Milk Messenger: November/December 2021

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

VOL. 104 / NO. 3

16

YES TO THE FUTURE

22

IN IT FOR THE PEOPLE

features

16 Yes To The Future From farm hand to the next generation on the farm, Nolan Wieber, the 2021 MMPA Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator RunnerUp, said yes to taking over Wieber Dairy in the future.

21

MMPA OUTSTANDING YOUNG DAIRY COOPERATOR PROGRAM Since 1950, MMPA has been identifying future leaders through the Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator (OYDC) program. Learn about the new process for applying for the program.

22

IN IT FOR THE PEOPLE In recognition of his service to dairy producers, Ben Chapin was recently named the 2021 Michigan Fieldperson of the Year at the Michigan Dairy Industry Conference.

milk messenger / NOV-DEC 2021

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contents

MMPA IS PARTNERING WITH KROGER MICHIGAN DAIRY AND THE FOOD BANK COUNCIL OF MICHIGAN TO DONATE MILK TO BENTON HARBOR, MI RESIDENTS (PAGE 10).

MMPA BUTTER WAS AWARDED TOP HONORS FROM THE WORLD DAIRY EXPO CHAMPIONSHIP DAIRY PRODUCT CONTEST (PAGE 11).

05 EDITOR’S NOTE

14 LOCAL MEETINGS CALENDAR AND LOCAL OFFICERS LISTING

06 MILK MINUTE From Farm to Processor: Haulers are the Dairy Industry’s Crucial Link

26 YOUR DAIRY PROMOTION AT WORK 32 FREELINERS & CLASSIFIEDS

08 QUALITY WATCH How does sustainability enhance the marketability of milk?

33 FARM SUPPLY STORE

10 NEWS & VIEWS

30 STAFF

12 LEGISLATIVE WATCH

31 MEMBER MOMENT

“We believe greater access to other key dairy markets where the U.S. is facing the challenge of competing at a disadvantage, particularly in Asia, will mean continued opportunity and growth for America’s dairy farmers like Chapin Family Farms.”

JIM MULHERN, NATIONAL MILK PRODUCERS FEDERATION (PAGE 12)

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milk messenger / NOV-DEC 2021

VOL. 104

/ NO. 3

Milk Messenger (USPS # 345-320) is published bimonthly by the Michigan Milk Producers Association, 41310 Bridge Street, Novi, MI 48376-8002. Periodicals postage paid at Novi and additional mailing offices.

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

President and Chief Executive Officer Joe Diglio Managing Editor Sheila Burkhardt, Senior Director of Member and Government Relations

Editor’s Note

BY ALLISON STUBY MILLER

As we take in the last few days of this unseasonably warm and incredibly wet fall, I’m looking forward to the holiday season ahead. 2021 shaped out to be yet another challenging year, with just as much unpredictability as 2020. Looking ahead to the new year, we can find confidence in the opportunities all around us and the great people serving the MMPA mission—on your farms, on the road and working for your cooperative.

Editors Allison Stuby Miller, Communications Manager Emily Kittendorf, Communications Coordinator Advertising Emily Kittendorf, messenger@mimilk.com, 248-474-6672, ext. 234 Publication Designer reZüberant! Inc., Stacy Love rezudesign.com Printing Foresight Group, Stacey Trzeciak staceyt@foresightgroup.net

This issue, we catch up with MMPA Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator (OYDC)

Publication Office MMPA Milk Messenger P.O. Box 8002, Novi, MI 48376-8002

Runner-Up Nolan Wieber. Learn about how Wieber started out helping on his

p: 248-474-6672 f: 248-474-0924

uncles’ farm and is now poised to be the next generation running the show on page

e: messenger@mimilk.com

16. As MMPA gears up to start the selection process for the 2022 OYDC program,

w: mimilk.com

check out how the application process has opened on page 21.

Established in 1916, MMPA is a member owned and operated dairy cooperative serving dairy farmers in Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin and Ohio.

In this Issue

This issue also features Ben Chapin, MMPA manager of field services, who was honored with the Michigan Dairy Fieldperson of the Year award. Ben plays an instrumental role in serving MMPA farms by overseeing member representatives

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

and crucial MMPA farm services. Check out Chapin’s story on page 22.

Subscriptions: mimilk.com/subscribe MMPA members - 50¢ per year Non-members - $5 per year

Other highlights from this issue include a recent milk donation to Benton Harbor residents and World Dairy Expo butter awards (page 11). Plus if you’re stumped on this year’s Christmas list, remember cheese is always a good idea. Heritage Ridge Creamery gift boxes are back (and with butter!), see the ad on the back page of

Circulation: 2,600

this magazine.

(ISSN 0026-2315)

Happy Holidays!

milk messenger / NOV-DEC 2021

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MILK MINUTE

From Farm to Processor: Haulers are the Dairy Industry’s Crucial Link

BY JOHN FRITZLER, MMPA DIRECTOR OF LOGISTICS AND PLANT PRODUCTION PLANNING

M

ilk haulers are a crucial link for our dairy supply chain. They connect milk processors and dairy farmers through their essential work every day.

Unfortunately, a growing trend pressuring the efficient flow of milk from farm to plant to consumer is the declining number of truck drivers and milk haulers across the country.

Older drivers make up 80 percent of the current commercial driver work force with 57 percent over the age of 45 and 23 percent over the age of 55. As these drivers get ready to move into a well-deserved retirement, there is a smaller pool of younger drivers ready to take their place. Only 20 percent of drivers are under the age of 45. This is not just a U.S. issue; Europe has a similar age breakdown.

JOHN FRITZLER

Hauling companies often struggle to attract younger workers for several reasons including lifestyle, compensation and regulatory age restrictions (must be 21+). These days, people have more options for places to work and many blue-collar jobs are in high demand and are competing for workers. Warehousing demand has almost doubled, and e-commerce shopping has more than doubled during the pandemic. These two segments have pulled resources away from commercial driving and has resulted in carriers having high turnover and struggling to fill open positions. For every nine postings, the trucking industry hires one driver, as opposed to the warehousing industry filling two out of every three postings.

The commercial driving industry and carriers can explore many opportunities to attract and retain valuable team members: 1) Increase driver compensation and benefits. 2) Decrease time on the road. 3) Advocate for lower regulated driving age. 4) Improve diversity and reach out to minorities, women and veterans who may be underrepresented. 5) Follow technology improvements including autonomous trucking, and other advancements that may attract workers due to reduced stress and boredom.

What does this mean specifically to the dairy industry?

With greater competition for resources and dairy needing niche drivers (tanker endorsement and milk samplers license) rate increases are likely, and lack of qualified drivers is a risk.

There is potential that carriers hoping to retain drivers by being competitive with similar industries may ask for a change in milking times to reduce driver down time.

Milk hauling companies can explore alternative strategies to attract more drivers: • Invest in worker safety and quality of life to stand out for job seekers.

• Establish a career development program and emphasize opportunities for drivers.

• Provide on-the-job training to minimize the entry barrier of commercial driver's license (CDL) and milk samplers licensing requirements.

Fortunately, the dairy industry benefits from the community formed between haulers and farmers. Studies have found that more experienced drivers (greater than five years) find driving more enjoyable the longer they drive. This is very evident in dairy with the number of experienced drivers. Drivers and dairymen build strong bonds through daily communication and shared respect.

The dairy industry is made strong through the valuable contributions of the people throughout our supply chain. As we look to the future, it is important to focus on supporting current and future milk haulers so that we can continue producing and marketing milk.

