Michigan Milk Messenger: May 2012

May 2012 Volume 94 Issue 11

Michigan Milk Messenger 1

2 May 2012

May 2012

22

Contents

Volume 94 Issue 11 www.mimilk.com

Features

12

9

Michigan Making Strides Against Bovine TB

11 Dairy Leads the Way in Agriculture Growth 12 A Passion For Excellence Drives MMPA

Quality Winners

14 On Farm Milk Culturing

18

16 2012 Breakfast on the Farm Events 17 NMPF Assumes Management of REAL® Seal 18 2012 MMPA Young Cooperator Dairy Leadership Conference 20 MMPA Applauds Inclusion of Dairy Policy Reforms in

Senate Agriculture Committee Farm Bill Draft 22 UDIM Celebrates Earth Day 23 CWT Assists with 2.9 Million Pounds of Butter and

Cheese Export Sales

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

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

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

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

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

May 20122009 November Volume 94 Issue 11 5 Volume 92 Issue

Ryan and Charina Dellar are the 2012 MMPA High Quality Milk Producers. Read about their achievements in milk quality on page 12.

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

PB May 2012

On the Cover

Michigan Milk Messenger 1

(ISSN 0026-2315) Michigan Milk Messenger 3

Michigan Milk Producers Association

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

Board of Directors

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

Mission Statement

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

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

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 May 2012

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

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

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 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

The Added Value of Dairy Policy Involvement

O

ne of the many quotes attributed to Mark Twain was included in an editorial on August 24, 1897 in the Hartford Courant, “Everybody talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it.” It is still true today for the most part, with many conversations beginning with comments like “How about this heat or cold or rain or snow?” But does anybody beat farmers in time spent talking about the weather?

In the spring dairy farmers often find themselves arguing with themselves whether they want dry air to cure the hay they’ve just cut or rain to make the corn grow. Then when July and August arrive, we ask ourselves whether we want heat to make the corn grow or moderate temperatures to alleviate heat stress on our cows so they will produce more milk.

Last fall we kept hearing the long range forecast that predicted the upcoming winter to be very cold and very snowy. On November 29 in mid-Michigan we had a 10 inch snowfall, so I was convinced that for once the weather forecasters knew what they were talking about and we were in for a very long winter.

Fortunately, they were more off the mark than usual. Instead of carrying that winter survival kit with me all winter, I should have carried my golf clubs, because the weather would have allowed a round or two this past winter had time permitted. So, I’m back to not trusting the weather forecasters.

While we were listening to the winter weather forecast, other forecasts for 2012 were in the making. As we neared the new year, USDA economists released many economic forecasts for 2012

including one for milk production.

Because of expected high feed costs and other factors, milk production was predicted to increase something less than 2%, maybe in the 1.8% range, which sounded reasonable.

Now, with a full three months of the new year under our belts we are finding a surprising 5% increase in milk production in the U.S. What happened? We didn’t add that many cows to the national herd. When no other explanation comes readily to mind, we tend to blame the weather.

And why not, especially when it probably is the underlying reason for the unprecedented increases we experienced in production per cow this winter. Who knew that cows disliked harsh winter weather as much as we do?

The increases in milk production have led to milk processing plants running at capacity across the United States. Milk has even been dumped from time to time when not enough processing capacity could be located within a reasonable distance.

Although farm gate milk prices have dropped, I sometimes wonder why they haven’t dropped more with such a large increase in production.

The good news, so far, is that exports are very strong, with the time and effort the industry has put into marketing to the global consumer paying off. The dairy producers’ own self-help program (CWT) has helped a great deal in the last year, enhancing our competitiveness in global markets where necessary. The U.S. dairy industry is on the cusp of garnering an increasingly larger share of the growing international market.

This market will continue to grow as incomes around the world grow, allowing consumers the opportunity

to purchase more dairy products.

With the increased exposure in the global economy comes the possibility of even greater price volatility and therefore the need for a more secure safety net than the dairy industry currently has in place.

The Dairy Security Act (DSA), the legislation that closely follows the dairy policy formulated by the National Milk Producers Federation, would provide that needed protection.

The DSA incorporated in the new Farm Bill would complete the goal to ensure relevant dairy policy for the 21st century. A fair number of people would argue that dairy farmers have the ability to control the amount of milk they ship every day to curb excess production, and I won’t argue with that point. However, I don’t think we have an equitable means of accomplishing that end unless we have in place an effective method of addressing marketplace volatility.

The projections for U.S. milk production in 2012 have so far proved wrong, just like the weather forecasts.

We point to the mild winter as the culprit for burdensome supplies of milk, arguing that we cannot control the weather. While Mark Twain was and still is correct that nobody does anything about the weather, we can do something to help insure a brighter future for the dairy industry in the face of serious fluctuations.

Supporting Congress in an effort to pass a Farm Bill that includes the DSA before the new fiscal year begins on October 1, 2012 will accomplish this goal.

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

Congratulations to all Quality Award Winners

E

ach year during the local meeting season, MMPA recognizes members that achieve high quality levels throughout the year. The number of awards presented increases year after year and this past year was no exception. We recognized 443 members with quality awards for 2011 (306 Bronze awards, 110 Silver awards, and 27 Gold awards). From those farms, one member farm rose to the top and was named the top quality farm for the cooperative. You can read about our winners, Ryan and Charina Dellar in this issue.

In addition to increasing numbers of farms receiving quality recognition, our overall average somatic cell count level continues to decrease, making our member milk among the top quality milk in the country. MMPA members can be proud of these accomplishments.

Achieving high quality marks, whether it is for an award, premiums, or herd health, impacts your herd at various levels. High quality milk production is a reflection of good herd health and consistent management practices.

Since most members meet the raw and pre-incubated bacteria criteria, improving somatic cell counts contributed greatly to the growing number of quality awards presented this past year.

MMPA can be a valuable partner for members looking to improve their milk quality. We provide a portfolio of services geared to helping members meet their short and long term milk quality goals. Information is the key to developing a plan to reach a goal.

6 May 2012

Various quality tests are available from the Novi laboratory and can be used to troubleshoot and monitor equipment, udder sanitation, and screen for common mastitis pathogens.

MMPA member representatives are trained to develop sampling strategies and can interpret test results to develop an action plan to achieve quality goals. This is particularly valuable for members striving to lower their bulk tank somatic cell count. The first step in developing a mastitis management plan is to identify the pathogen(s). Screening may occur at the Novi laboratory and/or the Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health (DCPAH). These screening results allow the member representative to focus on possible areas of concern on the farm.

Mastitis management plans are developed using a number of different factors such as stage of lactation of the initial infection, number of new infections, number of “chronic” infections, changes in udder health over a “dry” period, housing and milking equipment evaluations, udder prep evaluations, teat end scoring, and the list goes on. Some of this information is based on farm records and is only as good as the records available on the farm. Maintaining good animal health records makes it much easier to develop an effective mastitis management plan.

Many of the quality award winners monitor udder health very closely. Through DHI or other similar testing programs, producers can identify cows that may have a mastitis

issue. Based on their herd health plan, they may monitor these cows for a few days to see if they recover on their own (some do). Others will culture the elevated SCC quarter and treat the quarter based on culture results and severity of infections (as their herd health plan dictates). The key is to quickly identify cows with a possible infection and to effectively deal with those infections promptly.

