Michigan Milk Messenger: July 2011

July 2011 Volume 94 Issue 1

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July 2011

Contents

Volume 94 Issue 1 www.mimilk.com

Features 12

8

Hoofing It for Ag 5K Race

9

USDA Proposes Transfer of Dairy Product Pricing Program

10 MMPA OYDCs Visit Washington D.C. 11 Senate Ag Field Hearing 12 MMPA Member Richard Thomas Stands in Victory

Circle at the Indy 500 14 Jack Stickler – Michigan’s Dairy Field

Person of the Year

14

16

16 Joe Mishler – Michigan’s 2011 Dairy

Industry Service Award Recipient 17 Gary Trimner – Michigan Dairy Industry

Special Citation Recipient 18 Learn About Mortality Management, Earn

MAEAP Credits at Ag Expo 19 What do Michigan Consumers think about

Dairy Farmers?

20 Manage Johne’s Disease by Focusing on Calves 21 Upper Peninsula Dairy Farm Tackles Big Problem

by Making Small Changes 22 NMPF to Host Summer Foundation for the

Future Meeting in Lansing July 26

Departments

Managing Editor...................... Sheila Burkhardt Editors............................................ Mindy Pratt

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

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

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

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

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

MMPA Matters................................................ 5 Quality Watch.................................................. 6 News & Views.................................................. 8 Legislative Watch............................................ 10 Merchandise Memo........................................ 24 Freeliners........................................................ 26 Classifieds...................................................... 28 Policies........................................................... 29 Market Report................................................ 30 MMPA Lab Lines........................................... 31 MMPA Staff ................................................... 31 November 2009 Volume 92 Issue 5

On the Cover

MMPA member Richard Thomas (pictured with his wife Trula) was the “milkman” of the 2011 Indy 500.

(ISSN 0026-2315) Michigan Milk Messenger 3

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

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

District Directors 1. Earl Horning, Manchester.............734-428-7641 2. Tim Hood, Paw Paw....................269-657-5771 4. Dan Javor, Hastings......................269-948-8345 5. Brent Wilson, Carson City............989-584-3481 6. Brad Ritter, Byron........................810-266-4091 7. James Reid, Jeddo........................810-327-6830 8. Leonard Brown, Sandusky............810-648-4505 10. Eric Frahm, Frankenmuth............989-652-3552 11. Bob Kran, FreeSoil.......................231-464-5889 12. John Kronemeyer, Pickford..........906-647-7638

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

Mission Statement

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

Advisory Committee District One Hank Choate, Cement City Perry Cisco, Hudson Carlton Evans, Litchfield Glenn Preston, Quincy

517-529-9032 517-547-3231 517-398-0629 517-639-4182

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

989-593-2900 989-593-2224 616-897-2747 989-723-8635

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

269-671-5050 269-778-2697 574-825-5198 574-533-4506

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

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

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

4 July 2011

989-762-5399 231-796-4650 231-743-6794 989-462-5380

District Ten John Bennett, Prescott Jim Judge, Mt. Pleasant Scott Kleinhardt, Clare Ken Daniels, Sterling

989-345-4264 989-866-2482 989-386-8037 989-654-2546

District Eleven District Seven Bill Blumerich, Berlin Pat Bolday, Emmett Scott Lamb, Jeddo Keith Wood, Kingston

810-395-2926 810-395-7139 810-327-6135 989-683-2070

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

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

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

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

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

MMPA Matters

By Ken Nobis President

CWT Continues to Hold Value

I

t shouldn’t be July already, despite what the calendar says. When spring is late as it was this year, it doesn’t feel right that summer has arrived. On the other hand, maybe I just lost track of time because so many things are happening.

Farming and dairying used to be stable places to spend your time (no pun intended), but that isn’t the case anymore.

Commodity price volatility, unrest in the Middle East, and a slow economic recovery in the United States are just some of the issues that occupy our thoughts.

Many people around the globe are enjoying higher standards of living, and that creates a demand for dairy products and other nutritious foods. Expanding the export market is necessary for the growth and profitability of our industry, even though that expansion creates many challenges. Challenges include promoting dairy products to consumers around the world who have not been traditional dairy consumers and competing with countries that have government subsidies. Understanding pricing mechanisms is another. Using Oceania as an example, when we read the Oceania price for dairy products, it appears to be higher than the U.S. price. However, comparing the published prices at face value does not tell the whole story. The Oceania price is for the manufactured product loaded on a ship ready to sail to its destination.

The U.S. price is the value at the plant where the product still needs

to be processed, packaged, trucked to a port, and loaded on a ship.

Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) is a program that helps to address these and other challenges presented by the export market.

A meeting of the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) Board last month provided me with some new information to share about CWT. As a member of the NMPF Board, I am also a member of the CWT committee.

CWT is a dairy industry selfhelp program, created seven years ago by NMPF. CWT’s purpose of strengthening and stabilizing milk prices has been achieved by focusing on two points since its creation: herd retirement and export enhancement. In 2009, The CWT program focused on herd retirements, while the program that ended in 2010 focused mainly on exports, with one small herd retirement thrown in for good measure. That two-year CWT contract helped pull milk producers through a rough economic down cycle. I know it is hard to imagine, but the damage could have been much worse without CWT involvement. An economic analysis of CWT provided by Dr. Scott Brown from the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute and the University of Missouri indicates that CWT added approximately $1.60 per hundredweight to producer pay prices in 2009 and $1.75 in 2010.

His research indicates a $16.59 return for every dollar invested in

export assistance.

The full CWT committee met in October 2010. A sub-committee that had met before the full committee meeting recommended that CWT move forward for another two years.

Because herd retirement had lost its effectiveness, it was agreed that all efforts would be aimed at export assistance. The contribution amount to fund CWT would be set at just two cents, a reduction of eight cents from the previous contract, with the stipulation that 70 percent of the nation’s milk production would have to be signed up before moving forward. The recommendation of two cents for two years was accepted by the full committee, but the minimum participation level was raised to 75 percent. This was done to address the “free rider” issue, a thorn in the side of some producers because it means that even those who do not participate in the CWT program reap the benefits of any increase in the milk price.

Many co-ops that have been members of CWT have already signed up for the next contract cycle, recognizing the value of the program. In addition, several new members have joined. In March 2011, when the NMPF Board held its spring meeting, participation was at 66 percent. Three months later, during the CWT Board’s summer meeting, it was at 68 percent, leading to the realization that 75 percent participation was probably unrealistic. Because the CWT program is so important, the Board unanimously agreed to lower the Continued on page 9

Michigan Milk Messenger 5

Quality Watch

By Gary DeanTrimner Letter By

MMPA Manager of Producer Testing Director of Member and Services/Quality Control Herd Health Programs

Michigan’s Ever-changing Dairy Farm Inspection Program

O

ver the past six months, MMPA has implemented the transition from Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) official Grade A inspection of dairy farms to the dairy industry (our Member Representative) conducting the official farm inspections. The reason for this transition came down to one issue: funding, or moreover, the lack of funding.

Governor Snyder’s original MDARD budget proposal called for a reduction of $600,000 in the dairy farm inspection program.

That proposal was set to eliminate MDARD’s farm inspection abilities and would have resulted in the dairy industry conducting 100 percent of the official dairy farm inspections in the state of Michigan. That was the premise the entire state was under when the MDARD did not replace six retiring Grade A farm inspectors and inspection of the farms the covered were transferred to the dairy industry.

As a result, Industry stepped up and began conducting the official inspections on dairy farms where the voids occurred.

The dairy industry in Michigan, which includes MMPA, has been conducting the official Grade A farm inspections on a large percentage of farms for the past

6 July 2011

six months. As of June 1, 2011, the Industry was conducting approximately 90 percent of the official dairy farm inspections in Michigan.

As is common in government, things have changed. During deliberations by the Senate and House Ag and Appropriations subcommittees, the $600,000 reduction slated for the dairy farm inspection program was restored to the MDA budget. This budget is expected to be approved by the Governor in late June.

What does that mean for the dairy industry? MDARD has assured the Industry that they will begin the process of recruiting, hiring and training field inspectors immediately. This process will take at least six months. The total number of inspectors that will be hired is uncertain at this time.

When the new state inspectors are fully trained to conduct inspections, MDARD will take back the responsibility for the official Grade A farm inspection in those areas. There will likely be some areas where MMPA will continue to conduct the official farm inspections.

