Milk Messenger: July/August 2022

JULY / AUGUST 2022

VOL. 105

MMPA MEMBER SERVICES HELPING MEMBERS SUCCEED SINCE 1916

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SUSTAINABILITY SPOTLIGHT: BRIAN DEMANN

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DECADES OF DEVOTION TO DAIRY PROMOTION

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features

18 MMPA Member Services:

Helping Members Succeed Since 1916 Behind every MMPA member is a team of dedicated member representatives who provide services and programs that equip MMPA members with leading management and production information.

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SUSTAINABILITY SPOTLIGHT: BRIAN DEMANN Efficiency is the name of the game for Brian DeMann at Clearview Dairy Farm in Martin, Michigan. DeMann and his family continuously seek additional efficiencies and have found that many sustainable practices work handin-hand with achieving their goals.

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DECADES OF DEVOTION TO DAIRY PROMOTION MMPA Dairy Communicators work diligently to speak out and communicate on behalf of dairy farmers in the Great Lakes region. Meet a few Dairy Communicators who have served their local communities over the last 15 to 25 years. milk messenger / JULY / AUGUST 2022

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contents

MMPA DAIRY COMMUNICATORS TOUR CONSTANTINE PLANT

BRIAN PRESTON, MMPA DISTRICT 1 DIRECTOR

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EDITOR’S NOTE

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MILK MINUTE

13 27 30 32 33 34 35

Member Services Evolution

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QUALITY WATCH

10

NEWS & VIEWS

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MORE THAN $2.3 MILLION TO SUPPORT

Why are Grade A surveys important?

MICHIGAN ALLIANCE FOR ANIMAL AGRICULTURE

LEGISLATIVE WATCH MEET BRIAN PRESTON, MMPA DISTRICT 1 DIRECTOR YOUR DAIRY PROMOTION AT WORK FREELINERS & CLASSIFIEDS FARM SUPPLY STORE STAFF MEMBER MOMENT

“I value the co-op structure and being able to be a member-owner.

Together, with other dairy farmers, we have bargaining power in the marketplace to help control how our milk is marketed.”

BRIAN PRESTON, MMPA DISTRICT 1 DIRECTOR (PAGE 27)

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VOL. 105

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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 EMILY KITTENDORF

Summer is officially in full swing! As we battle high temperatures and unpredictable rain fall, Michigan Milk Producer Association’s (MMPA’s) dairy farmer members will continue to produce the high-quality milk they are known for.

MMPA members have access to numerous programs and services that they can turn to and take advantage of. Beginning on page 18, we break them down to give a comprehensive look at the benefits MMPA members can use to improve their farms.

Editor & Advertising Manager 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 Publication Office MMPA Milk Messenger P.O. Box 8002, Novi, MI 48376-8002 p: 248-474-6672 f: 248-474-0924

In This Issue Another perk of MMPA is the gathering of great minds like MMPA’s Dairy Communicators who meet once a year to swap promotion ideas and recognize service award recipients (pg. 10). I caught up with Jodi Hill, Patti Jandernoa and Lynda Horning, long-time MMPA Dairy Communicators and had them share their advice when it comes to promoting dairy.

e: messenger@mimilk.com w: mimilk.com Established in 1916, MMPA is a member owned and operated dairy cooperative serving dairy farmers in Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin and Ohio.

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

I also visited with Brian DeMann of Clearview Dairy Farm to talk about sustainability and learn what it means to him (pg. 14). On page 26, you can meet Brian Preston who is representing MMPA members on the Board of Directors as a District 1 Director. Brian is incredibly forward-thinking and really values MMPA’s cooperative structure. Finally,

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

I’m happy to share that with over a century of roots in the Great Lakes region, we’re now including American Dairy Association Mideast, who represents dairy farms in Ohio and West Virginia, in the checkoff update provided every issue (pg. 30).

Circulation: 2,600 (ISSN 0026-2315)

I wish you all a great summer!

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MILK MINUTE

Member Services Evolution

BY DEAN LETTER, MMPA MEMBER SERVICES DIRECTOR

T

he focus of the member services team continues to evolve to meet the needs of the marketplace. Historically, the member services team focused on improving milk quality on member farms and helping them maintain compliance with the Grade A dairy law. For the last several years, MMPA has been well represented among the National Dairy Quality Award program awardees and we’re known in the marketplace for producing high quality milk. While these two areas continue to be important for milk marketing, the focus has broadened to include sustainability or regenerative agriculture.

DEAN LETTER

Our focus began to expand over ten years ago with the adoption of the Farmers Assuring Responsible Management Animal Care (FARM AC) program. FARM AC was a voluntary program initially but transitioned into a mandatory program in response to food company requirements. Videos posted on social media highlighted the need for a very robust animal care program.

MMPA animal care evaluators work with members and their veterinarians to develop and maintain herd health plans and write animal care standard operating procedures. The animal care program stresses continuous training for the employee and continuing education for the farm owner. To aid in this animal care requirement, MMPA staff began providing Dairy Care Academy trainings hosted across the region every spring. The training was a day-long, interactive workshop where participants learned about calf care, best milking practices and dairy herdsmanship.

In 2020, the member services team developed an online Dairy Care Academy that provides the same quality training, but available year-round. By scanning a QR code, members and their employees can access training videos for various animal care tasks. After viewing the videos and passing a post-video test, you can receive a certificate indicating satisfactory completion of the training module.

Today, the focus for most companies, and probably all publicly traded companies, is greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction. MMPA member services have been tracking GHG emissions from member farms for the last several years using the FARM Environmental Stewardship (ES) tool. Currently, MMPA can estimate farm GHG emissions using a stratified random sampling protocol which means that a good estimate could be made without needing to visit every member farm. The aggregated GHG intensity of our member farms (pounds of carbon dioxide equivalent gas (GHG) released per pound of milk produced) can be shared with interested customers.

This expansion of the member services team provides opportunities for farmer-led sustainability initiatives through arrangements with MMPA customers. The Farmer Sustainability Advisory Council is regularly reviewing customer projects that aim to further reduce GHG emissions, improve soil health and resiliency, reduce water use and/or increase its reuse, and demonstrate that workers work in a safe work environment while making a reasonable wage.

MMPA member services will continue to partner and engage with members and MMPA customers to assure that we can continue to market MMPA members’ milk to the greatest advantage possible.

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QUALITY WATCH

Why are Grade A surveys important?

WE ASKED THE EXPERTS:

Steve Lehman

MMPA Member Representative Passing Grade A surveys and check ratings is a vital part of maintaining the consistent flow of milk to MMPA plants and customers. Failed ratings result in significant financial losses from increased transportation costs, reduction in value of the delisted milk, and missed marketing opportunities. Here are some things that can be done to help to assure that surveys pass.

Watch the big-point items. Equipment cleaning, abnormal milk handling, drug storage, and water supply violations are the quickest ways to lose points. Take a few minutes daily to make certain that the milking equipment and bulk tanks are clean. Handle abnormal milk properly by milking those cows last, with separate equipment, or with a non-milkline vacuum source. Review drug storage and labeling with your veterinarian during herd health checks.

Notify your member representative of new well installations, equipment additions, and plumbing changes.

Slide up those pinch valves. Keeping the pinch-style drain valves within three inches of the pipe that they are draining will prevent a common four point debit.

Keep the doors closed. There are debits totaling twelve points on the inspection sheet that involve doors. Even though all doors are not required to be self-closing, installing closers on all doors (and not propping them open) is the best way to avoid these debits.

Keep non-milk contact surfaces clean.

Parlor, milkhouse, and utility room cleanliness, along with cleanliness of the inside flap of the milk filter box are among the most common items marked on ratings. Take a few minutes daily to keep ahead of these areas.

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Barbara J. Koeltzow

Dairy Program Manager, Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development conducts Grade A surveys of dairy farms assigned to each bulk tank unit (BTU) at least once every 24 months as required by the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance. Every dairy farm that has its milk sold in interstate commerce can be randomly selected as part of the survey.

When a Grade A survey fails, milk from the dairy farms on the delisted BTU cannot be used to make Grade A milk or dairy products until a resurvey is conducted and a passing score is obtained. During this time, milk from other dairy farms on another BTU must be rerouted to supply the Grade A dairy plant that the delisted BTU normally supplies. This supply chain disruption is extremely costly to the milk cooperative and directly affects the overall profit margin paid to every milk cooperative member. Increased transportation costs resulting from failed Grade A surveys have a negative impact on all member farms due to the tremendous additional expense created by the logistics involved to move milk that differs from the more efficient routes that are normally used.

