Michigan Milk Messenger: May 2013

May 2013 Volume 95 Issue 11

Lemajru Dairy MMPA Quality Award Winners

Michigan Milk Messenger 1

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May 2013

Volume 95 Issue 11 www.mimilk.com

Features

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Contents

11 MMPA Lab Enhances Recycling Efforts 12 Beyond the Parlor - 2012 MMPA Quality

Winners Charles and Julie Nelkie and Abigail O’Farrell 16 Leading and Managing Your Dairy Staff

2013 Young Cooperator Conference

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18 Don’t Roll the Dice - Start the Succession

Planning Process Now 20 Drink Milk for Life! Jump with Jill Tour 21 MMPA/4-H Milk Marketing Tour 22 Tackling the Tough Topics

2013 Dairy Communicator Meeting 24 NMPF Launches See It? Stop It!SM Initiative 26 Manure Structures should be Monitored During

Extreme Wet Weather Conditions

Departments

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

.................................. Alex Schnabelrauch Advertising Manager.............. Nancy Muszynski Circulation............................................... 4,200

MMPA Matters................................................ 5 Quality Watch.................................................. 6 News & Views.................................................. 8 Legislative Watch............................................ 10 Merchandise Memo........................................ 28 Freeliners........................................................ 30 Classifieds...................................................... 32 Policies........................................................... 33 Market Report................................................ 34 MMPA Lab Lines........................................... 35 MMPA Staff ................................................... 35

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.

May 2013 Volume 95 Issue 10

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

(ISSN 0026-2315)

On the Cover

Charles and Julie Nelkie and Abigail O’Farrell were named the 2012 MMPA High Quality Milk Producers at the 97th Annual Delegate Meeting in March. Read more about their achievements on page 12.

Michigan Milk Messenger 1

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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.

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 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

FRONT ROW (l-r): Mark Halbert, Treasurer, Director-at-Large; Hank Choate, District 1; Brad Ritter, District 6; Ken Nobis, President, Director-at-Large; Bob Kran, Vice President, District 11; James Reid, District 7; Leonard Brown, District 8; Clay Galarneau, General Manager/Secretary. BACK ROW (l-r): Brent Wilson, District 5; Joe Diglio, Director of Finance/Assistant Treasurer; David VanderHaagen, General Counsel; Dan Javor, District 4; Rodney Daniels, Director-at-Large; Tim Hood, District 2; Eric Frahm, District 10; John Kronemeyer, District 12.

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

Mission Statement

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

Advisory Committee District One Carlton Evans, Litchfield Brad Hart, Clayton Glenn Preston, Quincy Art Riske, Hanover

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

District Six Aaron Gasper, Lowell Anthony Jandernoa, St. Johns David Reed, Owosso Kris Wardin, St Johns

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

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

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

District Four David Bivens, Bellevue Mark Crandall, Battle Creek James Droscha, Charlotte David Lott, Mason

269-758-3980 269-660-2229 517-543-5577 517-676-4593

District Five Bruce Benthem, McBain Tom Jeppesen, Stanton Bill Jernstadt, Big Rapids Mike Rasmussen, Edmore

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231-825-2814 989-762-5399 231-796-4650 989-762-5380

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

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

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

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

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

District Twelve Robert Barron, Gladstone Dave Folkersma, Rudyard Corby Werth, Alpena Jeremy Werth, Alpena

906-786-7027 906-478-3023 989-379-3772 989-464-4022

MMPA Matters

By Ken Nobis President

The Time to Act is Now

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he time has come for all good members to come to the aid of our co-op, or more accurately of ourselves.

The time is here to get serious, real serious, about enacting a farm bill that includes the Dairy Security Act (DSA) as the dairy title.

By definition, dairy producers represent the bottom of the food chain in the dairy hierarchy. Milk is highly perishable, we have little control over nature and our citizens want and deserve a safe and adequate food supply. We are price takers, not price makers. A safety net for our producers in the form of the DSA is a reasonable and responsible step toward providing some predictability.

Let’s look at some highlights.

The DSA is: •

relevant to the 21st century global dairy economy,

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allows for production growth,

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is export neutral,

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reduces price volatility for dairy producers,

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has broad based support,

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is beneficial to consumers and taxpayers,

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is voluntary and

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provides flexibility.

Sometimes it seems more comfortable to stay with what is familiar to us, even if it is not the right thing to do. We have to move away from this complacency. The DSA presents a new concept, and this has caused some apprehension, as would be expected; however, the DSA has evolved since the idea first emerged four years ago. Possible problems have been identified and addressed along the way. At this point we feel the proposal

has been thoroughly vetted. Recently a white paper was published by a team of Midwestern economists who specialize in Farm Bill analysis. The team, which included Dr. Christopher Wolf of Michigan State University, concluded that passage of the DSA was the best available option to address dairy policy in the farm bill.

The DSA includes the Dairy Market Stabilization Program (DMSP).

There is no downside to the DMSP and plenty of advantages. Some critics confuse the DMSP with a strict quota program, but the team of economists doesn’t agree. They conclude that when DMSP kicks in as a result of margins shrinking due to low milk prices and/ or high feed costs, dairy farmers will be protected from extreme volatility while saving taxpayers money. They believe that the DMSP will neither slow growth nor drive consumer prices to unreasonably high levels.

I understand why dairy farmers are hesitant to throw their arms around a supply management program. I’m usually not fond of the idea either, but the things that I don’t like about supply management do not appear in this plan. There is no permanent base, it has safety triggers that prevent over-reaction to market indices and it allows for continued growth through the five-year life of the farm bill. In other words, it is very flexible.

We must compete globally, since we now export more than 13 percent of our production and expect that percentage to rise. This opportunity to grow the U.S. dairy industry is welcome, but it also brings far more price volatility than we or our customers have experienced in the past. It is our responsibility to reduce volatility if we can.

We’ve proven over the last four years that we can produce adequate and even excess - milk under very trying conditions. But consumption growth abroad still cannot absorb unfettered production growth to provide stability for dairy farmers. Our management acumen has developed faster than we can develop new markets. I am not convinced that $8.00 corn is the new normal, so how much more milk will we have to market when feed costs moderate?

For several months now, no movement has taken place toward getting the farm bill (and the DSA that is the important part of it for us) passed, and this has to change. The question we must ask ourselves is what each of us can do to make this happen.

We are at the point where we need our total membership out there supporting passage of the farm bill.

MMPA’s board senses that MMPA members are open to change. “Isn’t there anything we can do to reduce price volatility?” is a question asked frequently by members in the last four years. We can do something about it with the passage of the DSA. If we are going to enact change that benefits us, we all have to take the time to contact our members of Congress and Senators to tell them we want and need this legislation. We need to counteract the comments they receive from those who do not agree with us.

This is your chance to remove some uncertainty from your life. It’s worth the time it takes to make a few phone calls or tap out a few emails. Set a half hour of your day aside, and just do it.

Michigan Milk Messenger 5

Quality Watch

By

By Dean Dean Letter Letter

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

MAEAP: It May Mean More Than You Think Total Maximum Daily Load Protection for your farm

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n the world of acronyms, there are two that could have a significant impact on your farm. If you’ve heard of “TMDL” you should be thinking about another- “MAEAP.” Acronym Breakdown: TMDL: Total Maximum Daily Load is described by the Environmental Protection Agency as a “pollution budget” designed to restore the health of a polluted body by “cutting spending” through reduced containment standards. This is an acronym that may have a significant impact on the way a farmer produces a crop (whether it be plant or animal based). A TMDL is the sum of the allowed pollutant loads for point sources, non-point sources, projected growth and a margin of safety. A point source is an identifiable source of a particular pollutant. A non-point source is a “diffused” source. It may be caused by rainfall or snow melt moving over and through the ground. As the runoff moves, it picks up and carries pollutants to surface waters and even underground sources of drinking water.

Why would a TMDL be developed?

The Clean Water Act requires states to compile lists of water bodies that do not fully support beneficial uses such as aquatic life, fisheries, drinking water, recreation, industry or agriculture.

These inventories are known as 303(d) Lists and characterize waters as fully supporting, impaired or, in some cases, threatened for beneficial uses.

The uses may vary by body of water and its intended use. A whole host of issues, such as temperature, pathogens,

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nutrients, metals (among others) can impair a body of water to the point where it can no longer be used as intended. The TMDL is developed for each pollutant to reduce the amount of that pollutant entering a body of water so that it can attain intended water quality standards.

What does a TMDL mean to a farmer in an impaired watershed?

The impact on farmers will depend on whether the farmer is identified as a point or non-point source of the pollution causing non-attainment of the water quality standard. If a TMDL is drafted for a nutrient load such as phosphorus, most farmers with a land base will likely be identified as a nonHow is a TMDL developed? Pollution point source of the pollutant. Farming load allocations are determined through practices will be reviewed and modified the review of monitoring data and (perhaps significantly) to reduce the watershed modeling. amount of phosphorus leaving the Components of TMDL documentation: farmer’s land base. This could affect manure and fertilizer application, • Describe impairment including tillage practices and/or the use of cover cause crops. Participation in MAEAP can • Set a quantitative goal for water help farmers if a TMDL is drafted. quality standard attainment

MAEAP - the Michigan • Identify point and non-point Agriculture Environmental Assurance pollution sources Program - is a confidential process of • Determine allowable pollution load working with the Michigan Department and allocation of Agriculture and Rural Development • Determine the margin of safety and (MDARD) to meet environmental standards. The program is voluntary project growth in the watershed and provides farmers with technical • Determine that the TMDL can assistance to make improvements on reasonably be implemented their farm.