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milk messenger / NOV-DEC 2021

Dairy Care ACADEMY

Dairy Care Academy is ONLINE, ON DEMAND! Help your farm meet training requirements for the FARM program by accessing the on-demand, FARM program compliant online training platform. The curriculum covers six different topics and is available for unlimited use whenever a new employee is hired, retraining is necessary or simply to brush up on your skills. Watch videos, complete a quiz and receive a printable certificate for each of the following topics:

MILKING PRACTICES

DAIRY STOCKMANSHIP

FITNESS TO TRANSPORT

NON-AMBULATORY

ANIMAL MGMT

CALF CARE

EUTHANASIA

Access the online platform on the member portal at producers.mimilk.com or by contacting your member representative. milk messenger / NOV-DEC 2021

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QUALITY WATCH

How does sustainability enhance the marketability of milk?

WE ASKED THE EXPERTS:

Dean Letter

Gertie van den Goor

Angela Fredericks Anderson

MMPA Member Services Director

MMPA Member & Farmer Sustainability Advisory Committee Member

Vice President, Food Chain Outreach, Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy

Does sustainability enhance the marketability of milk? It should, at least for now, as a big group of consumers state they are willing to pay more for goods sourced sustainably. As more companies come on board with their sustainability initiatives, sustainability throughout the supply chain will be the new norm and it will be harder for those that have no sustainability goals to market their product.

In the past decade, doing more in the area of social responsibility – which includes sustainability – has been a strong focus in the marketplace. For example, more than 90% of consumers are equally or more concerned about environmental issues post-COVID and 87 percent of global consumers want companies to do more to integrate environmental considerations into their products and/or the way they operate (BCG, 2020). There is no longer a question of if, but how, sustainability is driving purchasing decisions in the marketplace.

Farmers are natural problem solvers and throughout its history, the U.S. dairy industry has worked to meet the needs of the consumer. Today, the industry is being called upon to reduce their carbon footprint, further improve water quality and reduce water use.

In recent years, farms have upgraded lighting, installed variable frequency drives on motors, adopted carbon sequestering field practices and used well water to pre-cool milk and then reuse that water to hydrate cows and clean the milking facilities. Many farms have been naturally working toward these goals because many of the practices that lead to positive environmental outcomes also make financial sense. Both outcomes are sustainable and help enhance the marketability of milk, not just on member farms but also for the co-op as a whole.

When customers come to MMPA asking about our farms’ sustainability efforts, we share the good work our members do every day. The recent development of the Farmer Sustainability Advisory Committee (FSAC) ensures that member farmers have the opportunity to share their sustainability journey directly with customers too.

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In a market that is already saturated you cannot be a follower, you have to be a leader, especially when it comes to sustainability. Today’s customers are loyal to companies that care about the things they care about: the environment, providing safe and good working conditions for employees, giving back to the community, etc.

They are no longer loyal to a brand just because.

At the same time though, while we develop long term goals and plans, we have to push back on false claims that the dairy industry is not sustainable, often based on old data. It’s important that we keep spreading the message through both our words and our actions that we are part of the solution and not the problem.

These expectations are the so-called new reality for farmers across the agricultural supply chains. Although not a requirement for all business contracts currently, those farmers or dairy cooperatives that make progress in implementing sustainability practices will be in a better position to continue doing business in the future. In today’s marketplace, there may be opportunities to partner on funding or sharing the costs of sustainability initiatives, which is something I encourage everyone to consider. Undoubtedly, sustainability is a key interest in the marketplace and dairy farmers have an excellent story to share with customers and consumers.

Finding stability in the rumen and in your wallet With prices rising in the protein market, meeting your cows’ energy needs can be a costly challenge.

Optigen is a profit-proving slowrelease nitrogen source that gives your herd the fuel they need to reach your production goals. Feeding the microbes in the rumen allows the animal to digest its diet more effectively, resulting in a boosted energy supply and a healthier, more productive dairy cow.

What can microbial protein do for your herd?

Supports milk production Maximizes rumen efficiency Enhances fiber digestion Promotes butterfat content

Matt Neumayer Territory Sales Manager mneumayer@alltech.com | 989-310-6013

Alltech.com

AlltechNaturally

@Alltech

NEWS & VIEWS

UPCOMING

EVENT December Local Meetings (see page 14)

December 3 Advisory Committee Meeting

January 20 Resolutions Committee Meeting

MMPA producers scoring 95 percent or higher on Grade A Surveys and Federal Check Ratings SONRAY ACRES* CLARINDA FARMS LLC* DONAL FARM LLC* IVES FARMS* JAMES, EDWARD & PATRICK BOLDAY* BRAID FARMS INC COLE RIVERVIEW FARMS INC CURTIS FAMILY FARMS LLC FOGLE FARMS LARRY L STEFFEY KUBIAK FAMILY FARMS HURON-CLINTON METROPOLITAN AUTHORITY ROWLEY DAIRY LLC SAMUEL J YONKMAN GILDE FARMS LLC* DAVID L DEZEEUW* MATTHEW P & KIMBERLY D DERUITER BON-DALE FARM OUDMAN DAIRY LLC DODDE DALE FARMS LLC RONALD J BRINKS BODE VALLEY FARM INC WEIL DAIRY FARM* B W HULETT FARM INC* EDWARD A, SANDRA & STEVEN ADAMIC* KAREN R CURELL* ROGER M WEISS* HAUBENSTRICKER DAIRY FARM LLC DAVID SHOEMAKER SUSAN K STEWART ALLEN G CRAMPTON THISTLE DEW DAIRY PETZOLD DAIRY FARMS LLC ERIC, JANEL & JARED WOODWARD EVERETT WILLIAM BONE *100

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MMPA Donates Milk to Benton Harbor Residents MMPA is partnering with Kroger Michigan Dairy, the United Dairy Industry of Michigan and Food Bank Council of Michigan to donate milk to the residents of Benton Harbor, Michigan to help in their efforts to combat lead.

In Benton Harbor, the municipal water supply has exceeded the federal drinking water standard for lead for three consecutive years. Foods rich in calcium, iron and vitamin C—including calcium-rich dairy products—can help protect children and families from the harmful effects of lead poisoning. In 2016, MMPA initiated a similar donation to support residents of Flint, Michigan impacted by a crisis of lead in their water.

United Dairy Industry of Michigan will be supporting this effort by assisting with the transportation costs and providing nutrition education materials to Benton Harbor residents.

Approximately 8,640 gallons of milk is being donated.

Four positions on the MMPA Board of Directors—two atlarge and two district—are up for election in 2022.

Nominating Committee Accepting Applications for MMPA Board of Directors

The current at-large directors with terms expiring in 2022 are Aaron Gasper from District 6 and Gertie van den Goor from District 8. The district directors with terms expiring in 2022 are Doug Chapin from District 5 and Scott Lamb from District 8.

To be nominated and run for one of these positions on the board of directors, each candidate must submit an application by the following dates: December 15, 2021 for at-large director positions; and January 14, 2022 for district director positions. The State Nominating Committee will meet to evaluate at-large applications and may interview candidates for the at-large positions in mid-January. The District Nominating Committees will review applications for those interested in the District Board positions.

CONACT THERESA DONOVAN AT 248-474-6672, EXT. 202 OR TDONOVAN@ MIMILK.COM TO RECEIVE AN APPLICATION.

MMPA Butter Wins Awards in North American Dairy Product Contest

M

MPA butter was awarded top honors from the World Dairy Expo Championship Dairy Product Contest. A first-place award was granted to unsalted butter made at MMPA’s dairy plant in Ovid, Michigan.

Butter made at MMPA’s dairy plant in Constantine, Michigan also took home a second-place award in salted butter.