It is the responsibility of every member to ensure that their facility maintains compliance with Grade A standards every day so a Grade A survey will pass at any time.

Gary Sanborn MMPA Member Scoring well on Grade A surveys is one way that we can do our part as producers to market our milk effectively. While many of us tend to grumble about some of the Grade A requirements, those requirements are in place to help us project a good public image and produce a safe, high-quality product. Milk inspectors and field representatives are there to help us to make sure that we are kept up to date on the changes in requirements.

Keeping our facilities clean and in satisfactory condition to pass a Grade A survey is not only a benefit to the farm owner and dairy industry, it is also an aid to attract and keep good employees. A goodlooking farm is a source of pride to the owner and to the employees that work there.

Finally, keeping facilities in good condition enables us to maximize the value of our investment. This is an area where an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

When we built our parlor in 1988, it was sized for future expansion.

Maintaining our facility well has allowed us to maximize its use over thirty years later.

NEWS & VIEWS

MMPA Scholarship Opportunities UPCOMING

EVENTS

MMPA members, children of members and employees of members attending Michigan State University (MSU), Purdue University or The Ohio State University are eligible to apply for MMPA scholarships. Authorized by the MMPA Board of Directors, the scholarships encourage post high school study for careers in dairy management to continue the education and implementation of innovation on member’s dairy farms.

August 9-10 Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator Conference

Students attending MSU who are pursuing a dairy management certificate in the Institute of Agricultural Technology or who are enrolled in the Dairy Concentration Program in the Department of Animal Science may apply for $1,750 per semester (for members or children of members) or $1,500 per semester (for employees of members) scholarship monies.

Preference given to those students enrolled in the 2-year dairy management program.

Scholarship applications are due by October 1.

September 27

At Purdue University and The Ohio State University, there is a $1,000 scholarship available for a student who is a member or child of a member enrolled in any agriculture-related major.

Advisory Committee Meeting

For more information about scholarships or to apply online, visit mimilk.com/scholarships.

MDARD’s Chief Deputy Director Ken McFarlane Visits MMPA’s Ovid Plant Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Chief Deputy Director Ken McFarlane joined representatives from Michigan’s dairy industry to celebrate National Dairy Month. The group visited several dairy businesses in Mid-Michigan, including Michigan Milk Producers Association’s plant in Ovid, Michigan.

“I’m excited to celebrate Michigan’s thriving dairy industry this month! Michigan is home to nearly 1,000 dairy farms, and several popular dairy foods, like milk, cheese, and yogurt, are made right here and are full of nutrient-rich vitamins,” said McFarlane.

In addition to the plant visit by McFarlane, MMPA participated in Michigan Dairy Foods Awareness Day hosted on the lawn in front of the Capitol building in early June. The event is an opportunity for legislators, staff and the public to learn about the economic impact that the dairy industry has in Michigan.

“Michigan has seen remarkable expansion in new dairy businesses and technologies, from large dairy processors and automated ‘robotic’ milking systems to smaller on-farm artisanal cheese makers,” said Gary McDowell, director of MDARD. Since 1939, National Dairy Month has encouraged families to celebrate milk as their beverage of choice based on its nutritional value. Dairy’s rich history continues with communities, companies and people from across the region observing National Dairy Month in a variety of ways.

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MMPA Dairy Communicators Hit the Road In mid-May, MMPA Dairy Communicators loaded up on a tour bus in Kalamazoo, Michigan to enjoy a full day of fellowship and sharing dairy promotion ideas. They had the opportunity to tour MMPA’s Constantine plant and enjoy some shopping at Heritage Ridge Creamery. Over lunch in Shipshewana, Indiana, they heard from MMPA leadership and participated in a crisis communications drill

MMPA producers scoring 95 percent or higher on Grade A Surveys and Federal Check Ratings

from the United Dairy Industry of Michigan. Dairy Communicators

SHARRARD FARMS LLC*

reaching a service milestone were also recognized. Check out page

BLUMERICH FARMS*

24, to meet a few of the service award recipients.

The MMPA Dairy Communicator program is an on-going effort of elected members who work to promote dairy in their local communities in the Great Lakes region.

TIMOTHY P DEMARAY* WELTER DAIRY FARMS LLC* GUCWA FARMS LLC* TIMOTHY MATER* BROWN DAIRY INC* ROSE VALLEY DAIRY LLC R L S DAIRY INC WILLIAM C MAZURE LARRY J LEAVINE KENNETH K NIELSEN REID DAIRY FARM LLC JAMES, EDWARD & PATRICK BOLDAY ASHLEY & ERIC KENNEDY LAMB DAIRY FARM SIEGLER DAIRY FARM LLC DAVID J LEAVINE SCHULTZ DAIRY LLC* THOMAS C SCHULTZ* HORNBACHER FARMS STARWARD FARM LEIPPRANDT DAIRY LLC NANCY C SCHUETTE EMMONS FARMS LLC RUBEN R HOCHSTETLER* J & A KOEBEL FARM LLC * M S U KELLOGG FARM CLOVERDALE FARMS LLC DENNIS & BRETT BUTLER KIESSLING FAMILY FARMS INC CARL ZOOK DONALD LINDSEY NORMAN L YODER KEVIN KLINGAMAN ZACHARY C SANBORN *100 PERCENT

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LEGISLATIVE WATCH

More than $2.3 million to support Michigan animal agriculture research, outreach The Michigan Alliance for Animal Agriculture is supporting 26 new research and outreach projects in 2022. For this funding cycle, the projects cover a range of topics, including disease-related challenges and exploring ways to increase dairy profitability.

The Michigan Alliance for Animal Agriculture (M-AAA) is investing more than $2.3 million in 26 new research and outreach projects in 2022. With support from the Michigan Legislature, the funding is available under the current fiscal year 2021-22 budget through the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD).

The M-AAA is a partnership among MDARD, animal agriculture industry groups and Michigan State University aimed at advancing the animal agriculture economy across the state.

“The agriculture sector in Michigan is facing uncertainties from a variety of sources,” said George Smith, director of MSU AgBioResearch and a leader in the M-AAA. “Producers are faced with short-term issues such as rising input costs, while also dealing with long-term questions around sustainability and profitability. Our partners in the M-AAA are dedicated to helping producers find solutions that propel Michigan’s animal agriculture industries into the future.”

For this funding cycle, the projects cover a range of topics, including disease-related challenges and exploring ways to increase dairy profitability.

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“We appreciate the opportunity to partner with MSU and provide input on critical research needs of the dairy industry,” said Sheila Burkhardt, senior director of member and government relations for the Michigan Milk Producers Association. “The M-AAAfunded research projects allow us to be on the cutting edge, while providing solutions that will make a lasting impact on dairies throughout Michigan.”

M-AAA projects are either one or two years in duration and are slotted into one of three categories: applied research, extension or seed funding.

Researchers and outreach specialists are evaluated throughout the process and

must submit progress reports and final summaries to M-AAA leaders.

“Part of MDARD’s core mission is to protect public health, as well as the health of domestic animals, livestock and pets,” said Gary McDowell, director of MDARD. “These grants help provide the necessary research and infrastructure needed to make sound decisions, improve operations and ensure an efficient and sustainable agriculture, as well as help our farmers navigate the current supply chain challenges.”

For a complete list of 2022 projects, visit canr.msu.edu/maaa/projects.

Examples of 2022 projects include: Angel Abuelo, an assistant professor of dairy cattle health and well-being in the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, is studying the efficacy of vaccine boosters for newborn calves to better protect against illnesses such as bovine respiratory disease. Results from the project will inform vaccination strategies for improved calf health and will be shared through outreach programs with producers, herd consultants and veterinarians.

Martin Chilvers, an associate professor in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, is examining ways to control tar spot, a fungal disease of corn. The crop is often used as silage for animal feed.

Tar spot thrives in humid and wet conditions and was limited to Central and South America prior to 2015, but the pathogen has since spread rapidly across the U.S. and Ontario, Canada.

Jason Rowntree, the C.S. Mott Professor of Sustainable Agriculture in the Department of Animal Science, has led a 10year adaptively managed grazing system for beef cattle at the Lake City Research Center in Lake City, Michigan. Beef cattle operations have been criticized for greenhouse gas emissions, and producers are looking at ways to reduce emissions moving forward. New M-AAA funding will help Rowntree intensively sample soils at the center in 2022, creating a soil carbon sequestration assessment combined with a carbon dioxidebased lifecycle assessment of all greenhouse gases emitted from the center’s beef operation. Rowntree hypothesizes that data will show this management results in a carbon sink or, at minimum, significantly reduced emissions.

