Michigan Milk Messenger: September 2015

Michigan Milk

T H E O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F M I C H I G A N M I L K P R O D U C E R S A S S O C I AT I O N

MESSENGER

VOL. 98 | ISSUE 3 | SEPTEMBER 2015

Inside this issue:

Rich History.

Focused Future.

New Generations Grow into Dairy Leaders.

Michigan Milk

MESSENGER Columns 4

MMPA Matters

Remaining Competitive Amongst Broad Competition

6

Quality Watch

On-Farm Culturing

8

News & Views

10 Legislative Watch

MMPAC: A Unified Voice

12

for Dairy Farmers

September Features 12

Dairy Days 2015 Exhibits Bright Future for the Dairy Industry

14 Dairy Doesn’t

Disappoint at Livestock Sale-abration 18

Negotiating the Optimal Farm Succession Plan

18

Managing Editor................................................ Sheila Burkhardt

41310 Bridge Street

Editor...............................................................................Allison Stuby

P.O. Box 8002

f: 248-474-0924

Advertising Manager......................................Nancy Muszynski

Novi, MI 48376-8002

w: www.mimilk.com

p: 248-474-6672

Circulation..................................................................................... 2,843 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.

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MESSENGER | SEPTEMBER 2015

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

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

(ISSN 0026-2315)

24 20

24

Young Dairy Leaders Learn and Grow 2015 Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperators Conference

Departments 28 Merchandise 29

Quality Premiums

Fuel Up to Play 60

30 Freeliners

Showing Kids the Fun in Being Active and Eating Healthy

32 Classifieds 33 Policies 34 Market Report 35 Staff

Cover Story The century-old barns scattered across the state serve as an enduring reminder of Michigan agriculture’s rich history. This issue features stories about dairy’s focused future. Prepare for the future through farm succession planning and learn more about rising leaders in the dairy industry.

Cover photo by Kathleen Stuby.

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

Board of Directors Officers

Directors-At-Large Ken Nobis, St. Johns................................ 989-224-6170 or 248-474-6672, ext. 201 Rodney Daniels, Whittemore............................................................... 989-756-4935

Ken Nobis, President

Dan Javor, Hastings............................................................................ 269-948-8345

Mark Halbert, Vice President

Mark Halbert, Battle Creek................................................................. 269-964-0511

Eric Frahm, Treasurer Joe Diglio, General Manager/ Secretary

James Reid, Jeddo............................................................................. 810-327-6830

District Directors 1. Hank Choate, Cement City.............................................................. 517-529-9032

Josep Barenys, Assistant Treasurer

2. Tim Hood, Paw Paw........................................................................ 269-657-5771

Todd Hoppe, General Counsel

4. Corby Werth, Alpena....................................................................... 989-464-5436

3. David Pyle, Zeeland........................................................................ 616-772-1512 5. Brent Wilson, Carson City............................................................... 989-584-3481 6. Tony Jandernoa, Fowler.................................................................. 989-593-2224 7. Eric Frahm, Frankenmuth............................................................... 989-652-3552 8. Leonard Brown, Sandusky.............................................................. 810-648-4505

SEPTEMBER 2015 | MESSENGER

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MMPA MATTERS

Remaining Competitive Amongst Broad Competition

BY KEN NOBIS, PRESIDENT

A

college business student recently asked me, “Who is MMPA’s competition?” and I wasn’t sure how to go about answering that question. Identifying our biggest competitor is complicated without first providing a primer about cooperatives, and it isn’t easy, even for those of us who operate in the world of co-ops every day.

I suppose the quick answer is that milk producers that serve the same geographic area as MMPA, including co-ops other than MMPA, make up our biggest competition. MMPA

has developed a reputation for very high quality that our customers recognize, and that is one way we set ourselves apart. Our industry is very complex and many other factors impact our success. Because milk is a commodity product, there is a lack of retail brand identity, although we (along with others) do build wholesale brand identity. MMPA serves its members, the owners of the co-op, by adding value to that commodity product through our reputation for quality and good service.

In a broader sense, MMPA’s competition is every other food product available to the consumer. Even within our own dairy sector, a wide variety of healthy and nutritious products vie for the attention of today’s consumer. The competition for space in the consumers’ stomach is basic and widespread.

“I think the discussion always circles back to QUALITY. MMPA is able to compete because its members produce high quality milk every day.”

The competitive nature of our marketing system should also be considered. Over 80 percent of the milk produced in the U.S. is marketed by dairy cooperatives that compete with each other for members and market share within their various geographic regions. This competition is healthy, because it drives marketing efficiency that leads to more dollars in the producer-owners’ pocket, and money in the pocket has to be the co-op’s primary objective.

In addition, we face competition among regions within the U.S. Some areas of the country

have been able to produce milk more efficiently (and therefore more cheaply) than others, and their milk becomes the price setter for the whole. Those areas traditionally followed a pattern of east to west movement. As production moved west, efficiencies improved and the westward movement became the price setter. Today, that cost of production scenario has shown signs of reversing and moving back east again, where water is more available and the cost of producing feed for the cows is more reasonable.