“

“Our award-winning butter is one of MMPA’s signature products made from the high-quality milk from our farmer owners.”

“We are proud of this recognition as it demonstrates the excellence of MMPA products and how our team works tirelessly to craft them,” Judy Lofgren, MMPA director of sales and supply chain said.

The World Dairy Expo Championship Dairy Product Contest is the only North American judging contest which encompasses all dairy products.

The contest features product classes including cheese, butter, fluid milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, ice cream, cultured milk and dried whey from throughout the United States. A contest auction of all first-place entries took place during the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin. As a result of this contest, the Wisconsin Dairy Products Association (WDPA) annually funds scholarships for students preparing for careers in the dairy industry.

MMPA QUALITY ASSURANCE MANAGER JEREMIAH KOSTO ACCEPTED OVID’S 1ST PLACE BUTTER AWARD AT WORLD DAIRY EXPO.

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LEGISLATIVE WATCH

MMPA’S DOUG CHAPIN HIGHLIGHTS NEED FOR

Market Access Opportunities for U.S. Dairy in a Farmers for Free Trade Virtual Townhall MMPA Board Chairman Doug Chapin stressed the jobcreating and farm-supporting benefits of generating greater dairy market access opportunities during a virtual townhall organized by Farmers for Free Trade (FFT).

D

uring the event, Chapin highlighted the importance of exports for his family’s farm and the thousands of workers throughout the dairy supply chain. To support those American jobs, he urged a more aggressive pursuit of trade policies that can expand market access for U.S. dairy exports by removing tariff and non-tariff barriers that make it harder to compete around the world.

In his remarks, Chapin said that American exporters are facing an increasingly uneven playing field as the European Union and New Zealand continue to ink new trade deals with key markets while the United States falls behind.

“Aside from the USMCA update to NAFTA, the last new U.S. free trade agreements went into effect nearly a decade ago with negotiations having taken place even earlier than that,” Chapin said. “We seem to either be evaluating or at times negotiating deals, but not implementing new comprehensive trade agreements that eliminate tariffs on our exports.”

Chapin comes from a farming family that has operated a dairy in Remus, Michigan, for over a century. He manages Chapin Family Farms LLC along with his wife, Cheri, and son, Sam. In his comments, Chapin noted that his farm directly employs 14 workers, supporting the local economy as dairy farms do across the United States.

“We appreciate the opportunity this Farmers for Free Trade townhall has provided to highlight the need for expanded market access for Americanmade dairy products, and we thank Doug for being willing to share how Washington does impact dairy farmers throughout the country,” said NMPF president and CEO Jim Mulhern.

“We believe greater access to other key dairy markets where the U.S. is facing the challenge of competing at a disadvantage, particularly in Asia, will mean continued opportunity and growth for America’s dairy farmers like Chapin Family Farms.”

“The U.S. Dairy Export Council supports Doug’s comments today on the need for the administration to pursue new trade agreements that benefit the dairy producers and processors in Michigan and elsewhere in America,” said USDEC president and CEO Krysta Harden. “U.S. dairy exporters are able to compete on quality and price anywhere in the world – so long as there is a level playing field. Unfortunately, that playing field continues to tilt in our competitors’ favor as the tariff gap between the United States and our trade competitors only widens. We thank Doug for highlighting this trade situation and the ripple effects it has throughout the supply chain. We urge the administration to take more aggressive steps to grow agricultural market access opportunities.”

Chapin is a participant in NMPF and USDEC’s inaugural class of Dairy Trade Envoys, a select group of dairy producers and processing staff focused on educating elected officials and media about dairy trade policy priorities.

SOURCE: NMPF AND USDEC

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Dairy’s Gains Were Steady In A Year That Was Anything But We’ll spare you the long story of how 2020 was difficult for everyone – assuming you aren’t a time-traveler or a visitor from outer space, you already know it. You know that consumers turned to dairy in difficult times, from baking at home to stocking up on fluid milk in the COVID-19 pandemic’s earliest days.

No eye-poppers in this year’s report.

A small uptick in yogurt, a gain in butter as it marches back to 1960’s-level consumption, increased buying of both full-fat and lower-fat ice cream – because what’s a ­­­lockdown without ice cream? And fluid milk consumption held steady, belying the haters who always use receding prominence as fake evidence of the “death of dairy” even as gains among other dairy products more than outpace any fluid losses.

In the end, “steady” is what ­­­ dairy’s been all about. At a time when everything from public health to supply chains

have been in upheaval, consumers can count on dairy – for quality, for nutrition, for affordability and for care in its creation.

2020 is over, and 2021 hasn’t been a picnic either. But we do know – and the data does show – what consumers have counted on throughout. Dairy farmers are proud to provide products that keep the country nourished. They will continue to meet that steadily growing need until current challenges have passed – and far, far beyond.

SOURCE: NMPF

But the final consumption data for 2020 is now in, and the spreadsheet confirms what we already knew in our hearts: For the third consecutive year, U.S. per-capita dairy consumption increased, to 655 pounds per person from 653 pounds in 2019, showing a resilience in dairy that reflects that of those who relied on it.

SOURCE: USDA ERS DAIRY DATA 1975-2020 TOTAL DAIRY IS REPORTED ON A MILK EQUIVALENT, MILKFAT BASIS. THIS MEASURE IS A PROXY FOR CONSUMPTION AS IT IS BASED ON PRODUCT AVAILABLE TO BE CONSUMED.

DISTRICT 3

DISTRICT 6

Gary Nelsen, Grant........................231-834-7610

David Reed, Owosso......................989-274-8147

Bill Gruppen, Zeeland...................616-520-5143

Mike Halfman, St. Johns................989-640-1962

Burke Larsen, Scottville................231-425-8988

Steve Thelen, Fowler.....................989-640-1075

Jonathon Acker, Sand Lake............616-648-7037

Ken Wieber, Fowler.......................989-292-1187

Darren Coffey, Allegan..................269-509-7105

Renee McCauley, Lowell................616-283-6411

DISTRICT 4

DISTRICT 7

Marvin Rubingh, Ellsworth...........425-533-8106

John Bennett, Prescott..................989-345-4264

Ron Lucas, Posen..........................989-379-4694

Rodney Fowler, Chesaning............989-302-2299

Dave Folkersma, Rudyard..............906-630-1957

Tracy House, Mt. Pleasant.............989-621-6610

Clark Emmons, Fayette, OH...........419-466-4471

Paul Ponik, Posen..........................989-464-5924

Philip Gross, Weidman..................989-289-0670

Samantha Mamarow, Saline.........313-929-7878

Russ Tolan, Ossineke.....................989-471-2993

Jason Elenbaum, Mayville.............989-274-1974

DISTRICT 2

DISTRICT 5

DISTRICT 8

Mark Crandall, Battle Creek...........269-660-2229

Robert Lee, Marion.......................231-743-6794

Darwin Sneller, Sebewaing...........989-977-3718

Michael Oesch, Middlebury, IN......574-825-2454

John Black, Howard City................231-846-7252

Bill Blumerich, Berlin....................810-706-2955

Danny Ransler, Gobles...................269-998-3802

Jack Jeppesen, Stanton.................989-330-1905

Mike Noll, Croswell.......................810-404-4071

Josh Gamble, New Carlisle, IN.......574-360-7828

Bruce Benthem, McBain................231-920-1615

Jeremy Sharrard, Peck...................810-404-5076

Richard Thomas, Middlebury, IN....574-202-5198

Mark Bontekoe, Marion.................231-510-0764

Bryan Schulte, Ruth......................989-551-8200

Advisory Committee DISTRICT 1 Dan Minnis, Dansville...................517-719-5894 Scott Ferry, Litchfield....................517-214-3298 Art Riske, Hanover........................517-524-6015

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LOCAL MEETING CALENDAR

2021-2022 LOCAL MEETINGS All members will receive complete meeting details in the invitation from their local.

