Winter 2019
Michigan Dairy Cattle News
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Behind that glass of milk on your table, the cheese on your pizza and the butter on your bread, are the very dedicated dairy farmer-owners of MMPA.
AMANDA CAREY GOODFELLOW OF CAREY FARMS, MORLEY, MICHIGAN
Founded in 1916, the Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) is a farmer-owned milk 41310 BRIDGE ST., NOVI, MI 48375 PHONE (248) 474-6672
MIMILK.COM
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Michigan Dairy Cattle News
marketing cooperative and dairy processor serving 1,600 dairy farmers in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Wisconsin.
Winter 2019
Volume 5 • Issue 4 Winter 2019 The Michigan Dairy Cattle News is the official publication of the Michigan Holstein-Friesian Association, Inc. and the Michigan Jersey Cattle Club. Melissa Hart, Editor cell: 517-398-1957 email: farm.writer@hotmail.com 4520 Holcomb Rd., North Adams, MI 49262 Erin Robinstine, Ad & Layout Designer email: erin.robinstine@gmail.com 3854 S. KY Route 321, Hagerhill, KY 41222
on the cover...
T
his year’s MHA photo contest winner was Drew Rupprecht with the familiar farm scene that graces our cover. With the snow cover and the warm light streaming through the windows, this winter scene gives every dairy farmer a warm feeling inside. As we celebrate our Savior’s birth this season, my hope is that every person opening up this magazine has the hope that springs eternal to carry them through the hard seasons and reminds them of what is truly the most important.
Melissa Hart
Michigan Dairy Cattle News 850 Davenport Drive, Waxahachie, TX 75167 ph: 517-490-7736 michholstein1@gmail.com Published 4 times per year Michigan Dairy Cattle News EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Tim Baker, Byron Center Brent Moyer, Caro Ike Hunt, Elsie Suzanne Tuttila, Waxahachie, TX
616-813-6745 989-553-4333 989-862-4864 517-490-7736
Michigan Holstein Association Tim Baker, President 2335 16th Ave, Byron Center, MI 49353 Brent Moyer, Vice President 2647 E. Caro Rd., Caro, MI 48723 Suzanne Tuttila, Executive Secretary 850 Davenport Drive, Waxahachie, TX 75167 Ph: 517-490-7736 michholstein1@gmail.com Michigan Jersey Cattle Club Brent Moyer, President Mary Costigan, Vice President Carrie Delong, Secretary Elizabeth Rupprecht, Treasurer
989-553-4333 616-430-1258 810-614-4025 989-640-6913
Holstein Association USA Phone: 1-800-952-5200 1 Holstein Place, Brattleboro, VT 05302 Michigan and Indiana Representative Max Dunseth 278 S. Sprague, Coldwater, MI 49036 Cell: 269-251-0232 Michigan Upper Peninsula Representative Mandi Ramsburg De Pere, WI • 920-530-5023 mramsburg@holstein.com The Michigan Dairy Cattle News, the Michigan Holstein Association or their staff assume no liability for errors, omissions, content or for the effectiveness of advertising and cannot be held responsible for the timeliness of sale advertising that is scheduled less than thirty days ahead of the press date. Indexes are provided as an additional service. Publisher assumes no liabiltiy for errors or omissions. Subscription rate is $15.00 / year.
Fall 2019
Winter 2019
table of contents
From the Holstein President’s Pen..............................................................................4 Michigan Junior Holstein News...................................................................................5 Notes from the Field.........................................................................................................6 From the Jersey Desk.......................................................................................................7 Ber-Sher Dairy Opens Brinks Creamery.....................................................................8 MHA 2020 Membership Form......................................................................................9 MJCC 2020 Membership Form.................................................................................. 10 MJCC 2020 Futurity Page............................................................................................. 13 Let’s Be Direct.................................................................................................................. 14 Get Ready for Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference..................................... 16 2020 Dairy Ambassador Program............................................................................ 16 Michigan Jersey Queen................................................................................................ 18 Vassar Dairy Farmer Named Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator............ 23 One More Thing.............................................................................................................. 26 Calendar of Events......................................................................................................... 26 Advertiser Index.............................................................................................................. 26 Michigan Dairy Cattle News
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From the President’s Pen
Michigan Holstein Association Are you done with harvest yet? Wow, that was one of the longest, toughest harvest seasons ever and hopefully you’re done and enjoying the holiday season with the family. We have another big year in front of us. This year’s annual meeting will be held in Frankenmuth again in conjunction with the Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference. The meeting will happen on Saturday, March 8th. We will be honoring our Master Breeder, Young breeder and hold officer elections. We will also be discussing the upcoming events for 2020. The all-breeds spring show seemed to be a success last year and so the show committee has decided to include all breeds again this year. We hold the earliest spring show of the season in the Midwest and it gives you a great opportunity to get your show string out and see how they are stacking up against your competitors. The show committee will be voting on the judge soon. If you have suggestions for a judge, go ahead and give those suggestions to either the show committee co-chairs, Nicole Vanderploeg or Melissa Hart or our Executive Secretary, Suzanne Tuttila. I want to take the opportunity at the end of this year
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to thank everyone who has participated in our Michigan Holstein events. But even more, I would like to thank our board of directors for guiding and directing the association and those committee members who work hard to make sure these events are held and run smoothly. Have a Merry Christmas and I hope to see you in the New Year.
