Michigan Milk Messenger: January 2014

Messenger Michigan Milk

The official publication of Michigan Milk Producers Association

Inside

www.mimilk.com Vol. 96 Issue 7 January 2014

Leaders’ Conference • NMPF Annual Meeting

contents Michigan Milk Messenger EDITOR’S LETTER

4

MMPA Matters

6

Quality Watch

8

News & Views

Is 2014 the Year for Dairy Farmers?

Congratulations to All Quality Award Winners!

Calf Schools Milk Check Settlement Dates

FEATURES

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10 Elwood 12 Kirkpatrick’s Dairy Promotion Local Meeting Schedule

Vision Recognized

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All In 2013 District 1 OYDC Nate

Messenger

January 2014

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and Alicia Baker

MMPA Milker Training Schools

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Managing Editor............................. Sheila Burkhardt Editors.............. Laura Moser, Alex Schnabelrauch Advertising Manager..................Nancy Muszynski Circulation.................................................................... 4,200 An Equal Opportunity Employer – F/M/V/D Michigan Milk Messenger (USPS 345-320) is the official publication of Michigan Milk Producers Association, published monthly since June 1919. Subscriptions: MMPA members, 50¢ per year; non-members, $5 per year.

18 41310 Bridge St. Telephone: 248-474-6672 P.O. Box 8002 FAX: 248-474-0924 Novi, MI 48376-8002 www.mimilk.com

Periodical postage paid at Novi, MI and at additional offices.

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

(ISSN 0026-2315)

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Quality 18 Back on the Farm 26 MMPA Awards

District 6 OYDC Mike and Laura Halfman

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2013 MMPA Leaders’ Conference

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2013 NMPF Young Cooperators Conference

Joint Annual 24 2013 Meeting

535 member farms recognized

Departments 32 Merchandise 33 Quality Premiums 34 Freeliners 36 Classifieds 37 Policies 38 Market Report 39 Staff

Cover Story Winter time means meeting season for MMPA members.

Be sure to attend your local meeting and sign yourself or an employee up for a Milker Training School near you.­

Michigan Milk Producers Association Michigan Milk Producers Association, established in 1916, is a member owned and operated dairy cooperative serving approximately 2,000 dairy farmers in Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin and Ohio.

District Directors 1. Hank Choate, Cement City 2. Tim Hood, Paw Paw 4. Dan Javor, Hastings 5. Brent Wilson, Carson City 6. Brad Ritter, Byron 7. James Reid, Jeddo 8. Leonard Brown, Sandusky 10. Eric Frahm, Frankenmuth 11. Bob Kran, Free Soil 12. John Kronemeyer, Pickford

517-529-9032 269-657-5771 269-948-8345 989-584-3481 810-266-4091 810-327-6830 810-648-4505 989-652-3552 231-464-5889 906-647-7638

For listing of other MMPA leaders visit mimilk.com

January 2014

Officers: President: Ken Nobis Vice President: Bob Kran Treasurer: Mark Halbert General Manager/Secretary: Clay Galarneau Assistant Treasurer: Joe Diglio General Counsel: Todd Hoppe

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

or 248-474-6672, ext. 201 Rodney Daniels, Whittemore 989-756-4935 Mark Halbert, Battle Creek 269-964-0511

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Board of Directors

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MMPA Matters Ken Nobis

by

President

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January 2014

Is 2014 the Year for Dairy Farmers?

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If the deep freeze continues, this winter may be remembered by future generations in the context of, “You think this is bad? You should have seen what winter was like when I was a kid.” We would all agree that weather is naturally a topic of daily concern in an industry that is so dependent on which way the wind blows.

program. Ninety percent would be a great place to be a year from now, bringing our goal of 100 percent participation much closer.

Compliance with these standards is important to ensure our ability to market our milk.

But what events (other than the weather) will we remember years from now? Will we be able to say that the farm bill of 2012 was enacted in 2014? I hope so, because the Dairy Margin Protection Program coupled with the Dairy Market Stabilization Program provisions of the act will set the path for a more stable dairy industry.

We are quite certain that MMPA member milk production will expand in 2014, but how much?

Cow numbers continue to grow, but determining the rate of growth is a guessing game. It would be nice if we could look into a crystal ball and see precise production numbers for this year, five years from now and even 10 or 20 years from now. We also need to estimate consumption trends for dairy products, both domestic and global, to plan for the future. But since exact data is not available until after the fact, we are left with the challenge of responsibly predicting these numbers for the future based on information we can gather now.

Of course, the farm bill is not the only thing that will capture our attention in the year ahead. Will 2014 be remembered as the year during which MMPA members reached an even more significant level of participation in the National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (F.A.R.M.) Program? Eighty percent of our member milk supply has agreed to participate in this national animal care guideline

Production is another area of focus for 2014. Will we see a continuation of the trend in milk production moving from west to east in the U.S.? Production in our geographic region has grown more rapidly than in other areas. We think it will continue, even though weather and other variables influence our production. Herd management continues to improve, resulting in higher production per cow.

The bottom line is your board members are heavily involved in the process of predicting future

member milk production and what type of facilities will be required to process it. Additional processing capacity is necessary, so now we have to decide which products will be manufactured using the milk that you provide and how those products will be processed. Various possibilities are being considered by the board and management working together. We are still in the early stages, but we are making progress. Early in 2014, we will establish a path to follow so that we are positioned for the years ahead.

The beginning of the New Year gives us an opportunity to reflect and then move forward. We see reasons to be optimistic. Globally, we see an expanding middle class that wants to improve its diet and recognizes that dairy, with its high quality protein, is a natural fit.

Total dairy consumption is holding steady in the domestic market, with fluid consumption declining while consumption of products like yogurt, cheese and butter increases. Directing member milk to fill the needs of product demand is our goal. Maximizing returns for our members is always at the forefront of our efforts, as we strive to “market our members’ milk to the greatest advantage possible” in fulfillment of MMPA’s mission.

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QUALITY Watch Dean Letter

by

Director, Member Services

Congratulations to All Quality Award Winners For the last 15 years, MMPA has honored its members with three levels of quality awards: bronze, silver and gold.

This local meeting season, MMPA plans to honor its members with 341 bronze awards, 148 silver awards and 46 gold awards. MMPA will honor more members this year than any year since the program’s inception.

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January 2014

In addition to recognition at local meetings, some MMPA members will be honored for their excellent milk quality at the national level later this month. The National Mastitis Council (NMC) honors the best of the best in milk quality.

The National Dairy Quality Award Platinum Level awardees will be recognized at the NMC Annual Meeting in Fort Worth, Texas. At press time, the awardees have not been announced, but I believe MMPA will be well represented again this year. Look to the January 10 issue of the Hoard’s Dairyman for a list of platinum, gold and silver level winners.

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MMPA can partner with members wishing to improve their milk quality through an assortment of services. Acquiring good information is the first step in developing a milk quality improvement plan. MMPA member representatives can help develop

sampling strategies and interpret test results to develop an action plan to achieve quality goals.

MMPA’s Participation in the National Dairy FARM Program Reaches Another Milestone

This is particularly valuable for members striving to lower their bulk tank somatic cell count. In light of changing quality premiums taking effect this month, I strongly encourage members who may be adversely affected by the changes to contact their member representative to review their mastitis management program.

MMPA has been participating in the National Dairy FARM Program (Farmers Assuring Responsible Management) for three years. The program was born out of farmer recognition that consumers want food from farms that routinely take excellent care of their animals.

The MMPA board of directors’ farms were among the first MMPA farms to enroll in FARM and are scheduling to have their farms re-evaluated by their member representatives.

Since 1996, MMPA has provided its members Milker Training Schools.

Throughout the schools, many important milking and milking prep procedures are highlighted, showing both new milkers and seasoned owners how to maximize milk quality. For example, the importance of udder sanitation is emphasized along with the timing of certain steps of the udder prep procedure. We focus on timing because using optimal udder prep timing has been shown to improve milking speed by more effectively utilizing the oxytocin the cows produce naturally.

MMPA generally host classroomstyle Milker Training Schools through February and March at various locations. The dates and locations of the 2014 schools are included on page 17.

Congratulations to those members who earned a quality award this year. I hope to see even more quality award winners next year.

Other members that were early adopters of the program three years ago are being contacted by their member representatives to re-enroll. The program has evolved since its inception, increasing its focus on written standard operating procedures for animal care activities such as feeding calves, milking, caring for special needs animals and moving nonambulatory animals.

MMPA has enrolled 80 percent of its milk supply in the program and continues to work toward having all members participate. Widespread participation in a common sense animal care program such as FARM is critical to showing consumers the dairy industry takes animal wellbeing seriously and continuously strives to improve animal care.

Members interested in getting more information on the National Dairy FARM Program or other MMPA services are encouraged to call their member representative or the Novi office.

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NEWS & Views

level by 3 percent.

Across the Board: November Milk Prices Increase Strength in the commodity markets resulted in an increase in all four of the class prices for milk during the month of November. The November Class III price increased 61¢, settling at $18.83 per hundredweight.

The Class IV price also increased to $20.52 per hundredweight, up 35¢ from October.

Milk production during November declined as is normal for this time of the year and is remaining at seasonally low levels. However, production during November 2013 did exceed last year’s production

Only Two MMPA Calf Training Schools Left!

The National Dairy FARM Program recommends farms document all employee training for new and existing employees on an annual basis. To help fulfill this recommendation, MMPA and Land O’Lakes Animal Milk Products Co. are offering calf training schools again this year Dec. 10-13 and Jan. 30-31 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The classroom-style meeting is limited to 25 per date, so reserve your spot early!

2013/2014 Dates and Locations Jan. 30, 2014 – Russo’s Mainstream Sports Bar & Grille (Hopkins) Jan. 31, 2014 – Van Buren Hotel (Shipshewana, Ind.) To register, contact Marianne Gasiewski at the Novi office (800-572-5824 ext.

215). Please be ready to provide your farm information, desired school, phone number and the number of people attending.

Direct Deposit Schedule The MMPA direct deposit program provides for the direct deposit of members’ net milk proceeds to their bank account through the use of a secure electronic funds transfer system. This system assures the timely deposit of funds on the dates listed below and eliminates the need for monthly trips to the bank.

The direct deposit service is free to MMPA members. Members on direct deposit still receive their check statement by mail. The statement is the same as the one attached to the milk check. The direct deposit stub of the statement indicated the amount transferred into the member’s bank account.

If you are interested in simplifying your banking and signing up for direct deposit or desire more information, please contact the MMPA Member Services Department at 800-572-5824.