LOCAL

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milk messenger / NOV-DEC 2021

DATE

LOCATION

CITY

TIME

MMPA Districts

2020-2021 LOCAL OFFICERS 4

During the local meetings held by each local last year, the following officers were selected to lead their local throughout the year. Elections for 2021-2022 officers will take place at each local meeting this December or January.

DISTRICT 1

DISTRICT 3

Adrian Local

Grand Rapids Local

President: Brad Hart V. President: Chad Hart Sec./Treas.: Clark Emmons Dairy Communicators: Geraldine Emmons, Joy Marvin, Maria Marvin

President: Timothy Butler V. President: Russell Acker Sec./Treas.: Kenneth Leseman Dairy Communicator: Amanda Acker

Hillsdale-Litchfield Local

President: Dan Mauer V. President: Glen Sparks Sec./Treas.: Burke Larsen Dairy Communicators: Terri Stakenas, Lisa Larsen

President: Scott Ferry V. President: Brad Smith Sec./Treas.: Daniel Williams Dairy Communicators: Jennifer Lewis, Carol Marz-Evans

Jackson County Plus Local President: Daniel Minnis V. Pres./Sec./ Treas.: Arthur Riske

Saline-Ann Arbor Local President: Jeffrey Horning V. President: Samantha Mamarow Sec./Treas.: Bruce Breuninger Dairy Communicators: Samantha Mamarow, Lynda Horning, Katelyn Packard, Erica Drake

DISTRICT 2 Barry-Eaton Local President: Brad Crandall V. President: Thomas Wing Sec./Treas.: Heather Wing Dairy Communicators: Larry Crandall, Gloria Crandall, Zachary Pixley

Blossomland Local President: Heather Carpenter V. President: Milton Preston Sec./Treas.: Joshua Gamble Dairy Communicator: Heather Carpenter

Constantine Local V. President: Jesse Ramer Sec./ Treas.: Richard Thomas Dairy Communicator: Cynthia Adam

Kalamazoo Local

3

5

7 6

2

8

1

Muskegon Local

West Michigan Local President: William Gruppen V. President: Douglas Huff Sec./Treas.: Darren Coffey Dairy Communicator: Regina Coffey

DISTRICT 6 Livingston Charter Local

DISTRICT 4

President: Scott Bontekoe V. President: Charles White Sec./Treas.: Janet White Dairy Communicator: Jodi Hill

Chippewa County Local

Mid-Michigan Local

President: David Folkersma Sec./ Treas.: Jonathan Miller Dairy Communicators: Anne Folkersma, Diane Miller

Hillman Local Pres./ Sec./ Treas.: Ronald Lucas V. President: Russell Tolan Dairy Communicators: Amy Bodnick, Connie Lucas, Michelle Lucas

Upstate Local President: Marvin Rubingh V. President: Wilson Boss Sec./Treas.: Richard Fettig Dairy Communicator: Rebekah Rubingh

U.P. West Central Sec./Treas.: Galen Vandrese

DISTRICT 5 Alma Local

President: Craig Newland V. President: Garrett Bartholomew Sec./Treas.: Danny Ransler Dairy Communicator: Tamara Spicher

President: John Black V. President: Michael Rasmussen Sec./Treas.: Jack L Jeppesen Dairy Communicators: Cheryl Chapin, Ramona Okkema

Lansing Local

Evart Local

President: Daniel Ritter Sec./ Treas.: Kristina Langmaack Dairy Communicator: Kristina Langmaack

President: Gordon Dick V. President: Bruce Benthem Sec./Treas.: Amy Martin Dairy Communicator: Amy Martin

President: John Hufnagel V. President: Leroy Schafer Sec./Treas.: Thomas Cook Dairy Communicators: Renee McCauley, Patti Jandernoa, Carla Wardin, Doreen Slavik

Owosso Local President: Brad Ritter V. President: James Anibal Sec./Treas.: David Reed Dairy Communicator: Shauna Weil

DISTRICT 7 Clare-Mt. Pleasant Local Pres./Sec.: Philip Gross V. President: Tracy House Treasurer: Douglas Stevens

Deford/ Clifford-Mayville Local President: Raymond Wolak V. President: Keith Wood Sec./Treas.: Steven Adamic Dairy Communicators: Jane Wood, Katie Wood, Kaila Wood, Wendy Bodeis

Sunrise Local President: John Bennett V. President: Jeremy Beebe Secretary: Christopher Daniels Treasurer: Kyle Bennett Dairy Communicator: Nicole Wren

DISTRICT 8 Huron Local V. President: Bryan Schulte Secretary: Ashley Kennedy Treasurer: Gary Protzman Dairy Communicators: Ashley Kennedy, Shelly Messing, Melissa Siemen

Mid-Sanilac Local President: Michael Noll V. President: Jeremy Sharrard Secretary: Sara Lee Treasurer: Dennis Lee Dairy Communicators: Jody Sharrard, Sara Lee, Jordan Noll, Gertie van den Goor

Mid-Thumb President: William Blumerich V. President: Patrick Bolday Sec./Treas.: Kristie Lamb Dairy Communicators: Kristie Lamb, Kip Siegler, Virginia Ankley, Patrick Bolday, Kathleen Clinton

Frankenmuth Local President: James Weber V. President: Eric Frahm Sec./Treas.: Robert Krafft Dairy Communicators: Joanmarie Weiss, Amy Bergdolt, Debra Krafft

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2021 OYDC RUNNER UP

YES to the FUTURE FROM FARM HAND TO THE NEXT GENERATION ON THE FARM, NOLAN WIEBER, THE 2021 MMPA OUTSTANDING YOUNG DAIRY COOPERATOR RUNNER-UP, SAID YES TO TAKING OVER WIEBER DAIRY IN THE FUTURE.

BY EMILY KITTENDORF

M

ore often than not, saying yes is a lot easier than saying no, and saying yes also often comes with a lot more responsibility. It’s one

thing to say yes to doing the morning milking a few days a week before school and a whole other thing to say yes to taking over the farm in the future. For Nolan Wieber, the 2021 MMPA Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator Runner-Up, he’s more than familiar with how a single yes can change the trajectory of your entire life.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

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2021 OYDC RUNNER UP

RIGHT: THE 500 ACRES THAT MAKE UP WIEBER DAIRY ARE ORIGINAL TO THE FARM, PURCHASED BY NOLAN'S GREAT GRANDFATHER WHO BOUGHT THE PROPERTY IN 1922.

BELOW: NOLAN WIEBER (LEFT) WORKS ON WIEBER DAIRY IN FOWLER, MICHIGAN, AND IS PREPARING TO MARRY HIS FIANCÉ, JADE SAWYER (RIGHT), IN SUMMER 2022.

From Farm Hand to the Farm’s Future “I started working on the farm in eighth grade. I just milked, fed calves and helped bale some small bales. I was a lot smaller then,” Nolan shared.

“Ken and Gary said I could barely milk. Gary always says the first time I milked, he looked over at me and just shook his head and was like, ‘What are we thinking?’”

From those small beginnings of working on the farm with his two uncles, Ken and Gary Wieber, on Wieber Dairy in Fowler, Michigan, Nolan is now the next generation on the farm and the conversations have since dramatically changed.

“

“I was a junior in high school when Ken and Gary asked me if I would take over the farm in the future. I had no idea that they were going to ask me.

I didn't know what I wanted to do in life.