We will be working closely with the MDARD dairy section to coordinate the farm inspection program for the remainder of this

year and beyond if necessary. In the meantime, the current MDARD dairy inspectors will concentrate on dairy plant and hauler inspections and finish product sampling. They will also be conducting certified inspections with certified field representatives.

MMPA has received excellent cooperation and compliance from our members during the time we have been conducting the official farm inspections.

On a related note, during the past 18 months the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Dairy Section has hired and trained several check rating officers nationwide. As a result, more FDA rating officers will be available to conduct more check ratings on dairy farms. We expect to have more frequent FDA check ratings conducted on our farms in the future. In order to pass check ratings, farms must be near 100 percent compliance.

We will keep you updated on the farm inspection program moving forward. We greatly appreciate the cooperation our members have given us through these transitions.

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News & Views The latest dairy news

Producers scoring 95 percent or more on Grade A Surveys and Federal Check Ratings

May Class III Price Down 35 Cents

MMPA Simon

Te Voortwis Dairy LLC

May 2011

Robert Woodward

The May Class III price is $16.52, down 35 cents from April and up $3.14 from a year ago. The Class IV is $20.29, up 51 cents from April and $5 above last year. This is the highest Class IV price since November 2007.

Thomas & Dianne Cook*

Genevieve, Roger & Wayne Burgess

Howard & Mary Jo Straub Jr.*

Jerry Blatt

Jeffry & Patricia Thelen*

Tracy & Theresa Sohn

Hoofing It for Ag 5K Race

Several county Farm Bureaus are sponsoring the first annual Hoofing It for Ag Run/Walk 5K on Saturday, August 6 at the Gratiot County Fair for Youth Fairgrounds in Alma. The 5K race, also hosts a free Udder Fun Run for kids and takes place during the Gratiot County Fair for Youth. It’s an opportunity to emphasize the value of agriculture to a large audience, and the registration fee goes toward agricultural education.

Entry fee: Event with shirt: On or before July 1 - $20. Late registration: $25. Event without shirt: On or before July 1 - $15.

Late registration: $20. The Udder Fun Run is free. Shirts only guaranteed with pre-entry. All finishers receive a commemorative “Hoofing It for Ag” glass!

Mail entries to 225 E Center St, Ithaca, MI 48847. Make checks payable to Gratiot County Farm Bureau. The Udder Fun Run is at 8:45am and the 5K Walk/Run starts at 9:15am. For more information and to register, visit: www.

Hoofingitforag.weebly.com.

8 July 2011

T & H Dairy II Terri & Rick Hawbaker

MMPA Allendale North

Steenblik Dairy Inc.

May 2011

Randy Simon Wieber Farms LLC

Doug & Shelly Ekkel*

Cornerstone II Dairy LLC

Glen, Casey & Andrew Sparks* Franklin Bowman*

MMPA M & G

Marland & Sandra Cook

May 2011

Max & Kristin Carlson

Dwight Radloff*

Menno Lambright

Gary Roggenbuck*

Howe Farms Inc.

Allen, Herbert & Dan Whitwam*

Heidi Lombard

Noll Dairy Farm Inc.*

Udderside Dairy LLC

Erdman Farms

Stakenas Farms Inc.

Jeffrey Phillips

E-D Farms

Mark Draher

Koppenol Dairy Farms Inc.

David Leavine

Goodview Farms LLC

John Allison

Kenneth Nielsen

* Scored 100 percent

Upcoming Events July 14-19

Michigan Livestock Expo – E. Lansing

18-22

MSU Dairy Expo – E. Lansing

19

Michigan Livestock Expo Sale-abration– E. Lansing

19-21

MSU Ag Expo – E. Lansing

20

The Great Dairy Adventure – E. Lansing

August 17-18 MMPA OYDC Conference – Novi

USDA Proposes Transfer of Dairy Product Pricing Program

Preserve & Protect

The USDA published a proposed rule for mandatory dairy product price reporting on June 10 in the Federal Register. The rule will transfer the dairy product prices program from the National Agricultural Statistics Service to the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS); require plants to report prices electronically; move up the plant reporting deadline by one day, to Tuesday at noon, for products sold the week before ending with Saturday; and specify the deadline for publication by AMS at 3 p.m. on Wednesday.

Comments on this rule, which was originally proposed by NMPF, are due August 9.

MMPA Matters – Continued from page 5 required participation rate to 70 percent and extend the enrollment period to the end of 2011. We have promises from enough producers that we feel we will have the numbers to put us over the top. The new contract period would cover 2012 and 2013.

The success of CWT confirms that most dairy producers are willing to do more than simply complain about low returns.

Instead, they are willing to make a small investment that will increase those returns. This willingness to be a part of the solution should be a source of pride to those of us who support CWT. Dairy industry producers are willing to take actions toward adding a little more economic security to their world.

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Michigan Milk Messenger 9

Legislative Watch Issues important to today’s dairy farmers

MMPA OYDCs Visit Washington D.C.

By Burke & Lisa Larsen MMPA 2010 OYDC

The Larsens met with Rep. Bill Huizenga’s staff member John Kran, son of MMPA Vice President John Kran.

I

There was much buzz and excitement of what was to come next on the bus ride to Washington, D.C. We finally arrived on Capitol Hill along with Sheila Burkhardt, MMPA’s Director of Member Relations & Public Affairs. We started our walk to House Representative Bill Huizenga’s office. While there, we met with Bill’s staff member John Kran. Yes, that’s MMPA’s Vice President Bob Kran’s son! We talked about our farm and daily operations. Then, we discussed farm related issues such as: Foundation for the Future, immigration laws, free trade agreements, and environmental issues. Next, we moved to the Senate side of the Capitol. There we met with legislative assistants for Senators Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow.

In between our visits of the House and Senate we were able to watch the Senate in session. When the visits were over we attended NMPF’s Dairy Day Cheese reception held on the Senate side of the Capitol.

Wednesday morning we first attended a PAC breakfast with a welcome by Jay Bryant, chairman of NMPF PAC. Then we listened to U.S. Senator John Boozman from Arkansas. He briefed us on the current budget crisis. We then listened to Mark Rokala, Vice President of Cornerstone Government Affairs.

Then, we had the opportunity of attending NMPF’s board meeting. The board meeting was interesting and at the same time exciting. There was much discussion about Foundation for the Future and also, there was talk about regulatory issues. All in all, it was extremely educational to experience an actual NMPF board meeting.

It was such an honor to attend and take part in NMPF’s Dairy Policy conference in Washington, D.C. Thank you MMPA for giving us the privilege to represent you and to see how policies are made in Washington, D.C. We now have a deeper understanding of legislative issues and realize that our voice does make a difference!

Thank you MMPA!

n early June, as MMPA’s 2010 Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperators, we had the distinct honor of attending National Milk Producers Federation Dairy Policy and Legislative Forum in Washington, D.C. We stayed in the beautiful historic city of Alexandria, Virginia.

Our first session on Monday was meeting with fellow Y.C. Advisory Council members from throughout the United States to plan the upcoming Y.C. conference that will be held this fall in San Diego, California. First, we reviewed last year’s conference held in Reno, Nevada. Although we all agreed that last year’s conference was a success, we thought having a panel of speakers would allow us to cover more topics/ issues in the amount of time that we have. There was a great deal of excitement and enthusiasm in the room as we discussed agriculture issues, speakers, activities and icebreakers. It was wonderful reconnecting and reminiscing with the Y.C. members.

Next, we met with the NMPF staff and participated in a question and answer session with them. Everyone felt a little more comfortable contributing to the discussion after the icebreaker that had us all removing a shoe and meeting someone new to retrieve it. This icebreaker led to a great discussion dealing mostly with Foundation for the Future.

Monday evening we were treated to an amazing cruise down the Potomac River. With Washington, D.C. on one side and Alexandria, Virginia, on the other, we enjoyed the benefit of two tours/cruises. It was beautiful and picturesque and it gave all the YC’s a chance to talk about daily issues on the farm.

On Tuesday morning we enjoyed a continental breakfast, as we were prepped on legislative issues for our Capitol Hill visit. All in all, we were briefed on Foundation for the Future, trade issues, environmental issues and immigration bills. Lastly, we were able to watch a practice Capitol Hill visit demonstrated by NMPF staff members. This was extremely beneficial as it prepared us for our trip up the Hill.