Many members recognize that cleaning and sanitizing teats and teat ends is very important to preventing new cases of mastitis. Since 1996, MMPA provides its members an opportunity to attend a “Milker Training School.” Since its inception, over 3,800 people have attended these schools. The importance of udder sanitation is emphasized along with the timing of certain steps of the udder prep procedure. Using optimal udder prep timing has been shown to improve milking speed by more effectively utilizing the oxytocin the cows produce naturally. MMPA hosts “formal Milker Training Schools” through February and March each year. MMPA can also provide a “school” on the farm; please contact Christy Dinsmoore for details.

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

Members can get more details on MMPA’s member services by calling their member representative or the Novi office.

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News & Views The latest dairy news

$3.3 Million Paid to MMPA Members

Michigan Milk Producers Association made cash payments of $3.3 million in equity retirements in April. These cash payments represent the retirement of the 2003 Equities. This is in addition to the $1.9 million in cash patronage from 2011 earnings paid to members earlier this year. Combined, MMPA has paid $5.2 million in addition to the monthly milk checks to its dairy farmer members in the first four months of 2012.

“We continue to revolve equity back to our members on a nine-year cycle, an impressive accomplishment for any cooperative,” says Clay Galarneau, MMPA General Manager. “It is gratifying that the efforts of the cooperative have generated additional premiums that can be returned to the members on a timely basis.”

During fiscal year 2011 MMPA members earned $32.9 million in total premiums. These premiums are a combination of quality, volume and over-order premiums and serve as a reflection of MMPA’s financial strength.

MMPA has achieved these benchmark goals through earnings from the Association’s plant operations and from its bulk milk marketing operations.

8 May 2012

March Class III Down $0.34

The Class III price for March is $15.72, down 34¢ from February and $3.68 lower than a year ago. The Class IV price for March is $15.35, down 57¢ from February and $4.06 lower than last year.

High U.S. Milk Production Leads to Falling Dairy Prices Ample stocks of dairy products and higher milk production lead to a lower price forecast in April for all major dairy products.

U.S. dairy cow numbers and yield per cow continue to rise above expectations, despite poor producer returns, further reducing prices for cheese, butter, and nonfat dry milk, USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS) said in its April 16 Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Outlook.

Whey prices, which had been rising, are beginning to soften. As a result, milk prices are forecast lower.

2012 dairy cow numbers were raised slightly from last month to 9,215 thousand head. Production per cow is likely to remain above trend this year as a result of the mild winter and the heavy slaughter that has removed marginal producers from the herd. Annual production per cow in April is forecast at 21,825 pounds for 2012.

Consequently, milk production was increased to 201.1 billion pounds in the April forecast from last month’s 199.7 billion-pound forecast.

Milk price forecasts were lowered this month as well. The Class III price was reduced to $16.10 to $16.60 per cwt., and the Class IV price was lowered to $15.35 to $15.95 per cwt. The all-milk price is now forecast at $17.25 to $17.75 per cwt.

-- Ag Web

Upcoming Events June 27-28

MMPA/4-H Milk Marketing Tour

Michigan Making Strides Against Bovine TB Through Hard Work By Industry and Implementation Of Electronic ID

By Dr. Rick Smith, bovine TB Program Manager

Producers scoring 95 percent or more on Grade A Surveys and Federal Check Rating MMPA ALLENDALE SOUTH

Michigan has been battling to eradicate Bovine Tuberculosis (TB) since this disease re-emerged in free-ranging, white-tailed deer in 1994.

Through hard work, innovation, and partnership with cattleman and state and federal partners, we have been able to make great strides in recent years against this disease that not only impacts cattle, but other animals – and humans as well.

Last year, 57 counties in the Lower Peninsula were designated as Bovine TB Free in an interim rule published in the Federal Register.

Additionally, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved shrinking the state’s Bovine TB Modified Accredited Zone (MAZ) even further by removing Presque Isle County. Only Alcona, Alpena, Montmorency and Oscoda counties in the easternmost area of the northern Lower Peninsula remain in the MAZ.

Achieving Split State Status was a real turning point in Michigan’s Bovine TB program. It has been a long haul for our 13,000 beef and dairy producers since we started addressing this issue 17 years ago. Through hard work by beef and dairy farmers, effective surveillance testing, Radio Frequency Identification, and movement certification requirements, we are able to protect, and now open up, new market opportunities for our combined beef and dairy industries. For example, many states, including Wisconsin, are recognizing the efforts of Michigan cattlemen; and, are in the process of changing their regulations with the knowledge RFID will remain a part of Michigan’s plan.

Michigan leads the country and is a model state for electronic identification - to date, more than 3 million RFID tags have been purchased by our farmers to tag their cattle. Many use the technology to track the health, vaccines, and milk production of their cattle.

There is no question in the minds of state veterinarians nationwide that RFID is a critical tool for disease tracking and eradication. Michigan’s overall goal with electronic identification is traceability for disease and food safety purposes. But that doesn’t stop our progressive farmers from using this technology as a marketing tool providing extraordinary opportunities whether it is for overseas marketing, Country of Origin Labeling or buying local – RFID can prove where the beef and dairy products came from – and we know they are Pure Michigan.

To order RFID tags for cattle, producers may call NorthStar Cooperative at 1-888-203-3398; or the National Holstein Association at 1-800-952-5200.

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Michigan Milk Messenger 9

Legislative Watch Issues important to today’s dairy farmers

No More Games of Kick the Can Jerry Kozak, President/CEO

T

emperatures may be warming up across most of the country, but in Washington, things are cooling down. This isn’t a weather report; it’s a blunt assessment of the pace of action on Capitol Hill.

It’s a well-documented fact that the legislative process, which normally moves about as fast as a turtle, is slower still in election years.

And this year is no exception. If anything, expectations in 2012 for any substantive action are even lower, given the partisan gridlock affecting both chambers of Congress.

That’s why the National Milk Producers Federation Board of Directors made a strong statement in March when it adopted a resolution urging Congress to pass a Farm Bill this year.

The resolution, passed unanimously by the NMPF Board at its spring meeting, made it clear that the organization does not support any approach in Congress that would extend current farm programs by another year, and delay the creation of a better dairy program. I’ve spent a great deal of time in the past two years, talking about why a better safety net is needed for dairy farmers.

So I won’t belabor the point that the status quo is not an option.

10 May 2012

But what some may not understand is that even if all that Congress has the energy to do is enact a simple, one-year extension of the current Farm Bill, getting that done is no small feat. There are more than three dozen programs in the current legislation that will have no funding baseline after Sept. 30, 2012. What that means is that even if they are extended for another year, new money will have to be found – somehow, somewhere – to continue paying for them. The status quo for another 12 months is not the financial and political slam dunk that some may assume.

Thus, our message to the House and Senate leadership, as well as to the White House, is that if hard choices need to be made this summer, why not make them in pursuit of something big, and not something small? What’s the point in buying just a little extra time, only to return to town in 2013 facing the same challenges – and in all likelihood, even harsher ones, given the shaky state of the federal budget?

It appears Congress is already putting off hard decisions until after the November elections on the really big headache issues pertaining to tax rates, spending cuts, and the overall effort to reduce the cavernous budget deficit. Whoever comes to

Washington in 2013, either as a freshman or a returning incumbent, will have his or her plate full with tough, unenviable choices.

Unfortunately, delaying until tomorrow what should be decided today has become the standard operating procedure for many elected officials, in municipalities and state capitols, as well as in Washington.

When there are few good options, a game of duck and delay is better than the alternative of angering a variety of constituencies. But inaction has harmful consequences of its own.