Settlement Dates Processed Through JP Morgan Chase Calendar Year 2014

Upcoming Events

January Local Meetings Continue

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January 2014

February

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6-8

Resolutions Committee Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference - Mt. Pleasant

January 17 January 27

February 18 February 26

March 17 March 26

April 17 April 25

May 16 May 27

June 17 June 26

Friday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Monday Wednesday Thursday Friday Friday Tuesday Tuesday Thursday

July 17 July 25

August 18 August 26

September 17 September 26

October 17 October 27

November 17 November 26

December 17 December 26

Thursday Friday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Friday Friday Monday Monday Wednesday Wednesday Friday

NEWS & Views

MMPA Board Member Promotes Dairy Exports in Dubai MMPA District 7 Director Jim Reid was selected amongst the DMI board of directors to represent Michigan and U.S. dairy farmers on the U.S. Dairy Export Council’s (USDEC) latest trade mission to Dubai. The ninth largest port in the world, Dubai is the gateway to millions of potential dairy consumers in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

An arid region already importing 90 percent of its food supply, Jim and other U.S. dairy leaders and farmers met with MENA trade leaders to begin the process of exploring opportunities for increased U.S. dairy imports in the region. With such a large, persistent demand, MENA importers relayed that they are looking for consistent dairy products catered to the demands of local consumers from dependable

District Five

517-398-0629 517-445-2649 517-639-4182 517-524-6015

District Two

Donald Bever, Delton Richard Thomas, Middlebury, IN Michael Oesch, Middlebury, IN

Bruce Benthem, McBain 231-825-8182 Tom Jeppesen, Stanton 989-762-5399 Bill Jernstadt, Big Rapids 231-796-4650 Mike Rasmussen, Edmore 989-762-5380

District Six 269-671-5050 574-825-5198

574-825-2454

District Four David Bivens, Bellevue 269-758-3980 Mark Crandall, 269-660-2229 Battle Creek James Droscha, Charlotte 517-543-5577 David Lott, Mason 517-676-4593

Aaron Gasper, Lowell Anthony Jandernoa, St. Johns David Reed, Owosso Kris Wardin, St Johns District Seven Bill Blumerich, Berlin Pat Bolday, Emmett Scott Lamb, Jeddo Chuck White, Fowlerville District Eight Mike Bender, Croswell Tim Kubacki, Sebewaing Dale Phillips, Marlette Steve Schulte, Harbor Beach

616-897-2747 989-593-2224 989-723-8635 989-640-9420

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

810-679-4782 989-883-3249 989-635-7917 989-479-9339

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

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

District Eleven Jim Good, Caledonia 616-891-1414 Frank Konkel, Hesperia 231-854-8041 David Pyle, Zeeland 616-772-1512 Bill Stakenas, Free Soil 231-757-9340

District Twelve Robert Barron, Gladstone 906-786-7027 Dave Folkersma, Rudyard 906-478-3023 Corby Werth, Alpena 989-379-3772 Jeremy Werth, Alpena 989-464-4022 January 2014

Carlton Evans, Litchfield Brad Hart, Clayton Glenn Preston, Quincy Art Riske, Hanover

MMPA Advisory Committee

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District One

suppliers, not just surplus product. Jim adds, “This region has a young, rapidly growing population; 50-60 percent of residents are under 30 years old. As a whole, they are affluent, tech-savvy and very knowledgeable about their diet and are looking for quality sources of protein, like dairy.

It’s a market we want to be a MMPA board member Jim Reid, pictured part of and there’s tremendous with chefs Mark Todd (left) John Esser (right) potential to continue growing during the USDEC Trade Mission to Dubai in the amount of dairy the region the United Arab Emirates. Photo Courtesy of Hoard’s Dairyman sources from the U.S.”

In addition, the large number of U.S. Throughout the mission, it ships already transporting goods was evident that MENA countries to Dubai makes it cheaper for the are attractive trading partners for U.S. to service MENA’s dairy demand U.S. dairy. Since 40-50 percent than New Zealand or Australia. of shipments to Dubai are food products, the port understands the Moving forward, Jim and USDEC unique handling, safety and quality believe U.S. dairy products, concerns associated with imported formulated with MENA consumers in food. It also boasts an efficient, mind, have the potential to increase upscale infrastructure primed for demand in the region and secure receiving high volumes of imports and products intended for re-export. market opportunities for U.S. dairy.

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2013-2014 Local Meetings Note: Information listed was available at press time. All members will receive complete meeting details in the invitation for their local meeting.

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January 2014

Local

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Date

Place

Location

Time

Deford/CliffordMayville

Monday, Jan. 6

Liz’s American Diner

Caro

12 noon

Frankenmuth

Tuesday, Jan. 7

DaVinci’s Restaurant

Frankenmuth

12 noon

Flint/Livingston Charter/Owosso

Wednesday, Jan. 8

Gigi’s Banquet Center

Corunna

12 noon

Grand Rapids

Wednesday, Jan. 8

Golden Corral Buffet

Walker

12 noon

Dairyland

Thursday, Jan. 9

Bloomers Twp Hall

Carson City

12 noon

Mid-Michigan

Thursday, Jan. 9

Clinton Co. RESA Building

St. Johns

11:45 a.m.

West Michigan

Wednesday, Jan. 15

Zeeland Township Hall

Vriesland

11:30 a.m.

Alma

Friday, Jan. 10

Maxfield’s Retaurant

Wyman

11:30 a.m.

Hillman

Friday, Jan. 10

Hillman Community Center

Hillman

11:30 a.m.

Constantine

Saturday, Jan. 11

Siloam Fellowship

Goshen, IN

10:30 a.m.

Huron

Saturday, Jan. 11

Franklin Inn

Bad Axe

11:30 a.m.

Ingham County

Wednesday, Jan. 15

Brookshire Inn

Williamston

10:30 a.m.

Mid-Thumb

Wednesday, Jan. 15

Holly Meadows Golf Course

Capac

11:30 a.m.

Evart

Thursday, Jan. 16

Rehoboth Reformed Church

McBain

11 a.m.

Muskegon

Thursday, Jan. 16

Russ’ Banquet Room

Muskegon

11:30 a.m.

Clare/Mt. Pleasant

Friday, Jan. 17

Clare Church of Nazarene

Clare

11 a.m

Deckerville

Saturday, Jan. 18

D’ville Diner

Deckerville

12 noon

Saline-Ann Arbor

Tuesday, Jan. 21

Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds

Ann Arbor

12 noon

Jackson Co. Plus

Wednesday, Jan. 22

Gene Davis & Sons

Jackson

12 noon

Mid-Sanilac

Wednesday, Jan. 22

Liberty Lanes

Sandusky

12 noon

Hillsdale-Litchfield

Thursday, Jan. 23

Hillsdale County Fairgrounds

Hillsdale

12 noon

Blossomland

Friday, Jan. 24

Zeke’s Restaurant

Dowagiac

12 noon

Brown City-Marlette

Saturday, Jan. 25

Eddie-G’s

Marlette

12 noon

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January 2014

Elwood Kirkpatrick’s Dairy Promotion Vision Recognized

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January 2014

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atching dairy exports exceed 15 percent of dairy sales makes it difficult to remember an industry without a strong export market. But it wasn’t so long ago that export sales barely reached 3 percent. One vital component to the considerable increase in export sales is the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC). The formation and initial leadership of USDEC in the mid-1990s was the vision of dairy leaders at the time, most notably, then MMPA President Elwood Kirkpatrick. Elwood was one of the founding members of USDEC and the first chairman of the council.

Elwood’s efforts in leading USDEC and other notable promotion efforts such as the formation of Dairy Management, Inc (DMI) and Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) were recognized this past November when he was presented with the Richard E Lyng award by the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board (NDB).

The award is named for former U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Richard E. Lyng, who played a key role in implementing policies that led to the establishment of the NDB 30 years ago. The Lyng Award honors dairy industry leaders who have made a significant contribution to dairy promotion that benefits the entire industry.

“Elwood Kirkpatrick served the dairy industry for nearly 30 years, playing an instrumental role in domestic and international dairy marketing,” said Steve Maddox, California dairy producer and outgoing chairman of the NDB. “Elwood’s contributions brought efficiencies to producer

investments in the activities of the promotion and found United Dairy Industry new markets for our Association and the products that are still National Dairy Board making a difference through the formation today. of Dairy Management

Incorporated, saving “Kirkpatrick also American dairy farmers served as the first millions of dollars chairman of the U.S. and creating a more Dairy Export Council, effective national dairy where he led efforts promotion program. to establish and grow Past MMPA President the U.S. dairy export Through his leadership sector. In the mid-1990s Elwood Kirkpatrick and his position with NMPF, wife, Michelle. when the council was Elwood also helped created, dairy exports put the framework for represented less than 3 percent of the Cooperatives Working Together annual milk production. Seeing the (CWT) program into place. Today, we potential to grow export markets, see how these two programs have Kirkpatrick led activities that grew merged to elevate the U.S. dairy demand for U.S. dairy around the export market to where it is today. world. Today, exports represent 15 Elwood’s ability to see past current percent of annual milk production,” situations and have a vision for the Maddox added. future laid the foundation for the success realized by USDEC and the Elwood was elected to serve on the CWT program.

Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) board of directors in 1979 “It wasn’t always easy to convince and served as president of MMPA people to join USDEC,” Elwood from 1981 to 2007. He served on the says. “At the time, surplus products executive committee of the National were going to the government so Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) not everyone believed we needed for 23 years, including serving as to build exports. It took a lot of NMPF vice president from 1983meetings and a lot of conversations, 2003. but we got it done.”

“I really enjoyed my time serving at Since retiring as MMPA president in MMPA and NMPF,” Elwood says. “I 2007, Elwood and his wife Michelle, had the chance to work with some have moved back to the home farm really good people, and had a lot of in Kinde where his daughter Lisa exciting opportunities. I would like and her husband Craig; and his son, to think we made a difference for the Ronnie, raise 1,500 head of dairy industry.” steers and crop farm.

An example of Elwood’s As part of the Richard E. Lyng Award, leadership character emerged in the NDB will contribute $2,500 to the late 1980s when he helped lead the Elwood Kirkpatrick Dairy Science the charge to unify the promotion Research Fund at Michigan State and marketing efforts of the U.S. University. dairy industry, bringing together

2 June 2012

By Alex Schnabelrauch

All In

2013 District 1 OYDC Nate and Alicia Baker

J

ewelers. Audiologists.

Dieticians. When leafing through Forbes’ list of “least stressful jobs,” dairy farmer is nowhere to be found. No surprise to District 1 Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperators Nate and Alicia Baker, they know firsthand the strain dairying can put on the body, mind and pocketbook.

“We have just two non-family employees which means there’s never enough time. Cows need to get fed. Barns need to be cleaned. Equipment needs to be repaired. Between the time crunch and weather, the challenges can sometimes get overwhelming,” Nate relays.

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January 2014

Regardless, the Bakers both agree they wouldn’t trade their lifestyle for a less stressful occupation.

“There’s nothing more rewarding than watching the progression on a farm – seeing a calf grow and become a productive member of the dairy herd. For farmers, we’re ‘all in’ everyday, doing everything we can to take better care of our animals and land,” Alicia elaborates.

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By focusing on the positives and contributing innumerable hours of hard work, the Bakers have found their niche in the dairy business.

Keeping an Eye on Improvement The youngest of four brothers, Nate’s father, Dale, always pushed his sons to get an education before making the decision to continue

Top: Nate and Alicia Baker collectively juggle two off-farm jobs and a dairy and beef business while keeping up with the schedules of their four busy kids. Bottom: Nate works with his father and brother to manage and operate their 160-cow dairy in Jonesville.

the family business. But even after two years at college, there was no doubt Nate was coming back to the home farm.

In 2001, he officially joined the operation full-time, giving his new “city girl” wife her first taste of farm life. “Sure, we dated riding in the tractor, and I spent plenty of time watching him do chores, but becoming a farm wife was definitely a change – a hard, but wonderful change,” Alicia smiles.