Burke & Lisa 10 July 2011

Senate Ag Field Hearing

M

MPA members were well represented at the recent Senate Ag Committee Field Hearing held in East Lansing on June 1. Senator Stabenow, chairperson of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry brought the first field hearing to her home state to kickoff the creation of the 2012 Farm Bill. Kansas Senator Pat Roberts, the Committee’s Ranking Member joined Senator Stabenow at the East Lansing event.

“In Michigan, where one in four jobs relies on agriculture, and where agriculture contributes over $71 billion to our economy, when we talk about the Farm Bill, we are really talking about a jobs bill,” Stabenow said. “Agriculture in Michigan continues to be one of the bright spots in our economy. Our agriculture sector has grown at a faster rate than the rest of our economy, and as Chair of this Committee, I am committed to keeping that momentum going.

I’m focused on supporting the great men and women of our state who work so hard, day in and day out, to produce a safe and abundant food and fiber supply that powers our nation’s economy.”

A panel of 15 witnesses including Michigan farmers, industry leaders and university researchers conveyed the interests and challenges facing today’s agricultural industry. MMPA president Ken Nobis briefed the senators on the Foundation for the Future dairy policy reforms, stressing the need to revamp the outdated federal milk marketing system.

“Sen. Debbie Stabenow’s hearing brings an important spotlight to Michigan and an opportunity to show the nation the strength and diversity of Michigan agriculture,” Nobis said. “By updating the Farm Bill now, we can seize opportunities for strengthening agriculture well into the future. We look forward to working with Sen. Stabenow so we can take action quickly on issues that are essential to Michigan agriculture’s ability to compete in a global economy.”

Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-Michigan), Chairpreson of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry brought the first 2012 Farm Bill field hearing to Michigan.

MMPA Board Member Jim Reid testified at the hearing on the importance of the Rural Energy for America Program to boost renewable energy in rural America.

MMPA board member Jim Reid also testified at the hearing stressing the impact that the Rural Energy for America Program has in boosting the use of renewable energy and energy efficiencies in rural America.

“Programs like the REAP help farms implement new areas of energy efficiency and conservation on the farm. While we used the program to install a renewable energy program on our farm, other farmers have used the program to make relatively small changes on the farm that result in large savings of energy consumption,” Reid says. “Farmers, by their personal nature, want to conserve and protect our natural resources as much as possible. The REAP program makes it financially feasible for us to explore new energy sources on the farm.”

Other key areas covered at the Senate Field Hearing included: • Protecting the agricultural safety net and crop insurance; • Allowing landowners to take their land out of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) early without penalty, which is essential to increase production amid growing global demand and shrinking stocks of grain; • Updating the dairy program so it reflects conditions and realities of today’s market; • Supporting federal food assistance programs, which are critical for helping America’s needy families and supporting local farmers; • Maintaining a robust sugar policy; and • Continuing the Energy Title programs, which are important in helping America’s farmers transition to a broader energy portfolio and increase their energy efficiency.

MMPA and National Milk Producers Federation will continue to monitor the progress of the 2012 Farm Bill and convey information to members as it arises.

Michigan Milk Messenger 11

MMPA Member Richard Thomas Stands in Victory Circle at the Indy 500

T

he iconic image of winning drivers chugging cold milk in victory circle at the Indy 500 is one of the great championship shots in sporting history. Linking milk with a century-old event like the Indy 500 propels milk into the spotlight in front of hundreds of thousands of people. Milk Promotion Services of Indiana (MPSI) is the driving force behind the dairy-related festivities of the Indy 500. Each year MPSI selects an Indiana dairy farmer to stand in victory circle to present the jug of milk to the winning driver.

This year, MMPA member Richard Thomas of Middlebury, Indiana

had the honor of being dubbed the “Milkman of the Indy 500.”

As the “milkman” Richard was featured in a number of media reports including local and national TV and radio spots. Richard and his wife Trula, opened their farm to media crews looking to capture the link from the farm to the Bottle of Milk awaiting the winner in Victory Circle.

“We are honored to be selected by our peers to continue the tradition that means so much to those of us involved in the dairy industry here in Indiana, as well as throughout the U.S.,” Thomas

said. “We appreciate the support of this tradition by the HulmanGeorge Family, and recognize the important place it holds in the hearts of everyone who loves the Indianapolis 500, especially during this Centennial year.”

The legendary Louis Meyer, Indy’s first three-time winner (1928, ’33, ’36) is acknowledged as the driver who launched the Bottle of Milk Tradition when he asked for a glass of his favorite beverage­­­—buttermilk—to quench his thirst after a grueling 500 miles in 1933. Three years later, Meyer was photographed in Victory Lane

Dan Wheldon, winner of the 2011 Indy 500 drinks the Bottle of Milk presented by MMPA member Richard Thomas.

12 July 2011

photo courtesy of IMS

drinking milk. Milk was presented off and on during the next several years until, in 1956, the Bottle of Milk was made a permanent part of the post-race celebration

by Indianapolis Motor Speedway owner Anton “Tony” Hulman. 2011 marks the 56th consecutive year for the beloved tradition.

The long-standing tradition of the Bottle of Milk in Victory Circle creates unique opportunities for MPSI to promote the dairy industry.

While the drivers were running time trials the week before the race, the promotion staff and Richard were busy promoting dairy’s role in the legendary race. Richard, with the help of MPSI Director of Communications Jenni Purcell, conducted several radio and TV interviews leading up to race day.

Fastest Rookie Honors

On the Tuesday before the race, the MPSI hosts the “Fastest Rookie of the Year” luncheon. This annual event recognizes the rookie drivers at the race and awards a plaque and $5,000 prize to the fastest rookie.

Race Day

For 100 years the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has come alive on Memorial Day Weekend for the running of the Indy 500.

Over 350,000 people attend the race, the largest crowd assembled for a sporting event. The The 2011 “Fastest Rookie” J.R. Hildebrand lifts a jar of milk dairy industry’s in the ceremonial milk toast at the Fastest Rookie luncheon. presence is felt throughout the part of the Victory Circle ceremony speedway grounds from the message for over 70 years,” Osza adds. board declaring “Winners Drink

The Indiana dairy farmers Milk” on the large cyclotron at the plan to continue the Bottle of Milk entrance gates to the hundreds of tradition at the running of the Indy pictures captured of the winner 500 in 2012 when David Forgey of chugging the milk in victory circle.

Logansport, Indiana will present the

“It is one of two programs that continues the long association between the Hoosier dairy industry and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The Bottle of Milk presented to the winner of the 500mile classic has been a traditional

Bottle of Milk in Victory Circle.

The American Dairy Association of Indiana and its Hoosier dairy farm families have sponsored the program since its inception in 1975. More than 300 people, including many motorsports personalities, media and dairy representatives attend the annual luncheon.

This year’s Fastest Rookie, J.R. Hildebrand, of Sausalito California, nearly won the 2011 Indy 500, before crashing into the wall at turn four just shy of the finish line.

“The Fastest Rookie of the Year” is one of the Speedway’s longest running programs under the same sponsorship since its inception,” says Deb Osza, MPSI general manager.

MMPA board member Earl Horning and his wife, Diane, joined Trula and Richard Thomas at the Rookie luncheon.

Michigan Milk Messenger 13

Jack Stickler

Michigan’s Dairy Field Person of the Year

E

ach year, Michigan’s dairy industry recognizes one field representative who has shown commendable service within their profession. MMPA Supervisor Jack Stickler was chosen by his peers to receive this honor during the recent Michigan Dairy Industry Conference held in Mt. Pleasant in May. “Jack is well deserving of the Field Person of the Year award,” MMPA Director of Member Services Gary Trimner says. “He has served MMPA members in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula in exemplary fashion and is well deserving of this recognition. Jack has been an outstanding MMPA Member Representative and Supervisor for the past 27 years.”

This year marks another milestone for Jack. He recently retired from his duties at MMPA on July 1.

As he neared the end of his career with MMPA, Jack reflected on the many positive changes that have taken

place at MMPA during the past 27 years.

“The biggest difference between now and when I started is the technology,” Jack says. “We now have cell phones, laptops and have the ability to access member quality instantly at our fingertips.”

In the past, when MMPA Member Representatives went to visit a farm to discuss milk quality they had to do a lot of preparation ahead of time because quality reports and other pertinent herd health information were mailed to them from the MMPA Lab.

