff Alexander, Hanover ...................................... 517-740-9981

District 2Michael Oesch, Middlebury, IN ............................ 574-825-2454Mark Crandall, Battle Creek ................................ 269-660-2229Richard Thomas, Middlebury, IN ......................... 574-825-5198Don Bever, Delton ............................................... 269-671-5050Heather Wing, Bellevue ....................................... 269-660-0498

District 3Tim Butler, Sand Lake ......................................... 269-330-5538Bill Gruppen, Zeeland .......................................... 616-875-8162Burke Larsen, Scottville ....................................... 231-425-8988Bill Stakenas, Freesoil ......................................... 231-425-6913Gary Nelsen, Grant.............................................. 231-834-7610

District 4Marvin Rubingh, Ellsworth ................................... 231-588-6084Jeremy Werth, Herron ......................................... 989-464-4022Dave Folkersma, Rudyard ................................... 906-630-1957Russ Tolan, Ossineke .......................................... 989-471-2993Ron Lucas, Posen ............................................... 989-379-4694

This change is effective for the current 2016 coverage year. While a majority of farmers using the program in 2016 are protected at the $4 level, for those who bought up a higher level of margin, but did not cover 90 percent of their milk production, this change ensures that they are still receiving catastrophic protection on the maximum level of production allowed by the MPP.

The USDA also announced a rule change to allow a farm’s production history to be restructured in order to accommodate new family members joining a particular dairy operation. This will accommodate the intergenerational transfer of production history for children, grandchildren, and their spouses to join a dairy operation. Any dairy operation already enrolled in MPP that had an intergenerational transfer occur will have an opportunity during the 2017 annual coverage election period to increase the operation’s production history up to 4 million pounds per year.

The next enrollment period begins on July 1,2016, and ends on Sept. 30, 2016. Each participating dairy operation is authorized one intergenerational transfer at any time of its choosing until 2018.

in 2015 and this year. “We will continue to work with USDA and the Congress to further improve and strengthen the program’s effectiveness,” he said.

One change announced by USDA will ensure all farms enrolled in the MPP will receive catastrophic coverage at the basic $4 per hundredweight margin level on 90 percent of their production history – with the ability to purchase buy-up coverage at less than 90 percent of their history.

Mulhern anticipates that decoupling the coverage options will increase dairy farmer use of the program by not reducing benefits to farmers who elect to purchase supplemental coverage, and by providing more flexibility in coverage design. For $100 a year, dairy producers receive basic $4 protection that covers 90 percent of their milk production. At higher premium levels, farmers can protect from 25 to 90 percent of production history with margin coverage levels from $4.50 to $8, in 50 cent increments.

District 5Mike Rasmussen, Edmore .................................. 989-304-0233Lyle Vanderwal, Lake City ................................... 231-328-4926Tom Jeppesen, Stanton ....................................... 989-506-5287Bruce Benthem, McBain ...................................... 231-825-8182Amy Martin, Leroy ............................................... 231-388-0496

District 6David Reed, Owosso ........................................... 989-723-2023Jamie Meyer, Ionia .............................................. 989-640-3372Kris Wardin, St. Johns ......................................... 989-640-9420Aaron Gasper, Lowell .......................................... 616-897-2747Steve Thelen, Fowler ........................................... 989-682-9064

District 7John Bennett, Prescott ........................................ 989-345-4264Mark Iciek, Gladwin ............................................. 989-426-5655Eric Bergdolt, Vassar ........................................... 989-652-6500Steve Foley, Millington ......................................... 989-871-4028Rodney Fowler, Chesaning ................................. 989-302-2299

District 8Darwin Sneller, Sebewaing.................................. 989-977-3718Bill Blumerich, Berlin............................................ 810-706-2955Michael Bender, Croswell .................................... 810-404-2140Patrick Bolday, Emmett ....................................... 810-395-7139Michael Noll, Croswell ......................................... 810-404-4071

2016 MMPAYoung Cooperator Conference

With fluctuating milk prices,

an increasingly visible presence

on social media and tough

decisions regarding farm

succession, the next generation

of dairy farmers must navigate

through an evolving world.

The 2016 Young Cooperator (YC) Conference on April 15 in Mt. Pleasant tackled some of these issues at the annual meeting of MMPA’s younger members. The morning session was led by MMPA President Ken Nobis, MMPA General Manager Joe Diglio and United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM) CEO Sharon Toth. The leaders provided updates on the cooperative, the dairy industry and UDIM initiatives to promote dairy.

In the afternoon, Michigan State University Extension Educator Roger Betz rounded out the presentations with an overview of farm succession planning before the YCs headed out on a tour of member farm, Vanderploeg Holsteins.

Also in the afternoon, UDIM Director of Industry Relations Jolene Griffin led a presentation and panel on social media and communication with two MMPA members. As consumer demands continue to shape requirements of on-farm practices, social media may be an avenue to amplify consumer concerns, but also an opportunity for dairy farmers to share their own story. Griffin addressed the 60 YCs in attendance with an interactive presentation geared toward dairy promotion through social media.

“How can you connect with consumers?” Griffin asked. “Tell them about the great things you’re doing on your farm and


BELOW: YC CONFERENCE ATTENDEES TOURED VANDERPLOEG HOLSTEINS LLC, A DAIRY WITH A 72-STALL ROTARY PARLOR IN ITHACA, MICHIGAN.

your own personal dairy story. Every conversation matters.”

Griffin introduced MMPA members Katelyn Horning and Ashley Kennedy who are active in agriculture promotion through social media and blogging. Horning runs a Facebook page for her family’s farm, Horning Farms, and Kennedy runs a personal blog, Messy Kennedy, with integration on multiple social media channels.

Kennedy promotes agriculture in her blog by focusing on topics consumers relate to. “I aim for an audience. My goal is to reach millennial moms by blogging about more than just agriculture. There’s more to me than just the farm,” she explained. “One third of my posts are about the farm and I hit tough topics like antibiotics and hormones. The other stuff is about things I enjoy, and I use it to draw in that target audience.”

Horning’s page highlights the daily activities on the farm. “Social media is an outlet to promote a positive image of

agriculture. It can create a larger group that’s on your side,” she relayed.

Yet Horning said she has faced negative responses on social media, advising the YCs to use those opportunities to positively address their concerns: “You may not change that person’s mind, but you need to stay positive for other people who may read your conversation online. Stay professional and positive.”

Griffin rounded out the session noting the importance of positive interactions online and relating on a personal level with consumers. Though she recognized social media is not for everyone, it is important to know the right messages to convey because conversations about agriculture and dairy can start anywhere.

“Every conversation matters. Avoid acronyms, put your terms into words that make sense to consumers. Storytelling is key,” Griffin said. “Share stories with people and connect on those levels, finding a shared value resonates with consumers.”

The YC Conference is a component

of the MMPA Outstanding Young

Dairy Cooperator (OYDC) program,

established in 1950.

Purpose of the OYDC Program:

• Strengthen leadership abilities

in young farmers

• Broaden young farmer’s

knowledge of milk marketing

and MMPA

• Recognize the abilities

and stewardship of young

dairy farmers

On August 18-19, MMPA will host a

two-day conference for the Top 10

OYDCs in Novi to select the 2016

OYDC representative and runners-up.

The Top 10 OYDCs will be notified in

May. For more information, contact

Jessica Welch at [email protected]

or 248-474-6672.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT:

MMPA MEMBERS KATELYN HORNING (LEFT) AND ASHLEY KENNEDY (RIGHT) SPOKE ON A PANEL ABOUT PROMOTING DAIRY THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA.

FROM LEFT, 2014 OYDC RUNNERS-UP KEN AND KRISTEN SPARKS, 2015 OYDC SHAWN AND BETH VANDRIE, 2014 OYDC CARRIE AND BRIAN PRESTON AND 2015 OYDC RUNNERS-UP REGINA AND DARREN COFFEY FORMED THE 2016 YC PLANNING COMMIT-TEE.

MMPA GENERAL MANAGER JOE DIGLIO (LEFT) DRAWS THE NAMES OF DOOR PRIZE WINNERS WITH 2014 OYDC BRIAN PRESTON (RIGHT).

UDIM DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY RELATIONS JOLENE GRIFFIN GAVE A PRESENTATION ON SOCIAL MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION.


POWER of the Past. » VISION for the Future.


Adversity Builds Character: The Fair Share DaysBy Melissa Hart

“I hate it when a farmer says, ‘I’m just a farmer.’ This farmer

doesn’t realize what he does for America, what he does for

the economy and what he does for his family. Farmers are

very important. Where would we be without them?”

—Former Senator Bob Dole

Just a group of farmers in Livingston County formed a milk co-op that would grow and last for 100 years.

Just a handful of farmers have led MMPA through 100 years of victories and defeats.

Just a faction of law-abiding farmers stood up against rioting teamsters and kept the integrity of their cooperative strong.

Who could call these forward thinkers, ‘just farmers?’

IN 1956, FAIR SHARE SUPPORTERS HIJACKED MILK TRUCKS AND BROUGHT THEM TO THE IMLAY CITY PLANT.


The size, shape and impact of farming has evolved over the years but the tenacity and

determination of the farmer has not. The farmer has been labeled, ‘Just a farmer’ by his own humility and faded jeans, but the recognition of their vision is something to be applauded.

The first cooperators of MMPA must have known they were more than just owners of cows and producers of milk. And they must have envisioned themselves as more than farmers but milk marketers and leaders with political savvy. In fact, many of them held off-farm occupations but wanted to make sure their blood, sweat and tears spilled on the farm were not in vain. Thus deciding to ban together and market their product.