Once work on a specific TMDL

In 2011, Governor Rick Snyder begins, local governments, identified signed legislation that impacted interested parties and appropriate MAEAP and gave verified farmers dischargers in that watershed will protection from the implications of a be consulted during key stages of TMDL. If a farm is MAEAP verified development. in all applicable “systems” and is in

After a draft TMDL has been a TMDL Watershed, the farm will developed, a formal public notice and be considered as implementing the comment period will be provided prior practices needed to meet a TMDL. to the TMDL’s submission to EPA.

Also provided in legislation: if a

When a TMDL is approved, farm is MAEAP verified and has an stakeholders will participate in accidental discharge and the farmer determining how the TMDL should performs due diligence in notifying be implemented to reach allowable and addressing the spill, the farm loading levels. will only be responsible for natural

Continued on page 9

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Pro Clean II has an improved alkaline formula that maintains its effectiveness down to 90,˚ boosting alkaline-cycle cleaning performance to ensure that your system will be clean, PI count will stay low and milk quality will be protected.

For more information about Pro Clean II contact your local dealer, or call 800-225-3832.

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News & Views The latest dairy news

March’s Class III Down $.32

The USDA announced that March’s Federal Order Class III price is $16.93 per cwt., down 32 cents from February, but $1.21 above March 2012. The March Class IV price is $17.75, with no change from February and $2.40 above a year ago.

2013 Michigan Youth Livestock Scholarship deadline is May 31

Since 2000, the Michigan Youth Livestock Scholarship Fund (MYLSF) has awarded more than $350,000 in scholarships and educational awards to outstanding youth who have exhibited at the premier livestock events in the state of Michigan.

To be eligible for the MYLSF general or statewide scholarship, applicants must be a Michigan resident and a graduating high school senior or a high school graduate continuing their education at an accredited institution in the year for which they are applying.

For the general MYLSF scholarship, applicants must be a youth exhibitor at the Michigan Livestock Expo, Michigan Dairy Expo or the former Michigan State Fair for a minimum of three calendar years prior to the year of application. For the statewide scholarship, applicants must be a youth exhibitor at a local, county or statewide exhibition for a minimum of three years prior to the year of application.

Producers scoring 95 percent or more on Grade A Surveys and Federal Check Rating MMPA Country Fresh April 2013 Mark Simpson Rosebrook Farm Heritage Farms LLC Lynn, Douglas & Terry Huff James Oudman Victor Puschel Scales Prairie Farm Lawrence Lenhart * Robert, Harold, Michael &

Matthew Cnossen Tacoma Dairy Inc.* Mark Hilaski James Schaendorf Welchkin Acres Melvin Puschel Kevin Dykstra

*100 percent

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Charitable donations and specific proceeds from the Michigan State Fair Youth Livestock Auction and Michigan Livestock Expo help fund the scholarships. The fund is governed by a 10-member board of volunteers from Michigan’s agricultural community.

Applications and qualification requirements for the MYLSF and the statewide scholarship can be obtained at www.michigan.gov/mda-mylsf. Applications must be postmarked no later than May 31, 2013.

For more information, contact Jeff Haarer, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Producer Security Section Manager, at 517-241-2865 or Ernie Birchmeier, Michigan Farm Bureau’s Livestock and Dairy Specialist, at 517-323-7000.

Upcoming Events June

17-18

MMPA/4-H Milk Marketing Tour Novi

July 16-18

Ag Expo East Lansing

15-19

Michigan Dairy Expo East Lansing

NMPF Praises Senate Agreement on Agriculture Worker Component of Immigration Reform As a bipartisan group of Senators introduced legislation April 17 dealing with comprehensive immigration reform, members of the Agriculture Workforce Coalition (AWC) held a press conference highlighting the crucial stake American agriculture, including dairy farming, has in the debate.

The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), which is a founding member of the AWC, has made fixing the broken immigration system one of its highest priorities over the past decade. NMPF’s President and CEO Jerry Kozak told press conference attendees that “what we’re working with lawmakers to do is not merely fixing a broken system, but scrapping an old set of unworkable rules and replacing it with something better.”

employees, better for law enforcement, better for the economy – better for America,” Kozak added.

Kozak identified four key items essential to dairy farmers that any eventual deal on immigration reform must contain. These include: •

•

“The approach in this agreement is better for employers, better for

Establishing a blue card for experienced agricultural workers.

This provides a means for farmers to keep their existing workforce, including those who may not be legally documented. Dairy farmers should not lose experienced, loyal employees as part of this effort.

Creating a new visa system for future workers that is easy to use and affordable. Current efforts won’t be worth it if the resulting product is too cumbersome, costly and confusing for farmers to use.

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Assuring the future flow of new workers as the economy and jobs shift and evolve. Dairy farmers must have a means to recruit and hire new dairy workers for a long period of time.

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Eliminating the seasonality element of any ag visa program such as H2A, which has prevented U.S. dairy farm utilization in the past.

Kozak stressed that although much of the work on comprehensive immigration reform has been done, there is still more to do. Negotiations will continue as members of the Senate debate the legislation, and the discussion also begins in the House of Representatives.

To learn more about the AWC, visit www.agworkforcecoalition.com.

MAEAP: It May Mean More Than You Think Continued from page 6

resource damage and not civil fines and penalties. The farm’s discharge history will be taken into account.

If a MAEAP verified farm is following its verified land application practices and an unpredicted, significant rainfall event causes a discharge into the waters of the state, the precipitation is considered an “Act of God Weather Event” and the discharge will be considered nonpoint source pollution. In this case the only action that can take place is the adoption of “environmentally sound and economically feasible conservation or management practices” provided by the farm in order to avoid future discharges.

MAEAP Streamlined for Permit Holders (March 2013) Directors Jamie Clover Adams (MDARD) and Dan Wyant (MDEQ) recently announced that the two agencies have collaborated to make MAEAP Livestock System Verification and Reverification more efficient for farms that hold National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System

(NPDES) permits. Interested permit holders should call the MAEAP Office at 517-373-9797 to begin the process.

Listed below are the steps that follow: •

Upon receiving a call requesting Livestock System verification or reverification from a large livestock owner/operator with an NPDES permit, the request is processed as usual and sent to the MAEAP verifier for the location.

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The appropriate MAEAP verifier calls the farm point person in the DEQ district office and asks if the operation is in “good standing” (no current letters of violation, enforcement, no major issues at last compliance inspection, etc.).

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The MAEAP verifier calls the farm owner/operator and either arranges for a MAEAP visit or tells the owner/operator they are unable to complete the MAEAP inspection until unresolved issues with DEQ have been satisfied.

Assuming no unresolved issues, the MAEAP verifier makes an appointment with the owner/

operator to complete the three items not covered by the NPDES permit – review of the odor management plan, Bodies of Dead Animals (BODA) records and confirmation that if newly sited or expanded, the farm has been approved through the Right to Farm Generally Accepted Agricultural & Management Practices (GAAMPs) for Site Selection and Odor Control for New and Expanding Livestock Production Facilities.

Large livestock farms with NPDES permits completing the above three items will be awarded Livestock System verification or reverification.

These farms will still be encouraged to participate in Farmstead and Cropping Systems. Those inspections would be conducted as usual.

MMPA encourages all members to participate in MAEAP. Members wishing to get enrolled in MAEAP should contact their MAEAP Water Stewardship Technician or MMPA Member Representative.

Michigan Milk Messenger 9

Legislative Watch Issues important to today’s dairy farmers

New White Paper Demonstrates Advantages of Dairy Security Act

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new analysis released April 16 by a group of university economists demonstrates that the Dairy Security Act (DSA) – the farm bill proposal advocated by the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) – provides the most effective economic safety net for farmers. The DSA provides catastrophic risk insurance, helps enhance farmer revenue and does so in a way that minimizes government outlays.

“This new report provides independent corroboration of why the DSA is the best choice for saving dairy farmers while protecting taxpayers.

Congress needs to heed this report and pass the Dairy Security Act in 2013 as part of the farm bill,” said NMPF President and CEO Jerry Kozak.

After running a variety of milk price, feed cost and participation scenarios, the academic report offered several conclusions:

•

•

The Dairy Security Act does provide effective risk insurance, removing 66.6 percent of the catastrophic risk a typical farm would face in the future. It noted that the Goodlatte-Scott (G-S) measure would force farms with growth plans to rely more on private markets, rather than the farm bill, to effectively protect against catastrophic risks, because the G-S does not provide a means to insure future milk production; The DSA’s market stabilization plan helps reduce the frequency and severity of insurance indemnity payments, generating higher milk prices for farmers and reducing the taxpayer burden. The report notes that the main limitation on government financial liability in the G-S measure is achieved by limiting farmers’ ability to insure their production to 80 percent of a farm’s production history.

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The DSA’s market stabilization plan does not present a long-term obstacle to farm growth, even for those operations with a very aggressive farm growth plan.

The DSA was approved by both the House and Senate Agriculture Committees during consideration of last year’s farm bill. The full Senate also approved the bill, but the House failed to vote on the farm bill last year.

It appears that the House and Senate could likely take up the farm bill in mid-May. To pass the DSA, members of Congress must hear from producers.

All members are urged to contact their member of Congress and urge them to support a farm bill with the Dairy Security Act.

The Time is Now

The House and Senate are scheduled to take up the Farm Bill in mid-May. Will your voice be heard?

To pass the Dairy Security Act, Congress must hear directly from dairy farmers like you. Email, call and/or visit your members of Congress today. Urge them to pass a farm bill with the Dairy Security Act.