“We were always dealing with week-old information,” Jack recalls. “Now it’s so much more current. Yesterday’s lab results are on my laptop and the farmer can access his test results almost instantly on the internet.”

When Jack started at MMPA, there were no onfarm milk test kits for antibiotics. All tests for antibiotics were performed by the member representatives who had incubators at their houses. If a farm suspected an antibiotic issue, the member representative had to drive to the farm, pick up the sample, then bring it home and test it immediately so the farmer would know if the milk could be shipped.

“We were instructed to stay at home and work and not leave the house until most of our farms were done milking,” Jack says. “That way, they could get in touch with us to do antibiotic testing if needed.”

Jack’s family was present to help him accept the Michigan Dairy Field Person of the Year Award during the Michigan Dairy Industry Conference held in May.

14 July 2011

Cell phones have made communication much more convenient for both farmers and member representatives.

“The only way members could reach us was typically in the evening when we were home, that

was just accepted practice,” Jack says. “Our wives really needed to be understanding. We’d get calls at all hours of the night and if I was away, my wife would field those calls. Jenine was a representative of MMPA even though she didn’t receive a check from MMPA, and she realized the importance of that.”

In 1995, MMPA awarded Jenine with a “Spouse Appreciation Award.” When she died suddenly in 2008, Jack says it was by far the worst day of his life. The amount of support he received from the MMPA organization and its dairy farmer members gave him a new appreciation for his profession.

“Having that incredible outpouring of support from the organization and the farmers was amazing,” Jack recalls. “So many members showed up at the service. That experience helped me realize I had become a part of their lives.”

Jack served as a Member Representative for 10 years before being promoted to area supervisor. In the time he has been the North Area Supervisor, Jack estimates he has overseen more than 20 MMPA Member Representatives.

“This has been a good job, with good job security,” Jack says. “While I would rather be farming, this job was as close to farming as I could get. I have always wanted farmers in my circle and wanted to work with them. I believe farmers are the salt of the earth and I like the values of a rural community.”

Jack’s love of farming stems from his roots growing up on a dairy farm. Following a stint in the navy, a brief real estate career and some time spent as a USDA fruit and vegetable inspector, Jack returned to dairy farming to help when his brother was injured in a car accident. Jack stayed on the family farm for 10 years. He started with MMPA in 1984 and the dairy herd was sold through the government whole herd buyout in 1987.

As he reflects on his time at MMPA and looks forward to having extra time with his family, Jack says he appreciates everything he’s learned from the wide knowledge base found within the MMPA organization.

“The things I’ve learned along the way are too numerous to count and there are so many people across the organization whom I have learned from,” Jack says.

“Over the years I formed many friendships within MMPA’s membership and staff. My leaving is a bit bittersweet because I know it will be more difficult to maintain those friendships due to the loss of an easy venue to maintain them.”

Jack plans to spend some of his retirement doing some of the things he loves best: hunting, fishing and riding his Harley-Davidson. He was recently remarried and he and his wife, Mary Ann, also plan to do some traveling in the near future.

During a farm visit, MMPA Member Representatives may talk with the farmer, check equipment to see that it’s working properly and ensure items in the farm’s MMPA Milkhouse Binder are in order, amongst many other services MMPA provides to its members.

Michigan Milk Messenger 15

Joe Mishler

Michigan’s 2011 Dairy Industry Service Award Recipient

2

011 marks a memorable year for MMPA Member Merchandise Supervisor Joe Mishler. So far this year he’s been recognized for his hard work in the dairy industry and for his past athletic contributions to his high school alma mater. Just as he hung up his athletic jerseys, Joe will soon hang up his MMPA logo shirt when he completes the final weeks of his 28-year MMPA career and goes into retirement.

“Joe has served MMPA members in exemplary fashion first as a member representative, and then as MMPA Merchandise Supervisor,” MMPA Director of Member Relations Gary Trimner says. “Joe being recognized with the Dairy Industry Service Award is a well deserved honor. He is totally dedicated to the dairy industry in Michigan and its success.”

Joe was awarded the Dairy Industry Service Award during the recent Michigan Dairy Industry Conference held in Mt. Pleasant in May. The award is presented to a person who is recognized as being outstanding in the industry.

“Joe’s dedication to his job, his loyalty to MMPA, work ethic and pride in doing a good job is the same way he approaches life,” MSU’s John Partridge said while presenting Joe with the distinguished award.

16 July 2011

Joe’s roots in the dairy industry run deep, beginning with dairying on his family’s farm in northern Michigan. Since those days, Joe says the dairy industry has made vast improvements in so many areas, but particularly in milk

Joe’s career began with MMPA in March 1983 as a Member Representative. He spent 22 years as a field rep before taking the MMPA Mechandise Warehouse Supervisor position in August 2006.

For a couple years prior to taking the position, Joe spent part of his time as a field rep and part of his time learning all the duties of the MMPA warehouse.

“I always enjoyed the field work but don’t have regrets taking this job, it was a good time to make the move,” Joe says. “I’ve always been a numbers/detail person and this job fits in with that, so I like it.”

Supervising the warehouse allows Joe to utilize his additional degree, an Associates in Business from a local community college.

Joe also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture from Western Michigan University.

quality.

“When I first started at MMPA the illegal Somatic Cell Count limit was 1.5 million,” Joe explains. “It dropped to 1 million and then down to the current level of 750,000.

That’s a pretty startling statistic.

Once I started working for MMPA, I learned a lot about udder prepping and how we were doing it wrong back when I was dairying. I learned that mastitis can cause bacteria problems. That’s something that wasn’t widely known at the time but is common knowledge today.”

Joe is ultimately responsible for everything that happens at MMPA’s Member Merchandise Warehouse. That means ordering and distributing more than 800 items offered as part of MMPA’s Member Merchandise Program.

Items are ordered and distributed in several ways; either via milk hauler, direct delivery or member pick up at the warehouse.

“A big part of our time is spent on daily farm direct deliveries,” Joe says. “Those are loaded every day and delivered by a private contractor who services our farms in every part of the state.”

Each month, Joe and his staff conduct an inventory count of all items in the warehouse and items in hauler stocks.

“There can be a lot of issues and discrepancies when you have this many items going out monthly,” Joe says.

Fewer farms has equated to fewer dealerships selling milking system parts. This essentially means more business for MMPA, and more work for the St. Louis warehouse staff.

“There’s a lot of time spent placing special orders for members, particularly for equipment parts,” Joe says. “With fewer equipment dealers around many farms rely on us to get parts for them.”

As he nears retirement from MMPA and reflects on his experiences, Joe says he really enjoyed the fall Member Representative conferences where he was able to get together with the other Member Representatives in an informal manner after the “work” part of the conference was done for the day.

“That after hours camaraderie was a real bright spot,” Joe says.

“It was always nice getting to know fellow field staff better than just coworkers.”

Joe says he was humbly honored with all of the recognition he’s received this year. Earlier in the year he was inducted into the Beaverton High School Hall of Fame for his outstanding accomplishments in football and basketball.

Gary Trimner

Michigan Dairy Industry Special Citation Recipient

T

hree employees of MMPA were recognized during the recent Michigan Dairy Industry Conference held May 25-26 in Mt. Pleasant. Jack Stickler was recognized as the Michigan Dairy Field Person of the year, Joe Mishler was presented with the Michigan Dairy Industry Service Award, and their supervisor, MMPA’s Director of Member Services, Gary Trimner, was given a Michigan Dairy Industry Conference Special Citation.

“I was pleasantly surprised and honored to receive the MDIC Special Citation Award for serving as its president for over 20 years,” Gary says. “It has been a real honor and privilege to serve in this capacity.”

MSU said as he presented the award to Gary.

Gary remembers back when the conference was once called the Michigan Fieldman’s Conference. It changed to the Michigan Dairy Industry Conference in the 1980s and expanded to include more of the dairy industry.

“The conference was expanded to include dairy plant and laboratory personnel, haulers and product suppliers, in addition to inspectors and field representatives,” Gary says. “I became president shortly after the industry became more involved.”

Gary, who grew up on a dairy farm, began his employment with MMPA in 1976 in the Muskegon area. He was promoted to Director of Butterfat Testing in 1978 and to his current position as Director of Member Services in 1988. Not long after he became a director, Gary began serving the Michigan dairy industry as president of the Michigan Dairy Industry Conference.