MMPA’s leadership in the early years was pivotal not only at the local level to the membership but nationally. Milo Campbell, one of the original MMPA board of directors was the first president of the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF). When the NMPF formed in 1916, the Branch County farmer headed to Washington D.C. to lead the group until 1923. And no grass grew under Campbell’s feet as one of the first pieces of legislation proposed by NMPF was to officially grant cooperatives limited exemption from federal antitrust acts. That legislation was passed in 1922.

Ten years after Campbell vacated the NMPF presidency, MMPA’s first president, Nathan Hull took over and led the NMPF until 1941. In 1955, North Branch dairy farmer Glenn Lake took over as president of MMPA and was the third MMPA leader elected president of the NMPF.

Lake took office and was initiated into leadership by a group that attempted to undermine the effective work of MMPA in bargaining for members. The Fair

Share Bargaining Association, Inc., was philosophically the direct descendent of the United Dairy Farmers and included many of the same people. The “Fair Share” farmers were aided and prodded into action primarily by the Teamsters Union and other affiliates of the American Federation of Labor and the Congress of Industrial Organizations. Outside agitators influenced inside MMPA members until they became disgruntled and demanded transparency of the association records in hopes of proving a failure of the cooperative to abide by their constitution.

It was reported in MMPA’s 50th Annual Report that the “Fair Share” group filed a complaint against MMPA with the U.S. Department of Justice and as a result a U.S. Grand Jury investigation was conducted but found nothing. But the “Fair Share” organizers weren’t done yet.

The 50th MMPA Annual Report described the “Fair Share” movement.

“The services of a firebrand former preacher

and deposed labor organizer who had been

active in the United Auto Workers union

during the days of the sit-down strikes in

Michigan auto plants were secured. The

teamsters announced they would provide

money, muscle and guidance to organize the

dairy farmers. The “Fair Share” group had

infiltrated and become entrenched in the

democratic governing system of MMPA and,

using “fifth column” tactics, tried to take over.

This effort culminated at the Annual Meeting

in 1955 when the “Fair Share” converts moved

into the open and attempted a virtual coup.

They were unsuccessful, but the activities of

some leaders who supposedly had been loyal

members of MMPA for years was alarming.”

This didn’t stop the “Fair Share” movement as they urged dairy farmers to strike in the spring of 1956 and violence erupted when milk trucks belonging to MMPA and to private haulers were

hijacked and herded to MMPA’s Imlay City plant. Other MMPA plants and facilities were sometimes blocked by “Fair Share” protestors.

Shortly after these attacks, MMPA members, out of patience and disgusted with the behavior of these renegades, considered responding in kind by physically driving the rioters away from MMPA property and moving milk to market with whatever brute force was necessary.

But they didn’t.

Instead they worked it out legally, but it was the determination of loyal MMPA members and law-abiding farmers that turned the tide and convinced the “Fair Share” fanatics that they could not prod dairy producers into fighting amongst themselves.

Two lessons were learned after that tumultuous time: Member loyalty to the association was paramount and that in any confrontation it is absolutely essential to act legally and morally without resorting to violence.

Just a group of farmers began the cooperative in 1916. Just a group of farmers capitalized on integrity, loyalty and tenacity to stand strong against outside forces so that in 2016, just a group of farmers could celebrate 100 years of marketing their product, stronger together.

FAIR SHARE RIOTERS TRIED TO INTIMIDATE LOYAL CO-OP MEMBERS BY ATTACKING MILK TRUCKS ARRIVING AT THE ELSIE PLANT.

100th Annual State Delegate Meeting POWER of the Past. » VISION for the Future.

1 GOV. SNYDER THANKS DAIRY FARMERS - "MICHIGAN’S FOOD AND AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY IS ONE OF OUR STATE’S LARGEST, CONTRIBUTING $101.2

BILLION ANNUALLY TO OUR STATE’S ECONOMY,” SNYDER SAID. “THE DAIRY INDUSTRY PLAYS A CRITICAL ROLE IN THIS SUCCESS, AND I THANK ALL

OF MICHIGAN’S DEDICATED DAIRY FARMERS AND LEADERS FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO MAKING MICHIGAN GROW STRONGER."

2 BUSINESS PARTNERS RECOGNIZE MMPA’S 100TH ANNIVERSARY - REPRESENTATIVES FROM JPMORGAN, CONSUMERS ENERGY AND COBANK

CONGRATULATED MMPA ON THE ANNIVERSARY, PRESENTING COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUES AND AWARDS. PICTURED IS JOE DIGLIO AND KEN NOBIS

OF MMPA WITH MIKE SCHWEICKERT OF JPMORGAN.

3 OUTSTANDING YOUNG DAIRY COOPERATORS RECOGNIZED - MMPA BOARD MEMBER HANK CHOATE (CENTER, LEFT) AND MMPA PRESIDENT KEN

NOBIS (CENTER, RIGHT) INTRODUCED THE 2015 TOP 10 OUTSTANDING YOUNG DAIRY COOPERATORS (OYDC) AT THE MEETING, INCLUDING THE 2015

OYDC SHAWN AND BETH VANDRIE (RIGHT) AND RUNNERS-UP DARREN AND REGINA COFFEY (LEFT).

4 DELEGATES ADOPT RESOLUTIONS, ELECT BOARD MEMBERS - BUSINESS CONDUCTED BY THE DELEGATES INCLUDED THE ADOPTION OF THE 2016

MMPA RESOLUTIONS AND REELECTION OF KEN NOBIS OF ST. JOHNS, MICHIGAN TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS IN A THREE-YEAR, AT-LARGE

POSITION. DELEGATES ALSO ELECTED GERTIE VAN DEN GOOR OF MARLETTE, MICHIGAN TO HER FIRST THREE-YEAR TERM IN AN AT-LARGE POSITION.


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At the 100th Annual State Delegate Meeting of the Michigan Milk Producers

Association, the cooperative recognized one century of service to members.

As MMPA builds upon its vision for the future, the cooperative reflects upon the

defining moments of it collective history, recognizing the power of the past.

The meeting was held on March 24 at the Lansing Center in Lansing, Michigan. POWER of the Past. » VISION for the Future.

5 MMPA PRESIDENT KEN NOBIS NOTES LONGEVITY OF MMPA - “WE HAVE BEEN IN

EXISTENCE FOR 100 YEARS BUT IT DOESN’T REALLY FEEL LIKE WE HAVE, AND MAYBE

THAT’S BECAUSE WE KEEP EVOLVING. AS MARKETS CHANGE, WE ADAPT. IN 1916,

OUR MARKETS WERE CLOSE BY AND BY COMPARISON QUITE SIMPLE. TODAY WE STILL

DEAL LOCALLY BUT WE ARE ALSO COGNIZANT OF THE GLOBAL MARKET PLACE, AND

WHEN APPROPRIATE WE MARKET GLOBALLY,” NOBIS STATED. “WE ARE ADAPTING

TO THE CHANGING PLAYING FIELD AND DEVELOPING MARKETS AND MEMBERSHIP

ACROSS THE STATE LINE.”

6 MMPA TOP QUALITY AWARD WINNER ANNOUNCED - DEAN LETTER (RIGHT), DIRECTOR

OF MEMBER SERVICES, AND FRANK BRAZEAU (LEFT), MEMBER REPRESENTATIVE,

PRESENTED JACOB AND ELAINE JAHFETSON (CENTER) OF BARAGA, MICHIGAN WITH

THE HIGHEST QUALITY MILK PRODUCTION AWARD. THE JAHFETSONS ACHIEVED THE

BEST QUALITY RECORDS IN 2015, 2014 AND 2013 AMONG MMPA’S 1,200 FARMS.

7 MMPA TREASURER ERIC FRAHM REPORTS FINANCIAL STATUS - “AS A RESULT OF

OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCIES AND AFTER MONTHLY PREMIUMS PAID TO MEMBERS,

THE NET SAVINGS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR WAS $6 MILLION,” FRAHM SAID. “ACHIEVING

CONSISTENT NET SAVINGS ALONG WITH MANAGING AN APPROPRIATE WORKING

CAPITAL POSITION ALLOWS THE ASSOCIATION TO SUCCESSFULLY HANDLE VOLATILE

MARKET CONDITIONS AS THEY SURFACE.”

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POWER of the Past. » VISION for the Future.


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8 MARIA BLOUGH, REGION V STATE

VICE PRESIDENT FOR THE MICHIGAN

FFA ASSOCIATION LED THE PLEDGE

OF ALLEGIANCE AT THE START OF

THE MEETING.

9 AMERICAN LEGION MICHIGAN POST

148 BEGAN THE MEETING WITH THE

PRESENTATION OF COLORS.

10 CARRIE AND BRIAN PRESTON, 2014

OYDC, HIGHLIGHTED THEIR PAST YEAR

OF SERVICE TO MMPA AND EXPLAINED

THE PROGRAM BEFORE WELCOMING IN

THE 2015 CLASS OF TOP 10 OYDCS.

11 TOM HALVERSON OF COBANK

CONGRATULATED MMPA ON THE

COOPERATIVE’S ANNIVERSARY AND

ANNOUNCED A DONATION TO THE

FOOD BANK COUNCIL OF MICHIGAN

TO ASSIST WITH PROCESSING AND

PACKAGING OF MMPA’S DONATED MILK.


MMPA is donating 100 gallons of milk per day

for an entire year to the Food Bank Council of

Michigan. The donation—totaling 36,500 gallons—

was announced at the MMPA Annual State Delegate

Meeting on March 24 and is a component of

MMPA’s recognition of its 100th anniversary.