This year for dairy farmers – at least in the first few months of it – is shaping up to be a time in which having a margin insurance program and a market stabilization mechanism would have been very useful. Some of the hard-earned equity that farmers have clawed back after 2009 is at risk yet again because of the downturn in milk prices, and uptick in feed costs. A better approach is needed, sooner rather than later.

Perhaps members of Congress will prefer to kick the proverbial can down the road and postpone any action on farm policy until 2013, but dairy farmers can’t afford to play that game.

Dairy Leads the Way in Agriculture Growth

A

n updated Michigan State University (MSU) study on the impact of the food and agriculture supply chain shows the industry contributes an estimated $91.4 billion to Michigan’s economy. That’s an increase of nearly 50 percent between 2004 and 2010. According to the report, the total direct impact of the livestock and dairy sector, at the farm level, was $2.77 billion. Of this amount dairy accounted for almost $1.32 billion or about 50 percent of the total.

“The global population increase and the dramatic expansion of the middle class worldwide mean that more people are consuming more food and, at the same time, pushes the food price higher,” he explained.

“Our members are some of the best and most productive dairy farmers in the country,” says MMPA President Ken Nobis. “We continue to see dairy as a growing sector in Michigan. Our members have invested millions of dollars into processing facilities here in Michigan because we believe we have a bright future here.”

Keith Creagh, director, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) says Michigan’s food and agriculture industry remains core to the state’s economic recovery and reinvention.

Chris Peterson, director of the MSU Product Center, announced the findings from “The Economic Impact of Michigan’s Food and Agriculture System” during a Michigan Agriculture and Rural Development Commission meeting April 11 in Lansing. The study is based predominately on 2010 data— the latest available.

“The impact of Michigan’s farms and the commodities they produce is 12 percent of the overall total, and their economic contribution has nearly doubled from less than $7 billion to more than $13 billion,” Peterson said. “You’d be hard-pressed to find another business sector that has pulled through the recession with those kinds of numbers in just six years.”

Peterson attributes the growth to a substantial increase in the value of food and agricultural products throughout the world.

“As a $91.4 billion industry, it would rank 47th if it were on the list of Fortune 500 companies. Thanks to Michigan’s crop diversity— coupled with our fresh water access and business innovation—this study further highlights that food and agriculture will be centric to Michigan’s economic reinvention and lay the foundation for regional economies,” Creagh said. “From having an educated talent bank to cultivating a fair regulatory platform, Michigan has worked hard to create an environment where businesses have an opportunity to grow.”

According to the report, Michigan has more than 73,000 full-time farmers and farm workers.

That’s 12 percent of 618,000 direct jobs in Michigan’s food and agriculture business sector. Food and agriculture account for 22 percent of all jobs in Michigan when direct, indirect and induced jobs are considered.

The total jobs line showed a downturn overall from 2004 to 2010 with most job losses coming from food wholesale and retail. Jobs in

food processing and agricultural production rose more than 6 percent in the same time period.

“It’s not surprising that there were job losses in the service sector,” Peterson said. “Fewer people are eating out, which leads to fewer waitstaff, cooks, restaurant hosts, etc. However, we’re seeing the numbers of new jobs created in food processing plants and on farm continue to increase.”

The study was first conducted in 2006 using 2004 data. Then, the food and agriculture sector was determined to be valued at $60.1 billion. An interim study in 2009 showed an increase in value to $71.3 billion. The newest study shows that the food and agriculture system is on a consistent growth trend.

That’s a surprise to Bill Knudson, product marketing economist with the MSU Product Center and the study’s lead technician.

“Unlike manufactured goods and tourism, food is a necessity, so we knew this sector had the potential to fare better than other industries in an economic downturn,” he said. “But even we were surprised to see the size of the increase despite the global recession.”

The full report and an executive summary are available at www. productcenter.msu.edu.

Michigan Milk Messenger 11

L

A Passion For Excellence Drives MMPA Quality Winners

istening to Charina Dellar rattle off the possible mastitiscausing organisms that may be present in a high somatic cell count cow, or debate the pros and cons of antibiotic therapy for mastitis, one would think she had a degree in animal science or microbiology. But to the contrary, Charina is a young, self-taught dairy producer that has a passion for always doing her best.

Charina and her husband, Ryan, this year’s MMPA high quality award winners, are shining examples of how education, training and commitment can have a large impact on milk quality and production.

The Dellars captured the top award among MMPA dairy farms 12 May 2012 12 May 2012

with the following quality measures: Somatic Cell Count of 52,417; Preincubated bacteria count of 2,000 and Raw Bacteria Count of 1,167.

MMPA wasn’t the only association to notice the high quality milk produced on the Dellar’s farm. They were also platinum level producers in the National Quality Award Program, and the Top SCC herd for NorthStar Cooperative DHI.

Ryan started dairy farming in 2001 with 80 cows. He leased the facilities from his parents who milked cows for 25 years on the farm, but had sold the herd a few years prior.

He started with 80 head of Holsteins brought in from various farms. In 2004, a year after they were married, Charina began helping with the cows.

By 2007, Ryan turned all the milking responsibilities and employees over to Charina.

Humble Beginnings

Charina embraced the opportunity to improve the quality and production levels of the herd and sought out all the information she could find to make progress. Her first step was to attend an MMPA Milker Training School. There she learned

The Dellars, like many young farmers, started out with more dreams than dollars but their passion to always do their best drives them to be successful every day.

ing the milker. She found that the additional pre-dip was more effective because the initial pre-dip was working to remove dirt and sand.

Their milking routine: (working in groups of three cows)

• dust sand off teats

• Apply pre-dip

• Fore strip from each quarter,

visually checking milk

• Massage dip into each teat end

• Redip

• wipe and hook-up unit within

60-90 seconds

• Post dip after milking.

Charina milks two of the three shifts every day on the farm. Effective employee training and consistent routines keep the cows milking well and SCC numbers down. about proper milking technique and some of the causes of high somatic cell count. From that training, she continued learning, using the Internet and MMPA Mastitis Management Supervisor Tom Herremans for advice.

In 2008 their 100-cow herd had an average SCC of 270,000, way too high for Charina’s expectations.

From that point, she and her team of milkers set out to lower that number.

The following year the SCC was at 150,000 and by the end of 2011 they had more than doubled their herd and their SCC was a fraction of their previous level.

“I could see how much money was being left behind and cow health was being jeopardized,” Charina says.

“With better quality, we were able to take full advantage of the quality premiums and improve our overall herd health, especially udder health.

The Dellars have a current rolling herd average of 30,000 pounds of milk on 230 cows. Their goal is a 100 pounds per cow average.

It Takes a Team

While Ryan and Charina have divided their responsibilities on the farm, they are certainly a team working toward the same goal.

Ryan, who does all the feeding, uses

PCDart to keep track of production on a daily basis, making tweaks to the ration as necessary.

“I never really liked to milk the cows, so when Charina offered to take on that part I was glad,” Ryan says. “She does a great job with the cows and with the employees.”

Charina takes a very hands-on role with the milking duties, working two of the three milking shifts every day. She maintains a high-level of expectation with the employees, offering them training when needed.

She also spells out all milking routines and procedures on posters in the milk house. Employees found not following proper procedures are terminated.

“We believe if we’re going to do something, we want to do it right and to the best of our ability, everyday,” Charina says. “The best for us is measured in the health and comfort of our animals, which in the long run, results in better profitability.”

In addition to a tight milking routine, the Dellars put a high priority on cow comfort. The sandbedded stalls are raked at every milking and fresh sand is added every 7 days. They believe taking care of the stalls is just as important as what goes on in the parlor.