“During the time he has served as our fearless leader, the state of Michigan has gone through a lot of change, but Gary has provided the glue that has kept the MDIC a vital opportunity for education and fellowship,” Dr. John Partridge of

Three employees of MMPA were recognized during the Michigan Dairy Industry Conference. Jack Stickler, left, was recognized as the Michigan Dairy Field Person of the year, Joe Mishler, right, was presented with the Michigan Dairy Industry Service Award, and their supervisor, MMPA’s Director of Member Services, Gary Trimner, was given a Michigan Dairy Industry Conference Special Citation.

Michigan Milk Messenger 17

Learn About Mortality Management, Earn MAEAP Credits at Ag Expo

D

eath is a part of life on all farms, and dealing with death is an important part of farm management for livestock producers. During the 2011 Michigan Ag Expo, producers and others who work with animals will have the chance to learn about the tools and techniques available to make the right management decisions for their farms as well as how to carry them out appropriately.

Throughout the duration of the Michigan Ag Expo, which takes place July 19 - 21, visitors will have the opportunity to learn about mortality management policies and practices through a series of presentations, tours and demonstrations. According to Dale Rozeboom, professor in the Department of Animal Science and Michigan State University (MSU) Extension specialist, all sessions will be based on the Michigan Bodies of Dead Animals Act (BODA), which governs mortality management in the state.

“We’re going to have presentations about all methods of mortality management, including updates about the traditional burial, incineration, rendering and composting methods,” Rozeboom said. “Additionally, we’ll cover the new anaerobic digestion rules slated for approval and addition to BODA this year. These rules will provide farmers and animal businesses with a new way to recycle nutrients and capture energy.”

Open pile composting will be demonstrated on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings from 11 a.m. to noon with

18 July 2011

sheep, bovine and equine mortalities, respectively.

Included with each demonstration will be a tour of the MSU composting site.

Attendees are encouraged to arrive at the Michigan Ag Expo grounds at least 30 minutes prior to the session and meet at the mortality management tent just inside the east gate in order to board transportation.

“We want to give people the chance to see the composting process in action,” Rozeboom said, “and to give farmers the chance to see what all it entails.”

All three 11 a.m. composting sessions qualify for Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) Phase I credits. Producers interested in obtaining those must pick up a registration form following the presentation and submit it to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) to receive credits.

During the afternoon sessions, from 2 - 3 p.m. daily, attendees can learn about other composting methods, in addition to new opportunities within BODA guidelines for mortality management. On Tuesday, a demonstration of carcass reduction in a vertical mixer will show producers how the composting process can be sped up, as well as how to prepare carcasses for possible anaerobic digestion. On Wednesday afternoon, Kevin Kirk from MDARD will join MSU researchers to discuss the new anaerobic digestion rules for

Michigan and best management practices for an anaerobic digestion system. Finally, several in-vessel composting systems will be demonstrated on Thursday.

“For those who are considering an option other than burial or rendering for their mortality management, we will introduce them to the options that are available. For those who are already composting but want to improve, they’ll see the techniques and management practices to help them do that,” Rozeboom said. “This will be for both those that want to try something new as well as those that already have practices in place and just want to make improvements.”

MSU’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources sponsors Ag Expo. It runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., July 19 and 20, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., July 21. Admission to the grounds and parking at Farm Lane and Mt. Hope Road are free.

To learn more about the educational sessions being offered at Ag Expo this year, visit the Ag Expo website at www.agexpo.msu.edu.

For more information about mortality management, contact Rozeboom at rozeboom@msu.edu or 517-355-8398.

What do Michigan Consumers think about Dairy Farmers?

A

study conducted by Melissa Marcello of Pursuant, Inc., suggest that dairy promoters should focus on “gray area” consumers who feel “neutral” about dairy products. The research was presented at the United Dairy Industry of Michigan’s annual meeting Thursday, Feb. 24, 2011 in Lansing, Mich.

The key point of Daley’s research focused on the need to target “gray-area” consumers.

Falling under the neutral category when surveyed on their dairy knowledge and consumption, these consumers are most susceptible to being negatively influenced by misinformation. Marcello’s research indicated Michigan’s dairy consumers trust their dairy producers, which is great news for producers, and offers insight into how to talk to consumers about dairy.

When talking with “neutral” or undecided consumers it is vital to be open and honest with them. This gives producers an opportunity to define their industry instead of others defining it for them. The best way to make a lasting impression on a consumer is to link the message to them both rationally and emotionally. For example, when discussing animal care with consumers convey your commitment to caring for your cows in addition to the on-farm practices you employ to ensure their comfort.

Overall, Michiganders’ scored dairy favorably. The two most important questions to Michigan dairy consumers were related to the quality of milk and what is in it.

Daley’s study reinforces the need for producers, as trusted spokespeople, to talk to consumers about their cows, their farms, and their milk.

The three main factors that need to be addressed in order to drive demand of milk are:

1. Health and wellness

2. Food safety

3. Animal care

United Dairy Industry of Michigan offers workshops throughout the year educating producers on how to effectively communicate with consumers.

For more information call United Dairy Industry of Michigan at 800-241-MILK. Michigan Dairy News Bureau also offers a comprehensive Web site for consumers and media for all their dairy questions and concerns. Visit www.michigandairynewsbureau.org to see how your checkoff dollars are protecting and promoting dairy’s image.

Visit the Michigan Milk Producers Association booth, at Ag Expo, to find out how you can win a $500 grant toward your next dairy farm tour.

You must be a Michigan dairy farmer to apply. Grant must be redeemed

by July 31, 2012.

Sponsored by

Michigan now has an Internet resource to provide science-based information about modern dairy farming.

Visit our website, MichiganDairyNewsBureau.org

Visit us on Facebook page: Michigan Dairy News Bureau

YouTube channel: Michigan Dairy News

Michigan Milk Messenger 19

Manage Johne’s Disease by Focusing on Calves

F

ocusing on the calf is the simple and straightforward take-home message for all dairy and beef producers when it comes to controlling Johne’s disease in their herds.

This was the bottom-line conclusion of Michigan State University (MSU) researchers and MSU Extension specialists after conducting field research and evaluating Johne’s disease control strategies for close to a decade in Michigan herds as part of the Michigan Johne’s Disease Control Demonstration Project. The objective of the work was to identify which management practices are the most effective at controlling the spread of Johne’s disease.

Dr. Dan Grooms, veterinarian, Food Animal Division head in the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine and the lead researcher on the project, summarized the findings in four words: focus on the calf.

“It sounds too simple, but if we can simply reduce the risk of calves becoming exposed to the bacteria that causes Johne’s disease, then we can make significant progress in reducing the impact of the disease on both dairy and beef operations,” he said.

Johne’s disease is a contagious and untreatable disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium paratuberculosis, or MAP. Though infection typically occurs in calves, animals generally don’t express clinical signs of the disease until later in life.

He said the goals of the project were to evaluate the effectiveness of Johne’s disease control strategies, develop new knowledge about control strategies through field research studies, develop education resources and promote the Michigan Voluntary

20 July 2011

Johne’s Disease Control Program.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) administer the Michigan Voluntary Johne’s Disease Control Program.

The Michigan Johne’s Disease Control Demonstration Project was a partnership between the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine, the MSU Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health, MSU Extension, the MDARD and the USDA in collaboration with nine Michigan veterinary clinics.

Findings from the Michigan farms involved in the study were pooled with data collected from 17 other states as part of the larger, multistate project, the National Johne’s Disease Control Demonstration Project.

Nine herds—one beef operation and eight dairy herds—were enrolled in the Michigan project.

Selected farms represented a variety of management styles and were located across the state. Farms were

enrolled in the project between 2002 and 2005 and participated in the program for four to seven years.

Each herd underwent wholeherd testing to measure baseline levels of Johne’s disease infection.

From there, a disease risk assessment was conducted, and management practices were put in place to help control on-farm spread of the disease.

Each herd participating in the project tested positive for Johne’s; the percentage of cows infected in each herd ranged from 6 percent to 14 percent.

“Each of the nine herds— like the majority of dairy and beef operations in the state – was infected with Johne’s (Disease) at the time of enrollment,” Grooms said. “At the end of the project, the farms had reduced the prevalence of Johne’s disease in their herds and the number of cattle detected with clinical signs of the disease, and increased the overall herd health.”