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milk milk messenger messenger // NOV-DEC NOV-DEC 2021 2021

“I was a junior in high school when Ken and Gary asked me if I would take over the farm in the future,” Nolan said. “I had no idea that they were going to ask me. I didn't know what I wanted to do in life. I think I was throwing around welding at the time.”

The two things that Nolan did know is that he didn’t want to work in an office, and he really enjoyed working on the farm. The unexpected proposition fit those two buckets and with a few weeks of thought, Nolan agreed to the deal.

“I remember my dad and I were fishing when I told him and he said, ‘Are you sure? That’s a lot of responsibility’ and I said, ‘Yea, I think so!’” Nolan said.

Saying yes to being the next generation on the farm led Nolan to realize how much there was to learn about running a dairy farm. “I started taking on more responsibility and driving tractor when I was 16 or 17, but honestly, I still didn't know what was going on,” Nolan said.

“I didn't grow up here on the farm.”

To learn more about farming and the industry, Nolan pursued a dairy management certificate from Michigan State University (MSU) after graduating from high school. During college, he gained valuable experience in the classroom and interned at Lew-Max Dairy, owned by Aaron Gasper, fellow MMPA member, where he brought home many of the practices he learned there.

“One thing I learned at Aaron Gasper’s that I’ve implemented here is how we wean off calves,” Nolan said. “They used to get fed three times a day and no matter how much grain we were using, we would just take them off milk and put them in the barn. Now we wean them off slowly.”

During his internship, Nolan also learned a lot about cow care, the importance of walking pens and how to breed cows. All things that Nolan brought back and implemented on Wieber Dairy. With Nolan just an employee on the farm right now, approaching making changes is somewhat of an art form.

ON WIEBER DAIRY, NOLAN AND HIS TWO UNCLES, KEN AND GARY WIEBER, MILK 120 REGISTERED HOLSTEINS IN A DOUBLE-8 PARALLEL PARLOR.

The Art of Addressing Change “For the most part, I'll bring up something I think can change, but I usually don't push them to do it if they don't want to,” Nolan said. “A lot of times I’ll just drop the seed.”

Nolan’s patience, respect for the generation before him and his easy-golucky attitude make him apt at working with his family. He also credits Dr. Joe Domecq at MSU for teaching him how to address changes on the farm.

“I try to be subtle about what I think should change. I’m not going to make them do anything. I can’t make them do anything. But I do the best I can with what we have,” Nolan said. “At the end of the day, they’ve been farming way longer than I have. It’s not like they’re not doing good. You see all these 100 cow dairies going out and we’re doing alright. They’re doing something right.”

Wieber Dairy is definitely doing something right. With an impressive track record of MMPA quality awards and Holstein Association Progressive Breeder awards, they are good at what they do.

“With employees, we're kind of sticklers on making sure that cows get cleaned off good,” Nolan said. “With the calves, I usually try to remind them that the water needs to be hot and you need to make sure the powder gets mixed together.”

“

Wieber Dairy is definitely doing something right.

With an impressive track record of MMPA quality awards and Holstein Association Progressive Breeder awards, they are good at what they do.

It’s the small things that always add up to contribute to milk quality, yet they always hope to keep things simple.

“We try to keep things low cost and keep things simple pretty much.

I wouldn’t say we do anything real special,” Nolan said. “We’re probably more simple than a lot of other places. We fix all of our own machinery for the most part unless it’s something crazy.”

Ken, Gary and Nolan work as a team.

They share milking shifts, cropping responsibilities and cow chores.

And despite the hours they spend with each other, “There's not a whole lot of arguing. We listen to each other and I do what the boss asks me to do,” Nolan said. “We work with what we have.” milk messenger / NOV-DEC 2021

19

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KIP AND ROCHELLE SIEGLER 2021 OYDC

Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator (OYDC) Program About the Program

How to Apply

Selection Process

NEW in 2021!

Since 1950, MMPA has been identifying future leaders through the Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator (OYDC) program. The purpose of the program is to strengthen leadership abilities in young farmers, broaden young farmers’ knowledge of milk marketing and MMPA and recognize the abilities and stewardship of our young dairy farmers.

To become an OYDC, MMPA members or employees of members must be age 40 or younger and apply for the program. To apply, young cooperators must either be elected at their local meeting, or as of 2021, they may selfnominate by applying online at https://www.mimilk.com/ oydcapp/.

Following the application process, up to 10 OYDC finalists are selected and they gather for a conference where they learn more about MMPA and milk marketing, and complete interviews with a set of judges. Judges evaluate the OYDCs on their establishment in farming and progress made, dairy program, leadership abilities and personal data.

• Young cooperators can self-nominate to be an OYDC finalist.

• More than one young cooperator from each local can apply.

• The OYDC application can be completed online at https://www.mimilk.com/ oydcapp/

OYDC APPLICATION DEADLINE: MARCH 15 LEARN MORE AT WWW.MIMILK.COM/OYDCAPP

milk messenger / NOV-DEC 2021

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FIELDPERSON OF THE YEAR

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milk messenger / NOV-DEC 2021

MMPA MANAGER OF FIELD SERVICES BEN CHAPIN NAMED MICHIGAN FIELDPERSON THE YEAR

In It People for

the

BY ALLISON STUBY MILLER

Ben Chapin was just a child when he first interacted with MMPA. Dragged along with his family to an MMPA Local Association meeting, Chapin listened to former MMPA General Manager Walt Wosje cycle through transparent sheets of complex graphs on an overhead projector.

T

hough Local Meetings only come around once per year, Chapin was ingrained in MMPA and dairy farming every day. Growing up on an MMPA member farm in Remus, Michigan, Chapin helped out with chores before school and watched his grandpa lead the cooperative as a member of the board of directors.

“I remember MMPA being a big deal at a big time,” Chapin said. “I grew up with MMPA in my blood and dairy farming in my blood.”

Fast forward a couple decades and Chapin is now working for MMPA as manager of field services, where he leads a team of 14 member representatives spread across the Great Lakes region. In recognition of his service to dairy producers, he was recently named the 2021 Michigan Fieldperson of the Year at the Michigan Dairy Industry Conference. The Michigan Dairy Industry Conference is an annual conference for dairy industry and regulatory professionals which features networking, education and award recognition.

After graduating from Northern Michigan University and trying out a career as a hunting guide, Chapin joined MMPA 11 years ago as a member representative.

“My first day was August 16, 2010,” he said. “I guess I have been pretty happy ever since. I get a lot of fulfilment out of it. I enjoy the people I work with, the staff and the ability to have relationships with members. I always remember who I work for and what I’m here for.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

milk messenger / NOV-DEC 2021

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FIELDPERSON OF THE YEAR

Chapin points to a few mentors who helped him get to where he is today. “I looked up to Jack Stickler, Gerry Volz, Rick Fluegge and Tom Herremans.

Those four were key people in my first years. They taught me how to get through challenges and be a better rep.”

He is also active in the dairy industry through the Michigan Dairy Industry Conference, and the National Conference on Interstate Milk Shipments. Chapin stays in tune with the evolving dairy industry and what things may impact dairy producers.

In 2014, Chapin was promoted to area supervisor and assumed his current position as manager of field services in 2017. His current role involves overseeing member representatives across the Great Lakes region and ensuring MMPA dairy farms are best equipped to produce high quality milk and provide excellent animal care.

“We see the challenges coming down the road, and do our best to stay out in front of them. Currently, sustainability and dairy farm workforce are big topics,” he said. “Our job is to gain as much knowledge as we can and formulate plans for the membership so we can be a resource. I enjoy working through those challenges. I know these can be difficult topics for members, but we’re all part of a team to help them work through those challenges for the success of the co-op.”

