Michigan Milk Messenger: September 2012

September 2012 Volume 95 Issue 3

Michigan Milk Messenger 1

June 2012 2012 22 September

September 2012

28

Contents

Volume 95 Issue 3 www.mimilk.com

Features

12

9

MMPA Members to Host 2012 World Dairy Expo ‘Virtual Farm Tour’

11 Wisconsin Opens Borders to Michigan Cattle Signaling

Additional Market for State’s Producers 12 Jamie Clover Adams Appointed MDARD Director

18

13 Michigan Dairy Expo ‘12 18 2012 OYDC Conference 20 2012 District Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperators 22 Dairy Promotion Focuses on Collaboration and Partnerships 24 MMPAC MythBusters 28 MSU Animal Science Educator Joe Domecq Receives

Dairy Industry’s Highest Youth Development Award 30 Mom Bloggers Experience a Day on a Dairy Farm 31 A Tribute to Lowell Allen

Departments

Managing Editor...................... Sheila Burkhardt Editors........................................... Laura Moser

............................................... Alex Henry Advertising Manager.............. Nancy Muszynski Circulation............................................... 4,200 An Equal Opportunity Employer – F/M/V/D Michigan Milk Messenger (USPS 345-320) is the official publication of Michigan Milk Producers Association, published monthly since June 1919.

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

41310 Bridge St. P.O. Box 8002 Novi, MI 48376-8002

Telephone: 248-474-6672 FAX: 248-474-0924 Periodical postage paid at Novi, MI and at additional offices.

MMPA Matters................................................ 5 Quality Watch.................................................. 6 News & Views.................................................. 8 Legislative Watch............................................ 10 Merchandise Memo........................................ 32 Freeliners........................................................ 34 Classifieds...................................................... 36 Policies........................................................... 37 Market Report................................................ 38 MMPA Lab Lines........................................... 39 MMPA Staff ................................................... 39

September 2012 Volume 95 Issue 3

On the Cover Courtney Heisler, daughter of MMPA members Ray and Kathy Heisler, was named Supreme Overall Showman at the Michigan Dairy Expo.

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

(ISSN 0026-2315) Michigan Milk Messenger 1

Michigan Milk Messenger 3

Michigan Milk Producers Association

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

Board of Directors

Officers President: Ken Nobis Vice President: Bob Kran Treasurer: Mark Halbert General Manager/Secretary: Clay Galarneau Ass’t. Treasurer: Joe Diglio General Counsel: David VanderHaagen

Mission Statement

“To market our members’ milk to the greatest advantage possible.”

Directors-At-Large Ken Nobis, St. Johns .........................989-224-6170

or 248-474-6672, ext. 201 Rodney Daniels, Whittemore.............989-756-4935 Mark Halbert, Battle Creek................269-964-0511 District Directors 1. Hank Choate, Cement City...........517-529-9032 2. Tim Hood, Paw Paw....................269-657-5771 4. Dan Javor, Hastings......................269-948-8345 5. Brent Wilson, Carson City............989-584-3481 6. Brad Ritter, Byron........................810-266-4091 7. James Reid, Jeddo........................810-327-6830 8. Leonard Brown, Sandusky............810-648-4505 10. Eric Frahm, Frankenmuth............989-652-3552 11. Bob Kran, Free Soil......................231-464-5889 12. John Kronemeyer, Pickford..........906-647-7638

Advisory Committee District One Brad Hart, Clayton Perry Cisco, Hudson Carlton Evans, Litchfield Glenn Preston, Quincy

517-445-2649 517-547-3231 517-398-0629 517-639-4182

District Six John Hufnagel, Westphalia Anthony Jandernoa, St. Johns Aaron Gasper, Lowell David Reed, Owosso

989-640-1394 989-593-2224 616-897-2747 989-723-8635

District Two Donald Bever, Delton Francis Burr, Mendon Richard Thomas, Middlebury, IN Susan Troyer, Goshen, IN

269-671-5050 269-778-3552 574-825-5198 574-533-4506

District Four David Bivens, Bellevue Jeff Butler, Nashville Mark Crandall, Battle Creek David Lott, Mason

269-758-3980 517-852-1859 269-660-2229 517-676-4593

District Five Tom Jeppesen, Stanton Bill Jernstadt, Big Rapids Robert Lee, Marion Mike Rasmussen, Edmore

4 September 2012

989-762-5399 231-796-4650 231-743-6794 989-762-5380

District Ten John Bennett, Prescott Rod Fowler, Chesaning Scott Kleinhardt, Clare Ken Daniels, Sterling

989-345-4264 989-845-6131 989-386-8037 989-654-2546

District Eleven District Seven Bill Blumerich, Berlin Pat Bolday, Emmett Scott Lamb, Jeddo Chuck White, Fowlerville

810-395-2926 810-395-7139 810-327-6135 517-521-3564

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

Jim Good, Caledonia Frank Konkel, Hesperia David Pyle, Zeeland Bill Stakenas, Free Soil

616-891-1414 231-854-8041 616-772-1512 231-757-9340

District Twelve Robert Barron, Gladstone Ron Lucas, Posen Corby Werth, Alpena Jeremy Werth, Alpena

906-786-7027 989-379-4694 989-379-3772 989-464-4022

MMPA Matters

By Ken Nobis President

Vote “Yes” to Continue the Michigan Dairy Checkoff

S

ince this is an election year, it should come as no surprise that I would write at least one column about the responsibility of each of us to cast a ballot. What might be a surprise is that my first plea for you to vote has nothing to do with national, state or local politics. The first vote I’m asking you to make is to vote “yes” to continue the Michigan Dairy checkoff. This is one vote that doesn’t add another deduction to your milk check but does increase the total dollars in your check.

Voting “yes” doesn’t increase the deduction for the dairy checkoff, because the Dairy and Tobacco Adjustment Act of 1983 (federal legislation) mandates that every dairy producer in the United States contribute 15 cents per hundredweight of milk sold to fund dairy promotion and research. What a “yes” vote does accomplish is that it allows us to retain 10 of the 15 cents collected in Michigan. The program is known officially as the Michigan Dairy Market Program and operates under Public Act 232 of 1965, the Agricultural Commodities Marketing Act. The guidelines for operation of the fund that are spelled out in that statute include a requirement that the Michigan Dairy Market Program hold a referendum every five years, and 2012 is the fifth year of the cycle.

A Michigan Dairy Market Program Committee is also required, with the members selected by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Michigan Senate for three-year terms. The Committee members must be dairy producers.

At least two nominees must be presented to the Governor for each seat that is open, and the Governor

can select only one of the nominees presented. This Committee, which is made up of 13 members, has selected United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM) to develop and carry out programming, but it retains budgetary control over those programs.

Michigan’s program plays a key role in the success of the Michigan dairy industry, even though it goes unnoticed in the day-to-day activities of most producers. The goal of UDIM has not changed over the years, and that goal is to build demand for dairy products by providing dairy product promotion and nutrition education services. The staff of UDIM has gone about their duties quietly and very efficiently for many years. The path taken to reach that end has changed on occasion over time, though, as society has changed. For example, as consumers have become more distanced from production agriculture, UDIM has increased the focus on dairy image.

It has provided media training to producers, veterinarians, dieticians, health care professionals and others to help them effectively present the truth when activists present falsehoods about animal care, farm life, the nutritional profile of dairy foods and many more issues.

Over the years, UDIM has established numerous partnerships with health agencies, state agencies and leaders in the field of education. Relationships that include the Michigan Department of Community Health and the Michigan Department of Education promote programs such as school breakfasts and fighting childhood obesity by including dairy as part of a healthy diet along with getting 60 minutes of

physical activity every day. UDIM continues to lead school health and wellness initiatives, playing a part in the development of school food standards that recognize the value of dairy in good nutrition.

These are only a few of the many activities and responsibilities handled

by UDIM. As a member of the Dairy Market Program Committee, I have had the opportunity to witness firsthand how UDIM operates. If you have not personally experienced what UDIM accomplishes, take a look at www.udim.org, or call me (or any MMPA board member or staff member) for more information about the value that is added to our product by this responsible organization.

Keep an eye open when your mail carrier comes around next month. The ballots will be mailed by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) on October 5. The return envelope must be postmarked no later than October 19. For a successful result, we need more than 50 percent of the ballots returned with a “yes” vote, plus the “yes” votes must make up greater than 50 percent of the volume of milk represented in the returned ballots. In other words, your vote counts!

The national, state and local elections are very important to our country, but before you have the opportunity to vote in November, please be sure to vote in October.

This referendum vote is crucial to the success of the Michigan dairy industry and to each individual dairy producer because nobody does a better job of covering all the bases for successful dairy promotion than the Michigan Dairy Market Program and UDIM.

Michigan Milk Messenger 5

Quality Watch

By Dean LetterLetter

By Dean Director of Member Services MMPA Manager of Producer Testing and Herd Health Programs

Member Services Expanding Sustainability Services

I

n the August issue of the Michigan Milk Messenger, I briefly wrote about the increasing trend toward adopting sustainable practices. As you know, Michigan Milk Producers Association is committed to a robust sustainability initiative emphasizing responsible care of our environment and animals, community involvement as well as economic viability for this and future generations.

As a result of this commitment, MMPA recently hired two additional member representatives, Emily Butcher and Lindsay Santure.

They are currently in training and are expected to attain their initial certifications by November. At that time, they will start serving members in their respective areas: Emily will work out of the Goshen, Ind. area and Lindsay will work out of the St. Johns area.

The inside back cover of this month’s issue of the Messenger reflects these and other immediate staffing changes. MMPA closed its Marlette office. Currently Mike Marvin is directing most of his time toward performing energy efficiency audits. Kristin Rawlings will perform her current duties out of the St. Louis office while Drew Rupprecht will work out of the Coldwater office. These changes are centered on increasing the level of service we provide to our members while reducing expenses in brick and mortar.

After Emily and Lindsay complete their training later this

6 September 2012

fall, some member representatives’ workloads will be adjusted to redirect resources toward performing additional energy efficiency audits and milking systems and CIP analysis.

MMPA will also continue to encourage members to enroll in the National Dairy FARM Program.

MMPA’s goal is to have at least 80 percent of its milk supply enrolled in the program by the end of this year.