The disease was not eradicated from any of the herds during the project. MSU Extension educator Phil Durst, another primary

Reducing the risk of calves becoming exposed to the bacteria that causes Johne’s disease can make significant progress in reducing the impact of the disease.

researcher on the project, stressed that eradication is a long-term goal for producers and isn’t something that can be achieved overnight.

“Modifying existing or adopting new management practices to reduce the potential for transmitting the disease must be permanent changes,” he explained. “The number of animals that test positive for the disease may actually even increase for several years (when a control program is implemented) because infected animals are more likely to test positive later in life.”

“When producers perform the recommended practices to reduce the risk of transmitting Johne’s, they also help to reduce the animals’ exposure to other diseases and lower their risk of catching them.

In doing so, they increase the herds’ overall health,” he added. “For all the producers participating in this project, these benefits were worth the cost and effort of implementing a Johne’s disease control program in their herds.”

And what was the most compelling piece of evidence

collected by researchers supporting the recommendation to focus on calf management practices to reduce the incidence of Johne’s disease?

“In every herd that participated in the project, significant changes were made to how the calves were managed, and the incidence of Johne’s was reduced significantly,” Grooms stated. “By focusing resources and efforts on reducing MAP transmission from older animals to young calves, Johne’s disease can be effectively managed and its impact reduced on farms.”

Results from field-based research studies associated with the project have been reported at national and international meetings, published in peerreviewed publications and shared with producers at MSU Extension meetings and field days at four of the project farms. They are also available in print form in the publication, “The Michigan Johne’s Disease Control Demonstration Project: Research Findings, Lessons Learned, Producers’ Perspectives.”

Download a copy of the project report at http://cvm.msu.edu/ johnes, or contact Dr. Grooms at groomsd@cvm.msu.edu for a copy.

MSU also has been involved in the USDA-funded multi-year, multistate Johne’s disease Integrated Project and hosted the first annual “New Horizons in Johne’s Disease Control” workshop in 2008.

Grooms says that findings from this work will have a far-reaching and positive effect on the future of the beef and dairy industries.

“The program has—and will continue to—provide background for educating producers on the positive correlation between implementing effective management decisions to control Johne’s Disease in their operations and the profitability of their businesses and overall improved animal welfare,” he says.

Additional information on the Michigan Johne’s Disease Control Demonstration Project can be found at http://cvm.msu.edu/johnes.

Upper Peninsula Dairy Farm Tackles Big Problem

by Making Small Changes

F

or Steve Brock, a dairy farmer and MMPA member in Menominee County, steadily reducing the number of cases of Johne’s disease in his herd is just as important as totally eliminating the problem. He’s been able to successfully achieve this goal by implementing a number of small changes to his management routine over the past five years thanks in part to participating in a research study with Michigan State University (MSU) researchers.

Johne’s disease, a contagious and untreatable disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium paratuberculosis, or MAP, typically occurs in calves, but animals generally don’t express clinical signs of the disease until later in life. When Brock joined the MSUled Johne’s Disease Control Demonstration Project in 2005, a whole-herd test showed that the herd of 900 animals, 500 of which were milking cows, had a 14 percent prevalence of the disease. That percentage has since been reduced to less than 10 percent.

Once the test results came in on the Brock herd, researchers conducted an on-farm evaluation of management practices. They traced the primary risk

for transmission of Johne’s disease to the calving area.

Though 70 percent of the cows calved in a 5-acre pasture area during the spring, summer and fall, during the winter months, cows calved in a group maternity area inside the barn. The close quarters provided ample opportunity for the disease to spread. Additionally, standing surface water that had accumulated in the pasture area also harbored the organism responsible for causing Johne’s.

“Nobody wants to talk about Johne’s disease, but we knew our herd had it,” Brock said. “We weren’t going to bury our heads in the sand and hope it would go away. We are trying to be proactive: find out what causes it and how to control it and fix the problem.”

Today, individual maternity pens are used during the winter and animals that have tested positive for Johne’s give birth in an area separate from the other cows. Newborns only receive colostrum from cows that have tested negative for Johne’s, and a colostrum replacement is used when supplies run low. Waste feed is only fed to the oldest heifers and access to standing surface waters in the pasture area is being controlled by Continued on next page Michigan Milk Messenger 21

Johne’s in the U.P. – Continued from page 23 fencing and drainage.

Although the research study is complete, Brock plans to continue testing and monitoring the management program they put in place to control Johne’s disease in their herd. He noted that the overall health of the herd and production of the herd has improved since implementing management changes to control Johne’s disease. For example, by more aggressively managing the environment for newborn calves, there has been a decrease in calfhood disease, most notably scours. This highlights how paying close attention to management practices, such as having clean maternity areas, can reduce the incidence of correlated infectious diseases.

“We can manage this problem,” Brock added.

“Every year, we see a one percent decrease in the number of positive-testing animals. It’s encouraging

because this means the management changes are working. We are making changes that not only eliminate this disease from our herd, but also make our herd healthier and our cattle more productive.”

The Michigan Johne’s Disease Control Demonstration Project was a partnership between the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine and Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health, MSU Extension, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the U.S. Department of Agriculture in collaboration with nine Michigan veterinary clinics. Findings from the Michigan farms involved in the study were pooled with data collected from 17 other states as part of the larger, multistate project, the National Johne’s Disease Control Demonstration Project.

NMPF to Host Summer Foundation for the Future Meeting in Lansing July 26

T

o help educate dairy producers about the benefits of Foundation for the Future (FFTF), NMPF has announced its Summer Grassroots Tour: 12 meetings in July and August that will bring together dairy producers and other key industry representatives to discuss the dairy policy reform programs proposed in Foundation for the Future.

Meanwhile, a legislative draft of those policies is about to be introduced for further congressional consideration. And, importantly, the initial review of that legislation by the Congressional Budget Office indicates that FFTF will save the government money in the future, compared to current dairy program spending.

“The U.S. dairy industry has called for dramatic changes in dairy policy, and Foundation for the Future answers that call,” says Jerry Kozak, NMPF President and CEO. “With Congress about to really begin sinking its teeth into dairy policy reform, it’s crucial that dairy producers also become more familiar with the many advantages of Foundation for the Future over 22 July 2011

the status quo. That’s why we have an aggressive outreach schedule this summer.”

The meetings are slated to take place throughout the United States between July 12 and August 22. Each three-hour meeting will feature an in-depth presentation, and question and answer session led

by NMPF’s Kozak, along with other staff. In Michigan, the meetings will take place on July 26 in Lansing at the Ramada Lansing Hotel & Conference Center. The meeting will take place in Wisconsin the following day, July 27, at the Comfort Suites in Green Bay.

Dairy producers, milk processors, and other key industry stakeholders are encouraged to attend. Visit www.futurefordairy. com for details on all the meetings, email summermeetings@nmpf.org, or call NMPF at (703) 243-6111 for additional meeting and registration information. There are no fees to attend; however, space is limited, so register early. The direct link for registration is: www.registration123. com/NMPF/2011FFTF/.

NMPF also recently updated

the Foundation for the Future website to accommodate details about the Summer Grassroots Tour, and enhance visitors’ exploration of FFTF dairy policy reform programs.

Updates at www.futurefordairy. com include improved accessibility of individual Foundation for the Future reform program details, the addition of producer testimonials, and the option to sign up as an official Foundation for the Future supporter.

The website offers dairy producers and industry stakeholders interactive tools and resources, including a margin protection calculator that helps producers determine an appropriate coverage level for supplemental margin insurance under Foundation for the Future’s Dairy Producer Margin Protection Program. Producers can input their annual milk production and select the percentage of base milk production the program will cover—along with any optional additional coverage—to generate scenarios of how the Dairy Producer Margin Protection Program will benefit their individual operations.

Foundation for the Future Join us and other dairy producers at a meeting near you to learn how the Foundation for the Future dairy policy reform programs will benefit your dairy operation now and in the future.

Presentations and Q&A sessions led by NMPF President & CEO, Jerry Kozak, and NMPF staff.

