Michigan Milk Messenger: March 2013

March 2013 Volume 95 Issue 9

Michigan Milk Messenger 1

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Contents

Volume 95 Issue 9 www.mimilk.com

March 2013

Features

15

13

12 Nominees for Director-At-Large Position 13 Constant Improvement the Common Link

between Award-Winning MMPA Members 16 U.S. Dairy Suppliers Set Value, Volume Records

in 2012

20

20 It Takes a Village

MSU Dairy Farmers of the Year –

Bruce and Jennifer Lewis

22 MMPA Scholarship Winners 25 2013 MMPA Milker Training Schools 26 Dairy Conference Provides Industry Updates and

Management Tips

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.

March 2013 Volume 95 Issue 9

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

On the Cover

MMPA members Bruce and Jennifer Lewis are the 2013 MSU Dairy Farmers of the Year. Read about their teamwork approach to dairying on page 20.

(ISSN 0026-2315) Michigan Milk Messenger 1

Michigan Milk Messenger 3

Michigan Milk Producers Association

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

Board of Directors

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

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.

Mission Statement

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

Advisory Committee District One Brad Hart, Clayton Perry Cisco, Hudson Carlton Evans, Litchfield Glenn Preston, Quincy

517-445-2649 517-547-3231 517-398-0629 517-639-4182

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

989-640-1394 989-593-2224 616-897-2747 989-723-8635

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

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

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

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

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

4 March 2013

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

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

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

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 Ron Lucas, Posen Corby Werth, Alpena Jeremy Werth, Alpena

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

MMPA Matters

By Ken Nobis President

MMPA Resolutions Committee Members Play Important Role in the Co-op

I

have written of the enjoyment I find observing the beauty of the countryside as I drive to and from local annual meetings each year before. In addition to viewing the scenery and attending the local meetings, I value the time this allows me to think about MMPA business.

The governance function of our coop is always important, and it was one focal point of my recent drive time. In particular, the role that the association’s resolution process plays in our governance provided me with food for thought.

Our Resolutions Committee probably doesn’t receive the credit it deserves for the role it plays in the success of MMPA. The committee is established in our association’s by-laws in Article 8, section (b), subsections (2) and (3), which direct each district to elect three delegates to the Resolutions Committee. MMPA is divided into 10 districts; therefore, the Resolutions Committee consists of 30 member delegates.

In late January each year, after all local annual meetings have taken place, the Resolutions Committee convenes for its first of two meetings held prior to the association’s annual meeting in March. The 30 delegates elect a chair, vice chair and secretary.

The delegates received a copy of the previous year’s resolutions along with any updates required to reflect actions that have taken place since the last annual meeting. The board of directors reviewed the resolutions and may add resolutions. In addition, resolutions may be sent in from one of our locals, or from individual members.

The committee reviews each resolution at its January meeting.

Some resolutions are pretty standard

from year to year. These don’t receive, nor do they need, a great deal of discussion. New resolutions, altered resolutions or resolutions deemed not germane to our core business could, and probably will, always receive indepth discussion. After discussion is completed, each resolution is voted on by the committee.

The next step in the process is to send the package of approved resolutions to all delegates prior to their annual district meeting in February. The process that took place at the January Resolutions Committee meeting is repeated at the district meeting, but now every delegate has a chance for input on all resolutions. Each district has the opportunity to accept, reject or amend the resolutions. They may also write a new resolution and submit it for review by the committee.

I have never attended a Resolutions Committee meeting following the district meetings where all of the above have not happened.

The Resolution Committee meets next on the day before MMPA’s annual meeting, and the process is the same. Each resolution is reviewed but with less scrutiny than at the first meeting, unless changes were made at the district meetings or new resolutions were submitted. In those cases, the committee members engage in a detailed discussion. But at the end of the day, the committee will put its stamp of approval on a package of resolutions that will be presented to the delegate body the next day. Up until this point, any member, local or district could have simply submitted a resolution for approval by the committee. On the day of the annual meeting, however, the only way a new resolution can

be submitted is in writing supported by 50 signatures from delegates in attendance at the meeting.

A casual observer attending our annual meeting might find the process of reviewing our resolution package to be very simple. However, by the time we meet for the annual meeting, each delegate has spent individual time on the task plus attended the district meeting where the package was reviewed once more. Each Resolutions Committee member has spent the same - or maybe more - time reviewing proposed resolutions and at this point has invested three days at meetings reviewing the material. What may seem to be a superficial process is quite involved when you know the details.

We are fortunate to have members willing to invest so much of their time doing their part to insure the success of MMPA. The next time you talk to a member delegate, and especially a delegate who is serving on the Resolutions Committee, thank them for the time they spend on such a critical endeavor. The resolution process is important to the success of our association, helping to identify timely issues. It provides a great educational tool, giving board members a chance to learn more about what is on the minds of members in a particular location, while giving members an opportunity to learn more about their co-op. It strengthens our mission, “To market our members’ milk to the greatest advantage possible.”

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

Calf Management Tips From MMPA/Land O’ Lakes Calf Training Schools

A

s part of MMPA’s initiative on sustainability and animal care, MMPA teamed up with Land O’ Lakes (LOL) Animal Milk Products and Merck Animal Health to provide MMPA members with an opportunity to learn more about current trends in calf nutrition and management. Since it was the first year for MMPA to host such a school, three schools were scheduled across the state to gauge member interest.

the colostrum which can then be passed on to the calf provided that an adequate amount of colostrum (about a gallon) is fed to the calf within the first two hours after birth.

Once the word was out, the schools filled quickly.

In other words, cows producing a lot of colostrum can also produce very high quality colostrum. (It’s pretty cool when this happens.) The key is to determine the quality of the colostrum prior to feeding it. This can be done with either a colostrometer or a refractometer.

Based on the response this year, MMPA is planning on continuing the schools next year. For those who were not able to attend, here is a brief recap of what calf health and nutrition experts from LOL and Merck covered.

Twenty years ago, much less emphasis was placed on calf rearing.

Today it is widely considered the cornerstone to the future health and viability of an operation’s dairy herd.

It’s worthwhile to establish sound calf care protocols and verify the practices being used with a herd’s young stock.

Biosecurity is Key to Successful Calf Rearing Biosecurity is an important factor to consider when it comes to calf care. Biosecurity starts weeks before the calf is born. Vaccinating the dam several weeks prior to calving boosts the dam’s immunity. (Specific protocols should be developed with the herd veterinarian.)

The boosted immunity increases the immunoglobulin (igG) level in

6 March 2013

A few more words about colostrums: first parturition cows can produce very high quality colostrum, and occasionally older cows can produce pretty lousy colostrum.

Additionally, the quality of colostrum is not related to the amount produced.

To prevent spreading disease, do not pool colostrum and, if using an esophageal feeder, make sure it is properly cleaned, sanitized and given adequate drying time in between calves. (Avoid using the same feeder for newborns and sick calves.)

Use an esophageal feeder only when absolutely needed. Use of an esophageal feeder increases the risk of the calf ingesting the contents of the feeder into its lungs, particularly as the feeding tube is removed from the calf.

Cleanliness is Next to Godliness Since cows tend to urinate and defecate whenever and wherever the urge hits, it is important to manage the maternity pen to a very high degree. Pens should be sized for only one cow to reduce the likelihood of disease transmission.

Consider that one cow shedding high numbers of Johne’s bacteria in a group maternity pen can infect not only the calves present while that cow is present, but also the calves that arrive after that cow enters the lactating herd. This is generally because group-style maternity pens are emptied, cleaned and disinfected less often than single cow maternity pens. Producers can help contain potential pathogens by keeping the pen clean and dry as well as cleaning and disinfecting it after every use.

Additionally, maternity pens should NEVER double as a hospital pen. Consider that the human hospital maternity wing does not share rooms with the ICU.

It is generally recommended to house calves in hutches (separately) for at least the first two weeks of life.

Once the calf leaves the hutch, the hutch should be thoroughly cleaned, disinfected and allowed to dry or rest before the next calf.

For those who love to use power washers, this may not be the job for you. Power washing calf hutches or other calf housing will usually aerosol organic material, and potential pathogens, into the air. This same material will settle in the surrounding area (usually on or around other calves).