With so many changes to the Member Services Department, it’s always a good idea to go back and review our day-to-day service offerings. After all, we’re here to serve you and help our members produce quality, wholesome milk while minimizing their input costs and impact on the environment.

Here’s a quick recap of just a few of our services:

More and more members are requesting an energy audit for their operation. MMPA auditors are trained and certified to provide tier II energy audits through Michigan State University. Tier II audits evaluate energy-consuming components of a farming operation in more detail than tier I audits.

The auditors will provide options to increase energy efficiency.

Anticipated costs and resulting energy savings are computed for an anticipated payback period to help determine if the options make sense for the farming operation.

These audits may qualify farms for incentives from the United

States Department of Agriculture to help incorporate energy saving technologies; farms getting tier II audits conducted by MSU certified auditors may also qualify for incentives from their energy supplier. (Note: Not all energy suppliers offer incentives. Check with your provider for potential savings.)

For several years now, MMPA has provided its members with milking system evaluations based on National Mastitis Council protocols. Members choosing to utilize this service get an unbiased opinion based on years of training. MMPA milking systems specialists provide a written report documenting system deficiencies (if any) with a reasoned approach to correcting these deficiencies. This service is divided into two parts: static and dynamic.

The static testing is performed while the milking system is idling (not milking). The pulsator performance, vacuum level and stability and air flow are measured and compared to generally accepted industry guidelines.

The dynamic testing is performed at milking time. The milk cluster vacuum level and stability are measured to assure a quick and gentle milk-out for the cow. But it doesn’t stop there as we all know that the operator is key to system milkability. Operators that fail to provide adequate stimulation for oxytocin release or an appropriate lag time to allow the cow to “let Continued on page 9

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News & Views The latest dairy news

Milk Prices Up, Cow Numbers and Production Down From June

The July Class III milk price is up $1.05 from the previous month, settling at $16.68 per hundredweight. The Class IV price is up $1.21 from June, rising to $14.45. USDA July Production .

Report shows both cow numbers milk production continued and their downward trend. July milk production stands at 16.6 billion pounds in the U.S., a 3.6 percent decrease vs. June and just 0.7 percent higher than year-earlier levels on a daily average basis.

In the past two months, reductions in the size of the milk herd have driven U.S. milk production gains lower, leaving year-to-date 2012 production only 2.7 percent higher than 2011, less than the 3.5 percent year-over-year increases of only two months ago.

Wardins Named 2012 MMPA OYDC

Kris and Carla Wardin of St. Johns, have been named MMPA’s 2012 Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperators, rising to the top of MMPA’s best young members. The Wardins were selected by a panel of three industry expert judges after the annual OYDC Conference held August 16-17 in Novi. They represent MMPA District 6 and the Mid-Michigan Local. As MMPA OYDC, they will represent MMPA at several state and national

8 September 2012

events including the National Milk Producers Federation Annual Meeting in Florida in October.

2nd place in the unsalted butter and 2nd place in the nonfat dried milk categories.

Josh and Lesley Lott of Mason were named the 2012 OYDC Runners-up. The Lotts represent MMPA District 4 and the Ingham County Local.

This year’s contest, sponsored by the Wisconsin Dairy Products Assn. (WDPA), received hundreds of entries in 78 product classes including cheese, butter, fluid milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, ice cream, sour cream, sherbet, cultured milk, sour cream dips, whipping cream, dried whey and creative/innovative products from throughout the United States. In its tenth year, the contest continues to grow.

On October 2, the contest’s auction will be held at World Dairy Expo in Madison, at which time all category 1st place winners will be auctioned off. A portion of the proceeds from the October 2 contest auction will be used to fund the Dr. Robert Bradley Scholarship Fund.

This scholarship will be awarded annually to a deserving student pursuing a career in the dairy industry.

Highlights of the OYDC Conference appear on page 18 and 19 of this issue. Watch for stories about the Wardins and Lotts in the October issue of the Messenger.

All the 2012 District OYDC representatives will be featured in upcoming issues of the Messenger.

MMPA’s Constantine and Ovid Processing Plants Take Home Top World Dairy Expo Awards Just the second year submitting entries to the World Dairy Expo Championship Dairy Product Contest, the MMPA Constantine and Ovid Plants were awarded three first place, two second place and one third place awards.

The Constantine Plant received 1st place in the unsalted butter (back-to-back winner), 1st place in the unsalted butter with natural flavor and 3rd place in the unsalted butter with natural flavors categories. The Ovid Plant earned a 1st place in the whipping cream,

Congratulations to our plants and our high-quality-milk-producing members!

Upcoming Events September 27

MMPA Advisory Committee Meeting - Novi

MMPA Members to Host 2012 World Dairy Expo ‘Virtual Farm Tour’

R

yan and Charina Dellar are one of eight farms dairy producers attending this year’s World Dairy Expo will be able to visit– all without leaving Madison, Wis.

Since 2001, World Dairy Expo’s Virtual Farm Tours have become a producer favorite, allowing participants to visit a variety of dairies from around the U.S. without leaving the show.

Virtual Farm Tours will focus on

a variety of management topics including optimizing nutrition, environmental stewardship, genomic testing and mating decisions, financial management, unique marketing, automation, expansion and milk quality.

The free tours will be presented daily, Oct. 2-6 and will include a half-hour pictorial overview of

Quality Watch continued from page 6 down” her milk, can easily render the most expensive milking system underutilized in terms of speed and gentleness. As part of dynamic testing, MMPA evaluates how the operator interfaces with cows and the milking system to see if adjustments to the milking routine would yield improved system performance and milk quality.

MMPA members can also request a CIP (clean-in-place) analysis to assure their milking system and bulk tanks are cleaned effectively and efficiently. Water volumes and temperatures are checked at various points in the cleaning cycle to verify that they meet the requirements of the cleaning chemicals and the equipment to be cleaned.

Chemical usage is measured and chemical concentrations are checked to assure proper strength

the operation and outstanding management practices as well as time for questions and discussion.

The presentations will be available for viewing on World Dairy Expo’s website after the show.

The Dellar’s tour will take place on Saturday, Oct. 6 at noon and will highlight their 235 cow herd with a rolling herd average of 30,000 and a somatic cell count of just 43,000.

The American Jersey Cattle Association, Kansas Department of Agriculture, Lely USA, Pioneer, PortaCheck, Inc., Quality Liquid Feeds, Inc., Semex and StewartPeterson, Inc. are sponsors of the 2012 Virtual Farm Tours.

Producers scoring 95 percent or more on Grade A Surveys and Federal Check Rating MMPA Ovid West June 2012

for effective cleaning. In some cases, the milking systems specialist can offer options to decrease the cost per wash or address special cleaning challenges. In the course of checking water temperatures and chemical concentrations, the milking systems specialist will monitor water flow and perform a wash “slug” analysis when appropriate to assure that the wash solution is making full contact with all milk contact surfaces sufficiently to remove all milk soil.

MMPA continues to evaluate the services provided to members.

From time to time, changes will be made to improve the level of services provided as we strengthen our commitment to sustainability.

Members desiring any of these services may contact their member representative or the Novi office.

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Michigan Milk Messenger 9

Legislative Watch Issues important to today’s dairy farmers

NMPF Asks Members of Congress to Meet with Dairy Farmers During August Recess to Discuss Need to Pass New Farm Bill

T

he National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) is asking members of Congress, as they return home for the August congressional recess, to meet with struggling dairy farmers in their districts to discuss the perilous economic conditions affecting farmers, and the urgent need for Congress to pass a new farm bill yet in 2012.

“NMPF believes this type of one-on-one dialogue will enable members in both the House and the Senate to see firsthand the need for passing a five-year farm bill, including the vital reforms to the nation’s dairy policy in the form of the Dairy Security Act (DSA),” said NMPF President and CEO Jerry Kozak.

“We hope that Members of Congress will take time to visit local dairy farms to experience up-close the challenges dairy farmers are facing and understand

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why it is so imperative to pass a five-year farm bill which includes a better safety net for farmers,” Kozak said. “We are approaching a crisis comparable to or worse than that of 2009, when dairy farmers lost $20 billion in equity and thousands of farmers went out of business.”

“When you factor in additional operating costs, such as labor and energy costs, on top of the sky-high price of feed caused by the ongoing drought, dairy farmers are currently selling their milk for far less than the cost of production,” said Kozak. “The Dairy Security Act would give producers and their bankers the assurances they need to continue their operations through these tough times.”

Kozak said that farmers themselves should take this message to their elected officials while they are on break, with the hope that Congress can be spurred to action after Labor Day. “We applaud the pledge from Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and House Agriculture Committee Chairman Frank Lucas (R-OK), and Ranking Members Pat Roberts (R-KS) and Collin Peterson (D-MN), to continue their push for full passage of a comprehensive, five-year farm bill after the August recess. NMPF will continue to stand behind our agricultural leaders in this effort to pass a five-year farm bill this year.”

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Governor Snyder made a stop at the Antrim County fairgrounds last month. MMPA member, Marvin Rubingh (l) and Member Representative Preston Cole (r) had the chance to visit with the governor during his visit.

10 September 2012

Wisconsin Opens Borders to Michigan Cattle Signaling Additional Market for State’s Producers

M

ichigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Director Jamie Clover Adams announced in August that Wisconsin will recognize Michigan’s recent bovine Tuberculosis (TB) Split State Status achievement from the United States Department of Agriculture, reopening market opportunities for Michigan’s 17,000 cattle farmers.

Feeder cattle from Michigan’s TBFree Zone will need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection with complete physical destination address required, must have official identification and may enter the State of Wisconsin as long as they are not involved in any TB-positive or exposed herd investigations.

Rules for the different zones are listed on Wisconsin’s website: http://datcp. wi.gov/Animals/Animal_Movement/ Cattle_Bison/Michigan/index.aspx

Additional information about Michigan’s bovine TB eradication efforts may be found at: www.michigan.gov/ emergingdiseases.

“Our mandatory electronic identification is, and was, critical to Wisconsin’s decision to amend their importation rules,” said MDARD Director Jamie Clover Adams. “For the first time since we began our bovine TB eradication efforts, Wisconsin acknowledges the difference in zones.