Go to http://capwiz.com/nmpf/home/ to get started.

10 May 2013

MMPA

MMPA Lab Enhances Recycling Efforts

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very day the Novi lab employees handle over 3,000 milk vials through the course of their work. Until recently, the only option the lab had to dispose of the vials and other waste in the lab was to put it in the trash.

The lab employees have asked (for some time) for a way to recycle the vials and other lab materials. But the fact that the vials are made with No.5 recycled materials and the potential of contamination from the milk samples made recycling companies reluctant to take the vials. This past winter, the idea was explored again and our disposal company, Waste Management, indicated they were willing to put a recycling program in place for the lab and Novi office.

Through the recycling program, lab employees have reduced the volume of trash going to the dumpster from 25 bags a day or more to one. The lab employees sort the trash throughout the day between recyclable and common trash. The recyclable trash is further divided into other categories: plastic, cardboard, vials and paper. The lab has

separate trash containers with clear liners for each of the categories.

In addition to recycling the vials, the vials are also emptied (unless they are individual cow tests), further eliminating the volume of waste coming out of the lab.

“This recycling program is a great example of employees coming up with a great idea and working to get it implemented. It was the lab techs who wanted to put this in place. I just made the phone calls and provided the containers necessary to make it work,” says Patti Huttula, Novi lab supervisor.

“We have also had comments from members about not recycling in the lab, so twith he combination of the lab techs willingness to do it and prompting from our members, it is happening.”

The lab recycling program is a continuation of other recycling efforts used in the Novi office.

“Employees are encouraged to use separate boxes for paper recycling placed throughout the building and the recycle bins in the lunchroom,” says Kathie Burke, Novi office manager.

“We are also using the new recycling program to recycle all the paper shreds and cardboard in the office.”

Lab and office recycling is just one of many efforts MMPA is taking to improve the association’s sustainability practices. Other efforts include replacing all office lighting, encouraging employees to reduce and recycle paper and installing of a water cooler instead of individual water bottles in the office.

USDEC and NMPF Commend U.S. Decision to Welcome Japan into TPP Talks

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he U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) and National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) applaud the United States’ decision to welcome Japan into Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) free trade negotiations.

“Japan greatly enhances the potential value of the TPP to U.S. dairy producers and processors,” says Jaime Castaneda, senior vice president for strategic initiatives and trade policy, USDEC and NMPF. “Japan is the third-largest economy in the world and already a major dairy importer.

Reducing excessive tariffs and removing non-tariff barriers to trade will significantly increase U.S. dairy export opportunities, which helps drive overall U.S. dairy industry growth.”

U.S. suppliers shipped $284 million worth of cheese, whey proteins, milk powder and other dairy products to

Japan in 2012. It is the fifth-largest U.S. dairy export market, despite substantial market access barriers in many of the biggest dairy categories.

The U.S. Trade Representative’s Office officially notified Congress of the American government’s intention to enter into TPP trade talks in 2009.

At that time, it did so with the idea that the TPP would eventually expand from the initial eight participants— Australia, Brunei, Chile, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the United States and Vietnam—to the entire AsiaPacific, thus expanding the economic significance of the deal.

“The addition of Canada in 2012 and now Japan greatly raises the possibility of a positive overall TPP dairy package. But negotiators must now follow through on another promise made back in 2009: concluding

a high-standard trade agreement,” says Castaneda. “We need to secure, in ongoing talks, effective disciplines on sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures, strong defense of common food names and meaningful competition policy changes in New Zealand’s dairy sector.”

Japan needs approval from all current TPP participants before officially joining the group. Although the United States has endorsed Japan’s participation now, we expect that the rest of the TPP partners will soon follow suit. The 17th round of negotiations takes place May 15-24 in Lima, Peru. Japan will join the actual negotiations 90 days after the United States notifies Congress of their intent to enter into negotiations with Japan.

Michigan Milk Messenger 11

Beyond the Parlor 2012 MMPA Quality Award Winners – Charles and Julie Nelkie and Abigail O’Farrell

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ne goal down. Another ambitious target ahead.

MMPA’s 2012 Quality Award Winners no sooner achieved the co-op’s highest honor than moved to their next challenge: producing equally high quality milk…with robots.

Charles and Julie Nelkie, along with their children Emory, Martin, Reuben and Abigail O’Farrell, and her husband Michael, seem like typical dairy farmers on the surface.

But digging deeper, their unique recipe for success proves Lemajru Dairy Farm LLC in West Branch is anything but ordinary.

Triple “A” Approach to Quality The Nelkies’ extraordinary results trace back to their gamechanging triple threat – attitude, attention to detail and accountability.

Julie explains, “Attitude makes a huge difference in what you can do with what you have.” And the Nelkies have needed that positive outlook dealing with less than ideal facilities.

12 May 2013

The family achieved the highest 12-month average quality numbers in the co-op – 51,583 somatic cell count, 1,083 pre-incubated bacteria count and 1,250 raw bacteria count – all while milking their 118-head herd twice a day in a retrofitted 1968 double-four herringbone parlor with grain feeders. And those 118 cows bed down in a just 96-stall freestall barn. Yet, a “can-do” attitude and ambitious goals have helped the Nelkies earn local, state and national attention.

Moving to the second “A” of the triad, Abigail relays, “Our quality can’t be boiled down to just one thing, but comes back to our attention to detail and commitment to consistency.”

Taking a closer look at a few of those details­—Lemajru’s milking system pressure is checked daily, inflations are replaced every six to eight weeks and the equipment dealer makes quarterly inspection trips.

As the cows enter the parlor, every detail is observed.

Each is visually inspected for uniformity of mammary, texture, fullness and behavior. Julie adds, “We’re familiar

with each cow and call her by name. So if her behavior is off or there are changes in the typical milking order, we catch it.” The family also gauges herd health vigilantly monitoring PC-Dart and CMT results.

Accountability is another key tenant of the operation. The farm’s two high school employees are always paired with a family member to ensure consistent quality. Not only does the family have protocols for milking and treating cows, they’re written, posted and have been refined since Julie began formulating them with her vet in 1994.

“It’s the little things that catch up to you.

That’s why we’re constantly critiquing each other and holding everyone on the farm accountable. We make notes on the parlor whiteboard if something wasn’t done correctly the previous milking,” explains Michael. Furthermore, spikes in SCC are traced back to the employees working that day, and causes are promptly investigated and remedied.

Above: Abigail vigilantly monitors herd data using PC Dart to assist in making quality management decisions.

Preventative Care is Paramount While Lemajru Dairy Farm doesn’t boast a licensed vet, the Nelkies have two next-best resources: Julie, a former registered nurse, and Abigail, with experience as a college mastitis lab technician. The two work in tandem making herd treatment decisions and culturing on-farm mastitis cases.

Abbie explains, “In our minds, if a cow is healthy she can fight off a lot of organisms without our help. We can vaccinate a whole lot of cows before we get close to the cost of treatment.”

The Nelkies’ vaccination regiment includes: two annual doses of Bovi-Shield Gold, J-VAC and Vision 7 Somnus and one dose of Once PMH SQ. J-VAC is also given once at dry off, once three weeks precalving and 10-14 days post-calving.

On-farm culturing has also advanced the Nelkies’ treatment protocols. Abigail elaborates, “We can’t have quality milk if we don’t know what bacteria are causing our infections. We have a written protocol on how to treat various organisms, and we’re not afraid to dry off or cull problem cows.”

Above: Lemajru’s high quality herd has made the adjustment to robotic milkers and the new system’s wealth of data has helped the Nelkies more effectively detect subclinical mastitis cases.

Cow Comfort and Genetics “Cows like a boring environment,” smiles Julie. “Our best hired milkers were gentle and quiet with the goal of getting less manure on their shirts.”

In an attempt to foster that boring, comfortable environment (that’s also conducive to quality milk), freestalls are scraped twice a day. Kiln dried pine shavings – the “gold standard” for sawdust – are used for bedding, as sand isn’t a feasible option for their operation. The Nelkies have also found that

Above: Julie’s passion for quality dates back decades and the former registered nurse makes herd health her number one priority.

Michigan Milk Messenger 13

The family has been Johne’s certified to level six and has selected specific dams and sires to ensure all stock born on their operation is BVD-free.

Quality – Not a Recent Development Lemajru’s quality isn’t a new phenomenon. The farm was purchased by Julie’s grandfather, William Rau, in 1939 and her parents took over the operation in 1961.

Julie’s parents pursued the highest quality standards back when Julie was a child, and the farm’s quest of progressive practices and recognition has been in full force ever since.

In fact, they earned their first MMPA Quality Award back in 1997 before the bronze, silver and gold levels even existed. “This year we received our 10-star Quality Award and we would have had 16 years of consecutive awards, if it wasn’t for one unclean plate Above: Knowing each by name, Charles feeds the cows, monitors calves and cooler,” Julie regretfully admits, smiling. scrapes pens knowing even the littlest details affect milk quality.

Yet, the Nelkies were still surprised to be named structurally sound animals are much more comfortable and cost effective.

The farm’s focus on quality genetics was jumpstarted back in 1995 after conducting a whole herd test with MMPA Member Representative Gerry Volz. Julie remembers, “It was a learning opportunity that helped us decide which cows we should keep and how we needed to change our practices to optimize our herd’s production and quality potential.

We’re still using that information to make decisions today.”

Touting a registered herd, Abigail agrees, “Quality animals make you money. If a cow is built correctly, she doesn’t beat herself up as badly, and we’re not paying to treat cows with less desirable traits.”