“My job is a supportive role to staff and to help them align where we’re going as a co-op,” he said. He helps with equipment checks, quality issues and provides back up to member representatives as they work with members to improve their farms.

The day-to-day job varies based on the current needs of MMPA and the members. “I might be working with reps in Alpena one day and then be in Ohio the next. It’s the nature of the job.”

“

I really enjoy bringing on new reps, seeing them grow and become comfortable with the job. It’s still one of my favorite parts to see different regions of our co-op and learn from producers and other professionals.” learn from producers and other dairy professionals.”

Yet what’s the most challenging part of his job? “The people,” Chapin said with a chuckle. “Everyone has different personalities, you need to tune into what drives people—employees or producers—and know the best way to communicate with them. That’s ultimately the most challenging thing.”

Chapin says his favorite part is the people. “I would not be able to work some place where I’m not in contact with people. I enjoy bringing on new reps, seeing them grow and become comfortable and successful with their work. One of my favorite aspects is to see different regions of our co-op and

MMPA has been entrenched in Chapin’s entire life and he hasn’t shied away from making his own positive impact on the cooperative. “I just enjoy doing what I do and working for the people I work for,” he said. “I want MMPA to be B:3.5" successful.”

T:3.5"

S:3.5"

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Previous MMPA Member Representatives Named Michigan Dairy Industry Fieldperson of the Year Dave Brady (2019)

Preston Cole (1995)

Christina Dinsmoore (2012)

Robert Schaifle (1993)

Jack Stickler (2011)

Egbert Machiela (1992)

Gary Hughes (2010)

Robert Smith (1990)

Michael Marvin (2008)

Dale Thompson (1989)

Dean Letter (2007)

Neil Wright (1987)

Gerry Volz (2006)

Mel Newton (1986)

Gary Mills (2004)

Duane Crouch (1985)

Steve Beroza (2003)

Roy Chapin (1984)

Richard Fluegge (2002)

Dean Hewitt (1983)

Steven Lehman (1999)

Robert Dewey (1980)

Thomas Herremans (1997)

John Davis (1978)

Gibson “GIB” Strickling (1996)

Spencer Wilson (1976)

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milk messenger / NOV-DEC 2021

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YOUR DAIRY PROMOTION AT WORK

YOUR DAIRY CHECKOFF AT WORK National News In 2021, the dairy checkoff continued to build trust and sales in dairy through initiatives like: • Launching “Detroit-Style Pizza” using 50% more cheese than traditional handtossed pizza with Pizza Hut® U.S. • Seeing Pizza Hut Asia Pacific’s U.S. cheese use grow 136% since 2016 through menu innovation and expertise to drive delivery and takeout growth • U.S. dairy export volume grew 13% (through May 2021 milk solids equivalent) compared to same period in 2020, and total value grew 18% • Developing a new dairy-based Mountain Dew Baja Blast Colada Freeze at Taco Bell, featuring a tropic-infused dairy cream • Launching Amazon Fresh smoothie page, which drove increased consumer engagement with dairy • Seeing a 300% increase in Gen Z and Millennial traffic seeking food and cooking info at usdairy.com Fuel Up to Play 60 Grant Cycle After a year of educators working so hard to get through the year, we were thrilled by the interest to build and grow FUTP60 programs. This spring, a total of $145,000 in grant funding was requested from schools around Indiana.

While being budget-minded and dairyfocused, we are excited to support 26 schools and schedule visits to them in the fall. These grants and relationships will bring much needed resources to schools looking to get students excited and educated about the benefits of dairy.

Funding included: • 16 school grants for equipment, promotional materials and programming • 8 schools with supplies and FLAG in-school kits to encourage healthy eating and activity • 2 cafeterias updated in partnership with the Indianapolis Colts

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milk messenger / NOV-DEC 2021

“Milk Means More 3-Point Score” Delivers for the Community During the 2020-2021 basketball season, for each 3-point basket made by the Detroit Pistons, Michigan’s dairy farmers donated 10 gallons of milk to the food bank and promised a 1,000 gallon donation in the name of the team leader at the end of the season.

Saddiq Bey led in 3-point scoring for the contest and broke a Pistons record for 3-pointers in a season by a rookie.

Saddiq and the Detroit Pistons generously matched our donation. Because of this, Gleaner’s offered the option of sponsoring a mobile food pantry for a full year.

In celebration of this donation, Saddiq Bey presented the $15,500 check for the pantry to Gleaner’s and personally loaded milk into the cars of over 100 families at the Caesar Chavez mobile pantry.

Gleaners, Milk Means More and Pistons staff additionally loaded bags of chicken, fresh fruits and vegetables, and pantry staples into vehicles. Saddiq and the Pistons also presented a $5,000 check to the school for school supplies.

Digital Advertising at Milk Means More Events this Summer During in-person consumer events this summer we supplement our reach with digital advertising encompassing summer fun and milk’s nutrition for kids and athletes. Static and video was leveraged from the energetic ‘You’re Gonna Need Milk For That’ campaign in addition to millennial parent influencer’s (@andreakucinski and @stefmturner) fun TikToks. These advertisements were targeted to millennial parents of families that attended events using geo-fence technology and other targeting tactics.

The digital campaign delivered 1.8 million impressions and geo-fenced 16 family-friendly events. To complement our digital advertising, we executed a social media campaign on Instagram and Facebook that also delivered an above average click through rate achieving a total of 246K impressions.

Restoring and Refueling Detroit Denby High School Receives New Weight Room In partnership with the Detroit Pistons, Michigan’s dairy farmers surprised Edwin Denby High School student athletes with a remodeled, state-of-theart weight room. The school has not had a functioning training room since 2018.

The facility is complete with a stocked fueling station of chocolate milk and other snacks and new workout equipment courtesy of Planet Fitness of Detroit. Athletes will be able to grab this food after a training session so no athlete leaves the weight room hungry and they will fuel themselves for performance with nutrient-rich foods such as chocolate milk.

UNITED DAIRY INDUSTRY OF MICHIGAN

Virtual Farm Tours Both ADAI and UDIM are once again hosting virtual farm tours to reach students, teachers and anyone interested in learning more about dairy. These tours are hosted via Zoom, Facebook and YouTube and live on our websites for future viewing.

During UDIM’s September tour of Ritter Farms, about 1,200 students watched on Zoom. The tour was also live-streamed on Facebook and YouTube with over 5,100 views and 21,500 impressions as of October 1. Carterly Farms in Indiana hosted a September virtual farm tour as a follow up to their 2020 winter tour to compare the different seasons on their grazing dairy farm. Almost 3,000 students from 159 classrooms watched live and asked hundreds of questions throughout the tour.

In October, Michigan students toured Walnutdale Farms. During the live event, over 9,000 students joined this tour. In the post surveys, the students shared: “Now I know how to take care of cows.

I want that job!”

“I like how you treat your cows on your farm.”

“This was the best day ever!”

Over the years of hosting virtual tours, participants always ask to see where the milk goes after it leaves the farm. On November 9 we will follow the milk to Guernsey Farms Dairy to see the milk being pasteurized and bottled! Indiana students will get to visit two farms on one tour in November, learning about robotic dairying in both grazing and free-stall barn settings. By introducing new farms and types of tours, local checkoffs can keep classrooms engaged and provide teachers with resources throughout the year.