This translates into more market opportunities to sell Michigan beef and continues to grow the economic footprint for our food and agriculture system.”

On August 1, 2012, the State of Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection informed MDARD’s State Veterinarian Dr. Steven L. Halstead of new importation rules acknowledging Michigan’s split state status. Wisconsin now recognizes two bovine TB Zones in the State of Michigan.

“This is an important step forward,” said Dr. Halstead. “Michigan has worked very hard to preserve the value of its cattle herd and to protect trade partners from bovine TB. This represents recognition of this hard work.”

Bovine from the Modified Accredited Zone (MAZ) and the Modified Accredited Advanced Zone (MAAZ) fall under the same zonal rules for Wisconsin and may enter Wisconsin for exhibition as long as they follow all of the rules established by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection.

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Wisconsin will not allow bison or cattle from Michigan’s federal TB MAZ (Alcona, Alpena, Montmorency and Oscoda counties) or MAAZ (Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Montmorency, Otsego and Presque Isle counties) to be sold at a consignment sale or auction, but they may go to approved feedlots if they meet the testing requirements.

Michigan Milk Messenger 11

Jamie Clover Adams Appointed MDARD Director

T

he path from Ionia County 4-H member to Director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) wasn’t as easy as simply traveling down I-96 into Lansing for Jamie Clover Adams. The twists and turns of her career gave her unique experiences that brought her back to Michigan with a wealth of knowledge to lead the department.

Clover Adams first step onto the path of public policy began at the University of Michigan where she studied political science and history.

From there her career and education took her to Washington, D.C. where she worked as an aide for U.S. Rep. Phil Crane. During her time in D.C., Clover Adams held a variety of positions including a stint with the American Feed Industry Association.

She also earned a master’s degree from Georgetown University while in D.C.

“It may not seem like a normal course for a kid who loved showing livestock to take, but through all of it, I kept my eye on agriculture issues,” Clover Adams says.

This past June in a shuffling of department leadership, Governor Snyder appointed Clover Adams as director of MDARD while at the same time moving Keith Creagh to the Department of Natural Resources.

“Michigan’s food and agriculture industry is one of the most important to our state’s economy, and Jamie has the experience, knowledge and skills to provide the necessary leadership to assure Michigan food and agriculture continues to play a prominent role in our state’s economic recovery.

She will be an excellent director for MDARD,” Governor Snyder said in a press release announcing the changes in leadership.

Michigan marks the second state that Clover Adams has served 12 September 2012

in a key ag leadership role. In 1999, she was appointed to serve as the Kansas Secretary of Agriculture. She held that position for three and a half years before returning to Michigan.

Clover Adams moved to Kansas when her husband, a combat war veteran, was stationed in Ft. Riley, Kansas. In the early 2000s, the Adams’ decided to move closer to her family in Michigan.

Upon returning to Michigan she once again entered the public policy sector, under-then Majority Leader Ken Sikkema.

“I have served agriculture through government public service in one way or another my entire career,” Clover Adams says. “It may not have been the traditional route that many farm kids take, but it has given me a unique perspective in the different positions I have had.

There are so many policies handled in Washington that affect farmers.

I was always thinking about how a particular policy may affect farmers and agriculture as a whole.”

Leading MDARD under the Snyder Administration is a role Clover Adams feels fortunate to have captured. “Governor Snyder sees the potential of agriculture and believes in it and that makes our job easier.

Keith (Creagh) and Dan (Wyant) both have experience in food and agriculture and we have known each other for nearly a decade, so it puts us in a very favorable position.”

Going forward in her new position, Clover Adams hopes to continue to enhance many of the objectives recently put forth in the department including bolstering exports from Michigan, increasing

access to healthy foods and increasing MAEAP verifications.

On the dairy side, Clover Adams’ first objective is to have a full slate of dairy inspectors in place by the first of the year. “When we look at the impact dairy has not only in the ag sector but across the state’s economy, we see the importance of keeping a strong dairy industry here in Michigan. We know dairy is important in ag, but it is also 4 percent of the total state GSP (gross state product) – that is significant and we need to support it as much as we can.”

Clover Adams is quick to mention that while there is a change in the director, the department still has the same staff members working each day to move the department forward. She hopes to facilitate and provide the encouragement needed to meet the department goals.

“We have a lot of talented and dedicated employees in the department. They will remain as the same team – a good team. My goal is to help them do the things they need to do. I am honored to serve the people of Michigan,” Clover Adams said. “We will strive to double our exports, work to significantly increase farm verifications and help grow the value chain from farm to fork.”

T

he 2012 Michigan Dairy Expo celebrated its crystal (15-year) anniversary July 16-20 at the MSU Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock Education.

Hosting over 300 4-H youth and 400 dairy animals for five days of fun and education, this year’s event set new records. And not just with its threedigit temperatures.

The bidding heated up at the 4th annual Michigan Livestock Expo Sale-abration auction on July 17 as the sale of dairy product baskets representing the dairy lots garnered $34,600 – $1,600 more than last year.

The owners of the Supreme Dairy Cow (Lucas Moser) and Supreme Champion Heifer (Parker Hardy) as well as the Supreme Champion Showperson (Courtney Heisler) each received $1,000 of their basket’s revenue with the remaining contributions deposited in the statewide dairy youth fund of the Michigan Youth Livestock Scholarship Fund. The Grand Champion Cheese exhibited

by Cowslip Creamery was also auctioned off at the sale.

Calhoun County resident and Supreme Champion Showman Courtney Heisler reflected on the Sale-abration and Dairy Expo detailing the true passion fueling Michigan’s dairy youth, “Growing up on a farm provides many experiences including the opportunity to show cattle for my family farm in many different places all over the nation, participate in my local 4-H club and take a week off each summer to show at Dairy Days in East Lansing (by far my favorite)! I get the chance to meet great people and show my animal to the best of my ability. I love agriculture and the supportive dairy

community! It has led me to where I am now.”

But the Sale-abration was only one part of the busy week. Youth competed in the dairy management contest on Monday, testing their hands-on knowledge of dairy care from breed identification to product labels, feedstock classification to withdrawal times. Seven hours of showmanship and judging classes kept the show arena hopping on Tuesday before the Sale-abration event.

On Wednesday, youth practiced their evaluation and speaking skills, ranking and giving oral reasons for multiple classes of dairy animals in the intensely competitive dairy judging contest. This year’s contest was especially tight with one point separating first and second as well as second and third place in the senior division.

Participants showcased their dairy knowledge and reflexes on Thursday competing in the Jeopardystyle dairy quiz bowl. The week rounded out with the open and state breed shows on Friday. Check out the top 4-H finishers in each category on the next page.

While placing at the top of any of these categories is impressive,

some dairy youth rise above the rest and are awarded Overall Dairy Youth 4-H Dairy Days High Rank Awards for combined high totals in three of the four contest categories: dairy management, showmanship, dairy judging and dairy quiz bowl. A top and runner-up in the senior division (ages 15-19) and junior division (9-14) are named at the 4-H Dairy Awards Banquet on Thursday night.

This year’s top senior division finisher, Lucas Moser of Dansville, and junior division finisher, Allison Schafer of Westphalia, received a $1,000 cash prize. Second place overall finishers received a $750 cash prize and included T.J. Frahm of Frankenmuth in the senior division and brother Lance Frahm (also of Frankenmuth) in the junior division.

Top junior division finisher Allison Schafer of Clinton County emphasized that the week-long dairy extravaganza is just the beginning of many participant’s future in dairy, saying, “Dairy Days is so much fun because there are so many new people to meet! I love showing my animals and am really proud of them when I’m out in the ring. Plus, it’s a way for me to get my name out there as I start raising my own herd.”

Continued on page 14

Michigan Milk Messenger 13

Senior Division: Bryce Frahm (Saginaw Co.); C.J. Shearer (Ottawa Co.); T.J. Frahm (Saginaw County); Megan Filhart (Isabella Co.); and Aaron Damveld (Allegan Co.).

Junior Division: Allison Schafer (Clinton Co.); Joshua Markel (Clinton Co.); Miriah Dershem (Clinton Co.); Forrest Nash (Clinton Co.); and Carmen Hicks (Clinton Co.).

Novice Division: Connor Nugent (Kent Co.); Katrina Tucker (Allegan Co.); Catie Theisen (Isabella Co.); Jake Nugent (Kent Co.); and Hannah Woodwyk (Ottawa Co.).

Senior Division Winning Teams: First Place: Allegan County (Team B), members: Shelby Berens, Zeke Davies, Allie Elzinga and Isaac Elzinga.

Second Place: Saginaw and Shiawassee County combined team, members: Gabe Bennett (Shiawassee Co.); Bryce Frahm (Saginaw Co.); T.J. Frahm (Saginaw Co.); and Kayla Thayer (Shiawassee Co.).

Third Place: Allegan and Eaton County combined team, members: C.J. Berens (Allegan Co.); Ryan Hall (Eaton Co.); Cole Wixom (Allegan Co.); and Marshall Wixom (Allegan Co.).

Junior Division Winning Teams: First Place: Clinton County (Team A), members: Miriah Dershem, Joshua Markel, Forrest Nash and Allison Schafer.

Second Place: Clinton County (Team B), members: Abigail Butcher, Cameron Cook, Carmen Hicks and Jessie Nash.

Third Place: Hillsdale County, members: Alexis Bowman, Lila Howell and Kathryn Hull.

Novice Division Winning Teams: First Place: Allegan County (Team B), members: MaKenna Davies, Shannon Good, Katrina Tucker and Trace Wixom.

Second Place: Clinton County, members: Ian Black, Dakota Dershem, Devon Kora and Josie Nash.

Third Place: Kent County (Team A), members: Will Link, Elise Marshall, Nikki Nugent and Keegan Nugent.

Senior Division Top 10 Individuals: Lucas Moser (Ingham Co.); Garrett Slavik (Gratiot Co.); Megan Filhart (Isabella Co.); Kailey Sweers (Ingham Co.); T.J. Frahm (Saginaw Co.); Zeke Breuninger (Washtenaw Co.); Hayleigh Geurink (Ottawa Co.); Jay Luoma (Calhoun Co.); Kelvin Webster (Clinton Co.); and Natalie Horning (Washtenaw Co.).