Tim
Tim Baker President Michigan Holstein Association
Winter 2019
Michigan Junior Holstein News
From Your President
The Michigan Junior Holstein Board has been very busy entering the winter months. As a board, we have been developing ideas to involve the youth in the state of Michigan in the upcoming year and have also finished our second annual holiday cheese sale! MJHA would like to thank everyone who helped make our cheese sale successful. This year we teamed up with the Michigan State University Dairy Club to help promote our cheese sale and make more connections within the dairy industry. The proceeds from this fundraiser help our board run events throughout the year such as our showmanship clinics, junior awards, and sending youth to the National Holstein Convention. As we move into the new year, our next event will be our National Holstein Convention Workshop held in Frankenmuth at the Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference. This event will be on Saturday, February 8th. Any youth who would like to attend the 2019 National Holstein Convention and compete in a contest is highly encouraged to attend this workshop. During the course of the workshop, juniors will practice their preferred contest such as prepared public speaking,
Winter 2019
jeopardy, folding display, scrapbook, or the banner contest. There will also be other fun activities throughout to make for a hands-on and fun event to help prepare Michigan juniors for the convention. The board is also in the works of planning additional events this coming spring and summer, so keep your eyes on the lookout for some great opportunities! You can follow our Facebook page (Michigan Junior Holstein Association) for our newest updates. The Michigan Junior Holstein Board is continuing to look forward to our future and would like to thank everyone who helps support the Holstein youth in the state of Michigan! Thank you for your time,
Kristen Burkhardt President MJHA
Michigan Dairy Cattle News
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Notes From the Field
Max’ & Mandi’s Memo
With much excitement, Holstein Association USA presents the inaugural lineup of All-National Showcase honorees. Exhibitors from all over North America paraded their finest cattle in the showring from March through November to earn points based on their show placings. The All-National Showcase Program recognizes U.S. Registered Holstein® cows and their owners for exceptional performance at National Holstein Shows. The top 10 animals in each class and full details on the All-National Showcase Program rules and point system can be found at www.holsteinusa.com/allnational. The Holstein Foundation launched career resources designed to provide basic knowledge in a wide range of careers relating to the dairy industry. They are ideal for use by all ages, from junior dairy project members or leaders seeking reference materials. All career descriptions can be downloaded free of charge from the website in a PDF format. Currently, 10 careers are outlined to fit a wide variety of interests. The Holstein Foundation will continue to expand the careers profiles offered and provide more resources on things like resumes and interviews. As many Holstein COMPLETE® Program members have seen in their August inboxes, Holstein USA has been working extremely hard over the last couple of years in updating and improving the Redbook Plus program. By providing it to you as
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an online program, it’s much easier to access bull information. If you are on a COMPLETE herd and haven’t accessed the program take a couple of minutes to go online and explore this awesome new service that we have provided to you. It allows you to make easier sire selection decisions, select criteria for your heard and also compare sires that you may be curious about putting into your breeding program. If you have seen the email and need assistance contact either one of us and we will be happy to help you with it. Thank you for trusting us with your HAUSA needs and don’t be afraid to give us a call when you have any questions. We hope you all have a great Christmas and a wonderful New Year!