Date

Time

City

Location

July 12

9:30 am

Olympia, Washington

Red Lion Hotel Olympia

July 13

9:30 am 1:30 pm

Visalia, California

Holiday Inn Visalia

July 18

9:30 am

Lubbock, Texas

Overton Hotel & Conference Center

July 20

9:30 am

Alexandria, Minnesota

Holiday Inn

July 21

9:30 am

Dubuque, Iowa

Grand River Center

July 26

9:30 am

Lansing, Michigan

Ramada Lansing Hotel and Conference Center

July 27

9:30 am

Green Bay, Wisconsin

Comfort Suites – Rock Garden

July 28

9:30 am

Stevens Point, Wisconsin

Ramada Stevens Point

August 8

1:00 pm

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Holiday Inn Harrisburg - East

August 10

9:30 am

Syracuse, New York

Holiday Inn Syracuse/Liverpool Airport Hotel

August 12

9:30 am

Ocala, Florida

Hilton Ocala

August 22

9:30 am

Nashville, Tennessee

Embassy Suites Nashville Airport

To Register: Call

703-243-6111 {Attendance is limited} or visit www.futurefordairy.com

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

Dried Bovine Colostrum

M

MPA’s merchandise warehouse carries a product called “Blue Ribbon Dried Bovine Colostrum” manufactured

by Merricks. The product provides an impressive 55 grams of globulin protein per 3/4 lb. dose. Each dose mixes easily with 2 quarts of water to make the solution, and it is pasteurized to maximize biosecurtiy. The carton that we sell is packaged with 12 packets— each an individual dose.

As all dairymen know, one of the most important factors in calf management is making sure that the newborn gets some type of colostrum as soon as possible after birth (preferably within 30 minutes). Since the calf ’s ability to absorb immunoglobulins (Ig) decreases steadily after birth, it is essential that for protection from disease and a poor start nutritionally, this management step is not neglected.

Although the mother’s milk is preferred, there are times

when it is not possible or practical to feed her colostrum to the calf. The milk may be of poor quality, it might not even be available, or the cow could have a disease such as Johne’s or Leukosis. In cases like these, Dried Bovine Colostrum works well to replace or supplement the mother’s natural colostrum. It will help transfer immunity to the calf through intestinal absorption and also play a part in combating disease pathogens within the digestive tract. Bovine colostrum supplement is an excellent source of nutrition for the very young calf and can help bolster its health status. All things considered, a colostrum supplement may be the perfect match for your calves’ needs.

Stock #

Item

Member Price

1009

Dried Bovine Colostrum

$112.73

Supervisor: Joe Mishler 989-681-2334 Fax: 989-681-3988 Toll Free: 877-367-6455

Order Your MMPA Merchandise through your milk hauler or call:

REGISTERED HOLSTEIN BULLS OVER 100 SERVICE AGE BULLS FOR YOUR SELECTION! A SPECIAL HERD SIRE OR A TRUCK LOAD OF BREEDER BULLS. READY TO GO TO WORK ON YOUR FARM!

•

GREEN MEADOW FARMS

• FROM OUR TOP PRODUCTION COWS.

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

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

24 July 2011

WWW.GREENMEADOWFARMS.COM

Orders (Novi) 800-572-5824 then dial 2

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

MMPA Quality Premium Program

S

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

• 51,000 - 75,000 +50¢/cwt.

• 76,000 - 100,000 +45¢/cwt.

• 101,000 - 125,000 +40¢/cwt.

• 126,000 - 150,000 +35¢/cwt.

• 151,000 - 175,000 +30¢/cwt.

• 176,000 - 200,000 +25¢/cwt.

• 201,000 - 225,000 +20¢/cwt.

• 226,000 - 250,000 +15¢/cwt.

• 251,000 - 400,000 00¢/cwt.

• 401,000 - 500,000 -15¢/cwt.

• 501,000 - 600,000 -30¢/cwt.

• 601,000 - 750,000 -$1.00/cwt.

• Over 750,000 -$1.50/cwt.

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

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

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

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

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

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

To qualify for MMPA volume premiums there must be: • No abnormal freeze points during the month • An average somatic cell count of 750,000 or less.

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

MMPA Member Testing Fees

P

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

• Scheduled Herd Tests $1

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

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

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

Chemical, Sanitizer & Teat Dip Contact Information

Members who choose to receive their lab test results via U.S. postal service: $2/month Additional Tests Available: All costs are listed per individual sample.

• Mycoplasma Cultures $ 8 • Bacteriology Cultures $12

– Includes identification of bacteria and drug susceptibility.

• Bovine Viral Diarrhea

- PCR

- ELISA • Johne’s Milk Test

- PCR

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

- ELISA – cows - ELISA – tank

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

These are service personnel only.

Order your Member Merchandise supplies through your hauler.

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

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

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

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

Michigan Milk Messenger 25

Freeliners Call 1-800-572-5824 ext. 224 to place your ad

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.

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 contacting their MMPA Member Representative or by writing or calling the Novi office.

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

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

26 July 2011

SERVICE AGE HOLSTEIN BULLS. Call Steve Alexander, 810-622-8548 evenings or 810-404-8548.

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

REG. HOLSTEIN BULLS, one born 2-2010 sired by Sanchez, one born 3-15-10 sired

by Bogart. Both bulls from 3 generations of exc. dams w/ high production and have AI family members. Jenesis Genetics, 231-9246163 or 231-225-8615.

SERVICE AGE HOLSTEIN-BROWN SWISS CROSS BULLS, 100% AI, 810-7248825.

10 STRAWS OF 54 BS456 TOP ACRES C WONDERMENT ET. 810-724-8825.

Cows and Heifers SPRINGER – HOLSTEIN/JERSEY CROSS FOR SALE. 517-231-7790, ask for Craig.

Equipment AGCO N.I. FORAGE BLOWER MODEL PL5F, 59 in. diameter, used 2 yrs., $4,500.

231-519-0190.

J.D. MODEL 2800 6 BOTTOM X 16 IN. PLOW, adjustable, $2,000. Coopersville area, 616-837-6109.

27 FT. KRAUSE DISC, new front blades in 2010, back blades are good, bought larger disc, $15,000. 2 – J.D. bean heads. One w/ sun pickup, $600. One w/ Ennis pickup, $500. 616-754-9404.

J.D. 1219 MOWER CONDITIONER, 9 ft., VG cond. 260-705-8185.

CASE INT. 950 PLANTER, 4 row wide, $1,900. Case Int. 3450 round baler, $2,200.

616-875-7500 or 616-836-0200.

JD 4450 18.4 W/ DUALS, 265 self leveling loader, quick attach, $29,000. Heston/MF 1372 discbine, 12 ft. less than 1,000 acres, $18,500. H&S 1372 12 wheel x-rake, less than 1,000 acres, $8,900. For more info if needed please call 231-420-2051 in Cheboygan, MI. 2 – WIC GAS STRAW CHOPPERS, $450.

Quick-attach bale spear, J.D. 640 loader, like new, $550. 810-376-8667.

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

Ingredients from your trusted source.

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

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

Citrus Pulp

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

Valero Meal

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!

N.H. 1441 DICSBINE, $6000 or obo. Allis Chalmers 2600 disc 28 ft., $2000 or obo. 616875-7143 or 616-836-0200 (cell).

1994 J.D. 9500 COMBINE w/grain platform and corn head, $40,000. 989-2892009.

Dairy Equipment 6 – BOUMATIC STANCHION TAKEOFF MILKERS, Flow star claws, 22 stall cups, $3,500. 7.5 h.p. Boumatic direct drive vacuum pump, $750. Surge receiver group w/ 1 h.p. pump, $500. 989-482-4578.

2 – SURGE 800 GAL. BULK TANKS, 989724-6400 or 989-335-0809.

VACUUM PUMP, 2HP, 240 v., 2 in. outlet, Boumatic-DairyKool, good cond., $500.

616-681-2550.

N.H. FP240 CHOPPER, like new, used less than 2 seasons, w/ hay head and 3 row corn head, asking $50,000. Case I.H. forage blower, like new, used less than one season, asking $7,000. 2 – Gehl 970 18 ft. forage wagons, great shape, asking $4,000 ea. N.H. 18 ft. forage wagon, $2,500. 616-262-6808.

GOODYEAR TRACTOR TIRES, 13.6 x 28 in., tread 50%, $200/set. Also, 1 rim, 12 x 28 in., $75. 616-878-9378.