“We know that these days hunger doesn’t stop and neither does MMPA’s concern for community. In recognition of MMPA’s 100th anniversary, MMPA will be donating 100 gallons of milk per day for an entire year to the Food Bank Council of Michigan,” Ken Nobis, dairy farmer and president of MMPA said. “We are tremendously grateful for all the work the Food Bank does every day to provide families in need with wholesome, nutritious meals and we want to do our part to help in their efforts.”

“The tremendous generosity of the Michigan Milk Producers Association will help nourish thousands of children across Michigan,” said Dr. Phillip Knight, executive director of the Food Bank Council of Michigan. “This is another significant step toward our goal to solve hunger.”

Representatives from Consumers Energy and CoBank joined MMPA at the meeting, congratulating the cooperative on its anniversary and announcing monetary donations to the Food Bank Council of Michigan to assist with processing and packaging of the milk.

“We would like to congratulate MMPA for achieving their 100th anniversary, and extend our compliments for the exemplary way they’ve chosen to celebrate their milestone,” said Christopher Laird, director of business customer experience at Consumers Energy. “Their program aligns with our promise of caring for the Michigan communities we serve. We are excited to support their efforts to deliver milk to families in need across the state.”

Over the past year, MMPA has made three separate donations tothe Food Bank Council of Michigan and the Food Bank of EasternMichigan, combating the shortage of milk at food banks andassisting with hunger-relief efforts. Two donations equaling 24,000gallons of milk were made to directly assist those impacted by the Flint water crisis.

MMPA Celebrates 100 Years, Donates 100 Gallons of Milk per Day to Food Bank Council of MichiganPOWER of the Past. » VISION for the Future.MMPA Celebrates 100 Years, Donates 100 Gallons

of Milk per Day to Food Bank Council of Michigan

TOP: DR. PHILLIP KNIGHT, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, FOOD BANK COUNCIL OF MICHIGAN.

ABOVE: SANJU GUINN, BUSINESS ACCOUNT MANAGER, CONSUMERS ENERGY

MMPA Recognizes 35-year Members, Creates New Award to Honor 50-year Members

MMPA’s 50+ Year Members

ADRIAN LOCAL

Fred Freight

ALMA LOCAL

Leonard W Koutz

CHIPPEWA COUNTY LOCAL

John Kronemeyer

CLARE-MT PLEASANT LOCAL

William D Stough

EVART LOCAL

Robert C Anderson

Leon Hamming

Harry E Martin

FLINT LOCAL

A Verne Juengel

HILLSDALE-LITCHFIELD LOCAL

David Evans

John Kiessling

INGHAM COUNTY LOCAL

Carl Minnis

JACKSON COUNTY PLUS LOCAL

Rodger Hisler

Gerald Surbrook

MID-MICHIGAN LOCAL

C Velmar Green

MID-SANILAC LOCAL

Dale A McCarty

MID-THUMB LOCAL

Richard Noake

Alfred C Stuever

MUSKEGON LOCAL

Corliss T Gulembo III

Eward Stakenas

SALINE-ANN ARBOR LOCAL

Robert E Breuninger

Earl Horning

SUNRISE LOCAL

Robert Kartes

UPSTATE LOCAL

David P Brown

Donald Budzinski

Edward Reimann

Fifty-three MMPA members were recognized with 35 or 50 year member

awards at the MMPA 100th Annual State Delegate Meeting on March 24.

MMPA has traditionally recognized 35-year members and this year

added the new MMPA Milestone award to honor those holding membership

for 50 years or more.

MMPA President Ken Nobis congratulated and praised the 35-year members for their dedication to the cooperative: “We commend you for your dedication and loyalty to MMPA and the dairy industry over the last 35 years.”

After the 35-year members were recognized, Nobis welcomed the inaugural group of MMPA Milestone award winners who joined MMPA in 1966 or earlier. In 2017 and years to come, MMPA will continue to honor those who reach the 50 year membership mark.

“Across the 1,200 member farms, there are a select few who have remained loyal to our cooperative for half of MMPA’s existence or more,” Nobis explained before presenting the awards. “Twenty-six members have achieved 50 or more years of membership including one member who signed his contract 62 years ago in 1954.”

A video presentation showcased the vast changes the Michigan dairy industry has undergone the past several years and since these members began dairy farming. The presentation highlighted information from 1981 and 1966, when these members joined MMPA.

8,539 MMPA members

2.97

6,225 MMPA members

3.36

1,200 MMPA members

4.63


billion pounds ofmilk marketed




MMPA’s 35-Year Members

CLARE-MT PLEASANT LOCAL

Thomas Fox

CONSTANTINE LOCAL

Ernest O'Connor

James Ogden

EVART LOCAL

Douglas Benthem

Bruce Benthem

Dennis Kamphouse

Kenneth Zuiderveen

FLINT LOCAL

Daniel Weil

FRANKENMUTH LOCAL

Mildred Keinath

HILMAN LOCAL

Irving Christensen

HILLSDALE-LITCHFIELD LOCAL

Dale Baker

HURON LOCAL

Dennis Schoeder

Dian Volmering

JACKSON COUNTY PLUS LOCAL

Lawrance & Emeline Riske

Arthur Riske

Bruce Riske

KALAMAZOO LOCAL

Victor Puschel

Melvin Puschel

LIVINGSTON CHARTER LOCAL

Charles White

MID-MICHIGAN LOCAL

Steven Roth

Jeffry Thelen

MID-SANILAC LOCAL

Stephen Innes

Edward Joe Lawler

MID-THUMB LOCAL

Tracy Sohn

Richard Zacharias

MUSKEGON LOCAL

Richard Papes

SUNRISE LOCAL

William Weber

Allen Weber


EDITOR’S NOTE:

THIS ARTICLE IS A VERSION OF

THE SPEECH PRESENTED TO

MMPA DELEGATES AT

THE 100TH ANNUAL STATE

DELEGATE MEETING BY MMPA

GENERAL MANAGER

JOE DIGLIO.

MMPA General Manager’sReport to the Delegates

BY JOE DIGLIO



Not many organizations can claim the honor of reaching 100 years and many of you should be proud and appreciate your contribution in making MMPA what it is today. From our current to retired member-

owners, customers and business partners, employees and all of those who have contributed to the strong foundation established now a century ago, a heartfelt thank you!

I feel fortunate to be the one standing before you, considering the legacy and rich history behind MMPA. I have spent nearly a quarter of a century working for our member-owners and quite frankly never imagined that my career would be so rewarding working in the dairy industry. Now I’m not saying every day has been rosy and wonderful; however, I can say it has been very gratifying to be a part of a team that has seen so much transition since my first day.

This organization has been through a lot, and when you think about it, many significant events have taken place during our tenure. When MMPA was founded in 1916, the U.S. was in the midst of World War I. Other events like the invention of penicillin, World War II, Pearl Harbor, the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War, the first man on the moon, 9-11 and the invention of social media would unfold as we progressed.

Over 100 years, many events have shaped the world around us, yet MMPA has remained steadfast. We as an organization should be proud of what we have accomplished and build off of the many success we have garnered over the years.

Even through the difficult times, the core of MMPA has survived and thrived. 2015 was a challenging year, and it appears there are more challenging times ahead, but a quick look back over the last century proves we have weathered times like these and came out of it alive—and together.

During the Great Depression, farmers were ready to undo the organization, but with President Nathan Hull’s strong leadership, MMPA emerged from the Depression stronger than before. In the 1950s, Fair Share rioters tried to divide MMPA and threw stones at loyal co-op members.

We have gone from operating in a localized environment to a state, then regional and now global world. This transition has been taxing to the system, yet extremely instrumental in remaining relevant in today’s climate.

Reflecting on our successes, a few core values have been our guiding principles that have helped shape the organization

throughout the years and has positioned us well for future growth and the opportunities that will surface. MMPA is officially adopting these core values to guide us into the next century: quality, integrity, progressive, community and leadership.

Quality

Quality is our first core value. Year after year, the results of the milk coming off of the farm improve and have made our products more recognizable in the market. Examples of this recognition is the percentage of national quality award winners over the last four years. MMPA has had the distinct honor of receiving 56 percent of the national awards, impressive and certainly eye opening.

The strong farm practices and a commitment to delivering a fresh wholesome product allows MMPA to do our part in feeding the world safely. Quality isn’t taken lightly by anyone within the organization and has become an integral part of our business today. As an example of our commitment, MMPA offers programs and services like milker training and mastitis management in order to provide assistance when needed.

Beyond the quality delivered from the farm level is the attention to detail at our manufacturing plants. By attaining SQF Level 3 Certification at both of our facilities demonstrates our efforts and pledge in producing a superior milk ingredient.

It is very easy to talk a good game about quality. Yet to make it work requires a fairly substantial commitment in attitudes and practices, both of which our team has embraced. While quality is expected, it would be a mistake in believing you have mastered all there is to the process. Consistency, dedication and pride must reside with each of us in order to achieve our desired goal of producing the highest quality milk and milk products, including our award-winning butter.

Integrity

The second core value is integrity. As a grass roots organization where member-owners play an instrumental role in governance, trust and reputation become critical to our DNA. Continuing to operate in a manner that our founding members have established 100 years ago is important and relevant in maintaining relationships and strong leadership during a changing environment.

(continued on page 24)


Membership has its privileges including electing those who project and carry themselves as honorably as those they follow. I cannot possibly name all of those who have played such a key role in achieving this core value. What I can say is that it is recognizable with our Board of Directors, employees and business partners that we work with today. Now more than ever, it is important to have those who exuded and demonstrate high integrity as part of the team especially as we navigate through the turbulent environment.