Currently, Nate, his father and brother, Alger, work together on Rosedale Dairy Farm, just off US-12 in Jonesville. A third generation dairy farmer, Nate helps with the fieldwork, milking (one day a week) and equipment maintenance and serves as the herdsman. Continuous improvement is what gets him up in the morning.

“I’ve attended MMPA’s Milker Training School twice just to get the most up to date information to increase our quality and productivity. I go with our milkers even though that’s not my primary role. I refuse to ask our employees to do something that I wouldn’t or haven’t already done myself,” Nate affirms.

More Than Dairy In addition to an off-farm income (Alicia works as an instructional assistant at Williams Elementary School and a dietary aid at Hillsdale

County Medical Care Facility) the Bakers have also added a second enterprise to their dairy operation to help contribute to the bottom line: Bakers Beef.

“In 2009, I convinced Alicia that we should start a beef operation in one of the barns at our home. We’ve raised calves from one week of age to feeder size ever since. We buy bull calves from the home dairy and another local dairy,” Nate elaborates.

“But my kids get to learn real world lessons – the importance of hard work and integrity, hands-on animal care and the circle of life – before they even get to elementary school.

They can be a part of what I do and understand my line of work,” Nate says. “Sure the hours are longer than a typical job. But my kids and family can go with me, ride along and take pride in being a part of feeding our community and world.”

District 1 OYDC

Hillsdale-Litchfield Local

Children: Mackenzie (10), Morgan (8), Marshall (6) and Maverick (4) Herd Size: 160 milking, 20 dry Replacements: 130 Acres Farmed: 1,100 Crops Grown: corn, alfalfa, soybeans and wheat Milking Regiment: twice-a-day milking in a double-12 herringbone parlor Sustainable Practices: reclaimed pasteurizer cooler water, on-farm mortality composting Breeding Program: cows are AI’ed, heifers are bred natural service Education: Nate and Alicia both graduated from Jonesville High School in 1999. They each earned Associate’s Degrees from Ferris State University – Nate was part of the auto body program and Alicia studied early childhood education.

Certifications/Training: FARM Program, Milker Training Schools Ag, Dairy and Community Involvement: Nate has been part of the Jonesville Volunteer Fire Department since 2001.

September 2013 January 2014

The Holstein Lifestyle At the end of the day, the Bakers still admit the dairy business is far from easy. Balancing on and off farm enterprises and occupations while raising four kids means time is in short supply. Most days, it’s a battle against the clock.

Nate and Alicia Baker

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Raising about 100 calves and feeders at any given time, Nate does the morning chores before he heads to the dairy for the day, and Alicia handles the evening chores when she gets home from work. Recovering from a bad strain of pneumonia that wiped out three-quarters of the calf herd in 2010, the operation has grown over the years and has added a dimension of diversity, and therefore flexibility, to the Bakers’ balance sheet.

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ASK BEFORE YOU BUY! Know the Law

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January 2014

Only Buy Cattle with

16

RFID TAGS!

michigan.gov/mdard 517.284.5769

2014 MMPA Milker Training Schools

Attention to detail and consistency in milking procedures make the difference between a good milking routine and an excellent one. Whether you or your employees have been milking for 30 years or three months, at MMPA Milker Training Schools (MTS) you will learn best milking procedures which will lead to improved milk quality, higher monthly quality premiums, reduced new mastitis infections and antibiotic use and increased milk production.

MMPA MTS is a day-long session offered free of charge to MMPA members and their employees. A combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training helps participants understand the “why” and “how” of an excellent udder prep procedure. Both managers and employees are encouraged to attend to promote consistent, operation-wide adoption, implementation and reinforcement of milking procedure techniques.

The registration form and schedule are included below. Each MTS is limited to 35 people; however, a

second session may be held to meet demand. Please register early to help us determine if a second day is needed at some locations. Contact your MMPA member representative or the Member Services Department at the Novi office (see contact information below) with any questions or registration information.

Hispanic Milker Training Schools Have trouble communicating with Spanish-speaking employees? Some Michigan dairy farms employ Hispanic milkers and, more often than not, the language barrier makes communication between milkers and owners difficult.

To help overcome this obstacle, MMPA offers MTS taught by a Spanish speaking instructor. A concurrent, but separate, session is also held to give employers and/or milking supervisors an overview of the techniques the employees are taught so everyone is on the same page after attending MTS.

2014 Milker Training School Locations and Dates Registration: 9:30 a.m.

Program: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (lunch is provided) February 12 Shipshewana Shipshewana Event Center February 26 Litchfield Ferry Farms March 6 Bad Axe Huron County Expo Center March 18 St. Johns Agro-Culture Liquid Headquarters (English) March 19 St. Johns Agro-Culture Liquid Headquarters (Spanish) April 9 Newaygo Cronk’s Oakridge Restaurant April 23 Alpena A-Plex May 1 Clare Clare Church of Nazarene

Milker Training School Registration Name: Address: Telephone:

Number of People Attending: Send this form to: MMPA Milker Training School Member Services Dept.

P.O. Box 8002 Novi, MI 48376-8802 Or call/email Marianne Gasiewski with this information at 248-474-6672 or Gasiewski@mimilk.com.

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Date and Location of Session You Will be Attending:

January 2014

Producer Permit Number:

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By Alex Schnabelrauch

Back on the Farm

2013 District 6 OYDC Mike and Laura Halfman

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t 18, Mike Halfman had zeroed in on a few potential careers, none of which included cows, milk or manure. “I still remember him saying, ‘This is my last day milking cows!’ We can all see how that turned out,” his wife, Laura, smiles.

Trying his hand at land surveying and construction, a love for the outdoors brought him back to the one place he never thought he’d end up: home. Despite the never-ending “to do” list, the Halfmans are balancing family, hobbies and community service with the demanding dairy farming schedule.

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Two-in-One Dairy Though the history of T & H Dairy spans four generations and 130 years, its growth was gradual until more recent history. Growing up, Mike’s parents milked 120 cows in Fowler. By 2005, four years after Mike returned full-time, two barns had been added and the herd grew to 750. Yet, the change was just beginning.

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“It all started in the winter of 2006. Like most dairy farmers, we sit down in the winter and start dreaming and scheming, playing out ‘what if’ scenarios about the future of the farm,” Mike explains.

“Our vet mentioned a farm for sale in Ionia (previously owned by Matt and Linda Arends) and we started penciling it out, crunching the numbers. Eventually, with help from financial consultants, we decided to move forward and expand the operation.”

Top: Mike and Laura Halfman work as part of a five-way partnership operating two dairies and over 3,000 acres. Bottom: Mike dedicates countless hours focused on improving the herd’s genetics and strategic plan while doing his part to balance the two dairys’ workload.

The rest is history. The farm’s partners – Mike along with his father, uncle and brother – extended the partnership to a local herdsman, Jamie Meyer, offering him the opportunity to manage the newly acquired farm. By the end of March, T & H Dairy was up and running in Ionia.

Sharing labor, financials and most equipment, the two locations – situated 20 miles apart – are treated as one farm. While the mature milking herds are separated, heifers are comingled and shifted as space and logistics allow.

“With five partners, there’s definitely some overlap of responsibilities.

But we each try to stay out of each other’s way. It allows us to be more hands-on and supervise our over

40 full- and part-time employees directly instead of relying on hired supervisors. Everyone has their niche and we work together to get the job done,” Mike says.

This flexibility gives Mike a chance to manage an assortment of farm tasks, helping with fieldwork, budgeting, strategic planning, feeding cows and employee management as well as working

alongside Jeff to handle herdsman duties for the Fowler herd.

An On-Farm Hobby But Mike’s responsibilities don’t end with the typical farm tasks.

“Over the years, we’ve really gotten into buying, selling and marketing registered cattle and building up our herd’s genetics,” he relays.

“By utilizing embryo transfer and genomic testing, we can market genetics and add to the operation’s profitability. In my mind, if I can use the same barns and feed the same amount of forage while increasing cash flow, it’s a no brainer.”

In fact, the Halfmans just sold a heifer which placed in the top five in the country in type at the 2013 World Dairy Expo.

Children: Madison (12), Emily (10), Thomas (8), Katelyn (4) and Kyle (2) Herd Size: 1,540 milking, 220 dry Replacements: 1,450 Acres Farmed: 3,400 Crops Grown: corn, alfalfa, soybeans and wheat Milking Regiment: three-times-a-day milking in a double-10 (Fowler) and double-8 (Ionia) herringbone parlor Sustainable Practices: reclaimed plate cooler water, fluorescent lighting Breeding Program: cows are AI’ed, clean-up bull with the heifers Education: Mike graduated from Fowler High School in 1996 and took one year of surveying classes at Ferris State University. He also studied residential building at Lansing Community College for one year and graduated from the Michigan State University Dairy Management Program in 1999. Laura graduated from Fowler High School in 1997 and earned an Associate’s Degree in travel and tourism from Lansing Community College.

Certifications/Training: FARM Program Ag, Dairy and Community Involvement: Mike and Laura have volunteered at Breakfast on the Farm and Family Fun on the Farm events and have hosted school tours and Michigan State University dairy judging team workouts.

Mike is a member of the Fowler Knights of Columbus and Clinton County Farm Bureau. Laura is treasurer for the Fowler PTA and has volunteered at Fowler schools and the family’s church.

September 2013 January 2014

“We realize it’s our job as dairy farmers to not only do a good job on the farm, but to also be a good community member, actively telling dairy’s story,” Laura elaborates.

Mike adds, “Whether it’s the farm or a community event, at the end of each day I like being able to look back and see what we’ve accomplished. It’s rewarding to watch firsthand how the long hours and hard work pays off. The only bad part is it all starts again tomorrow. Our work is never done.”

Mike and Laura Halfman District 6 OYDC Mid-Michigan Local

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The Dairyman and Dairy Promoter While not a farm girl by birth, Mike’s wife of over 13 years, Laura, enjoys raising their five kids on the family farm. Formerly employed with an association for charter schools in Lansing, the stay-at-home mom’s schedule is anything but relaxed.

Between managing kids’ schedules, promoting dairy and volunteering for numerous community events, Laura also finds time to operate a new bakery business (using only real butter of course) dubbed “Laura Bakes.” Thanks to her involvement off the farm, T & H Dairy helps support the No More Sidelines program for special needs youth, donating milk to the group’s autumn dance.

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MMPA Leaders’ Conference 2013

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ocal officers, delegates, Advisory Committee members and dairy communicators gathered in force on Monday, November 25 at the Kellogg Center in East Lansing for the annual MMPA Leaders’ Conference.

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Joined by CoBank Senior Director of Industry Research Terry Barr and Michigan State University (MSU) College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) Dean Fred Poston, members received industry updates, the dairy market outlook and coop news, including an overview of proposed changes to the bylaws.

“Designed as a kick-off to the local meeting season, Leaders’ Conference is another way we try to keep our members informed about industry,

state and national affairs. Since we are owned by our 1,300 memberowners, this is our chance to update them on the co-op’s position,” Clay Galarneau, MMPA general manager, comments.

Starting off the agenda, CoBank’s Terry Barr gave attendees a recap of overall supply and demand trends over the past decade, focusing on what dairy can expect in the next five years. “Farmers are better prepared for market transitions today than they were in 2009. By 2018, I think we’ll see subdued growth in China’s demand, but the U.S. consumer should begin recovering from the economic downturn. Interest rates will more than likely begin to rise, and price volatility will continue. We’re going to see some major pull back in terms

Left: MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Dean Fred Poston reiterated the college’s commitment to its Land Grant mission. Top middle: CoBank’s Terry Barr present MMPA leaders with his five-year economy projections and dairy market forecast.

