Michigan Milk Messenger: August 2014

Messenger Michigan Milk

The official publication of Michigan Milk Producers Association

Inside

www.mimilk.com VOL. 97 ISSUE 2 AUGUST 2014

Hudsonville Creamery • 4-H Tour • Ag Expo

contents Michigan Milk Messenger EDITOR’S LETTER

4 6

MMPA Matters Reflections from D.C.

Quality Watch MDARD Makes Code Changes to Pressure Washer Systems

8 News & Views Legislative Watch 10 Senate Candidates Meet with MMPA Advisory Committee

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FEATURES

11 12

MMPA Hires New Ovid Plant Manager Colt Johnson Foremost Farms USA and Michigan Milk Producers Association Announce Strategic Alliance

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De Grins Oer Dairy Hosting Breakfast on the Farm

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Managing Editor............................. Sheila Burkhardt Editors.............. Laura Moser, Alex Schnabelrauch Advertising Manager..................Nancy Muszynski Circulation.................................................................... 2,972 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.

Telephone: 248-474-6672

P.O. Box 8002 FAX: 248-474-0924 Novi, MI 48376-8002 www.mimilk.com

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

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

(ISSN 0026-2315)

22 14

Q&A with MMPA General Manager Joe Diglio

17 2014 MMPA 4-H 18 Milk Marketing Tour

From Milking Parlor to Board Room

Departments 24 Merchandise 25 Quality Premiums 26 Freeliners 28 Classifieds 29 Policies 30 Market Report 31 Staff

Cover The annual Ag Expo was held on the campus of Michigan State University July 22-24.

MMPA staff and “Daisy” were on hand to greet the show’s many visitors.

Milk, 22 Michigan Michigan Scoops

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

District Directors 1. Hank Choate, Cement City 2. Tim Hood, Paw Paw 3. Bob Kran, Free Soil 4. John Kronemeyer, Pickford 5. Brent Wilson, Carson City 6. Tony Jandernoa, Fowler 7. Eric Frahm, Frankenmuth 8. Leonard Brown, Sandusky

517-529-9032 269-657-5771 231-464-5889 906-647-7638 989-584-3481 989-593-2224 989-652-3552 810-648-4505

August 2014

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

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

or 248-474-6672, ext. 201 Rodney Daniels, Whittemore 989-756-4935 Dan Javor, Hastings 269-948-8345 Mark Halbert, Battle Creek 269-964-0511 James Reid, Jeddo 810-327-6830

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Board of Directors

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MMPA MATTERS Ken Nobis

by

President

Reflections from D.C. Last month I was in Washington, D.C. for a couple of days with two MMPA board members, Eric Frahm and Butch Brown, MMPA’s Director of Member Relations Sheila Burkhardt and General Manager Joe Diglio.

than the differences, and I start wondering why we don’t work more closely together. For example, the growing opposition to genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is something several groups try to address individually.

Is an individualistic approach to an issue like this the most effective way to educate the public, or would we be better off to pool our resources and work together? We need to coordinate our efforts to address matters that affect more than one segment of agriculture.

We were in Washington, D.C. to attend the summer Ag Breakfast hosted by the Ag Leaders of Michigan (ALM) for the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.

The Ag Breakfast and related events provide a relaxed atmosphere to exchange ideas and viewpoints, nurture relationships and discuss business.

I have to admit I was apprehensive when we started taking part in these outreach trips to D.C. Making small talk and doing all that is expected in these quasisocial/business events does not come naturally to me.

August 2014

It’s not just the relationships with the political and regulatory leaders that are important, but also those we form and strengthen with the other commodity groups and allied agricultural industries like Tyson Foods, Monsanto, National Corn Growers Association and National Feed Grains Council.

It’s one aspect of our ongoing effort to keep in mind the game is played by far more people than those who are part of our own small group.

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The breakfast is attended primarily by members and their staffs from districts that have strong ties to agriculture, and by our two U.S. senators. Representatives from national agricultural organizations and commodity groups also attend.

Coming together with other segments of agriculture makes me realize the similarities more

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Having participated for several years now, I do feel more comfortable, and I recognize the tangible benefits of proactively building relationships and providing information about our industry when there is no urgent agenda.

It wasn’t until I was elected as MMPA president and then as National Milk Producers Federation vice president that I became a frequent visitor to D.C. I probably average five or six visits per year now, and my respect for our country and our institutions seems to grow with each visit. I make it a point to walk the distance between the Capitol Building and the Lincoln Memorial when I have a chance to do it.

The Lincoln, World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War Memorials in particular remind me of the sacrifices so many have made and continue to make to protect our freedoms. Even today when we find fault with our elected leaders, we are free to complain without fear of retribution. In addition to strengthening relationships, visits to D.C. remind us that despite the problems we read and hear about every day, our country is strong and has a solid history.

I had some time during this visit between scheduled morning activities and an afternoon visit to the office of Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, so I welcomed the opportunity to walk along the Washington Mall. July is a prime month for visitors to our nation’s capital, and this day was no exception. I learned when you are one of only a few in a crowd wearing business attire, people assume you must not be a tourist and therefore are qualified to give directions. I just hope those nice people I gave directions to finally reached their destinations. But if they didn’t, they probably just thought they had been misled by another politician.

Seriously, though, as we look ahead to the primary races and the fall elections, let’s make every effort to elect representatives who will go to bat for the agriculture industry and who recognize our industry is critical to our state and our country. The right to vote is something Americans hold dear, so don’t miss an opportunity to go to the polls and be heard.

2 June 2012

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August 2014

QUALITY WATCH By

Dean Letter

Director, Member Services

MDARD Makes Code Changes to Pressure Washer Systems On May 1, 2014, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) made some code changes that will impact Michigan dairy farms.

MDARD inspectors regulate pressure washer systems to ensure pressure washers do not contaminate the potable water system. Their codes attempt to prevent pressure washers from drawing a vacuum (creating the potential for contamination) on the water system.

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August 2014

After an audit of MDARD’s dairy inspection, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration informed MDARD that Watts N36 valves used at dairy facilities to prevent water backflow in pressure washer applications do not comply with the Michigan plumbing code.

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the suction or feed line drops below 10 pounds per square inch.”

A low-pressure cutoff switch can be mounted in the same location as an N36, but pressure washers need to be wired through the switch.

They are only conducive to electric systems and can be purchased through the MMPA Merchandise Warehouse.

2. A separate water reservoir Installing a separate water reservoir is MDARD’s preferred solution as it severs the direct connection between the potable water and pressure washer systems, therefore eliminating any possibility for contamination. This setup requires the installation of a separate tank or barrel. If a pressure washer is supplied by water from a source other than that which provides potable water to the milkhouse (such as repressurized plate cooler water) no protection is required.

Existing systems will be grandfathered in, but new or modified systems will have to use one of three other approved applications to replace the use of the Watts N36 valve:

While a separate water reservoir is an option for both gas and electric systems, it’s not a one-size-fits-all fix for all washers. Some pressure washers may not function without being supplied by water under pressure, and therefore won’t function in this configuration.

1. A low-pressure cutoff switch According to the FDA, “An effective low pressure cut-off switch may be installed on the suction side and immediately upstream from the pump. This switch must deactivate the pump when the pressure on

3. A Reduced Pressure Zone Backflow Preventer (RPZ) Lastly, Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) backflow preventers are another MDARD-approved alternative to the Watts N36 valve.