“I can tell in the parlor when it is time to add fresh sand,” Charina says.

“We try to keep the cows as clean and comfortable as we can.”

Sorting Through the Data

Like a lot of dairy producers, the Dellars are inundated with production numbers and other information, but they like to sort through it all to the points that make a difference. Using the DHI “Hot Sheet,” they track cows that have high somatic cell counts. They also watch production numbers as a barometer to overall herd health.

Double Dipping Approved

Charina took the information from the Milker Training School and other sources and modified the milking routine to fit their needs.

The notable change is the addition of a second pre-dip before attach-

The Dellars rely on computer programs to track the herd production and quality numbers.

Michigan Milk Messenger 13 Michigan Milk Messenger 13

When a cow shows up on the Hot Sheet or has visible signs of mastitis, Charina begins investigating the severity of the problem and the cause. In cows that appear subclinical (higher SCC but no visual signs) she will check each quarter with a CMT paddle. She then takes a sample from any positive quarters and runs an on-farm milk culture test to determine the mastitis-causing organism and to pinpoint the right treatment.

On clinical cows (those with

visible signs of mastitis) she will take a culture of the infected quarter, but may also begin treatment immediately if the cow is systematic.

Being able to culture the milk right on the farm saves Charina time and gives her a broader spectrum of organisms to identify. By pinpointing the organism, she is able to target the therapy directly to the specific cause.

“Most of the time we know within 24 hours what organism we are dealing with,” she says.

“The on-farm test kit was relatively inexpensive and easy to use, once I figured it out. Patti in the Novi lab was a big help to me when I started using the kit.”

Sharing Their Knowledge

Ryan and Charina are very open with their friends and neighbors, sharing what works for them and what doesn’t. In March, Charina joined a producer panel at the MMPA YC meeting, sharing how they capture quality premiums. She has also held classes on her farm teaching others how to run the onfarm milk cultures.

In October, the Dellars will be featured as a “virtual” tour at the 2012 World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin.

The milking routine and other operating procedures are posted throughout the farm to ensure consistent work routines.

As winners of the MMPA Quality Award, their name will be inscribed on a plaque that hangs outside the Novi laboratory.

On Farm Milk Culturing What is involved in on-farm milk culturing? The steps of the process are relatively simple but the first question is whether you are committed to see it through long-term.

D

airy producers who do their own milk culturing say that it is an essential part of their mastitis control program, providing them with information not only about the individual cow, but also about what is happening in the herd. They are able to target treatment more effectively and reduce unneeded antibiotic use significantly.

If you make the decision to do on-farm milk culturing, there needs to be one person dedicated to this task who is willing to consistently follow protocol. That person must have a specific area that is clean and have access to the supplies they need. It is the best for that individual to make the decisions about treatment and be responsible for mastitis control on the farm, too. Subsequent training, 14 May 2012 14 May 2012

time with the veterinarian and having authority in the parlor will all help ensure success beyond the short-term.

The steps of on-farm milk culturing are: •

Identify animals to culture

•

Take a good sample

•

Plate it

•

Incubate the plate

•

Interpret the results

•

Make a decision based on results

Identify animals to culture.

Certainly cows with clinical mastitis should be cultured. In addition, some producers will culture cows that show up on a report as new cases of high somatic cell count (SCC) cows, using a California Mastitis Test

(CMT) paddle to identify the problem quarter. The results for every cow should be recorded along with her unique ID and date.

Take a good sample. You want to culture the microbes in the milk and not the microbes on the teat skin or your skin. Teat preparation and sampling technique are, therefore, extremely important. Wear gloves.

Clean the teat as you would in preparing for milking, then use an alcohol pad to disinfect the teat end.

Hold the teat at a 45 degree angle and squirt it into a sterile collection tube at an angle off to the side so that anything that falls from the teat does not enter the tube. Cap the tube, being careful not to touch the portion that will be inside the tube.

Remember, 99.9% of contaminated samples result from mistakes during collection!

Plate the milk sample. As soon after collection as possible, get the process started. Use a sterile loop to streak milk on each section of the plate, being very careful throughout the process not to contaminate the loop or the milk through contact with anything but the plate. Some producers use simple bi-plates that will distinguish Gram-positive from Gram-negative bacteria. Others use tri- or quad-plates enabling them to be more specific in their diagnosis.

Whatever you choose, attention to detail and continued learning are important. If you can’t plate out the sample within an hour, refrigerate.

Incubate the plate. Most bacteria in the milk will grow in the incubator which is held at 37 °C (98.6° F).

Culture results can be read in 24 hours. Often times, Gram-negative growth may be evident in 6-8 hours.

If no growth, wait another 24 hours (48 total) to be sure that slow-growing bacteria have a chance to appear.

Interpret the results. Generally, only one type of microbe will be in an udder quarter. If a milk culture has more than one type of bacteria growing on the plate, it is likely a contaminated sample. You can get pictures that will show what the growth of various organisms looks like, however, we encourage you to work with your veterinarian and the milk quality professionals of your cooperative or company. The basic distinctions are simply growth or no growth and if there is growth, then are they bacteria that are Grampositive or Gram-negative which you will know by the side of the plate on which they grow.

Charina Dellar demonstrates to other dairy farmers how to conduct on-farm milk cultures. -- Photo Phil Durst Make a decision based on results.

Gram-negative and no-growth quarters will be left untreated because either the bacteria that caused the mastitis is dead already or it will not respond to most antibiotic therapy and is self-limiting. Quarters that have Gram-positive growth are microbes that are more likely to respond to antibiotics. However, if the sample yields Gram-negative organisms from a severe case of clinical mastitis, antibiotic therapy may well be beneficial, and this protocol should be developed with your veterinarian.

Culture results should be recorded and those records should be retrievable so that you can pull a history on an individual and that you can tell what

bugs are causing mastitis in your herd.

After you read the plate, you may want to tape it shut and refrigerate it to have someone else look at it and interpret the results. However, if you are done with the plate, it is a good idea to flood it with bleach for 30 minutes to decontaminate it and then dispose of it.

The supplies and incubator are available from a variety of supply places. The cost of start-up and continuing is fairly low. It is best not to stock up on more plates than you will use in a month because they may become contaminated or dry out in the refrigerator.

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2012 Breakfast on the Farm Events Offer Fun Learning Experiences

B

reakfast on the Farm is the perfect opportunity for parents to participate in a fun learning experience with their kids outdoors on a local Michigan farm. June through October, Breakfast on the Farm events will take place in various counties across the state. Families will be given the chance to learn about how their food is grown and harvested and how farm animals are raised and looked after.

“It is an exciting time as we begin planning for the 2012 educational events,” said Nancy Thelen, Michigan State University (MSU) Extension agriculture literacy educator. “Each breakfast has a local planning committee, which works with MSU Extension and the host farm to plan and implement the program. Each event will be recruiting between 175 and 200 agriculture-related volunteers to assist with the breakfast and tour.”

Breakfast on the Farm is a free, family-friendly program that links consumers with local family farmers who work hard all year long to grow the food we need. This statewide program started in 2009, and more than 22,500 visitors have participated in the thirteen Breakfast on the Farm events held in the last three years.

Michigan ranks second in the nation for agricultural diversity, and that diversity is shown in the eight farms chosen to host events this year.

From potatoes to corn to dairy cows to apples, each farm chosen offers something unique to its visitors.