In the words of President Eisenhower, “The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionable integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a football field, in an army, or in an office”.

MMPA has been that trustyworthy organization that has operated ethically and supportive to the industry as a whole. People often define integrity as doing the right thing even when no one else is around. However, I believe it is the ability to act honestly and ethically no matter what the circumstances are. In order to survive the many events that have taken place over our years of our existence, integrity has and will continue to play a critical role in our survival. From those who represent the membership to those who work for you, each and every one must commit to the notion that integrity is important.

Progressive

Another key core value is progressive. When we look back over the years to see the transformation of the world and where it is today versus a few years ago, it is amazing.

Just think for a minute, back in the 1960s we were talking about Cuba and how tenuis the relationship with the United States was. Now we are talking about the opportunities to expand our global footprint in business relationships with the country.

MMPA has seen its fair share of progressiveness starting with our members. Today the exceptional quality and farm production continues to achieve record level results. New farm techniques, strong practices and technology all help MMPA members produce the quality milk that it does today. The way milk is produced is a great story on how environmentally friendly operations are in helping preserve and accomplish our mission of feeding the world. Working with the consumer by identifying the benefits behind dairy and how we farm today is another example of progressiveness and cooperation.

Operational efficiencies at our plants continue to improve while adhering to the strong quality practices that is so important for our customers. These assets have provided many outlets that were not available in the past and give MMPA the opportunity to capture new markets for future growth.

A new form of business is alliances and partnerships. As the industry continues to grow in the region, collaboration and cooperation will be instrumental in moving the business forward. While it has been and continues to be important to have ownership in assets, working with others in a way where cost could be reduced is one way that the industry wins as a whole. Progressive thinking on how to align resources within the area will be an opportunity in the future to secure additional value without disrupting the system negatively.

Community

A forth core value is community. MMPA places great value in sharing the industries story with those who have little knowledge or experience with dairy. From state and county fairs to the youth within the 4-H clubs, telling our story helps promote visibility and assurance on the importance of nutrition and what role we play with it.

“Now more than ever, it is important

to have those who exuded and

demonstrate high integrity as part of the

team especially as we navigate through

the turbulent environment. ”

“The way milk is produced is a great story

on how environmentally friendly operations

are in helping preserve and accomplish our

mission of feeding the world.”

GENERAL MANAGER'S REPORT - CONTINUED


The networks established by our dairy communicators and events such as Breakfast on the Farm help us educate the non-farming communities. Opening our operations and sharing our practices as well as demonstrating our stewardship of the land helps provide clarity on any misconceptions. Dairy farmers have a valuable story to tell, and it’s important we work to get the message out. Supporting these types of programs are and will continue to be an important part of what MMPA stands for.

In addition to communicating the message about dairy, MMPA takes pride in providing assistance for those in need. Recent donations to the food bank and the community of Flint with industry partners like Kroger and Prairie Farms is just a few examples of how MMPA helped others in a time of need. While at a time where it could be easy to turn your back, MMPA chose to act and assist a community in need. Responding this way was a great example of how we believe in our communities and the importance of participating when we can help.

Leadership

The last but certainly not least important core value is leadership. People like Glenn Lake, Elwood Kirkpatrick, Jack Barnes, Walt Wosje and John Dilland, all of whom have made their own mark on the association in the era they operated in. MMPA has never been short on leaders especially when it comes to national issues.

More important today is staying connected at the State and National level and one should not underestimate the importance of having a reliable source that can carry the message on behalf of the membership. We have been very fortunate to have strength in this area and with Ken Nobis serving as our President, that trend has not stopped. While we might not like everything that is placed in front of us, we must understand that without a voice or a seat at the table, things could be much different.

MMPA has been a respected organization from the initial years of existence. Leadership helped navigate the Association through the good and trying times. We will continue to have challenges in front of us but with unity, collaboration and support among industry participants, we can and will continue to make a difference.

Times have changed and we must be willing to adapt our thinking to be more global. With leadership from your elected Board members and the team that works diligently on your behalf, we can and will move MMPA into the next century of existence.

Thinking about the past and how we used to do things is nice, yet thinking about what we can accomplish together is exciting and forward thinking. We are proud of our past, but also have a strong vision for our future. We have had challenges in the past and certainly will experience more but staying together through it will help us become more relevant in this industry. Our foundation has been set by those we have followed, it is now where we will establish our legacy for those who follow us.

I couldn’t be prouder of working for an industry that impacts so many people in the world. As we continue to educate those who buy our products, work with those who have a need for our production and find ways to help those who need assistance, we can and will succeed.

Thank you for playing a role in our past, present and future! I look forward to the continuation of making MMPA more than what we were. I’m proud to be a part of an organization that cares in making a difference in the world.

“Thinking about the past and how we used

to do things is nice, yet thinking about what

we can accomplish together is exciting

and forward thinking. We are proud of

our past, but also have a strong vision for

our future. We have had challenges in the

past and certainly will experience more

but staying together through it will help us

become more relevant in this industry. Our

foundation has been set by those we have

followed, it is now where we will establish

our legacy for those who follow us.”


Milk Pricing and Market Regulation

C-1. U.S. DAIRY POLICY

We applaud the changes made in the 2014 Farm Bill that

replaces outdated dairy policy meeting the needs of the 21st

century and the global economy. It helps address milk price

volatility and contains a new risk management tool providing

dairy farmers the opportunity to insure against catastrophic

economic conditions.

We encourage all dairy farmers to become familiar with the

program and evaluate what level of coverage is best for their

operation.

C-2. OVER-ORDER PRICING

We continue our firm commitment to maximizing returns

to dairy farmers and ensuring stability of the milk market.

We believe in the pooling concept of over-order pricing

and acknowledge its effectiveness when accompanied with

equitable sharing of proceeds among all dairy farmers.

We urge MMPA to promote the concept of over-order pricing

and equitable sharing of over-order proceeds among all dairy

farmers in the region.

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 enhance their industry. We commend

the program’s success and we support CWT’s current efforts

to focus exclusively on an Export Assistance Program. 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 and Public Relations

C-4. DAIRY PRODUCT PROMOTION PROGRAMS

We support the continuation of joint programs between

Dairy Management Incorporated (DMI) and the National Fluid

Milk Processor Promotion Board designed to promote the

consumption of fluid milk. We urge further collaboration to

identify and break through barriers to fluid milk marketing. We

further urge DMI to focus on its primary mission: to increase

sales and demand for dairy products and maximize value

returned to dairy farmers.

We are pleased with the recent increased consumer demand

for milkfat. With medical journals touting the health benefits

of milkfat, sales of whole milk have grown on a year over

year basis in 2015 and demand for butter has been steadily

increasing. We urge continued focus and outreach in this area.

We further support the promotional and nutrition education

efforts of United Dairy Industry of Michigan and its work within

the state to promote the consumption of dairy products.

C-5. CUSTOMER SUPPORTED DAIRY PROMOTIONS

We applaud the efforts of MMPA fluid milk and dairy ingredient

customers promoting dairy products and our family farms

in their advertising and marketing efforts. It is beneficial to

the industry as a whole when more companies promote the

consumption of dairy products.

C-6. MSU EXTENSION

We urge MSU Extension to be mindful of the important role

production agriculture plays in our state’s economy when

making any changes to the structure and focus of MSU

Extension. 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

Current Resolutions APPROVED AT MMPA STATE ANNUAL DELEGATE MEETING MARCH 24, 2016

MSU Extension effective and viable. We further urge county

governments to continue their support for MSU Extension.

C-7. 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 the university. We expect to

achieve cooperative efforts from the college faculty, providing

partnership and collaboration 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 applaud the establishment of the Agriculture Stakeholder

Advisory Committee to provide input and future direction to

academic and research programs affecting the agriculture

industry.

C-8. MSU COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES

We urge the CANR and University leadership to maintain the

agricultural focus that has been so vital to the university, the

State of Michigan and its citizens. We urge continued emphasis

on the Land Grant mission of the University.

We strongly support having the Directors of Ag BioResearch and

MSU Extension be under the direction of the Dean of the CANR.

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.

We further support reviving the ability for students to earn a

degree in Agricultural and Natural Resources Communications

and Agriculture Education. With the increasing need to enhance


the public understanding of the agriculture industry and

to communicate to a variety of audiences, having students

properly educated in this area is a key component to the

continued growth of the agriculture industry.

C-9. 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-10. SUSTAINABILITY ON DAIRY FARMS

We recognize the tremendous efforts dairy farmers have made

over the years to protect and preserve our environment. We

also know that our members work diligently to provide the

best possible care for their animals. These factors illustrate the

sustainable practices that take place on today’s dairy farms.

We also recognize the growing consumer quest for information

concerning food production in our country. We understand

the need to fill the information gap with correct information

concerning the sustainability efforts on today’s dairy farms.

Therefore, we encourage our members to share their stories and

let neighbors know of the sustainability efforts taking place on

their farms every day. We also encourage the MMPA board of

directors and management to monitor the sustainability studies

underway through the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy to

ensure reliable sustainability indicators for the areas of energy,

environment and animal care are developed.

C-11. K-12 AGRICULTURE EDUCATION

Knowledge is the key to understanding and the vast majority

of our formative knowledge comes through the educational

process at a school. Today, the majority of consumers are more

than a generation removed from the farming sector of society.

Be it resolved that through working with local community

schools that an agricultural component be recommended

as part of the K-12 curriculum. This includes teaching about

agriculture, both plant and animal, from farm to plate with as

much as possible taught in a hands-on method.

We further urge all MMPA members to support and become

involved with current agriculture education initiatives.