14 September 2012

Junior Division Top 10 Individuals: Allison Schafer (Clinton Co.); Lance Frahm (Saginaw Co.); Jenna Beeker (St. Joseph Co.); Cassidy Polzin (Washtenaw Co.); Tyler Fuhrman (Shiawassee Co.); Amanda Breuninger (Washtenaw Co.); Eric Moser (Ingham Co.); Dakota Place (Shiawassee Co.); Mariah Stitt (Newaygo Co.); and Cameron Cook (Clinton Co.).

Novice Division Top 10 Individuals: Jake Nugent (Kent Co.); Josie Nash (Clinton Co.); Keith Schafer (Clinton Co.); Margaret Bryant (Isabella Co.); Ian Black (Clinton Co.); Mason Huskey (Shiawassee Co.); MaKenna Thelen (Clinton Co.); Clarissa Hirsch (Kent Co.); Catie Thiesen (Isabella Co.); and Elise Marshall (Kent Co.).

Supreme Champion Showman: Courtney Heisler (Calhoun Co.) Winners of the individual classes, divided by age, were: Division 1: Lucas Crabtree (Hillsdale Co.) Division 2: Shannon Good (Kent Co.) Division 3: Ian Black (Clinton Co.) Division 4: Kylie Slavik (Gratiot Co.) Division 5: Chelsea Barnes (Ottawa Co.) Division 6: Daniel Remenar (Clinton Co.) Division 7: Miriah Dershem (Clinton Co.) Division 8: Morgan Luoma (Calhoun Co.) Division 9: Abigail Butcher (Clinton Co.) Division 10: Courtney Heisler (Calhoun Co.) Division 11: Lucas Moser (Ingham Co.) Division 12: Kailey Sweers (Ingham Co.)

Michigan Milk Messenger 15

16 September 2012

Michigan Milk Messenger 17

2012 OYDC Conference:

Getting the Story Behind The Milk Checks

T

he 2012 MMPA District Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperators (OYDCs) attended the 62nd annual OYDC Conference August 16-17 at the MMPA headquarters in Novi. Eighteen of the cooperative’s young members were exposed to the role and day-to-day operations of MMPA during the twoday conference. The program focused on the coordination, marketing and teamwork required to get milk from the farm to the end customer.

Speakers covered topics ranging from milk pricing to laboratory milk testing, member services to accounting practices, giving the young cooperators a behind-thescenes look at the co-op. This year’s group of District OYDCs actively engaged with MMPA staff, asking thoughtful questions while touring the Novi lab and office building, and listening to presentations from MMPA General Manager Clay Galarneau, Director of Member Services Dean Letter and President Ken Nobis.

“The conference is an eyeopening experience. It’s amazing to see what goes into getting you your

milk check each month. Plus it offers the chance to get other’s opinions and best practices,” comments Chad and Amanda Outman, District 5 OYDC.

The OYDC Conference’s goal is to foster two-way communication, emphasizing the services and commitment MMPA offers to members. By giving the participants a chance to learn more about the coop’s operations and ask questions, MMPA hopes young cooperators (YCs) feel a closer, more personal connection to their cooperative.

Consequently, the YCs offer invaluable feedback on how MMPA can better serve its members.

“For some of us, it might seem like MMPA’s only involvement in our farms is writing the milk check.

The OYDC Conference gives our members a hands-on chance to experience all the steps in the milk marketing process and meet the people responsible for making sure we have a constant market and payment for our milk,” MMPA President Ken Nobis commented.

“It’s easy to take the guarantees of the co-op for granted until our members actually see what we’re

doing on a daily basis to help them produce and market high-quality, high-value products. That’s why the OYDC program is so important to the future of MMPA.”

The 2011 OYDC Jeremy and Jody Sharrard of Peck, Mich. hosted the two-day conference, putting the somewhat nervous District OYDCs at ease. The Sharrards highlighted their experience throughout the process and explained all the exciting things they’ve experienced as MMPA OYDC this past year.

Each district nominated one young dairy cooperator during the local meeting season to represent their area at the OYDC Conference.

District OYDCs fill out an application and attend the conference for further interviews, introductions and industry knowledge questions.

A panel of judges evaluated the candidates’ knowledge of dairy issues, farm management skills and community involvement and visited the top four farms, selecting this year’s winner and runner-up. This year’s judges were: MSU academic specialist in the Department of

MMPA’s 2012 District Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperators. Pictured (l-r) Margie Weiss, Josh and Lesley Lott, Chad and Amanda Outman, Ty and Tammy Spicher, Frank and Jennifer Keller, Randy and Emily Berens, Jason and Katie Dellar, Kris and Carla Wardin, Jeff and Courtney Reid, Rosemary Rice, Jeremy and Jody Sharrard.

18 September 2012

Animal Science Dr. Elizabeth Karcher, MMPA Board Member Butch Brown and 2004 OYDC Jeff Horning.

The judges stressed that this year’s decision was anything but easy. After much deliberation and detailed farm visits, they selected Kris and Carla Wardin from St. Johns as the 2012 MMPA OYDC. The Wardins represent District 6 and the Mid-Michigan Local. As MMPA’s OYDCs, the couple will represent the cooperative at various activities including the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) Annual Meeting in October.

This year’s OYDC runners-up are Josh and Lesley Lott of Mason representing District 4 and the Ingham County Local. As runnersup, they too will represent MMPA at the NMPF Annual Meeting.

While at the Novi office, the OYDCs toured the office and the lab.

Rosemary Rice, District 8, introduces herself to the other YCs.

Watch for feature stories on the Wardins and Lotts in the October Messenger. All of the 2012 District OYDCs will be featured in future issues of the Messenger.

The 2011 and 2012 OYDC winners and runners-up will work in tandem to plan MMPA’s annual Young Cooperator (YC) Dairy Leadership Conference. Young cooperators should mark April 12, 2013 on their calendars and plan on attending the 2013 conference at the Bavarian Lodge in Frankenmuth. It’s open to all dairy farmers age 21-40 who wish to learn more about the issues and concerns facing today’s young dairy farmers.

For more information on MMPA’s OYDC program or the YC Conference, please contact your District’s board member or Sheila Burkhardt at 248-474-6672 ext. 208.

Frank and Jennifer Keller, District 1, talk about their farm and family during the YCs introduction.

Dean Letter explains how the Member Services Department keeps track of member information.

Randy and Emily Berens, District 11, listened to the speakers during the OYDC conference.

2011 OYDCs Jeremy and Jody Sharrard chaired this year’s OYDC event.

Michigan Milk Messenger 19

2012 District Outstanding Young D

Conference hosts

Jody and Jeremy Sharrard 2011 OYDCs

District 7

Jeff and Courtney Reid St. Clair-Macomb Local

20 September 2012

District 1

District 2

Frank and Jennifer Keller Hillsdale-Litchfield Local

Ty and Tammy Spicher Kalamazoo Local

District 8

District 10

Rosemary Rice Bad Axe Local

Margie Weiss Frankenmuth Local

Dairy Cooperators

District 4

Josh and Lesley Lott Ingham County Local

District 5

Chad and Amanda Outman Evart Local

District 6

Kris and Carla Wardin Mid-Michigan Local

Conference judges: Butch Brown, Jeff Horning and Dr. Elizabeth Karcher

District 11

Randy and Emily Berens West Michigan Local

District 12

Jason and Katie Dellar Hillman Local

Michigan Milk Messenger 21

Dairy Promotion Focuses on Collaboration and Partnerships United Dairy Industry of Michigan’s (UDIM) dairy promotion efforts continue to communicate and demonstrate the importance of consuming three servings of dairy, as part of a healthy diet, to Michigan consumers. Through innovative programs and strong partnerships with schools, health professionals, media, retailers and allied industry, UDIM’s dairy promotion programs continue to drive increased sales of and demand for dairy products and ingredients in Michigan.

These long-standing relationships and continued partnerships are an important asset in building and maintaining a positive image, and help increase consumer confidence in dairy products.

UDIM Program Update Crisis preparedness roundtable

In May 2012, UDIM staff led a Foot-and-Mouth Disease crisis preparedness roundtable of more than 22 state agency communicators and industry stakeholders to help better understand and develop a statewide emergency communication process.

Media training and building relationships with third-party experts

In February 2012, UDIM hosted media training for 17 food safety experts preparing them to handle tough questions and media scrutiny while effectively conveying the facts about Michigan dairy and agriculture.

The UDIM-spearheaded Michigan Dairy News Bureau Spokesperson Network continues to grow and now numbers over 95 third-party experts trained and ready to speak on behalf of the dairy industry. This includes 35 dairy farmers, 32 dairy veterinarians, 10 registered dietitians, three family physicians and 17 food safety experts.

Chocolate milk promotions across Michigan

Thanks to dairy farmers’ investment in promotion, many more health-conscious individuals understand and experience the science behind choosing chocolate milk after exercise.

RunHard. DrinkSmart.

UDIM is delivering chocolate milk research and messaging at 16 road races across Michigan in 2012 and will provide chocolate milk as a refuel drink for an estimated 50,000 participants at the finish line.

UDIM awards 50 Chocolate Milk: Nature’s Sports Drink grants

UDIM awarded 50 high schools around the state “Chocolate Milk: Nature’s Sports Drink” grants. High school 22 September 2012

sports teams will use the funding to purchase chocolate milk for their teams to drink after games and practices so all their athletes can experience firsthand the nutritional benefits of chocolate milk as an ideal re-hydration beverage.

College athletes fueling workouts with milk

Athletes at both Michigan State University and Central Michigan University understand the science behind refueling with chocolate milk and adding it to their post-workout plan. UDIM has partnered with both universities to make sure athletes have access to and enjoy the taste and benefit of chocolate milk after workouts and games.

UDIM state leader in child nutrition programs

Fuel Up to Play 60 (FUTP 60) is a partnership between dairy producers, USDA and the NFL working together to promote healthier youth habits in local schools and communities. The program encourages students to eat dairy and other nutritious foods, and get 60 minute of physical activity every day. With more than 3,000 schools enrolled in Michigan, FUTP 60 provides UDIM a license to lead school health and wellness initiatives.

FUTP 60 messages reach approximately 1.4 million Michigan students, and nearly half a million youth in Michigan are involved in FUTP 60.