The following farms will be hosting Breakfast on the Farm events in 2012:

June 16: Myers Farms LLC, Scotts (Kalamazoo County)

June 23: Choate’s Belly Acres, Cement City (Jackson County)

July 21: Goma Dairy Farm, Marlette (Sanilac County) July 28:

VanDrese Farms, Cornell (Delta County)

August 4: May Farms, Sparta (Kent County) August 11: Judge Dairy Farm Inc., Shepherd (Isabella County) August 25: Gingrich Meadows, LeRoy (Osceola County) October 6: John Schaendorf Dairy, Allegan (Allegan County)

16 May 2012

“All of our hosts are excited about the opportunity to open their farms to the public,” said Mary Dunckel, MSU Extension agriculture literacy educator. “They want to provide visitors with a firsthand look at what they do to produce safe and nutritious food and how they care for their animals and the environment.

Farmers are also consumers who recognize the importance of producing the highest quality food and the necessity to manage and protect the natural resources that allows them to do this. In a nutshell, farmers strive to put wholesome food on their plates, and they are proud to do the same for families in Michigan and beyond.”

To find out more information about Breakfast on the Farm, please visit www.breakfastonthefarm.com, or find them on Facebook. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer at an event, please contact Thelen at 734-222-3825 or thelenn@ anr.msu.edu,or Dunckel at 989-3549870 or dunckelm@anr.msu.edu.

NMPF Assumes Management of REAL® Seal for Dairy Products Organization Will Promote Use of Logo to Differentiate American-Made Dairy Foods from Imports and Imitations

T

he National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) will now manage the licensing and use of the REAL® Seal, one of the most iconic and recognizable product integrity logos used in the food industry, NMPF announced in March.

management, “the program will now strive to educate new generations of dairy consumers about the significance of the REAL® Seal, revitalizing the brand and talking to them about the good taste, nutritional value, and wholesomeness associated

with dairy foods and dairy food ingredients made from milk produced in the United States,” he said.

Effective March 15, 2012, the management of the REAL® Seal program was transferred from the United Dairy Industry Association to NMPF. This change was the result of an agreement between the two organizations that the transfer was the best opportunity to place a renewed emphasis on highlighting the importance and value of American-made dairy foods.

“The REAL® Seal was created more than 30 years ago to help consumers distinguish between real and artificial cheeses, as the pizza category was really taking off,” said Jerry Kozak, President and CEO of NMPF. “Today, a generation later, we still see a need to differentiate American-made dairy products from imports, and real dairy foods from those made with soy or rice or even hemp. Our management of this labeling program will benefit consumers, as well as the farmers who have a direct stake in how their milk is marketed.”

While the program will not undergo any immediate changes, Kozak said the process has begun to determine how to make the REAL® Seal an even more effective marketing tool for dairy product manufacturers, dairy product processors, food processors and food service providers.

“Consumers continue to express an interest in food quality and integrity, through the choices they make at grocery stores and restaurants,” Kozak said. “Labeling is an integral part of creating and maintaining a dialogue with them.”

As a result of this change in

Michigan Milk Messenger 17

2012 MMPA Young Cooperator Dairy Leadership Conference

Mike Rasmussen (center) walks a group through his freestall barns explaining his new manure and bedding system. farm in late March to learn more about their cooperative Mark Adam, NorthStar Cooperative, highlighted the many changes taking place in and from each other. The day began with reports from the dairy industry and how new technologies MMPA General Manager continue to bring on new ideas.

Clay Galarneau and President urrounding yourself with Ken Nobis. The leaders shared people that have strengths that market reports and predictions for you lack in, ultimately makes the 2012 milk market, indicating that your entire organization stronger prices in 2012 will be considerably for the tasks at hand.” Those are less than 2011. the words Mark Adam, Director of Integrated Services, NorthStar

“We are predicting a $3-4 Cooperative, used to encourage difference in the all-milk price in 2012 the MMPA Young Cooperators at compared to 2011,” Clay said. “Milk their meeting on March 30. This production is continuing to increase quote served as a springboard for and that will cut into our margins.” the information, experiences and

Ken stressed the need for the friendship shared during the day-long CWT program to help move product conference. to the export market and a revamped

“S

Nearly 100 young MMPA members took a day away from the

dairy policy through the 2012 Farm

The morning speakers (l-r) Clay Galarneau, Ken Nobis and Sharon Toth, respond to questions from the audience.

18 May 2012

Bill. Both of these programs, Ken said, will be important as milk production rises across the country.

Following the MMPA leaders, Sharon Toth, CEO of the United Dairy Industry of Michigan shared with the group the programs UDIM has implemented to help build a positive image of dairy farms around the state. She also highlighted their nutrition education programs including the “ReFuel with chocolate milk” campaign targeted to athletes of all ages.

A question and answer session gave the members a chance to discuss concerns and questions with the morning speakers.

Mark Adam kicked off the afternoon session with a talk on technology on dairy farms and how drastically dairy farming has changed over the years. He illustrated the changes in dairy cattle, technology and farm management, stressing how new technology tools have changed the way we farm.

“Dairy farming has gone from arm strong power to brain power,” Mark said. Dairy farmers have a lot of tools available to help them make decisions, but they have to put in the right information to get the best results.”

Learning From Each Other

MSUE educator Phil Durst moderated the panel discussion, “Are you leaving money on the table?”

Phil led the discussion among three MMPA members, each addressing a different topic.

Charina Dellar of Harrisville, told how she drastically lowered their herd’s somatic cell count to award-winning level. By reducing the herd’s SCC to 50,000 they captured over $60,000 in quality premium payments.

Along with maximizing quality premiums the Dellars have also received state and national recognition. (read more about the Dellars on page 12).

“Using a software program like TMR Tracker helps adjust the rations,” Tyler says. “It is important to keep an eye on feed costs and look for ingredient options.”

Farm Tour

Mike and Sonja Rasmussen opened their farm to the Young Cooperators, giving them a chance to see the new manure system recently installed on the farm.

Hillhaven Farm, which has been expanded over the years, also had examples of different lighting and ventilation configurations, allowing the farmers a chance to see various management ideas.

Lightening up the Day Cartoonist Leigh Rubin shared his creativity and

Knowing how to properly adjust rations with various ingredients has helped Tyler Wilson of Carson City shave feed costs for his herd. Tyler, who previously worked as a nutrition consultant, share his advice with the young cooperators.

Mike Rasmussen shared information about his new manure management system and gave an overview of his farm, which the group toured later in the day.

with the system they have been pleased with the new set-up. The manure system, including a manure vacuum used in the freestalls sparked a lot of interest on the farm tour.

After a day of discussions humor with the crowd. and an informative, but cold farm tour, the YCs were ready to relax and enjoy the evening speaker, Leigh Rubin.

Leigh, the artist behind Rubes Cartoons, shared his inspiration and creativity behind the cartoons he creates. His funny cartoons cover a wide range of subjects, which provided great entertainment for the group.

The YC meeting is planned and run by the team of past and present OYDCs. This year’s committee members are (l-r) Ali and Scott Ferry, Jody and Jeremy Sharrard, Michele and Chris Daniels and Lisa and Burke Larsen.

The Rasmussens recently installed a new manure system that extracts out the liquid through a press leaving a compost-like material which they use for bedding. While Mike commented that they are still working out some of the details The producer panel gave the audience good useful information to take back to their farms. Pictured (l-r) Charina Dellar, Tyler Wilson and Mike Rasmussen.