It is better to clean with a brush, rinse with a garden hose and disinfect with a brush. The same rules apply to group calf pens. Ideally, calf facilities should have one more calf pen than what is typically needed so that a clean and disinfected calf pen has time to “rest” prior to being repopulated.

Feed Your Calves the Breakfast (Lunch and Dinner) of Champions

Over the last several years, the milk replacer industry has discovered that calf raisers can benefit by increasing the level of nutrition fed to their calves. The dairy industry can learn a few things from the beef industry. It has been noted that beef calves may eat half-a-dozen meals per day equating to as much as 20 pounds of milk.

Wowfalfa

Traditionally, dairy calf raisers feed calves milk twice each day. It has been determined that adding another feeding at a higher level of nutrition can increase overall milk intake, increase feed efficiency and get calves ready for weaning as much as a week sooner than a conventional program.

Not only can calves on a high growth program wean sooner than conventional calves, they also wean at a larger size (as much as 20 pounds heavier, one inch higher at the hip and two inches larger at the girth).

This increased performance follows the animal throughout her life, resulting in over 200 lbs. of increased milk production in the first lactation. This has been shown to pay dividends over the additional cost of milk replacer and labor.

Members who wish to know more about MMPA/LOL milk replacers or calf feeding programs may contact the MMPA warehouse or the Novi office.

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Michigan Milk Messenger 7

News & Views The latest dairy news

January Class III Down 52¢ January’s Class III price is $18.14 per hundredweight, down 52 cents from December, but $1.09 above January 2012. The Class IV price is $17.63, down 20 cents from December and $1.07 above a year ago.

Total December cheese production was up 0.5 percent vs.

November 2012 on a daily average basis and up 2 percent vs. December 2011. December butter production increased 17 percent since November 2012 and was 4.4 percent higher than December 2011.

Producers scoring 95 percent or more on Grade A Surveys and Federal Check Rating MMPA Wisconsin January 2013 James / Connie Seefeldt * MMPA Remus January 2013 Circle K Farms Inc* Anschuetz Dairy Farm LLC Henry/Daniel/Bertha Troyer Ronald Huyck David/Sue Brown Stanek Farm *100 percent

8 March 2013

MDARD Testing Clears Potential High Risk Areas for Bovine TB

2012 Northern Lower Michigan designations fell within a 10-mile radius around three TB positive deer Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) State Veterinarian, Dr. Steven Halstead recently signed a memorandum to release the Potential High-Risk designations for bovine Tuberculosis (TB) that were established for portions of 11 townships in Presque Isle County, and two townships in Cheboygan County in 2012.

As required by Public Act 466 of 1988, as amended, the Animal Industry Act, MDARD must test all cattle on farms within 10 miles of a TB positive free-ranging deer. On February 10, 2012, MDARD established Potential HighRisk areas in three locations around deer positive for the disease that were harvested in the fall of 2011.

As a result of three TB positive deer being harvested from locations where cattle were not undergoing annual whole herd TB tests, 70 cattle farms were quarantined and all eligible cattle received a whole herd bovine TB test. This testing revealed no evidence of bovine TB. Based upon these findings, the Potential High-Risk Area designations established on February 10, 2012, are released.

The testing included all herds within the following area: those portions of Allis, Bearinger, Bismarck, Case, Metz, Moltke, North Allis, Ocqueoc, Posen, Pulaski, and Rogers Townships (Presque Isle County); and Grant and Waverly Townships (Cheboygan County) that fall within a 10-mile radius around Presque Isle County, Ocqueoc Township 36N 03E section 33; Bismark Township 34N 04E section 21; and Bismark Township 34N 04E section 16.

Upcoming Events March 20

MMPA Resolutions Meeting, Lansing

21

MMPA Annual Meeting, Lansing

April 12

YC Conference, Frankenmuth

19

Dairy Communicator Conference, Lansing

25

MMPA Advisory Committee Meeting, Novi

2013 MMPA State Annual Delegate Meeting

The annual delegate meeting of the Michigan

Milk Producers Association (MMPA) will begin at

10 a.m. on Thursday, March 21 at the:

Lansing Center, 333 E. Michigan Avenue Lansing, Michigan.

Registration will begin at 9 a.m. Business will be conducted only by accredited delegates, but all members are welcome to attend. The agenda will include consideration of policy statements, resolutions and the election of one director-at-large position on the MMPA Board of Directors.

If the Lansing Center parking area is full, the North Grand ramp located next to the Radisson Hotel has a walkway to the Lansing Center.

Michigan Milk Messenger 9

Legislative Watch Issues important to today’s dairy farmers

Governor Snyder’s 2014 Budget: Agriculture and the Strategic Growth Initiative Take Center Stage

As mentioned, one highlight of Gov. Snyder’s budget was funding for a new Food and Agriculture Industry Growth Initiative that would eliminate research barriers facing Michigan’s agriculture industry, and allow Michigan’s agri-businesses, producers and processors to seize new opportunities for growth. The Strategic Growth Initiative would be funded by $1 million in general funds and up to $2 million from the Michigan Photo courtesy of the Office of the Governor Economic Development Corporation. ov. Rick Snyder’s 2014 budget Designed proposes more than a 4 percent around a funding boost to the state agriculture competitive department, including $3 million for grant process, an initiative aimed at bolstering the the initiative food and farm sector’s contributions would support to Michigan’s economy: the Strategic research into Growth Initiative. technology

“Agriculture is one of the fastest innovation, growing sectors of Michigan’s workforce economy, and it is poised to continue preparation, growing,” said Dave Armstrong, food safety, president and CEO of GreenStone environmental Farm Credit Services. “Governor protection Snyder has put forth a budget that technology and addresses some of the major barriers food processing. to the expansion of food production Other and processing in Michigan. These ag-friendly initiatives are an opportunity to provisions in create jobs for Michiganders and the budget ensure that the industry can continue proposal to be a major driver of Michigan’s benefit a economy.” private forestry

G

10 March 2013

initiative, food safety testing, regional food system support, value-added food and ag projects and the Farmland and Open Space Preservation Program.

The budget recommendations also include funding for critical infrastructure, including repairing Michigan’s roads and bridges and programs to support passenger and freight rail.

In addition, Snyder’s budget proposes $10 million for a new skilled trades training program, “to encourage more residents to master a skilled trade and to address job-to-

MMPA YC CONFERENCE Network | Learn | Connect | Grow

Connecting Younger Members. Sharing New Ideas.

Join us for the 19th annual Young Cooperator Dairy Leadership Conference!

One day, 100 other young dairy farmers, a town hall meeting, dairy management workshop, farm tour and three hours of cards and dice add up to a one-of-a-kind conference that gives younger MMPA members the chance to interact with co-op and industry leaders one-on-one. Spend the day meeting other young dairy producers, learning about current industry issues, hearing strategies to improve your business and helping shape the future of our co-op.

To our fellow MMPA Young Cooperators, Have you thought about attending the YC Conference?

Wanted to know what it was like?

Wondered if it was worthwhile taking a day off of work?

It is! Especially before the busy season starts. When we started farming five years ago, we attended our first YC Conference. We haven’t missed one since. Why?

April 12, 2013

Bavarian Inn Lodge One Covered Bridge Lane Frankenmuth, MI

Presentations … or how you get that number on your milk check Know what our co-op does really well? Markets and sells our product. Find out more about it from our president and general manager. This year, Tom Fuhrman will also talk about how to develop employees into leaders. Asking them to work so you can go to this conference is probably his first bullet point.

Farm tour, or talk on the bus and see something totally different Steve and Diane Foley had a barn fire, so they completely rebuilt with robotic milkers. Come with us to spend your afternoon at a brand-new robot dairy! On the way there and back, relive your school days and hang out with all the other farmer attendees. No one’s fighting to sit in the backseat anymore.

Casino night, or socialize with more young dairy farmers than you’ve ever hung out with at one time You know when you’re in a crowd and people say things like, “I’ve never met a farmer before?”

That will certainly not happen here. Mingle with fun, young people who are in the same situation and stage in life as you … while you (pretend) gamble away your milk check.