It doesn’t stop there. Our competition today extends beyond our nation’s borders, because our world is much smaller than it was decades ago. Production trends in Oceana and the European Union (E.U.) have a direct effect on milk prices in this country. The current revenue challenges we face in the U.S. are not a result of too much milk being produced in the United States; in fact, U.S. milk production is pretty well balanced with U.S. consumption. Instead, production was up in both the E.U. and Oceana last year, causing marketing challenges that led to lower prices in the U.S. But if it is any consolation, the revenue shortfall is far less here than in those two regions.

Geopolitical situations add to competitive challenges. Russia’s refusal to buy dairy

products from the E. U. has forced those dairy products to other regions of the globe, where U.S. dairy products have to compete head to head with them. China was on a buying binge for dairy products two years ago, but that, too, has turned around.

I’m not sure I can point to one factor that identifies our biggest competitor, but we do have strategies for remaining competitive. For example, I can isolate one law that gives

the industry strength to meet many competitive pressures. The Capper-Volstead Act of 1922 provides cooperatives with certain exemptions from antitrust laws, giving us the ability to work together to enhance the profitability of our members by bargaining better prices. So while we compete with other co-ops, we also work together in many ways.

I think the discussion always circles back to quality. MMPA is able to compete because its members produce high quality milk every day. This is the reason that we can face the competition as we “market our members’ milk to the greatest advantage possible” in fulfillment of MMPA’s mission.

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MESSENGER | SEPTEMBER 2015

QUALITY WATCH

On-Farm Culturing

BY LYNDSAY EARL, MEMBER REPRESENTATIVE

W

hen we talk about mastitis, we like to focus on one thing: prevention. But for the mastitis cases that we could not prevent, early detection and action is also very important. On-farm culturing can be a useful tool to identifying the cause of mastitis cases on your farm and to help develop treatment protocols based on those results.

Most farms diagnose mastitis cases based on clinical signs, (swollen quarters, abnormal milk, elevated SCC, etc.) and use antibiotics for treatment. Yet in many cases, the use of antibiotics is not appropriate and ineffective. A study done by Roberson in 2003 showed that 10-40% of clinical cases that were cultured showed no bacterial growth. When no bacteria growth is present, there is usually no need for antibiotic treatment, although supportive therapy may be needed in acute cases of mastitis. The treatments provided to cows with no bacteria growth may lead to decreased profitability on the farm due to discarded milk and higher treatment costs.

“Proper training is essential for successful on-farm culturing.

This training will take time out of your already busy schedule, but is a very important part of running the cultures on farm.”

Why might a cow show clinical signs with no bacteria present in the udder?

One likely reason is when an infection occurs in the udder, the bacteria cause damage to the mammary gland, potentially resulting in clinical signs of mastitis. The cow’s immune system is able to fight off and clear the bacteria from the udder, however it may take some time before the udder is able to heal and return to normal. Certain types of bacteria can cause serious damage to the udder, which in some cases, may not heal until the cow has gone through a dry period.

What are the benefits to on-farm culture?

One major benefit of on-farm culturing will be the ability to make educated treatment decisions, thus reducing the amount of time and money that is lost with each mastitis case. Mastitis can be very expensive to treat. One case of mastitis can cost anywhere from $200-$800 when considering the reduced milk production, dumped milk, treatment costs and extra labor associated with each case. By catching mastitis cases early—and treating them appropriately based on the culture results— we may be able to drastically reduce the cost associated with each mastitis case.

What are the draw backs to on-farm culturing?

Proper training is essential for successful on-farm culturing. This training will take time out of your already busy schedule, but is a very important part of running the cultures on farm. You will have to work closely with your vet to learn the basics of running the cultures and interpreting the results. Proper aseptic sampling is also very important. The person collecting the cow sample to be cultured will also have to be properly trained on taking aseptic samples to ensure the culture results are accurate.

What’s the best way to get started?

To get started, contact your vet to discuss whether or not on-farm culturing is a good option for your farm. Once it is determined you would like to start culturing, you will need the following supplies: vials, alcohol wipes to sanitize the teats, culture plates to grow the bacteria, swabs to transfer the milk sample to the culture plate and an incubator to maintain a stable temperature while the bacteria grow. Your vet may be able to help you obtain this equipment and provide the necessary training to get started.

It is very important to work closely with your vet to determine a treatment protocol to follow based on the culture results. Once you have determined the type of bacteria present in the udder, you can follow written treatment protocols to decide whether or not treatment is appropriate, and if so, which would be most effective for the specific bacteria present.

You can reduce the amount of money lost for each mastitis case by treating only cases likely to respond to treatment. With the ever growing concern for reduced antibiotic usage, on-farm culturing may be a good way for your farm to use antibiotics more effectively and cost efficiently.