The RPZ is installed on the inlet

side of the pressure washer and has an intermediate vent open to the atmosphere when there is no pressure on the water supply line to the pump. The theory is the atmospheric vent will pull air through the system as opposed to contaminants.

RPZs are already being used on many dairy farms in other applications to prevent backflow.

They can be utilized in both electric and gas systems and can also be special-ordered through the MMPA Merchandise Warehouse. A RPZ is large, expensive, and is not well-suited to portable systems. It also requires annual testing by licensed personnel.

According to Gordon Robinson of MDARD, during routine inspections, dairy inspectors will inform dairy producers of necessary changes in order to comply with the Michigan plumbing code. MDARD inspectors will note which power washers are grandfathered in on their farm inspection record and no changes will be required for those power washers. Newly installed or modified power washers after May 1, 2014 will be marked by the MDARD dairy inspector and orders to comply with one of the approved solutions will be required. Those farms with a sanitation score less than 90 will be put on reinspection and a date set for correction of all the items on the inspection report. continued on page 9

MASTICARE WITH LSA TECHNOLOGY KILLS VIRTUALLY ON CONTACT AND KEEPS WORKING, MAKING IT BOTH AN EXCELLENT PRE- AND POST-DIP SOLUTION.

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www.AandL-Labs.com

August 2014

LSA technology also gives you more powerful broad spectrum protection. It kills mastitis-causing pathogens, including bacteria, fungi and viruses. Even when exposed to high levels of organic contaminants, which can lower the effectiveness of other traditional non-iodine dips, MASTICARE stays as effective as iodine. It’s gentle too. You’ll see less irritation and smoother softer teats, in all kinds of weather. That means better teat sanitation, lower somatic cell counts and improved milkability throughout your herd.

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1001 Glenwood Ave. N., Minneapolis, MN 55405

NEWS & VIEWS

June Class III Down from National DHIA Scholarship Application available Online May, $3.34 Above 2013 The USDA announced June’s Federal Order Class III price is $21.36 per hundredweight, down $1.21 from May, but $3.34 above June 2013. The Class IV price is $23.13, up 48 cents from May, and $4.25 above a year ago.

Dairy Education, Outreach and Fun at Great Dairy Adventure 2014

National Dairy Herd Information Association (NDHIA) is offering $750 scholarships to full-time incoming and continuing students at technical and two-year and four-year colleges/universities. To be eligible for a National DHIA scholarship, the applicant must be a family member or employee of a herd on DHI test, a family member of a DHI employee or an employee of a DHI affiliate. The DHI affiliate for the herd or affiliate employee must be a member of National DHIA. (Dairy Lab Services, DHI Cooperative Inc., Indiana State Dairy Association and NorthStar Cooperative DHI Services are National DHIA members.)

Judges will evaluate applicants based on scholastic achievements, leadership, community activities and work experience, experience and knowledge of DHIA and response to questions on the application. Applications are due Oct. 15, 2014.

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To apply for a National DHIA scholarship, log on to: www.dhia.org and download and complete the electronic application form. For more information, contact Holly Thompson, National DHIA scholarship committee chair, at lilvaledairy@aol.com, or 507-534-4347; or JoDee Sattler, National DHIA communications and events manager, 608-848-6455, ext. 112 or jdsattler@dhia.org.

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Visit MMPA’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ MichiganMilkProducersAssociation) to view more snapshots of this year’s Great Dairy Adventure, held in East Lansing on Wednesday, July 23. Thanks to all our members who volunteered at this year’s event!

National DHIA will award approximately 20 $750 scholarships. Generous contributions from National DHIA members, friends and supporters help fund these scholarships.

Chocolate Milk Grants Available

Think about what unique, time-honored stories you have to share… Why did you, your parents or grandparents join MMPA? What does being part of the cooperative mean to you? What programs have you benefited most from?

How has the cooperative changed over the years? When have you benefited from MMPA membership firsthand?

Please send your story to MMPA Member Relations, P.O. Box 8002, Novi, MI 48376. Or drop us an email at MMPA100@mimilk.com. Be sure to include your name and contact information.

Since its inception in 2011, the UDIM chocolate milk program has awarded grants in varying amounts to 177 high school sports teams. Teams of up to 25 athletes are eligible for $1,000; teams of 26-75 athletes $2,000; and teams of 76 or more athletes $3,000 in milk products. Fall sports season grants have already been awarded, but winter sports teams across Michigan have until October 3, 2014 to submit their grant requests to UDIM. To find out more about getting a chocolate milk grant for your local high school athletic team through UDIM’S Chocolate Milk: Nature’s Sport Drink, go online to MilkMeansMore.org or call Amy Viselli at 1-800-241-MILK.

Tell Us Your MMPA Dairy Story…

With MMPA’s 100-year anniversary just around the corner, we’re looking for MMPA dairy stories to share in the Messenger and other special publications.

And we need your help!

Upcoming Events August 14-15 MMPA OYDC Conference ­— Novi 16 Breakfast on the Farm — DeGrins’ Dairy

Quality Watch

Shirley Hazle Passes

The Michigan dairy industry has lost a truly remarkable person. Shirley H. Hazle died suddenly Wednesday, July 23, 2014 at the age of 82.

She was born March 3, 1932 in Victor Township, Clinton County, Michigan the daughter of Dana and Dorothy (Morrison) Parker. Shirley was a graduate of Rodney B. Wilson High School in St. Johns, Class of 1950. She was an active and energetic Shirley Hazle (pictured with her husband, George) was a tireless member of many farm and agriculture supporter of the Michigan dairy organizations. Shirley was active in the industry and served as a 4-H dairy county and state 4-H, was a MMPA Dairy leader for 58 years.

Communicator, UDIM Dairy Diplomat and a board member of the Farm Women Symposium. She was a member of the Michigan Holstein Association and very active in District 6 of MMPA. She served on the Victor Township Planning Board and worked for several years as a DHIA technician.

On November 25, 1950 she married George Hazle and he survives her. Also surviving are two daughters, Dana Sue (Kevin) Kirk and Kathy Hazle all of St. Johns; three grandchildren, Kevin (Rachel) Kirk of Luna Nagel, CA, Dana (Andrea) Kirk of Charlotte, Lindsay (Calby) Garrison of Adrian; three great grandsons, Carson and Wesley Garrison and Jeffery Kirk. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Dana and Allan Parker.

Continued from page 6 Critical water violations, such as an improperly protected power washer, are a five-point debit. In most cases, the MDARD dairy inspector will need to conduct a reinspection if a power washer is debited.

As the MDARD dairy code no longer approves Watts N36 valves for use in pressure washer systems, the MMPA Merchandise Warehouse will no longer carry them for our members.

If you are interested in purchasing a low-pressure cutoff switch or a RPZ, please call the MMPA Merchandise Warehouse at 989-681-2334.

Contact your member representative with any questions about what setup will work most efficiently with your system.

Memorials may be made to Clinton County 4-H - Dairy, 4389 E. Pratt Rd., St. Johns, MI 48879 or the Michigan Dairy Memorial and Scholarship Foundation, Michigan State University, 1250 Anthony Hall, 4747 Shaw Lane, East Lansing, MI 48824.