Cumulatively, over the past two years: •

45 percent of Michigan schools have implemented a healthy eating plan

•

54 percent of Michigan schools have implemented a physical activity plan

•

33 percent of Michigan schools have implemented both a healthy eating and a physical activity plan (and 66 percent have implemented one or the other)

UDIM directly reaching consumers through retail and community events

As a key partner in the Pure MI FIT campaign, UDIM was able to ensure that milk was highlighted in the campaign’s retail events with strawberry yogurt smoothies and milk mustache photo booths. At the June Pure Michigan FIT Kick-Off, Governor Snyder was excited to pose for his milk mustache photo with UDIM Board Vice-President, Bob Kran.

UDIM is working with Michigan’s three key retailers – Meijer, Kroger and Spartan – to stimulate milk sales and encourage consumers to enjoy three servings of dairy every day. The promotion includes product sampling, in-store promotional sales, feature ads, loyalty card bonuses for milk purchases, in-store signage programs and milk highlighted at store grand openings. As an example of how these promotions are increasing sales, an April 13 chain-wide sampling and discount program in 101 stores resulted in a 183 percent increase in sales of half-gallon chocolate milk for the week.

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CRNSL026281_P360M_VA.indd 1

8/7/12 1:00 PM

Michigan Milk Messenger 23

MMPAC MythBusters

Y

ou know it’s an election year when political ads infest every radio station and TV channel, yards look like a cross between 4th of July and Christmas littered with a ridiculous number of campaign signs and family gatherings turn into CSPAN-worthy moderated debates.

Even though many of us might prefer boarding up our windows and screening our phone calls for political pollsters until mid-November, it’s hard to refute the fact that even dairy farmers have a stake in politics and elections.

We’ve learned, all too well, that the decisions made in Lansing and Washington, D.C. seem to creep back to affect our farms, truck routes, processing plants and milk checks. It’s not a question of if we can afford to get involved; we can’t afford not to.

But what can we do? We don’t have time to sit in on every legislative session let alone meet with every congressman. It’s impossible to stay up-to-date on all the issues and understand which bills might affect our business and family. Luckily, MMPA members have a lifeline at the Capitol looking out for our interests: the Michigan Milk Political Action Committee (MMPAC).

Yes, you’ve heard about it before! But before you tune out and turn the page, give us a few minutes to set the story straight and give you the facts about our co-op’s Political Action Committee (PAC) – MythBuster style.

Fact: MMPAC and other PACs can’t buy votes.

Paying legislators to vote a certain way is like playing athletes to throw a game: illegal. Rather, MMPAC pools MMPA members’ resources to support candidates who will be most representative of members’ views on agriculture and dairy issues or have been supportive of our key issues in the past.

“When you find a legislator who supports and listens to your needs, you have to in-turn support them to preserve that positive relationship, no matter their party,” affirmed MMPA President Ken Nobis. “MMPAC allows us to build long-lasting relationships with our legislators to ensure we’re the go-to source for feedback on dairy issues.”

Many might associate PACs with huge, multibillion dollar corporate giants trying to strong-arm the democratic process. Yet, in the purest sense, PACs are groups of people with similar viewpoints and interests uniting to support political candidates who align with their agendas. They are an organized, legal means for constituents to band together to ensure their voices are

24 September 2012

Building relationships is an important aspect of the MMPAC. Pictured (l-r) MMPA President Ken Nobis, Congressman Fred Upton and MMPA board member Tim Hood. heard when crafting legislation. Sure, Monsanto and John Deere have PACs to support their interests. But so do the National Breast Cancer Coalition and the City of Frankenmuth. They’re just another vehicle in our open democracy.

Fact: MMPAC doesn’t just support one party, one candidate or one district. Just one issue: agriculture.

Bill Zaagman, a lobbyist from Governmental Consultant Services, Inc. and on-the-ground face of MMPA in Lansing, affirms that MMPAC funds are invested in campaigns where they are most needed.

“MMPA leadership and lobbyists work together to invest in races that will have an impact on who will lead the House or Senate. We pointedly direct our money to a handful of races that set the political climate for agriculture and dairy issues – Democrat and Republican.

We want to influence the decision of who controls the gavel and committee assignments,” he added.

While there are plenty of issues demanding legislators’ attention, the MMPAC’s support concentrates solely on agriculture and dairy issues. Therefore, Zaagman focuses his attention on agriculture and appropriations committees for MMPA.

Fact: There are many interests tugging at legislators. MMPAC helps our interests cut through the static.

As we’ve all experienced being inundated with

political advertisements, it’s hard to sort through all the messages thrown at us as viewers. So just imagine all the mixed messages forwarded to legislators!

Nevertheless, pointed contributions made by a group of interested, passionate, united constituents can make the real story behind Michigan dairy farmers shift to the front of legislators’ minds. MMPAC support helps Michigan dairy farmers and their position on agricultural issues stand out to our lawmakers. Ken asserted, “If you’re not involved in the discussion you’ll be left out of the resolution. And I can guarantee that those who oppose your views will have a seat at the table.”

Fact: With term limits, continuous MMPAC support is a necessity.

The need for the MMPAC isn’t seasonal or every four years. With terms limits constantly switching the composition of the Michigan House and Senate, continuous support is crucial to promoting dairy’s interests in Lansing and Washington, D.C. “Term limits increase the time we need to spend with our legislators.

There’s a constant churning of personnel which presents the need for constant legislator education,” Ken stated. “Since people with an agricultural background make up such a small part of Michigan’s population, many of our legislators are multiple generations removed from the farm with little to no experience with our industry. If we aren’t there constantly showing them what we do to produce safe, wholesome products while taking care of our animals and the environment, no one will.”

Even though farming is arguably the oldest profession in the world, regulations affecting the dairy industry and agriculture will continue to be discussed on the legislative floor for all perpetuity. With fewer legislators from agricultural backgrounds, our voices must echo louder to be heard.

in Lansing. With over 1,000 PACs statewide, a top 30 spot translates to substantial weight for milk producers’ interests.

Fact: The time to get involved is now! Check out the 2012 MMPAC Challenge.

In the words of 2011 State OYDC Jody Sharrard, “You don’t realize where your MMPAC money is going or what it’s for until you get to Washington, D.C. or Lansing. Once you’re there, you meet legislators we endorsed who support agriculture and more specifically dairy. It takes a significant amount of monetary support to get face time with important legislators and their staff to promote bills that affect the future of Michigan dairy families. MMPAC is helping secure a better future for our members.”

True, we can’t afford to send all our members to our nation’s capital to see MMPAC in action. But, as the political season ramps up, the need for a strong, vibrant MMPAC is vividly apparent and timely.

To encourage MMPA members to contribute, we’re launching the 6th annual MMPAC Challenge! The idea is simple: encourage your fellow MMPA members to give (any amount) to the MMPAC, and we’ll reward the top Local’s efforts with a matching charitable contribution.

The Local with the highest percentage of members contributing to the MMPAC will receive a matching donation (up to $1,000) for one of five organizations or youth foundations. Give to MMPAC; give to charity.

That’s a win-win!

Fact: Even though we have a limited membership, a little support can go a long way.

From January 2011 to July 2012, the top 150 PACs in Michigan raised anywhere from $1.06 million to $34,800.

True, that sounds like a lot of money especially when dairy businesses operate on very slim profit margins. But if every MMPA member contributed just $5 a month, MMPAC would have about $120,000 to annually support pro-dairy legislators. Sounds manageable, right? Plus, this small contribution would catapult MMPAC to one of the top 30 largest PACs in the state, increasing our influence

MMPA members Jeremy and Jody Sharrard met with Senator Stabenow this summer while visiting Washington, D.C.

Michigan Milk Messenger 25

MSU Extension Hosts Grazing School in Lake City Sept. 12-13

P

roper grazing management is one of the easiest ways livestock and dairy producers can increase on-farm profitability. Michigan State University (MSU) Extension will cover many grazing strategies during a two-day grazing school at the Lake City Research Center Sept. 12-13.

The school will blend classroomstyle instruction, hands-on education and producer testimonials to give participants a well-rounded course in grazing management techniques.

Topics that will be covered range from an introductory overview of managed grazing to livestock nutrition.

Attendees will also learn about plant growth, forage quality and species selection, yield deterimination and pasture allocation and forage species identification.

“Through properly managed grazing, producers can expect a minimum of 30 percent increase in forage utilization,” said Jason Rowntree, an MSU Extension specialist and assistant professor in the MSU Department of Animal Science.

registration to: Jason Rowntree, Michigan State University, Dept. of Animal Science, 474 S. Shaw Lane, East Lansing, MI 48824, by Sept. 5.

“Properly managed grazing translates into added weight gain for growing cattle or stockers and increased milk production for dairy cows. An extended grazing season also minimizes the amount of hay needed to get through a winter.”

For more information on the MSU Extension grazing school, contact Jason Rowntree at 517-974-9539 or rowntre1@ msu.edu.

The Lake City Research Station is located 5401 W. Jennings Rd., Lake City, MI 49651.

The school will begin at 8:30 a.m.

Sept. 12 and conclude at 4 p.m. Sept. 13.

The cost of the school is $100, which includes meeting materials and meals. A second participant from the same farm costs $50. Participants are responsible for reserving their own lodging. Mail

MMPA Challenge Support the MMPAC and you could be supporting one of your favorite charities, too!

MMPA will award the MMPA Local who has the highest percentage of members contribute to the MMPAC with a matching gift up to $1,000 to the Local’s choice of one of five selected charity organizations or youth foundations.

Winning Local can select from the following organizations:

• Michigan 4-H Foundation • Michigan FFA Foundation • Michigan Dairy Memorial and Scholarship Foundation • United Way • Local charity with approval by MMPA Board of Directors • Contributions must be postmarked by November 7, 2012 in order to qualify for the MMPAC Challenge.

Winning Local will be announced at Leaders’ Conference on Monday, November 19, 2012.

26 September 2012

Filling the Employee Gap

I

t’s no secret to dairy farmers that finding good, consistent employees can be a struggle. And the challenge to find employees doesn’t end at the farm gate. The help wanted sign can be seen all throughout the agriculture sector – from farm employees to executive level managers. The topic of growing the ag workforce was the common thread for nearly 100 people attending a forum hosted by the Ag Leaders of Michigan in August.