Register today - the more the merrier. We hope to see you there! ~ Kris and Carla Wardin 2012 MMPA OYDC

Registration and More Information

Conference registration is free to MMPA members and MMPA member employees. Send the YC Conference registration card mailed in the January 26 milk check by March 28 to: MMPA Member Relations Department PO Box 8002 Novi, MI 48376 For additional information, contact Alex Schnabelrauch at 800572-5824 ext. 211 or email aschnabelrauch@mimilk.com.

Hotel Reservations Make hotel reservation by March 13 and mention MMPA to receive the discounted $125 rate. Call 1-888-775-6343 to make your reservation.

Michigan Milk Messenger 11

Nominees for the Director-At-Large Position Delegates at the 97th MMPA State Annual Delegate Meeting will cast their ballots to elect one at-large member to the MMPA Board of Directors. Ken Nobis, St. Johns, Mich. is the current director seeking re-election. The MMPA Nominating Committee submitted the following nominees for the director-at-large position: Robert Barron, Gladstone, Mich.; Jim Good, Caledonia, Mich.; Ken Nobis, St. Johns, Mich.; and Dale Phillips, Marlette, Mich.

Robert Barron Robert (Bob) Barron farms in partnership with Tom Barron in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

They milk 250 cows and operate 1,500 acres on their Gladstone, Mich. farm.

Bob serves as president of the MMPA Menominee-Vacationland Local and has been a district delegate for over 20 years. He also serves on the Nominating, Advisory and Resolutions Committees.

In his community, Bob has served as a trustee of the Bay de Noc Community College for 30 years and on local boards including Equity UP Livestock, Farm Credit Services and the FmHA Board.

Jim Good Jim Good, and his wife, Tara, own and operate Med-O-Bloom Farm LLC in Caledonia.

Beginning their dairy career 17 years ago in 1996, the Goods milk 500 cows and operate 500 acres.

Jim currently serves on the MMPA State Advisory Committee, Resolutions Committee and Nominating Committee and is the Grand Rapids Local president. He’s

12 March 2013

also the Kent/Muskegon County DHI President and past member of the Red and White Dairy Cattle Association Board.

Jim and Tara have two daughters, Meghan (15) and Shannon (11).

Ken Nobis Ken Nobis was first elected to the MMPA Board of Directors in 1992. Prior to serving as a member of the board, he served as secretary of the MMPA Advisory Committee and president of the Mid-Michigan Local. He served as VicePresident of the association before being elected President in 2007, a position he currently holds. He has worked with three general managers throughout his tenure. Ken also serves as a director on the United Dairy Industry of Michigan Board.

On the national level, Ken currently serves as first vice-chair of the National Milk Producers Federation Board of Directors. He is also a member of the Cooperatives Working Together Committee, serves on the U.S. Dairy Export Council and on the Dairy Management Inc. Board of Directors.

Ken returned to the farm in1968 after receiving a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University and serving two years in the United States Army. Today, Ken and his brother Larry have a 1,000-cow dairy, farming 3,000 acres near St. Johns.

The farm has received numerous

awards over the years, and the brothers were recognized as MSU’s Dairy Farmers of the Year in 2006.

Ken and his wife Liz are past District 6 MMPA OYDCs. They have two sons, Kerry, a manager at Nobis Dairy Farms, and Mitch, a high school English teacher.

Dale Phillips Dale Phillips, and his wife, Rita, partner with Dale’s brother, Glen, and nephew, Eric, to operate Phillips Farms in Marlette. They milk 100 cows and operate 1,400 acres of corn, soybeans, wheat and alfalfa. Dale has been a dairy farmer for 35 years.

He has served on the Brown City – Marlette Local Board for 15 years, serving as secretary/treasurer and president, a position he currently maintains. Dale also has served on the MMPA State Advisory Committee for 15 years and is a member of the State Resolutions Committee.

In the community, Dale has been a member of the Marlette Oil and Gas Board for 15 years.

Dale and Rita have one daughter, Sharon Freeman, and two grandchildren.

Constant Improvement the Common Link between Award-Winning MMPA Members

By Alex Schnabelrauch

O

Kent Inniger – NorthStar DHI 2012 Progressive Dairy Producer

Kent Inniger, from Middleton, was announced as the 2012 Progressive Dairy Producer by NorthStar Cooperative. His commitment to continuous improvement incited a $1,434 increase in his herd’s dollar value over the past five years. Just 20 minutes south, Tony Jandernoa of St. Johns was acknowledged for his farm’s pioneering practices and his personal passion for consumer education being named one of the three Michigan Agri-Business Association, Michigan Farm Radio Network and Michigan Farmer magazine 2013 Master Farmers.

“We aren’t doing anything remarkably different than other dairy farmers. There’s no special sauce we pour on our feed at night, as Dr. Kevin Jeffers would say! But if there’s a way to be better, we do it,” Kent confirms.

n the heels of nabbing nearly 40 percent of the National Dairy Quality Awards, MMPA members continue to showcase their innovative, efficient, high caliber operations at the state and national level.

Learn more about these outstanding MMPA members as we zoom into what makes these dairymen stand out from the crowd.

Toting a near 10,000 pound increase in milk production over the past five years, Kent Inniger’s “recipe for success” has only one replicable, secret ingredient: commitment to continuous improvement.

Milking 189-head, the herd averages 35,071 pounds of milk; 1,199 pounds of fat; 1,087 pounds of protein and a dollar value of $5,284. As the 2012 Progressive Dairy Producer, Kent boasted the highest five-year increase in dollar value, $1,434.

What sparked the dramatic boost? One of Kent’s vets, and a member of his knowledgeable management team,

Michigan Milk Messenger 13

Dr. Lisa Sanford of Sterner Veterinary Clinic assures, “There is no silver bullet. It’s a matter of continuously identifying bottlenecks on the farm and removing them.

Kent is committed to picking away at issues and striving to get every part of the farm working efficiently at once.”

Kent has, however, zeroed in on three efficiencycreating focus areas since purchasing the farm from his father-in-law, Richard Koehn, in 2008.

Improving Cow Comfort

After performing a risk assessment with Dr. Sanford, it was evident that the Innigers’ setup was lacking bunk space therefore preventing maximum feed intake. In just three days, Kent had already started remedying the problem, expanding the bunk and eventually shading the feeding areas. Coupled with transitioning from two to three-a-day milkings, the changes helped boost average daily production to 106 pounds of milk.

A new four-row, 120-stall barn built in 2011 provided more space for the herd to eat, rest and interact. Misters were installed in the spring of 2012 in both the new freestall barn and holding pen. The time and temperature regulated misters and fans kept the herd relaxed, helping maintain relatively high production and conception rates even during last summer’s oppressive heat.

Instituting the Right Feeding Program – from Freestalls to the Hutch

When feed costs skyrocketed in 2009, Kent worked with Dr. Keith Sterner and Dr. Sanford to give the farm’s nutrition program an efficiency facelift. “We took out the unnecessary supplements and used the money we saved to buy high quality feed. We made significant cost savings on the ration and were able to slowly increase milk production from 72 to 114 pounds over 4 years,” Dr. Sanford explains.

Kent continues, “All dairy farmers know that good forage produces good milk. That’s where we luck out. We buy feed from my father-in-law who knows what it takes to grow crops that will grow our milk production.”

Once efficiencies were realized in the milking herd’s nutrition program, Kent and his team were able to work backwards and focus on the farm’s young stock.

Thanks to a motivated employee who enjoys and is

passionate about calf care, the farm instituted an accelerated feeding program offering calves two quarts of high protein, high fat milk replacer three times daily.

Although not yet integrated into the milking herd, research says the program will increase each heifer’s lifetime milk production by 3,000-5,000 pounds as heifers were big enough to breed at 13 months of age. Regardless, Kent has already watched the program pay for itself with a drastic reduction in calf medicinal expenditures. He says, “I don’t want to jinx it, but the calves just don’t get sick. Their immune systems are stronger, and I’m not spending time dealing with those seriously sick calves.”

Lactation Grouping

After the risk assessment with Dr. Sanford, Kent and his team realized another opportunity to maximize their production: lactation grouping. All first-time milkers are now housed in a separate barn away from the veteran milking herd. By reducing pecking-order bullying, Kent has witnessed the comfortable, less intimidated 2-yearolds achieve up to 172 pounds of daily production.