Dairy Commends Passage of Ocean Shipping Reform Act, Urges Swift Implementation

T

he National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) applaud the signing of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act, S. 3580, by President Joe Biden. Following passage of the legislation by the House of Representatives in mid-June by a vote of 369-42, President Biden signed the bill into law. The enactment of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act sets in motion a series of new rules and regulations regarding ocean carrier practices that the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) must implement over the course of the next year.

The legislation was introduced in response to the vocal advocacy by NMPF, USDEC and other agricultural export and shipper organizations, as problems with effective ocean freight transportation worsened in 2021.

Congressmen John Garamendi (DCA) and Dusty Johnson (R-SD), and Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and John Thune (R-SD) introduced similar versions of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act in the House and Senate, which both passed speedily through their respective chambers.

“Our members continue to face significant impacts due to international ocean shipping challenges. Just last year, that resulted in over $1.5 billion in increased export costs and lost opportunities. While we can’t restore those losses, we are very pleased that President Biden and our allies in Congress quickly recognized the urgency of these problems and put their support behind legislative solutions to crack down on unjustified shipping practices,” said Krysta Harden, president and CEO of USDEC.

“We urge the FMC to implement these rules quickly and begin to conduct the new oversight, regulation and enforcement necessary to end the unfair and unreasonable ocean cargo practices that have impeded American dairy products from efficiently getting to their overseas customers.”

“

We are grateful to our congressional champions – Congressmen Garamendi and Johnson, and Senators Klobuchar and Thune – for their leadership in getting this legislation drafted, introduced and passed so quickly.

“We are grateful to our congressional champions – Congressmen Garamendi and Johnson, and Senators Klobuchar and Thune – for their leadership in getting this legislation drafted, introduced and passed so quickly. The U.S. dairy industry has suffered many challenges in getting goods smoothly and reliably to export markets due in large part to problematic ocean carrier practices. These new rules will allow the FMC to better enforce reasonable behavior by the ocean carriers,” said Jim Mulhern, president and CEO of NMPF. Both organizations called on the FMC to implement the rules as expeditiously as possible to support agricultural exporters in getting more products onto vessels in order to better address rising food security needs around the world.

Advisory Committee DISTRICT 1 Art Riske............................................517-524-6015 Clark Emmons....................................419-466-4471 Samantha Mamarow.........................734-845-6275 Eric Bleich..........................................517-204-0677 Dan Minnis........................................517-719-5894

DISTRICT 2 Danny Ransler...................................269-998-3802 Josh Gamble......................................574-360-7828 Richard Thomas.................................574-202-5198 Mark Crandall....................................269-660-2229 Michael Oesch...................................574-825-2454

DISTRICT 3 Burke Larsen......................................231-425-8988 Jonathan Acker..................................616-648-7037 Max Carlson.......................................231-638-2183 Arden Eadie.......................................616-550-3875 Gary Nelsen.......................................231-834-7610

DISTRICT 4 Ron Lucas..........................................989-379-4694 Dave Folkersma..................................906-630-1957 Paul Ponik.........................................989-464-5924 Marvin Rubingh.................................425-533-8106 Russ Tolan..........................................989-471-2993

DISTRICT 5 Jack Jeppesen....................................989-330-1905 Trevor Bollinger.................................989-621-2981 Mark Bontekoe..................................231-510-0764 John Black.........................................231-846-7252 Amy Martin.......................................231-388-0496

DISTRICT 6 Steve Thelen......................................989-640-1075 Renee McCauley................................616-283-6411 Ken Wieber........................................989-292-1187 David Reed........................................989-274-8147 Brad Ritter.........................................586-405-4749

DISTRICT 7 Chris Daniels......................................989-240-5031 Philip Gross........................................989-289-0670 Jason Elenbaum.................................989-274-1974 James Weber.....................................989-297-1850 Rodney Fowler...................................989-302-2299

DISTRICT 8 Mike Noll...........................................810-404-4071 Jeremy Sharrard.................................810-404-5076 Bryan Schulte....................................989-551-8200 Darwin Sneller...................................989-977-3718 Bill Blumerich....................................810-706-2955

SOURCE: U.S. DAIRY EXPORT COUNCIL

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EXCELLENCE SUSTAINABILITY IN DAIRY SPOTLIGHT PROMOTION

Brian DeMann

BY EMILY KITTENDORF

MMPA IS COMMITTED TO COOPERATIVE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS PRACTICES THROUGHOUT OUR ENTIRE SUPPLY CHAIN. AT THE FARM LEVEL, MMPA MEMBERS ARE ALSO ON A SUSTAINABILITY JOURNEY. WE’RE CHECKING IN WITH A HANDFUL OF MEMBER FARMERS LEADING THE CHARGE WITH THIS SUSTAINABILITY SPOTLIGHT SERIES.

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E

fficiency is the name of the game for Brian DeMann at Clearview Dairy Farm in Martin, Michigan. With their 560cow milking herd, DeMann and his family continuously

seek additional efficiencies. They’ve found that many sustainable practices work hand-in-hand with achieving their goals.

“I think a lot of efficiency is gained through some of these sustainable practices,” DeMann said. “A lot of these farms did many of these practices forever, but now that there's more focus on them, we're really figuring them out and fine tuning.”

An area where DeMann has recently been fine tuning on the farm is with new precision agriculture equipment that gives him access to data beyond what he has had before and allows for site-specific crop management.

FARM

HERD

LAND

Clearview Dairy Farm LLC Martin, Michigan

560 milking

1,400 acres of corn, alfalfa, soybeans and wheat

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Our environment, our economy’s health, and for the lives and world around us.

“I think on the cropping side of it, we’re having to purchase less commercial fertilizers because we’re really keying in on where we put our nutrients to where it counts,” DeMann said. “We’re able to know nutrient removal on every acre, so we're specific in fertilizer application and not just applying to the whole field.”

DeMann’s new equipment also includes a chopper that can cover 300 to 400 acres in two days. The new equipment is not only precise, but also larger, which has had many unexpected benefits according to DeMann.

“We're kind of a smaller farm, in a lot of aspects, but having that equipment matched to Michigan’s weather has been really favorable,” DeMann said. “We also have a happier crew because we are only going to chop eight hours a day versus twelve hours a day, but we're doing the same amount of work in the eight hours.

We’re able to balance life and work all through that machine.”

Precision agriculture is only the tip of the sustainability iceberg though for DeMann.

He focuses not only on the environment, but also in ensuring that his daughter Kinsler has the opportunity to take over the farm one day.

being willing to change and seeking to continuously improve. Sustainability is at the root of that.

percent or better of our heifer feed made by cover crops in years we really needed it.”

“If we weren't so worried about improving, or just didn't worry about it whatsoever and just did how we were taught or how it always was, we wouldn't be a lasting business from both the financial standpoint or from a consumer standpoint,” DeMann said. “I can tell you through practicing sustainability, we've become more efficient and really a cleaner farm.”

Clearview Dairy Farm has been ahead of the curve on many of the practices deemed sustainable today, simply because of their drive to improve and willingness to change. As a result, DeMann is proud of his farm and excited for the future.

In his efforts to be more sustainable, DeMann has found that very few of the changes he’s made he’s regretted or had to go back on. He recommends to all farmers, “Don’t be afraid of change. Embrace it. We can always be comfortable, but you have to push yourself outside of that comfort zone, especially as things continue to evolve.”

When looking back at the evolution overtime, DeMann recalls the pushback for implementing forage cover crops on the farm. “I heard, ‘Oh, that's just going to take us all the longer.’ But because we started using them, we've had 50

“We're farming in a responsible way and we're able to continue to do so and build upon that and improve,” DeMann said.

“Sustainability is an everyday, 24 hours a day, seven days a week effort that we're always doing. We’re always working on improving animal care, air quality, water quality and those kinds of things.”

Put simply, DeMann said,“Sustainability is that constant push to always improve.

That little bit of a push makes you want to look for your efficiencies and look to get better because that makes you a better business.”

Clearview Dairy Farm is on a mission to be a better business for a better world.

KEYWORDS

“We always think environment right away when it comes to sustainability, but it's also from a business model,” DeMann said. “You have to be financially sound and to be financially sound, you have to have business practices that allow that in a really volatile market. Sustainability is just having a financially sound business and a good business plan.”