517-398-0629 517-547-3231 517-639-4182 517-524-6015

Donald Bever, Delton Michael Oesch, Middlebury, IN Danny Ransler, Gobles Richard Thomas, Middlebury, IN

269-671-5050 574-825-2454

District Two

At-Large

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

Bill Blumerich, Berlin 810-395-2926 Pat Bolday, Emmett 810-395-7139 Mark Crandall, 269-660-2229 Battle Creek James Droscha, Charlotte 517-543-5577 Scott Lamb, Jeddo 810-327-6135 David Lott, Mason 517-676-4593 Chuck White, Fowlerville 517-521-3564 Tom Wing, Bellevue 269-660-0498

District Six

269-628-4218 574-825-5198

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

District Five

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

District Four Marvin Rubingh, Ellsworth 231-588-6084 Dave Folkersma, Rudyard 906-478-3023 Corby Werth, Alpena 989-379-3772 Jeremy Werth, Alpena 989-464-4022

Aaron Gasper, Lowell Jamie Meyer, Ionia David Reed, Owosso Kris Wardin, St Johns

616-897-2747 989-587-6732 989-723-8635 989-640-9420

District Seven John Bennett, Prescott Eric Bergdolt, Vassar Rod Fowler, Chesaning Scott Kleinhardt, Clare

989-345-4264 989-652-6500 989-845-6131 989-386-8037

District Eight Mike Bender, Croswell Tim Kubacki, Sebewaing Dale Phillips, Marlette Steve Schulte, Harbor Beach

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

August 2014

Carlton Evans, Litchfield Perry Cisco, Hudson Glenn Preston, Quincy Art Riske, Hanover

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District One

MMPA Advisory Committee

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LEGISLATIVE WATCH

Senate Candidates Meet with MMPA Advisory Committee

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uring the Advisory Committee meeting on July 1, MMPA members had the unique opportunity to hear from both 2014 Michigan Senate candidates, former Michigan Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land and Representative Gary Peters. During the meeting, each candidate outlined his or her credentials and stance on important dairy and agriculture issues. After the presentations, Advisory Committee members had the chance to ask follow-up questions to further understand

each candidate’s agricultural platform.

Although both candidates are running unopposed for their party’s primary election, many Michigan elections will be determined during the primaries on August 5, 2014.

Ballots to fill the open Senate seat and a host of other local and state positions will be cast during the state general election on November 4, 2014. Visit https:// webapps.sos.state.mi.us/mivote/ to check your voter registration status and polling location.

Representative Gary Peters (top) and former Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land (bottom) addressed the MMPA Advisory Committee during the group’s meeting on July 1.

2014 District OYDCs

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August 2014

The 2014 Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperators Program is based on cooperative districting before the MMPA Bylaw change approved by delegates at the 98th State Annual Delegate Meeting, March 20, 2014.

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District 1 Hillsdale-Litchfield Local Brian and Carrie Preston

District 6 Mid-Michigan Local Patrick and Andrea Fedewa

District 11 West Michigan Local Steve and Danielle Berens

District 2 Constantine Local Ken and Kristen Sparks

District 7 Deford/Clifford-Mayville Local Steven and Grace Adamic

District 12 Hillman Local Matt and Emily Grams

District 4 Barry-Eaton Local Bob and Kris Baker

District 8 Deckerville Local Wayne Messing

District 5 Evart Local Dries and Jamie Dodde

District 10 Clare-Mt. Pleasant Local Scott and Heidi Kleinhardt

MMPA Hires New Ovid Plant Manager Colt Johnson on future initiatives,” MMPA General Manager Joe Diglio affirms. “We are excited about the future and look forward to working with Colt to maximize value throughout our manufacturing operations.

August 2014

As MMPA Ovid Plant manager, Colt will lead the 120-plus employee team processing 3.5 to 5 million pounds of milk each day into milk powder, condensed skim milk, cream and butter. Dairy products marketed through the plant during the past year generated $313 million in value for MMPA dairy farmer members.

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manager at fairlife LLC he Michigan in Coopersville, Mich.

Milk He has a bachelor’s Producers degree in history with Association has hired a concentration in Colt Johnson to head public administration up the cooperative’s from Appalachian State University and has processing facility in completed multiple Ovid, Mich. processing training

courses throughout his Colt has over 30 years Colt Johnson joined tenure. of experience in a MMPA as Ovid plant variety of processing manager on June 2.

“The addition of Colt facilities, ranging strengthens our leadership from personal care items to high team and adds tremendous protein dairy beverages. He spent technical knowledge that will the early part of his career working enhance our manufacturing for Procter and Gamble before efficiencies. His leadership will allow moving on to positions at Nestlé. everyone around him to learn and Most recently, Colt served as plant develop strategically as we focus packaging and manufacturing

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Foremost Farms USA and Michigan Milk Producers Association Announce Strategic Alliance

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oremost Farms USA®, Baraboo, Wis., and Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA), Novi, Mich., announced in July the two cooperatives have formed a strategic alliance for the purpose of balancing and adding value to their members’ milk supplies in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio.

Collectively, the two cooperatives are initially investing nearly $10 million in the region’s dairy industry, a necessary investment to keep pace with the growing dairy production in this area. The strategic alliance will allow greater opportunities for both cooperatives to leverage their respective milk supplies, reduce operating costs and maximize returns for their farmermembers.

Foremost Farms has purchased and is installing reverse osmosis technology at MMPA’s Constantine, Mich. milk processing plant located in south-central Michigan. The technology, Foremost Farms’ first physical processing asset in Michigan, will concentrate three loads of milk into one by removing water and concentrating the milk solids in order to reduce the cost of long-haul milk transportation by two-thirds. The installation work began the week of July 28 and the first phase is expected to be complete by the end of this year.

Dave Fuhrmann, president of Foremost Farms, says, “For the past year, Foremost Farms has been transporting surplus milk from this region back to our own cheese plants in Wisconsin. This has resulted in a tremendous cost burden for our members. This investment allows us to reduce those cost burdens, improve transportation efficiencies, provide market stability for our members’ growing milk supply and utilize the milk solids to make cheese.”

“Michigan’s milk supply is growing at a rate of 3 to 4 percent per year, so investing in reverse osmosis equipment at our Constantine plant helps us keep pace with the growing milk production in our region.

This new venture will also improve efficiencies in transportation and give us more flexibility in the market,” Joe Diglio, MMPA’s general manager, said.

“This strategic alliance is a great example of the true spirit of a cooperative — working together for the betterment of all. We are hopeful this venture will serve as a framework for future opportunities to join forces to strengthen the dairy industry and ultimately better serve our farmer-members. It’s a win-win for the Michigan dairy industry,” Diglio added.

When It Comes To Feeding Enzymes...

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August 2014

Our 45 Years of Experience makes us Out-standing in our field!

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517-256-7750 • 800-435-9560 www.agriking.com

De Grins Oer Dairy Breakfast on the Farm scheduled for Aug. 16

“The family farm also features a small flock of Suffolk sheep,” Ashley Kuschel, Michigan State University Extension Breakfast on the Farm program coordinator, said. “The Okkemas are excited to be able to share information about more than one aspect of Michigan agriculture.”

The farm has been awarded the 10-year quality award from Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) and has been recognized by MMPA from being MAEAP verified. The family is also a proud member of the

At Breakfast on the Farm, visitors will have the opportunity to take self-guided The Okkemas will host the second tours to see how Breakfast on the Farm event of the the farm’s cows are summer on their Blanchard dairy farm. milked and housed, as well as the daily practices that go into running a dairy farm. They will also be able to see the equipment it takes to run a farm with 900 acres of crops. A pancake breakfast featuring Michigan products will be provided in the morning, and children will have the chance to participate in fun, educational activities.