Unafraid of Change

Operating on a self-proclaimed “low-tech” farm with no heat detection aids or milk meters, Kent’s open-minded quest to constantly improve is what sets him apart. Dr. Sanford concurs, “Kent isn’t afraid to ask questions. He seeks out information, gets a couple of peoples’ opinions and takes action to implement necessary changes. Kent just likes doing it right, and what’s right today might not be right tomorrow.”

He modestly shrugs, “It takes a team of good, caring people to keep all cylinders operating at the same time – my supportive family, vets, employees, MSU consultants and Steve Lehman (our MMPA member rep). We all work our tails off, and sometimes things just work out.”

An advocate for utilizing all available resources, Kent has attended MMPA Milker Training Schools twice and sends all his milkers as well. He’s also optimized MMPA equipment evaluations and quality improvement consultation services and is certified through the National Dairy FARM Program.

Kent concludes, “I’m as surprised as anybody to have received this award. Maybe it was perfect timing.

Maybe it was the great herd I bought. No matter what, it’s a tremendous accomplishment especially in Michigan with so many quality herds where the bar is set so high. I would like to thank my family, vets, MMPA and the Lord for all the many blessings.”

Kent and his wife, Tamara, live in Middleton and have three children: Trenton (10), Brooke (7) and Jenna (4).

14 March 2013

Tony Jandernoa – 2013 Michigan Master Farmer

T

ony Jandernoa isn’t satisfied with maintaining the status quo inside or outside his farm’s gate. Named one of the three 2013 Michigan Master Farmers, complacency is not in his vocabulary.

It may come as a surprise that Tony’s passion for dairy started in the most modest of roles – as a 12-year-old milker for neighbor Alphonse Thelen. “I helped out at another neighbor’s farm through high school.

After a brief stint working in a manufacturing plant, I came back as a herdsman for Alphonse’s then 100-cow dairy. He’s a great guy,” Tony says.

After getting married in 1987, Tony and his wife, Patti, entered into a 50-50 partnership with Alphonse, increasing the herd to 150. In 1994, they took full ownership and have been steadily growing ever since. Four cow barns and a major parlor revamp later, the Jandernoas take pride in operating their 1,600 head, 2,000 acre dairy – Dutch Meadows Dairy, LLC – near Fowler.

Innovation Key to Improving Margins

Whether milking 100 or 1,600 cows, efficiency has always been at the forefront of Tony’s mind. “In these times of tight margins, trying to increase our profit is a constant. We’re always looking at production, components, feed costs, quality and labor costs. Right now, we’re just trying to stay on top of it and make decisions based on the bottom line,” Tony explains.

Some of the farm’s current profit-maximizing strategies include increasing components and milk quality while double cropping approximately 200 acres and exploring 15 inch planting rows to capitalize on the land’s potential. They recently installed a separate parlor for treated cows to prevent high SCC milk from entering the salable bulk tank. Their milkers attend MMPA Milker Training Schools to help improve milk quality by infectionprevention in the parlor.

Cutting bedding costs has presented further margin benefits. Jandernoas installed the first gravity flow sand recovery system in the state, currently recycling over 90 percent of the farm’s sand. A bold move, Tony elaborates, “I saw a similar system in California and I thought I could make it work here. We did have a learning curve because of the different climate, but we seem to have it figured out now.”

In an attempt to curb feed waste, Tony has been exploring improved feed storage. He comments, “After realizing we’re currently losing 10-15 percent of our feed supply, we’re looking at installing bins. At that loss rate, bins pay for themselves in no time.”

Passionate about Promotion Management isn’t the only arena where the Jandernoas claim “first ever” distinctions. In 2009, Tony and Patti hosted the first Breakfast on the Farm event. Anticipating 400 attendees, the Jandernoas worked tirelessly to prepare a one-of-a-kind, positive dairy experience. In the end, over 1,500 guests gave their farm rave reviews.

Patti vividly remembers the experience, saying, “It was so great to see the turnout, and the visitors were so appreciative that we opened our farm to them. Some of them had never been on a dairy and for others it had been many years and a lot had changed regarding dairy operations. We really enjoyed that day and would encourage others to consider hosting an event. It was a very rewarding experience.”

In addition to Breakfast on the Farm, the Jandernoas have hosted a number of other farm tours including a group of 15 University of Michigan students majoring in environmental studies.

When asked about the motivation behind his avid interest in dairy promotion, Tony responds, “There are so many anti-agriculture forces working against us and so few farmers these days. It’s up to us to get our positive story out. We utilize good practices. We produce safe food. We care about our land and environment. And consumers need to hear that from us.”

What’s Ahead The Jandernoas’ quest for efficiency and dairy promotion is long from complete and, thanks to 25 trusted employees, Tony and Patti are actively telling their dairy story through involvement in MMPA and their community.

Tony serves as the MMPA Mid-Michigan Local vice president and is a member of the MMPA Advisory Committee and United Dairy Industry of Michigan Board.

In the past, he also sat on the Dairy Herd Improvement Association Board and Clinton County Farm Bureau Board.

Patti is an MMPA Dairy Communicator and Regional Educational Service Agency trustee. She’s a member of the Breakfast on the Farm State Council, Clinton County Planning Commission, Christian Women’s Organization and the Most Holy Trinity Parish Educational Trust Fund Commission as well.

As MMPA’s 2002 Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperators, Tony adds, “We have been with MMPA for 26 years...our whole farming lives. Milker Training Schools and field staff visits have been important to us and helped us immensely. I continue marketing with MMPA because I feel it’s a well-run co-op, and I’ve seen the benefits of being part of it.”

With one son already graduated from the Michigan State agribusiness program, succession planning is on the Jandernoas’ horizon as they look toward integrating the next generation. Tony and Patti have four children: Kyle (24), Amanda (23), Nathan (22) and Krista (20).

Michigan Milk Messenger 15

U.S. Dairy Suppliers Set Value, Volume Records in 2012

F

or the second straight year, the United States shipped more than 13 percent of its annual U.S. milk solids overseas—a continued sign that U.S. dairy suppliers are building a more major role in meeting the needs of burgeoning global dairy demand.

“U.S. dairy exports are now a $5 billion business,” says Tom Suber, president of the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC). “Export value hit a record $5.21 billion in 2012 and the nation’s dairy suppliers sent 3.295 billion lbs. of total milk solids into export channels last year.” USDEC, primarily funded by the dairy checkoff, leads overseas market development on behalf of the U.S. dairy industry.

China fueling gains. NDM/SMP shipments grew 2 percent to 444,727 tons (980 million lbs.), driven by strong demand from across Latin America and the Middle East. WPC

toppled the previous volume record, jumping 27 percent to 233,362 tons (514 million lbs.), powered by Southeast Asia, Mexico and South Korea.

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delivering more through dHi.

With more dairy products moving overseas, U.S. dairy producers have been able to grow in the last decade while minimizing the accumulation of burdensome inventories in the domestic market, notes Paul Rovey, a dairy producer from Arizona and chairman of USDEC. “Since 2003, U.S. milk production has increased 18 percent and more than half (56 percent) of the incremental milk volume has been sold overseas,” Rovey says.

“USDEC’s long-term engagement in overseas markets has helped make that possible.”

Pregnancy confirmation made easy

The United States posted broad gains across geographies and product lines. Among the 2012 highlights, cheese, whey protein concentrate (WPC) and nonfat dry milk/skim milk powder (NDM/ SMP) all set volume records.

U.S. cheese exports cleared 260,000 tons (573 million lbs.), nearly twice the volume shipped just four years earlier in 2008, with Mexico, Japan, South Korea and 16 March 2013

The new Milk Pregnancy Test provides convenient pregnancy confirmation using DHI samples from 35-days post breeding through dry-off. This noninvasive test provides results comparable to traditional methods, without the additional time and labor to sort, restrain and sample animals.

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Key U.S. markets—Mexico (+6 percent), China/Hong Kong (+16 percent), Canada (+11 percent), Japan (+3 percent), South Korea (+2 percent) and the Middle East/North Africa (+16 percent)—all boosted their U.S. purchases. Only Southeast Asia (-4 percent) declined among major U.S. customers.