The Nelkies’ Milking Procedure •

All milkers wear gloves and wash hands between each cow.

•

Cows enter, are locked into headgates and given grain.

•

Milkers dry wipe the udder with their hands, focusing on the bottom of the udder and teats.

•

All sides of the teats are sprayed with a hand pump containing a mixture of bleach, laundry detergent and water.

•

Starting with one cow, milkers: •

Use a single rag to clean all four teats and teat ends (with special emphasis on the teat end)

•

Strip each quarter into a strip cup and evaluate milk (if unusual, stop the process and do a CMT)

•

Apply the claw

•

Claw comes off and teats sprayed with chlorhexidine (Blue Ribbon)

•

Claw is put into a bucket of bleach before being attached to the next cow

14 May 2013

MMPA’s 2012 Quality Award Winner, saying, “We’ve been focusing on quality for 15 or 20 years and have been gold standard on the national level. But really, that’s where everyone should be.”

A New Frontier As one goal is reached, another just begins. In true Nelkie spirit, they’ve already set to work proving that robotic dairies can also achieve superior milk quality. And so far, so good.

After moving in to their new “parlor” (two Lely Astronaut Robotic Milkers) February 13, the farm’s first round of herd quality numbers rested right around 50,000 SCC and 7,000 raw.

The Nelkies have made the system their own, integrating old quality-inducing practices from their previous system into the new technology.

“We’ve changed the feed to meet our needs and altered the standard wash to be consistent with our previous procedure. The down side is that the robots can’t dance with the new cows like we could,” Abigail jokes. “But the biggest advantage is that I can use all the additional information to help make better management decisions and catch more subclinical mastitis cases. The robots give me an unbiased evaluation of every cow and promote consistency with our health monitoring and milking procedures.”

The Nelkies’ take-home message to other producers: “Regardless of parlor setup or facilities, anyone can produce quality milk. It just takes the right attitude and attention to the little things that make a real difference. Patience, faith and prayer have got us through to this point, and they’ll help us continue as a robotic dairy.”

Large photos (left to right): Lindlaur Gabor Annette, Lauren L’Amoreaux, Louisville, OH, Thomas; Rexlea Valentino Item (VG-85-CAN), Rexlea Jerseys Inc., Schomberg, ON, Jones. Small Photos (left to right): Scheidairy 188 (GP-80), Scheidairy Farm Inc., Freeport, IL; Conebella Powers Perlita (VG-86), Don Gable, Elverson, PA; Hartdale Alstar Festival (VG-88-VG-87-MS), Lauren Robison, Mulberry Grove, IL.

Holstein Milk Leaders 7HO9441 JAYVEN 7HO9977 KINLEY 7HO8477 GABOR 7HO10172 MASKILL*BY 7HO9625 RIB 7HO10227 CIMARRON*BY 7HO8081 PLANET 7HO7560 BLITZ JINTX 7HO10357 BILLINGS 7HO9703 MAINSTREAM 7HO10156 RAY*BY 7HO10446 BRYCEN New 7HO9925 YANCE

Milk Rel.% Type Rel.% +2,862 92 +1.61 90 +2,433 92 +1.72 91 +2,430 99 +2.49 98 +2,330 92 +1.88 91 +2,239 93 +1.59 91 +2,230 90 +2.47 86 +2,216 99 +1.93 99 +2,170 99 +0.53 97 +2,141 92 +2.71 89 +2,072 93 +1.23 91 +2,052 91 +2.34 91 +1,868 89 +0.94 85 +1,815 93 +1.90 92

GTPISM +1965 +1910 +2074 +1983 +1821 +2066 +2176 +1668 +2094 +1944 +1979 +2020 +2098

High Components Breeds Milk 7JE1038 VALENTINO JH1C +1,484 +1,406 7JE1046 ZIPPER JH1F +1,008 7JE1010 VICTORY JH1F +999 7JE965 GANSTER JH1F

Rel.% 95 87 90 90

Type +2.7 +0.3 +0.7 +0.8

Rel.% 91 72 83 78

7AY87 7GU398

POWER ALSTAR

+1,081 +1,102

81 92

+0.3 +0.5

61 90

7MS347

LIRIANO

+801

89

+1.0

57

GJPI™ +186 +218 +168 +154 PTI +553 +147 PPR +78

04/13 USDA-CDCB/HA/AJCA/ABA Genomic Evaluation. 04/13 USDA/AGA/AMSS Type and Production Evaluation. All bulls on this page are eligible for semen export to Canada. SMGTPI is a servicemark of Holstein Association USA Inc. ™ GJPI is a trademark of the American Jersey Cattle Association.

You can count on Select Sires to offer the best when it comes to milk, no matter the breed. We understand high milk production is important to dairy producers and offer these milk specialists to help you fill your bulk tank.

To add these milk leaders to your breeding program, contact your Select Sires representative today!

Michigan Milk Messenger 15

Leading and Managing Your Dairy Staff

“W

hen you think about the most important part of your dairy, what comes to mind?

The cows? Crops? Breeding?” asked DairyWorks founder Dr. Tom Fuhrmann during the Young Cooperator (YC) Conference on April 12 in Frankenmuth. “In reality, the people are the most important part of your dairy. Your people are assets.”

With decades of experience working as a dairy veterinarian and consultant, Fuhrmann spent his presentation helping the over 65 YCs in attendance zero-in not on Johne’s or mastitis, but an area most farms overlook: people management.

He kicked things off emphasizing the differences between managers and leaders. “Good leaders can be poor managers,” he explained. “And when you have a workforce, you have to manage, not just lead, your people. The real power comes when good managers Tom Fuhrmann, DairyWorks founder, offered insight on employee identify and empower good leaders throughout their management and leadership during the conference. workforce to supervise others. Every farm needs a few leaders to help the followers do a better job.” someone isn’t following your protocols, retrain them.

He continued by outlining, “In every farm operation, Disciplining incorrect practices is as simple as retraining groups of workers function like teams.” These teams have employees, making them demonstrate the correct procedure four components that, when working in harmony, add up to until they consistently get it right. a farm’s success:

In addition to organizing work and training people, 1. Players – workers 2. A Coach – supervisor or boss 3. Rules – protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs) 4. Results – goals

in Fuhrmann’s experience, managers must also monitor performance. This includes observing and giving feedback on individual performance, correcting mistakes and encouraging consistent compliance with SOPs. Fuhrmann assures, “If you manage everyday performance, results happen.” To maximize performance and therefore results, he reminded producers, “Every farm must have specific goals and give workers feedback on progress towards these goals. Everyone should know what SCC they are shooting for in the parlor and what mortality rate they are aiming for in the calf raising facility.”

Effective “coaches” organize work for the farm’s “players” and explain what and how the workers should be doing on a day-to-day basis (the “rules”). Farm owners or supervisors also train workers setting high expectations in accordance with the farm’s SOPs. This firm compliance and reinforcement of onfarm protocols should stem not only from a supervisor’s understanding of what and how organizes things should be done, but why they should work for be done a certain way. In short, relaying the “what” and “how” with background about the “why” increases a supervisor’s likelihood of reinforcing farm SOPs and holding workers accountable.

Fuhrmann advised attendees, “Always walk into the parlor with your antenna up. Are workers doing things right? If not, what are continuously you going to do about it? There are various monitors performance leadership styles, but know that if you do not against say something when you see something being done incorrectly, your standards of performance go down and you are silently reinforcing the incorrect behavior. If you see something, say something immediately – in the moment.”

But how? Fuhrmann put it simply: if 16 May 2013

Players – workers

Coach – supervisor/boss trains, retrains & holds the players accountable using

Rules – protocols or SOPs

Results – goals

Effective management – organizing work, training people and monitoring performance – requires effective, efficient communication. “Always make sure the message you sent was delivered. That’s the difference between communicating as a leader and talking,” Fuhrmann told the YCs. He went on to emphasize the power of listening, saying, “We should spend 40 percent of our time talking – and talking correctly – and 60 percent of our time listening and listening to check for comprehension.”

Wrapping up, Fuhrmann left the YCs with one last thought: “People ultimately lead to your success in the parlor, in the maternity pen, at the sale barn. Investing in your people through effective management and empowering and nurturing the leaders in your workforce can pay you back in spades.”

Above: John and Jill Welter listen to co-op updates during the 2013 YC Conference in Frankenmuth.

• • • •

• • • • • •

Management Organizes work and workers Trains and monitors Offers feedback for results Analytical Leadership A relationship between people Ability to influence others Based on trust Requires intellectual, organizational and communication skills Someone others chose to follow Interpersonal

Above: YCs tour Rainbow Creek Farms, a robotic dairy owned by Steve and Diane Foley in Millington.

Right: YCs use fake “funny money” to play Las Vegasstyle casino games during the conference’s evening program.

Michigan MichiganMilk MilkMessenger Messenger 17 17

Don’t Roll the Dice – Start the Succession Planning Process Now MSU Extension Farm Business Management Educator Dennis Stein talks about passing farming operations to the next generation.

W

hether you’re a fourth generation dairyman planting the same land as your great grandfather or the first generation starting your very own farmstead, the question is likely to arise: how will we transition to the next generation? Not always the easiest conversation, farm succession planning, more often than not, is put off until the last second… literally.

“One-half to one-third of people leave this earth without an exit strategy,” MSU Extension Farm Business Management Educator Dennis Stein explained during a presentation at the Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference last February. “And 40 percent die without a will.”