Bottom middle: 2013 OYDC Mike and Jordan Noll emceed the conference luncheon. Right: MMPA Director of Finance Joe Diglio updated members on the MMPA Ovid Plant investment.

of policy as well – legislators are going to be forced to take action and make changes if we’re going to be competitive in the global marketplace,” he shared.

Barr drove home the fact that inaction on the U.S. policy front – in his words, “policy paralysis” – is holding the country back from realizing its full economic potential.

Case and point: Congress’s inability to compromise on a farm bill.

He closed, “The next five years hold the potential for significant market transition which means there will be more risk involved and premiums

Following Barr’s presentation, President Ken Nobis reported on growing dairy export numbers nationwide (15.5 percent of total supply), the REAL® Seal campaign and provided an update on the TB incident in Saginaw County which hopefully will not jeopardize Michigan’s split state status.

Nobis pledged the industry’s unwavering support for the Dairy Security Act and the wholehearted commitment to advocating for its approval in the farm bill before the end of the year even though he is frustrated with the lack of progress to date. He also outlined proposed bylaw changes and a district realignment proposal that will be discussed throughout local and district meetings and voted on at the annual meeting. More information about these proposed changes will be featured in the February issue of the Messenger.

Nobis’s final note was a broad, reassuring message in regards to ongoing pressure and questions regarding dairy sustainability.

“Sustainability is really just telling people what you’re doing – how you’re saving energy, being more efficient and taking care of your animals. We’re already being

sustainable. We just have to be better about sharing these stories with customers and consumers,” he concluded.

During the luncheon, emceed by 2013 Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperators (OYDC) Mike and Jordan Noll, the MMPA MSU scholarship recipients were recognized along with the other district OYDCs. Senior Michigan Dairy Ambassador Katelyn Horning addressed the crowd and raffled off two free registrations for the 2014 Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference.

CANR Dean Fred Poston gave MMPA members an MSU update, emphasizing, “We’re still committed to the Land Grant mission and to agriculture. We want to work with you to help better prepare your successors, whether they come from a farm or not.”

After lunch, Galarneau’s presentation covered some of the major coop action items. He shared: The MMPA board of directors is in the process of reviewing options for possible partnership opportunities to accommodate the membership’s growing milk supply.

A new marketing agency has been created by several of the major milk cooperatives in the Michigan, Indiana and Ohio area to consider milk pricing, pooling and balancing agreements to help facilitate more orderly marketing of milk and improve member pay prices.

MMPA’s membership enrollment in the National Dairy FARM Program has grown to 80 percent of the member milk supply.

Galarneau wrapped up his presentation applauding MMPA members, saying, “MMPA is getting really high quality milk from our members. We have the SCC counts that attract potential customers to Michigan, and that’s where we want to be.”

Overall, the conference provided a snapshot of the co-op’s progress and future outlook, setting the stage for three months of member meetings before the MMPA State Annual Delegate Meeting on March 20, 2014.

MMPA Owosso Local Wins the MMPAC Challenge

Congratulations to the Owosso Local for winning the 2013 MMPAC Challenge! The Owosso Local had the highest percentage of members contribute to the Michigan Milk Political Action Committee during the recent fundraising campaign.

The will receive a matching gift of up to $1,000 designated toward the local’s choice of one of five charity organizations or youth foundations.

Thank you to all of the members who have contributed to the MMPAC!

January 2014

awarded for superior management.

Global protein and dairy markets will continue to change which will, in turn, change our definition of self sufficiency. No longer will self sufficiency mean just producing enough to meet domestic demand.

It will mean having a reliable worldwide supply chain to meet global demand.”

The gas flush bagger (completed last fall) and new butter churn (which should be online by the end of next summer) are presenting more valueadded opportunities to enhance member equity.

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MMPA is getting really high quality milk from our members. We have the SCC counts that attract potential customers to Michigan, and that’s where we want to be.” ­— Clay Galarneau,

MMPA general manager

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By Jordan Noll, 2013 MMPA OYDC

2013 NMPF Young Cooperators Conference

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s a little girl, my idea of dairy farming had something to do with London’s Dairy ice cream and its milk plant in Port Huron. I could look through the windows toward the back of the factory and watch the gallon jugs being filled with milk. In the front of the dairy, whether a turtle sundae or chocolate malt, any frozen lactose dessert appeased the soul and mind.

At that point, I had no clue the time and energy that went into farming – NONE! Marrying Mike opened my eyes to truly hard working, amazing people.

Going to the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) Young Cooperators (YC) Conference has further expanded my views beyond the little local dairy plant back home. It’s my privilege to share some of the high points from our experience at the YC Conference and NMPF Annual Meeting.

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One of the biggest, most surprising facts shared throughout the four-day conference is that the U.S. is exporting millions of pounds of milk, butter, cheese and dry milk to China, Mexico, the Middle East and other distant countries through the Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) Program. One out of every seven tanker loads of milk goes oversees. So not only do we have farmers with cows that produce a ton of milk, but we also have amazing marketers and salespeople exporting our products overseas.

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The thought process behind producing, marketing and selling can be quite overwhelming. Adding to that, we have political agendas to contend with such as Europe proposing to sue U.S. dairies for using cheese names such as Asiago, Parmesan, Feta and Gorgonzola claiming these names belong to Europe. They believe the U.S. should not be able to use these names despite the fact that we have used them for 100 years.

And let’s not forget the ever present farm bill. Will it pass? Won’t it? Will it include the Dairy Security Act? Does it help fund Obamacare?

In all seriousness, as a dairy producer, if we are not

MMPA was well-represented at the NMPF YC meeting by (l-r) 2013 OYDC Michael and Jordan Noll; 2012 OYDC Kris and Carla Wardin and 2013 OYDC Runners-up Jeff and Chriss Carmichael.

NMPF YC Coordinator Sarah Olson presents the Wardins with their plaque for serving as the YC Chair couple.

(NMPF photo)

proactive in addressing issues ranging from cow care to consumer conversations to collaborating co-ops, we will lose the battle. What battle you may ask? Farmers face a multitude of issues that are all part of the battle. Issues

Chriss and Jeff Carmichael listen to the speakers during the conference.

Control Butyric Acid and

such as raw milk vs. pasteurized, organic vs. conventional, rBST free, the Dairy Security Act, antibiotics and GMOs are just a few.

Maximize Every Bite!

When you look at this list, you may notice that most have to do with the consumer’s view on products, whether true or misconceived. One of the conference’s wonderful speakers, Bruce Vincent, relayed how people today have a lot of time and money which means they vacation and fall in love with two things: one, natural environment and, two, cultural environment.

As people fall in love with their environment, misinformation gets into the media and becomes law, but it is not truth. People have grasped a “Disneyesque Utopia” meaning the trees and animals are the good guys and the bad guy that shows up is man (more specifically a “capitalist man”) and we are in fact saving our environment to death.

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The well-intentioned environmentalist groups from 40-50 years ago that used to give messages of hope have been mutilated and instead give messages of fear. Fear sells. Truth can win, but truths do no good if they are not talked about. Mr. Vincent emphasized the importance of leading whether by running for office or supporting those who do by volunteering your time.

When people lead, others follow.

If society believes they must choose between your business and a clean environment or animal welfare, which will they choose? We as leaders need to articulate how we can have it all. The world is run by those who show up, be it planning boards, legislative hearings, industry gatherings, editorial pages, etc. Anything we do makes a difference. Bruce Vincent was in forestry. He came from a logging family in Continued on page 25

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2013 Joint Annual Meeting

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January 2014

ach year, three leading dairy farm organizations, the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board (NDB) and the United Dairy Industry Association (UDIA), gather for a joint annual meeting.

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This gathering of top industry leaders provides a snapshot of current industry trends and a chance to recognize the good work being done on behalf of dairy farmers.

Bringing these groups together at NMPF Leaders Jim Mulhern, Jerry Kozak and Randy Mooney greet the audience at one time also provides an insight to the Joint Annual Meeting. NMPF Photo the vast number of people working every day to advance the U.S. couple of the NMPF YC Advisory Changes in National Leadership dairy industry. From the political Council.

The 2013 Joint Annual Meeting efforts of NMPF to the promotion marked the end of Jerry Kozak’s and educational efforts of DMI it Past MMPA President Elwood tenure as NMPF CEO and President is reassuring to see the amount of Kirkpatrick was recognized for his as he retires from the federation. time and effort put forth to support past leadership in dairy promotion Taking over the helm at NMPF dairy farmers. with the presentation of the is long-time industry leader Jim Richard E. Lyng Award. This award is Mulhern. Also retiring at the close At this year’s meeting, Michigan presented to individuals who have of 2013 is Jim Tillison, CWT Chief dairy farmers were well represented worked to advance the efforts of Operating Officer.

by MMPA and UDIM board members dairy promotion. Elwood’s work in

as well as three young couples. developing the U.S. Dairy Export Michigan’s presence at the national Program was noted in the award NMPF’s New Leader Challenges level was easily recognizable as presentation (see page 12).

Membership MMPA members were recognized for “We need your financial their leadership in different areas.

Also receiving recognition for commitment, yes,” Chief Operating Our 2012 OYDCs Kris and Carla national leadership was Past MMPA Officer Jim Mulhern told nearly Wardin led the Young Cooperator Board Treasurer Velmar Green, who 1,000 attendees at the organization’s annual meeting prior to the start was named an Honorary Lifetime annual meeting. “But even more of the joint meeting. The Wardins Director on the NMPF board. This importantly, we need your time served this past year as the NMPF honor was bestowed on Velmar for and effort and engagement. The Young Cooperator Chair Couple. his 40 plus years on the MMPA board more engagement our members Both Kris and Carla did a fantastic and service on various committees. have … the more our organization job leading the YC group and were

can achieve for our members. It’s a outstanding MMPA representatives.

In addition to the awards and virtuous circle.”

recognition, MMPA President Ken At the conclusion of the YC session, Nobis presided over sessions in his Mulhern will take over as NMPF 2013 OYDCs Mike and Jordan Noll role as NMPF first vice-chairman. president and CEO January 1, 2014, were selected as the secretary

when long-time leader Jerry Kozak

January 2014 Messenger

retires. The organization is the voice Mulhern said of more than 32,000 dairy producers transparency requires in Washington. telling stories about Thirty years ago,” Mulhern said, brands and product “NMPF, like many organizations, could categories and entire be a neatly defined hierarchy, and industries. “The clean be successful….But not anymore.” lines that used to Today, he said, both NMPF and the exist between farmer entire dairy industry must be more and processor and engaged in the free and rapid flow of distributor and retailer information. have blurred,” he said.

“Transparency has “If there’s a message I can leave with created a value chain you today, it’s that the future of NMPF where everyone is is not a function of what I want … or accountable for what any one leader,” he said. “Rather, the they do, and why they successful future of NMPF will be a do it.” function of the active engagement

that our board, our delegates and, On other subjects, yes, our grassroots members, have in Mulhern said once the the organization and the industry.”