The farm tour and breakfast are free, but tickets are limited and required to eat breakfast. Visit www.breakfastonthefarm.com for more information.

August 2014

The MAEAP-verified farm was established in 1999 and is owned and operated by Tjerk and Romana Okkema and their children, Dirk-Thomas, Cora and Evelyn. They currently house approximately 700 head of cattle and farm 900 acres of alfalfa and corn.

Mecosta County Farm Bureau, MMPA and the National Corn Growers Association.

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reakfast on the Farm will be heading to Mecosta County Aug. 16. The fun, free and family-friendly event is designed to give consumers a taste of modern farm production. The event will be hosted by De Grins Oer Dairy, 2386 Adams Rd. Blanchard, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with breakfast being served from 9 a.m. to noon

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Q&A with MMPA General Manager Joe Diglio Get to know our co-op’s new general manager as he outlines his past experience and future plans to help MMPA continue its legacy of success and profitability.

Tell us a little bit about yourself. What past experience do you bring to your role?

I was born in Syracuse, New York and came to Michigan at a young age when my father, Clem, a cancer research doctor, was hired at Wayne State University. My mother, Joan, had the dubious task of raising five children while my father worked diligently to provide for our family.

My parents taught me the importance of a strong work ethic and an appreciation for family.

Thanks to the tuition break for university employees’ kids, I graduated from Wayne State University with a Bachelor’s of Science degree with a concentration in accounting in 1991.

My first exposure to dairy was working in the ice cream processing department at Michigan Dairy in Livonia while attending college. I have worked for MMPA for 23 years, serving in a variety of accounting roles. Most recently, I served as the cooperative’s director of finance and controller for 10 years.

Throughout my tenure, I’ve gained a wide understanding of the cooperative and farm credit systems as well as the strategies MMPA has used to remain financially viable. I have a vast knowledge of how our operations work; with my background in finance, I understand how all parts of the business contribute to the bottom line.

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I’ve been married to my wife, Lisa, for 17 years and enjoy golfing and traveling with her when we have the opportunity to do so.

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What brought you to MMPA and why have you stayed with the cooperative for so long?

It’s a funny story actually. I was working right out of college for a local public accounting firm (Robert Toll and Associates) and had taken a vacation day to golf with some friends. I ran into one of my college buddies at the course who was a recruiter. He remembered my background working for the Michigan Dairy and told me about an accounting opening at this place called the Michigan Milk Producers Association. I interviewed for the position that afternoon.

MMPA General Manager Joe Diglio talks with member Nate Elzinga at the 2014 Ag Expo

I distinctly remember Paul Jermanus, the controller at the time, asking me where I wanted to be in five years.

I told him, “Well, I think I want your job!” I don’t think he knew how to take that, especially since he wasn’t looking to retire anytime soon. But I got the accounting job. I’ve stayed because of the continuous opportunities the co-op has provided me to learn and grow.

I truly appreciate the cooperative model and admire the dual-purpose of extracting value for our members while showing value to our customers. Plus, I wouldn’t pass up working with the interesting personalities I’ve had the pleasure to call coworkers all these years. It’s nice to work for a company where, if you work hard and have a passion for what you do, opportunities present themselves.

From your experience, what sets MMPA apart from other dairy cooperatives and processors?

Our diversification. We offer a diverse product mix to the national and international dairy marketplace while maintaining a strong presence in our state. Since we have deep roots in Michigan, we offer a diverse set of services and added value catered to our member owners. In my opinion, our cooperative offers more comprehensive value to members than others within the industry.

What is your vision for the future of MMPA? At MMPA, we need to be strong partners with our members. We need to continue to differentiate ourselves in the marketplace by paying attention to our producers’ wants, needs and expectations in order to add value to all Michigan producers.

We also need to think strategically while aligning ourselves with our partners in the industry. We need to work with our customers and other cooperatives to align our messages and show a united front to all consumers of our products.

What are the biggest challenges you see facing MMPA members and the dairy industry?

The challenges we face as an industry align with the same challenges our members face. Our members have become extremely efficient in milk production and we continue to see milk production in this region grow. The increase in milk production of course, places pressure on our plants to keep pace with our growing supply.

This can be a good problem to have because it allows us to look for additional ways to utilize the milk in the marketplace, like our recently announced Reverse Osmosis project with Foremost Farms. On the farm side, our members are facing more and more pressures from consumers to explain modern animal agriculture practices and to be more transparent in their operations.

This is a new way of doing business for our farms and at MMPA we are doing our best to help them meet these challenges through programs like FARM. MMPA has always been a solid partner with its farms and I see this partnership strengthening even more as we continue to face more pressures throughout the dairy supply chain.

This is where I believe the cooperative model fits in so well – understanding our member owner needs and our customer demands allows us to optimize value for both the producer and the end-user.

I also appreciate our members’ willingness to grow with the co-op. They’ve embraced investment in new capital opportunities when called upon and realize the importance of growing the cooperative to meet the needs of their production.

What’s your favorite part of the job?

By far, I most enjoy the producer interaction that comes with my new role. I’m a “people person” and like to learn from others. I’m big about having a dialogue with our members and employees to solve problems that ensure success. It’s critically important, in my mind, to communicate with members and employees so everyone knows who we are and where we are going.

What makes this job special are the members, employees and partners working together cooperatively to attain a common goal.

Bch Bur urch TaTa nknk s s haha ve ve been been MO MO OO OOOOOviOng ving milk milfo k rfomr or meore than than 2525 year yes!ars!

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What do you admire most about our MMPA member farms?

Definitely their passion and dedication to producing quality milk. We not only have some of the best milk in the state, but some of the highest quality milk in the country, and that’s not easy. It takes a continuous commitment from our members, day-in and day-out.

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MMPA and Land O’Lakes present…

Advanced Calf Care Schools Set your farm up for success by starting your young stock off on the right hoof! Join MMPA and Land O’Lakes for Advanced Calf Care Schools this August. From colostrum to disease management, the schools cover handson tips and tools to improve your calf management program. Get a sneak peek of what will be covered in the tentative agenda included below, and register today.

August 12: Tuscola Technology Center – Caro, Mich.

August 13: Clare Church of the Nazarene – Clare, Mich.

Contact Marianne Gasiewski at the Novi office (800-572-5824, ext. 215) to register. A nominal $10/person registration fee will help defray the cost of lunch.

Class size is limited to 30, so reserve your spot early!

Tentative Working Schedule 10 a.m. – Welcome and Introductions What are Your Calf Raising Goals?

Avoiding the Pitfalls of Calf and Colostrum Management Full Potential Feeding and Costs Heat Stress and Calves 12 p.m. – Lunch Automatic Calf Feeders Breakout Sessions •

Veterinary 411 (blood and fecal samples, dehorning, castration, tubing, disease identification)

•

Calf Nutrition: Storage to Delivery (CMR mixing, temperatures and weight, refractometer, cleaning, colostrum storage, grain weights, water)

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August 2014

3 p.m. – Adjourn

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By Alex Schnabelrauch

From Milking Parlor to Board Room

to the next generation,” he explains. “It’s exciting one of my sons, Kyle, is now on board fulltime and looking at buying into the family farm.”

“I started with nothing and literally had $20 in my pocket,” Tony Jandernoa, newest member of the MMPA board of directors, recalls.

“I think that’s part of the reason I was able to grow the farm and be so involved in the industry; I had nothing to lose. I started with nothing and even if I ended with nothing, I was in the same place I began.”