It’s only human to think there will be time to plan last wishes “later.” Yet, managing multi-enterprise, valuable farmsteads in a world of uncertainty, dairy producers can’t gamble with an unpredictable future. “Start transferring farm knowledge early to the next generation, and develop and implement a succession plan early to prevent headaches down the road. If you wait until someone is sick, that’s too late,” Stein warns.

Honest Involvement is Essential Before beginning a business succession plan, Stein asks current farm owners if they can respond “yes” to the following questions: •

Are the parents ready for a partner?

•

Is the next generation committed to farming?

•

Is the business large enough to support multiple families?

•

Is there a common vision of both generations’ futures together?

18 May 2013

•

Can you live and work together and still be happy?

•

Are the non-farm heirs supportive?

After determining if and how the farm should or can be passed to the next generation, Stein challenges the older generation, “Involve your heirs in the management and decision-making on the farm. By starting the succession process earlier, you can elongate the transfer period and give heirs more time to learn the ins and outs of the business. Osmosis isn’t effective to transfer knowledge and skills. Unless the next generation is actively involved in the entire operation – day-to-day management, cow care, cropping, manure management, accounting, taxes – they’ll never truly know how to keep the farm going when you’re gone.”

The Necessity of Gifting Farmers are all too familiar with the adage “asset rich, but cash poor.”

Managing these assets in times of transition can be tricky and must be an intentional process. Stein recommends transferring assets in the following order: operations of the farm and the commodity inventory, breeding livestock, machinery, buildings and facilities and, finally, land. He also reminds owners, “Your kids can’t buy your farm at today’s market prices. And that incurs so much taxable gain, it’s impractical. Profitable farms may need to gift things.”

Each year, an individual can gift $14,000 to another person without any required reporting to the IRS. This is not taxable for the giver or the reciver of the gift. In addition, over a lifetime $5.25 million can be gifted per individual ($10.5 million per married

couple) to each individual heir. This larger lifetime gifting is reportable, but not taxable unless it exceeds the current $5.25 million per individual. However, these gifts increase the tax liability of

No one wants the probate court to decide the fate of assets. If there is no written, credible plan in place, farm or family income may leave the area and be dispersed against the owner’s true wishes. the gifts themselves as they only carry the giver’s cost basis. Translation: if a future generation decides to sell the gifted property, those sales are reportable and may be subject to taxable capital gains.

Stein reminds everyone, regardless of inheritance or cash worth, to (at the very least) complete a will. No one wants the probate court to decide the fate of assets. If there is no written, credible plan in place, farm or family income may leave the area and be dispersed against the owner’s true wishes. At the very least, complete the Michigan Statutory Will which can be downloaded from the State of Michigan at http://michigan.gov/ documents/statwill_11444_7.pdf. This is not a replacement for professional legal services. But rather a stopgap alternative if there are currently no succession or estate plans in place.

Tips for owners & families undergoing the succession process: Write it down, sign and date it.

Whether it’s a will, informal wishes, promises or a transition timeline, a physical record allows everyone to see and understand the decisions. This increases the commitment and accountability of all parties to the plan and is key to making sure an owner’s final wishes are carried out.

Never let your kids read your trust.

Give heirs the big picture, but don’t cause issues by giving heirs a chance to stew about the small details. If non-farming heirs find out that their sibling(s) are getting special treatment for their years of service to the farm, it is common for problems to develop over time.

Make time for business meetings.

Regularly scheduled meetings throughout the transition process help solidify succession plans and establish a format that supports the sharing of information and knowledge to the younger generation.

Set a timeline for the split of labor and income and develop a budget.

Again, writing down concrete deadlines and divisions increases accountability and insures business transitions occur in an orderly, timely fashion. Also, developing a budget which takes into account the business’s income, expenditures and debt along with on-farm family living needs as well as the retired family’s living needs keeps the bottom line in perspective while providing for multigenerational needs.

Note: this is one of those times when everyone may not be treated equally. Remember a young family with kids may have higher income needs than a retired couple.

Share your plan with non-farm heirs.

Surprises can cause problems. When assets are evaluated, on-farm heirs may seem to (on paper) receive more inheritance than off-farm heirs. But this division may reflect compensation for years supporting the farm. Trying to split farm assets equally amongst all heirs can jeopardize the sustainability of the operation which is built around the current set of farm assets that are needed for the farm’s success.

Therefore, address this seeming inequality early in the process by considering sale or transfer of some of the farm assets early so the non-farming heirs can see the transition in process.

If you’re interested in learning more about formulating a viable farm transition and succession plan, Michigan State University Extension offers workshops and direct one-on-one assistance. Contact your local Michigan State University Extension office for more information.

Michigan Milk Messenger 19

Drink Milk for Life!

Jump With Jill Tour Brings Rock and Roll Nutrition Show to Michigan Schoolchildren

C

ombining music and movement with nutrition education, the United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM) sponsored the Drink Milk for Life! Jump with Jill Live Tour, the nation’s only rock and roll nutrition show.

The tour reached more than 18,000 students, grades K-6, in 50 Michigan schools between March 4 and May 3.

The high-energy performance featured memorable songs and dances that conveyed messages about nutritious dairy foods, healthy habits and exercise.

Each performance closed with the “Bone Rap,” a hip-hop dance celebration featuring Jill’s sidekick, Calcium. The song encourages students to drink milk and consume dairy products in a way that resonates with a young audience. The “Bone Rap” not only makes it cool to drink milk, but also teaches children why dairy products are so important for their health: These are your bones, you’ve gotta’ work ‘em out You gotta’ eat the foods that keep ‘em growin’ strong Milk, cheese and yogurt – to name drop a few I’m rolling with the stars of the bone building crew!

Created by registered dietitian and musician Jill Jayne, the show aims to close the gap between what people know is healthy and what people are actually doing by making healthy messages fun to learn.

In the school assembly, the same tools that are often used to sell junk food and a sedentary lifestyle to children were used to educate them about physical activity and healthy food choices. Jill and her team of performers were healthy role models with a “rock star image.” They rapped, sang, drummed and danced to songs while keeping children active throughout the show, as they interacted by dancing, singing and responding to performers.

The cast traveled from city to city 20 May 2013

in the Drink Milk for Life! Jump with Jill Live Tour van, which was covered with images of dairy products.

A Michigan dairy farmer was featured as part of the show, helping students understand the important link between their community’s dairy producers and the availability of wholesome, local dairy foods. MMPA members Debbie Kubacki, Lynda Horning, Jody Sharrard and Lyndsay Earl (representing Stakenas Farms) attended Jump with Jill events as farmer guest stars.

MMPA Dairy Communicator Debbie Kubacki comments, “‘Jill’ asked me if I was a dairy farmer. I said yes, and she excitedly asked me, ‘Oh, have you ever milked a cow?!’

By the end of the day, I had her on a nearby farm milking a cow herself so she wouldn’t be so ‘cowstruck.’”

While one of our dairy communicators gave Jill some on-farm experience, Jill taught thousands of Michigan youth about health benefits and great taste of dairy products. Key messages in the performance were presented in a rapping, kid-friendly format and included “Get Goin’ with Breakfast,” “Get your Calcium On” and “Exercise Daily to Make the Beat of your Body.” Jill’s breakfast message reinforced UDIM’s work to promote school breakfast programs and teach parents and others about the importance of breakfast.

Jill’s emphasis on physical activity was critical for a generation who is facing a growing obesity epidemic. Not

to mention, exercise is also connected to academic achievement. Research has shown that taking “brain breaks,” short spurts of physical activity, helps students perform better in school.

After 20 minutes of activity, a child’s brain shows dramatic improvements in its activity level, leading to improved learning and retention. Jump With Jill encouraged kids to get a “brain boost” from physical activity, and showed them how much fun they can have while exercising.

In addition to sponsoring the tour, UDIM teamed with Jump with Jill to create a DVD video series of the “Bone Rap” for distribution in all of Michigan’s Fuel up to Play 60 schools.

To view the “Bone Rap,” go to http:// www.jumpwithjill.com/jump-with-jill/ the-bone-rap-is-here/ or contact UDIM at 517-349-8923.

Learn more about co-ops and milk marketing...

@ the

MMPA/4-H Milk Marketing Tour

June 17-18!

What:

MMPA/4-H Milk Marketing Tour - two days of dairy & milk marketing tours, presentations and activities

Who:

15-18 year-old (as of Jan. 1, 2013) 4-H/FFA members or other students interested in dairy or milk marketing

When:

June 17-18, 2013

Where: Novi, Mich.

Why Should I Attend?

1.

2.

3.

4.

Meet other students interested in dairy Tour a dairy processing plant Meet leaders in the Michigan dairy industry Earn the chance to attend the National 4-H Dairy Conference in Madison, Wisc.

Space is limited to the first 30 students, so register today!

Call the MMPA Member Relations Department with questions 248-474-6672.

>>>

*Students who have already participated in the MMPA/ 4-H Milk Marketing Tour are not eligible to attend.

fill out this form & mail it to: Carla McLachlan, Registration Please Michigan State University, Dept. of Animal Science, Anthony Hall, 474 S. Shaw Lane, Room 1287, East Lansing, MI 48824.

Participant Information

Name:________________________________

Registrations Due May 28

Address:_______________________ City:___________ State:___ Zip:_____ County:___________________ Phone:______________ Age:___ Gender:___ Affiliation: 4-H ____

FFA ____

Other ____

Adult Chaperone Information Name:________________________________ Address:_______________________ City:___________ State:___ Zip:_____ Phone:______________ Michigan Milk Messenger 21

Tackling the Tough Topics

MMPA Dairy Communicators Talk about Building Consumers’ Trust and Rapport

“B

eing willing to talk about the tough issues is half the battle when trying to win consumers’ trust.