Max & Mandi
Max Dunseth Regional Sales Representative - HAUSA 269-251-0232 • mdunseth@holstein.com Mandi Kipp Regional Sales Representative - HAUSA Upper Peninsula of Michigan 920-530-5023 • mkipp@holstein.com
Winter 2019
From the Jersey Desk
Michigan Jersey Cattle Club
Hello All, It doesn’t appear that Mother Nature wants to give us much of a break this year. The spring started out with a bunch of rain, followed by several weeks of warm dry weather, and then SNOW in early November. One can only hope that means we will have an early spring. As far as Jersey happenings in the state, there isn’t a lot new. One thing with the annual meeting approaching this year, I once again ask the membership to think about how to work with Michigan Holstein to streamline the membership, futurity, sale, shows, and all other functions that the two organizations have in common. I think this could be a great thing for both organizations. Also, at the annual meeting the membership needs to think of candidates for elections. As I stated before, I will be stepping down as president. As a club we need to discuss the options of having a few consignments in the Holstein sale on March 20th in East Lansing. With that, I hope that the remainder of fall harvest is bountiful for you all and that you all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Looking forward to catching up with everyone at the an-
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nual meeting on February 8th in Frankenmuth. Until then…
Brent Moyer
President MJCC 989-553-4333
Michigan Dairy Cattle News
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Ber-Sher Dairy Opens
Brinks Family Creamery
Back row left to right: Nick Brinks and Riley Brinks. Front row left to right: Amberly Mejia, Kenda Rivera and Ron Brinks
By Bev Berens Where does a 200-cow registered dairy fit in today’s dairy climate? Milk and genetics can only go so far when it comes to creating the income needed to support a dairy and its family. Ber-Sher Dairy family members gathered around the table a couple of years ago for some serious family conversation. “We needed to come up with something or we were going to be done,” said Barb Brinks. Family members agreed that a creamery was in their future, choosing cheese curds as their foundation product. “We have never looked back,” Barb said. Ron Brinks and son-in-law Manuel Mejie attended cheese making school at Michigan State University the summer of 2018 to learn the foundations of cheese making, processing, handling and management. The first batch was made in Barb’s kitchen and the recipe was a winner from the start; the family gobbled it up as fast as she could make it. They built a small creamery on the farm which receives milk directly from their milk house, buying back the milk they use for cheesemaking from their cooperative. The facility is small, but right sized for the operation and includes a 8
Michigan Dairy Cattle News
storefront and bakery. Brinks Family Creamery opened the doors for business the end of August and opened the plant to begin making curds early July of this year. Additional products are being tested with plans to offer them soon. Utilizing Ebels Family Center and Little Town Jerky in Falmouth as distributors, curds from the little creamery in McBain are now available in fifty locations including Jay’s Sporting Goods stores, Jack’s Stores, some J&H stores, and numerous local outlets within a fifteen-mile radius of the farm. The number of retailers is growing as the family aggressively pursues new markets through trade shows, word of mouth and the good old- fashioned method of knocking on doors. The Brinks family is hoping to secure a better price for their milk through making cheese, hoping to eventually utilize all their milk in cheese production. “We never really wanted to get big with our farm,” Barb said. “We are family-oriented, we know our cows, we know them by their names, and they are all registered.” Barb continued, “Today, I think you have to find a niche. There are a lot of farms that add more cows, and if that works for them, that is wonderful. For the smaller farm, I really think you do
have to find a niche to go along with it, whether that be meat, cheese, milk or whatever.” They have also bred some cows to Wagyu sires and are selling the popular brand of heavily marbled, tender beef through their storefront on a limited basis until more cattle reach mature harvest weights. “We have learned that it doesn’t all happen over-night,” Barb said. “It takes a long time, a lot of planning, a lot of praying. It’s scary to start up a new business like this. You don’t know where it’s going to go, but we have had really good feedback and we’re happy with where we are at. We are just so ready to bring on more customers to join us.” From making to marketing, the entire Brinks family is involved in the creamery. Ron, Barb and son-in-law Manuel head up the production, with daughter, Amberly, starting to make cheese as well. Amberly, Barb and Ron’s sister, Kathy, work on marketing and customer calls. The entire family, including daughter Kenda and her husband Ruben Rivera, sons Nick and Riley, and Ron’s parents are all part of the packaging crew. Store hours and purchase information can be found at Brinks Family Creamery on Facebook.
Winter 2019
2020 MEMBERSHIP
MICHIGAN HOLSTEIN ASSOCIATION
850 Davenport Drive, Waxahachie, TX 75167 ~ Phone: 517-490-7736 PLEASE UPDATE INFORMATION ACCURATELY AND COMPLETELY • MEMBERSHIPS EXPIRE ON DECEMBER 31st, 2019
PLEASE MARK OUT ERRORS AND MAKE CORRECTIONS ON THE REVERSE SIDE . HFAA ACCT. #:
NAME:
NAME USED FOR STATE AND NATIONAL MEMBERSHIPS MUST BE EXACTLY THE SAME TO GET THE LOWEST REGISTRATION RATE.
CITY:
ADDRESS: ZIP CODE:
DISTRICT:
COUNTY:
STATE: SPOUSE:
REGISTERED PREFIX:
FARM NAME:
New Member
PHONE: FAX NUMBER:
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NO. OF MILKING AGED FEMALES: Registered DIRECTIONS TO FARM:
ADULT MEMBERSHIP
ADULT BASE MEMBERSHIP (INCLUDES 1 Michigan Dairy Cattle News SUBSCRIPTION) Examples - Reg. Cows 1 Cow.........$46.00 2 Cows........$47.00 3 Cows........$48.00 10 Cows........$55.00 50 Cows........$95.00 100 Cows........$145.00 101 Cows........$146.00 102 Cows........$147.00 125 Cows........$170.00 150 Cows........$195.00 175 Cows........$220.00 200 Cows........$245.00 300 Cows........$345.00 400 Cows........$445.00 500 Cows........$545.00 501 Cows........$545.75 510 Cows........$551.75 525 Cows........$563.00
NAME:
$1.00 Per Registered Milking Aged Holstein female for the first 500.
$1.00 x
$.75 Per Registered Milking Aged Holstein female from 501-1,000.
$.75 x
$.50 Per Registered Milking Aged Holstein female from 1001 and over.