2013 farm bill is enacted

NMPF should tackle Mulhern also stressed the need reform of the federal for increased transparency in the milk marketing order dairy industry. “Look at how food system and consider Top: NMPF Chairman Randy Mooney(l) and CEO and marketers have increased the flow addressing some President Jerry Kozak (r) present Velmar Green with of information about their products,” changes to federal the Honorary Director for Life citation. Bottom: MMPA he said. “Twenty years ago, it was identity standards for board member Jim Reid (r) accepts the Richard E. calorie and nutrition information dairy foods—but only if Lyng Award on Behalf of Elwood Kirkpatrick from NDB on the back panel. Ten years ago, they benefit farmers.

Chairman Steve Maddox (l). it was absence claims about artificial sweeteners and Continued from page 23 growth hormones. And now, Montana where, despite the fact that a saw mill no longer exists, he still speaks of it’s whether a product is locally hope. He said, “Water and animals are next. Don’t make timber’s mistakes.” and sustainably produced.

Whether it can be traced As mentioned before, fear sells. Certain companies and special interest groups have back from the store to a field clung to this fact. And although we have a very rigorous testing system and GMOs or barn.” Mulhern called that have been on the market 20 years with not one incident of health or safety issues, “transparency in action,” but he we are seeing an attempt for mandatory GMO food labeling. We have already seen added it can also be misused. targets on foods such as Chobani® Yogurt: “Cows naturally eat grass; factory farm

cows are fed a diet of GMO corn, soy, alfalfa and cottonseed. Chobani® uses milk “The strategy of some food from cows fed GMOs. How natural is that?” companies is to try to increase sales by scaring consumers In this instance, because activists claim there are GMOs in this dairy product, they into paying more for their are advocating to prohibit the use of the word “natural” on the product’s packaging. particular product because of As we know, GMOs are very important as we feed a growing world population. how it was produced,” he said.

Research confirms milk safety. As dairy farmers, we need to enter the natural/GMO “That’s not transparency. It’s conversation. What do consumers want to know? Ask them. fear-based marketing….left unchecked, it not only affects The NMPF Conference helped me understand that we are part of something the marketplace; it also affects immensely bigger than ourselves, but working together we can accomplish the policy environment. We anything. As Herman Edwards said at the conference, “You [dairy farmers] have an must tell our story because if impact on every child, every person in America. People don’t pat you on the back we don’t, others—who don’t and you don’t get on SportsCenter, but don’t lose sight.” have our interest at heart—are telling a very different, and Consumers need to know our food standards are high and cow care is essential to us harmful, story.” so that they can enjoy their turtle sundae or chocolate malt without any health fears

other than wondering how many they can eat without it starting to show on their waistline.

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2013-2014 MMPA Quality Awards During local meetings, MMPA will present quality awards to 535 member farms in recognition of their outstanding quality milk production. Bronze, silver and gold quality awards will be presented to those members who met the established criteria for each award. This year, MMPA will award 341 bronze, 148 silver and 46 gold awards.

Bronze quality awards are presented to MMPA members who met both quality premium categories (10,000 or less raw bacteria and 20,000 or less PI count) and maintained a somatic cell count of 250,000 or less for nine or more months out of the previous fiscal year. Silver quality awards will be presented to those members who met the same criteria as in the bronze award category for 12 months out of the previous fiscal year. Members who qualified to receive a Gold award met the same criteria as in the silver award category and averaged a somatic cell count of 100,000 or less during the previous fiscal year.

Star Awards will be presented to those members who have received a quality award for five (one star), 10 (two stars), 15 (three stars) or 20 (four stars) consecutive years.

Adrian Local Silver Eric & Randy Bleich * Hartland Farms Inc. Matthew Smith Whelan Farms Bronze Timothy D. Brasher Perry Cisco Emmons Farms LLC Fred Feight & Sons Dwight Mansfield Marvin Farms Inc. Gary A. Middleton Stoutcrest Farms Vissers Dairy LLC

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January2014 2014 January

Alma Local Gold Bebow Dairy Inc. De Grins Oer Dairy Randy G. Dragt Kevin & Ronald Litwiller * Paulen Farms Inc. Spring Lake Farms LLC ****

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Silver Bebow Dairy Inc. Louis & Ronald Brecht Chapin Family Farm LLC Lad & Agnes Doolittle Double-B Dairy *** Cindy Eldred Hooks Farms Kent L. Inniger Jeff & Larry Nielsen

Peters & Peters Dairy Farm Doeke & Melissa Prins ** TLC Dairy Bronze Gordon H. Behrenwald Arland & Ruby Carter Double Eagle Dairy Inc. Joel Ensz Basil Ervin Jr. Hillhaven Farms Inc. Richard D. Hyde Koutz Dairy LLC Bruce A. Litwiller Ryan J. Litwiller Glen H. Miller Gary & Cory Nielsen Oberlin Farms LLC Albern Olson Peacock Farms Pine Hills Dairy LLC S & T Farms PTP * Newlyn Toews Vanderploeg Holsteins II LLC Kenneth Vredenburg Mark Wiles William Hough Dairy Inc. Barry-Eaton Local Gold Crandall Dairy Farm LLC Silver Chase Crest Hill Farms FFHR LLC Hammond Dairy Farm LLC *

Leonard, Maxine, Andrew & Kevin Pixley Bronze B & K Farms LLC Burdock Hills Dairy LLC * Cary Dairy Farms Inc. Endsley Dairy Farms LLC Jacob Mast Miller Vue Farm Schuurmans Dairy Farm Inc. Blossomland Local Silver Terry Koebel & Jerry Koebel Jr. ** Bronze Gamble Family Brown City-Marlette Local Silver Jerry L. Blatt Cumper Dairy Farms Fischer Dairy Farm Parr Dairy Farm LLC Radloff Dairy LLC Bronze Patricia & Peggy Bachschmidt Muxlow Dairy Farm ** Ronald & Wendy Poth RDR Dairy Farms LLC David Shoemaker Rick L. Sutton

Chippewa County Local Silver Taylor Creek Farm LLC Bronze David & Tammy Bell David A. Lamb Clare-Mt. Pleasant Local Gold Judge Dairy Farm Inc. Silver Clark Dairy Farm LLC Elton F. Dubois Gross Dairy Farms Inc. Le Var Farms LLC Rick L. Newman Bronze Daniel & Emma Coblentz Jack Evans Gross Farms Inc. H. Brushaber Sons Farm LLC House Dairy LLC ** Mark & Becky Iciek Donald Kuehl Sr. & Family **** James & Mary Ann Miller Family Jonas Y. Miller Paul S. Miller Stevens Farms

Bronze Dave & Lorene Beechy Alvin D. Bontrager ** Daniel Jay Bontrager Ferman R. Bontrager Jonathon Bontrager Karl M. Bontrager Olen J. Fry Michael M. Graber Ira L. Hochstetler * Vernon & Vernon Hochstetler * Ervin J. Lehman * Jerry D. Lehman Leland F. Lehman Enos Lengacher Naaman Martin David L. Mast Glen R. Mast Herman F. Mast Clyde S. Miller David E. Miller Devon J. Miller

Dairyland Local Silver D & J Dairy LLC * Mervin G. Dailey ** Bronze David Kraft Ammon R. Martin Anson K. Martin Ephraim & Esther Martin Allen & Eileen Ramer Wilson Centennial Farm LLC * Leroy O. Zimmerman Titus B. Zimmerman Deckerville Local Silver Bradley & Brian Booms Erdman Farms Edward Joe Lawler * Bronze Steven R. Boice Robert, Veronica & Robert Dallas MK Farms LLC

Deford/Clifford-Mayville Local Silver Calvin J. Bodeis * Meadow Muth Farms LLC Keith & Jane Wood Bronze Bernard S. Dadacki Sunrise Dairy Evart Local Gold Michael L. Bosscher Harold, Matthew, Michael & Robert Cnossen Keith A. Deruiter Dick Haven Farms LLC Mark F. Diemer **** Doddedale Farms ** End Road Farm **** Gilde Farms LLC Leon Hamming Van Polen Farms Wirth Farms LLC Silver Ronald J. Brinks Daniel DeZeeuw Dairy LLC David L. Dezeeuw Lee’s Woodland Farm LLC * Sunny Side Dairy Zuiderveen Farms Bronze Aris Dairy Farm LLC William A. Benson Benthem Brothers Inc. Benthem Homestead Farms Inc. ** Timothy J. Bode Dale A. Brinks Buning Dairy Farm LLC BWT Farms LLC * Gaylord & Gerald Denslow Kerwin J. Hamming Harry & Karolyn Martin Jerry J. Mitchell ** North Acres Dairy Rudvan Family Farms LLC **

Schooley Farm LLC Mark Shaarda Andrew Leon Stanley Star City Farm William Stein Tacoma Dairy Inc. Jonathan Lee Taylor Kenneth & Carol Tebos * Touchdown Dairy Yonkman Dairy Zuiderveen Farms Flint Local Silver Cole Riverview Farms Inc. K & K Kern Farms LLC Bronze Weil Dairy Farm Frankenmuth Local Silver Schumacher & Sons Farms LLC Richard R. Wardin Bronze Fowler Dairy LLC Eric J. Frahm Haubenstricker Dairy Farm LLC Dennis W. Hetzner Knoll Dairy Farm Inc. Larry Niec Farms LLC * Petzold Dairy Farms LLC **** Schiefer Farms LLC *

* Five consecutive years ** Ten consecutive years *** Fifteen consecutive years **** Twenty consecutive years

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Silver Daniel A. Bontrager Gerald D. Bontrager Milton D. Bontrager Philip D. Bontrager ** Neal L. Borkholder Jake R. Eicher Lamar J. Eash Larry M. Hershberger Alva Lengacher Calvin F. Miller David H. Miller Glen F. Miller **** David W. Nissley Perkins Twin Creek Farm Inc. Dorvin Shaum ** Michael R. Stoltzfus Jacob W. Weaver * David E. Yoder Freeman E. Yutzy

Matthew D. Miller Richard J. Miller Steven D. Miller Vernon E. Miller Wilbur P. Miller Marion & Marianne Mishler Henry J. Mullett Mybrook Farms Marion Nisley Wakiana Dairy Inc. John R. Weaver Ernest & Erma Wengerd Darrel D. Yoder Devon Ray Yoder Lyle D. Yoder Paul J. Yoder Phillip, Esther & Nathan Yoder Raymond D. Yoder Virgil D. Yoder Rufus B. Zimmerman * Carl Zook

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Constantine Local Gold Thaddaeus Coning Vernon R. Miller

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2013-2014 MMPA Quality Awards Grand Rapids Local Silver Med-O-Bloom Farms LLC Potgeter Farms Stoney Hill Farm Inc. Bronze Franklin S. Bowman Byma Dairy LLC Fisk Farms John Byma & Team Klamer Farms Inc. Stephen & Denise Knox Kenneth Leseman Mark & Cheryl Richmond ** Lance Robinson James Schaendorf Joel S. Starr

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Hillman Local Silver Clinton Briley Butterwerth Dairy Farm LLC * Brian Centala J & D Dairy Inc. Risky Endeavor Dairy Skudlarek Dairy Farm Sweet Farms Inc. Fred, Corby & Cody Werth Joseph P. Zbytowski