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. MMPA encourages

the pursuit of carefully-negotiated trade agreements offering

the prospect of net benefits to U.S. dairy producers.

We applaud Congress for reauthorizing the Trade Promotion

Authority (TPA) which helps facilitate the negotiation and

implementation of U.S. trade agreements. 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 significant multilateral and bilateral trade

negotiations and the effect 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 urge the careful review and assessment of the dairy

provisions contained in the recently negotiated Trans-Pacific

Partnership (TPP) Agreement to ensure it is a reasonable and

balanced market access agreement for U.S. dairy producers.

We are concerned with the potential impact on the U.S. dairy

industry if the U.S. does not get comparable access into the

Japanese and Canadian markets for exports of our key dairy

products compared to what the U.S. grants to the world’s

biggest exporter, New Zealand.

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. We support the Consortium for

Common Food Names in their efforts associated with specialized

foods from regions throughout the world.

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. FARMLAND AND OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION ACT

We reaffirm our support of the Farmland and Open Space

Preservation Act, 1974 PA 116, (now Part 361 of the Michigan

Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act) 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-14. 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.

We are opposed to any efforts to define the production of wind

energy as a farming practice under Michigan’s Right-to-Farm

Act.

C-15. 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.

C-16. MICHIGAN AGRICULTURE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSURANCE PROGRAM

The Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program

(MAEAP) was developed several years ago as a way for

producers to exhibit sound environmental practices on their

farms. We encourage the Michigan Department of Agriculture

and Rural Development (MDARD) to keep the integrity of the

MAEAP program as an environmental assurance program

and to carefully monitor and divert any efforts to evolve the

program into one of market access. As one of the founding

partners of the MAEAP program we urge the board of directors

and management staff to work to ensure the focus of the

program remains on environmental assurance and not a

marketing tool.

We applaud efforts in 2015 to pass legislation that extended

the MAEAP program through 2021, expanded its funding

base and broadened the certifications for MAEAP from three

years to five years. We strongly support a key component of

the legislation that created a tiered recognition program to

highlight a farmer’s efforts as they implement environmental

practices, but have not yet achieved MAEAP verification.

C-17. METHANE DIGESTERS ON DAIRY FARMS

The growing interest for renewable energy in this country

has created an increased emphasis on the use of methane

digesters on dairy farms. While we acknowledge the role

digesters can play on some farms, we are concerned that

Dairy Management Incorporated (DMI) and outside interests

such as power companies and equipment dealers may present

unrealistic expectations of the role digesters can have on dairy

farms. These unrealistic expectations are embraced by our

customers, which in turn, leads them to expect our farms to

use digesters to meet sustainability indicators. We encourage

the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy to carefully monitor these

expectations and more accurately gauge the role digesters can

play on dairy farms.

C-18. 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 an effort to protect the interests of

livestock producers.

C-19. 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 dramatic

expansion of the CWA.

C-20. 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-21. TAX RELIEF MEASURES

We applaud Congress for permanently extending the Section

179 tax credit which allows farms and other small businesses to

write off capital purchases immediately, instead of over time.

We further support:

• the reduction of the capital gains tax and urge the U.S.

Congress to include this provision in future legislation.

• keeping the stepped up tax basis now in effect on the

assets heirs receive from estates.

• the elimination of the Alternative Minimum Tax.

• that any Michigan tax change be broad based and that

business to business transactions be exempt from tax,

including sales tax.

• eliminating the estate tax or maintaining the permanent

extension of the estate tax exemption for the first $5

million of a person’s estate indexed for inflation. The estate

tax exemption assists farm families in passing the farm

from one generation to the next.

We oppose:

• any effort to increase the state estate tax.

• any new or increased permits or fees imposed by the state,

which result in an inequitable burden on the agricultural

community.

• 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.

• a tax or fee that negatively affects agriculture such as a tax

on gross receipts, personal property or assets.

C-22. 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-23. 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-24. MICHIGAN ALLIANCE FOR ANIMAL AGRICULTURE

We support the Michigan Alliance for Animal Agriculture

(M-AAA) and their efforts developing a proposal to establish

a state-funded animal ag research program modeled after

the successful Project GREEEN that addresses plant-based


research programs. The M-AAA consists of representatives

from various animal agriculture stakeholder organizations,

Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development,

MSU Extension, MSU College of Veterinary Medicine, MSU

Department of Animal Science, MSU AgBio Research and MSU

College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The group has

developed the Michigan Animal Agriculture Innovation and

Workforce Development Initiative, which focuses on ensuring

the sustainability of the state’s animal agriculture sector

through a targeted annual investment in research, extension

and workforce development. We encourage state legislators to

support funding of the proposed program.

C-25. 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:

• An affordable and efficient guest worker program that

ensures continued availability of immigrant labor for all

of agriculture, understanding that dairy farming requires

year-round skilled workers.

• A provision that allows those currently employed, or with

recent history in the U.S., to earn the right to work here

legally.

• A provision that specifies that responsibility for ultimate

verification of the legal status of a worker lies with the

government, not with the employer.

C-26. 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-27. INTEGRITY OF MILK LABELING

We strongly oppose the use of the label “milk” on products

made from plants or juice. The use of “milk” on these types

of products confuses the consumer. We urge National Milk

Producers Federation, United Dairy Industry Association, and

the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board to defend

and promote the integrity of the milk label and limit its use as

defined in the Federal Standards of Identity.

C-28. 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 the Michigan House of Representatives and three,

four-year terms for the Michigan Senate.

C-29. 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.

The continued growth of the agriculture industry has a

significant positive effect on the state’s economy. It is important

that the funding for 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 and Rural

Development 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.

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-30. 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-31. STATE FUNDING FOR AGRICULTURE

We support efforts to discuss state funding opportunities that

will help continue to grow Michigan’s agriculture and dairy

industry.

C-32. LOCAL ROAD FUNDING AND MAINTENANCE

We support Public Act 51’s distribution formula for allocating

state restricted transportation revenue between MDOT and local

road agencies. We further support routing additional revenue

designated for roads and bridges through the PA 51 formula to

ensure proper distribution and prioritization of fund usage. We

support adequate funding of local road agencies to assist in the

necessary maintenance and construction of rural infrastructure.

C- 33. BEEF PRODUCTION RESEARCH

We support efforts to initiate funding for beef production

research through the reinstatement of the Michigan Beef

Industry Commission Act 291. The MBIC Act 291 of 1972 was

suspended in 1986 due to the passage of the 1985 Cattlemen’s

Beef Promotion and Research Act (National Beef Checkoff). The

MBIC Act 291 allows for the collection of funds to support beef

production research.

C-34. FEDERAL TRUCK WEIGHT LEGISLATION

We support federal truck weight legislation that would allow

for an increase to 97,000 pounds on interstates, provided that

trucks which utilize the higher weight limit add an additional

sixth axle in order to maintain the same stopping distance

and weight distribution as trucks currently operating on

interstate highways. The legislation will increase transportation

efficiencies by reducing the number of trucks needed for

interstate shipment therefore decreasing fuel costs and helping

to make the U.S. dairy industry more competitive worldwide.

We applaud Congress for passing bipartisan legislation in

2015 that gives states the option to issue permits allowing

milk haulers to increase their truck weights beyond Interstate

Highway System limits. This will allow milk trucks in some states

to carry more product without being forced to offload portions

of it at other state borders, reducing transportation costs and

creating greater efficiencies.

C-35. ELECTRICITY SUPPLY

The modern dairy industry is electricity intensive. Consider:


“…electricity itself accounts for 2 to 5% of a dairy farm’s

production costs… which is equivalent to 700-900 kWh

per cow or 3.5-4.5 kWh per hundredweight (cwt) of milk

produced, annually…”

—Farm Energy Management Handbook, DATCP

Whether on the farm or in our production facilities, the dairy

industry is wholly dependent on a reliable source of electricity.

Unlike other industries in the state, ours is not concentrated in

industrial zones. Our farms are scattered throughout the state,

many at the very ends of the electric grid.

Dairy farmers’ demand for electricity is relentless and persists

throughout the 24-hour day. Like all industry, Michigan dairy

farmers need access to low cost electricity that can give local

producers a regionally competitive advantage.

We therefore urge the MPSC, the state Legislature and the

Office of the Governor to promote energy policy that favors the

lowest cost sources of dispatchable generation with the highest

capacity value.

Animal Health and Milk Quality

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 79 counties and Upper Peninsula that have been

designated as Bovine TB-free. We urge strict enforcement of

the mandatory cattle identification requirement and strong

penalties for those who violate the requirement.

We urge the USDA to implement a mandatory RFID animal

identification program. 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.

Furthermore, we urge slaughter houses to utilize electronic ID

readers in conjunction with back tags to identify all animals.

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 over the years to restore the

Bovine Tuberculosis (TB) Free status to seventy-nine Michigan

counties. This designation allows for more effective use of

limited resources to help eradicate Bovine TB from the state

completely. We urge that efforts 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. Furthermore, we encourage

farmers in the four county area around DMU-452 to adopt the

new Enhanced Wildlife Risk Mitigation Plans to further reduce

the chance of disease transference from the wild animal

population to the domestic animal population.

We also encourage all landowners in northern Michigan be

active in the legal control of the deer population. We strongly

urge MDARD to only create, implement, or enforce rules

or regulations that are required by USDA’s published rules

regarding Bovine TB except for electronic identification (EID) for

livestock. 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 urge the

MDNR to make disease control permits available to any livestock

producer that shows evidence of deer to cattle or deer to feed

interaction and to farmers where TB has been detected in the

deer herd in the past.