David Armstrong, President and CEO of GreenStone Farm Credit Services moderated the forum focusing on attracting more people to the ag sector. The speakers for the day reflected the impact finding employees has on the entire industry. From high school and college programs to recruiting and retaining management level positions, it was clear the industry has a challenge ahead.

“It’s not plows, cows and sows,” says Armstrong. “The titles of positions being offered resonate the specialties in the industry: biological engineering, welder, climate change specialist, food safety information specialist, precision applicator. These are all very specific and highly-skilled positions we need to fill.”

Barbara Dartt, Regional Consulting Team Leader, Lookout Ridge Consulting, works with business owners everyday who are looking toward the future and wondering who is going to fill the shoes of those currently managing the business. She sees the need to get the message to young people about the exciting careers available in agriculture.

“We need to expose people to agriculture as a profession,” she says.

“There are so many different facets. We have a fabulous story to tell, we need to make an effort to tell it.”

Randy Showerman, agrees. As the director of the Institute of Agriculture Technology at MSU, Randy sees first hand the need to reach out to young

people – beyond the 4H and FFA programs.

“We have highly-skilled, high-wage and high-demand positions to fill,” Showerman says.

“We need to reach out to all high school students with this message.”

Nobody sees MMPA Director of Human Resources Cindy Tilden (R) joined a the challenge panel to discuss the growing employment needs in agriculture. of finding good employees more crop and soil sciences, agri-business than Human management, agriculture logistics and Resource professionals whose job it is to find and keep good employees. Cindy transportation, and animal husbandry.

Michigan agriculture is satellite driven Tilden, Director of Human Resources and high tech-jobs like site-specific for MMPA joined a panel of other HR fertilizer application, soil sampling and experts to discuss the strategies used to process controls in grain elevators are find good employees. also in high demand.

“We can find lots of people that like “There is no silver bullet to this our products – but not many understand complicated issue,” Byrum said. “We the complexities of getting that product need to start recruiting and identifying to market,” Cindy says. “When people the raising stars early. There is a lot of think about working in agriculture they opportunity in this industry. We need to don’t think about the variety of jobs develop the reservoir of talent to fill the involved. We have over 200 employees needs.” at MMPA ranging from our member

Byrum encouraged the group to representatives who work directly keep the conversation on this issue going with the farmers to IT and accounting and to look for ways to work together positions at our corporate office and to meet the upcoming challenges. then all the employees at our processing Additional forums on ag labor will be plants. It involves a lot of people with a held in the future, including a session at lot of different skills.”

According to Jim Byrum, president, the MABA Conference in January.

Michigan Agri-business Association, the need for employees in agriculture will not let up soon. “It is estimated that over 50 percent of current managers will retire in 5 to 7 years. The generation being replaced came through the ranks starting with an ag-tech program. Those replacing the current workforce will need a different set of skills.”

Some of the areas in agriculture where Michigan businesses have the most trouble finding people include

Michigan Milk Messenger 27

MSU Animal Science Educator Joe Domecq Receives Dairy Industry’s Highest Youth Development Award

D

r. Joe Domecq, Michigan State University (MSU) youth dairy specialist, coordinator of the MSU Institute of Agricultural Technology dairy management program and animal science academic specialist, was awarded the 2012 Hoard’s Dairyman Youth Development Award, the dairy industry’s highest award recognizing a dairy youth educator.

The award was presented to Domecq on July 17 during an awards ceremony at the 2012 joint annual meeting of the American Dairy Science Association (ADSA) and the American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) in Phoenix.

Domecq is widely recognized by his peers and students as a leader in dairy youth development and exemplifies the characteristics of a valuable dairy mentor.

Working with young people - of all ages- is Joe’s passion. He is the “judge” each year for the Peewee showmanship class at Michigan Dairy Expo.

SMS evaluator for NorthStar Cooperative.

Domecq has personally impacted the lives and career paths of hundreds of young people. He became the coordinator of the MSU Institute of Agricultural Technology dairy management program in 1992, while still a graduate student. He joined the MSU Department of Animal Science faculty in 1994.

Michigan 4-H Dairy Youth Program are unparalleled. He volunteers numerous hours and timeless energy to the dairy judging program and to youth activities and educational sessions throughout the state,” says Sheila Burkhardt, director of

“Joe has been one of the most influential people in my life. He helped me and numerous other students and 4-H’ers hone various skills through dairy judging and other leadership organizations. But more importantly, he invested his time and energy to help me grow as a person.

“Joe’s leadership, He always encouraged me to step guidance, and support of the outside of my comfort zone to take advantage of new opportunities.

“Whether in the role of teacher, As my dairy advisor, student mentor, dairy judging coach, he youth specialist or dairy judging taught me to have coach, Domecq is passionate confidence in my about guiding students on their own abilities and opinions. I cannot individual paths to reaching think of anyone short- and long-term career and more deserving life goals.” ­ to receive this —Sheila Burkhardt honor,” affirms Joe is always quick to acknowledge the support Jessica Jakubik, of his family, pictured with him here, his wife Denise and son, Joey.

28 September 2012

member relations and public affairs for the Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA).

“Whether in the role of teacher, advisor, student mentor, dairy youth specialist or dairy judging coach, Domecq is passionate about guiding students on their individual paths to reaching short- and long-term career and life goals.”

More than 350 students have graduated from the dairy management program under Domecq’s leadership. Of this group, more than two-thirds are employed in the dairy industry or another agriculture field. Domecq estimates that among this group, at least 25 percent of the dairy cow population in Michigan, or 100,000 cows, are managed by one of the graduates of the dairy management program, including some of the largest and highest producing herds in the state.

Development Award was created in 2006 to recognize a candidate who has had significant involvement in dairy-related youth activities either in a professional or volunteer capacity for a minimum of 10 years. The recipient shall be highly regarded in the dairy industry for his or her role in personal development of dairy youth and for enhancing knowledge of and interest in the dairy industry.

The winner need not be a member of the ADSA, and may have worked with youth of any age, in many possible capacities such as coach, counselor, teacher, advisor, mentor, chaperone or supervisor.

Other former graduates are employed as sales people in the artificial insemination and dairy feed industries and as animal nutritionists.

Two MMPA Outstanding Young Cooperator Award winners were dairy management program graduates, as was a former Dairy Herd Improvement Association Progressive Dairy Award winner. Another former student was honored as one of three National Dairy Shrine Progressive Producer award winners and named an MMPA outstanding young cooperator.

Michigan Farm Bureau Public Policy and Commodity Division Director Sarah Black comments, “Joe was an advisor and coach of some extra-curricular activities I was involved in while at MSU. As a student in a sea of 45,000 people, I immediately knew that Joe was someone I could trust, and that he had a sincere interest in helping me succeed both as a student and a professional. He wasn’t just trying to push me through the system.”

The Hoard’s Dairyman Youth

Michigan Milk Messenger 29

Mom Bloggers Experience a Day on a Dairy Farm Dairy promotion tour highlights benefits of modern practices

L

aTonya Lewis — mother of three sons — has lived in Detroit all her life. She’s a blogger, a bargain hunter and a women’s health advocate. Like many Detroit women, she had never stepped foot on a Michigan farm. Until recently, that is.

Lewis can now tell her 1,000+ blogger fans and nearly 6,000 Facebook fans that she’s been noseto-nose with a Holstein calf and followed the journey of milk from cow to tanker truck.

Lewis was one of 15 Michigan bloggers invited to a “Day on a Dairy Farm” in late July at Goma Dairy in Marlette — an event sponsored by the United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM).

Dairy promotion staff had three goals for their first blogger event: •

Increase the public’s agriculture literacy

•

Help Michigan women better understand modern dairy farming

•

Dispel myths about concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs)

Why invite bloggers? Because U.S. marketers have discovered what generations of children have always known — mom has clout, especially online moms.

Mom Power

The analysis firm eMarketer estimated that in 2010, there were more than 3.9 million mothers who were bloggers. eMarketer said moms were more likely to visit blogs, particularly to seek advice on parenting issues, making female bloggers an influential and powerful audience.

“Moms listen to other moms and our goal was to get them talking about dairy,” said Staci Garcia, UDIM’s executive director of communications. “When urban bloggers visit dairy farmers, they see and experience outstanding examples of animal care, food safety and environmentalism that helps dispel myths and creates a new wave of dairy advocates.”

UDIM chartered a bus to transport bloggers from Ann Arbor, Detroit and Imlay City. A team of dairy experts — including UDIM registered dietitian Deanne Kelleher, Michigan State University veterinarian Dr. Ron Erskine and Harrisville dairy producer and Facebook Dairy Mom Katie Dellar — answered questions about cow comfort, nutrition facts, farm life and milk quality.

Milk Parlors and Calf Hutches

them around the farm, stopping at the barns and calf hutches and the milking parlor and milk tanks.

At each stop, they explained the benefits of their practices, like separating calves from their mothers to minimize disease and stress, and washing cows to keep milk clean.

“Each cow’s udder is cleansed before and after milking to keep your milk the cleanest,” Lewis wrote on her blog, http://www. detroitmomandherviews.com/.

“Cows are milked by a sophisticated automated system. Milk is never touched by human hands.”

Another blogger wrote on her blog http://savingdollarsandsense. com/goma-dairy-tour/ “What I have come to realize is that ‘real’ dairy farmers live and breathe this way of life and would never cause harm to their animals.”

After the tour and lunch, each blogger received a dairy gift basket with a Magic Bullet blender and dairy smoothie recipes, and an identical basket to giveaway to their readers. Bloggers also were encouraged to visit and publicize promotion-checkoff-funded sites: •

Michigan Dairy News Bureau, www. michigandairynewsbureau.org

•

Michigan Dairy News Bureau YouTube channel, http://www.youtube.com/ MichiganDairyNews

•

Michigan Dairy News Bureau Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/ MichiganDairyNewsBureau

Gertie and Geert van den Goor welcomed bloggers and walked

Bloggers shared stories, photos and recipes on blogs, Facebook and Twitter — reaching thousands of Michigan consumers with positive dairy news.

Thirteen bloggers traveled to Goma Dairy with the United Dairy Industry of Michigan to learn about modern dairy production.