U.S. suppliers leveraged USDEC programs in market development, market access and trade policy programs to improve their sales to overseas customers. Last year (and through early February 2013), they announced significant investment in WMP capacity to service the overseas growth, upgrades to NDM/SMP to cater to the high-spec demands of overseas buyers and new whey processing capacity to meet booming protein demand here and abroad.

Looking Ahead

Pricing difficulties notwithstanding, there are positives in U.S. suppliers’ second-half numbers.

“The fact that U.S. exports did not plummet, as they did following the 2008 financial crisis, supports the contention that U.S. suppliers are maturing in their approach to the export market,” says Suber. “The overall U.S. performance reflects a greater industry-wide move towards exports as a strategic growth path.”

Moving forward, USDEC contends that a major global milk oversupply of the kind that characterized the first half of 2012 is not in the cards for 2013. And even though milk powder inventories have grown in recent months, stock levels appear manageable.

“Global economic signs are starting to move in a more positive direction, demand and consumption will continue rising and world prices are expected to come more into line with U.S. prices,” says Suber.

And while the U.S. industry is shifting its focus to make world markets an integral aspect of the business, more challenges lie ahead.

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            ®

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                 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               16 16 The TheMichigan Michigan Cattleman Cattleman Spring Spring 2005 2005 18 March 2013 16 The Michigan Cattleman Spring 2005 16 The Michigan Cattleman Spring 2005 16 16 The TheMichigan Michigan Cattleman Cattleman Spring Spring 2005 2005 16 The Michigan Cattleman Spring 2005

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Beef Checkoff recognizes Kalamazoo steakhouse with national award “The checkoff-funded National Beef Backer Award is our way of thanking Webster’s Prime in Kalamazoo for providing consumers with outstanding beef-eating experiences,” said Dale Oeschger, a cattle feeder from Bay Port, Mich., and chairman of the Michigan Beef Industry Commission. “Webster’s Prime truly is a leader in menuing the beef that farmers and ranchers raise every day.”

Webster’s Prime was recognized as the Beef Checkoff Program’s 2012 National Foodservice Beef Backer Independent Operator of the Year. Started in 2007, the award recognizes three categories of foodservice operators — Independent Operator, Chain Operator and Innovator of the Year — that exhibit leadership and innovation in beef menuing and promotion.

“We pride ourselves on providing the best quality and greatest variety of beef options for our guests,” said Stefan Johnson, general manager and executive chef at Webster’s Prime. One unique menu offering is Webster’s beef-tasting plate, which includes slices of Wagyu, grass-fed and grain-finished beef, giving guests a side-by-side comparison of the different types of beef.

“We’re thrilled to receive this prestigious award and to be one of three U.S. restaurants recognized by America’s farmers and ranchers.”

Watch the award presentation at www.MIBeef.org.

Get to know your beef checkoff. Visit

www.MIBeef.org or call (517) 347-0911 the Beef Checkoff.

MichiganFunded Milk by Messenger 19

It Takes a Village

MSU Dairy Farmers of the Year – Bruce and Jennifer Lewis

By Alex Schnabelrauch

S

ome say it takes a village to raise a child. Bruce and Jennifer Lewis, Michigan State University (MSU) Dairy Farmers of the Year, contend that it takes just as many people to successfully run their Jonesville dairy farm. “It’s not like we’re doing things drastically different compared to other dairy farmers. We’ve just got a good group of people who do things the old fashioned way,” Bruce explains.

And that good “old fashioned” teamwork is the sole proprietors’ focus. With 25 years of marriage under their belt, the farm management duo is a testament to the power of collaboration. While Bruce is in charge of field work, feeding and manure management, Jennifer takes the lead on the bookwork and payroll as she proudly holds the titles of “CFO, HR director, lunch lady and gopher.”

With 15 non-family employees and at least eight off-farm consultants, the Lewis family credits their success to the knowledgeable, passionate, dedicated professionals they’ve drafted to the Pleasant View Dairy farm team.

A Team Approach The Lewises live by the fact that every management decision matters, especially with tight dairy profit margins. “Jennifer and I don’t have the depth of expertise needed to make the best decisions for every aspect of the operation – what to feed, what to treat with, how to plant,” Bruce says. “So we’ve tried to instill teamwork on the farm and with consultants. We’re not afraid to pick up the phone and ask questions to capitalize on the pool of knowledge at our fingertips.”

The Lewises’ extensive off-farm team consists of a nutritionist, market advising firm, agronomy service, lawyer, vet service, CPA, MMPA member representative and MSU Extension employees. They rely on these specialists to bring each area of the farm into focus and help make decisions to cut costs and increase profits.

“We feel confident in the value these people and organizations offer our dairy,” Jennifer elaborates.

Retaining Employees with Appreciation and Involvement A pervasive theme, teamwork penetrates the framework of the

20 March 2013

Lewises’ on-farm employees, too – helping maintain the farm’s passionate, experienced workforce. “Without them [our employees], we’re nothing,” Jennifer acknowledges. “When they do something spectacular and meet the goals they’ve set, we celebrate and thank them for their hard work.”

From a catered prime rib employee appreciation day lunch to Christmas party for employees and their families, Bruce and Jennifer deliberately show gratitude to their workforce. “We offer employee health insurance – which our workers pay into – that covers the employees and their families. We give raises every February and bonuses when an employee steps up to solve a problem.

We’re far from perfect, but we try to treat everyone fairly and with respect,” Bruce describes.

With a majority of employees boasting five to 30-year tenures, maintaining “institutional” knowledge on the farm is one of Bruce and Jennifer’s investment priorities. They consciously involve employees in setting goals and give them trusted ownership to follow-through with their daily activities as outlined in their employee management quick tips featured below.

Mitigating Risk to Avoid Another 2009 After the devastating effects of 2009, Bruce and Jennifer decided, in the long term, they had to be more active in marketing and setting their prices.

“We were part of a three-farm group that banded together and interviewed two marketing firms. In the end we decided to utilize Stewart-Peterson’s Market 360 Program to help proactively contract our feed, milk and fuel,” Bruce explains.

Although bullish markets have curbed a tremendous return on investment since the three farms began working with the program in 2010, the Lewises appreciate the additional stability. Jennifer admits, “We’ve taken our lumps along the way, but by forward contracting and playing the markets, we can lock in a price we can live with and make sure we maintain positive margins.”

Investment Beyond the Farm Building a strong, trusted, teamworkfocused employee base has allowed Bruce and Jennifer to give back to their local and state communities through a variety of organizations and causes.

Bruce has served as MMPA Hillsdale-Litchfield Local president and is currently vice president as well as a member of the State Resolutions Committee. He was MMPA District 1 president for two years and has served on the Hillsdale County DHIA Board and Hillsdale County Farm Bureau Board. Bruce currently sits on the Greenstone Farm Credit Services Board of Directors.

Jennifer serves as an MMPA Dairy Communicator, Hillsdale County Dairy Promoters treasurer and Hillsdale County 4-H leader.

She also sits on the Michigan Farm Bureau (MFB) Board of Directors and was named the 2006 Hillsdale DHIA Volunteer of the Year. Jennifer has also been a delegate at the MMPA and MFB annual meetings.

MMPA 2005 Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperators, the Lewises were secretary couple for the National

Milk Producers Federation Young Cooperators in 2006.

When asked how they balance so many positions, Jennifer smiles, “People always say if you want something done, ask a busy person to do it! We’ve always enjoyed being involved and believe that service is part of being active in our community.”

Pleasant View at a Glance Bruce began working on the family farm as the third generation in 1983 and Jennifer joined the operation after their wedding in 1988. They purchased the operation from Bruce’s father, Roger, in 1995 and have expanded over the past 30 years to accommodate the next generation.

consistent with the couple’s graceful demeanor. “We did not expect it [the award] at all. We always thought this was for more experienced dairy farmers, but are truly honored and humbled to be recognized,” Bruce remarks.

Bruce and Jennifer have three children: Adam (23), Brittany (21) and Conner (19). Adam works fulltime on the family farm and his wife, Kayla, also helps feed calves, file paperwork and run equipment.

Brittany works for a property management firm in Kalamazoo and Conner is enrolled in the animal science program at MSU. He has also expressed interest in returning to the family farm upon graduation.