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.

We encourage USDA to seek additional funding so that

eradication goals can be achieved. We also support:

• Payment of fair market value for animals that need to be

destroyed.

• State funding of all required identification and testing.

• 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.

• 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 appraised

value of an animal without penalty.

• Increased research toward the control and prevention of

Bovine TB.

• Collaborative efforts between state and federal regulatory

agencies, educational institutions and agriculture industry

organizations in working toward the eradication of Bovine

TB.

• A voluntary herd buyout plan as a tool of achieving Bovine

TB-Free status.

C-38. ANTLER POINT RESTRICTIONS

We strongly oppose the use of mandatory antler point

restrictions (APR) that would only allow you to shoot anterlered

deer if it has the minimum number of points on one side.

We are very concerned with the adverse effects of an APR by

allowing deer numbers to increase, which could negatively

impact the agriculture industry.

C-39. DOE PERMITS

In an effort to control the deer population it is imperative to

allow a larger number of doe permits to be issued at a reduced

rate, especially in higher population areas of the state. We

encourage the DNR to reduce the costs of deer licenses by half

of current levels.

C-40. 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 support the National Dairy FARM Program: Farmers Assuring

Responsible Management developed 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 National Dairy FARM program

demonstrates the dairy industry’s awareness of the need

to communicate its commitment to animal well-being to

customers and consumers.

Association Issues

C-41. 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 $1 per cow per year.

C-42. MILK DONATION

We applaud MMPA’s involvement in milk donation activities

over the last year, especially the initiative to donate milk to

those families impacted by the Flint water crisis after becoming

aware of the critical role that proper nutrition and calcium play


in helping to minimize the harmful effects of lead poisoning.

We know milk plays an important role in providing much

needed nutrients in our diets and also understand that milk is

one of the most requested food bank items.

We encourage the MMPA Board of Directors to continue looking

for ways to assist local food banks in need.

Standing Resolutions APPROVED AT MMPA STATE ANNUAL DELEGATE MEETING MARCH 24, 2016

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 the 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.

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


Celebrating June Dairy Month,Celebrating YOU!

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.

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.

S-36. 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.

S-37. 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.

S-38. 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.

S-39. STARLING CONTROL MEASURES

Starling populations continue to pose a threat to livestock

health and production in dairy herds. Their droppings in feed

and bedding areas have known negative effects on livestock

health. Starlings glean the expensive, high protein components

of dairy feed, reducing herd protein intake and adversely affect

milk production. Since birds can travel easily from farm to farm,

there is also the potential for disease transmission. 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.

S-40. REAL SEAL

We applaud National Milk Producers Federation for taking over

the management of the REAL Seal program. The revitalization

of the REAL Seal places a renewed emphasis on highlighting the

importance and value of American-made dairy foods. The program

will help educate new generations of dairy consumers about the

significance of the REAL Seal and promote the good taste, nutritional

value and wholesomeness associated with dairy foods and dairy

food ingredients made from milk produced in the United States.

S-41. NEW INTERNATIONAL TRADE CROSSING

We support the New International Trade Crossing (NITC) project that

will construct a second bridge crossing between Detroit, Michigan

and Windsor, Ontario. Being able to connect more efficiently to the

East Coast through the NITC will help increase the market options

available to Michigan’s dairy and agriculture industry.

S-42. JOHNE’S DISEASE

We are concerned about the significant animal health problems and

economic impact on dairy farms from Johne’s disease.

We encourage the 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 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-43. LAND USE POLICIES

We support positive land use policies, including urban redevelopment

and higher density suburban growth.

C-44. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS CONCERNS

We understand there are conflicting arguments within the scientific

and political community surrounding the existence and causation

of global warming and climate change. There is some belief

that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from human activities are


YOUR DAIRY PROMOTION AT WORK

For nearly 80 years, we take time each June to reflect on the contributions dairy farm families provide to our health and communities. From the nutrition in the

milk, cheese and yogurt to the jobs provided throughout the community, June is time to reflect on your accomplishments.

At the United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM), we work every day to connect consumers, health professionals, students and others to your dairy families, dairy farming practices and the products you produce. June Dairy Month gives us another exciting opportunity to make those connections.

In June, at UDIM we’re planning to promote to consumers and celebrate your families and your products by:

• HIGHLIGHTING FARM FAMILIES THROUGH A CAMPAIGN ON

ALL OF OUR SOCIAL CHANNELS: “MEET #MIFARMFAMILIES”

We know consumers want to hear directly from and see the farm families who work hard every day, in fact when we post farm pictures or stories on our social channels, they receive a lot of interaction. In June we will introduce families from across the state and take it one step further by asking each family to share a fun fact about them or their family to help consumers see dairy farmers are like them.

• DO YOU HAVE A FAMILY PHOTO AND WANT TO BE

FEATURED? Send the photo and a fun fact about your family to [email protected]. The fun fact can be anything from meeting your spouse at a local fair, a hidden talent of fire eating or a family member is also an accomplished athlete.

• ASKING OUR INFLUENTIAL BLOGGERS TO INTERVIEW A

DAIRY FARMER, WRITE A POST ABOUT THAT FARM AND

DEVELOP A RECIPE BASED OFF THEIR CONVERSATION. These dairy stories and dairy-filled recipes will be shared with the hundreds and thousands of followers of each blogger.

• HOSTING A POST-CONFERENCE FARM TOUR FOR MICHIGAN

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, SCHOOL NUTRITION

PROGRAM CONFERENCE. The meeting gathers nutrition-focused professionals, mainly foodservice directors, and also includes community partners, teachers, nutrition educators, and school business managers. We will introduce them to a dairy farm family, show them modern dairy farming practices and talk about how milk gets from the farms to schools.

• SUPPORTING THE MICHIGAN DAIRY FOODS ASSOCIATION’S

ANNUAL DAIRY FOODS AWARENESS DAY AT THE CAPITOL

ON JUNE 15. This event, hosted by Michigan dairy processors, expands awareness of and knowledge about the state’s dairy processing industry and dairy farming while promoting the health benefits of incorporating three servings of low-fat or fat-free dairy products into daily diets.

If your farm or family is planning to host or participate in events in June, the Dairy Promotion Grant Program is available to provide funding for Michigan dairy producers, dairy farm employees or dairy cooperative employees to conduct promotional events in support of the dairy industry. Applications can be found at: www.milkmeansmore.org/dairy-producers/grant-program.

If you apply for and receive a grant, we encourage you to look through the promotional items UDIM has available to pass out at your event, these are listed at: www.milkmeansmore.org/dairy-producers/promotional-materials. The inventory includes activity books and crayons for kids, nutrition information handouts for parents, pens, pencils, posters, banners, etc. we have a dairy item for every event!

As June Dairy Month approaches, we hope you’ll take a few minutes to share why you love being a dairy farmer with your family, friends, and if you’re active on social media, your online followers.

Celebrating June Dairy Month,Celebrating YOU!

Tell us how YOU are celebrating June Dairy Month! If you’re hosting an event, participating in a community event or promoting the month on your social channels, we want to see! If you send a quick overview and pictures to [email protected], you will be entered in a drawing to win Milk Means More apparel to help you promote milk, cheese and yogurt all year!


Three Ways to Order your MMPA Merchandise1. Place order through your milk hauler

2. Call in your order:

Duane Farmer, Supervisor .......................................................... 989-317-8370

Toll Free .............................................................................................877-367-6455

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

3. Fax in your order:

MMPA Merchandise fax ................................................................989-317-8372

Chemical, Sanitizer

and Teat Dip

Contact Information

These are service personnel only.

Order your Member Merchandise

supplies through your hauler.

ECOLAB

24 -Hour Medical

Emergency Hotline:

1-800-328-0026

For Service, call the

Ecolab Service Message Center

1-800-392-3392

or one of the following

service representatives:

Ben Johnson

4461 Cambridge Dr.

Port Huron, MI 48060

810-824-0636

Pat Mitchell

7273 N. Rollin Hwy.

Addison, MI 49220

517-403-0928

MERCHANDISEMERCHANDISE

New! Floor Repair Product

“Repair as soon as weather and temperature allows”, most members have at some time encountered this statement on an inspection sheet either from the state inspector or their MMPA member representative. The weather and temperature may allow floor repairs very soon. Often times when a crack or pitted floor has been repaired you can count on having to do the job again in the near future. Finding a durable cement patch that hardens quickly and that can be applied to damp surfaces can be a real challenge.

We think we may have finally found a product that will last and be relatively easy to

use. This product is called “Flowpatch” by Watco Industrial Flooring. Flowpatch is an

easy to mix, pourable material for quick repairs to level concrete surfaces. It is fiber

reinforced, very strong and hardens quickly. It may be used for both interior and exterior

applications. Flowpatch is quite easy to prepare, you simply mix three parts Flowpatch

powder with one part water according to the directions. Once a smooth consistency has

been produced, you can pour the product into the damaged area. When mixed properly,

it will self-level and need minimal troweling. It will set at temperatures as low as 40

degrees Fahrenheit and can be used for repairs up to 4 inches deep. This is an easy to use

product but like all floor patch products does require some surface preparation. The area

to be repaired should be clean and free from oil and contaminants. Loose debris should

be removed and the surface wire brushed. While the concrete to be repaired can be damp,

it should not be wet.

Flowpatch cures rather quickly and can withstand foot traffic after 30 minutes and

forklifts after two hours (as long as the temperature is 60 to 70 degrees). This product

is available in a 50 pound kit that will cover a five square foot area at one inch thick.