30 September 2012

A Tribute to Lowell Allen

L

owell Allen, past MMPA director of member services, passed away last month at the age of 89. With 41 years of dedicated service to our co-op, we pay tribute to one of the leaders who helped make MMPA what it is today. Gary Trimner, recently retired director of member services who took over Lowell, says, “Lowell was my mentor for 10 years. He taught me how to work with haulers, members and the dairy industry as a whole.

He was an outstanding leader for his time in the dairy industry, and was instrumental in procuring a significant number of farms for MMPA. Lowell will be sorely missed, but his legacy still stands strong in the vitality of our co-op.”

Ryan, Kelly and Jessica Whelan; Austin, Orrey and Ashton Allen; and Zach and Allison Ribble. Lowell had seven greatgrandchildren.

Lowell was Director of

Member Services for the Michigan Milk Producers Association for 41 years.

He was also a member of the Howell United Methodist Church where he proudly sang in the choir. Lowell was a member of the Howell Elks and past Exalted Ruler, Fowlerville Masons and was Past Commander of the Knights Templar.

Lowell’s obituary is listed below.

Lowell Andrew Allen was welcomed into eternity by his Lord and Savior on August 1, 2012. He was born and raised in Fowlerville on May 13, 1923 to Raymond and Ruth (Wilkinson) Allen along with his sisters Dorothy Dillinger (deceased) and Dolores (William) Goetz and brother John (Beth) Allen.

Lowell was raised on a dairy farm and loved everything about the dairy industry. That love led him to Michigan State University where he received a bachelor’s and master’s degree in agriculture economics.

During that time, he met and married the love of his life, Doris Jean Force, with whom he shared 66 wonderful years of marriage.

Doris and Lowell raised four children: Caryn Morse of Howell, Julee (Michael) Shelton of Kalamazoo, Steve Allen of El Paso, TX and Barbara (Bob) Ribble of Midland. Missing Grandpa dearly are his eleven grandchildren: Christina, Josh and Amanda Morse;

Michigan Milk Messenger 31

Merchandise Memo Merchandise Memo

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

Laundry Soaps

T

he MMPA warehouse handles four different types of laundry soaps. Two of which are liquid, while the other two are powdered.

While these products are excellent for the farm, they work equally well as household detergents. These products are listed below:

Liquid Laundry Soap from Ecolab comes in a 1-gallon container and is designed for use on heavilysoiled work clothes, but is also safe for delicates and fine fabrics. This product can be used in hot or warm washes, and it has a nice lemon-fresh smell. Directions for use on light loads are ¼ cup per load, and for heavy loads is ½ cup per load.

Stock # 6004 Member Price: $13.19 Liquid Lustersuds (15 gal. container) from Ecolab is an industrial soapbased product that works especially well on cotton fabrics. Although designed originally for shirt and

diaper laundries, it can work well for cleaning cloth udder prep towels.

Lustersuds contains no phosphorous or bleach and will work well in warm and hot water cycles on all washable fabrics. It is recommended for use in softened water and it is compatible with dry or liquid bleaches.

Stock # 6980 Member Price: $202.91 Chor Mate Laundry Detergent (100#) from Ecolab is a powdered, heavy-duty cleaner that can be used for cleaning normal laundry, barn clothes and cloth udder prep towels.

It contains no phosphorous or bleach and has excellent wetting agents. The major active ingredients are sodium carbonate and sodium metasilicate.

Top loading washers use ½ cup of product and front loading washers use 1/3 cup. For heavy soils, it is recommended to use an extra 1/3 cup.

Stock # 6076 Member Price: $93.06

Towel Brite (100#) by A & L is a commercial powdered soap for use on cloth udder prep towels. It is a concentrated, biodegradable product containing organic chlorine bleach.

There is no reason to add more bleach to your wash, and this type of bleach is gentler than liquid bleach.

Directions for use are: 1 oz. for every 3 to 5 gallons of water (will work in any temperature). For most washer cycles, this would equate to about ½ cup per load.

Stock # 3524 Member Price: $177.93

Order Your MMPA Merchandise through your milk hauler or call: Supervisor: Duane Farmer 989-681-2334 Fax: 989-681-3988 Toll Free: 877-367-6455 Orders (Novi) 800-572-5824 then dial 2

32 September 2012

MMPA Quality Premium Program

S

omatic Cell Count premiums and deductions (in addition to Federal Order SCC Adjustments computed in the producer pay price) will be paid at the following levels: • 50,000 or below +55¢/cwt.

• 51,000 - 75,000 +50¢/cwt.

• 76,000 - 100,000 +45¢/cwt.

• 101,000 - 125,000 +40¢/cwt.

• 126,000 - 150,000 +35¢/cwt.

• 151,000 - 175,000 +30¢/cwt.

• 176,000 - 200,000 +25¢/cwt.

• 201,000 - 225,000 +20¢/cwt.

• 226,000 - 250,000 +15¢/cwt.

• 251,000 - 400,000 00¢/cwt.

• 401,000 - 500,000 -15¢/cwt.

• 501,000 - 600,000 -30¢/cwt.

• 601,000 - 750,000 -$1.00/cwt.

• Over 750,000 -$1.50/cwt.

A payment of 5¢/cwt. will be added for each of the following, if the count is equal to or below: • 10,000 Raw Bacteria Count • 20,000 Pre-Incubated (PI) Count There will be a deduction of 10¢/cwt. for: • Greater than 100,000 Raw Bacteria Count

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

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

For Service, call the Ecolab Service Message Center 1-800-392-3392 or

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

Stan Palmer 5303 E. Swan Drive #3 Port Clinton, OH 43452 419-797-2101

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.

Ben Johnson 4461 Cambridge Dr. Port Huron, MI 48060 810-824-0636

MMPA Member Testing Fees

P

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

• Scheduled Herd Tests $1

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

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

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

Chemical, Sanitizer & Teat Dip Contact Information

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

These are service personnel only.

Order your Member Merchandise supplies through your hauler.

ECOLAB 24 -Hour Medical Emergency Hotline: 1-800-328-0026

Jason Koerth 7509 Aborcrest Dr. Portage, MI 49024 269-207-3773 Pat Mitchell 7273 N. Rollin Hwy. Addison, MI 49220 517-403-0928

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

• Mycoplasma Cultures $ 8 • Bacteriology Cultures $12 – Includes identification of bacteria

and drug susceptibility.

• Bovine Viral Diarrhea

- PCR

- ELISA • Johne’s Milk Test

- PCR

- ELISA – cows - ELISA – tank • Bovine Leukosis Test

- ELISA – cows - ELISA – tank

$40 $ 6 $40 $ 6 $10 $ 6 $10

A & L Laboratories 24 -Hour Medical Emergency Hotline: 1-800-424-9300 Kurt Fiene 8356 C.R. 115 Kenton, OH 43326 612-889-1063 Jeff Timm NW 8665 C.R. M Shawano, WI 54166 612-840-0555

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

Michigan Milk Messenger 33

Freeliners

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

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

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

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

Freeliner Policy

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

R & W bull born 2/15/12. Sired by Lawn Boy P-Red. Dam Apple-Red. Grand Dam Marmax. 810-404-0468.

NH #40 Forage Blower, small 1000 Pto, one owner, excellent condition, $1,750 obo. Gehl Cross Conveyor tray part #045022, like new, $50. 810-404-0468.

Cows and Heifers

Dairy Equipment

20 milking cows. High butterfat and good production. Low SCC. 989-7662708.

Mueller 600 gal. bulk tank with washer and Copeland refrigerator, units run good, asking $1,500 obo. 6 Boumatic milk units and pulsators, $125 each obo. 2 in. milking line and receiver jar, best offer.

3 pumps, $500 obo. 810-376-8667.

Holstein Jersey cross born Nov. 2011, dam is Holstein Jersey, sire is select sire Zuma 236JE00146, dam 28,801 milk, 3.5% BF, 3.1% protein. Curry Farms, Tawas City. 989-984-7026.

Bred heifers due September, October and November. 231-256-7127.

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

Holstein heifers, springers and shortbred.

616-835-6776.

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

12 ft. cultipacker $800. 18 ft. disk with fold-up wings $2,600. 8 ft. disc pull type $1,000. 570 NH baler 1999 with extra shoot $8,600. 1033 NH hay bale stacker $7,500. 5030 NH tractor 1996 with 2535 hrs., this includes pallet forks, hay spear, manure bucket and materials bucket, $23,000. 5 bottom plow $2,700. Bush hog $500. 56 NH rake $800. Back blade $300.

NH transport conveyor $500. Manure spreader missing drive gear box $400.

Sprayer $500. Call 989-736-6508.

• After that, it will be withdrawn.

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

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

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

• Freeliners must be received by the 10th of the month preceding the desired month of publication.

Example: to be included in the January issue, the freeliner must be at the MMPA office by December 10.

34 September 2012

Silage bagger, 8 ft. x 150 ft., $2,600.

419-758-3191.

Equipment

Double 9 parallel parlor with automatic takeoffs, meters, rapid exit.

Complete with pipeline, wash vat, wash system etc. $50,000. 2,500 gal. milk tank available separately 231-388-0496 acmartin90@gmail.com.

Misc.

New crop corn silage in the field or in the bag. 989-833-5566.

Wanted Pulsators Delaval Deltron 60/40. Call or text 616-799-5379.

Small herd of milking cows that can be bought on milk check assignment.

616-889-0769.

Used plate cooler. 517-543-2415.

REGISTERED HOLSTEIN BULLS Over 100 service age bulls for your selection! a special herd sire or a truck load of breeder bulls. Ready to go to work on your farm!

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

GREEN MEADOW FARMS

• FROM OUR TOP PRODUCTION COWS.

ELSIE, MI 48831

www.greenmeadowfarms.com

6400 HOLLISTER RD. PH: 989-862-4291

Michigan Milk Messenger 35

Classifieds Call 1-800-572-5824 ext. 202 or email to: Muszynski@mimilk.com Call 1-800-572-5824 ext. 224

Classified Ads ($20 per ad up to 6 lines)

Mail ads to: Classified Ads, Michigan Milk Messenger, PO BOX 8002, Novi, MI 48376-8002. Or email to Muszynski@mimilk.com. 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.