They milk 650-head of Holsteins in a double-18 right angle parlor three times a day and operate 2,200 acres of corn, soybeans, alfalfa, wheat and sorghum, occasionally double cropping to spread out risk and build forage supplies.

Their current DHI herd average is 30,623 pounds of milk, 1,082 pounds fat and 901 pounds protein having a dollar value of $4,596 per cow, and a bulk tank somatic cell average of 141,000.

Along with receiving MMPA’s 5-Star Quality Award this past year, Pleasant View Dairy is MAEAP verified in cropping systems and is working toward livestock and farmstead verifications. They’ve also participated in the National Dairy FARM Program.

Hesitant to be in the spotlight, Bruce’s reaction to being named MSU Dairy Farmer of the Year is

Bruce and Jennifer’s Employee Management Quick Tips

•

Be consistent with expectations, scheduling protocols, raise schedules, etc.

•

Involve employees in setting production and quality goals for the farm

•

Reward employees for reaching those goals – lunches, bonuses, etc.

•

Offer benefits and incentives for taking initiative to solve problems

•

Avoid micromanaging and trust well-deserving employees

•

Offer encouraging words to employees who are doing things right

Michigan Milk Messenger 21

MMPA Scholarship Winners For over 40 years, MMPA has sponsored scholarships for MMPA members, their children and employees enrolled in the Agricultural Technology Dairy Management Program at Michigan State University with the hope of encouraging more young people to pursue dairy careers. Scholarships are based on academics, involvement in the dairy industry and letters of recommendation. The following students received MMPA scholarships to support their dairy education during the 2012-2013 school year.

MMPA First Year Scholarships Andy Slocum is from Hastings where he is active as the 6th generation on his family’s 180-cow dairy operation.

In high school, Andy was active in FFA for three years, participating in the parliamentary procedure contest and making it to the state level twice.

Following graduation, Andy plans to return to his family farm and hopes to expand to 500 cows.

Kelvin Webster is in the first year of the dairy program at MSU. He is from Laingsburg where he is involved on his family’s 4,000-cow dairy operation. Kelvin plans to return to his grandfather’s farm after graduation. He has participated in 4-H and was a member of the Michigan 4-H Dairy Judging Team that competed in Louisville in November.

MMPA First Year Employee Scholarships Matthew Stanton is from Elkton and works for Te Voortwis Dairy LLC milking 1,650 cows. In high school, Matt completed a program of study in electrical technology at the Huron Area Technical Center. At MSU, he’s a member of the Dairy Club and participated in the Dairy Challenge.

Following graduation from the Ag Tech program, Matt plans on returning to the Te Voortwis Dairy as a fulltime employee.

Jorin Ouwinga is from McBain where he works for Daniel DeZeeuw helping manage the farm’s 128 cows.

In high school, Jorin was active in FFA and 4-H, and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He is in the first year of the dairy program at MSU and is a member of the Dairy Club and Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity. Jorin would like to move back to McBain and start his own dairy after graduation.

22 March 2013

Pictured above: MMPA scholarship winners are recognized at the 2012 Leaders’ Conference. Back (left to right): Jorin Ouwinga, Matthew Stanton, Taran Hooks, Andy Slocum and Kelvin Webster. Front (left to right): Malissa Reed, Brent Bebow and Brittney Zondlak.

MMPA Second Year Scholarships Brent Bebow is from Alma where he is active in his family’s 1,100-cow dairy operation. During high school, Brent was an active member of the FFA for four years and won the FFA small business award. At MSU, he’s a member of the Farmhouse Fraternity.

Brent completed an internship with MMPA members Brent and Tyler Wilson this past summer. Following graduation, Brent would like to take over the family’s dairy and cash crop farm.

Taran Hooks, from Breckenridge, works on his family’s 1,350-cow dairy operation. In high school, he was active in FFA and the National Honor Society and played on the Breckenridge basketball and football teams. In college, he is a member of the MSU Dairy Club and Farmhouse Fraternity. After graduation, he plans to return to his family’s farm. Taran completed his internship on a 12,000cow dairy operation in Central Nebraska.

Malissa Reed is involved with her family’s 340-cow dairy farm in Owosso. During high school Malissa served as captain of the varsity

volleyball and soccer teams as well as receiving multiple awards for her academic accomplishments. In college, Malissa is a member of the MSU Dairy Club and was also a member of the MSU Dairy Judging Team, placing 8th at World Dairy Expo and 9th at the North American International Livestock Exposition.

Malissa completed an internship at MMPA member’s T and H Dairy.

After graduation, she plans to return home to her family’s dairy farm.

Second Year Employee Scholarship Brittney Zondlak is employed

by MMPA member Tim Baker in Byron Center where they milk 75 cows. Brittney is a member of the MSU Dairy Club and the Ag Tech Dairy Judging Team. She was high individual in Jerseys and 5th in reasons at the North American International Dairy Judging Contest in Louisville. Brittney studied dairy husbandry and environmental stewardship in the Netherlands and Belgium last summer. Brittany hopes to transfer into the Agribusiness Management program following graduation.

2 June 2012

Michigan Milk Messenger 23

Dellar Dairy

Milking Herd & Bred Heifer Dispersal Auction Wednesday March 27, 2013 10:00 AM Harrisville, MI

Directions: Alcona County, MI; From Harrisville (US-23), Turn west on M-72 go west 2 Miles to Poor Farm Rd. Turn South (left) 2 Miles to Clemens Rd. Turn west (right) 1/2 Mile to Campbell Rd. Follow Campbell around the bend to the right, It then becomes Dellar Rd. Follow 1 mile to the farm on north side of the road

300 A.I. Sired Grade Holsteins Sell Plus Forage Equipment, Corn Silage, & Baleage

200 Cows Avg 101# Milk SCC-33,000 RHA 3x 29693M 942F 847P *90 Cows over 100# *130 Cows in 1st & 2nd Lact *40 Head Fresh within 60 Days Of Sale *20 Dry Cows *85 A.I. Sired & Bred Heifers All the heifers due in ‘13 Sell many w/ 30-40000# Dam *DHIA Records *Parallel Parlor / Sand Freestalls *Complete & Strict Vaccination Program Sires Include: Marlon, Dyson, Geneva, Dewey, Dover, Bob, Blitz, Potter, Merit, Levi, Gillespy, Trigger, Massive, Douglas, Digger, Etc *2011 & 2012 National Dairy Quality Platinum Award Winners *Numerous MMPA milk quality awards *#1 SCC herd in MI, IN, & OH in 2011, 2nd in 2012

Feed Selling (Tests Results Will Be Available)

*700 Tons of BMR Corn Silage with inoculant & mold inhibitor *450 4x5 Round bales of 2nd & 3rd Cutting Baleage, with inoculant & mold inhibitor -Baled with a BR760 Roto Cut Baler

Equipment Selling

(It is NEW or in Excellent Shape)

*2012 New Holland FP240 Forage Harvestor s/n ycn121386 w/Walking Tandem, Lights, Hydrolic Tongue Swing & Wagon Pin Release, Large PTO, Chute Support & Metalert III (Only done 191 Acres) *2012 New Holland 29P 9’ Super Sweep Hay Head *2012 Dion F64-90 7Ft All Row Cut Rotary Corn *2011 Penta 6720 HD Tornado Auger Vertical Mixer *2004 Ag Bagger G-6000 *2012 H&S HD 7+4 Self Unloading Wagon *H&S HD 7+4 Self Unloading Wagon 7 Yrs Old *New Holland 816 Self Unloading Wagon sn/200909 All 3 Forage Wagons are on 12 Ton Tandem gears *Gehl 1580 Vortex Silo Blower *GSI 4 Ton Bin *Freestall Sand Leveler *23 36” Basket Fans *Valmetal 1618 Silage Mill (Roller Mill) *2 Lockwood 835 End Delivery Bean Windrower’s *6 Caf-Tel Hutches w/ Cages Please Call Duane Dellar with equipment Questions 989-3358-0809

Call for More Information or Catalog, Pictures, & Videos online at www.uproducers.com (Special Sales Section ) Virtual Farm Tour at www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8CfTqzQYrk *Lunch wagon on-site *Sale under cover * Trucking available Owners

Ryan & Charina Dellar 3853 Dellar Rd Harrisville, MI 989-255-6016 24 March 2013

Sale Managers & Auctioneers

United Producers, Inc

Dairy Cattle Marketing Services

Paul Warner 614-296-5038 Chad Kreeger 517-294-3484

2013 MMPA Milker Training Schools

Don’t miss a great opportunity to improve milk quality

A

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

MMPA MTS is a day-long session offered free of charge to MMPA members and their employees. A combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training help participants understand the “why” and “how” of an excellent udder prep procedure.