$.50 x
SUBTOTAL w/ adult membership and cows.
MICHIGAN JUNIOR HOLSTEIN ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP NAME(S): CITY, ZIP:
ADDRESS: PHONE:
COUNTY:
BIRTHDATE(S): PARENTS (OR GUARDIAN): FEE @ $10.00 EACH PER YEAR..... MICHIGAN DAIRY CATTLE NEWS - ADDITIONAL SUBSCRIPTIONS Junior Member Subscriptions @ $10.00
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ADDITIONAL SUBSCRIPTIONS AT $15.00 EACH..... TOTAL ALL FEES FOR 2020
This is your receipt - please detach and retain for your records Membership is for January 1 through December 31, 2020.
Michigan Holstein Association
850 Davenport Drive, Waxahachie, TX 75167 Phone: 517-490-7736 E-mail:MichHolstein1@gmail.com
Winter 2019
Date____________ Total Fee$____________ Check Number___________
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2020 Membership Application Name:______________________________________________________________________ Farm Name: _________________________________________________________________ Phone: ( ) ___________________ Cell Phone: (____)____________________ Address ____________________________________________________________________ City : _________________________ State: ___________________ Zip code ____________ Email: _______________________________________________________________________ Directions to Farm ___________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Number of Jerseys: Registered________ Grade _____________
************************************************************************ All Memberships include a subscription to the Michigan Dairy Cattle News unless otherwise requested.
Adult Membership: Active Breeders with voting rights
$25. 00 ____
Family Membership:
$40.00 ____
Farm Membership:
$50.00 ____
1 Adult Membership with unlimited Junior Memberships (Junior member must be of the same family as the adult member)
Unlimited Adult and Junior Memberships Voting rights will only be offered to One listed Adult Junior member must be of the same family as the adult member
Junior Membership:
(under 21 as of Dec 31 of current year)
$5.00 ____ Total $ __________
List of Junior Members _____________________ age___ _____________________ age ___ _____________________ age___ _____________________ age___
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* ************************************************************************ Make checks payable to Michigan Jersey Cattle Association Send payment with form to: Carrie Delong 4241 Jones Rd North Branch, MI 48461 10 Michigan Dairy Cattle News
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MJCC Futurity NominationForm Form MJCC Futurity Nomination MJCCFor Futurity Futurity Nomination Year _________Form
For Futurity ForYear Futurity_________ Year _________
*NEW* Payment Schedule – *NEW* Payment – $20 withSchedule calf nomination due by March 1, 2020 $10 at Futurity nt Schedule$20–Nominate with calf nomination due $75 by March 1, 2020 at Futurity at 1 year of Age at 2 years $10 of age $100 Must MJCC of good standing toat in Futurity Nominate atbe1ayear Age in $75 2 years of age $100 ith calf nomination due bymember March 1, 2020exhibit $10 at Futurity Must be a MJCC member in good standing to exhibit in Futurity
minate at 1 year of Age $75
at 2 years of age $100
Name of Animal ______________________________ Registration # ___________________ Must be a Ear MJCC member in Ear good standing to exhibit in Futurity Tattoo Left _______ Right ________ Date of Birth Name of Animal ______________________________ Registration #____________________ ___________________ Sire: _______________________________________ Registration Tattoo Left Ear _______ Right Ear ________ Date of Birth# ____________________ Dam:_______________________________________ ______________________________________ Registration # ____________________ Sire: Name______________________________________ & Address of Owner ____________________________________________________ Dam: Registration # ____________________ ______________________________ Registration # _________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ Name & Address of Owner ____________________________________________________ _______ Right Ear ________ Date of Birth __________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ **************************************************************************** ______________________________ Registration # __________________ Name of Animal ______________________________ Registration # ___________________ **************************************************************************** ______________________________ _________________ Tattoo Left Ear _______ Right Ear ________ Registration Date of Birth# Name of Animal ______________________________ Registration #____________________ ___________________ Sire: _______________________________________ Registration Tattoo Left__________________________________________________ Ear _______ Right Ear ________ Date of Birth# ____________________ s of Owner Dam:_______________________________________ ______________________________________ Registration # ____________________ Sire: ____________________________________________________________ Name______________________________________ & Address of Owner ____________________________________________________ Dam: Registration # ____________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ Name & Address of Owner ____________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ************************************************************ **************************************************************************** Name of Animal ______________________________ Registration ##___________________ **************************************************************************** ______________________________ Registration _________________ Tattoo Left Ear _______ Right Ear ________ Date of Birth ____________________ Name of Animal ______________________________ Registration # ___________________ _______ Right Ear ________ ofofBirth __________________ Sire: _______________________________________ Registration Tattoo Left Ear _______ Right Ear ________ Date Date Birth# ____________________ Dam:_______________________________________ ______________________________________ Sire: Registration ##____________________ ______________________________ Registration __________________ Name______________________________________ & Address of Owner ____________________________________________________ Dam: Registration # ____________________ ______________________________ Registration # _________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ Name & Address of Owner ____________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ s of Owner __________________________________________________ **************************************************************************** ____________________________________________________________ Name of Animal ______________________________ Registration # ___________________ **************************************************************************** Tattoo Left Ear _______ Right Ear ________ Date of Birth#____________________ Name of Animal ______________________________ Registration ___________________ Sire: _______________________________________ Registration Tattoo Left Ear _______ Right Ear ________ Date of Birth# ____________________ ************************************************************ Dam: ______________________________________ Registration # ____________________ Sire: _______________________________________ Name______________________________________ & Address of Owner ____________________________________________________ Dam: Registration # # ____________________ ______________________________ Registration _________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ Name & Address of Owner ____________________________________________________ _______ Right Ear ________ Date of Birth __________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ Winter 2019 Michigan Dairy Cattle News 13
______________________________ Registration # __________________
Let’s Be
DIRECT
By Carla Wardin People want to know their farmers. Farmers want a direct line to their customers. We’ve been hearing the same news for years, but how can it work? Many farmers have pursued the direct-to-consumer route, which takes planning, organization, and a great customer service touch. Though they do meet challenges, these three farm families in Michigan are also seeing the benefits.