OPPERMAN GROOVING: Diamond sawed grooves, no hammering or cracking of concrete.

No hoof damage. Call Opperman Grooving Inc., Portland. 517-647-7381. ______________________________________ DAVIDSON CEMENT GROOVING, INC: NO water needed. Wider, rougher grooves for better traction. We also offer texturing for your previously grooved floors. 3 operators will travel Michigan and other states. No interest payment terms. Est. since 1987.

Call 1-800-365-3361. ______________________________________ CONCRETE GROOVING By TRI-StaTE Scabbling, home of the 2” wide groove. Best traction, lowest prices.

(800) 554-2288. www.tristatescabbling.com ______________________________________ Concrete Grooving/Floor Texturing: Bring existing grooves back to 100% efficiency/new construction. Blue Ribbon Hoof Trimming, LLC. 989-635-1494. ______________________________________

For sale: 5000-4000-3000-2500-2000-1500 OH Mueller late model bulk tank milk tanks, complete, will trade.

1-800-558-0112. ______________________________________ Wanted to buy: Used bulk milk tanks, 200 gallons & larger, Sunset & Mueller, 1-800-558-0112. ______________________________________ Hoof trimming: certified, experienced, w/ references. Craig Martin, 517-231-7790. ______________________________________ Barn White Washing: servicing all of Michigan and Indiana. Miller Spray Service, Inc. 574-825-9776. ______________________________________ Hoof trimming: Servicing Central to West MI. Dairyland Hoofcare Institute certified, references available upon request. Reaux-Dale Hoofcare, 616-862-6668. ______________________________________

BARN WHITE WASHING: Scholten Spraying Services, 616-895-6307, Allendale. ______________________________________ Large square bales clean, bright straw. Will deliver. 989-723-1886. ______________________________________ Certified Red & White wheat seed.

Call for varieties and price. 989-723-1886 or 989-277-1414. ______________________________________ Fall barley seed and June clover seed.

989-723-1886 or 989-277-1414. ______________________________________

Generators Winpower & Katolight

Stocking up to 100 KW 24 Hour Emergency Service serving Michigan for the past 30 years 800-345-1887 Midwest Power Systems

Improve bottom-line $$. Lower feed costs. Maximize production.

Ingredients from your trusted source.

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

Low Fat Hominy 7% minimum protein 7% maximum fiber 4% minimum fat

Citrus Pulp

16% maximum fiber 6% minimum protein 2.1% maximum calcium 2% minimum fat

Valero Meal

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

36 September 2012

34% minimum protein 13% maximum crude fiber 4% minimum fat

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

Policies MMPA Policy on Drug Residue in Milk: MILK ON FARM – DRUG RESIDUE SUSPECTED

MILK SHIPPED — POSITIVE drugs CONFIRMED

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

If a member ships milk from the farm and testing by approved laboratory methods show that the milk contained drug residue, the member will be assessed the penalties imposed by the state regulatory agency and be disqualified for raw and PI bacteria count premiums.

1. Call a MMPA Member Representative to have the milk in the tank tested. A “hold” must be placed on the tank contents until the test results are known. - OR 2. The member can test the milk on the farm. If dumped, the member must be sure to take the stick reading, record the number of pounds of milk, and report the information to their membership representative.

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

• If the tank tests positive (drugs present), the membership representative will authorize the member to dump the tank of milk.

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

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

If a loss is incurred by MMPA due to the disposal and/or nonmarketability of a load of milk or milk products containing drug residue, then the member responsible will be provided an invoice for the entire value of the loss plus transportation and disposal costs as required by the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance. This invoice may be submitted to the member’s insurance carrier. MMPA must receive settlement on the invoice within 90 days of issuance. If settlement is not made within 90 days, the full amount of the invoice will be deducted from the next milk check unless other settlement arrangements are made.

Milk from that member’s farm tank must be tested and found clear of drugs before the next tank of milk can be picked up.

A hauler whose entire load sample shows the presence of drugs will be charged the amount of an average shipment on that load if the individual member samples all show negative.

ALL POSITIVE DRUG RESIDUE SHIPMENTS MUST BE REPORTED TO THE ENFORCEMENT AGENCY.

MMPA Policy on Milk Quality QUALITY QUESTIONABLE

REJECTED LOAD SHIPMENT

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

If:

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

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

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

MILK SHIPPED – HIGH BACTERIA COUNT If:

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

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

3. testing of the individual member samples on that load identifies the member or members having a bacteria count of 300,000 or more, then the member or members involved will be charged the value of one-half of one day’s production** and will be disqualified for raw and PI bacteria count premiums. **For members using more than one bulk tank, the assessment will be based on the value of milk in the tank or tanks in violation of the MMPA quality policy.

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

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

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

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

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

HAULER

A hauler whose entire load sample exceeds 300,000 per mL bacteria count will be charged the amount of an average shipment on that load if the individual member samples all are less than 100,000.

A hauler will be responsible for all costs incurred by MMPA for loads rejected for temperature.

Charges and assessments made under this program will be withheld from milk checks of members or haulers involved.

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

Michigan Milk Messenger 37

Market Report For Milk Marketed in July 2012

MARKET STATISTICS Mideast Federal Order #33 (pounds)

This Month

Year Ago

Total Class 1 Sales

472,529,473

474,222,505

-0.36

Total Class 2 Sales

289,998,405

263,443,467

+10.08

Total Class 3 Sales

302,170,890

529,004,695

-42.88

Total Class 4 Sales

194,560,795

133,329,361

1,259,259,563 1,400,000,028

Total Production Class 1 Utilization

37.5%

NATIONAL TRENDS (million pounds)

% Change

2012

2011 % Change

+45.92

Production California

3,499

3,535 -1.0

-10.05

Wisconsin

2,269

2,174

+4.4

Idaho

1,199

1,193

+0.5

New York

1,113

1,092

+1.9

Pennsylvania

867

880

-1.5

Texas

779

798

-2.4

Michigan

741

712

+4.1

Minnesota

730

722

+1.1

New Mexico

676

695

-2.7

Washington

527

545

-3.3

Ohio

432

420

+2.9

Indiana

297

289

+2.8

15,520

15,395

+0.8

110,870 107,310

+3.3

33.9%

Mideast Federal Order #33

Current Month Total Producers 6,295 Average Daily Production per Farm 6,453 Average Protein Test 2.95% Average Butterfat Test 3.51% Average Other Solids Test 5.75% Average SCC Count (MMPA) 195,000

* Total U.S. * U.S. Y-T-D

COMPONENT PRICING INFORMATION Mideast Federal Order #33 Protein Price/lb.

$3.0430

Butterfat Price/lb.

$1.6556

Other Solids Price/lb.

$0.3123

Class III Price @ 3.5%

$ 16.68

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

($0.49)

Uniform Price @ 3.5%

$ 16.19

SCC Adjustment/cwt./1000

38 September 2012

$0.00084

* For 23 states

NASS Survey Prices

Monthly Avg Cheese /lb Butter /lb Nonfat Dry Milk /lb Dry Whey /lb

1.6857 1.5386 1.1744 0.5023

MMPA Staff NOVI (Headquarters) 248-474-6672 800-572-5824 General Manager Clay Galarneau, ext. 200 Member Services Milk Sales/Dispatch Finance/Controller Dean Letter, ext. 213 Carl Rasch, ext. 244 Joseph M. Diglio, ext. 240 Laboratory Supervisor Manufactured Product Sales Credit/Insurance

Patti Huttula, ext. 219 Jim Dodson, ext. 229 Cheryl Schmandt, ext. 210 Human Resources Member Relations/Public Affairs Data Processing

Cindy Tilden, ext. 220 Sheila Burkhardt, ext. 208 Gregory Schulkey, ext. 237

Member Communications

Laura Moser ext. 296

Alex Henry, ext. 211

MANUFACTURING PLANTS

Constantine 269-435-2835 Plant Manager Dave Davis

MASTITIS MANAGEMENT Tom Herremans......................231-853-8008 Ravenna mobile 269-967-0890 Steven Lehman.......................989-875-3441 Ithaca .................... mobile 989-330-1638 Christy Dinsmoore........................................

Fairgrove............... mobile 989-528-9102

NORTH AREA Supervisor: Gerry Volz St. Louis Office....................989-289-9219 Frank Brazeau........................920-834-4059 Oconto, Wis. mobile 906-250-0337

MMPA FIELD STAFF

SOUTH AREA Supervisor: Lyndsay Stakenas Coldwater Office.................231-519-2455 Krista Beeker.................................................

Howe, IN mobile 269-986-6792 David Brady............................517-522-5965 Grass Lake............ mobile 517-937-9061 Andrew Rupprecht.......................................

Clio......................... mobile 269-986-6793 Lyndsay Stakenas..........................................

Coldwater.............. mobile 231-519-2455 Elyse Wilcox...................................................

Eaton Rapids.......... mobile 810-701-6460 Ed Zuchnik....................................................

Three Rivers.......... mobile 269-967-7351

Ben Chapin....................................................

Big Rapids mobile 989-289-0731 Preston Cole............................231-584-2587 Mancelona mobile 989-289-9301 Kendra Kissane.............................................

Hudsonville mobile 269-245-6632 Katie Pierson.................................................

Coleman mobile 989-289-9686 Kristin Rawlings...........................................

Cass City mobile 231-414-4539 Gerry Volz...............................989-848-5996 Fairview mobile 989-289-9219

Ovid 989-834-2221 Plant Manager/Plant Operations David Wittkop

Other Services: Gary Best................................810-664-4984 Lapeer .................... mobile 586-484-9279 Bulk Tank Calibration Michael Marvin......................989-670-4864 Marlette Energy Auditor

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

MMPA Labs Novi: 800-572-5824 (in MI)

800-233-2405 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. Mon-Fri Ovid: 989-834-2515 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. Daily Constantine: 800-391-7560 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. Daily Merchandise—St. Louis Supervisor: Duane Farmer..989-681-2334 Fax........................................989-681-3988 Toll Free...............................877-367-6455 Orders (Novi)...800-572-5824 then dial 2

Michigan Milk Messenger 39

40 September 2012

Grand Champion Cheese Cowslip Creamery