Both managers and employees are encouraged to attend to promote consistent, operation-wide adoption, implementation and reinforcement of milking procedure techniques.

The registration form and schedule are included below. Each MTS is

“I’ve been to MMPA’s Milker Training School five times and I still learn something new every time. It’s a great program that makes you want to be better at what you do.” – Jason Dellar, Nu-Dream Dairy, Harrisville, Mich. limited to 35 people; however, a second session may be held to meet demand. Please register early to help us determine if a second day is needed at some locations. Contact your MMPA member representative or the Member Services Department at the Novi office with any questions or registration information.

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

To help overcome this obstacle, MMPA offers MTS taught by a Spanishspeaking instructor. A concurrent, but

2013Milker Training School Locations and Dates

Schools at Additional Locations The 2013 MTS locations were selected based on MMPA producer responses to the MTS survey. Trainings were placed in any area where 15 or more members requested a school.

If members would like a school offered in an area other than the locations already selected, and know that 20-30 people would attend from that area, it’s not too late! To request a school at a location not listed below, contact Christy Dinsmoore at (989) 5289102 or Dinsmoore@mimilk.com or the Member Services Department at the Novi office.

Milker Training Registration Name

Registration: 9:30 am Program: 10:00am to 3:00pm (Lunch is provided)

Address

Prudenville

March 6

Houghton Lake Historical Playhouse

Telephone

Brown City

March 14

Brown City Missionary Church

Greenville

April 16

Greenville Community Center

Greenville

April 17 (Spanish)

Greenville Community Center

Stephenson

April 3 & 4

MSU Extension Office

Lagrange, Ind.

May 1

at the farm of Orla Bontrager

separate, session is also held to give employers and/or milking supervisors an overview of the techniques the employees are taught so everyone is on the same page after attending MTS.

Producer Permit Number Date and location of session you will attend:

Number of people attending: English Hispanic Send this form to:

MMPA Milker Training School

P.O. Box 8002

Novi, MI 48376-8002

Michigan Milk Messenger 25

Dairy Conference Provides Industry Updates and Management Tips

T

he Bavarian Inn and Conference Center hosted more than 400 dairy producers and industry representatives for its 11th annual Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference (GLRDC) Feb. 7-9 in Frankenmuth.

Attendees learned the latest on a variety of topics ranging from calf care and health to technological advancements in the industry.

Educational sessions about dairy herd nutrition and maintaining a farm’s bottom line in a challenging economy were also featured.

The conference’s opening session featured Ron Erskine, Phil Durst, Stan Moore and Faith Cullens from the Michigan State University (MSU) Extension Dairy Team, who discussed USDA regulations and inspections as well as how to modify production practices to avoid antibiotic residues in meat and milk.

choose between concurrent sessions.

Mike Hutjens, Dairy Extension Specialist from the University of Illinois, and Greg Zuver, Dairy Nutritionist from the Caledonia Farmers Elevator presented about the challenges and opportunities

Dale Bauman, Liberty Hyde regarding dairy nutrition at the local Bailey professor emeritus from and national levels. Meanwhile, Tom Cornell University, kicked off the afternoon sessions with a

Next, attendees had the option to Earleywine, director of nutritional services from Land O’Lakes, Inc., linked technological and nutrition Improve bottom-line $$. Lower feed costs. Maximize production. advances through his session Ingredients from your trusted source. detailing research with robotic calf feeders. Donald Sockett, DVM, of Wisconsin Veterinary Zeeland Farm Services, Inc.® Diagnostic Laboratory, rounded MI: 866.888.7082 out Thursday’s trio of concurrent Fax: 616.772.7067 workshops with a presentation www.zfsinc.com Citrus Pulp discussing the management of Low Fat Hominy 16% maximum fiber 7% minimum protein 6% minimum protein disease in newborn to three-week 7% maximum fiber 2.1% maximum calcium 4% minimum fat 2% minimum fat old calves. presentation entitled, “Accepting Technology and Feeding the World.”

Described by GLRDC committee member Joe Domecq as “thought provoking,” Bauman’s talk explored the balance between society’s acceptance of technology and dairy farmers’ use of it to maximize production.

Valero Meal

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

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

26 March 2013

Furthering the topic of calf care and health, the afternoon itinerary featured a producer panel of Nathan Elzinga from Daybreak Dairy, Zeeland, Mich. and Lou Neuder, DVM from Green Meadow Farms, Elsie, Mich.; facilitated by Tom Earleywine. The panelists shared their experiences and answered audience questions

dealing with calf health offering tips and tricks for better management practices.

The evening ended with a dinner program presented

by Domino’s Pizza Executive Vice President Lynn Liddle, who discussed the unique and innovative partnership between Domino’s and the dairy check-off and provided insight about the impact they hope to make on the industry.

The Friday morning program opened up with a presentation by Tom Overton, associate professor of dairy nutrition at Cornell University, who discussed the nutritional needs of fresh cows and what producers can do to achieve peak performance.

Next, Erskine of the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine and Roger S. Thomson, DVM, Team Management Concepts, offered a session exploring prevention versus treatment options concerning dairy herd health and milk quality. Thomson and Erskine then moderated a panel discussion featuring Dave Schroder, Cary Dairy, Battle Creek, Mich.; Steven Vander Hoff, Bebow Dairy, St. Louis, Mich.; and Tom Oesch, Swisslane Dairy, Alto, Mich., who talked about the measures their farms have taken to improve milk quality.

The final morning session featured Gary Sipiorski, development manager from Vita Plus Corporation, who cited factors like rising input costs, global demand and price margins, ultimately providing insight on how to survive – and thrive – in today’s global dairy industry.

Friday’s program rounded out with concurrent sessions regarding business planning and management, marketing and technology. Presenters included Dennis Stein, farm business management educator, MSU Extension; Amy Martin, Gingrich Meadows, Le Roy, Mich.; Margie Weiss, Weiss Farms, Frankenmuth, Mich.; Ben Schaendorf, Schaendorf Dairy, Hopkins, Mich; Jane Hillstrom and Samantha Baudhuin, Hillstrom PR; Tom Oesch and Sipiorski.

Bruce and Jennifer Lewis of Jonesville, Mich., received the 2013 MSU Dairy Farmer of the Year award at the 8th annual Michigan Dairy Industry Recognition Night banquet held Feb. 8. Julie Alexander, Hanover, was also recognized at the banquet, receiving the United Dairy Industry of Michigan’s Excellence in Dairy Promotion award. Katelyn Horning, an MSU junior pursuing double bachelor’s degrees in agribusiness management and animal science, from Manchester, and Kelly Raterink, Zeeland East High School senior from Zeeland, were named the 2013 senior and junior Michigan Dairy Ambassador Scholarship and Leadership Program recipients, respectively.

The 12th annual GLRDC will take place Feb. 6–8, 2014 at the Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort in Mount Pleasant, Mich. For more information, contact MSU Events Coordinator Megghan Honke at honkemeg@ msu.edu or 517-353-3175, or visit www.glrdc.msu.edu.

More than $26 million back to customers...

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When they do it with a 97 percent customer satisfaction rating, that’s GreenStone.

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800-444-FARM

www.greenstonefcs.com

Michigan Milk Messenger 27

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

Cow Cufflink II MMPA Merchandise stocks the Cow Cufflink II hobbles.

It is available in two colors, red and royal blue.

The Cow Cufflink II is stronger than its original model, featuring 6,000-pound tensile strength nylon webbing with stainless steel components. A unique posi-lock buckle system that attaches to the cow’s ankle has zero failures and is easier to apply than Velcro-type hobbles.

along with the program. Fortunately, the 12-inch setting works well as an anti-kicking device. To protect their milkers, some dairies have purchased Cow Cufflinks to use as an anti-kicking device on every first calf heifer that freshens.