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MESSENGER | SEPTEMBER 2015

& VIEWS NEWS &NEWS VIEWS

Upcoming Events

September 22

Advisory Committee Meeting, Lansing

29 Oct. 3 World Dairy Expo, Madison, Wisconsin

October 26-29 NMPF/NDB/UDIA Joint Annual Meeting, Orlando, Florida

Shawn and Beth VanDrie Named 2015 MMPA OYDC Shawn and Beth VanDrie of Lake City, Michigan were named MMPA’s 2015 Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperators (OYDC). They are members of the Evart Local in District 5. The VanDries were selected by a panel of three industry expert judges after the annual OYDC Conference on August 13 and 14 in Novi.

As MMPA’s OYDC, they will represent MMPA at several state and national events including the National Milk Producers Federation Annual Meeting in Florida next month.

Darren and Regina Coffey of Allegan, Michigan were named the 2015 OYDC runners-up. They represent the West Michigan Local in District 3.

Read more about the OYDC program on page 20.

MMPA 4-H Milk Marketing Tour Top Five In June, MMPA hosted the 78th Annual MMPA 4-H Milk Marketing Tour to educate students about milk marketing principles and the functions of a cooperative. Ten of the students on the tour were invited to interview for one of five open slots on a paid trip to the National 4-H Dairy Conference in Madison, Wisconsin. The following top five individuals were selected: Allison Schafer from Clinton County, Cameron Cook from Clinton County, Jenna Kingsley from Ingham County, Paige Wilson from Ingham County, and Mason Horning from Washtenaw County. Two alternates were selected: Evelyn Okkema from Mecosta County and Mackenzie Delong from Lapeer County.

Producers Scoring 95 percent or more on Grade A Surveys and Federal Check Ratings Slocum’s Livestock Farms Pyle Dairy Farm Inc. * Dennis Raterink Andrew Johnson* Webers Meadow LLC James Vanderzwaag Verhage Dairy Farm Chase Crest Hill Farms LLC Chris/Kristina/Hans Langmaack* Thomas/Heather Wing Dennis Case Daybreak Dairy LLC * *100 8

MESSENGER | SEPTEMBER 2015

SHAWN AND BETH VANDRIE

MMPA Board of Directors Approves Grade A Survey Incentive Program Starting on October 1, a new Grade A Survey incentive program will be implemented.

Producers who earn a survey score of 95 percent or higher will receive a premium on a per hundredweight basis from $0.15/cwt to $0.25/cwt. Producers with a score lower than 84 percent will receive a deduction of up to -$0.25/cwt. Premiums and penalties cap out at $1,000. The table below offers more information about the rate for each survey score.

Survey incentive program applies to the initial survey. There will be no premium paid on a resurvey, however deducts will apply. Premiums or deductions apply to the monthly volume in which the survey was conducted.

SURVEY INCENTIVE PROGRAM Premium Rate with Cap SURVEY SCORE

PREMIUM RATE

PREMIUM CAP

100

$0.25/cwt.

99

$0.20/cwt.

$750

98-95

$0.15/cwt.

$500

94-85

$1,000

No premium

84-80

-$0.10/cwt.

($500)

<80

-$0.20/cwt.

($1,000)

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MSU Extension will be hosting several free information meetings about MPP throughout the month September. All meetings are free but you will need to pre-register. Register online at: events.anr.msu.edu/dmpp/ September 16, 2015 10 AM-12 PM Thumb Expo Center, Bad Axe, MI September 18, 2015 10 AM-12 PM Mid Michigan Com. College, Harrison September 23, 2015 10 AM-12 PM Hillsdale MSU Extension, Hillsdale September 24, 2015 1 PM-3 PM Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizer, St. Johns September 25, 2015 1 PM-3 PM MSU Pavilion, East Lansing September 25, 2015 1 PM-3 PM Online Webinar via Zoom September 28, 2015 9:30-11:30 PM Fremont Library, Fremont September 28, 2015 1:30-3:30 PM Ottawa County Fillmore Complex, West Olive SEPTEMBER 2015 | MESSENGER

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LEGISLATIVE WATCH

MICHIGAN MILK POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE:

A Unified Voice for Dairy Farmers One dollar per cow, per year.

You’ve heard the phrase before, it describes the suggested contributions of each member to the Michigan Milk Political Action Committee (MMPAC) by MMPA State Annual Meeting delegates every year. Every members’ contribution goes a long way to facilitate political action in the best interest of dairy farmers. But where does this money go? What issues does MMPAC support? And why is it important for MMPA members to support MMPAC?

“In recent years MMPAC has become more necessary because of the increased need for building relationships through political involvement,” MMPA President Ken Nobis said. “We view our PAC as a valuable tool to use efficiently and effectively for educational purposes.

Providing financial support for candidates we know to be friends of the dairy industry is another tool made possible by our PAC.” The decisions made in Lansing and Washington, D.C. continue to impact member farms, truck routes, processing plants and milk checks. And dairy farmers have a tough enough job staying

on top of things at the farm, without worrying about what issues and bills are on the legislative floor.

How are MMPAC funds used?

MMPAC gives dairy farmers a unified voice in our legislative system. Through the MMPAC, the co-op is able to endorse candidates with experience and a commitment to dairy and agriculture.