Sherry and Paul Meyer Rod-er-Dic Farm, Byron Center
One of the biggest challenges is filling the demand for different cuts of meat. They offer a full line of Mooville Creamery products as well as their own beef.
Sherry and Paul Meyer own Rod er Dic Farm in Byron Center. In May of 2019, they started a farm stand which features beef raised on their farm, open six days a week. Owner Sherry Meyer said she and her husband talked about opening a store about a year ago, and after milk prices didn’t increase, they made the decision to seek out an additional source of income. “It’s nice to have that little bit of daily cash flow for the little things that crop up,” Meyer said. In addition to beef, they sell ma14 Michigan Dairy Cattle News
ple syrup, summer sausage, pork, and the complete line of Mooville products. “Customers have asked for goat meat, but there’s only one USDA inspected facility around here, so that doesn’t make it easy. Plus, I’m not going to be a goat farmer!” Meyer said. To publicize, Meyer has purchased $30 Facebook ads, handed out flyers and business cards, and enjoyed good word of mouth. “We’re seeing a lot of repeat customers, so that’s good,” she said. “A lot of people see it on Facebook, come in, and tell their friends. It’s catching on quicker than I even hoped it would. One of the biggest challenges has been trying to guess what people want and when. In our location, we have to figure out how to draw people
away from the big box stores and then keep them coming back for more.” While they enjoy the second source of income, she does have more work to do. “I’ve added another full time job to my full time job,” she said. “A lot of times it’s 1:00 a.m. before I got to bed. When we’re done milking I go back out there and do the inventory, balance the cash drawer, and do the regular day-today business duties. But you have to find someway to diversify and bring the money to you.”
While the Meyers have plenty of beef and dairy products to sell, they have various and sundry other goodies on their shelves. Winter 2019
Jennifer and Bruce Lewis Pleasant View Dairy & Beef, Jonesville Jennifer and Bruce Lewis operate a third-generation dairy, beef, and cash crop farm in Jonesville. They milk 600 head of cattle and grow corn, soybeans, wheat, and alfalfa. They also grow blueberries and sell meat directly to consumers. The Lewis family felt there was a need in their area for people to come to a farm and know their farmer. In 2018, they opened a store in their office building that is open for business afternoons on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, plus Saturday mornings. “Even though we have certain times we’re open, people stop all the time. On Sunday morning I had people knocking on my door asking – hey, what are your hours?” said owner Jennifer Lewis.
Many store patrons are drawn in by the Pleasant View sign on US-12. Jennifer said people traveling through from hours away are brought in by this sign.
Many store patrons are drawn in by their sign on US-12 which reads ‘Pleasant View Beef – We are your farmer.’ “It’s not just local people. People
traveling through, from hours away, are brought in by the sign. I give them an ice pack and a box so they’re prepared for the trip back. It’s nice, because they’re curious and will buy,” she said. Lewis finds that interacting with her customers gives her lots of chances to give in depth answers to their questions. “I’m really glad we’re doing it, especially because I’m able to educate people more about dairy and meat. People will ask, “Am I eating cow?” and I discuss steers and beef. Others will ask, “Why is the meat frozen?” and I’ll explain how it’s fresh frozen to stop the aging process so you can decide when you want to cook it – instead of having to do it in a few days after purchase,” she said.
Ali and Scott Ferry Ferry Farms, Litchfield Scott and Ali Ferry are the fourth generation on their Litchfield farm, which started in 1906. They are crop, dairy, and beef farmers in Litchfield. Not only do they sell beef and cheese in person and online to consumers, but last year their 7-year-old daughter Amelia also started selling jam. Amelia’s grandparents made strawberry freezer jam her entire life, and a family friend made an offhand comment that Amelia should sell the jam. “She took the comment to heart and didn’t let it go,” Ali Ferry said. “She Winter 2019
talked about it for months. We decided to go for it.” Friends and family helped with a logo, label, and business cards, and Amelia started her sales pitch for AJ’s Jam.