Michigan Milk Messenger 19

MMPA Applauds Inclusion of Dairy Policy Reforms in Senate Agriculture Committee Farm Bill Draft

M

ichigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) applauds the inclusion of key dairy policy reforms in the draft farm bill language released in April by the Senate Agriculture Committee.

Committee Chairwoman Senator Debbie Stabenow (DMI), along with Ranking Member Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS), released the farm bill provisions today in preparation for the Agriculture Committee markup next week. The farm bill draft includes key elements of the Dairy Security Act (DSA), introduced last fall in the House by Reps. Collin Peterson (D-MN) and Mike Simpson (R-ID) and included in Sen. Richard Lugar’s (R-IN) farm bill plan.

Time to Enact A Dairy Program That Works

“We greatly appreciate the leadership of Senator Stabenow for understanding the need to refocus dairy policy in today’s global economy by including the provisions of the Dairy Security Act of 2011 in this legislative draft,” says Ken Nobis, MMPA President. “The dairy title of the bill is designed to revamp and improve the farm-level safety net for U.S. dairy producers, allow for growth, assure consumers an abundant supply of milk, and save taxpayers’ dollars.”

The DSA is modeled after the Foundation for the Future policy dairy reforms first proposed by National Milk Producers Federation nearly two years ago and supported

by MMPA and many other state and national farm organizations.

The core of the DSA is a margin insurance program that protects farmers from dire economic conditions caused by either low milk prices or high feed costs. The margin insurance program replaces existing dairy programs including the Milk Income Loss Contract program and the Dairy Price Support Program.

Farmers who choose to sign up for the margin insurance program will then be enrolled in the Market Stabilization program through which they will be asked to manage their milk supply when worst-case conditions appear.

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Current federal dairy programs just don’t work anymore.

When the Great Recession of 2009 caused milk prices to plummet at a time of sky-high feed costs, many dairy

farmers were forced out of business. Many more suffered a huge loss of equity that will take years to recover.

Dairy farmers need a safety net that helps them through the

tough times and keeps pace with the challenges facing their industry. The Dairy Security Act does both. It ends three

outdated dairy programs that haven’t worked, and establishes a modern, flexible program that will. Respected, independent

economists say the policies in the DSA won’t raise consumer milk prices and will offer better protection when farmers need help the most.

®

The Dairy Security Act also offers farmers the option of

using a safety net, funded jointly by the government and

dairy farmers, or no safety net. What’s wrong with giving farmers a choice? A voluntary program is hardly a big government intrusion.

Dairy farmers can’t afford a repeat of the economic devastation of 2009.

Enact the DSA.

800-451-9275

National Milk Producers Federation 2101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 400 | Arlington, VA 22201 | 703-243-6111 | nmpf.org

20 May 2012

info@accelgen.com

www.accelgen.com

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June 27-28 Details

P

lans are underway for the 75th Annual MMPA 4-H Milk Marketing Tour. The two-day event is designed to offer students information about Michigan’s dairy industry, milk marketing and cooperatives. We invite 4-H members, FFA members and other young people interested in the dairy industry and/or milk marketing that are 1518 years old (age as of Jan. 1, 2012) to participate in this fun and educational event. You do not have to belong to 4-H or FFA to attend the tour.

Adults may also attend the tour as chaperones. MMPA does not require a chaperone to attend the tour with a participant but we do encourage chaperones to attend, especially if a county is sending a large group.

MMPA provides all registration fees, lodging and meals. The only cost to participate is your transportation to Novi. Registration is due June 5 and will be limited to the first 30 students who

istration Reg

sign up. Any student that has attended the tour before is not eligible to participate again. If you have any questions regarding the tour, contact Dr. Joe Domecq, Extension Dairy Youth Specialist at (517) 353-7855 or the MMPA Member Relations Department at (248) 474-6672.

Highlights Hear from MMPA Leaders Learn about exciting dairy industry careers Meet other young people interested in the dairy industry Tour a certified dairy lab Visit a new city, have fun, enjoy great food!

Be one of five participants to earn a free trip to the National 4-H Dairy Conference in Madison, Wis. Please fill out this form and mail it to: Dr. Joe Domecq at 1250 Anthony Hall, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1225.

Registration deadline is June 5

Name ___________________________ Address _________________________ City______________ State____ Zip_______ Phone ___________________________ Age_______ Gender ____________________ County __________________________ Affiliation: 4-H ____________ FFA ____________ Other___________ Name ____________________________ Address __________________________ City______________ State____ Zip______ Phone ____________________________ Michigan Milk Messenger 21

UDIM Celebrates Earth Day

I

n celebration of Earth Day, April 22nd, the United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM) created four new images that celebrate dairy producers’ commitment to caring for the environment year round. The images, posted on the Michigan Dairy News Bureau Facebook page throughout the month of April, feature photos from area dairy farms with an Earth Day message.

“I really appreciate the fact that my fellow Americans take a day to raise awareness of our planet and conservation of its resources,” said Mike Rasmussen, MMPA member. “On our farm, we have been reaping what we sow for more than one hundred years and I’m the fourth generation! My wife, Sonja, put a great motto on our letterhead, ‘Caring for our cows, and the land’ and that sums up our approach every day of the year.’”

“Our purpose was to emphasize producers’ strong commitment to caring for the environment,” said Sharon Toth, CEO, UDIM. “Often passed through generations, the land owned by Michigan’s dairy farm families is valued year round and benefits the public with green landscapes, refuge for wildlife and protection of our natural resources. Caring for the land isn’t a one-day event on a dairy farm. It’s a constant focus.”

UDIM also talked about dairy producers’ commitment to the environment throughout the month on their Twitter account and with videos on their YouTube channel.

“Like” the Michigan Dairy News Bureau Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/MichiganDairyNewsBureau), follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/#!/MIDairyNews) and share videos from our YouTube channel (http://www. youtube.com/user/MichiganDairyNews) with your friends. For more information contact Staci Garcia at sgarcia@udim.org or call 517-349-8923.

22 May 2012

CWT Assists with 2.9 Million Pounds of Butter and Cheese Export Sales

C

ooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted 16 requests for export assistance from Bongards Creameries, Dairy Farmers of America, Darigold, Foremost Farms, Michigan Milk Producers Association, Upstate Niagara Cooperative and United Dairymen of Arizona to sell a total of 824 metric tons (1.817 million pounds) of Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese and 487 metric tons (1.074 million pounds) of butter to customers in Asia, Central America, the Middle East and North Africa. The product will be delivered April through September 2012.

In 2012, CWT has assisted member cooperatives in making export sales of Cheddar, Monterey Jack and Gouda cheese totaling 43.4 million pounds and butter totaling 38.5 million pounds to 25 countries on four continents. On a butterfat basis, the milk equivalent of these exports is 1.239 billion pounds, or the same as the annual milk production of 59,000 cows.

Assisting CWT members through the Export Assistance program positively impacts producer milk prices in the shortterm by reducing inventories that overhang the market and depress cheese and butter prices.

In the long-term, CWT’s Export Assistance program helps member cooperatives gain and maintain market share, thus expanding the demand for U.S. dairy products and the farm milk that produces them.

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Merchandise Memo Merchandise Memo Merchandise Memo

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

Cloth Cloth and and Paper Paper Towels Towels for for Udder Udder Prep Prep

T T

he merchandise warehouse stocks a variety of single use paper towels and washable cloth towels for cow he merchandise warehouse stocks a variety of single use paper towels and washable cloth towels for cow udder prep. Listed below are the towels available along with the member cost, stock number, material type, udder prep. Listed below are the towels available along with the member cost, stock number, material type, manufacturer and a price comparison per towel. manufacturer and a price comparison per towel.