Further, contributions to MMPAC support the education of legislators on the ins and outs of the dairy industry to better inform decision making.

MMPAC and other Political Action Committees (PACs) can’t buy votes.

Paying legislators to vote a certain way is illegal, but MMPAC funds are used to create relationships with legislators through financial support. Those relationships keep the needs of MMPA members relevant to decision makers.

MMPAC pools MMPA members’ resources to support candidates who will represent members’ views on agriculture and dairy issues or have been loyal to our key issues in the past.

“When you find a legislator who supports and listens to your needs, you have to in-turn support them to preserve that positive relationship, no matter their party,” Nobis affirmed. “MMPAC allows us to build long-lasting relationships with our legislators to ensure we’re the go-to source for feedback on dairy issues.”

MMPAC holds no party affiliation and by nature doesn’t just support one party, one candidate or one district. MMPAC is only concerned with lobbying on issues that impact agriculture and dairy.

THE FUTURE SUCCESS OF MMPA AND THE MICHIGAN DAIRY INDUSTRY RELIES ON CEMENTING RELATIONSHIPS WITH LAWMAKERS. PICTURED: MMPA BOARD MEMBER TIM HOOD WITH CONGRESSMAN FRED UPTON.

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MESSENGER | SEPTEMBER 2015

MMPAC Challenge

MMPA will award the MMPA district with the highest percentage

Support MMPAC

The winning district can select from the following organizations:

and you could be

of members contributing to the district’s choice of one of five selected charity organizations or youth foundations.

• Michigan 4-H Foundation • Michigan FFA Foundation

supporting one

• Michigan Dairy and Memorial Scholarship Foundation

of your favorite

• United Way

charities!

• Local charity with approval by MMPA board of directors Contributions must be postmarked by November 5, 2015 to qualify for the MMPAC Challenge. The winning district will be announced at the Leader’s Conference on Monday, November 23.

What issues does MMPAC support?

A limited number of our legislators in Lansing and Washington, D.C. are farmers, so it’s important to provide education on the specific issues that impact dairy farmers. MMPAC enables the co-op to become a spokesperson for the industry at the capitol and play a role in policy making.

MMPAC supports issues at the state and national level that influence how farmers do business and how milk is marketed.

MMPAC does not support or oppose partisan social issues not related to dairy or agriculture.

One example of an issue MMPAC backs at the national level is the School Nutrition Act. The act reaffirms the requirement for milk to be offered in school meals. It is important to inform legislators of the significance of this act and MMPAC funds help build relationships and open lines of communication.

Why is it important to support MMPAC?

building, MMPAC helps our interests reach their desks and hold some weight against other issues.

MMPAC enables dairy farmers to be part of the conversation. Through contributions to MMPAC, members can rest assured there is a voice speaking on their behalf in the legislature. When policy decisions are made, it is vital to the success of the dairy industry to speak up and insert our voice. MMPAC gives dairy farmers accessibility to legislators.

They know who has supported their campaigns in the past and know where to find valuable information about agricultural issues.

2015 Legislative Issues NATIONAL » Safe and Affordable Food Labeling Act » School Nutrition Act » Trans-Pacific Partnership » Trade Promotion Authority STATE » Transportation Funding » Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP)

Even though farming is vital to sustaining the everyday lives of all Americans, regulations affecting the dairy industry and agriculture will continue to be discussed on the legislative floor. And with fewer legislators from agricultural backgrounds, dairy voices need an amplifier to stay relevant. MMPAC is the advocate, so farmers can do what they do best: farm.

At both the state and national level, there are many interests pulling legislators in different directions. Through relationship SEPTEMBER 2015 | MESSENGER

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Dairy Days 2015 Exhibits Bright Future for the Dairy Industry

A

llison Schafer from Clinton County and Shannon Good from Allegan County were recognized as the highest point-getters in the senior and junior divisions, respectively, of this year’s Michigan 4-H and Youth Dairy Days, an annual dairy youth activity held in conjunction with Michigan Dairy Expo. The 19th annual expo took place July 20-24th at the Michigan State University Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock Education in East Lansing.

While part of the Michigan Dairy Expo, Michigan 4-H and Youth Dairy Days is geared toward the dairy enthusiastic youth across the state. The event offers young people the opportunities to compete for premiums, ribbons and scholarships in various dairy educational activities, including dairy quiz bowls, dairy management contests, dairy cattle judging competitions and the Dairy Days youth show. Around 150 youth members took part in one or more educational competitions this year and the winners may have the chance to represent Michigan at national competitions.

Melissa Elischer, Michigan dairy youth educator and director of Youth Dairy Days, said that the weeklong educational event serves as the stage for showcasing some of the industry’s most talented and engaged young people and future dairy industry leaders.

“Almost 150 youth from 23 counties across the state participated in the educational contests of 4-H Youth Dairy Days this year.

The skills they demonstrated and new information absorbed will help them grow and develop not only as the future dairy leaders of Michigan, but as hard-working, good people,” said Elischer.

“It is the passion Michigan youth have for the dairy industry and the support Dairy Days receives from so many, like MMPA, which makes this event successful year after year.”