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Bronze Chippewa Dairy LLC Christensen Farms Todd Hemmingson Jason & Mary Catherine Dellar & John Jagelewski Andrew E. Kauffman Wilbur Miller Nathan & Jodie Mitchell Myron Siegert Never Ending Farms Thomas R. Newman Richard & June Oliver Sauer Dairy Farms Inc. * Galen Schalk Robert J. Troy Eric & Janel Woodward Ervin Lee Yoder Vernon D. Yoder Hillsdale-Litchfield Local Gold Easterday Dairy Farm Silver Herman’s Holsteins LLC

Bronze Dale & Carol Baker Christopher & Beth Brenner Drakeland Farms LLC Timothy & Katharina Dunn Carlton, Carol, David & Cecelia Evans Ferry Farms LLC Richard & Patricia Hawkins Donald Lindsey Pleasant View Dairy James & Barbara Wallen Daniel L. Williams Huron Local Gold J&M Block Farms LLC Silver Highland Dairy LLC John C. Richmond & Sons Dairy Farm Gregory & Shelly Messing & Ashley Kennedy Joseph & Valerie Kubacki Paramount Enterprises Dairy LLC * Allen & Pamela Stiles Daniel Van Erp Bronze Darrin Lutz Farms Inc. Delcath Farms Gusa Dairy Farms Hornbacher Farms Timothy & Debra Kubacki * Neal Laeder David J. Leavine Loren J. Mazure William C. Mazure Nugent’s Farm Dairy Oak River Dairy LLC Paul G. Leipprandt & Son Inc. Prime Land Farm Rose Valley Dairy LLC S & M Dairy Inc. Starward Farm Dian Volmering Zielland Farms Ingham County Local Gold Kevin Cavanaugh MSU Dairy - Dept. of Animal Science Silver Clona Farms LLC

Fogle Farms * Ron L. Launstein Larry L. Steffey

Clarinda Farms LLC George & Hope Fyrciak Charles & Janet White

Bronze Graf Acres LLC Linda Grettenberger Kubiak Family Farms David Lyon MSU Kellogg Farm Risch Farms

Menominee-Vacationland Local Silver Steven & Becky Brock Kraniak Brothers James & Connie Seefeldt

Jackson County Plus Local Silver Hillside Dairy Farms Riske Farms ** Williams Family Farm LLC Bronze Grand Valley Farms Howe Farms Kalamazoo Local Gold VerHage Dairy Farm **** Webers Meadow LLC Silver Clearview Dairy Farm LLC Demann Farms LLC Louis Fifelski Craig & Linda Jo Newland Rodney & Claude Pillars Melvin T. Puschel VanDenBerg and VanDenBerg Bronze James C. Jackson Andrew W. Johnson Ransler Farms Scales Prairie Farm Lansing Local Bronze Heyboer Farms Inc. Wayne & Marvin Hochstetler Chris, Kristina, Hans & Patricia Langmaack Lyon Farm LLC Donald Walters II Livingston Charter Local Silver Donal Farm LLC Bronze Larry & Karen Adams

Bronze Robert Paidl Pleasant View Dairy Farm LLC Van De Walle Farms LLC Mid-Michigan Local Gold Steven C. Roth Larry A. Simon * Aron W. Whitaker Silver Berlyn Acres II LLC Carter Acres Dairy * Clintonia Road Dairy LLC Cornerstone II Dairy LLC D & M Schrader Dairy LLC Andrew & John Feldpausch Michael T. Hogan Houska Farms Inc. Miller Bros Inc. Riverview Dairy LLC Sanborn & Sons LLC Leroy & Stephanie Schafer ** Steenblik Dairy Inc. Stony Creek Dairy LLC Wadell Dairy Farm LLC ** Wieber Dairy LLC Lisa M. Wilson Bronze Howard C. Andersen II David Castner Thomas & Dianne Cook Dutch Meadows Dairy LLC George Grecu III Green Meadow Farms Inc. H & K Dairy LLC George & Shirley Hazle Lew-Max Holstein LLC McCormack Enterprises Inc. Alan J. Miller Nobis Dairy Farms Nugentdale Farms LLC Peckins Farms LLC

James J. Pohl Melvin & Pamela Pohl Gene L. Schneider Richard & Robert Skriba Slavik Farms Barry & Angela Stout T & H Dairy II Cliff & Kent Thelen Jeffry & Patricia Thelen Mid-Sanilac Local Silver Steven & Lisa Alexander Sharrard Farms LLC Welter Dairy Farms LLC Bronze Roger Markey Timothy Mater Noll Dairy Farm Inc. * Harland, Gale & David Schultz Thomas C. Schultz Triple M Farms David M. Varosi Raymond & Loren Zimmerman Mid-Thumb Local Silver Gleason Dairy Farm * Richard Noake Bronze William & Virginia Ankley Andrew A. Brown Blumerich Farms David W. Brusie & Sons Inc. Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority Roger A. Johnson Lester, Barbara & Susan Knust Reid Dairy Farm LLC Siegler Dairy Farm LLC Donald Slesinski Tracy & Theresa Sohn Alfred, Doris & Duane Stuever Thomas Neil Wagner

Muskegon Local Gold Donald A. Beattie ** Carson Acres LLC Sueann M. Higgins Koppenol Dairy Farms Inc.

Saline-Ann Arbor Local Silver Breuninger Farms LLC Marcus S. Bristle Horning Farms LLC Stanley & Patricia Lambarth

Silver Daniel Boerman Dewey Farm LLC Wayne Hecksel Powers Dairy Farm LLC * Riverside Dairy LLC Sunglow Dairy LLC Diane, Gary & Karen Wolford

Bronze June, Nanci & Joy Hamilton Edward & Jane Mamarow

Bronze Ackerberg Farms Tom W. Barends Car-Ver Land LLC Roger J. Deters Doug & Shelly Ekkel Corliss T. Gulembo III Larsen Farms Bruce A. Majeske Norris Dairy Farm Inc. Mark Rottier Silver Sky Dairy LLC Slater Farms 88th LLC Slowpoke Farm LLC * Glen, Casey & Andrew Sparks Stakenas Farms Inc. *** Stroven Dairy Farm Albert Lee Tiles John & Kathryn Troyer Robert & Betty Troyer Udder Pressure LLC Udderside Dairy LLC David VanderZanden Theodore M. Wolschlager Owosso Local Silver David Sovis * Bronze Reed Dairy Farm LLC Ritter Farms LLC Sandhill Dairy LLC Jason Szakal

Sunrise Local Gold Anschuetz Dairy Farm LLC Cedar Lane Dairy Farms Circle K Farms Inc. ** Silver Curry Farms Derek Brewer Weber Dairy Farms LLC Bronze Jeremy Beebe Bennett Dairy Farm LLC Nicholas Clark Clemens Dairy Farm Inc. Kenneth & Leona Daniels Gallagher Dairy Farm Inc. Joseph E. Kauffman Pineview Ridge Farm LLC Poirier Farms Samuel Schmucker Jr. Barry Troyer West End Dairy Inc. W-R-L Daniels Farm LLC Brad & Nicole Wren

Silver Daybreak Dairy LLC Heritage Farms LLC *** Arlyn J. Walt Bronze Alflen Dairy Farms Inc. Timothy Baker Haveman Farms LLC Mark Hilaski Vernon Klinger John & Philip Kuyers Lawrence Lenhart Melridge Farms * Robert & Donna Pepper Mark & Elizabeth Ponstein Pyle Dairy Farm Inc. Dennis Raterink ** Norman TerHaar Delwyn Wedeven Welchkin Acres Western U.P. Local Gold Jacob A. Jahfetson Bronze D & B Dairy Farm Inc. Herioux Farms LLC Gary & Teresa Palosaar

Upstate Local Silver Dean Edgecomb Bronze Marvin J. Rubingh Stanek Farm * West Michigan Local Gold Nienhuis Dairy Farm LLC ** Seth Ponstein Woodbridge Dairy Farm LLC *

* Five consecutive years ** Ten consecutive years *** Fifteen consecutive years **** Twenty consecutive years

29

Early registration ends January 17!

Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference February 6–8 Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort Mount Pleasant, Michigan

Here’s just a sampling of what you’ll experience: • Hear Dr. Normand St-Pierre of The Ohio State University forecast the future of dairying in the Midwest.

• Listen as experts from Rabobank discuss the world’s dairy economy and hear real-world examples for boosting your bottom line.

• Explore topics that will prove beneficial to not only producers but also to farm owners, employee managers, financial managers and businesses that work directly with farms. Sessions will answer questions critical to the success of farming today and in the future:

• Heifers can make or break your operation. Join Dr. Robert James of Virginia Tech University to learn what gives your operation the best return.

– Are you following the new labor laws?

• Learn to improve your farm’s meat and milk quality as Dr. Ron Erskine of Michigan State University walks you through ways to reduce risk of drug residue.

– What does the Affordable Care Act mean as it applies to your farm?

• Learn how to get the most out of your parlor when you join Dr. Tom Fuhrmann, owner of DairyWorks, as he shares ways to improve your parlor’s efficiency through cow flow, milking procedures and a focus on cow health.

– Are you prepared for your next financial or human resources audit?

– How can you prepare and protect your farm from a crisis such as pressure from animal activists, a manure spill or an accident?

– Are there ways you can manage your risk through milk and grain marketing?

• Check out the Great Lakes Commercial Heifer Extravaganza IX Sale and the Exhibitor Showcase.

www.glrdc.msu.edu • 517-884-7089 • honkemeg@msu.edu

tHIS year’S DaIry ConferenCe IS foCUSeD on…

Bridging the Gap: Optimizing Nutrition Throughout the Dairy Life Cycle

2014 M iDwesT D AiRY

CONfeReNCe

JANUARY 14 & 15 JBS United is excited to announce that we will

be hosting our 6th Annual FREE Technical Conference for Dairy Producers in the Midwest.

wHo SHoUlD attenD?

2014 will again have TWO DATES and LOCATIONS, making it easy and convenient for you to attend, so start planning now! In addition to our educational presentations, there will be various industry professionals and suppliers on hand to answer your dairy questions.

Anyone in the Dairy Production industry with an interest in animal nutrition (dairy farmers, feed mill customers, industry professionals, etc.).

ConferenCe CoSt: free

DateS & loCatIonS:

SpeakerS & topICS:

The James B. Henry Center for Executive Development (www.bus.msu.edu/edc/home.cfm) Michigan State University, 3535 Forest Rd., Lansing, MI 48910, Ph: (517) 353-4350 or (800) 356-5705

These conferences are free, but we do ask you to register.

Conferences run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with lunch included.

James Drackley, ph.D., Professor of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois.

“Setting the Stage: Nutritional Management of the Dry Cow and Young Calf” - Dr. James Drackley

Note: Lodging may be available at Candlewood Suites.

James

Drackley, Ph.D.

Mike

Hutjens, Ph.D.

Mike Hutjens, ph.D., Animal Sciences Professor, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

“Broadening the Scope of Profitability: Maximizing Longevity and Lifetime Productivity in the Dairy Herd” - Dr. Mike Hutjens

JanUary 14 ConferenCe

JanUary 15 ConferenCe

Sauder Village (www.SauderVillage.org) 22611 State Route 2, Archbold, OH 43502, Ph: (419) 446-2541 or (800) 590-9755

regISter onlIne & More InforMatIon: Visit www.MDC.JBSunited.com, or contact Lisa Coverdale, Marketing Manager, by calling either (317) 758-2664 or (800) 382-9909, or email at Lisa.Coverdale@tektm.com.