“Her goal was to sell 300 jars, and I told her I love her goals, but let’s shoot for 100 jars for her first year,” Ferry said. “But sure enough, she got 321 pre-orders, and after a rainy spring and lots of work, she sold a total of 431 jars of jam. She was pretty pumped about it.” One of the challenges the Ferrys met was finding the time to pick strawberries. “You have to pick yourself to get a reasonable price,” Ferry said. “It takes a long time, especially this year. Our son Griffin, with his smart little farmer mind, said he should grow strawberries!”
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Annual Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference Set for February
EAST LANSING, Mich. – The 18th annual Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference (GLRDC) offers dairy producers an opportunity to learn new strategies and tools to help them succeed throughout the next decade. Producers will also hear updates on regulations facing the industry, as well as a general overview of where the industry currently stands. The conference will take place Feb. 6-8, 2020, at the Bavarian Inn and Conference Center in Frankenmuth, Michigan. Dairy producers entering the next decade will experience more change
than in the past 70 years, driven by consumer demand, technological improvements and management strategies. To stay competitive, producers of the future will require a high business IQ and must be proactive in positioning the business for success. To provide the knowledge producers will need to be successful, the conference features a strong line-up of speakers including practical solutions, strategies for success and the latest trends. The conference will kick off on Thursday, Feb. 6, with a panel of Michigan State University (MSU) faculty
researchers sharing practical solutions to problems Michigan dairy producers face. Through research funded by the Michigan Alliance for Animal Agriculture, these researchers have been examining the root causes of common problems plaguing dairy farms. After learning a few practical solutions, producers will a “get a grip” on agricultural economics and their business as David Kohl of AgriVisions LLC shares his outlook on the agricultural landscape and provides strategies for success. The afternoon will begin with a
Michigan Dairy Ambassador Program Gears Up 2020 Applications Due Jan. 17 Any Michigan high school and college students interested in dairy and/or pursuing a career in the dairy industry have until Jan. 17 to apply for the 2020 Michigan Dairy Ambassador Scholarship and Leadership Program. Continuing with updates instituted last year, the program offers dairy communications training to interested applicants. All applicants meeting baseline criteria will be invited to attend a day-long program kickoff on Feb. 7, the second day of the Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference (GLRDC). Attendees will be considered 2020 Michigan Dairy Ambassadors and will be equipped with the messaging and practice to effectively communicate with consumers in-person and online. Participation throughout the year in trainings, dairy events and promotion will earn points with the opportunity to advance to the interview round. Applications, resume and participation and in16 Michigan Dairy Cattle News
terview will be considered for scholarship recipient selections. Two scholarships will be awarded to the representatives, one to a junior winner and another to a senior winner. The senior division is reserved for college students up to age 22, with the winner receiving a $1,500 scholarship. The junior division is limited to high school students in grades nine to 12, and the winner receives $1,000 that can
be applied toward higher education or the purchase of a dairy animal within the upcoming year. Applicants are not required to have a dairy farm background, but they must plan to pursue a career related to the dairy industry. The scholarship program is funded through a benefit auction held at the annual Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference (GLRDC). Students interested in applying for the 2020 Michigan Dairy Ambassador Scholarship and Leadership Program can download an application from www.glrdc.org or contact Megghan Honke Seidel at 517-884-7089. Applications must be submitted electronically to 1glrdc@gmail.com and will be accepted until Jan. 17. This year's event will take place in Frankenmuth, Michigan on February 6 - 8, 2020. For the conference schedule and registration information, visit www. glrdc.org or contact Megghan Honke Seidel. Winter 2019
Annual Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference Set for February
brief report on the latest findings in forage digestibility by Mike Van Amburgh of Cornell University. He will share the results of his research to improve the overall efficiency of the animal. After learning about forage digestibility, producers will have the opportunity to select from four breakout sessions featuring: • Industry experts and producers sharing their experiences in stretching feed with creative forage solutions. • The latest trends from Alfredo DiCostanzo of University of Minnesota in feed alternatives such as whey, as dry distillers grain and other byproducts become scarcer for dairy and beef producers. • New trends in technology and the tools offering the most bang for your buck, including everything you need to know about installing cameras for your protection and to help with transparency. • Ways to create a plan for transitioning the farm from generation to generation without the stress and angst. Roger Betz with MSU Extension will host a panel of producers who will share their transition successes and pitfalls, as well as the story of Brooks Farms in Wisconsin. The afternoon will wrap up with two concurrent sessions. The first will take producers on an exploration of the inner workings of the Breeze Dairy Group with Brian Gerrits. The second will highlight the latest in dairy beef markets, trends and feedlot closeouts for Holstein steers with Daniel Schaefer of the University of Wisconsin. The evening will conclude with a reception and exhibitor showcase. The conference continues Friday, Feb. 7, with Tom Overton of Cornell University, as he shares strategies to maximize milk income over feed costs, which is the herd metric most related Winter 2019