PRECISION AGRICULTURE: PRECISION AGRICULTURE, OR SITE-SPECIFIC CROP

For Clearview Dairy Farm, a good business plan means making a living,

SOURCE: USDA NATIONAL AGRICULTURE LIBRARY, USDA NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

MANAGEMENT (SSM), USES A VARIETY OF TECHNOLOGIES SUCH AS SENSING, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES, AND MECHANICAL SYSTEMS TO MANAGE DIFFERENT PARTS OF A FIELD SEPARATELY. SITE-SPECIFIC CROP MANAGEMENT (SSM): USES A VARIETY OF TECHNOLOGIES TO MANAGE DIFFERENT PARTS OF A FIELD SEPARATELY. NATURAL, INHERENT VARIABILITY WITHIN FIELDS MEANS THAT MECHANIZED FARMING COULD TRADITIONALLY APPLY ONLY CROP TREATMENTS FOR “AVERAGE” SOIL, NUTRIENT, MOISTURE, WEED, AND GROWTH CONDITIONS.

VERIFICATIONS

MMPA SUSTAINABILITY MISSION

MMPA Sustainability Survey, Nutrient Management Plan, FARM* Animal Care, FARM* Environmental Stewardship

To continually strive for a more sustainable future for our community, our environment, our economy’s health, and for the lives and world around us.

*Farmers Assuring Responsible Management

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www.MIBeef.org • 517-347-0911

Y O U R B E E F C H E C KO F F D O L L A R S AT W O R K

BEEF IN A HEART HEALTHY LIFESTYLE February is recognized as American Heart Month, and to celebrate, the Michigan Beef Industry Commission and Nebraska Beef Council co-partnered with retailer Spartan Nash to showcase lean beef choices both instore and online for their shoppers. Digital promotions included a heart health month landing page, social media posts, a Facebook Live cooking demonstration of recipes developed by Beef Checkoff and American Heart Association, an E-commerce collection of lean beef cuts for purchase, and a heart-health education email to more than 600,000 Spartan Nash shoppers.

In-store promotions include lean beef education, meat counter signage, and recipe cards.

FEDERATION OF STATE BEEF COUNCILS SPONSORS THE BEEF. IT’S WHAT’S FOR DINNER. 300 For the second year in a row, the Federation of State Beef Councils, on behalf of the Beef Checkoff, partnered with the Daytona International Speedway to sponsor the season-opening race for the NASCAR Xfinity Series - the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner.® 300. As an investor in the Federation, support from the Michigan Beef Industry Commission extended consumer outreach at the Speedway on race day, Feb. 19.

“From the shared emphasis on family values and legacies in both racing and cattle farming and ranching, to the love of beef on the grill, beef and NASCAR just make sense,” said Brad Hastings, 2022 National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Federation Division Chair. “The partnership also provided an opportunity for the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. brand to be back on TV, reaching younger and increasingly diverse NASCAR fans across the nation.”

Days before race winner Austin Hill entered victory lane, beef was in the spotlight on local TV and radio stations across the country as Celebrity Chefs and Pitmasters shared beef recipes and hosted beef cookoffs in preparation for the big race weekend. Throughout the week, the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. midway tent was a fan favorite. Free race day sliders, fans testing their skills on roping dummies, and an interactive social media photo booth provided the ultimate beef experience. Additionally, campers and tailgaters sported signs showing they were grilling beef and in return, were surprised with beef merchandise such as hats, shirts and bags. The Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. brand was also featured in advertising during the race on Fox Sports 1, on the racetrack big screen and on signage throughout the Daytona International Speedway property.

George Quackenbush, Executive Director with the Michigan Beef Industry Commission said, “MBIC will extend the excitement created by the Beef.

It’s What’s For Dinner 300 through our partnership with the Michigan International Speedway in August. These venues provided a unique opportunity to engage with consumers and share information about beef ’s nutrition, versatility and sustainability.”

To view all of the tasty recipes and learn more about the race, visit BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com

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CONSUMER OUTREACH OCTOBER 1, 2020- SEPTEMBER 30 2021 MAFP Website Banner and E-newsletter advertisement.

MIAND Conference Sponsorship, Social Media Posts and E-newsletter advertisement.

560,000 Ad Impressions

1,864

Michigan Nurses Association Conference Sponsorship

Reached by E-news & social media

70 Conference Attendees

WILX News 10 Beef Burger Day: Website Takeover, Social Media Promotion and “Farm to Family” TV Segment

Academy of Pediatrics Conference Sponsorship

150

MEDIA SALES

Conference Attendees Summer Grilling Radio Ads on iHeartRadio + Total Traffic & Weather in Detroit, Grand Rapids and Lansing

30,000

Social Media Reach

Estimated Ad Listens via iHeart Radio

Midwest States Summer Grilling Digital Advertising Campaign on YouTube/Spotify

MBIC Facebook & Instagram

10,920

Consumers Reached

Fans in Attendance

Michigan International Speedway: Fan Plaza Booth, Sampling Demos, Social Media and E-newsletter, Grilling Contest & Beef Can Koozie

120,000 267,000 E-Newsletter Reach Social Media Reach

MBIC Monthly Nutrition Newsletter to MI Health and Wellness Influencers

3,520

Influencers Reached

WINTER 2021

1,000,000

Impressions by WILX Beef Burger Day Promotions

Michigan Agriculture Council: #MIBurger campaign

2,972,300

60,000

210 Conference Attendees

124,547 2,139,941 Ad Listens

8,500 Can Koozies

Video Views

Seasonal Blogger Campaigns with Michigan RDs and Health/Wellness Influencers

112,300

Consumers Reached

Through your $1 per head Beef Checkoff, Michigan consumers heard a beef message:

7,411,022 times in Fiscal Year 2021

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MMPA MEMBER SERVICES: HELPING MEMBERS SUCCEED SINCE 1916

MMPA leads the way in quality milk production and it all begins with member farms’ hard work and dedication to producing a wholesome product. MMPA members are committed to producing a quality, wholesome product while demonstrating highquality care for their cows, the environment and their employees.

B

ehind every MMPA member is a team of dedicated member representatives who provide services and programs that equip MMPA members with leading management and production information. The variety of member services that the member representatives offer is designed to help members succeed and to maintain good standing with the National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) program and with federal regulations.

MMPA members can take advantage of the wide breadth of available services indicated over the next few pages by contacting their member representative or calling the Novi office at 248-474-6672.

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Quality Milk

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Quality Member Services

FDA Certified Milk Testing Laboratory MMPA OWNS AND OPERATES ITS OWN LABORATORY SO MMPA MEMBERS ARE ASSURED OF ACCURATE, TIMELY TESTING. The MMPA laboratory, located at the Novi, Michigan office, operates six days a week, performing a variety of lab tests on milk samples. Samples tested are maintained at 32-40 degrees Fahrenheit at all times prior to testing. Members are notified immediately after lab tests are completed. Quality information is automatically updated as new tests are performed and members can receive notifications when new results are available through their preferred communication channel.

The laboratory is a critical piece of MMPA’s portfolio of member services to help members produce the highest quality milk possible. Through routine and special testing done at the lab, MMPA’s team of field representatives provide an on-farm partnership that helps each member achieve milk quality and udder health goals. MMPA also offers a quality premium incentive for its members producing higher quality milk.

UDDER HEALTH PROGRAM AND MILK TESTING Milk samples are tested regularly for components including butterfat, protein, other solids and somatic cell count (SCC). In addition, quality tests are run monthly for raw bacteria counts (RBC), pre-incubated count and lab pasteurized counts.

MMPA offers bulk tank and individual cow cultures, along with somatic cell counts and coliform testing on bulk tank samples.

In addition to testing at the MMPA lab, MMPA has partnered with labs in the state to provide additional testing services like mycoplasma and bacteriology cultures, bovine viral diarrhea, Johne’s milk test, bovine leukosis test and milk pregnancy ELISA. Additional fees for these tests may apply.

All tests must be scheduled through your MMPA member representative or the laboratory for proper sample submission protocol. For a complete list of tests and fees, go to producers. mimilk.com and click on the MMPA Premiums and Testing Information document.

program could also be used to diagnose potential bacteria issues with automatic calf feeders. Samples can be submitted routinely or as needed to troubleshoot an issue with a calf feeding program.

MILKING SYSTEMS ANALYSIS MMPA member representatives are also trained to provide milk quality troubleshooting services on member farms.

This includes vacuum analysis of milking systems which impact cow health and somatic cell counts as well as cleaning analysis of equipment which helps to identify potential causes of high bacteria counts and soiled milking equipment.

CALF MILK PASTEURIZER PROGRAM The MMPA Calf Milk Pasteurizer Program can help members evaluate and troubleshoot the effectiveness of on-farm pasteurizer processes. This program can help assess the cleanliness of milk harvesting, on-farm pasteurizing and milk storage equipment. If needed, the

MORE INFORMATION: FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF TESTS AND FEES, GO TO PRODUCERS.MIMILK.COM AND CLICK ON THE MMPA PREMIUMS AND TESTING INFORMATION DOCUMENT.