Dairy Management Results NOVICE Brandon Dreyer, Ottawa Taylor Gager, Gratiot Matthew Whitaker, Clinton Delbert Smith, Ottawa Macy Pish, Branch Katie Polzin, Washtenaw Lydia Deters, Isabella Hunter Meekhof, Ottawa Emily Wilson, Isabella Abigail Wilson, Isabella JUNIOR Jonah Haskins, Lapeer Jake Nugent, Kent Leslie McAlvey, Clinton Brittany Dreyer, Ottawa Miriam Cook, Clinton Shannon Good, Allegan Adalee Thelen, Clinton Hayley Wineland, Branch Chrissy Polzin, Washtenaw Caleb Tucker, Allegan SENIOR Allison Schafer, Clinton Charlie McAlvey, Clinton, Miles Wixom, Allegan Josh Markel, Clinton Shelby Berens, Allegan Seth Hulst, Ottawa Carmen Hicks, Clinton Samantha Boettcher, Allegan Caleb Shearer, Ottawa Jessie Nash, Clinton

Quiz Bowl Results SENIOR TEAM 1st Place: Allegan Isaac Elzinga Miles Wixom Shelby Berens Samantha Boettcher

JUNIOR TEAM 1st Place: Allegan A Katrina Tucker Casey Ybema Shannon Good Caleb Tucker MakEnna Davies NOVICE TEAM 1st Place: Clinton A Jolene Nash Olivia Black Matthew Whitaker Paul Meyer

Dairy Judging Results SENIOR DIVISION TOP TEN INDIVIDUALS Josh Markel, Clinton B Rachel Ekkel, Newago/Kent Maddy Meyer, Clinton A Cameron Cook, Clinton A Allison Schafer, Clinton A Shelby Berens, Allegan Miles Wixom, Allegan Gerrit Baker, Ottawa Miriah Dershem, Clinton A Amanda Hicks, Clinton C JUNIOR DIVISION TOP TEN INDIVIDUALS Miriam Cook, Clinton A Katie Wilson, Isabella Shannon Good, Allegan/ Clinton/Shiawassee Ian Black, Clinton A Owen Bonteko, Hillsdale B/ Osecola Evelyn Furhman, Shiawassee Matthew Poling, Hillsdale A/ Lapeer Jacob Vandermolen, Ottawa Devin Kora, Clinton B Caitie Theisen, Isabella

WINNERS IN THE INDIVIDUAL SHOWMANSHIP COMPETITION VIE FOR TOP SHOWPERSON OF THE 4-H DAIRY SHOW. LUCAS MOSER (FAR RIGHT) IN CLASS 12 WON SUPREME CHAMPION DAIRY SHOWPERSON.

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MESSENGER | SEPTEMBER 2015

Showmanship Results OVERALL SHOWMAN WINNERS First Place—Lucas Moser, Ingham County Second Place—Kristen Burkhardt, Livingston County Third Place—Heather Berens, Allegan County WINNERS OF THE INDIVIDUAL CLASSES, DIVIDED BY AGE: Class 1—Kelsie Atherton, Shiawassee County Class 2—Caitlyn Tietema, Ottawa County Class 3—Hayley Wineland Branch County Class 4—Anna Moser, Ingham County Class 5—Andrew Atherton, Shiawassee County Class 6—Ian Black,

Clinton County

Class 7—Brittany Dreyer, Ottawa County Class 8—Kristen Burkhardt, Livingston County Class 9—Thomas Hull, Hillsdale County Class 10—Eric Moser, Ingham County Class 11—Heather Berens, Allegan County Class 12—Lucas Moser, Ingham County

Overall Dairy Day High Rank Awards The Overall Dairy Youth Dairy Days High Rank Award is awarded to the contestant who accumulates the highest total rankings in three of four contest categories: dairy cattle judging, dairy management, dairy quiz bowl and showmanship.

The senior division is open to youth ages 15 to 19, while youth aged 9 to 14 compete in the junior division.

JUNIOR WINNER Shannon Good, Allegan County JUNIOR RESERVE Miriam Cook, Clinton County SENIOR WINNER Allison Schafer, Clinton County SENIOR RESERVE Shelby Berens, Allegan County

SEPTEMBER 2015 | MESSENGER

13

Dairy Doesn’t Disappoint at

Livestock Sale-abration!

T

o kick off the 2015 Michigan Dairy Expo, many eager youth took part in showing their dairy cattle in hopes of capturing a Supreme Champion title. Although dairy cattle, represented by dairy gift baskets, aren’t the only lots being auctioned off at the MLE Sale-abration, they certainly didn’t disappoint. Twenty-four buyers pooled their money to raise over $40,000 for the Michigan Youth Livestock Scholarship Fund to support youth pursuing dairy related careers.

“We are proud to see local businesses demonstrate tremendous support for these kids interested and involved in Michigan’s dairy industry at the Sale-abration,” MMPA President Ken Nobis said. “This scholarship fund is a vital component in ensuring a bright future for dairy in Michigan by encouraging the next generation to become passionate about our industry.”