Typical compression strength at 70 degrees Fahrenheit is as follows:

1 day ................................................................................................................... 2901 psi

7 days .................................................................................................................. 5076 psi

28 days ................................................................................................................ 6526 psi

If you have any questions on this product or our other floor patch products, please

call the warehouse.

Product Stock # Member price

Flowpatch 5522 $158.88


MMPA Quality Premium Program MMPA Member Testing FeesPayment 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.

Additional Tests Available:

All costs are listed per individual sample.

• Mycoplasma Cultures ..........................................................................$13

• Bacteriology Cultures ..........................................................................$15 – 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

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

Lab test results by mail: $2/month

All tests must be scheduled through your MMPA member

representative or the laboratory for proper sample

submission protocol.

MERCHANDISEPREMIUMS

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.

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.

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 100,000

The 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

ANTEL-BIO TESTING

Loc/Hlr/Producer # ________________________________ Sample Date _____________________________

Member name ______________________________________________________________________________

Sample ID _________________________________________________________________________________

BLV ELISA ________ Johne’s ELISA ___________ Johne’s PCR ___________ Pregnancy ____________

Refer to above for current pricing. The cost of testing is the responsibility of the producer.

This card MUST be filled out completely when sending in samples to be tested by Antel-Bio

to avoid potential service charges.


To place your freeliner ad please call 1-800-572-5824, ext. 202, or fax 248-426-3412, or email your ad to: [email protected].

FREELINERS

BullsRegistered 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 visit 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.

Cows & HeifersMilk cows. Herd averaging 89 lbs, 110 SCC, located in Huron Co. 734-776-0285.

Equipment716 New Holland Forage Wagon, 10 ton Kilbros, running gear, three beater, roof telescopic tongue. All in good condition, $2,000 firm. 989-574-7229.

Weaver 18-ft. crowd gate, $6,000. Double 7 free standing parallel parlor with air gates. 3-in. Surge low line with receiver. 14 Delaval SST2 automatic takeoff. Sutorbilt oil less 4mp vacuum pump. Navigator pipeline washer. Mueller 51 plate cooler, $10,000. Newer bulk tank model OE 1,500-gal. with a 5-hp.

compressor and tank washer, $10,000. Delaval 1,000 gal. milk tank with newer agitator, a 5-hp. compressor, 3 years old, $2,500. Bradford White 80 gal. electric hot water tank, $100. AO Smith electric hot water tank, $100. Calf Hutches – Calf Tel hutches, Agra Plastic Calf hutches, Poly Dome Calf hutches, Safeguard Calf hutches, several to pick from. $200 each or best offer. 989-205-0963 or 989-205-0962.

1550 Klaus hay rake. 989-436-3910.

Case IH 5100 Grain Drill with Seeder, very good condition, $2,750. Also, J.D. 924 flex-head with full finger auger, $3,500. 517-231-5098 or 517-231-5099.

1416 Oxbo Hay Merger, 2008, good condition, new main pump in 2015, $25,000. Also available, 1416 Miller Pro Hay Merger, 2000, fair condition $13,500. Will text or email pictures if interested. 616-836-6587.

2008 New Holland BR7060 Round Baler, 4x5, crop cutter, X-tra sweep pickup, Command Plus monitor, net/twine, preservative applicator, Trelleborg flotation tires, 5500 bales, needs nothing, excellent condition, always housed. $24,900. 989-305-2659.

Dairy Tech Pasteurizer model DT30G 4 years old, good condition, 30 gallon, $4,500. Mensch side shooter for saw dust or sand 3pt or skid loader mount $1,500. MSU style freestalls 100+or- $5.00ea some pipes and clamps. Call or text Mike, 734 368-7366.

Dairy Equipment16 Schlueter milker take off boxes, boards, sensors, control box and valve. Any reasonable offer accepted. 989-574-7229.

Bou-Matic variable speed vacuum pump 7.5 hp, $3000. 10 flo-star claws, $20 each. Plate cooler, $200. 3” low line with receiver and milk pump, $600. Free heater, $200. Houle 3” 12 ft. electric pump for milk house waste water $800. Bradford White 75 gal commercial LP Gas water heater, $600. Call 517-331-4475.

Delaval plate cooler model MP3DE-81 SS stainless steel, 81 plates, $2,100. Call 231-920-8025.

Universal Bulk Tank 2,000 gal. 231-826-3641.

1,000 gal. Mueller bulk tank complete, excellent condition. Call 574-370-2667.

Double four herringbone surge milking parlor. All the stalls, rail. Complete 2" stainless milk and wash lines, pvc vacuum system including balance tank, receiver jar, milk pump, claws and lines, pulsators and control, pipeline wash system. Two vacuum pumps, one oilless 10hp, one 5hp oil bath. 10 hp new in last 4 years. Everything complete and still using today. Includes everything but the tank and sink. $15,000. 517-420-0414.

Misc.Dairy Farm, Cheboygan, Michigan. 367+ acres, set up for dairy with double 14 parallel parlor, 2000 gal. bulk tank, 400+ freestall barn, many other out buildings. Could also be a place to raise heifers, beef, crops, etc. Can be a turnkey operation that would include farm, equipment, cows, package deal just set up. Or will sell farm, equipment, cattle separately. 7 bedroom brick home, on one floor. 600 acres of rental land available. Call for new prices & packet on farm. 517-202-9421 Cheboygan, Mich.

5 Calftel Calf Hutches. 10 Vic fiberglass hutches. Several of other brands. 989-871-2915.

Haylage, Corn Silage, Snaplage, and Dry Cow Round Bales. Delivery Available. 231-250-8592.

STRAW: Large square 3x4x8 roto cut bales. Pick up or delivery available. 989-640-3607.

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

Used freestall mats and used head locks for feeding area. Harley Schrock 260-463-3275 ext. 3.

Large photos (l to r): Kings-Ransom Bob Rasher-ET (VG-86), Kings-Ransom Farm LLC, Schuylerville, NY, Fisher and PR Rials News 2804, Rials Farm, Kokomo, MS, Robinson. Small photos (l to r): Dairyman Phonze 2053 (VG-84), Hoards Dairyman Farm, Fort Atkinson, WI; Hilltop Acres Bose Dixiland ET “VG88 EX90MS”, Dennis Mashek, Calmar, IA and Cedarcut Burdette Clove Colata (EX-90), grand champion, WDE, 2015, Erin Curtis-Szalach, Cazenovia, NY.

04/16 CDCB Genomic Evaluation. •Eligible for semen export to Canada. ®TPI is a registered trademark of Holstein Association USA. ™JPI is a trademark of AJCA.

When you are looking for the best genetics to add to your breeding program look no further than Select Sires. Leading sires for total performance indexes in every color call Select Sires home. Place your order today!

Total Performance Leaders GTPI• 7HO11351 SUPERSIRE +2697• 7HO11585 STERLING +2584 7HO11752 BOBNew +2557• 7HO11419 HEADLINER +2552• 7HO11314 MOGUL +2523• 7HO11383 MORGAN +2516• 7HO11839 MONOCEROTISNew +2515• 7HO11621 MAYFLOWERNew +2513

GJPI™•7JE1184 NEWS JH1F JH2F +214•7JE1149 DIMENSIONJH1F JH2F +195•7JE1221 PHAROAHJH1F JH2F +154•7JE1219 OLIVER-PJH1F JH2F New +147

®

GPPR•7BS852 BOSEPHUSBH2 +154•7BS854 BUSH +113

GPTI•7AY84 BURDETTE +486•7AY90 LOCHINVAR +477

GPTI•7GU447 PHONZE +86•7GU398 ALSTAR +85

Large photos (l to r): Kings-Ransom Bob Rasher-ET (VG-86), Kings-Ransom Farm LLC, Schuylerville, NY, Fisher and PR Rials News 2804, Rials Farm, Kokomo, MS, Robinson. Small photos (l to r): Dairyman Phonze 2053 (VG-84), Hoards Dairyman Farm, Fort Atkinson, WI; Hilltop Acres Bose Dixiland ET “VG88 EX90MS”, Dennis Mashek, Calmar, IA and Cedarcut Burdette Clove Colata (EX-90), grand champion, WDE, 2015, Erin Curtis-Szalach, Cazenovia, NY.

04/16 CDCB Genomic Evaluation. •Eligible for semen export to Canada. ®TPI is a registered trademark of Holstein Association USA. ™JPI is a trademark of AJCA.

When you are looking for the best genetics to add to your breeding program look no further than Select Sires. Leading sires for total performance indexes in every color call Select Sires home. Place your order today!

Total Performance Leaders GTPI• 7HO11351 SUPERSIRE +2697• 7HO11585 STERLING +2584 7HO11752 BOBNew +2557• 7HO11419 HEADLINER +2552• 7HO11314 MOGUL +2523• 7HO11383 MORGAN +2516• 7HO11839 MONOCEROTISNew +2515• 7HO11621 MAYFLOWERNew +2513

GJPI™•7JE1184 NEWS JH1F JH2F +214•7JE1149 DIMENSIONJH1F JH2F +195•7JE1221 PHAROAHJH1F JH2F +154•7JE1219 OLIVER-PJH1F JH2F New +147

®

GPPR•7BS852 BOSEPHUSBH2 +154•7BS854 BUSH +113

GPTI•7AY84 BURDETTE +486•7AY90 LOCHINVAR +477

GPTI•7GU447 PHONZE +86•7GU398 ALSTAR +85


PTO and AutomaticStart Generators

1-800-248-8070M-40 South

Hamilton, MI 49419

www.hamiltondist.com

REGISTERED HOLSTEIN BULLS

A special herd sire or a truck loadof breeder bulls.