CONTACT YOUR MEMBER REPRESENTATIVE OR CALL THE NOVI OFFICE AT 248-474-6672 .

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MMPA Member and Employee Training SUCCESSFUL DAIRY OPERATIONS RELY ON QUALITY EMPLOYEE TRAINING. Training keeps all animal caretakers on task and performing best practices. MMPA member representatives provide a variety of solutions to help ensure that members and employees understand the importance of their role and learn the science behind each step of the milking process in the parlor.

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DAIRY CARE ACADEMY Dairy Care Academy is an MMPA animal care training program for farm owners and employees.

Designed to help farms meet Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) program training requirements, it also educates employees and improves performance. Traditionally, the day-long training takes place across the state and includes three sessions: proper milking practices, stockmanship and calf care.

In addition to in person training, MMPA members have access to an on-demand, FARM program compliant online training platform.

The resource covers the traditional Dairy Care Academy topics of milking practices, calf management and dairy

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Quality Milk

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stockmanship along with FARM program required training areas of euthanasia, non-ambulatory animal management and fitness to transport. This training resource is available year-round for unlimited use.

ON-FARM MILKER TRAINING SCHOOLS MMPA Milker Training Schools teach the best milking procedures to members and their employees to improve milk quality and increase production.

The school takes place by-request, right on a member’s farm and is geared toward the member’s needs. After a short presentation, milkers practice the routine they learn in the parlor, reinforcing expectations while the member representatives provide guidance along the way.

Quality Member Services

Farm Supply Store THE MMPA FARM SUPPLY STORE IS A DIVISION OF MMPA. Started in the early 1970’s as the MMPA merchandise program, the Farm Supply Store was developed to give member farms a consistent and reliable source for everyday items on their farms. It has since grown to service the entire Great Lakes region offering a variety of product lines and options at affordable prices. As a cooperative resource, the Farm Supply Store returns all profits back to member-owners every February through cash patronage refunds. They are also able to leverage the collective power of member farms to negotiate competitive pricing on select products. The store offers direct delivery and cooperative stops, where farms can pool their orders with neighbors in their geographic area to deliver at a specified location.

THREE WAYS TO ORDER MMPA MERCHANDISE FROM THE FARM SUPPLY STORE 1 Order online at www.mimilk.com/farm-supply-store 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

CONTACT YOUR MEMBER REPRESENTATIVE OR CALL THE NOVI OFFICE AT 248-474-6672 .

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Sustainability Program

to uphold those values for today, tomorrow and the future. Through the commitment, MMPA follows a rigorous set of standards that demonstrate positive impact and contribute to U.S. dairy’s ability to track, aggregate and report on progress.

MMPA IS COMMITTED TO COOPERATIVE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND

FARMER SUSTAINABILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS PRACTICES throughout our entire supply chain.

Sustainability is vital to M M PA’s transparency, growth and success for our members, employees, stakeholders and our communities.

MMPA’s Farmer Sustainability Advisory Committee formalizes member engagement in our sustainability program and fosters feedback and insights from members on farm sustainability efforts. MMPA partners with customers to develop programs like the Cover Crops Projects and MMPA’s field staff offers on-farm energy audits.

U.S. DAIRY STEWARDSHIP MMPA has adopted the U.S. Dairy Stewardship Commitment, which is a demonstration of U.S. dairy’s long-standing values, and a pledge

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COVER CROPS PROJECT The MMPA Cover Crop Project is a collaboration between MMPA, Unilever and Barry-Callebaut to demonstrate what farmers are doing for soil health and carbon sequestration through cover crops. In 2022, there are 30 member farms with a total of 3,200 acres participating in the program.

MORE INFORMATION: IF YOU’RE INTERESTED IN ENROLLING IN THE COVER CROPS PROGRAM OR ANY FUTURE SUSTAINABILITY PROJECTS, PLEASE CONTACT SARAH MICHALEK AT 248-305-0537.

Quality Member Services

State Certified Member Representatives ALL MMPA FARMS ARE ASSIGNED A MEMBER REPRESENTATIVE. This representative will work alongside members to help them produce high-quality milk and provide the best possible animal care. Member representatives can also help members verify environmental stewardships, provide training to their employees and consult MMPA farms on energy use, equipment and milking system analysis.

Member representatives routinely visit farms, but also visit by request

and to make special troubleshooting visits in the event of abnormal milk quality results. If a farm receives a pre-incubated count (PIC) over 75,000 or a raw bacteria count (RBC) over 30,000 the farm’s assigned member representative will provide on-theground guidance to help improve milk quality. Member representatives are a valuable resource to help members continually improve on their farms.

MORE INFORMATION: MMPA MEMBERS CAN FIND WHO THEIR MEMBER REPRESENTATIVE IS BY SEARCHING THEIR PRODUCER NUMBER AT HTTPS://WWW.MIMILK. COM/CONTACT/FIELD-STAFF/.

CONTACT YOUR MEMBER REPRESENTATIVE OR CALL THE NOVI OFFICE AT 248-474-6672 .

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Dairy Communicators: Decades of Devotion to Dairy Promotion

T

he MMPA Dairy Communicator program is an on-going effort of approximately 60 members in the Great Lakes region. Elected members of a local work diligently to speak out and communicate on behalf of dairy farmers in their local area. Dairy Communicators are involved in a wide variety of local promotion activities ranging from hosting farm tours, going to schools to present to classrooms and engaging with consumers on various social media platforms. The Dairy Communicators met on May 16 to swap promotion ideas and recognize service award winners. Thank you, MMPA Dairy Communicators, for your years of service to the dairy industry and your local communities.

2022 DAIRY COMMUNICATOR SERVICE AWARDS 25 Years – Jodi Hill, Livingston Charter Local 15 Years – Patti Jandernoa, Mid-Michigan Local

FARM: Clarinda Farms HOMETOWN: Webberville, Michigan BECAME INVOLVED IN DAIRY FARMING: At birth!

BECAME A DAIRY COMMUNICATOR: 1997

What do you enjoy most about being part of the dairy community?

I love my dairy products – the one kind of food I’d never want to be without is my milk. I love my cows and I love communicating. We take our cows to the fair and when we are milking them there is an observation window. So many people come up and are so excited to hear about the cows and they will just stand there for a half an hour or an hour as we’re milking the cows and asking us questions and petting the cows. Being part of a farming community is everything. It’s been my whole life.

How has the MMPA Dairy Communicator program helped you promote dairy?

Dairy Communicators are always really supportive. Every time I’ve gone to the meetings, there’s lots of helpful information and the other communicators openly share their experiences. UDIM is such a good resource too.

What I love about being a dairy communicator is the promotion part.

Lynda Horning, Saline Ann Arbor Local

Share your favorite dairy promotion memory.

10 Years –

I’ve done Project Reds and showed kids what the milker is like putting their fingers in it. Giving out milk and ice cream at the fair. I passed out chocolate milk when my daughter ran cross country. All of that stuff! I couldn’t pick a particular favorite!

Ann Folkersma, Chippewa Local Gertie van den Goor, Mid-Sanilac Local 5 Years – Amy Bergdolt, Frankenmuth Local Samantha Mamarow, Saline Ann Arbor Local

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Jodi Hill

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What advice would you share with someone just starting their dairy promotion journey?

Try anything. Any idea you can come up with as a way of promoting dairy – go for it! You never know if it will be successful, but most people are very receptive any time you hand out product. They love learning about cows. Dive into any community event you can get into and find an outlet for your promotion.

Patti Jandernoa

Lynda Horning

FARM: Dutch Meadows Dairy, LLC

FARM: Horning Farms

HOMETOWN: Fowler, Michigan

HOMETOWN: Manchester, Michigan

BECAME INVOLVED IN DAIRY FARMING: 2007

BECAME INVOLVED IN DAIRY FARMING: 1995

BECAME A DAIRY COMMUNICATOR: 2007

BECAME A DAIRY COMMUNICATOR: 2007

What do you enjoy most about being part of the dairy community?

What do you enjoy most about being part of the dairy community?

The dairy community is a wonderful community to be part of. Unlike other businesses or even other agriculture sectors, it's amazing how dairy farmers are willing to share their successes and failures with each other. It truly is a community that wants to see everyone succeed.

How has the MMPA Dairy Communicator program helped you promote dairy?

The Dairy Communicator program is a great program.

Communicators meet once a year and not only learn about what's going on in our co-op, we also have a chance to talk about different promotion events that are held and opportunities for promotion. There's nothing better than learning about promotion ideas from the people doing the promoting!