Cow Cufflink II features:

Able to do the job of two hobble sizes in one, the Cow Cufflink II has easy adjustability and can adjust from 12-21 inches at cow-side.

• User friendly and humane to the cow

The 21-inch setting is ideal for therapeutic applications such as milk fever and nerve related damage due to difficult calving. For a small investment, the Cow Cufflink II can lengthen or even save a cow’s life.

• Prevents pawing when attached to front legs

• Made in U.S.A.

Every farm has a cow that just doesn’t want to go

• Holds up well under acidic conditions • Easy cow-side adjustability from 12-21 inches • Long lasting, made with tough components • Machine washable for easy clean-up

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

Stock #7042

Cow Cufflink II: Red color $22.50 each

Stock #7041

Cow Cufflink II: Blue color $22.50 each

• 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

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

28 March 2013

MMPA Quality Premium Program

S

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

• 51,000 - 75,000 +50¢/cwt.

• 76,000 - 100,000 +45¢/cwt.

• 101,000 - 125,000 +40¢/cwt.

• 126,000 - 150,000 +35¢/cwt.

• 151,000 - 175,000 +30¢/cwt.

• 176,000 - 200,000 +25¢/cwt.

• 201,000 - 225,000 +20¢/cwt.

• 226,000 - 250,000 +15¢/cwt.

• 251,000 - 400,000 00¢/cwt.

• 401,000 - 500,000 -15¢/cwt.

• 501,000 - 600,000 -30¢/cwt.

• 601,000 - 750,000 -$1.00/cwt.

• Over 750,000 -$1.50/cwt.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MMPA Member Testing Fees

P

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

• Scheduled Herd Tests $1

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

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

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

Chemical, Sanitizer & Teat Dip Contact Information

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

$2/month Additional Tests Available: All costs are listed per individual sample.

• Mycoplasma Cultures $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

$40 $ 6 $40 $ 6 $10

• Bovine Leukosis Test

- ELISA – cows - ELISA – tank

$ 6 $10

• Milk Pregnancy ELISA

$4.50

These are service personnel only.

Order your Member Merchandise supplies through your hauler.

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

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

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

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

Michigan Milk Messenger 29

Freeliners

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

Bulls

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.

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

Red & White and Black & White Holstein bulls for breeding heifers.

Free delivery. Call Jerry Good 616262-6904.

Registered Holstein Bulls: We now have a nice selection of service age bulls, sired by top AI sires. Green Meadow Farms, Elsie, MI. 989-8624291 or see our website at www. greenmeadowfarms.com.

Service age Reg. Holstein bulls, deep pedigrees, some red carriers.

Jenesis Genetics, 231-924-6163 or 231-225-8615.

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 March 2013

Cows and Heifers

High quality Holstein cows. Herd average over 80 pounds on 2 times milking. 734-776-0285.

Equipment

Gehl grinder mixer model 95, mechanical drive, no scale, $1,500.

616-837-8982.

3 Gehl 960 silage wagons, $3,500.

An 800 6 row I.H. corn planter, dry fertilizer, $2,500 or best offer. Call 419-267-3477 or 419-438-0637.

Three Jamesway silo unloaders. 1 is 16 feet, 1 is 20 feet and one is a 20 foot quantum. Three single chain conveyors 50’, 40’ and 10’. Also a Butler 1830 stationary mixer with scale. Best Offer. Call 231-826-3770.

18 ft. disc with fold-up wings Oliver, $2,000. 8 ft. disc pull type, $800. 570 N.H. baler, 1999, plus extra chute, $8,500. 1033 N.H. hay bale stacker, $7,000. 5030 N.H. tractor, 1996, 2,535 hours, $23,000, includes pallet fork, hay spear, material buckets and manure bucket. 5 bottom J.D. plow, $2,500. 5 ft. bush hog, $500. 56 N.H. rake, $1,500, new paint. Small back blade, $300. N.H. transport hay conveyor $350. Manure spreader, no drive gear, $400. Contact Jim at 989736-6508.

Dairy Equipment

Double five with Germania takeoff with 3-inch pipeline, washer, plate cooler and 10 hp pump. Also 1,350 gal. Mueller cooler complete with washer temperature chart and compressor. (989) 587-6562, Fowler, Mich.

Mueller Acu-Therm Plate heat exchanger DW 31. Mueller 80 Gallon Free-Heater. 2” Stainless Milk Line and Receiver Jar. 4 Boumatic Flo-Star milk units & pulsators. Boumatic 5 H.P. Vacuum pump. Call for more information. 989-550-3856.

Delaval receiver jar 1 ½ inch with brackets and probes, $100.

616-681-9668.

Misc.

Tested Haylage and Corn Silage.

Delivery available. 231-250-8592.

Corn Silage. Processed and inoculated. Delivery available.

231-825-2525 or 231-499-4256.

Blue Heeler puppies, great with cattle. 517-726-1418.

Soybean straw, 4 x 5 round bales.

Cheap. 989-464-7364.

Wanted

Patz gutter system, counter clockwise rotation, prefer higher paddles. 574-642-1300 ext. 3160.

Freestalls and Patz belt feeder. 616634-2958.

Right hand discharge Patz barn cleaner. 616-896-7311.

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. ______________________________________ Hoof trimming: certified, experienced, w/ references. Craig Martin, 517-231-7790. ______________________________________ Seed Oats, Spring Barley and Medium Red June Clover Seed.

989-723-1886 or 989-277-1414. ______________________________________ FOR SALE: ALFALFA HAYLAGE. 989-277-1414 or 989-723-1886. ______________________________________

FOR SALE: 30 LARGE HOLSTEIN HEIFERS. Due March-May. TB tested, wormed, all the shots. Bred to calving ease bull. 231-347-9290. ______________________________________

Generators Winpower & Katolight

Concrete Grooving and Texturing

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

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 March 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 January 2013

MARKET STATISTICS Mideast Federal Order #33 (pounds)

This Month

Year Ago

Total Class 1 Sales

564,184,672

551,640,331

+2.27

Total Class 2 Sales

290,910,447

281,515,163

+3.34

Total Class 3 Sales

434,040,740

539,798,906

-19.59

Total Class 4 Sales

243,641,208

149,268,051

1,532,777,067 1,522,222,451

Total Production Class 1 Utilization

36.8%

2013

2012 % Change

+63.22

Production California

3,462

3,617 -4.3

+0.69

Wisconsin

2,375

2,264

+4.9

New York

1,132

1,098

+3.1

Idaho

1,102

1,116

-1.3

Pennsylvania

904

896

+0.9

Texas

818

827

-1.1

Minnesota

807

772

+4.5

Michigan

763

740

+3.1

New Mexico

688

685

+0.4

Washington

524

525

-0.2

Ohio

463

447

+3.6

Indiana

322

315

+2.2

* Total U.S.

15,901

15,810

+0.6

* U.S. Y-T-D

15,901

15,810

+0.6

36.2%

Mideast Federal Order #33

Current Month Total Producers 6,166 Average Daily Production per Farm 8,019 Average Protein Test 3.16% Average Butterfat Test 3.84% Average Other Solids Test 5.75% Average SCC Count (MMPA) 163,000

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

$3.2862

Butterfat Price/lb.

$1.6168

Other Solids Price/lb.

$0.4647

Class III Price @ 3.5%

$ 18.14

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

34 March 2013

$0.39 $ 18.53 $0.00087

NATIONAL TRENDS (million pounds)

% Change

* For 23 states

NASS Survey Prices

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

1.7485 1.5066 1.5601 0.6503

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

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

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

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

Big Rapids............. mobile 989-289-0731

Elyse Martin..................................................

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

Preston Cole............................231-584-2587 Mancelona............. mobile 989-289-9301

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

Three Rivers.......... mobile 269-967-7351

Lyndsay Earl.................................................

Ludington.............. mobile 231-519-2455

Other Services:

Angelee Kirsch..............................................

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

Gary Best................................810-664-4984 Lapeer .................... mobile 586-484-9279 Bulk Tank Calibration

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

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

Coleman................. mobile 989-289-9686

Constantine: 800-391-7560 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. Daily

Lindsay Santure............................................

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

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

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

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

800-233-2405 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. Mon-Fri

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.