In addition to being one half of MMPA’s 2002 Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperators, Tony served as Tony Jandernoa, MMPA District 6 director, is a first generation dairyman and owns and operates a 1,400-cow farm in St. Johns. vice president Tony brings a unique perspective to of the Midthe board room, joining the other Michigan local as well as on directors in making decisions for the the advisory and resolutions good of members of all sizes. committees before beginning his tenure on the board.

Anxious to help the cooperative chart a course for its next 98 years, He and Patti hosted the first Tony was elected to represent Michigan Breakfast on the Farm District 6 by the delegates at the event, opening their doors to 1,500 district meeting on February 18, neighbors and consumers.

2014. He will work with the other 12 MMPA member dairy farmers on the Yet, his service to the co-op is just board to set strategic goals for the getting started. co-op and oversee progress towards those goals.

“When I look back, I see we’ve accomplished a lot. When I look “MMPA is all I’ve ever known. It’s forward, it seems like we should incredibly important to have a be doing more,” Tony says. “I think strong MMPA so the next generation MMPA is in the same boat. We have such a rich, successful co-op history, knows nothing but MMPA, too,” Tony concludes. but we’re at a point where we need to grow. I’m honored to be part of guiding MMPA and helping shape what the co-op will look like for our kids and grandkids.”

While Tony didn’t grow up on a dairy farm, he spent his fair share of time in the parlor at a young age (12 to be exact) milking every other weekend for neighbor Richard Feldpausch. After a brief stint working in a manufacturing facility, he returned to the industry, working as a herdsman for another neighbor, Alphonse Thelen.

A year later, Tony bought into Thelen’s operation, and the rest is history.

Now in partnership with his wife, Patti (who he attests is the “brains of the operation”), Tony has grown the farm to increase its sustainability.

“Since it’s a first generation farm, we have to milk more cows to pay things off. I had to build something bigger over the years if I wanted there to be something to pass on

With experience managing diverse farm sizes and the struggles of being a first generation dairyman,

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ooking across the tidy freestall barns and manicured bunks at Dutch Meadows Dairy in St. Johns, it’s hard to believe the operation was once home to only 100 cows. With a current milking herd of 1,400, it’s even harder to believe its owner is a first generation farmer.

August 2014

MMPA District 6 Director Tony Jandernoa

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2014 MMPA 4-H Milk Marketing Tour

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ver 20 members and adult leaders of 4-H clubs and FFA chapters from several Michigan counties gathered at Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) headquarters in Novi, June 25-26 for the 77th Annual 4-H/MMPA Milk Marketing Tour.

The two-day conference, co-sponsored by MMPA and Michigan State University Extension, is the longest running 4-H tour in existence with over 4,000 participant alumni. The focus of the tour is to educate students about milk marketing principles as well as the duties and operations of a dairy cooperative.

“Youth development and education is a key strategic priority for MMPA and the dairy industry. As older generations of dairy farmers, employees, service providers and industry leaders shift off of their operations and out of their respective positions, we want to prepare the next generation for a successful transition,” Joe Diglio, MMPA general manager, relays.

This year’s participants, chairs, chaperones and staff included: front (left to right) Jennifer DeClerg, Lauren Heberling, Grace Norden, Matt Horning, Josh Markel, Jackson Martin, Lance Frahm, Jacob Arens, Madeline Meyer, Rachel Hicks, Olivia Richmond, Josh Lanning, Christina Fenske, Sasha Platte and Cassidy Polzin and back (left to right) Dr. John Partridge, Jeremy Bebee, Melissa Elischer, Kathy Heisler, Courtney Heisler, Juliana Forbush, Lisa Venema, Ben Richmond, John Broesamle, Louis Markel, Joe Arens, Dana Hengesbach and Libby Venema.

“We feel a responsibility to ensure those stepping up to fill those roles understand the cooperative advantage and the basics of milk processing, hence our continued support of this tour as well as 4-H and FFA leadership opportunities.”

This year’s attendees included: Jacob Arens of Portland, Lance Frahm of Frankenmuth, Lauren Heberling of Carsonville, Rachel Hicks of St. Johns, Matt Horning of Carsonville, Josh Lanning of Whittemore, Josh Markel of Westphalia, Jackson Martin of Westphalia, Madeline Meyer of Ionia, Grace Norden of Napoleon, Ohio, Sasha

Platte of Portland, Cassidy Polzin of Saline and Olivia Richmond of Lowell.

Dairy-related presentations by MMPA president, general manager and staff members during the tour helped students understand the many people and job functions required to keep a cooperative up and running. The students also learned how milk is processed through a dairy plant and afterward visited Michigan Dairy in Livonia where they could see firsthand what happens to milk after it leaves the farm.

August 2014

The participants with the highest scores on a dairy industry and cooperative quiz administered at the end of the tour were invited to interview in East Lansing on Monday, July 21. The top five interviewees were announced during the State 4-H Dairy Banquet on Thursday, July 24 and awarded a paid trip to the National 4-H Dairy Conference in Madison, Wisc.

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Courtney Heisler of Springport and Libby Venema of Deford chaired the event, both participants from last year’s tour.

The five 2014 student awardees are: Jacob Arens, Lance Frahm, Lauren Heberling, Madeline Meyer and Cassidy Polzin.

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Sasha Platte (left) and Cassidy Polzin (right) test a milk sample for antibiotics during the 2014 MMPA 4-H Milk Marketing Tour.

First Michigan 4-H Animal and Veterinary Science Camp a Success

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he first annual Michigan 4-H Animal and Veterinary Science Camp was held June 2327, 2014 at Michigan State University (MSU).

Thirty youth, ages 13 to 16, were selected out of the over 120 applicants to attend the camp.

During the week, members from the Michigan Veterinary Medical Association’s “Science, Animals, Medicine and You!” team led hands-on activities for the youth including frog dissections, physical exams on small animals, first aid and suturing. These activities provided a chance for youth to learn basic skills needed in animal and veterinary science careers.

Throughout the week, campers toured various MSU facilities, including the dairy, sheep and poultry teaching and research centers, the Diagnostics Center for Population and Animal Health and the College of Veterinary Medicine (MSU CVM) Veterinary Medical Center. Numerous faculty, staff and students from the MSU Department of Animal Science and MSU CVM assisted with the daily program.

Additionally, guest speakers included staff from the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, MSU Extension, Capital Area Humane Society and Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Thirty youth were selected to attend the first Michigan 4-H Animal and Veterinary Science Camp sponsored, in part, by MMPA.

MSU Department of Animal Science and MSU CVM. The Michigan Milk Producers Association, MSU Department of Animal Science and Michigan 4-H sponsored this firsttime event for students interested in veterinary science.

For more information about the camp, visit http://4h. msue.msu.edu/events/4-h_animal_and_veterinary_ science_camp or contact Julie Thelen, MSU Extension educator in livestock and veterinary science, at thelenju@anr.msu.edu.

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This 5-day MSU Pre-College program is in partnership with MSU Extension, Michigan 4-H Youth Development,

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Michigan State University: Food and Ag Leaders hopeful about Industry, State Economy

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eaders in Michigan’s food and agriculture industry remain optimistic about their businesses, and their confidence in Michigan’s overall economy continues to climb. Those were the results of the Michigan Agriculture and Food Index (MAFI), shared on Tuesday, July 22 during the annual Ag Expo VIP breakfast.