Consumers may learn that their expectations of how food should be produced are not so far from how we’re actually producing it, but we can’t get that across without having those tough conversations,” urged Center for Food Integrity’s (CFI) Roxi Beck at the MMPA Dairy Communicator (DC) Meeting Friday, April 19 in Lansing.

In addition to Beck’s afternoon training session, over 40 DCs gathered for cooperative updates and ideasharing to prepare for the upcoming year of grassroots dairy outreach and education. Yet, the meeting included information relevant for all members as they serve as agricultural ambassadors to the public.

Beck highlighted some key strategies, developed from years of CFI research and testing, to help DCs and other dairy farmers most effectively interact with consumers.

is what people resonate with.

It’s our ‘foot-in-the-door’ to winning consumers’ hearts and minds,” explained Beck.

Just like a doctor is credited not only for his/ her technical expertise, Beck elaborated on farmer’s need to hone and increase focus on their personal “bedside manner.” Building a personal connection is the vital first step most farmers miss when attempting to communicate with consumers.

Above: CFI’s Roxi Beck presented “Making it Stick:

Beck encouraged, Delivering Messages that Resonate with Consumers” at “Farmers come into the DC Meeting in April. conversations with consumers with an incredible amount of their food is produced and deserve only credibility. By and large, people trust the safest products for their families, farmers – they just don’t necessarily common ground can be forged opening believe that what’s going on on today’s ears and forming relationships. farms is ‘farming’ because they are so 2. Transparency isn’t an Option removed from it and aren’t familiar According to CFI’s focus group with what today’s farms look like. research, today’s consumer possesses a Having the confidence to venture into “right to know” mentality and lives in these conversations will be the key. I 1. Lead with Values a “how does that benefit me” society. think farmers will start to learn that the “As farmers, many of you are They are interested in the details of typical consumer is already on their comfortable talking about the where their food comes from and are side.” economics and science of your on-farm looking for the absolute truth from an In practice, Beck encourages practices, which increases consumers’ authentically transparent source. producers to first find a personal knowledge, but not their trust. Shared

Beck compels producers, connection point before going into values are three to five times more “Transparency is no longer an option. the nitty-gritty facts surrounding a important in building trust than Ongoing awareness building is crucial. particular topic. By first agreeing that demonstrating your competence or Transparency reduces fear and consumers have a right to know how understanding of farming. And trust eventually helps us build a common platform of trust.”

To foster this trust, she recommends meeting consumers on their level. “Don’t try to be something you’re not. Consumers are looking to talk to farmers who are ‘like them’ – common people who care about the same things they do,” she elaborated.

As producers show authentic transparency, Beck notes farmers shouldn’t get too caught up in the details. If the first goal is to correct improper terminology (pink slime, swine flu, etc.), then it’s hard to connect.

Producers should always use the correct terminology with the intention Above: Beck emphasized the importance of leading with values through a role play with of passing these correct terms on to MMPA DC Jody Sharrard.

22 May 2013

consumers by leading through example, but should not start a conversation with corrections.

3. Pick the Right Message AND the Right Messenger Consumers, like producers, come into every conversation with a certain identity. This identity includes their values, interests, biases and wants. Producer or consumer, every person looks for information that confirms personally held biases. To be accepted, new information must come from a credible source with a similar identity.

Beck dubbed these groups of people, with similar identities, “tribes” and used moms as an example. “If you don’t belong or speak the same language as other moms, it’s not likely you’ll be accepted into that tribe. If you enter the tribe, and stray from the beliefs it holds, you might get eaten by the tribe,” she joked. Bottom line: messages delivered by messengers who share an identity similar to the intended recipient are deemed more credible and, therefore, more effective. Choose messengers that align with consumers’ values.

For producers, this means reaching out to consumers using shared goals or interests. These overlaps of identity can enhance consumers’ trust and receptiveness by giving producers a chance to lead conversations with shared values.

In terms of the actual messages, Beck recommended utilizing resources like the Dairy Checkoff ’s “Telling Your Story” flipbooks for specific talking points.

Big picture she advised, “First, acknowledge and validate consumers’ concerns and quest for the whole truth.

Second, be willing to be accountable for confusion. It’s hard to sort through all the information that’s out there, and the agricultural industry hasn’t always done the best job being transparent and proactively telling our story. Third, build support for your motives. Consumers need to know that you’re not primarily profit driven, but care about the safety of the food you produce, the welfare of the animals in your care and the sustainability of the environment in which you live, just like they do.”

Beck concluded her presentation with one final piece of advice, “Educating consumers is a process, not a singular event. It’s about developing relationships over time built on trust and transparency. We’re aiming for an eventual opinion evolution as we give ourselves the opportunity to be a second source of information people can turn to when they have questions about their food.”

2013 service award recipients: (l-r) front: Arlene DeForest, Jenny Elzinga, Julie Schwab and Cami Marz-Evans, back: Kristina Langmaack, Debbie Kubacki and Lorelei Lutz.

The 2013 Service Award Recipients 30 Years Julie Schwab, Sunrise Local

25 Years Arlene DeForest, Saline-Ann Arbor Local

15 Years Diane Foley, Deford/Clifford-Mayville Local Debbie Kubacki, Huron Local

10 Years Penny Reed, Owosso Local

5 Years Jenny Elzinga, West Michigan Local Kristie Lamb, Mid-Thumb Local Kristina Langmaack, Lansing Local Sara Lee, Deckerville Local Lorelei Lutz, Huron Local Cami Marz-Evans, Hillsdale-Litchfield Local Melissa Sullivan, Mid-Thumb Local

Michigan Milk Messenger 23

SM YOU ARE OUR BEST PROPONENT FORIt? PROTECTING ANIMALS. NMPF Launches See Stop It!

If you witness a deliberate act of animal abuse, neglect, harm Initiative to Empower Farm Workers or mishandling, you have an obligation to immediately contact your supervisor or any of the following individuals.

T

he National Milk Producers

to farmers. Having a system in

All reports made in (NMPF) good faithjoined will be thoroughly Federation place toinvestigated, contact anykept of several confidential and you will not be penalized for speaking up. the Center for Food Integrity authorities is imperative, and

well with the dairy industry’s National Dairy FARM Program: Farmers Assuring Responsible ManagementTM to ensure the wellbeing of animals in our care.”

‘See it? Stop it!’ provides that and the U.S. pork sector to SM launch “See It? Stop It! resource. This initiative combines Animal care starts with you,” PHONE NUMBER: _________-_________-_________ a proactive demonstration of TITLE: agriculture’s commitment to VALUES NAME: farm animal care. The initiative PHONE NUMBER: _________-_________-_________ empowers, and in fact, demands TITLE: that if signs of animal abuse, NAME: neglect, mishandling or harm The See it? Stop it! initiative operates with the following values: PHONE NUMBER: _________-_________-_________ are witnessed, anyone working 1. Animal abuse, neglect, harm and mishandling are unacceptable and on a farm or in a farm setting Responsible animal care is our first priority and most important obligation. will not be tolerated. has an obligation to report it Help ensure our animals receive the best care possible. immediately.

2. Proper animal care is the responsibility of every individual who is Employers: Recommended contacts include the immediate supervisor of the barn/farm/department, around animals.

Though it owner, is uncommon, the farm the human resources director and/or the farm’s veterinarian. when animal abuse, neglect, 3. Individuals working with or around animals have an obligation to immediately report any signs of deliberate animal abuse, neglect, harm or harm or mistreatment takes mishandling to a supervisor or other individual responsible for place, it is essential to give enforcement of proper animal care. animal care providers resources a Center for Food Integrity initiative to swiftly report what they 4. Thorough, ongoing and consistent employee training and re-training are critical to responsible animal care and are necessary components witness. The “See It? Stop It!” of a comprehensive animal care program. initiative provides several options to enable employees to speak up 5. Employers have an obligation to: i. Provide education and promote the importance of proper and to stop animal abuse. Ultimately, responsible animal care. empowering animal caretakers ii. Encourage and enable employees to immediately report of all signs and giving them responsibility to of animal abuse, neglect, harm or mishandling. iii. Provide accessible and reliable contacts who have immediate report animal abuse immediately authority to address reports of animal care concerns. will help assure the best care for iv. Take swift action to correct all instances of inappropriate animal care. animals. v. Ensure employees who raise concerns in good faith are not penalized.

Betsy Flores, NMPF’s senior director of animal health and welfare, stated, “Care of animals could not be more important TITLE: jointly NAME:

SM

24 May 2013

The initiative demonstrates to the public that farmers are committed to good animal care and calls on anyone who witnesses abuse to stop it immediately. This includes those who are on farms to videotape animal production activities. Stopping and reporting abuse quickly is the right thing to do for animals, and it demonstrates that those involved in livestock production understand their obligation to provide sound animal care. Demonstrating this commitment is important to maintaining public trust in today’s animal agriculture.

“As the nation’s oldest animal protection organization, the American Humane Association (AHA) has a long history of involvement with programs that help assure proper animal care,” said Kathi Brock, National Director of the Farm Animal Program for AHA. “It is critical for farm management to set clear expectations for animal care and to have zero tolerance for animal mistreatment. We believe ‘See It? Stop It!’ provides the tools to help set those expectations and a mechanism for reporting abuse

“A full service insurance agency” We specialize in Farms and offer a full range of coverages to serve all of your insurance needs.

which supports the proper care of America’s farm animals.”

“Those in agriculture are understandably frustrated by undercover videos. The actions of a few captured on video can taint public perception of the entire livestock community.