Share your favorite dairy promotion memory.

My favorite dairy promotion event that we've held was hosting Breakfast on the Farm (the first in Michigan) in 2009. There were so people that attended that had no idea about dairy and agriculture. It was a wonderful day of answering questions and most attendees were eager to learn about the industry and how a dairy farm operates.

One thing I enjoy is seeing the family every day. I also enjoy educating people about dairy because when I married into it, I had no clue about what we did and what was involved.

There are so many people who don’t know about dairy and it’s important to tell them what we do.

How has the MMPA Dairy Communicator program helped you promote dairy?

The Dairy Communicator program provides valuable resources. I don’t have the background in dairy, and I don’t keep up with industry news on my own. The workshops and information sent to us give us an opportunity to learn quickly and easily, rather than having me reading 50 different industry magazines. There are still things that I do not know and that’s why I like going to the meeting. I also get a lot out of the networking we do with others as far as sharing ideas. It’s nice to hear what others do and what has worked, or not worked, for them, and then turn around and fit it with our own community and what we want to do.

Share your favorite dairy promotion memory.

I would say when we started doing our annual neighbor open houses. It was such a success that we just had our 5th annual. Most of the attendees learn a lot about our operation and are surprised at the environmental sustainability of our dairy farm.

What advice would you share with someone just starting their dairy promotion journey?

What advice would you share with someone just starting their dairy promotion journey?

My advice would be that the little things turn into big things. You don't have to hold a huge event, or stress over promotion. A conversation in a grocery store or with friends or family or the sharing or liking of a Facebook post can educate and promote the industry.

Just go with what you think might work and take your passion for dairy and run with it! If you find something missing somewhere in the community, fill in the gap. Or try an event that is already established that doesn’t have a dairy presence. Plugging in with an event that already has their own audience is a great way to get started.

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Why did you want to join the board of directors?

I wanted to be more involved in the co-op. I wanted to better understand the direction that the co-op was moving in, while also helping influence that direction. I’d like to see our co-op own more processing assets while moving closer to the consumer and having more direct product on shelves for consumers to purchase.

Commodities are always going to be a part of our business, and I think they should be part of our business, but I’d like to see us increasingly move up the supply chain to the customer.

Meet Brian Preston, MMPA District 1 Director Delegates recently elected Brian Preston to serve a three-year term on the MMPA board of directors. He joins the 12 other dairy farmers on the MMPA board of directors, helping guide the direction of the cooperative and setting strategic goals.

Prior to being elected to the MMPA board of directors, he sat on the MMPA advisory committee and resolutions committee, along with serving as the Hillsdale/ Litchfield local president and District 1 vice president. In 2014, Preston and his wife, Carrie, were named the MMPA Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperators and they served as the chair couple of the National Milk Producers Federation Young Cooperator Council.

Together with his family, Preston operates Preston Dairy LLC, a 1,000cow dairy in Quincy, Michigan. He has a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University in agriscience with

an emphasis in agriculture business management. He and Carrie have three children.

How has MMPA impacted your farm?

MMPA has given us a reliable and consistent market. We’ve never had to worry about where our milk was going.

MMPA has also given our farm a sense of community with neighbors and fellow dairy farmers.

What do you value most about MMPA? I value the co-op structure and being able to be a member-owner. Being a part of a cooperative allows us to join together and own the marketing and processing assets. Together, with other dairy farmers, we have bargaining power in the marketplace to help control how our milk is marketed.

What are your goals and vision while serving on the board of directors?

The primary purpose of the board is to hire and evaluate the CEO, so my first goal is to make sure we have the right management in place and to have a plan for our management for the future. Beyond that, to a certain degree, you have to let the management and employees do their job. It’s not my goal to be a micromanager or to have to know every detail, but I want to make sure we have the right people working for us at the co-op – and I think we do.

The greatest strength of our co-op is the people who work for us.

What would you tell members looking to become more active within the cooperative?

I would encourage them to attend their local meetings, to reach out and talk to their board representatives and attend the Annual Meeting, even if they aren’t a delegate, attend as a member. I’d also encourage them to talk to our management. Go and do and show up!

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BEEFING UP SUSTAINABILITY BEEFING UP SUSTAINABILITY

DID KNOW?Every Everyday, day,cattle cattleconvert convert things DID YOU YOU KNOW? things humans can’t eat like grass, forages, and byproducts humans can’t eat like grass, forages, and byproducts from industriesinto intohigh-quality high-qualitynutritious nutritious beef from other other industries beef that our bodies. bodies. that fuels fuels our

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Andreini, EM. 2019. Tough Questions about Beef Sustainability: How Does Upcycling Relate to Beef Production? Beefresearch.org Baber, J.R. et al., 2018. Estimation of human-edible protein conversion efficiency, net protein contribution, and enteric methane production from beef production in the United States. Trans. Anim.

Sci. 2(4): Andreini, EM.439-450.

2019. Tough Questions about Beef Sustainability: How Does Upcycling Relate to Beef Production? Beefresearch.org 3. Baber, Smith, P. 2012.

SoilsEstimation and climate Currentprotein Opinionconversion in Environmental Sustainability 4: 539-544.

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SEE HOW BEEF IS PART OF A HEALTHY, SUSTAINABLE DIET BY SEE HOW BEEF IS PART OF A SCANNING THE QR CODE WITH HEALTHY, SUSTAINABLE DIET BY YOUR SMARTPHONE CAMERA

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It’s the Law — No One Is Exempt!

THE BEEF CHECKOFF

Beef Checkoff — It’s the Law

Have You Sold Cattle on the Farm?

If so, be sure you paid the $1.00 checkoff

Did you know?

• Every time you sell a bovine animal, regardless of age, sex, breed, purpose or number, a dollar per head is due.

• The dollar is to be collected by the buyer from the seller, although both parties are responsible for remittance.

• The checkoff is designed so that everyone pays their fair share.

How are your checkoff dollars being used?

• • • • •

Beef and veal promotions and digital advertising.

Food safety, health and nutritional research.

Product technology and development.

Educating consumers and influencers about beef ’s quality, safety and nutritional value.

Protecting beef's image and engaging advocates to build consumer trust.

How do you pay?

Complete a remittance form and mail it along with your check to the Michigan Beef Industry Commission. Additional remittance forms are available through MBIC. For more information, contact: Michigan Beef Industry Commission, 2145 University Park Drive, Suite 300, Okemos, MI 48864, Phone: 517-347-0911.

Who pays?

When cattle are sold or imported, the buyer of the cattle must withhold a dollar per head, or equivalent, from the seller’s purchase price. Failure to do so is a violation of the law and may be subject to a $5,500 penalty. It’s the law — no one is exempt!

Beef Promotion and Research Program Private Treaty Sales Checkoff Investment Form

Both the seller and the buyer have the responsibility to have the $1-per-head assessment collected and remitted to the qualified state beef council. This form is designed for the seller to use in private treaty sales.

Date Seller’s Name Buyer’s Name Address Address City/State/Zip City/State/Zip Seller’s Signature Buyer’s Signature Total Number of Cattle Sold X $1 per head = $ Date of Sale State of Origin Person remitting assessment Seller Buyer Send Form & Remittance to: Michigan Beef Industry Commission 2145 University Park Drive, Suite 300, Okemos, MI 48864 According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 0581-0093. The time required to complete this information is estimated to average 1.8 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the datat needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD).

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call 202-720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

MI Checkoff Form ad.indd 1

2/18/2014 1:52:37 PM

YOUR DAIRY PROMOTION AT WORK

YOUR DAIRY CHECKOFF AT WORK LOCAL UPDATES Indy 500 Gives International Spotlight to Dairy Farmers

We are excited to welcome American Dairy Association Mideast into your checkoff promotion updates. ADA Mideast represents dairy farms in Ohio and West Virginia, promoting the benefits of dairy and building trust alongside United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM) and American Dairy Association Indiana (ADAI).

If you have questions about your checkoff investment, please contact: AMERICAN DAIRY ASSOCIATION INDIANA • ALLIE REITH RIETH@WINNERSDRINKMILK.COM AMERICAN DAIRY ASSOCIATION MIDEAST • ERIN BROWN ERIN.BROWN@DRINK-MILK.COM • JENNY CRABTREE JENNY.CRABTREE@DRINK-MILK.COM) UNITED DAIRY INDUSTRY OF MICHIGAN • JOLENE GRIFFIN JOLENE@MILKMEANSMORE.ORG

NATIONAL UPDATES Version1, a gaming and e-sports entertainment organization aimed at Gen Z, named Undeniably Dairy its official nutrition partner thanks to efforts led by the checkoff’s Midwest Dairy. Gen Z gamers spend about 11 hours per week playing video games, and the partnership appeals to players’ desires for a competitive advantage. With this partnership, dairy is highlighted as the solution to boost energy and immunity along with digestive health, all areas of great importance to the target audience.