to overall farm profitability. The session will include results from business-focused farm discussion groups, detailing which factors contribute to improved income, as well as how to feed and manage cows to make sure herds are maximizing income over feed costs. Producers will then have an opportunity to learn the latest trends in respiratory disease, salmonella antibiotic resistance and techniques for monitoring calves for early detection, treatments and more to help keep calves healthy with Dr. Chelsea Holschbach, veterinarian, University of Wisconsin. Sarina Sharp of Daily Dairy Report will share updates on the milk and feed markets. Erica Rogers of MSU Extension, and Sylvia Heaton and Megan McMahon both of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy will present the newest information in manure management regulations and permits. The final general session on Friday will feature Jolene Brown, who has been dubbed agriculture's version of Dr. Phil. More than 30 years of working with farm families has taught her valuable lessons of what works – and what doesn't. In this session, she will address the most frequently asked family business questions and share five behaviors of successful legacy businesses. Producers will learn that it requires intentional work to make a good family business even better. Friday afternoon, producers will attend one of four educational workshops: • Tough Questions in Tough Situations – Jolene Brown Uh-oh! Here they come – consumer groups, the public, the media, government officials, urban friends. What’s the best way to answer their tough questions? Are the responses self-defending or public educating? Is it possible to do both and still respond? During this participatory session, producers will
practice preparing and listening, before responding to sample questions. Learn what makes "news" and the current hot topics for agriculture. Explore the top ten pet peeves of the media and why everyone in production agriculture must do their homework. There is tremendous value in being a true professional in the midst of challenge. • The Latest Recommendations in Building Design and Retrofits – Courtney Halbach, The Dairyland Initiative with the University of Wisconsin–Madison, School of Veterinary Medicine Learn how to implement the latest recommendations in barn design with a specific focus on stall design, ventilation and pen layouts to optimize cow well-being and performance. These concepts are applicable for all herd sizes, milking systems, and new and retrofit facilities. • Utilizing Livestock Manure with Growing Crops – Glen Arnold, The Ohio State University Glen Arnold will share results from research and production projects where corn was sidedressed with liquid manure through V4 stage of crop development to allow for extended application of manure and reduced needs for purchased nitrogen. Learn tips for success and examine the costs associated with tackling this type of application. • Transition Cow Management – Tom Overton, Cornell University The transition period continues to be the most important period of the lactation cycle with regard to cow health and establishing subsequent productivity and reproductive function. Hear the key nutritional and non-nutritional management strategies along with monitoring strategies for transition cow programs in dairy herds. The conference will also feature an continued on page 18 Michigan Dairy Cattle News 17
Annual Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference Set for February continued from page 17
informal preconference session hosted by the United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM) on Wednesday, Feb. 5, at 6:30 p.m. Hear an overview of the organization’s dairy promotional activities. Representatives from UDIM will share updates and answer attendees’ questions about UDIM programs. The meeting is free and open to anyone, including those not registered for the conference.
In addition to the exceptional educational sessions, attendees can connect with various agricultural companies and purchase heifers and cows through Kreeger and Associates GLRDC All Breeds Online Exchange on Thursday and Friday. The conference will close out on Saturday, Feb. 8, with the annual meetings of the Michigan Jersey and Michigan Holstein Associations, starting at 9 a.m.
Adult, student and farm registration options are available. Register by Jan. 26, 2020, to receive a discount of up to $25 a day. Online registration closes at midnight on Feb. 2, 2020. On-site registration is subject to availability. For more information about the conference or to register online, visit www.glrdc.org. To register by phone, call 517-884-7089.
Michigan Jersey Queen Steps Onto National Stage
Photos by Kyle Schafer 18 Michigan Dairy Cattle News
Michigan Jersey Queen Paige Remenar, St. Johns, stepped onto the national Jersey stage as she competed in the National Jersey Queen Contest at the recent North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, KY. According to the Michigan Jersey Queen Facebook page, she had some awesome experiences representing Michigan and received numerous compliments on her professionalism and charismatic personality. She loves those Jerseys! Winter 2019
�arly registra�on ends January 26!
Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference February 6-8, 2020
Join us at the Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference to connect with experts, farmers and others in the industry to gain knowledge on new tools, techniques and strategies to ensure your dairy thrives in the new decade and beyond. Breakout sessions inlcude: • Learn the state of the industry. What’s Next and what will it mean for you from Dr. David Kohl. • Brian Gerrits, CEO of Breeze Dairy Group will share a producer perspective on their unique thriving partnership and share concepts that you can apply to your farm.
Bavarian Inn and Conference Center Frankenmuth, Michigan
• Hear from producers and experts about ways to stretch feed and forage digestibility.
For More Information: www.glrdc.org 517-884-7089 honkemeg@msu.edu
• Explore how dairy beef feedlots may boost your bottom line and tips to make those feedlots the most profitable.