Taking action to stop abuse demonstrates a genuine commitment to do what’s right for the animals on farms,” said Roxi Beck of the Center for Food Integrity, which is a notfor-profit corporation established to build consumer trust and confidence in the today’s food system. CFI’s members, who represent every segment of the food system, are committed to providing accurate information and addressing important issues among all food system stakeholders.

It is the duty of farm leaders to convey the level of commitment they have to responsible animal care, while empowering employees who work with or around animals to immediately report any signs of animal abuse, neglect, harm or mistreatment.

Additional information about the program, including an employer checklist, guidance for integrating the program into existing animal well-being programs, posters for use in barns and guidance on employee training is available at www.SeeItStopIt.org.

• Competitive – Farmowners.

• Co-op Members in good standing receive additional premium discounts on Farmowners policy.

• Group Medical – Regardless of health conditions for 2 plus groups.

• Low Cost Term Life “Debt Protection.”

616.656.7260 mfu@comcast.net

Michigan Milk Messenger 25

Manure Structures should be Monitored During Extreme Wet Weather Conditions Recent heavy rains have added to what may have been nearly full manure storage structures.

Livestock farmers are encouraged to monitor these facilities and prepare to take action should an emergency develop.

by Gerald May, Michigan State University Extension

N

o one expects emergencies.

While we plan for difficult times, sometimes a sequence of events results in situations outside the parameters of normal planning. A late spring, combined with heavy rains across Michigan, have many livestock waste storage structures approaching overflow volumes. Michigan State University Extension recommends giving these structures immediate attention by monitoring them to prevent a major environmental event.

What do you do if the manure storage is approaching overflow volume?

Transfer to another storage area.

Perhaps the ideal solution is to move the manure to another storage structure that has a greater freeboard. Be sure the manure storage facility you’ll be transferring into is structurally sound and can safely hold the manure being transferred without exceeding its own freeboard requirement.

Apply a limited amount of manure to select fields. In many instances, lowering the manure just a few inches will be helpful; possibly buying enough time for the weather and field conditions to improve. Consider hauling a few loads now on fields with lighter well-drained soils that may support manure application equipment.

Hay fields or fields with crop residue may also support tractors and manure spreaders. The emerging hay or crop residue will also help capture the manure nutrients and reduce the risk of nutrient runoff. Rule out all fields susceptible to runoff in persisting wet conditions.

In a dire emergency, where manure is near the top of the berm, starting to overflow and there are no other 26 May 2013

options, consider pumping off a small amount into a low area in an adjacent field. It is more desirable to control where the manure is going than to have the storage bank give way and lose millions of gallons into a ditch, creek or wetland. If utilizing this last course of action, transfer low nutrient waste by either pumping off the top of the manure storage structure where the rain and dilute manure has been captured or pump from a storage structure that collects low nutrient waste then transfer the more nutrient rich manure from the manure storage structure approaching full.

This course of action may be in violation of the Michigan Right to Farm Generally Accepted Agriculture Management Practices (GAAMPs) and on permitted farms the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit.

Be sure to document the situation and the emergency need to transfer manure, document the amount of manure transferred and that the freeboard was reestablished. Under this scenario, evaluate the risk and choose the action that will result in the lowest environmental risk.

Review your emergency plan now.

Know who to call and what needs to be done in an emergency situation.

Make sure the contact information for the large equipment operators needed to contain emergencies is up to date. Review emergency management procedures with all appropriate employees. Ensure they all know the procedures to follow in case today’s annoyance turns into a full scale emergency in the future.

Monitor manure storage structures.

Just like the soils in fields, the banks of earthen manure structures are saturated and weakened. Walk the perimeter of these storages on a daily basis. Look for any weakness in the banks themselves or any small ruts where manure may start to seep out. Once manure starts to seep through it will quickly erode the bank resulting in a larger manure spill.

Permitted farms should stay in contact with MDEQ. Permitted farms are encouraged to contact MDEQ prior to making any changes in the farm’s nutrient management plan or manure transfer agreements. The agency will be understanding and helpful during extreme weather conditions and emergency situations.

Permitted farms are also required to maintain approximately 16 inches of freeboard and emergency volume (12 inches of freeboard plus an emergency volume equal to a 25 year 24 hour rain event, which in Michigan is generally about 4 inches of rain). Farms with less than the required freeboard and emergency volume are in violation of their permit and are encouraged to contact MDEQ.

Hopefully the rain and wet weather will soon be behind us. We could all use some sunshine and drying weather.

Until that time continue to monitor manure storage structures aiming to prevent a severe environmental event.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit http://www.msue.msu. edu. To contact an expert in your area, visit http://expert.msue.msu.edu, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

Michigan Milk Messenger 27

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

Work Gloves

A

s most of you know, the warehouse carries a full line of milking gloves. What you may not know, is that we also carry an excellent lineup of work gloves.

The heavy duty deerskin gloves are soft, supple and provide excellent durability and dexterity. These gloves protect the hands while doing tough jobs, operating heavy equipment or just driving. The goatskin gloves are lighter, yet tough enough to handle any project. Both styles are unlined with a shirred wrist and a keystone thumb which conforms to natural hand contours for comfort. The deerskin gloves are available in extra large and large sizes.

The goatskin gloves are available in extra large, large and medium.

Deerskin:

We also have some very good material handling gloves available. The Flex tuff gloves are a cotton glove with the palm dipped in natural rubber for superior gripping ability.

The Duratherm is a warm, thermal glove with a rubber dipped palm. Besides being good for handling materials, it is designed for work in cooler temperatures.

Stock number:

XLG Lg

XLG LG MED XLG LG MED SM

XLG LG MED SM

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

28 May 2013

5054 5055 5056

$6.94/ per pair $6.94/ per pair $6.94/ per pair

5005 5004 5003 5002

$2.25/ per pair $2.25/ per pair $2.25/ per pair $2.25/ per pair

5064 5063 5062 5061

$4.81/ per pair $4.81/ per pair $4.81/ per pair $4.81/per pair

Duratherm:

Ingredients from your trusted source.

7% minimum protein 7% maximum fiber 4% minimum fat

$11.88/per pair $11.88/ per pair

Flex tuff:

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

Low Fat Hominy

5070 5071

Goatskin:

These gloves can be ordered from the warehouse for direct shipment. While your milk hauler may not carry these in their inventory, they can order them for you as well.

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

Member Price:

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

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.

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

P

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

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

MMPA Member Testing Fees 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

$40 $ 6 $40 $ 6 $10

• Bovine Leukosis Test

- ELISA – cows - ELISA – tank

$ 6 $10

• Milk Pregnancy ELISA

$4.50

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 29

Freeliners

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

Bulls

Cows and Heifers

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.

Small herd, low somatic cell. 989-827-9614.

Service age Holstein bulls. Call Steve Alexander, 810-622-8548 evenings or 810404-8548.

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, 269-673-4886 or 269-217-6076, ask for Tim. www.verhageholsteins.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 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.

30 May 2013

Bred heifers. 616-835-6776.

Equipment New Holland 256 hay rake, $1,700. 989826-5453.

New Holland 8970, 215-hp., 6,280 hours, good condition, $53,000 obo. 231-388-0339.

Livestock scales, 6’ x 8’, 5,000 lb. capacity, very good condition, $2,500. Joseph Mishler, Howe, IN 260-499-4228 ext. 5 leave message.

John Deere 5400 self-propelled chopper.

4-wheel drive, new style cutter head, 3 row corn head, 7 ½ ft. hay head, 4-row snapping head, 3,400 original hours. Only 150 hours on rebuilt motor. Nice original chopper, $25,000 for all. Call 810-338-5265.

One 35 John Deere chopper with hay head.

One 700 Gehl chopper with two heads. One John Deere 640 hay rake. John Deere 243 snapper head, 2-row. All in good condition.

260-705-8185.

2007 New Holland TM140 Loader tractor MFWD with 3600 hours, asking $50,000.

Two New Holland LS170 Skidsteers, 2002 with 6300 hours and 2004 with 5400 hours, asking $15,000 each. Will consider offers.

989-756-5044 Whittemore, Mich.

Boumatic RFID sort gate, 5 years old, limited use, $15,000. Call 989-550-0158.

Crowd gate from Sikkema Equipment, 24ft. wide, $1,800. 260-768-7698.

MILLER Pro 4012 High Lift forage wagon. Very good condition. GEHL 1065 Forage Chopper, Hay and 2 Row Corn head. Good Condition. HARVESTORE Hercules unloader. Very useable or for parts.

Many new parts installed before last fill.

Please call (989) 620-4290.

15-ft. Woods Batwing mower, model B315, older but nice, $6,000 obo. 989-382-7138.

4 ton GSI grain bin, excellent condition, $1,100 obo. 16 universal milker claws, $500 or $35 each. 8 stainless COP washers, $50 each. 12 ton Knowles tandem running gear, excellent condition, $1,200. 10 ton Knowles running gear, $600. New Holland

670 square baler, excellent condition, $8,900 obo. Beaters off a 980 Gehl forage wagon, like new, $200 each. Richie 7-ft. electric plastic waterer, $600. 989-224-2615 or 517204-0888.

Case IH 8450 round baler, twine tie $5,500.

Gehl 2360 10’ discbine, $5,000. NH 260 rake, $1,200. 616-636-8257.

International V-Ripper, model 11, 9 tooths, 22-in. centers, has spring release, 3 point hitch, $2,000. Cheboygan, Mich. Call after 5:00 p.m. 231-625-2036.