In total, $43,300 was bid on four dairy lots: Supreme Champion Dairy Cow exhibited by Lucas Moser of Dansville; the Supreme Dairy Champion Heifer exhibited

by Andrew Atherton of Swartz Creek; the Supreme Dairy Showperson exhibited by Kristen Burkhardt of Fowlerville; and the Grand Champion Cheese exhibited by Old Europe Cheese Company Inc. The three dairy youth exhibitors each receive $1,000. The remaining proceeds from the sale of the dairy lots goes into the statewide dairy youth fund of the Michigan Youth Livestock Scholarship Fund and is used to support scholarships and educational grants for youth in the dairy industry.

The supreme champion showmanship winner, in addition to the owners of the supreme champion dairy cow and the supreme champion dairy heifer, represent the Michigan dairy industry at the Saleabration. Moser was owner of the Supreme Champion Dairy Cow, but also won

14

MESSENGER | SEPTEMBER 2015

Supreme Dairy Showperson. Therefore, the reserve champion showmanship winner, Burkhardt, took Moser’s place.

The Michigan Dairy Expo is a week-long education event featuring the State Dairy Days Youth Show, educational contests and state breed association dairy shows.

The Michigan Livestock Expo Sale is held each year following the Michigan Livestock Expo. The Michigan Livestock Expo is a statewide multi-species livestock event featuring youth exhibitors of cattle, sheep, swine and goats designed to enhance the livestock industry, educate youth and showcase Michigan’s agriculture industry.

BELOW: BUYERS OF THE SUPREME CHAMPION DAIRY HEIFER COMMEMORATE THE DONATION OF $13,000 TO THE MICHIGAN YOUTH LIVESTOCK DAIRY SCHOLARSHIP FUND. PICTURED (FROM LEFT) ARE TODD HOPPE (FOSTER SWIFT COLLINS & SMITH PC), ARLIN KOGLIN (AMERICAN FARM PRODUCTS), KEN NOBIS (MMPA), ANDREW ATHERTON, JACOB MOL (CONSUMERS ENERGY), MICHIGAN DAIRY AMBASSADOR CAMERON COOK, SANJU GUINN (CONSUMERS ENERGY) AND MICHIGAN DAIRY AMBASSADOR NATALIE HORNING.

Buyers of the $13,000 Supreme Champion Dairy Heifer (represented by a dairy gift basket) • American Farm Products • Cobank • Consumers Energy • Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith, P.C. • Hudson Dairy • Michigan Milk Producers Association • Roberts Dairy Service Buyer of the $5,300 Supreme Champion Dairy Cow (represented by a dairy gift basket) • Michigan Milk Producers Association Buyers of the $15,000 Champion Dairy Showperson (represented by a dairy gift basket) • ABS • Calder Dairy • Caledonia Farmers Elevator • Class Construction • Dairy Farmers of America • Farm Bureau Family of Companies Employees • Golden Elm Dairy - Eric Frahm Family • Logan Brothers Printing • Michigan Milk Producers Association • Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee • Moo-Ville • NorthStar Cooperative, Inc. • Prince Agri Products • The Kroger Co. of Michigan • VanBeek Nutrition • Vita Plus • Zeeland Farm Services, Inc. Buyer of the $10,000 Grand Champion Cheese • United Dairy Industry of Michigan

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Market Research: Who, What, When, Where, Why & How? Employing checkoff-funded market research to build demand for beef WHO represents the target market for beef promotion, and who do they trust?

WHAT do they care about most when it comes to food and food production, and

what do they look for in beef to serve their families?

WHEN do they decide to eat beef and what beef products do they choose most?

WHERE are they from and where do they shop?

WHY do they want to eat beef and why don’t they eat more beef?

Funded by the Beef Checkoff.

HOW do they get information about beef, and how do they share that information?

These are just a few of the questions that beef checkoff leaders seek to answer through extensive market-research efforts as they guide investment of checkoff dollars into promotion, research and information programs aimed at increasing beef demand.

Knowledge about consumers – beef buyers and potential buyers – is critical. After all, consumers are in the driver’s seat when it comes to buying beef – or any other product, for that matter. Until we understand the wants and needs of a target audience, what are the chances of meeting their expectations.

That’s why market research is the foundation of all other programs funded by the beef checkoff. In short, it grounds checkoff planning efforts with knowledge about what drives a beef-purchase decision at the retail meat case and in restaurants. And it helps target checkoff investments in the most efficient and effective ways possible.

So what are the answers to the above questions? Here are the short ones, according to the extensive collection of checkoff-funded market research: • The target market for beef promotion and education is the millennial generation – those born between 1980 and 2000.

• They care about where their food comes from and how it serves their families’ needs. They want their beef to be safe, nutritious, flavorful, tender, convenient, easy to prepare, and raised with care for the animals and environment.

• When millennials want to “celebrate” by getting out to the grill, they choose beef more often than any other protein. On an everyday basis, however, they make decisions about what to fix for supper at 4 p.m. or later.