The July MAFI is the third of its kind. It gauges the current business climate of the state’s food and agriculture system by surveying 100 influential players in food and agriculture businesses. A rating of 100 on the index is considered neutral; ratings above 100 signal an overall positive outlook, and below 100, an overall negative outlook.

The MAFI for the overall state of food and agriculture has remained steady at 145 or higher since the initial survey was conducted in April 2013. The index rating for the overall state of Michigan’s economy continues to grow—from 115 in April 2013 to 120 in January 2014 all the way up to 133 in the most recent survey.

Chris Peterson, director of the MSU Product Center, is the lead investigator on the project. He sat down with a select group of members of the food and ag system in June to discuss the findings.

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“It boils down to this: the general economy is catching up to agriculture,” Peterson said. “One representative of the ag lending industry told us that bankers are very bullish on agriculture, and competition is keen across the country. He pointed out that even banks that have typically not lended to agriculture businesses are starting to enter that realm. They see food and ag as a good place to invest their money.”

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In addition to the two overall scores, the MAFI rates three aspects of the food and ag system in Michigan.

The current sales outlook is up slightly to 133, the job outlook hung steady at 126, and the investment outlook rebounded to 116 after dropping to 107 in January 2013.

A representative of the dairy industry pointed out that the growth of the middle class globally has a positive impact on demand and prices.

MMPA member Larry Crandall (left) talks with Member Representative Ed Zuchnik (right) at Ag Expo.

“Globally, when people have more discretionary money, the first thing they do is improve their diet, especially for their children,” he said. “Dairy products fit in well to the increasing demands of the growing middle class in places such as China, where they are looking for higher protein, more nutrient-rich foods.

We believe demand for dairy products will continue to grow in new areas around the world as incomes increase, and that will have positive impacts on dairy producers around the country and here in Michigan.”

In an open-ended portion of the survey, researchers ask respondents what keeps them up at night. The top three issues remain the same as in previous surveys: government regulation and policy, various risk management concerns and labor. However, concerns about infrastructure made their debut in the most recent survey.

Bill Knudson, an MSU Product Center marketing economist, said it’s the first time multiple respondents have mentioned roads and Internet connectivity as major worries.

“Certainly, finding good seasonal labor and full-time labor remains on the top of their list,” he explained. “But several said that rural Internet is important to them and a topic that should be discussed broadly.”

The MSU Product Center has been conducting the survey every six months since April 2013. Results are compiled, and the MAFI results are released semiannually in March and July.

Supreme Champion Dairy Heifer Tops Livestock Sale Proceeds to Benefit Michigan Dairy Youth Programs

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he 2014 Michigan Dairy Expo got off to an exciting start when the Supreme Champion Dairy Heifer, exhibited

by Anna Moser of Dansville, Mich., topped the Michigan Livestock Expo Sale-abration with a record-setting bid of $27,000. The buyer of the dairy lot of the livestock sale was a strong contingency of dairy industry supporters who pooled their money to purchase the winning lot.

The buyer of the Supreme Champion Dairy Cow exhibited by Parker Hardy was the Michigan Milk Producers Association with a bid of $9,000.

The buyer of the Champion Dairy Showman exhibited by Hayleigh Geurink was GreenStone Farm Credit Services with a bid of $5,500.

The buyer of the Grand Champion Cheese was Meijer for $8,000.

“The Michigan dairy industry is a vibrant and growing industry and we need to encourage kids interested in our industry to stay involved, to stay excited about our industry and to stay here in Michigan,” says Ken Nobis, president of the Michigan Milk Producers Association.

The Michigan Dairy Expo is a weeklong education event featuring the State Dairy Days Youth Show,

educational contests and state breed association dairy shows. This year over 300 dairy youth from around the state participated in one or more of the events.

The Michigan Livestock Expo Sale is held each year following the Michigan Livestock Expo.

The Michigan Livestock Expo is a statewide multi-species livestock event featuring over 700 youth exhibitors of beef, sheep, swine and goats that is designed to enhance the livestock industry, educate youth and showcase Michigan’s agriculture industry.

August 2014

The buyers of the Supreme Champion Dairy Heifer were: American Farm Products, Calder Dairy, Caledonia Farmers Elevator, Class Construction, Cobank, Dairy Farmers of America, Farm Bureau Family of Companies Employees, Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith, P.C., Hardy’s Holsteins, MilkSource, Michigan Milk Producers Association, NorthStar Cooperative, Inc., Roberts Dairy Service, The Kroger Co. of Michigan, United Dairy Industry of Michigan, VanBeek Nutrition, Vita Plus and Zeeland Farm Services, Inc.

Buyers and supporters pose with Supreme Champion Dairy Heifer exhibitor Anna Moser during the 2014 Michigan Livestock Expo Sale-abration July 22.

Those pictured include (left to right) Chuck Courtade, DFA; Joe Diglio, MMPA; Jamie Clover-Adams, MDARD; Arlin Koglin, American Farm Products; Jenna Taylor, Caldeonia Farmers; Tyler Ernst, MFB; Megan Bush, Michigan Dairy Ambassador; Jason Scramlin, MFB; Anna Moser, dairy exhibitor; Amelia Miller, MFB; Kailey Sweers, Michigan Dairy Ambassador; Todd Hoppe, Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith, P.C.; Kristy Smith, UDIM; Dan Bailey, Zeeland Farm Services; Gary Smith, Northstar Cooperative and Ken Nobis, MMPA.

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In total, $49,500 was bid on four dairy lots: Supreme Champion Dairy Cow exhibited by Parker Hardy of Tipton, Mich; the Supreme Champion Dairy Heifer, Supreme Dairy Showman Hayleigh Geurink, Allendale, Mich. and the Grand Champion Cheese exhibited by the Old Europe Cheese of Benton Harbor. The three dairy youth exhibitors each receive a $1,000. The remaining proceeds from the sale of the dairy lots goes into the statewide dairy youth fund of the Michigan Youth Livestock Scholarship Fund and is used to support scholarships and educational grants for youth in the dairy industry.

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Michigan Milk, Michigan Scoops Customer Spotlight: Hudsonville Creamery and Ice Cream Company

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ven at a glance, one brand is not quite like the others in the ice cream case.

With flavors like Tiger Traxx, Grand Traverse Bay Cherry Fudge, Sleeping Bear Dunes Bear Hug and Grand Hotel Pecan Ball, the company’s Great Lakes connection is obvious.

And with one bite, so is their timehonored commitment to superior taste.

“Many people feel an emotional connection to the Hudsonville Ice Cream brand. It brings back sweet memories from time spent at the family lake house, cabin or camping trips up north,” Caryn Beatty, Hudsonville marketing representative, shares. “We’re proud to have nearly 90 years of experience in the ice cream business, working with local companies like the Michigan Milk Producers Association and using the same base recipe we did back in 1926.”

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August 2014

Nine Decades in the Making While the recipe may have endured, Hudsonville Creamery and Ice

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Cream Company’s history is a story of gradual evolution to the brand Michiganders know and love today.

Not so different than the beginnings of MMPA, Hudsonville actually started as a dairy cooperative back in 1895. Area farmers banded together to get more value for their milk, producing butter at their facility in Hudsonville, Mich. By 1926, the company added six flavors of ice cream to its product portfolio, producing the sweet treat exclusively in the summer months.

In 1948, Dick Hoezee, a cooperative employee, purchased controlling interest in the co-op, shifting the management structure to a sole proprietorship. The same year, the operation moved to Burnips and adjusted its focus to year-round ice cream production.