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Winner of the 106th running of the Indianapolis 500 Marcus Ericsson asked for the “whole-est milk available”, and that’s what dairy farmer Tim Haynes of Garrett, Indiana handed him at the end of the race. During the month of May, dairy farmer stories reached 933 million across 491 media outlets. This coverage is worth an estimated $12.6 million, created through partnerships in traditional and social media. Buzz around the drivers’ selection of milk and the dairy farm families that produce it made over 327,000 impressions on ADAI social platforms. The decades of support from the racing community for this unique tradition continues to grow excitement and build trust in dairy.

“Winners Give Milk” to Food Banks Many race fans know that “Winners Drink Milk”, but Gleaners Food Bank in Indianapolis is working to expand the catch phrase. The ADAI partner has organized its first-ever campaign around milk at a crucial time for central Indiana communities. Gleaner’s CEO John Elliott said the goal is to raise enough money to buy 1 million milk gallons by the end of September. Capitalizing on the events in May, the campaign kicked off with race month and continues through June Dairy Month, raising funds and awareness for one of the highest requested, yet least donated items at food pantries: milk.

Dairy Day Camp A 33-acre urban farm, the Fishers AgriPark pays homage to Fishers’ agricultural roots, while inspiring future generations of farmers, scientists, agronomists, robotics engineers, chefs and more. Its close proximity to large suburban and urban populations makes it the ideal place to connect consumers with where their food comes from. This year, ADAI partnered with the AgriPark to create a Dairy Day Camp for the first week of June Dairy Month. Children ages four to ten experienced dairy in engaging and educational ways, including crafting, stories, physical activities and more.

Building understanding and creating connection at an early age helps develop life-long dairy lovers. The programming for the camp will also be offered to other organizations around the state, providing an important resource to communities of all kinds.

Gen Z Influencer Campaign A recent study shows that 97% of Gen Z shoppers turn to social media influencers for lifestyle inspiration and recipe ideas.

ADA Mideast recently partnered with four Instagram influencers to show how they use milk in simple, seasonal recipes. The pilot program targeted Gen Z and young Millennials in Ohio and West Virginia to inspire milk usage and drive purchases.

The influencers’ Instagram stories included custom links to give their audiences the ability to add, in a single click, all the ingredients from their recipes to a digital shopping cart at a variety of retailers.

These links proved to be effective and drove a monetary value of $110,445 of dairy products carted. Your dairy checkoff plans to build on the learnings from this pilot project and continue to explore e-commerce opportunities.

UNITED DAIRY INDUSTRY OF MICHIGAN

Why Dairy Farmers Love What They Do Campaign To celebrate National Dairy Month, ADA Mideast targeted consumers with an advertising campaign featuring the video, Why Dairy Farmers Love What They Do. It highlights why Ohio and West Virginia dairy farmers love what they do - caring for their cows, working with their families, creating jobs for their communities and providing safe, delicious dairy foods for their neighbors.

The video is being promoted through streaming TV, where it is transmitted over the internet on devices like Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV and Smart TVs. This allows ADA Mideast to target specific audiences and better measure results. Online ads promoting the video also appear on the target audiences’ mobile, tablet and desktop computer screens when they are browsing the internet. These online video ads also click through to DrinkMilk.com for the user to learn more.

The campaign is expected to generate more than 2.8 million impressions.

Amway River Bank Run In May the Amway River Bank Run celebrated its 45-year anniversary in downtown Grand Rapids. The event draws in many athletes to compete in the country’s largest 25k road race which also includes alternative distances and racing categories. Our team set up a booth at the exposition to provide educational materials on dairy and have conversations with athletes about how Michigan dairy farmers are embracing technology to become more sustainable for the environment. On race day, over 12,000 bottles of chocolate milk refueled runners!

Student Athlete Presentation In partnership with Core City Crossfit, UDIM presented to 250 youth on the importance of health and wellness on May 26 at George Crockett Academy in Detroit. The students even got a chance to demonstrate a few exercises to their class during the presentation. Core City Crossfit provides an after-school strength and conditioning program to students interested in participating.

Lunch Booth Activation at Scarlett Middle School An in-person opportunity arose for the students at Scarlett Middle School in Ann Arbor after they joined our virtual Breakfast and a Book event earlier this year. UDIM teamed up with the Detroit Pistons Extreme Team and Chartwells School Food Services to engage with approximately 600 students during lunchtime, educating on dairy nutrition facts with the opportunity to win prizes and take selfies with the high-energy Extreme Team. Students learned why milk is a nutrient-rich beverage and how nutritious foods fuel their minds and bodies.

World Milk Day Virtual Farm Tour and “Surprise and Delight” To celebrate World Milk Day and the start of National Dairy Month, the Milk Means More team hosted a virtual farm tour. During the tour, the Health and Wellness team surprised classrooms across the state with a dairy treat and a chance to ask live questions during the tour. Over 9,000 students registered for the tour.

After the tour, the team “surprised and delighted” consumers across the state with milk, ice cream and lattes to spread the joy of dairy and thank them for enjoying dairy foods.

In-person farm tours Informing medical professionals on the benefits of dairy as well as on-farm practices is critical to better consumer understanding. In May, Milk Means More hosted two farm tours for current and future Registered Dietitians. On May 10, 18 dietetic interns from Grand Valley State University visited Walnutdale Dairy Farm, hosted by Aubrey Lettinga VanLaan. On May 18, the University of Michigan Performance Nutrition team consisting of 2 Registered Dietitians, 2 RD fellows (one sponsored by UDIM), and 2 undergraduate interns were hosted by Katelyn Packard at Horning Farms.

Dairy nutritionist Garrett Slavik also joined the group to discuss feed components and diet.

Michigan Academy of Nutrition and Dietetic Conference Registered Dietitians from across the state were excited to return to the Michigan Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Conference on May 12 and 13 in Ann Arbor. This hybrid event welcomed 144 in-person and 86 virtual RD attendees. Dietitians, dietetic interns and students had the opportunity to learn more about dairy sustainability practices at the conference expo.

These medical professionals are critical in nutrition education, including dairy, throughout the life cycle. The conference was also a fantastic opportunity to aid in their understanding of the dairy industry and dispel myths. milk messenger / JULY / AUGUST 2022

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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 Freeliners Policy 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.

• An item submitted will be published for no more than two consecutive issues (one issue, unless otherwise requested). 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 writing or calling the Novi office.

DOUBLE 16 SURGE MAG 40 with all vacuum pumps, air compressors, free heaters, H20 softener, a 2,000 gal and 4,000 gal bulk tanks with all units and washers, Dematron take offs, 32 ft air crowd gate, Mirafount H20’s, gates, fans, lights. Parting out or take all. Midland, MI 989-980-0793.

FOR SALE: NEW HOLLAND 499 HAYBINE. $3,000 or best offer. Call 810-404-0468.

1 CASE OF BOUMATIC MAGNUM 400 VENTED INFLATIONS. PN 8510895. QTY. 100. Best offer.

Call 810-728-6237.

FOR SALE: STRAW CHOPPER FOR A 7700 JOHN DEERE COMBINE. $200 or best offer. Call 810-404-0468.

FOR SALE: CALVES AND HEIFERS FOR YOUR 4-H KIDS TO SHOW AT THE COUNTY FAIR. Jersey, Ayrshire and Holstein available. Call 989-271-8757.

• 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/

FOR SALE: GOOD QUALITY FRESH COWS 1ST LACTATION AND 2ND PLUS. Fully vaccinated, SCC under 100. Call for more information and availability. 734-776-0285.

she may choose to have the item published as a Classified Ad at the regular per-line rate.

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

FOR SALE: HOLSTEIN BULLS READY FOR SERVICE. Out of dams of over 30,000 of milk and top AI sires. $1,200-1,500. Call LaDine Dairy Farm 269-419-9475 (Lynn) or 269-274-5076 (Parker).

FOR SALE: DE LAVAL MODEL 78 VACUUM PUMP. 5 hp. motor, single-phase. $500 or best offer. Call 810404-0468.

FOR SALE: JOHN DEERE 7000 6-ROW CORN PLANTER with Yetter no-till coulters, dry fertilizer. $6500. Call 231-347-9534. Petoskey, MI FOR SALE: GENERAC GENERATOR, 25KW, on cart, stored, new, never used, $4000. Call 231-347-9534, Petoskey, MI WANTED: 14-FOOT FORAGE WAGON. Call 260-7683029 ext. 1.