• Millennials are 80 million strong; more racially diverse; finding their niche in the world; asking more questions about their food; increasing their food spending.

• Beef’s great taste is the No. 1 reason that millennials and other consumers eat beef, and the most limiting factors to increased beef consumption are “health reasons,” “limiting cholesterol or fat,” and “other meats seem healthier.”

• Millennials overwhelmingly get their information about beef and beef production through online and socialmedia channels.

These are highly simplified answers, but every one of them is important to the beef community’s ability to change negative perceptions about beef. In short, market research not only puts all of the puzzle pieces on the table, it also helps checkoff leaders put them together for a clear picture of today’s marketplace.

Learn more about these and other research programs funded through your checkoff program at

www.mybeefcheckoff.com

Beef Outreach a SUCCESS IN MICHIGAN Working with the Michigan Ag Council and the Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee, the Michigan Beef Industry Commission (MBIC) recently hosted a beef industry Pasture to Plate tour. MBIC took Registered Dietitians, Chefs and Food Bloggers on a one day tour of a cow/calf farm, beef feedlot, JBS packing plant, Meijer meat case and Webster’s Prime steak house.

Tour attendees visited the Oswalt family farm, a cow/calf and sheep farm in Southwest Michigan.

Participants were able to see cow/calf pairs out on pasture and meet the family behind the day-to-day farm operation. Attendees then ventured to the Osborne feedlot where they met Ken Osborne and his family, who feed Holstein steers. The Osborne’s shared their experience as cattle feeders, talking with the group about how they carefully balance diets for the cattle and the myths and facts behind the use of hormones in beef production. The next stop on the tour was JBS Packing in Plainwell. Guest got a behind the scenes tour of the packing plant and learned about meat grading and processing. The journey continued at a local Meijer store where participants met with the director of Meat and Seafood. Guest learned about products in the meat case and placement on shelves for customer convince. The last stop on the tour was Webster’s Prime, a steak house that served a family style meal with beef from a variety of different production methods. During dinner, attendees were able to visit with Dr. Roberts, a Veterinarian from Michigan State University that specializes in large animal care. Dr. Roberts answered a number of questions about the use of antibiotics and hormones in cattle production.

In an additional effort to build relationships with nutrition professionals, the MBIC sent five registered dietitians on the Beef Checkoff’s 3-day Nutrition Adventure program in Missouri. Nutrition Adventure featured a meat cutting demonstration, chef presentation, protein education seminars and a special presentation on social media messaging for RD’s and also included a beef industry tour.

Get to know your checkoff.

Visit www.MIBEEF.org or call

517-347-0911

Negotiating the Optimal Farm Succession Plan A CRITICAL BALANCE:

BY ALLISON STUBY

Farmers know a thing or two about balancing multiple demands. The continual upkeep and success of a farm relies on juggling a wide breadth of activities. From milking to supervising employees to staying on top of industry and consumer demands, dairy farmers have wellpracticed the daily balancing act.

With an aging population of farmers, the talent of balancing demands can be useful in the farm office when planning business succession. Picture the farm five, 10 and 20 years from now. Who is running the show? What does the ownership structure look like? Is the business financially secure?

18

MESSENGER | SEPTEMBER 2015

Mapping out the succession plan takes a lot of work and negotiation within the family—but it is a necessary process every farm will face eventually.

To develop a suitable farm succession plan, all generations need to strike a balance and work together.

» Goals for the Future “There are a lot of moving parts to be considered in succession planning and family members—both junior and senior generations—need to follow-through when seeking a balance between goals,” Michigan State University Extension Senior Educator Roger Betz asserts. “Compromises are necessary to find something to work for the whole family.”

Betz recommends families preparing for succession keep six key goals in mind—and work to find the ideal balance between each component.

Financial Security for the Senior Generation. The older generation

worked a lifetime on the farm and they often do not like risk. As such, their financial security is a top priority in the transition process.

Family Harmony. Succession planning is a touchy subject and it is important family members get along and stay informed. For heirs who will not be returning to the farm, equitable alternatives to farm assets should be considered. However, Betz says sometimes what’s best for everyone is not what is fair or equal, but what needs to be done to ensure viability of the business.

Opportunity for the Junior Generation. Consider what the future

may hold for the next generation and try to do what needs to be done to keep the operation running and profitable.

Flexibility. Plans need to be apt to move and change with potential challenges of the future. Succession planning should not be rigid, but take into account volatility of the market.

Milk prices may drop, input prices may increase and the farm needs to be able to adapt.

Simplicity. The succession plan

should be relatively simple. Betz wants farmers to avoid confusion and stress in the family by avoiding a complicated plan that involves too many entities.

Minimize Equity Loss Through Taxes. Federal income tax and state

taxes incurred when transferring the farm can be a threat to the business.

It is important to find mechanisms to diminish losses through taxes, but Betz reminds this is not the only goal families should consider when planning.

» Communicating the Facts “Whenever I think about farm succession, I am always reminded people don’t often communicate effectively and that hinders the entire process,” Betz stated.