New Holland #40 blower, very good condition, $1,750 obo. Gehl unloading wagon parts: top cross conveyor tray part #045022, $50; and apron chains 16-ft, $75 each or make offer. Harvestor 210 belt conveyor 25-ft., $75 obo. 810-404-0468.

Dairy Equipment 9 Delaval MU 480 portable milking units.

Purchased brand new in Dec. 2010. Used less than 2 years. $18,000 obo. 231-2454773.

Bou-matic 5-hp. Vacuum pump, 3 milking units with electric pulsators, stainless steel pipeline. Sunset model 415 bulk tank. 989874-5943.

Mueller 500-gal. bulk tank with compressor and tank washer, $1,800.

Mueller Acu-Therm Plate heat exchanger DW 31, $1,100. 2-in. stainless milk line and receiver jar. 4 Boumatic Flo-Star milk units and pulsators, $135 each. Boumatic 5-hp.

Vacuum pump w/motor, $650. Call for more information. 989-550-3856.

800-gal. high performance bulk tank, washer, agitator, compressors. 260-5930472.

12 Wakito Milk Meters, $50 each, 12 Boumatic Little Champ/Wakito takeoffs, $300 for all plus spare parts. 616636-8257.

8 Delaval DV300 with H.P. 102 pulsators.

810-404-0468.

Freeliners, Cont.

Rosebush Sale Barn, Inc.

Misc.

Family owned dairy farm seeking ambitious, reliable full time employee.

Duties include very little milking, general labor and field work. Housing available.

Call 616-218-7125 or 616-218-9350.

SALE SCHEDULE:

1st and 2nd cutting haylage $90 a ton.

Protein is 23.4 to 23.9, no trucking available. 989-640-3370.

The first Wednesday of every month: We sell open heifers @ 8am, bred heifers @ 10:30 am, stop at noon and sell cows, continue with bred heifers after cows are done selling

Every Tuesday @ 1pm: baby heifer and bull calves (approx. 130-200 heifers calves sell every week) majority out of AI breeding & tested dams

55-gal. of New Holland propionic acid, $1.10/lb. Call 989-635-7917 or 989-4153274.

Wanted Looking for Surge auto-flow electronics.

810-728-6237.

750-800 gal. flat top bulk tank. Free heater.

231-821-2447.

Small herd of milking cows that can be bought on milk check assignment. 616-8890769.

MILK PREGNANCY TEST CoNfIRM PREGNANCY

without the additional time and labor to sort, restrain and sample animals.

Effective from 35-days post breeding and 60-days post calving through dry-off. sting, Start te.631.3510. call 800

New Consignments Always Welcome

Get to know us... Rosebush Sale Barn, Inc. is a dairy cattle auction market located in Rosebush, Michigan, where we have over 10,000 clients. Our sales consist of 650-1000 head of opens, springers and cows, as we are one of the largest dairy sales in a three state area and the demand for good cattle is strong. We pride ourselves in providing the best in cattle auction services, which includes top sales management services on your farm or at our sales facility. We have been serving the dairymen’s needs for over 35 years and guarantee payment from a full bonded and licensed company. We handle any size of herds of cows or groups of heifers, whether we sell them privately, on your farm or through our established auction market. If there is a sale in your future and your life’s work is on the line, you need and deserve the best management team, look to Rosebush. Top prices, low expenses and high returns for dairymen are our priority!

ROSEBUSH SALE BARN, INC. 4389 E. Denver Rd., Rosebush, MI 48878 WWW.ROSEBUSHSALEBARN.COM Robert Filhart, Owner Office: (989) 433-5348 Cell: (989) 330-6005 Hay & straw available now! 4x5 big round alfalfa hay bales, 950-1050# & 4x5 straw bales, feed grade.

We will deliver. Self propelled ag bagger available for rent, produces 12 x 250 ft bags. Please call to reserve dates for bagging your haylage, corn silage and beet pulp for top feed quality with no waste.

Where Quality Cattle Sell! northstarcooperative.com Michigan Milk Messenger 31

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1-800-558-0112. ______________________________________ Wanted to buy: Used bulk milk tanks, 200 gallons & larger, Sunset & Mueller, 1-800-558-0112. ______________________________________ Seed Oats, Spring Barley and Medium Red June Clover Seed. 989-723-1886 or 989-277-1414. ______________________________________ LIQUID MANURE HAULING. Truck tankers can spread or load farm spreaders.

Scott M. Powell Trucking 517-437-9562 or 517-320-0443. ______________________________________ ALFALFA HAYLAGE. 989-277-1414 or 989723-1886. ______________________________________

Beneficial Fly Eliminators, insects to control filth breeding flies in your cattle barns. Why not give nature a chance? A non chemical alternative. Over 50,000 pupae placed every two weeks as average for herd of 100200. $80.00. Programs based on herd size and fly problem. Basic HS Acres, basichsacres@ sch-net.com, 989-846-9494. ______________________________________

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

REGISTERED HOLSTEIN BULLS 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

32 May 2013

www.greenmeadowfarms.com

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

MILK SHIPPED — POSITIVE drugs CONFIRMED

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MMPA Policy on Milk Quality QUALITY QUESTIONABLE

REJECTED LOAD SHIPMENT

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

If:

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

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

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

MILK SHIPPED – HIGH BACTERIA COUNT If:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HAULER

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

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

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

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

Michigan Milk Messenger 33

Market Report For Milk Marketed in March 2013

MARKET STATISTICS Mideast Federal Order #33 (pounds)

This Month

Year Ago

Total Class 1 Sales

547,743,700

534,204,401

+2.53

Total Class 2 Sales

186,058,670

265,800,662

-30.00

Total Class 3 Sales

474,740,211

600,311,691

-20.92

Total Class 4 Sales

228,184,517

157,400,603

1,436,727,098 1,557,717,357

Total Production Class 1 Utilization

38.1%

2013

2012 % Change

+44.97

Production California

3,678

3,804 -3.3

-7.77

Wisconsin

2,400

2,329

+3.0

New York

1,159

1,138

+1.8

Idaho

1,133

1,127

+0.5

Pennsylvania

926

923

+0.3

Texas

840

876

-4.1

Minnesota

807

793

+1.8

Michigan

790

767

+3.0

New Mexico

715

736

-2.9

Washington

543

537

+1.1

Ohio

481

470

+2.3

Indiana

340

330

+3.0

* Total U.S.

16,440

16,462

-0.1

* U.S. Y-T-D

47,000

47,425

-0.9

34.3%

Mideast Federal Order #33

Current Month Total Producers 6,150 Average Daily Production per Farm 7,536 Average Protein Test 3.15% Average Butterfat Test 3.84% Average Other Solids Test 5.75% Average SCC Count (MMPA) 165,000

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

$2.8204

Butterfat Price/lb.

$1.7476

Other Solids Price/lb.

$0.4179

Class III Price @ 3.5%

$ 16.93

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

34 May 2013

$1.09 $ 18.02 $0.00082

NATIONAL TRENDS (million pounds)

% Change

* For 23 states

NASS Survey Prices

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

1.6467 1.6146 1.5208 0.6048

MMPA Staff NOVI (Headquarters) 248-474-6672

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

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

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

Member Communications

Laura Moser, ext. 296

Alex Schnabelrauch, ext. 211

MANUFACTURING PLANTS

Constantine 269-435-2835 Plant Manager Dave Davis

MASTITIS MANAGEMENT Tom Herremans......................231-853-2045 Ravenna................. mobile 269-967-0890 Steven Lehman.......................989-875-3441 Ithaca .................... mobile 989-330-1638 Christy Dinsmoore........................................

Fairgrove............... mobile 989-528-9102 NORTH AREA Supervisor: Gerry Volz................................

St. Louis Office....................989-289-9219 Frank Brazeau........................920-834-4059 Oconto, Wis........... mobile 906-250-0337 Ben Chapin....................................................

Big Rapids............. mobile 989-289-0731 Preston Cole............................231-584-2587 Mancelona............. mobile 989-289-9301 Lyndsay Earl.................................................

Ludington.............. mobile 231-519-2455 Angelee Kirsch..............................................

Harbor Beach........ mobile 231-414-4539 Lindsay Santure............................................

St. Johns.................. mobile 989-488-8159 Gerry Volz...............................989-848-5996 Fairview................. mobile 989-289-9219

MMPA FIELD STAFF

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

SOUTH AREA Supervisor: Ed Zuchnik..............................

Coldwater Office....................269-967-7351 Krista Beeker.................................................

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

Middlebury, IN...... mobile 269-535-0822 Kendra Kissane.............................................

Hudsonville............ mobile 269-245-6632 Andrew Rupprecht.......................................

Clio......................... mobile 269-986-6793 Elyse Martin..................................................

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

Three Rivers.......... mobile 269-967-7351 Other Services: Gary Best................................810-664-4984 Lapeer .................... mobile 586-484-9279 Bulk Tank Calibration Katie Pierson.................................................

Coleman................. mobile 989-289-9686 Merchandise Coordinator, Energy Auditor Michael Marvin.............................................

Marlette...............................989-670-4864 Energy Auditor

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

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

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

Michigan Milk Messenger 35

Shared Values.

Shared Vision.

Membership in Michigan Milk Producers Association goes much farther than designating a place to market your milk. When you join forces with MMPA you are aligning with a cooperative that has your best interest in mind. MMPA works on your behalf on issues important to today’s dairy farm families: youth education, leadership, policy issues and quality milk production.

Michigan Milk Producers Association. Member Owned. Member Driven.

www.mimilk.com 800.572.5824.