FOR SALE: SUNSET MILK TANK, 1575 gallon with wash pump, two compressors and a controller. $9,800 OBO. Call 810-728-6237.

FOR SALE: DOUBLE FOUR AUTO-FLOW MILKING PARLOR. Best offer. Call 810-728-6237.

FOR SALE: EIGHT METATRON 12 MILK METERS. Best offer. Call 810-728-6237.

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!

Classifieds Classifieds Policy Cost for classifieds is $25 for the first 35 words and then $5 for each additional word. Payment due with order. All ads must be received by the 10th of the month preceding desired month of publication. MMPA neither sponsors nor endorses products or services

Non-GMO products available

advertised in the Milk Messenger.

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

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.

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Classifieds - continued DAVIDSON CEMENT GROOVING, INC: No water needed. Wider, rougher grooves for better traction.

We also offer texturing for your previously grooved floors. 3 operators will travel Michigan and other states. No interest payment terms. Est. since 1987.

Call 1-800-365-3361.

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

NIENOW GROOVING. Call Cliff at 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, Feed Barley and Corn Silage. Delivery Available.

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

ALFALFA HAYLAGE (excellent & fair grades) & CORN SILAGE. Please 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.

Electrolytes and Scours Prevention Calf scours are a concern for every dairy farm. The MMPA Farm Supply Store stocks several products that can help prevent scours and speed up the recovery from them. Listed below are some products that will aid in the battle against scours.

Maxibac Maxibac Calf Gel is a concentrated gel containing billions of specialized lactic acid bacteria and a yeast culture specially formulated for monogastric animals. It is used at birth to populate the gut with beneficial bacteria that can protect the animal from the overgrowth of harmful organisms. Give Maxibac at birth and when calves face environmental stresses such as transporting, environmental changes and feeding changes. When a calf scours, Maxibac will restore the level of beneficial bacteria in the gut and restore gut pH to levels that will inhibit harmful organisms. Each 80cc syringe provides 8 doses.

STOCK #: 8301

MEMBER PRICE: $13.37 PER 80CC SYRINGE

Stand Up Stand Up Calf Gel is a more aggressive culture of lactic acid bacteria that can live in more hostile environments. It is given when extreme environmental or physical problems exist, and the animal is in danger of imminent death. Each 30cc syringe contains 2 doses.

STOCK #: 8302

MEMBER PRICE: $11.32 PER 30CC SYRINGE

Source E Source E is an aggressive electrolyte supplement for the rehydration of calves that are scouring or have insufficient water intake. Source E is used in conjunction with Maxibac or Stand Up to return gut pH and digestive bacteria to normal. Source E contains no sodium bicarbonate therefore milk and milk replacer feedings can continue as normal. It is available in 4oz packs or 10 lb and 25 lb containers.

STOCK # 8308 8309 8310

DESCRIPTION 20/4OZ PACK 10# PAIL 25# PAIL

MEMBER PRICE $82.22 $117.28 $262.33

Land O’ Lakes Electrolyte System Land O’ Lakes electrolyte system provides electrolytes and essential fluids when young calves are dehydrated, exposed to heat or cold stress or experience electrolyte loss. The LOL system is composed of two parts, Base and Add Pack. The Base provides needed electrolytes and essential fluids. The Add Pack, combined with the Base assists with electrolyte transport and helps maintain proper body fluid levels. These items are sold separately. The Base can be used alone, but the Add Pack must be used in conjunction with the Base.

Base – Prevention Composed of high dextrose for quick energy and Vitamin B complex, the Base provides beneficial electrolytes through a superior suspension technology. This is a useful tool at the first sign of scours, before visible signs of dehydration. The Base is available in a 25# bag. It contains approximately 155- 2qt doses per bag. This is a maintenance dose, heat or cold stress may require a larger dose.

STOCK#: 1117 MEMBER PRICE: $52.10

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 $100.00 JanksSeeds.com 989-284-5052.

BARN WHITE WASHING AND CLEANING WITH HIGH PRESSURE AIR: Serving all Michigan and Indiana.

Miller Spray Service, Inc. 574-825-9776.

Add Pack – Treatment Formulated to only be fed with the Base, the Add Pack should be mixed in the Base and administered 2 to 3 times per day. Glycine assists with electrolyte transport, and an alkalinizing agent to maintain proper body fluid pH levels. This is a 3lb jar.

STOCK#: 1012 MEMBER PRICE: $58.64

Unless otherwise specified, it is important that milk or milk replacer feeding be continued when calves scour as both the liquid and nutrients are needed from the normal diet. Very few electrolyte formulations contain enough calories to support maintenance and growth. If calves are severely dehydrated, be sure to consult your veterinarian.

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MMPA STAFF

MMPA Field Staff

Novi Headquarters

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

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

Steve Lehman, Ithaca, Raw Milk Compliance.............................989-330-1638 Ben Chapin, Remus, Field Services Manager........................... 989-289-0731 Doug Soehnlen, Member/Superior Supply Representative.....330-575-4643

President and Chief Executive Officer Joe Diglio.......................................................................................ext. 202

Christy Dinsmoore, Vassar, Supervisor....................................248-513-7920

Member and Government Relations Sheila Burkhardt...........................................................................ext. 208

Frank Brazeau, Oconto, WI......................................................... 906-250-0337 Brandon Ewers, Coldwater, Sustainability.................................231-414-4539 Laura Gucwa, Bad Axe.................................................................248-826-6294 Ashley Herriman, Herron............................................................269-245-6632

Management Information Systems Andrew Caldwell...........................................................................ext. 304 Chief Financial Officer Tom Downey..................................................................................ext. 240

Brittni Tucker, Eagle.....................................................................248-880-3785

Chief Operations and Business Development Officer Greg Soehnlen................................................................................ext. 341

Sarah Michalek, Lansing, Sustainability Supervisor............. 248-305-0537

Director of Business Development Brad Parks......................................................................................ext. 341

Rachel Brown, Charlotte............................................................. 248-826-7243 Alyssa DeWitt, Elkhart, IN...........................................................269-967-7351 Lyndsay Earl, Ludington, Animal Care.......................................231-519-2455 Deb Gingrich, Leroy, Animal Care/Sustainability......................248-520-3580 Lindsay Green, East Lansing, Animal Care /Sustainability ......989-488-8159 Joe Packard, Manchester, Animal Care......................................248-520-3481

MMPA Labs

Laboratory Supervisor Patti Huttula.................................................................................. ext. 219 Quality Sudeep Jain...................................................................................ext. 305 Member Services Emily Keranen...............................................................................ext. 203 Human Resources Kelly Kerrigan................................................................................ ext. 301

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

Sales and Supply Chain Judy Lofgren................................................................................. ext. 333

In Michigan...........................................................................800-572-5824 Toll Free............................................................................... 800-233-2405

Credit/Insurance Cheryl Schmandt........................................................................... ext. 210

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

Communications Emily Kittendorf............................................................................ext. 234

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

Corporate Controller Jeannie Strain................................................................................ext. 312

Farm Supply - Mt. Pleasant

Member Relations Jessica Welch................................................................................ext. 303

Supervisor: Duane Farmer, Mt. Pleasant 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 John Lehman, Elsie, Bulk Tank Calibration................................248-444-6775

Manufacturing Plants Canton, Ohio Chris Soehnlen, Plant Manager..............................................330-477-4515 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

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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Board of Directors Officers Doug Chapin, Board Chairman Tony Jandernoa Board Vice Chairman Eric Frahm, Treasurer Joe Diglio, President and CEO Sheila Burkhardt, Secretary Tom Downey, Assistant Treasurer Greg Soehnlen, COO 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 Bruce Benthem, McBain 231-920-1615 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 stunning summer scene set aglow by a summer sunset settling slow.

Setting the stage for a sky of stars, a symbol of summer near and far.

Steady and strong a summer wind blows, over sloping fields of green windrows.

Tractors and farmers bustling in barns, Storing summer’s yield right on the farm.

PHOTO BY: MICHAELA FABUS, ELSIE, MICHIGAN

milk messenger / JULY / AUGUST 2022

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P.O. Box 8002 Novi, MI 48376

“Our team regularly assesses our product lineup to make sure we carry a wide variety to service our members. Our goal is to provide the tools our farms need to produce top quality milk.”

Shop online at www.mimilk.com/farm-supply-store.

— DUANE FARMER, FARM SUPPLY STORE SUPERVISOR