For 55 years the business was controlled

by Dick and his four sons – Dell, Jack, Rich and Phil.

Throughout that time, the company’s reach expanded to the entire West Michigan customer base.

Hudsonville employee, Doug Becksfort, is responsible for quality control and has tasted the company’s ice cream every 30 minutes for the past 35 years.

In 2003, a West Michigan family purchased the business from the Hoezees and relocated the manufacturing operations and offices to their current location in Holland. Hudsonville has expanded the reach of its brand far beyond what the original owners could have anticipated, branching out to the Detroit and Chicago markets.

“What started as a small, West Michigan company has grown into the largest branded ice cream manufacturer in the state. Our sights are set on becoming the premier Great Lakes ice cream,” Caryn explains. “But we try to stay true to our original identity. Dell still comes into the office every Monday to help advise our team, and we use the same familyfirst principles this business was founded on in our day-to-day work.”

Michigan Roots A household name for many Michiganders, it’s hard to believe Hudsonville Ice Cream used to be an exclusively West Michigan phenomenon. The company’s tasty cartons can now be found in all major grocery stores in Michigan and select areas of Ohio, Indiana and Illinois, not to mention hundreds of scoop shops.

But Hudsonville doesn’t just sell to the Michigan market. It tries to purchase as many of its ingredients from local Michigan companies as well, including MMPA.

Hudsonville employees pose with Detroit Tigers players during the team’s caravan tour last winter. Hudsonville is the official ice cream of Tigers baseball and is the only brand served at Comerica Park.

“We’ve used MMPA milk for over 30 years, and all the farms on our load are located 40 miles from the plant. We also purchase MMPA milk powder because of the product’s quality and easy-to-use packaging,” Todd Mast, Hudsonville mix master and 29-year ice cream maker, attests.

Hudsonville’s product portfolio includes several “Pure Michigan” flavors, highlighting Michigansourced ingredients. Currently, Hudsonville produces Pure Michigan seasonal flavors including Caramel Apple, Double Berry Pie and, the newest flavor, Winter Campfire.

A Unique Product Touting 25 All-Season and 16 Limited Edition flavors, in blue and red cartons, respectively, Hudsonville has come a long way since its original six-flavor offerings.

And with its large and growing customer base, it’s surprising the company has under 40 employees.

“We run small batches five days a week and have one shift. We manage our inventory carefully to maintain work-life balance. Here at Hudsonville, we take great pride in the quality of our product and have developed processes to ensure a consistent, superior ice cream,” Ray Sierengowski, director of product development, says.

One of the company’s taste-

enhancing secrets? “Our ice cream reaches the deep freeze 30 seconds after it’s dispensed into the container. That means there’s no time for those annoying ice crystals to form on the top,” Ray adds.

So even though National Ice Cream Month has come to a close, remember to think local the next time you’re standing in front of the ice cream case. Pick up a 56-ounce carton of Hudsonville ice cream from your local grocery store or visit www.hudsonvilleicecream.com/ scoop-locator/ to find a scoop shop serving the local favorite near you.

Hudsonville Ice Cream is available in 25 All-Season and 16 Limited Edition flavors and can be purchased at most grocers.

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August 2014

In addition to being the official ice cream of the Detroit Tigers and the only brand served at Comerica Park, Hudsonville worked with the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island to create the hotel’s signature flavor: Grand Hotel Pecan Ball. Hudsonville Ice

Cream is the only brand served in the Grand Hotel’s newly constructed lobby ice cream parlor.

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MERCHANDISE

The Merchandise Warehouse is Moving!

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

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opportunities it will bring to improve our service to our members. If you have any questions or concerns about this, please feel free to contact us at the merchandise warehouse.

We will continue to operate from the St. Louis location until the move is complete. Anyone who has had to move a household can appreciate the difficulties involved with this kind of “adventure.”

Discontinued items: We have been informed by our vendor for the product Healthy Hooves, stock number #5512, it has been discontinued by the manufacturer. This is a product that was used to reduce the amount of copper sulfate needed for foot baths. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. We are currently searching for a replacement product and will make that available as soon as possible.

he long-standing rumor is true, the warehouse is moving. While the actual move date is yet to be determined, we plan to be in our new facility by the end of August 2014. The new building is located in Mt. Pleasant, Mich., just minutes from US-127.

While our phone and fax numbers will be changing when we begin operations in Mt. Pleasant, we will need to use the current number through the end of August. The toll free number will, however, remain the same at the new location. We will provide the new contact numbers in the September issue of the Messenger.

All of us here at the warehouse are excited about this move (except for all the packing) and the new

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

Ingredients from your trusted source.

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

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

Citrus Pulp

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

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August 2014

Valero Meal

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

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

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

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

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

- 30¢/cwt.

-$1.00/cwt.

-$1.50/cwt.

-$2.00/cwt.

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

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

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

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

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

To qualify for MMPA volume premiums there must be:

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

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

• Greater than 100,000 Raw Bacteria Count

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

Cow Tests $1 Cow samples may be tested for: Culture for Streptococcus agalactiae, Strep non ag, Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase negative staph, gram negative and/or SCC. Additional testing can be coordinated through your MMPA Member Representative to include: Raw bacteria count and components.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chemical, Sanitizer & Teat Dip Contact Information

These are service personnel only.

Order your Member Merchandise supplies through your hauler.

ECOLAB

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

A & L Laboratories

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

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

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MMPA Quality Premium Program

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FREELINERS

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

Bulls

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

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

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

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

Crossbred bulls 100% AI. 810-724-8825.

Cows & Heifers

Barn is full and need to reduce herd size – select your cows and negotiate a price. 3 cows to 100 cows. Call John at 574-535-4884 for additional details or to schedule a visit.

45 Jersey and Jersey Holstein crosses.

12 bred Jersey heifers, 15 open Jersey heifers and calves. 1 Jersey bull. Would make good grazers. Leave message or call late evenings 989-587-3156.

Lactating Holsteins, springing heifers and breeding heifers. A few Jersey/ Holsteins and Brown Swiss/Holstein crosses. 80 lb. avg. and under 100,000 SCC. Choice and can be sold in any size group. Call Lucas at 616-893-1623 or Robert at 616-893-8756.

30 plus good quality dairy cows. 989386-3037 ask for David.

Equipment

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August 2014

20-ft. X Fold Brillon Cultipacker.

810-724-8825.

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2007 Kuhn Knight 8132 spreader. $1,800. Call Brent at 989-551-0681.

New Holland 870TL quick attach front end loader. 96-inch bucket. Fits TG and T80 series tractors. $9,500. Call 989-3453952.

499 New Holland hydro swing haybine, $3,500. 185 New Holland Tandem manure spreader, $1,500. 1066 International tractor with duels. 989-551-6547.

8 Spring cattle scratchers, $100 each.

1 Cow Hip Lift $100. 3 Quarter Milkers $20 each. 1 Nupuse Milker W/build in pulsator run off of vac. W/80 Lb. clear bucket and lid $300. 1 Willman calf puller W/12in. ext $225. 400 plus tire sidewalls for bunker cover $1.20 each. Whiplach complete stomach pump system $300.

Cito Thaw, thaws semen, electric $50. 1 udder singe complete w/20lbs tank $75.

Palor foamer run on air w/ product $500.

Delaval Auto cow brush w/extra brush $2,000. 2 Calf-tel super huts w/fences and feeders $400 each. 1 Poly super hut $400.00. 1 Koster moisture tester w/ electric scale $150. 9 Schaefer 36 in fans single phase 110 volt $150 each. 2 Gandy electric box meters for dry preservative $225 each. Sebewaing, Mich. call 989551-9715 or 989-551-9765.