Discontinued Discontinued The Cow Washcloth will only be available for a limited time. The manufacturer of this product has gone out The Cow Washcloth will only be available for a limited time. The manufacturer of this product has gone out of business and we have been unable to find a similar product. As a result, once our stock is depleted it will be of business and we have been unable to find a similar product. As a result, once our stock is depleted it will be discontinued. discontinued.

SUPPLIER STOCK # TOWEL MEMBER PACKAGE PRICE / MATERIAL SUPPLIER STOCK # TOWEL MEMBER PACKAGE PRICE / MATERIAL PRICE QUANTITY TOWEL PRICE QUANTITY TOWEL CCP 5294 Masterweave $19.88 50 $0.40/ea.

Cotton/poly weave CCP 5294 Masterweave $19.88 50 $0.40/ea.

Cotton/poly weave Filter 5282 Cow $5.42 10 $0.54/ea Rayon/poly Filter 5282 Cow $5.42 10 $0.54/ea Rayon/poly Fabrics Washcloths Fabrics Washcloths MR Nyren 5300 Oxford $6.96 12 $0.58/ea.

86%cotton/ $6.96 12 $0.58/ea.

86%cotton/ MR Nyren 5300 Oxford washcloths 14% poly. washcloths 14% poly.

Coburn 5261 Microfiber $35.00 50 $0.70/ea. microfiber Coburn 5261 Microfiber $35.00 50 $0.70/ea. microfiber Vantage Vantage

5255 5255

Papercraft Papercraft Papercraft Papercraft Papercraft Papercraft

5280 5280 5281 5281 5283 5283

Papercraft Papercraft

5284 5284

Cloveridge Cloveridge

5295 5295

SSF Dairy SSF Dairy wipe wipe Roll cow towel Roll cow towel Handtowel Handtowel Sani-Prep Sani-Prep (boxed) (boxed) 1770 1770 (wrapped) (wrapped) Dairy towel Dairy towel

$67.96 $67.96

2800 2800

$2.03 per roll $2.03 per roll $1.75 per roll $1.75 per roll $36.31 $36.31

350’/roll 350’/roll 128/roll 128/roll 1,980 1,980

Soft, flexible paper Soft, flexible paper towel towel $0.006/ft.

Brown paper $0.006/ft.

Brown paper $0.01/sheet White paper $0.01/sheet White paper $0.018/ea. White paper $0.018/ea. White paper

$36.31 $36.31

2,400 2,400

$0.015/ea. $0.015/ea.

White paper White paper

$33.03 $33.03

25lbs 25lbs

$1.32/lb $1.32/lb

Heavy, soft paper Heavy, soft paper

REGISTERED REGISTERED HOLSTEIN HOLSTEIN BULLS BULLS over 100 service age bulls for your selection! over 100 service age bulls for your selection! a special herd sire or a truck • SIRED BY THE TOP SIRES FROM a special herd sire or aready truckto • the SIRED BY THE TOP SIRES FROM load of breeder bulls. u.s. and canada load breeder bulls. ready to the u.s. and canada go to of work on your farm! go to work on your farm!

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24 May 2012 24 24May May2012 2012

$0.02/ea. $0.02/ea.

Order Your MMPA Merchandise Order Your MMPA Merchandise through your milk through your milk hauler or call: hauler or call: Supervisor: Supervisor:

Duane Farmer Duane Farmer 989-681-2334 989-681-2334 Fax: 989-681-3988 Fax: 989-681-3988 Toll Free: Toll Free: 877-367-6455 877-367-6455 Orders (Novi) Orders (Novi) 800-572-5824 800-572-5824 then dial 2 then dial 2

MMPA Quality Premium Program

S

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

• 51,000 - 75,000 +50¢/cwt.

• 76,000 - 100,000 +45¢/cwt.

• 101,000 - 125,000 +40¢/cwt.

• 126,000 - 150,000 +35¢/cwt.

• 151,000 - 175,000 +30¢/cwt.

• 176,000 - 200,000 +25¢/cwt.

• 201,000 - 225,000 +20¢/cwt.

• 226,000 - 250,000 +15¢/cwt.

• 251,000 - 400,000 00¢/cwt.

• 401,000 - 500,000 -15¢/cwt.

• 501,000 - 600,000 -30¢/cwt.

• 601,000 - 750,000 -$1.00/cwt.

• Over 750,000 -$1.50/cwt.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MMPA Member Testing Fees

P

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

• Scheduled Herd Tests $1

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

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

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

Chemical, Sanitizer & Teat Dip Contact Information

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

• Mycoplasma Cultures $ 8 • Bacteriology Cultures $12

– Includes identification of bacteria and drug susceptibility.

• Bovine Viral Diarrhea

- PCR

- ELISA • Johne’s Milk Test

- PCR

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

- ELISA – cows - ELISA – tank

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

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

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

Michigan Milk Messenger 25

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

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

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

Registered Holstein breeding bulls, all AI sired from top bulls, b&w, red, red carrier and some polled, high production, low SCC herd. Bulls are priced to sell. Ver Hage Holsteins, 269-673-4886 or 269-2176076, ask for Tim. www.verhageholsteins. com.

Freeliner Policy The Freeliners column is open to current MMPA members who wish to advertise—at no charge—goods or services relating directly to their dairy farm operations.

• An item submitted will be published for no more than two consecutive months (one month, unless otherwise requested).

• After that, it will be withdrawn.

• It will be published again for no more than two consecutive months only if the member resubmits the item by contacting their MMPA Member Representative or by writing or calling the Novi office.

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

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

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

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

26 May 2012

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

J.D. 925 Moco, good cond., 9 ft., 6 in. cut, discbine w/ impeller, stored inside. $8,600. 616-897-0620.

Crossbred bulls, Jersey, Brown Swiss, Holstein, and Scandinavian Red, 100% AI, 810-724-8825.

Dairy Equipment

Cows and Heifers Public auction on farm May 19, selling 80 head of Jersey cattle, 45 milking, the rest are from baby calves to breeding age heifers. Around half of cattle are certified organic. Charlotte, MI. 517-541-0441.

Cows for sale from herd w/ 82 lb. average on a 2 times a day milking.

Plenty of cows to choose from. 734-7760285.

Herd reduction sale, barns too full, heifers and cows for sale, Holstein and crossbred from a 500 cow freestall herd.

616-262-0551.

Equipment Hydraulic cross auger for 6 row planters or 15 ft. grain drills, in great cond., $500 obo. Single post hoist w/ tank and pump, complete, $250. Bottom auger for N.H. 308V spreader, will also fit others, $200.

Beaters for a Gehl self unloading wagon.

New 50 gal. LP gas hot water heater. 989224-2615 or cell 517-204-0888.

1980 Ford 600 dumptruck, $1,800, 810724-8825.

Used calf hutches, $50 ea., 231-878-3768.

Gehl 865 chopper w/ corn head. J.D. 70 gas tractor. 269-758-3268.

Hydraulic tip table for hoof trimming, very little use, $1,300. 989-277-2880.

DR740 N.H. round baler, net wrapped and super sweep pick up, $18,000. Gehl 99 high throw blower. $1,200. 989-8712915.

Cross conveyor extension for a Gehl 970 silage wagon. $250. 734-915-4332.

Surge Alamo 100 plus pump. $90, 810724-8825.