50 RUBBER MATS, 4 x 7 ft. 810-404-2738.

BALE SPEAR FOR JD640 LOADER, quick attach, $550. 2003 Honda 400EX 4-wheeler, good shape, $1,925. AC8010 4WD tractor, rough. AC7040 tractor w/ new rear tires, 18.4 x 38. AC7000 tractor, no cab. Gleaner M combine. JD2355 tractor w/ loader. All tractors need work. Package deal - $24,000. 810-376-8667.

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

1.800.631.3510 northstarcooperative.com

Michigan Milk Messenger 27

Classifieds Call 1-800-572-5824 ext. 224

Classified Ads ($5.65 per line) Mail ads, preferably typewritten, to: Classified Ads, Michigan Milk Messenger, PO BOX 8002, Novi, MI 48376-8002. Ads must be received by the 10th of the month before the month of desired publication. Send check or money order for $11.30 (two lines) with your order. MMPA neither sponsors nor endorses products or services advertised in the Messenger.

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

Call 1-800-365-3361. ______________________________________ CONCRETE GROOVING BY TRI-STATE SCABBLING, home of the 2” wide groove. Best traction, lowest prices.

(800) 554-2288. www.tristatescabbling.com ______________________________________ CONCRETE GROOVING/FLOOR TEXTURING: Bring existing grooves back to 100% efficiency/new construction. Blue Ribbon Hoof Trimming, LLC. 989-635-1494. ______________________________________ FOR SALE: 5000-4000-3000-2500-20001500 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. ______________________________________ LARGE SQUARE BALES CLEAN, bright straw. Taking orders for new crop straw. 989723-1886. ______________________________________ BARN WHITE WASHING: servicing all of Michigan and Indiana. Miller Spray Service, Inc. 574-825-9776. ______________________________________ CUSTOM HEIFER RAISING, family owned, 20 yr. exp., 2,500-3,000, AI breeding, clients choice of semen, preg. checked, nutritionist, veterinary and vaccination protocol, member of Dairy Calf and Heifer Assn. 231-757-3118 or cell 231-590-7455. ______________________________________

Precision Reproductive Management ™

We are getting cows pregnant sooner “Since we installed Select Detect, our breeding performance has really improved. We are getting 25 percent more pregnancies each week with Select Detect compared to the same period last year when we were using timed A.I. We are getting cows pregnant sooner and that saves us time and money. Select Detect is the best investment I’ve made in three years.”

Mario VanderHulst, Sturgis Dairy, Sturgis, Michigan

Monitors cow activity around the clock so you don’t have to Identifies a high percentage of cows in heat Reduces the need for timed A.I., saving you time and money Identifies non-cycling cows quickly Backed by professionally trained, local service representatives Photo by Jenny Thomas, Cybil Fisher Photography

Talk to your area NorthStar representative to learn more.

800.631.3510 northstarcooperative.com

28 July 2011

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

MILK SHIPPED — POSITIVE DRUGS CONFIRMED

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MMPA Policy on Milk Quality QUALITY QUESTIONABLE

REJECTED LOAD SHIPMENT

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

If:

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

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

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

MILK SHIPPED – HIGH BACTERIA COUNT If:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HAULER

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

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

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

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

Michigan Milk Messenger 29

Market Report For Milk Marketed in May 2011

MARKET STATISTICS

Mideast Federal Order #33 (pounds)

This Month

Year Ago

% Change

Total Class 1 Sales

518,594,728

525,555,650

-1.32

Total Class 2 Sales

99,936,698

187,783,538

-46.78

Total Class 3 Sales

512,684,638

553,840,281

-7.43

Total Class 4 Sales

101,427,872

144,056,145

-29.59

1,232,643,936 1,411,235,614

-12.65

Total Production Class 1 Utilization

42.1%

37.2%

Mideast Federal Order #33

Current Month Total Producers 6,716 Average Daily Production per Farm 5,921 Average Protein Test 3.02% Average Butterfat Test 3.65% Average Other Solids Test 5.74% Average SCC Count (MMPA) 181,000

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

$2.3133

Butterfat Price/lb.

$2.2497

Other Solids Price/lb.

$0.3026

Class III Price @ 3.5%

$ 16.52

Prod. Price Diff/cwt. (Mich. Mkt.) Uniform Price @ 3.5% SCC Adjustment/cwt./1000

$2.62 $ 19.14 $0.00083

NASS Survey Prices

Monthly Avg. Cheese/lb. 1.6534 Butter/lb. 2.0292 Nonfat Dry Milk/lb.

1.6120

Dry Whey/lb.

0.4929

30 July 2011

NATIONAL TRENDS (million pounds)

Production California

2011

2010 % Change

3,667

3,545 +3.7

Wisconsin

2,279

2,320

-1.8

Idaho

1,142

1,084

+5.4

New York

1,113

1,129

-1.4

Pennsylvania

939

947

-0.8

Texas

839

771

+8.8

Minnesota

789

811

-2.7

Michigan

743

741

+0.3

New Mexico

713

700

+1.9

Washington

535

508

+5.3

Ohio

450

478

-5.9

Indiana

307

307

0.0

* Total U.S.

16,043

15,804

+1.5

* U.S. Y-T-D

76,471

74,915

+2.1

* For 23 states

COMMODITY CREDIT CORP. (CCC) PURCHASES (million pounds)

Butter Cheese Nonfat Dry Milk Total Solids

This Year Month Ago 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

MMPA Staff NOVI (Headquarters) 248-474-6672

800-572-5824 General Manager Clay Galarneau, ext. 200 Member Services/Quality Control Milk Sales/Dispatch Finance/Controller Gary Trimner, ext. 213 Carl Rasch, ext. 244 Joseph M. Diglio, ext. 240 Producer Testing/Herd Health Programs Manufactured Sales Credit/Insurance

Dean Letter, ext. 217 Jim Dodson, ext. 229 Cheryl Schmandt, ext. 210 Laboratory Supervisor Member Relations/Public Affairs Data Processing

Patti Huttula, ext. 219 Sheila Burkhardt, ext. 208 Gregory Schulkey, ext. 237 Human Resources Member Communications

Cindy Tilden, ext. 220 Mindy Pratt, ext. 211

Laura Moser

MANUFACTURING PLANTS

Constantine 269-435-2835 Plant Manager Dave Davis

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

MMPA FIELD STAFF MASTITIS MANAGEMENT NORTH AREA Supervisor: Gerry Volz St. Louis Office..........................989-681-5183 Frank Brazeau...............................920-834-4059 Oconto, Wis. mobile 906-250-0337

Supervisor: Tom Herremans............................231-853-8008 Ravenna......................mobile 269-967-0890 Gerry Volz.......................................989-848-5996 Fairview mobile 989-289-9219 EAST AREA

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

Haslett mobile 989-289-0731 Preston Cole..................................231-584-2587 Mancelona mobile 989-289-9301 Duane Farmer.............................. 517-552-3976 Howell mobile 586-484-9278

Supervisor: Michael Marvin Marlette Office..........................989-635-3650 Gary Best........................................810-664-4984 Lapeer mobile 586-484-9279 Bulk Tank Calibration Christy Dinsmoore..................................................

Fairgrove mobile 989-528-9102

Steven Lehman............................989-875-3441 Ithaca mobile 989-330-1638

Richard Fluegge.......................................................

Cass City mobile 248-709-0283

Katie Pierson.............................................................

Coleman mobile 989-289-9686

Michael Marvin.........................................................

Marlette mobile 989-670-4864

Kristin Rawlings........................................................

Crystal mobile 231-414-4539

SOUTH AREA

Lyndsay Stakenas....................................................

Fremont mobile 231-519-2455 Gerry Volz.......................................989-848-5996 Fairview mobile 989-289-9219

Supervisor: Dale Ledebuhr Battle Creek Office..................269-962-5550 Steve Beroza..................................269-623-8178 Delton mobile 269-986-6792 David Brady...................................517-522-5965 Grass Lake mobile 517-937-9061

Krista Beeker.............................................................

Constantine mobile 269-986-6792

Dale Ledebuhr.......................269-965-2474 Battle Creek mobile 269-986-6791

Melissa Erdman Minden City

Andrew Rupprecht.................................................

Reading mobile 269-986-6793

mobile 810-701-6460

Kendra Stieg..............................................................

Kentwood mobile 269-245-6632

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

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

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

Ed Zuchnik.................................................................

Three Rivers mobile 269-967-7351

Michigan Milk Messenger 31