Ready to go to work on your farm!

GREEN MEADOW FARMS6400 Hollister Road, Elsie, MI 48831

Phone: 989-862-4291

www.greenmeadowfarms.com

OVER 100 SERVICE AGE BULLS FOR YOUR SELECTION! • Sired by the top sires from the

U.S. and Canada• From our top production cows

CLASSIFIED ADS

Cost for classifieds is $20 per ad, up to six lines. All 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. You may submit your ads by:

MAIL: Classified Ads | Michigan Milk Messenger

P.O. BOX 8002, Novi, MI 48376-8002

EMAIL: [email protected] FAX: 248-426-3412

Concrete Groovingand Texturing

Call: Jeff Brisky - Owner

Toll Free: 1-800-294-1202

Cell: 1-716-353-1137

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

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

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

A SURE WAY TO KEEP YOUR COWS UPRIGHT! Concrete grooving/texturing provides high quality traction in new & old concrete, fast service. Call for your below pricing 989-635-1494. BLUE RIBBON HOOF TRIMMING, LLC.

FOR SALE: 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.

DRY HAY & STRAW (large & small bales) & BARLEY FOR FEED. 989-723-1886 or 989-277-1414.

FARMERS: INCREASE YIELDS 7 PROFIT by using the 1# crop production system. Distributors needed. 260-768-8137 ext. 1

ALFALFA/TIMOTHY/BROME MIX HAY AVAILABLE. Newer seedings, quality net wrapped 4x5 round bales. Stored inside immediately after baling, very nice hay! Big Rapids, 231-598-4871.

ROUNDUP READY II, LIBERTY LINK, AND MCIA 2323 SOYBEAN SEEDS. 989-723-1886 or 989-277-1414.

1992 D 1000 NEW HOLLAND SQ. BALER. 2x3x8 large square bale. Nice condition! $18,900. 517-543-4770.

2008 NEW HOLLAND L160 SKID STEER. Foot controls, hyd. Detach, low hours, $18,000. 517-543-4770.

2014 NEW HOLLAND RB 450 ROUND BALER. Net & twine, wide pick up. Very nice! $29,500. 517-543-4770.

2012 NEW HOLLAND H 7540 13-FT. DISCBINE. Low acres! Very nice condition! $22,000. 517-543-4770.


MMPA Policy on Drug Residue in Milk

MMPA Milk Quality Policy

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 member representative.

• If the tank tests negative (no drugs present), the milk may be

released and shipped.

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

representative will authorize the member to dump the tank

of milk. The member will be paid 75% of the value of the

tank of milk involved.*

• 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 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.

QUALITY 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 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 Mt. Pleasant 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.

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

** 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.

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 three or more occurances 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.

HAULERA hauler whose entire load sample exceeds 300,000 cells 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.

MERCHANDISEPOLICIES


Market Statistics - Mideast Federal Order #33 (pounds)

% This Month Year Ago Change

Total Class 1 Sales 543,210,306 528,668,966 +2.75




Total Production 1,766,053,505 1,559,653,703 +13.23

Class 1 Utilization 30.8% 33.9%

Mideast Federal Order #33Total Producers ............................................................................................... 5,343

Avg. Daily Production per farm .............................................................. 10,662

Avg. Protein Test ..............................................................................................3.11%

Avg. Butterfat Test ........................................................................................3.77%

Avg. Oth Solids Test ......................................................................................5.76%

Avg. SCC - MMPA ...................................................................................... 158,000

Component Pricing Information -Mideast Federal Order #33Protein Price /lb ..........................................................................................$1.9206

Butterfat Price /lb .....................................................................................$2.2028

Other Solids Price /lb ..............................................................................$0.0501

Class III Price @ 3.5% ...................................................................................$13.74

Prod. Price Diff /cwt. - Mich Mkt ............................................................. $0.03

Uniform Price @ 3.5% ..................................................................................$13.77

SCC Adjustment /cwt /1000 ............................................................$0.00076

AMS Survey PricesProduct Monthly Avg

Cheese /lb .........................................................................................................1.5162

Butter /lb ......................................................................................................... 1.9905

Nonfat Dry Milk /lb ......................................................................................0.7522

Dry Whey /lb ...............................................................................................0.2477

MARKET REPORT

National Trends*(million pounds)

2016 2015 % Change

Production

California 3,610 3,700 -2.4

Wisconsin 2,560 2,431 +5.3

New York 1,240 1,175 +5.5

Idaho 1,215 1,186 +2.4

Pennsylvania 954 938 +1.7

Michigan 924 858 +7.7

Texas 911 893 +2.0

Minnesota 833 810 +2.8

New Mexico 666 686 -2.9

Washington 572 569 +0.5

Ohio 471 468 +0.6

Indiana 358 343 +4.4

Total U.S. 17,220 16,918 +1.8

U.S Y-T-D 49,625 48,586 +2.1

* For 23 States

Statistical Summary | FOR MILK MARKETED IN MARCH 2016


National Trends*(million pounds)

2016 2015 % Change

Production

California 3,610 3,700 -2.4

Wisconsin 2,560 2,431 +5.3

New York 1,240 1,175 +5.5

Idaho 1,215 1,186 +2.4

Pennsylvania 954 938 +1.7

Michigan 924 858 +7.7

Texas 911 893 +2.0

Minnesota 833 810 +2.8

New Mexico 666 686 -2.9

Washington 572 569 +0.5

Ohio 471 468 +0.6

Indiana 358 343 +4.4

Total U.S. 17,220 16,918 +1.8

U.S Y-T-D 49,625 48,586 +2.1

* For 23 States

*If you are unable to reach your assigned member representative, please contact the representatives listed in your area.

MMPA Field Staff*Northwest Area Supervisor Ben Chapin, Blanchard ............................................................. 989-289-0731

Energy Auditor Frank Brazeau, Oconto, WI ...................................................906-250-0337

Lyndsay Earl, Ludington ............................................................231-519-2455

Deb Gingrich, Leroy ..................................................................248-520-3580

Sarah Michalek, Portland ........................................................248-305-0537

Dirk Okkema, Blanchard ....................................................... 248-756-2062

Northeast AreaSupervisor & Mastitis Management SpecialistChristy Dinsmoore, Fairgrove ................................................ 248-513-7920

Animal Care Coordinator, Energy AuditorLindsay Green, East Lansing .................................................. 989-488-8159

Animal Care CoordinatorDrew Rupprecht, Clio ............................................................... 269-986-6793

Ben Butcher, Durand ..................................................................248-514-5273

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

Bridget Moore, Sears .................................................................. 231-414-4539

South AreaSupervisor & Energy AuditorEd Zuchnik, Three Rivers ..........................................................269-967-7351

Krista Beeker, Topeka, IN ....................................................... 269-986-6792

Dave Brady, Grass Lake .................. 517-522-5965 or (c) 517-937-9061

Elyse Martin, Charlotte .............................................................. 810-701-6460

Joe Packard, Kalamazoo ......................................................... 248-520-3481

Emily Smith, Bronson ............................................................... 269-535-0822

Other Services

Bulk Tank CalibrationGary Best, Lapeer .......................... 810-664-4984 or (c) 586-484-9279

Mastitis Management SpecialistSteve Lehman, Ithaca .....................989-875-3441 or (c) 989-330-1638

Sustainability CoordinatorLynn Nagengast .........................................................................248-444-6775

Merchandise Coordinator, Energy AuditorKatie Pierson, Coleman............................................................989-289-9686

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

In Michigan............................................................................... 800-572-5824

Toll Free .................................................................................... 800-233-2405

Ovid (Daily, 6 a.m.-10 p.m.) .................................................989-834-2515

Constantine (Daily, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.) ..................................800-391-7560

Merchandise - Mt. PleasantSupervisor: Duane Farmer

Main Line ......................................................................................... 989-317-8370

Toll Free ..........................................................................................877-367-6455

Orders (Novi) .......................................................800-572-5824, then dial 2

Fax ......................................................................................................989-317-8372

Novi HeadquartersMain OfficeLocal line .................................................................................248-474-6672Toll free ....................................................................................800-572-5824

General ManagerJoe Diglio ............................................................................................ ext. 200

Chief Financial OfficerJosep Barenys ................................................................................... ext. 240

Member and Government RelationsSheila Burkhardt ................................................................................ext. 208

QualityAmandeep Dhillon ............................................................................ext. 305

Manufactured Product SalesJim Dodson .........................................................................................ext. 229

Laboratory SupervisorPatti Huttula .........................................................................................ext. 219

Member ServicesDean Letter.............................................................................. 989-289-9251

Milk Sales/DispatchCarl Rasch ............................................................................................ext. 244

Credit/InsuranceCheryl Schmandt ................................................................................ext. 210

Data ProcessingGregory Schulkey ............................................................................. ext. 237

CommunicationsAllison Stuby .......................................................................................ext. 296

Human ResourcesCindy Tilden ........................................................................................ext. 220

Member RelationsJessica Welch .....................................................................................ext. 303

Manufacturing PlantsConstantineDave Davis, Plant Manager ............................................... 269-435-2835

OvidColt Johnson, Plant Manager ..........................................989-834-2221

MERCHANDISEMMPA STAFF

Pioneer.com/BMR

The minor component of the Pioneer® brand Optimum® AcreMax® blend product is not a Brown MidRib corn hybrid. PIONEER® brand products are provided subject to the terms and conditions of purchase which are part of the labeling and purchase documents. ®, TM, SM Trademarks and service marks of DuPont, Pioneer or their respective owners. © 2016 PHII. DUPPFO15026_VA_050216_MMM

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michigan milk messenger: may 2016

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