Eight Surge Eclipse milker claws. 989593-2774.

Double 12 parabone milking parlor frame w/ feeders, washline 2/ jeter cups.

810-305-2771.

16 auto takeoffs, $1,000, 989-652-6006.

16 – 65 lb. DeLaval weigh jars. Misc. 1 ½ in. glass line. 2 – 20 ft. VanDale silo unloaders, for parts. 810-404-3717.

Feed Hay for sale, 4x5 round bales, $25 ea., 989-464-7364.

100 bales of 2010 4th cutting hay, 3x4x8 squares, RFD 100, $140/ton. Also, 100 bales of 2011 second cutting. 989-6403370.

Misc.

Australian Shepherd pups, ready April 24, parents good cattle dogs, $75 ea.

989-471-2535.

Wanted Drinking cups for a tie stall barn, 517-543-0356.

DeLaval #75 or 76 vacuum pump, Concrete bunker blocks. Self lock bunk stanchions. 260-768-4550 x2.

Parts for Patz gutter system, higher paddles preferred, needs to rotate to the left. Voice mail: 574-642-1300 ext. 3160.

Jack Frost does more than nip at your nose.

Artec Sanitizing/Conditioning Teat Dip:

A new and better way to protect your herd when the weather gets harsh.

Artec creates a powerful layer of protection between your cow’s teats and the elements. The patent-pending formula features a unique antimicrobial that dramatically reduces the occurrence of mastitis-causing organisms.

The 78% emollient tri-blend provides excellent teat conditioning that reduces the need for teat salves or creams. This highly effective combination of ingredients helps reduce mastitis and protect against the elements.

Artec Sanitizing/Conditioning Teat Dip: • Convenient • Faster and less messy than salves and creams • Soothes and protects • One of the highest levels of glycerin in the industry

call 1-800-392-3392

Ecolab Inc. 370 Wabasha St. N. St. Paul, MN 55102 ©2011 Ecolab All rights reserved

#30898/0300/1000 Michigan Milk Messenger 27

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

Classified Ads ($5.65 per line) Mail ads, preferably typed, to: Classified Ads, Michigan Milk Messenger, PO BOX 8002, Novi, MI 48376-8002. Ads must be received by the 10th of the month before the month of desired publication. Send check or money order for $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. _______________________________________ LARGE SQUARE BALES CLEAN, bright straw. Will deliver. 989-723-1886. _____________________________________ WANTED TO BUY: corn silage. 989-7231886 or 989-277-1414. _____________________________________ MEDIUM RED JUNE CLOVER SEED, spring barley, seed oats, RR soys (BG2707RN, BG 2405NRR, BG7230, BG7180RR2Y, BG7290RR2Y), MCIA 2323 soys, MCIA 2409LL and MCIA 2610LL soys. Will deliver.

989-723-1886. _____________________________________ BENEFICIAL INSECTS TO CONTROL FILTH breeding flies, harmless to animals but deadly to fly babies. Programs based on number of animals. Start in May through fly season. Basic HS Acres, basichsacres@sch-net. com, 989-846-9494. _____________________________________ SHORT BRED HOLSTEIN HEIFERS, bred to high genomic sexed semen for calving ease, $1,450 ea. Dale Hackney, Durand, Mich., 810962-0184. _____________________________________ HOOF TRIMMING: certified, experienced, w/ references. Craig Martin, 517-231-7790.

2 – TALLOW TANKS, insulated w/ pump and heater, 17 ft. x 9.5 ft., $1,000 ea. Located near Hudson, MI, 517-881-0128. _____________________________________ BARN WHITE WASHING: servicing all of Michigan and Indiana. Miller Spray Service, Inc. 574-825-9776. _____________________________________

GENERATORS Winpower & Katolight

Stocking up to 100 KW 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE serving Michigan for the past 30 years 800-345-1887 MIDWEST POWER SYSTEMS

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

Ingredients from your trusted source.

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

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

Citrus Pulp

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

Valero Meal

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

28 May 2012

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!

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

MILK SHIPPED — POSITIVE DRUGS CONFIRMED

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MMPA Policy on Milk Quality QUALITY QUESTIONABLE

REJECTED LOAD SHIPMENT

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

If:

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

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

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

MILK SHIPPED – HIGH BACTERIA COUNT If:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HAULER

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

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

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

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

Michigan Milk Messenger 29

Market Report For Milk Marketed in March 2012

MARKET STATISTICS

Mideast Federal Order #33 (pounds)

This Month

Year Ago

Total Class 1 Sales

534,204,401

581,449,179

-8.13

Total Class 2 Sales

265,800,662

276,191,998

-3.76

Total Class 3 Sales

600,311,691

469,322,484

+27.91

Total Class 4 Sales

157,400,603

96,135,474

1,557,717,357 1,423,099,135

Total Production Class 1 Utilization

34.3%

40.9%

Mideast Federal Order #33

Current Month Total Producers 6,492 Average Daily Production per Farm 7,740 Average Protein Test 3.08% Average Butterfat Test 3.70% Average Other Solids Test 5.74% Average SCC Count (MMPA) 169,000

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

$2.6571

Butterfat Price/lb.

$1.5297

Other Solids Price/lb.

$0.4239

Class III Price @ 3.5%

$ 15.72

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

30 May 2012

$0.63 $ 16.35 $0.00076

NATIONAL TRENDS (million pounds)

% Change

2012

2011 % Change

+63.73

Production California

3,811

3,590 +6.2

+9.46

Wisconsin

2,341

2,247

+4.2

New York

1,138

1,104

+3.1

Idaho

1,119

1,083

+3.3

Pennsylvania

923

929

-0.6

Texas

876

829

+5.7

Minnesota

795

779

+2.1

Michigan

776

723

+7.3

New Mexico

736

699

+5.3

Washington

537

514

+4.5

Ohio

462

447

+3.4

Indiana

325

309

+5.2

* Total U.S.

16,452

15,773

+4.3

* U.S. Y-T-D

47,407

44,989

+5.4

* For 23 states

NASS Survey Prices

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

1.5248 1.4347 1.3310 0.6107

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. 211

MANUFACTURING PLANTS

Constantine 269-435-2835 Plant Manager Dave Davis

MMPA FIELD STAFF

MASTITIS MANAGEMENT

EAST AREA

Tom Herremans................ 231-853-8008 Ravenna mobile 269-967-0890

Supervisor: Michael Marvin Marlette Office................ 989-635-3650

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

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

Christy Dinsmoore...................................

Fairgrove mobile 989-528-9102

Christy Dinsmoore...................................

Fairgrove mobile 989-528-9102

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

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

Marlette mobile 989-670-4864

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

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

Cass City mobile 231-414-4539 Andrew Rupprecht...................................

Clio mobile 269-986-6793

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

SOUTH AREA

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

Big Rapids mobile 989-289-0731

Supervisor: Lyndsay Stakenas Coldwater Office............... 231-519-2455

Preston Cole......................231-584-2587 Mancelona mobile 989-289-9301 Steven Lehman................. 989-875-3441 Ithaca mobile 989-330-1638 Katie Pierson...........................................

Coleman mobile 989-289-9686 Kendra Stieg............................................

Kentwood mobile 269-245-6632 Gerry Volz.........................989-848-5996 Fairview mobile 989-289-9219

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

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

Coldwater mobile 231-519-2455 Elyse Wilcox............................................

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

Three Rivers mobile 269-967-7351

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

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

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

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

Michigan Milk Messenger 31

32 May 2012