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Photo Credit: John Greig / Farmtario
• Tackle what’s new in calf care, transition cow management, designing buildings for everything from calves to cows, and manure management.
• Learn the trends in feed and milk markets and what strategies to employ to improve your bottomline including a closer look at income Winter 2019 over feed and butterfat management.
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Vassar Dairy Farmer Named 2019 MMPA Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator Novi, Mich.—James Weber of Vassar, Michigan, was selected as the state winning 2019 Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator (OYDC) by a panel of judges represented by leaders in the Great Lakes dairy industry. As the state winning cooperator, Weber will represent MMPA at various industry and association activities. Brad and Nicole Wren of Prescott, Michigan, were selected as the runner-up cooperators. Selection of the OYDC is based on the applicant’s farming operations, farm-related and community activities and demonstrated leadership abilities. Weber reopened his family’s farm, Weber Family Dairy, in 2015 where he currently milks 120 cows and farms 800 acres. He is a member of MMPA’s Frankenmuth Local in District 7.
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“I’m most excited to be the OYDC because it gives us a chance to represent MMPA. I’m looking forward to the industry contacts and the fellowship I’ll have with other members throughout the next year,” he said. “The OYDC program is a powerful tool for MMPA to encourage, educate and recognize our young dairy farmers while helping identify the future leaders of our cooperative.” Kris Wardin, MMPA board chairman, said. Wardin and his wife, Carla, were the MMPA OYDC in 2012. All MMPA OYDC finalists will be officially recognized at MMPA’s 104th Annual Meeting to be held March 2020 in Lansing, Michigan. 2019 Outstanding Young Cooperators Finalists (in alphabetical order): • Andrew and Rebecca Bahrman,
Skandia, Michigan • Eric and Brittany Carson, Hesperia, Michigan • Darren and Regina Coffey, Allegan, Michigan • Brian and Jill DeMann, Martin, Michigan • Jason Elenbaum, Mayville, Michigan • Jeremy Karsten, Posen, Michigan • Marie Marion, Saline, Michigan • James Weber, Vassar, Michigan • Ross Daniel Williams, Homer, Michigan • Brad and Nicole Wren, Prescott, Michigan
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Calendar of Events 2019
December 31: Nomination deadline for National Jersey Jug Futurity, with payment of fees.
2020
January 2: 2020 National Convention Delegate Ballots due to the Executive Secretary February 1: National Convention Delegate Election finalized February 6-8: Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference, Bavarian Inn, Frankenmuth, MI February 8: MJCC Annual Meeting, Bavarian Inn, Frankenmuth, MI February 8: MHA Annual Meeting, Bavarian Inn, Frankenmuth, MI February 10: Ad Deadline for MDCN Spring Issue March 20: Michigan Holstein Foundation Sale, MSU Livestock Pavilion, East Lansing, MI March 20-21: Michigan All-Breeds Show, MSU Livestock Pavilion, East Lansing, MI June 22-26: National Holstein Convention, Lancaster Marriott & Convention Center, Lancaster, PA
One More Thing...
Enter the 2020 Michigan Holstein Association photo contest! It’s easy. Send your high resolution color photo to Suzanne Tuttilia at michholstein1@gmail.com and the membership committee will pick a winner. Your photo will be featured in the Michigan Dairy Cattle News! Contact Suzanne for more details The MHA will again be hosting an all-breeds show on March 20-21, 2020 at the MSU Livestock Pavilion in East Lansing. The cows will show on Friday evening, after the Michigan Foundation Sale and the heifers will show on Saturday morning. Watch for entry blanks and more details on our MHA Facebook page and the spring issue of the MDCN.
2021
June 21-25: National Holstein Convention, Columbus, OH
2022
June 27 - July 1: National Holstein Convention, Sioux Falls, SD
Blackview Jerseys....................................................................... 24 Bovine Beautician.........................................................................7 Brenhaven Jerseys..................................................................... 22 Buell’s Bovines...............................................................................7 Dairy Agenda Today.................................................................. 21 GENEX.......................................................................................... 28 GLRDC......................................................................................... 19 Green Meadow Farms............................................................... 11 MHA Call to Meeting.....................................................................6 MJCC Call to Meeting....................................................................6 MMPA.............................................................................................2 Paul Wardin, DVM.........................................................................5 Pinnacle Genetics....................................................................... 23 Posey Creek Farm..........................................................................7 Prenger’s, Inc.................................................................................4 Rod-er-Dic Farm......................................................................... 27 ST Genetics.................................................................................. 25
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Like the Michigan Holstein Association and the Michigan Jersey Cattle Club Facebook pages so you can keep up to date with the activities in the state!
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Tomerton Holsteins......................................................................7 Wardin Brothers............................................................................7 Wonderbred Holsteins............................................................... 26
index to advertisers Winter 2019
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PROTECT YOUR FUTURE Keep calves warm and comfortable with LIFEJACKET™ calf coats. Available in four sizes to fit any calf.
888.333.1783 // www.genex.coop
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