John Deere 7800, FWD, cab, air, 3 remotes, R98050 rear tires, duels with 780R85 34 fronts, front fenders, full stack of weights, field ready, 4800 original hours, $62,000. Call 810-338-5265 for additional information.

34 J-Bunks, $75 apiece or $50 a piece if you take them all. Kongskilde/Overum 6 bottom plow 5000 series model #0105 for parts. Make an offer. WRL Daniels Farm 989-873-0036.

Dairy Equipment

Two Delaval CF1000 Computer Calf Feeders with 4 nipples and laptop with software. Will feed milk or milk replacer, $17,500 for everything or could split them up. 517-749-9112. Vacuum pump horizontal stand, 10 h.p., 100 cfm, $1,000.

989-255-6016 2,700 gal. Mueller bulk tank with Century II system and two coolers, $19,500. 989-255-6016.

2 brand new, complete, peach teat nurser bottles. One has molded handle on it, the other is regular bottle, both features a speed feeding pin to adjust the flow of milk. Asking $8 each plus shipping. Shipping depends on where it is going. Call 231-625-2036, Michigan.

Boumatic Plate Cooler, 81 plate model N81SC1, $3,000. Calf Star Mini-Flash Pasteurizer, 60 gal. storage tank, $10,500.

22 Boumatic milk meters and detachers with 2060 controller $10,000. DBL 10 Boumatic herringbone parlor stalls with rapid exit reel $5,000. Cary Dairy Farm 269-968-3510.

16 Boumatic take offs model #2100.

Make offer. 260-768-4378, ext. 2.

5 Surge Orbit milking units. 734-9947349.

Feed

Corn silage, ag bagged, kernel processed with inoculants. Delivery available. 231-250-8592.

Misc.

Australian Shepherd puppies. Born June 6. All colors, parents good farm dogs. $125 to $200. 989-386-3679.

Wanted

Registered Holsteins. Call Brent at 989551-0681.

1,500-2,000 gal. milk tank in working condition. 231-757-2934.

3/4 or 1 ton diesel truck 4x4. 989-5516547.

Naplage adapter kit to fit Claas 800 series. 231-388-0339.

27

Messenger

August 2014

CLASSIFIEDS

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

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

517-647-7381.

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

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

800-554-2288. www.tristatescabbling. com

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

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

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

FOR SALE: (2) 7,000 TANDEM FOOD GRADE TANK TRAILERS. Set up for direct load w/chutes & spill dams. 1999 Walker 7,000 gal. 2000 Walker 7,000 gal.

Call Matt Veale @ Burch Tank 989-4009536.

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

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

15 YEAR HEIFER GROWER has opening for up to 400 weaned to pre-fresh heifers. Rudyard area. Indoor housing in winter, pasture in summer.

References provided upon request.

Berkompas Farms 906-630-9469 or 906-322-4106.

WANTED – DAIRY WASTE, MILK AND MILK SOLIDS FOR BIOGAS DIGESTER/ GENERATOR. Call for transportation details 248-904-8281.

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

Messenger

August 2014

REGISTERED HOLSTEIN BULLS

28

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!

•

GREEN MEADOW FARMS

• FROM OUR TOP PRODUCTION COWS.

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

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

WWW.GREENMEADOWFARMS.COM

POLICIES

MMPA Policy on Drug Residue in Milk:

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

•

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

•

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

•

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

August 2014

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

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

Messenger

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

29

MARKET REPORT

June 2014 MARKET STATISTICS Mideast Federal Order #33 (pounds)

This Month

NATIONAL TRENDS (million pounds)

Total Class 1 Sales

467,110,497

Total Class 2 Sales

162,691,318

% Change 472,445,148 -1.13 Production California 212,954,242 -23.60

Total Class 3 Sales

539,323,620

497,446,414

+8.42

Wisconsin

2,316

2,302

+0.6

Total Class 4 Sales

219,962,536

230,518,877

-4.58

Idaho

1,180

1,156

+2.1

1,389,087,971

1,413,364,681

-1.72

New York

1,150

1,147

+0.3

33.6%

33.4%

Pennsylvania

882

880

+0.2

Texas

866

800

+8.3

Michigan

795

770

+3.2

Minnesota

761

760

+0.1

New Mexico

688

679

+1.3

Washington

562

541

+3.9

Ohio

451

458

-1.5

Indiana

324

319

+1.6

* Total U.S.

16,177

15,860

+2.0

* U.S. Y-T-D

97,203

95,814

+1.4

Total Production Class 1 Utilization

Year Ago

Mideast Federal Order #33

Current Month Total Producers 5,959 Average Daily Production per Farm 7,770 Average Protein Test 3.02% Average Butterfat Test 3.60% Average Other Solids Test 5.73% Average SCC Count (MMPA) 177,000

2014

2013 % Change

3,549

3,489

+1.7

* For 23 states

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

$3.3437

Butterfat Price/lb.

$2.4413

Other Solids Price/lb.

$0.4942

Class III Price @ 3.5%

$ 21.36

Messenger

August 2014

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

30

$1.65

Uniform Price @ 3.5%

$ 23.01

SCC Adjustment/cwt./1000

$0.00102

NASS Survey Prices

Monthly Avg

Cheese /lb

2.0358

Butter /lb

2.1874

Nonfat Dry Milk /lb

1.8633

Dry Whey /lb

0.6789

MMPA

STAFF

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

Laboratory Supervisor Patti Huttula, ext. 219

Human Resources Cindy Tilden, ext. 220

Member Services Dean Letter, ext. 213

Manufactured Product Sales Jim Dodson, ext. 229

Member Relations/Public Affairs Sheila Burkhardt, ext. 208

Milk Sales/Dispatch Carl Rasch, ext. 244

Quality Amandeep Dhillon, ext. 305

Finance/Controller Joe Diglio

Credit/Insurance Cheryl Schmandt, ext. 210

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

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

MMPA FIELD STAFF NORTH AREA Frank Brazeau 920-834-4059 Oconto, Wis., cell: 906-250-0337

SOUTH AREA

Ben Chapin Blanchard 989-289-0731

Krista Beeker LaGrange, IN 269-986-6792

Lyndsay Earl Ludington 231-519-2455

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

Lindsay Green Dewitt

989-488-8159

Emily Butcher Bronson 269-535-0822

Angelee Kirsch Harbor Beach 231-414-4539

Violet Lombard Delton 248-520-3481

Sarah Michalek East Lansing

248-305-0537

Andrew Rupprecht Clio 269-986-6793

Deborah Navarre Leroy 248-520-3580

Elyse Martin Charlotte 810-701-6460

Ashley Werth 269-245-6632 Alpena

Ed Zuchnik Three Rivers

Supervisor: Ed Zuchnik Coldwater Office 269-967-7351

269-967-7351

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

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

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

Christy Dinsmoore Fairgrove 248-513-7920 Mastitis Management

Merchandise—St. Louis

Duane Farmer, Supervisor

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

then dial 2

August 2014

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

Messenger

Other Services:

31

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The DuPont Oval Logo is a registered trademark of DuPont. PIONEER® brand products are provided subject to the terms and conditions of purchase which are part of the labeling and purchase documents. ® TM SM , , Trademarks and service marks of Pioneer. © 2014 PHII. DUPPFO14010VA_070114_MMM