Educators Register to Adopt a Cow Partnering with the Dairy Excellence Foundation, educators from across the country could adopt a cow for their students. In Michigan, over 1,000 teachers and parents registered 21,509 students to adopt one of four calves from Werth Dairy Farm. Two young Indiana dairy farmers, John Carter in Frankfort and Ashley Risner in Monterrey, were introduced to 719 classrooms representing 17,583 students for the year. As a former Spanish teacher, Ashley will be providing farm tours and updates in two languages, allowing even more students and classrooms to participate.

Throughout the school year, students will get an inside look at the dairy farm, learn how their calf is taken care of and get updates on her growth. Everyone registered will receive a packet with photos of their calf and student activity sheets. Educators also have access to digital lesson plans from Discover Dairy to support their farm to school curriculum. The program will conclude in the spring with a live chat at the farm to meet their heifer and have their questions answered.

UDIM Recognizes #HungerHeroes During Hunger Action Month There are many groups of people who have been on the front lines of the pandemic and that includes the staff at our food bank partners around the state. September was Hunger Action Month, usually spent bringing awareness to the need that exists for food banks. Milk Means More took this opportunity to thank our food bank staff for their ongoing efforts throughout the pandemic increasing their reach in record numbers and implementing

creative solutions to operational barriers. Each food bank staff was surprised with dairy-riffic goodies, lunch and giveaways throughout the month. Mootilda even got in on the fun! Our food bank partners were very grateful for the kind surprises recognizing their efforts.

Crisis Content Corner The end of one calendar year and the beginning of the next mean paperwork, checklists and updating processes. While you’re in the mindset of these necessary practices, it’s a good time to update or create a crisis plan for your farm.

If you don’t have a crisis plan, call us! We can help walk you through the process.

If you have a crisis plan, call us!

We can help you review the plan and update it, if needed.

In either instance, we can ensure you have our contact information, provide new resources and walk you through how we can help.

For further information, or to set up a planning meeting for your farm, contact your state promotion staff below.

Michigan: Jolene Griffin - jolene@ milkmeansmore.org, 224-567-1894 Indiana: Allie Rieth - rieth@winnersdrinkmilk. com, 317-443-2296

milk messenger / NOV-DEC 2021

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FREELINERS AND CLASSIFIEDS

TO SUBMIT FREELINERS AND CLASSIFIED ADS, CONTACT MMPA VIA EMAIL AT MESSENGER@MIMILK.COM OR VISIT MIMILK.COM/FREELINER-CLASSIFIED.

Freeliners

For Sale

Classifieds

Freeliners Policy

2019 SV280 CASE SKID STEER with a cab, HVAC, 500

Classifieds Policy

The Freeliners column is open to current MMPA members

rear door, new tires, four-year inclusive warranty.

Cost for classifieds is $25 for the first 35 words and then $5

who wish to advertise—at no charge—goods or services

$38,000 or $607 monthly lease payment. Call 989-

for each additional word. Payment due with order. All ads

relating directly to their dairy farm operations.

493-1663.

must be received by the 10th of the month preceding desired

hours, EH controls, high flow package, heavy duty

month of publication. MMPA neither sponsors nor endorses

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

FOR SALE: 2009 NEW HOLLAND H7450 DISCBINE,

requested). After that, it will be withdrawn.

drawbar swivel hitch, good rolls, one owner, $15,300. Call 989-305-2659.

• It will be published again for no more than two

products or services advertised in the Milk Messenger.

WANTED: 100-gallon bulk milk cooler.

Call 765-455-8664.

consecutive months only if the member resubmits the

FOR SALE: WEAVER DOUBLE 8 HERRINGBONE

item by writing or calling the Novi office.

STAINLESS STEEL STALLS - Like new condition,

• Reference to a name of a firm or other commercial

$3,000. Call Dan at 810-241-8999.

enterprise with which a member is involved will be deleted, with permission of the member.

LELY A3 NEXT ROBOT - $45,000. Chisel Plow 9 shanks

• If the member does not wish such deletion, he/she may choose to have the item published as a Classified Ad at

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

$4,000. Milk Compressors 5 horse 2012 models 1,000 DAVIDSON CEMENT GROOVING, INC: No water

each. Call 989-313-7323.

needed. Wider, rougher grooves for better traction.

the regular per-line rate.

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

We also offer texturing for your previously grooved

Wanted WANTED: DELAVAL SINGLE PULSATION PULSATOR bodies for pipeline system. Call 616-406-5611.

floors. 3 operators will travel Michigan and other states. No interest payment terms. Est. since 1987.

Call 1-800-365-3361.

CONCRETE GROOVING BY TRI-STATE SCABBLING, home of the 2” wide groove. Best traction, lowest prices. 800-554-2288. www.tristatescabbling.com A SURE WAY TO KEEP YOUR COWS UPRIGHT! Concrete grooving/texturing provides high quality

LEGENDAIRY. No bull.

Co-Products Menu

Soybean meal, canola meal, hominy, oat hulls, wheat midds, citrus pulp, malt sprouts, beet pulp, soybean hulls, cereal feed, cottonseed, distillers, gluten feed, wet feeds and more!

Non-GMO products available

milk messenger / NOV-DEC 2021

Call for your below pricing 989-635-1494.

FOR SALE: NEW & USED MILK TANKS. We stock all sizes, makes, models. Special prices to co-op members, corporate & private farms. Contact us anytime day or night. Special on 2000 gal. Muellers for $13,900 & up. 2700 & 4000 gal. Muellers call for quote. 800-558-0112.

STRAW & DRY HAY (large & small bales). Feed Oats,

Contact merchandisers at ZFS, Inc: MI/IN/OH: 866.888.7082 WI: 800-523-6760 www.zfsinc.com/divisions/ingredients

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traction in new and old concrete, fast service.

Feed Barley and Corn Silage. Delivery Available.

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

Classifieds - continued ALFALFA HAYLAGE (excellent & fair grades) & CORN SILAGE. Call 989-723-1886 or 989-277-1414.

NEW KATOLIGHT PTO GENERATOR, 60 KW, keep everyone warm and producing if there is a power outage. Call Brent at 248-770-5122.

HOOF TRIMMING - 20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE. Also doing fly control and cement grooving.

Gibson Hoof Care (Tom) 989-239-6843.

K-Cal Energy Supplement for Calves As winter approaches, it is important to increase the caloric intake of baby calves to help them battle the cold temperatures. K-Cal Energy Supplement can help increase the calorie content of whole milk or milk replacer by adding highly digestible milk proteins and fats designed specifically for that purpose. It is an economical source of energy and typically costs less than feeding more milk replacer powder. K-Cal mixes easily in warm milk or reconstituted milk replacer and may eliminate the need to switch milk replacers for the winter months. It helps to support calf survival and optimal growth rates during cold weather or other stress. It is packaged in 25-pound bags. To order please contact the MMPA Farm Supply Store: 1-877-367-6455 or visit our website: www.mimilk.com/ farm-supply-store.

K-Cal Energy Supplement – Guaranteed Analysis CRUDE PROTEIN, MIN........................................................................................................................ 7.00% CRUDE FAT, MIN................................................................................................................................60.00%

SEED CORN - "Minnesota 13" Open Pollinated 85 Day Yellow Field Corn Seed. High Protein, High Yield, High Fat, Fast Drydown. Great Digestibility!

80,000 graded seeds $100. JanksSeeds.com.

CRUDE FIBER, MAX.............................................................................................................................. 0.15% CALCIUM, MIN....................................................................................................................................... 0.20% CALCIUM, MAX.................................................................................................................................... 0.40% PHOSPHORUS, MIN..............................................................................................................................0.25% SELENIUM, MIN............................................................................................................................. . 0.02 PPM

Call 989-284-5052.