Register at MDC.JBSunited.com

MERCHANDISE

Winter Teat Dips

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

W

percent system including glycerin and lanolin). The dip can be used very well during cold weather as skin protection reducing the need for teat salves or creams.

Once again, during extreme cold, teat end blotting may be required after dipping.

ith January comes cold weather and this is a good time to think about the use of a “winter dip.” MMPA has two such products in our warehouse: A&L’s Wintercare and Ecolab’s Artec.

Both products can be used year round, but they are designed specifically for cold weather application.

Item Stock # Artec – 5 gallon 6064 Artec – 15 gallon 6981 Artec – 55 gallon 6077

Wintercare Wintercare is a very gentle, orange post-dip with 74 percent skin conditioners, moisturizers and emollients that provides excellent skin care. It is formulated with a 1 percent Capric/Caprylic acid combination which provides excellent bacteria kill and mastitis prevention.

The unique skin conditioners form a film on the teat surface that helps seal the orifice. Extreme weather conditions and cold wind chill may require cows’ teat ends to be blotted after dipping.

Item Stock# Wintercare -- 5 gallon 3535 Wintercare – 15 gallon 3536

Udder Cream For those of you that do experience some teat chapping or freezing, Ken Ag’s Udder Cream can help. This product can be used in cold or warm weather. Udder Cream softens and soothes chapped teats and udders in wintertime and aids in the prevention of dryness during sunny and windy summer conditions. Caution: To avoid contamination of milk, thoroughly wash and dry udder and teats before each milking using an individual clean towel.

Member Price $100.66 $289.96

Item Stock # Udder Cream 14 oz. tub 5710

Artec Ecolab’s Artec is a blue post-dip that is effective against mastitis-forming bacteria with the use of 1.5 percent heptanoic acid. It was proven to work very quickly in only 15 seconds of kill time. Artec also contains a triple blend of emollients for superior teat conditioning (78

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

Ingredients from your trusted source.

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

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

Citrus Pulp

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

Messenger

January 2014

Valero Meal

32

Member Price $95.00 $273.75 $919.88

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

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

Member Price $4.69

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

50,000 or below 51,000-75,000 76,000-100,000 101,000-125,000 126,000-150,000 151,000-175,000 176,000-200,000 201,000-225,000 226,000-250,000 251,000-300,000 301,000-400,000 401,000-500,000 501,000-600,000 601,000 and greater

+55¢/cwt. +50¢/cwt. +45¢/cwt. +40¢/cwt. +35¢/cwt. +30¢/cwt. +25¢/cwt. +20¢/cwt. +15¢/cwt. +00¢/cwt.

- 30¢/cwt.

-$1.00/cwt.

-$1.50/cwt.

-$2.00/cwt.

A payment of 5¢/cwt. will be added for each of the following, if the count is equal to or below:

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

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

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

• 10,000 Raw Bacteria Count • 20,000 Pre-Incubated (PI) Count

To qualify for MMPA volume premiums there must be:

There will be a deduction of 10¢/cwt. for:

• No abnormal freeze points during the month • An average somatic cell count of 750,000 or less

• Greater than 100,000 Raw Bacteria Count

MMPA Member Testing Fees Payment for testing will be made through an automatic milk check deduction. All costs are listed per individual sample.

Scheduled Herd Tests $1 Scheduled Herd Test samples are tested for: Culture for Streptococcus agalactiae, Strep non ag, Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase negative staph, coliform and SCC. Additional testing can be coordinated through your MMPA Member Representative to include: Raw bacteria count and components.

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

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

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

• Mycoplasma Cultures $12 • Bacteriology Cultures $13 – Includes identification of bacteria and drug susceptibility.

• Bovine Viral Diarrhea - PCR - ELISA • Johne’s Milk Test - PCR - ELISA – cows - ELISA – tank • Bovine Leukosis Test - ELISA – cows - ELISA – tank • Milk Pregnancy ELISA

$40 $ 6 $40 $ 6 $10 $ 6 $10 $4.50

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

Chemical, Sanitizer & Teat Dip Contact Information

These are service personnel only.

Order your Member Merchandise supplies through your hauler.

ECOLAB

24 - Hour Medical Emergency Hotline: 1-800-328-0026 For Service, call the Ecolab Service Message Center 1-800-392-3392 or Stan Palmer 5303 E. Swan Drive #3 Port Clinton, OH 43452 419-797-2101 Ben Johnson 4461 Cambridge Dr. Port Huron, MI 48060 810-824-0636 Jason Koerth 7509 Aborcrest Dr. Portage, MI 49024 269-207-3773 Pat Mitchell 7273 N. Rollin Hwy. Addison, MI 49220 517-403-0928

A & L Laboratories

24 - Hour Medical Emergency Hotline: 1-800-424-9300 Kurt Fiene 8356 C.R. 115 Kenton, OH 43326 612-889-1063 Jeff Timm NW 8665 C.R. M Shawano, WI 54166 612-840-0555 January 2014

Somatic Cell Count premiums and deductions (in addition to Federal Order SCC Adjustments computed in the producer pay price) will be paid at the following levels:

Messenger

MMPA Quality Premium Program

33

FREELINERS

Call 1-800-572-5824 ext. 202 to place your ad or email to: Muszynski@mimilk.com or fax 248-426-3412.

Bulls

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

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

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

Registered Holstein breeding bulls, all AI sired from top bulls, b&w, red, red carrier and some polled, high production, low SCC herd. Bulls are priced to sell. Ver Hage Holsteins, 269673-4886 or 269-217-6076, ask for Tim. www.verhageholsteins.com.

Crossbred bulls from November. 810724-8825.

Freeliner 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 months (one month, 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.

Messenger

January 2014

• 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.

34

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

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

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

Cows & Heifers

45 cow Jersey herd due from April thru July 2014, 100% AI bred, grazing herd, excellent breeding. Contact Sweet Farms, Midland, Mich. 989-736-6508. No milk assignment please.

High quality milk cows, 80 pound average on 2X, your pick. 734-776-0285.

40 Holstein dairy cows. 30 Holstein springer heifers for Jan, Feb. and March.

810-837-0192.

Equipment

“Roto Grind” bale chopper, model 760, 1,000 RPM. Chops to any size bale, eliminates cows sorting feed. New 12-611, perfect condition, and is stored under cover. Selling because we bought a JD silage baler. $14,500. Cheboygan, Mich.

231-625-2036.

White 2-105 Cab Tractor, approx. 5,000 hours, well maintained. Also, various skid loader bucket attachments. Call 574-2148185.

John Deere 130 Reel Style seed mixer, partially relined in 2012, $9,000 obo. 734776-0285.

New Holland model 900 chopper with hay head, $6,500 obo. New Holland selfunloading wagons, $2,000 each obo. Call Sweet Farms 989-736-6508.

Case-IH 900 cyclo 6 row corn planter.

Corn and Bean drums $4,500 obo. GehlMcConnell hay merger 14-16 feet $2,200 obo. Phone 989-640-4414 New Holland FP230 chopper, 3-row corn head, hay head. Excellent shape.

Call 989-464-5436 or 989-464-5435.

Dairy Equipment

Poly Square Big Foot Calf Hutch/ Nursery with chain and necklace kit (nylon collars). 5’ wide X 7’6” long; Weighs approx. 130 pounds; Stackable; Easy cleaning; Easy access bottle holder.

Bucket holder with (2) 5-quart buckets; fence brackets; rear vent; center flow adjustable vent. Approximately 25 available, $250.00 each. Some brand new. 231-499-2911 or riversidedairyllc@ gmail.com. (Ludington, MI) http://www. polydome.com/big_foot_calf_nursery. html Two Delaval CF1000 Computer Calf Feeders with 4 nipples and laptop with software. Will feed milk or milk replacer, $17,500 for everything or could split them up too. 517-749-9112.

Calf-Tel hutches. 616-634-2958.

Dairy Farm

Dairy Farm, Cheboygan, Mich. 367.11 acres. 25x56 double 16 parallel parlor put in 3 yrs. ago, 2,000-gal. bulk tank, 400 free-stall barn, 48x100 calf barn, 80x80 commodity barn, 64x280’ hay barn, 32x56 maternity barn, 44x100 tool pole barn. 45 acre pasture by barn. 7-bedroom L shaped brick home, built 1976. Can send packet with more info & appraisal if interested. Turn key operation if you want cows & equipment, or will sell farm separate. We also rent 670 acres paying $40 ac. most acres, Less amt. David Brown, Cheboygan, Mich. 231-625-2036.

Silver Sky Dairy, LLC. and its RE, Hesperia (Newaygo Co.) MI. 928 acres owned (670 tillable); 150 rented.

Double-10 herringbone DeLaval Blue Diamond parlor, 96x312’ free stall barn, 285 stalls, 5000-gal tank, 80x120’ heifer barn, 32x108’ sunroof calf barn; several outbuildings for hay/equipment storage, bulk commodity bins, silos. 4 houses on property. 300 mostly registered Holstein herd and 300 heifers, all AI w/top TPI/$NM bulls, DHIA RHA 25,000#milk, 960#fat, 100,000SCC, culled hard. 3 seasons graze dry and mid-lactation cows. Equipment available for purchase as well. No young generation to take over. Frank & Shari Konkel, Lance & Nancy Johnson. Barn ph. 231-854-4602. E-mail for more info: shari_konkel@frontier.com.

Misc.

Herdsman for 500 cow dairy. Call 810577-3894, ask for Everett.

Approx. 3,000 bales of small squares 2nd and 3rd cutting alfalfa. Approx.

200 big squares of 2nd and 3rd cutting alfalfa. 810-837-0192.

Wanted

310 or 311 New Holland baler.

Farmhand grinder mixer.

260-768-4550 ext. 2.

Guernsey to purchase for 4-H showman.

Virginia Ankley 810-724-8077.

12 string type detachers, complete, used. 260-705-8185.

Used bulk tanks for storage and other stainless steel tanks 200 gal. to 3,000 gal.

989-826-5453.

CLASSIFIEDS

Classified Ads ($20 per ad up to 6 lines) Mail ads to: Classified Ads, Michigan Milk Messenger, PO BOX 8002, Novi, MI 48376-8002. Email to Muszynski@mimilk.com or fax 248-426-3412. Ads must be received by the 10th of the month before the month of desired publication. Send check or money order for $20 for up to 6 lines with your order. MMPA neither sponsors nor endorses products or services advertised in the Messenger.

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

517-647-7381.

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

CONCRETE GROOVING BY TRI-STATE SCABBLING, home of the 2” wide groove. Best traction, lowest prices.

(800) 554-2288. www.tristatescabbling. com

A SURE WAY TO KEEP YOUR COWS UPRIGHT! Concrete grooving/ texturing brings existing grooves back to 100% efficiency & provides high quality traction in new & old concrete, fast service. BLUE RIBBON HOOF TRIMMING, LLC. 989-635-1494.

CORN SILAGE, HAYLAGE & HAY. 989723-1886 or 989-277-1414.

FOR SALE: 5000-4000-3000-25002000-1500 OH MUELLER LATE MODEL BULK TANK MILK TANKS, complete, will trade. 1-800-558-0112.