STOCK #

WANTED: 1-2 milking machines in good

1018

DESCRIPTION

MEMBER PRICE

K-CAL ENERGY SUPPLEMENT

$31.90/25# BAG

working order with or without straps.

Call 989-239-9592.

and stainless steel receive. 320 feet of PVC

THREE WAYS TO ORDER MMPA MERCHANDISE FROM THE FARM SUPPLY STORE

3-inch vacuum line. $1,000. Buyer dismantle.

1 Order online at www.mimilk.com/farm-supply-store

350 FEET OF 3-INCH STAINLESS STEEL PIPELINE

Call 810-962-0184. Durand, MI.

2 Call in your order: Main Line: 989-317-8370 Toll Free: 877-367-6455 Orders (Novi): 800-572-5824 then dial 2 3 Fax in your order: 989-317-8372

CHEMICAL, SANITIZER AND TEAT DIP CONTACTS These are SERVICE personnel only. Order your supplies through your hauler.

ECOLAB 24-Hour Medical Emergency Hotline: 1-800-328-0026 Service Message Center: 1-800-392-3392 Service Representatives: » Pat Mitchell – 517-403-0928 - 7273 N. Rollin Hwy., Addison, MI 49220 » Jason Wolfe – 540-553-5755 - 1890 Canter Drive, Riner, VA 24149

milk messenger / NOV-DEC 2021

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MMPA STAFF

MMPA Field Staff

Novi Headquarters

Dean Letter, Newaygo, Member Services Director.................. 231-679-0337

Main Office

Steve Lehman, Ithaca, Raw Milk Compliance.............................989-330-1638

Local line..............................................................................248-474-6672 Toll free................................................................................800-572-5824

Sarah Michalek, Dewitt, Sustainability Supervisor...................248-305-0537 Ben Chapin, Remus, Field Services Manager........................... 989-289-0731 Lindsay Green, East Lansing, Animal Care /Sustainability ......989-488-8159 Christy Dinsmoore, Vassar, Supervisor....................................248-513-7920 Frank Brazeau, Oconto, WI......................................................... 906-250-0337 Lyndsay Earl, Ludington, Animal Care.......................................231-519-2455 Deb Gingrich, Leroy, Animal Care/Sustainability......................248-520-3580 Courtney Gordon, Mt. Pleasant...................................................248-756-2062 Laura Gucwa, Bad Axe.................................................................248-826-6294 Ashley Herriman, Herron............................................................269-245-6632 Dave Brady, Grass Lake, Supervisor.........................................517-937-9061 Rachel Brown, Charlotte............................................................. 248-826-7243 Alyssa DeWitt, Elkhart, IN...........................................................269-967-7351 Brandon Ewers, Coldwater, Sustainability.................................231-414-4539 Joe Packard, Manchester, Animal Care......................................248-520-3481 Brittni Tucker, Eagle.....................................................................248-880-3785

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

In Michigan...........................................................................800-572-5824 Toll Free............................................................................... 800-233-2405 Ovid (Daily, 6 a.m.-10 p.m.)............................................. 989-834-2515 Constantine (Daily, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.)..................................800-391-7560

Farm Supply - Mt. Pleasant Supervisor: Duane Farmer, Mt. Pleasant

President and Chief Executive Officer Joe Diglio.......................................................................................ext. 202 Member and Government Relations Sheila Burkhardt...........................................................................ext. 208 Management Information Systems Andrew Caldwell...........................................................................ext. 304 Chief Financial Officer Tom Downey..................................................................................ext. 240 Laboratory Supervisor Patti Huttula.................................................................................. ext. 219 Quality Sudeep Jain...................................................................................ext. 249 Member Services Emily Keranen...............................................................................ext. 203 Human Resources Kelly Kerrigan................................................................................ ext. 301 Sales and Supply Chain Judy Lofgren................................................................................. ext. 301 Credit/Insurance Cheryl Schmandt........................................................................... ext. 333 Operations Darren Standorf....................................................................248-321-3656 Communications Allison Stuby Miller.......................................................................ext. 296 Emily Kittendorf............................................................................ext. 234 Corporate Controller Jeannie Strain ............................................................................... ext. 312 Member Relations Jessica Welch................................................................................ext. 303

Main Line..............................................................................989-317-8370 Toll Free................................................................................877-367-6455 Orders (Novi)..................................................... 800-572-5824, then dial 2 Fax........................................................................................989-317-8372 Merchandise Coordinator, Energy Auditor

Katie Pierson, Mt. Pleasant................................................. 989-289-9686 Farm Supply Sales Representative

Jake Riley, Mt. Pleasant....................................................... 248-912-5070

Manufacturing Plants Constantine, Michigan Dave Davis, Plant Manager...................................................269-435-2835

Ovid, Michigan Mike Hedlund, Plant Manager............................................... 989-834-2221 Middlebury Cheese Company, Middlebury, Indiana Bela Sandor, Plant Manager...................................................574-825-9511

John Lehman, Elsie, Bulk Tank Calibration................................248-444-6775

If you are unable to reach your assigned member representative, please contact the representatives listed in .your area. Your assigned member representative is listed on your quality statements or can be found by visiting mimilk.com/contact/field-staff and searching by your producer number.

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milk messenger / NOV-DEC 2021

Board of Directors Officers Doug Chapin, Board Chairman Tony Jandernoa Board Vice Chairman Eric Frahm, Treasurer Tom Downey, Assistant Treasurer Joe Diglio, President and CEO Sheila Burkhardt, Secretary Todd Hoppe, General Counsel Directors-At-Large Carlton Evans, Litchfield 517-398-0629 Aaron Gasper, Lowell 616-291-4092 Bruce Lewis, Jonesville 517-869-2877 Gertie van den Goor, Marlette 989-550-8453 Kris Wardin, St. Johns 989-640-9420 District Directors 1 Brian Preston Quincy 517-376-1350 2 Tim Hood Paw Paw 269-657-5771 3 Bill Stakenas Freesoil 231-425-6913 4 Corby Werth Alpena 989-464-5436 5 Doug Chapin Remus 231-349-4059 6 Tony Jandernoa Fowler 989-593-2224 7 Eric Frahm Frankenmuth 989-652-3552 8 Scott Lamb Jeddo 810-327-6135

MEMBER MOMENT

Submit your Member Moment to messenger@mimilk.com

A red barn basked in a golden glow of an autumn sunset, a scene to behold.

Remnants of harvest whisper by rattling barren branches, autumn’s noise.

The golden glow and the harvest past, give reason to be thankful and reminisce.

PHOTO BY: TRICIA BARTHOLOMEW, SCOTTS, MICHIGAN

milk messenger / NOV-DEC 2021

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P.O. Box 8002 Novi, MI 48376

Give the gift of dairy this holiday season Heritage Ridge Creamery gift boxes featuring cheese and butter are on sale now

SMALL HOLIDAY GIFT BOX - $25

LARGE HOLIDAY GIFT BOX - $40

Three pounds of cheese: Colby, Amish Creamery and Colby-Jack cheese.*

Cheese grater, one block of butter, one summer sausage and four pounds of cheese: Colby, Cheddar, Pepper-Jack, and Monterey-Jack cheese.*

*Cheese varieties subject to change. Order early!

TO ORDER: Call: 574-825-9511, ext. 104 Click: www.heritageridgecreamery.com Visit: Heritage Ridge Creamery 11275 W 250 N Middlebury, IN 46540

MEMBERS-ONLY DISCOUNT: 20% OFF ONLINE ORDERS Use code MEMBER20 online and checkout using the email associated with your account on the members-only website.

*Cheese varieties subject to change. Consider ordering early to ensure delivery in time for the holidays.