WANTED TO BUY: USED BULK MILK TANKS, 200 gallons & larger, Sunset & Mueller, 1-800-558-0112.

JUNE CLOVER SEED, MICHIGAN CERTIFIED oats and spring barley seed.

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

Concrete Grooving and Texturing Call: Jeff Brisky - Owner Toll Free: 1-800-294-1202 Cell: 1-716-353-1137 Concrete Services Company

Generators Winpower & Katolight

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

Messenger

January 2014

REGISTERED HOLSTEIN BULLS

36

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

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

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

GREEN MEADOW FARMS

• FROM OUR TOP PRODUCTION COWS.

6400 HOLLISTER RD. ELSIE, MI 48831 PH: 989-862-4291

www.greenmeadowfarms.com

Policies

MMPA Policy on Drug Residue in Milk:

2. The member can test the milk on the farm. If dumped, the member must be sure to take the stick reading, record the number of pounds of milk and report the information to their membership representative.

•

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

•

If the tank tests positive (drugs present), the membership representative will authorize the member to dump the tank of milk. The member will be paid 75% of the value of the tank of milk involved.*

•

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

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

If the milk is dumped, the member will be paid 75% of the value of the tank of milk involved.* In order to receive payment for an added water voluntary dump, the member must install a Swingline Safety Switch.

The Swingline Safety Switch can be ordered from the St. Louis warehouse. The MMPA Member Representative will verify the switch has been installed. Reimbursement for the Swingline Safety Switch and the voluntary dump will then be made to the member.

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

MILK SHIPPED – HIGH BACTERIA COUNT If: 1. A load of milk is received (unloaded) at a dairy processing plant and, 2. a sample from the load has a bacteria count of 300,000 or more and, 3. testing of the individual member samples on that load identifies the member or members having a bacteria count of 300,000 or more, then the member or members involved will be charged the value of one-half of one day’s production** and will be disqualified for raw and PI bacteria count premiums. **For members using more than one bulk tank, the assessment will be based on the value of milk in the tank or tanks in violation of the MMPA quality policy. * The member will only be paid for two (2) voluntary dumps in a rolling 12 month period.

If a loss is incurred by MMPA due to the disposal and/or nonmarketability of a load of milk or milk products containing drug residue, then the member responsible will be provided an invoice for the entire value of the loss plus transportation and disposal costs as required by the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance.

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

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

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

ALL POSITIVE DRUG RESIDUE SHIPMENTS MUST BE REPORTED TO THE ENFORCEMENT AGENCY. REJECTED LOAD SHIPMENT If: 1. A load of milk is rejected (not unloaded) at a dairy processing plant and, 2. the milk cannot be sold through normal Grade A channels for reasons of quality which results in the load being sold or disposed of at a loss to MMPA, and, 3. testing of the individual member samples on that load identifies the member or members that caused the contamination or rejection of the load, then, the member or members responsible will be charged the full value of the loss to MMPA plus transportation and disposal costs, and be disqualified for raw and PI bacteria count premiums except for loads rejected for temperature.

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

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

HAULER A hauler whose entire load sample exceeds 300,000 cells per mL bacteria count will be charged the amount of an average shipment on that load if the individual member samples all are less than 100,000. A hauler will be responsible for all costs incurred by MMPA for loads rejected for temperature.

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

January 2014

1. Call a MMPA Member Representative to have the milk in the tank tested. A “hold” must be placed on the tank contents until the test results are known. - OR -

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

Messenger

MILK ON FARM – DRUG RESIDUE SUSPECTED If a member suspects milk in the farm bulk tank contains drug residue:

37

MARKET REPORT

November 2013 MARKET STATISTICS Mideast Federal Order #33 (pounds)

This Month

NATIONAL TRENDS (million pounds)

Total Class 1 Sales

556,102,493

Total Class 2 Sales

150,388,783

% Change 560,604,832 -0.80 Production California 225,084,127 -33.19

Total Class 3 Sales

480,924,426

322,542,678

+49.10

Wisconsin

2,205

2,218

-0.6

Total Class 4 Sales

118,520,173

201,054,104

-41.05

New York

1,080

1,058

+2.1

1,305,935,875

1,309,285,741

-0.26

Idaho

1,072

1,092

-1.8

42.6%

42.8%

Pennsylvania

845

847

-0.2

Texas

779

761

+2.4

Michigan

733

729

+0.5

Minnesota

725

739

-1.9

New Mexico

641

646

-0.8

Washington

502

493

+1.8

Ohio

425

435

-2.3

Indiana

308

299

+3.0

* Total U.S.

14,979

14,929

+0.3

* U.S. Y-T-D

171,994

170,955

+0.6

Total Production Class 1 Utilization

Year Ago

Mideast Federal Order #33

Current Month Total Producers 6,130 Average Daily Production per Farm 7,101 Average Protein Test 3.25% Average Butterfat Test 2.89% Average Other Solids Test 5.71% Average SCC Count (MMPA) 158,000

2013

2012 % Change

3,284

3,264

+0.6

* For 23 states

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

$3.6316

Butterfat Price/lb.

$1.6336

Other Solids Price/lb.

$0.3955

Class III Price @ 3.5%

$ 18.83

Messenger

January 2014

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

38

$1.09

Uniform Price @ 3.5%

$ 19.92

SCC Adjustment/cwt./1000

$0.00093

NASS Survey Prices

Monthly Avg

Cheese /lb

1.8612

Butter /lb

1.5205

Nonfat Dry Milk /lb

1.8892

Dry Whey /lb

0.5831

MMPA

STAFF

NOVI (Headquarters) 248-474-6672 • 800-572-5824 General Manager Clay Galarneau, ext. 200

Laboratory Supervisor Patti Huttula, ext. 219

Human Resources Cindy Tilden, ext. 220

Member Services Dean Letter, ext. 213

Manufactured Product Sales Jim Dodson, ext. 229

Member Relations/Public Affairs Sheila Burkhardt, ext. 208

Milk Sales/Dispatch Carl Rasch, ext. 244

Quality Ahmandeep Dhillon, ext. 304

Finance/Controller Joseph M. Diglio, ext. 240

Credit/Insurance Cheryl Schmandt, ext. 210

Data Processing Gregory Schulkey, ext. 237 Member Communications Laura Moser, ext. 296 Alex Schnabelrauch, ext. 211

MANUFACTURING PLANTS Constantine 269-435-2835 Plant Manager Dave Davis Ovid 989-834-2221

Plant Manager/Plant Operations David Wittkop

MMPA FIELD STAFF NORTH AREA

SOUTH AREA

Frank Brazeau 920-834-4059 Oconto, Wis., cell: 906-250-0337

Krista Beeker Howe, IN 269-986-6792

Ben Chapin Blanchard 989-289-0731

David Brady 517-522-5965 Grass Lake cell: 517-937-9061

Lyndsay Earl Ludington 231-519-2455

Emily Butcher Middlebury, IN

Angelee Kirsch Harbor Beach 231-414-4539

Andrew Rupprecht Clio 269-986-6793

Violet Lombard Hubbard Lake

Elyse Martin Eaton Rapids

810-701-6460

Ed Zuchnik Three Rivers

269-967-7351

Deborah Navarre Leroy 248-520-3580 Lindsay Green Dewitt

269-535-0822

989-488-8159

Gerry Volz 989-848-5996 Fairview 989-289-9219

Other Services:

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

MMPA Labs Novi:

800-572-5824 (in MI) 800-233-2405 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. Mon-Fri

Ovid:

989-834-2515 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. Daily

Constantine: 800-391-7560

7 a.m. - 10 p.m. Daily

Gary Best 810-664-4984 Lapeer cell: 586-484-9279 Bulk Tank Calibration

Steven Lehman 989-875-3441 Ithaca cell: 989-330-1638 Mastitis Management

Katie Pierson Coleman 989-289-9686 Merchandise Coordinator, Energy Auditor

Christy Dinsmoore Fairgrove 989-528-9102 Mastitis Management

Merchandise—St. Louis

Duane Farmer, Supervisor

989-681-2334 Fax 989-681-3988 Toll Free 877-367-6455 Orders (Novi) 800-572-5824

then dial 2

January 2014

248-520-3481

Supervisor: Ed Zuchnik Coldwater Office 269-967-7351

Messenger

Supervisor: Gerry Volz St. Louis Office 989-289-9219

39

Large photos (l to r): Golden-Oaks Bookem Demi-ET (VG-85), Golden Oaks Farm, Wauconda, Ill., Erbsen and B&Z SSI S-Rock Odele7366-ET (VG-85), John Zook, Eden, Wis., Erbsen. Small photos (top to bottom): Jars Of Clay Valentino Bridget (VG-88%), Jim Quist, Fresno, Calif., North Lanes August Dime “VG88”, second lactation, Blessing Farms, Ft. Wayne, Ind.; Melody-Lane Burdette Sally, first five-year-old and reserve grand champion, International Ayrshire Show, 2013, Kaylyn Wood, Saranac, N.Y. and Lang Haven Alstar Nuance (VG-85-VG-85-MS), Kirstie and Jenna Langrehr, West Salem, Wis.

Total Performance Leaders GTPISM • 7HO10721 BOOKEM +2257 7HO10524 ROBUST* +2248 • 7HO10849 SHAMROCK New +2227 • 7HO10228 GULF + 2214 • 7HO10606 OBSERVER + 2186 • 7HO10679 KID New +2170 • 7HO10690 PLAN New +2158 • 7HO10700 MAUSER New +2146 • 7HO10723 SPUR New + 2139 GPPR • 7BS826 AUGUST *TM +175 • 7BS828 MVP *TM +147 PPR • 7MS346 ACE +131

NM$ Rel.% Type Rel.% GJPI™ NM$ Rel.% Type Rel.% +691 91 +2.79 95 523JE927 MAGNUM JH1F +221 +637 86 +0.9 93 +221 +520 80 +0.6 79 • 7JE1046 ZIPPER JH1F +765 90 +1.95 93 • 7JE1038 VALENTINO JH1C +215 +461 92 +2.4 97 +711 87 +2.79 86 • 7JE1067 GOLDA JH1F New +211 +416 79 +1.8 73 +575 88 +2.84 93 +654 93 +2.64 98 PTI NM$ Rel.% Type Rel.% +679 87 +1.88 90 • 7GU398 ALSTAR +146 +444 82 +0.5 92 +649 86 +1.90 87 • 7GU405 GRUMPY* +133 +415 80 +1.1 90 +675 87 +1.56 89 GPTI NM$ Rel.% Type Rel.% +528 85 +2.71 87 • 7AY84 BURDETTE +534 +350 92 +1.9 93 NM$ Rel.% Type Rel.% • 7AY87 POWER +534 +419 75 +0.4 66 +435 76 +0.8 79 When you are searching for total performance sires to add +328 76 +0.3 80 NM$ Rel.% Type Rel.% to your breeding program look no further than Select Sires.

Leading sires for Net Merit, Type and total performance +374 78 +0.1 74 12/13 USDA-CDCB/HAUSA/AJCA/BSCBA/ABA Genomic Evaluation. 12/13 USDA-CDCB/AGA/AMSS Type Evaluation. indexes in all six major dairy breeds call Select Sires home.

•Eligible for semen export to Canada. ™JUI is a trademark of the American Jersey Cattle Association. GTPI is a servicemark of Holstein Association USA. *Limited semen availability.

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SM