Junior and senior generations have different concerns and it’s important everyone is on the same page. Betz finds senior generations do not want to talk about it, are afraid of losing flexibility and control and are not sure how to get started. The junior generation often wants to have the opportunity to get started, but are not sure if they are ready to assume responsibility or how their parents feel. Through proper communication, many of these issues could be resolved.

“The most important way to be prepared is knowing the facts and to have all information about the farm available in a format easy to communicate between family members,” Betz recommends. “You need to have facts about your finances in black and white. Know your cash flow, incomes and where profits are going before you start planning succession.”

» Protecting the Assets Because of everything to be accounted for in succession planning, Betz says the plan should start as soon as there is some interest from either generation. In many cases, Betz finds the entire process can take 20 years to be completed. Slowly shifting responsibilities and maximizing each individual’s skill sets helps facilitate the process.

Part ownership of the business or assets can take place when the younger generation is in their late twenties to mid-thirties, according to Betz. This helps ease into the transition when the parents grow older and can sell or lease their remaining shares to the children. The continual process can be developed to enable an easier mechanism for succession.

“Dairy farmers have a beautiful asset: cows,” Betz said. “Cows are a built in engine, when transferred in the family, taxation rate stays at 15.3 percent for both buyer and seller. Cows provide long term capital gains and as such are good assets to sell at a low cost to the younger generation to spread out the income over time.”

When it comes to land, there are several options families can consider including using a trust where the farming generation can buy or rent the land at a reduced cost. This is suitable for heirs who are not currently working or do not plan to work on the farm.

Betz said the children who chose to take on farming can rent or buy the land from the trust and the income is then shared among all heirs. Families can also use gifting as a strategic tool to help facilitate a transition plan and minimize equity loss from taxes. When considering taxation, there are many options to facilitate succession for families.

» Keys to Success Betz has watched while many families have undergone succession, over the years has discovered three key ways to be successful, which include: a willingness to discuss among family members, patience during the process and utilizing outside assistance such as MSU Extension, attorneys and accountants.

This also involves another balance in the farm office. There are three outside players a family may call upon in the process: their lenders, their attorney and their tax planner or certified public accountant. All must remain on the same page with the same goals in mind. Communication is the key and it’s important to start planning early for outside entities and families alike.

“It’s a beautiful thing when the generations can work together and develop a plan that works for the whole family,” Betz asserts.

SEPTEMBER 2015 | MESSENGER

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Young Dairy Leaders LEARN and GROW:

2015 Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperators Conference

F

ollowing in the footsteps of over 1,000 past and present MMPA members, the 2015 Top Ten Outstanding Young Cooperators (OYDC) gathered in Novi for the MMPA OYDC Conference. On August 13 and 14, the group participated in tours, cooperative update presentations and competed to be selected as the 2015 MMPA OYDC.

After considering the applications, interviews and tours of the top four finalists’ farms, the judges selected Shawn and Beth VanDrie as the 2015 MMPA OYDCs and Darren and Regina Coffey as the OYDC runners-up.

The OYDCs met and interacted with their cooperative’s employees while gaining a better understanding of the dayto-day operations of MMPA. The conference included a tour of the milk testing laboratory and presentations from MMPA president, Ken Nobis, and general manager, Joe Diglio.

“The OYDC program is a great opportunity to visit with other dairy farmers and talk about their community, farm and family. As young dairy cooperators, we may not be as aware of all of the co-op’s activities and the OYDC program allows us to gain insight and learn how MMPA operates.”

—Brentt and Michelle Lucas, MMPA Top 10 OYDC

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MESSENGER | SEPTEMBER 2015

The great number of OYDC alumni and continued enthusiasm from current participants solidifies the importance and value of the program. For some members, the OYDC Conference is their first opportunity to learn about the inner workings of the co-op and how member pay prices are determined. Many past participants have gone on to become MMPA leaders, serving on the Advisory or Resolutions committees, board of directors or local or district boards.

The 2014 OYDC Brian and Carrie Preston of Quincy hosted the two day conference. Three judges—MMPA District 1 Director Hank Choate, MMPA member and 2006 OYDC Dianne Cook and Michigan State University Extension Dairy Educator Faith Cullens—joined the OYDCs throughout the process, and selected the winners.

Due to recent districting changes, this year’s program featured the Top Ten OYDCs selected by the State Nominating Committee from a pool of applicants nominated by their local. In previous years, each district was only allowed one nominee to represent the district at the conference. Cooperators were nominated first by their local and then district, whereas now they are nominated by their local and state nominating committee.

The MMPA Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator (OYDC) Program has been one of the co-op’s mainstays, developing young dairy leaders since 1950. For more information on the program, please contact your district board member or the Member Relations Department at 248-474-6672.

MMPA CONFERENCE PARTICIPANTS, HOSTS AND JUDGES INCLUDED: (BACK ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT) OYDC JUDGE DIANNE COOK, RYAN YODER, BRENTT LUCAS, DARREN COFFEY, 2014 OYDC BRIAN PRESTON, RYAN SCHUMACHER, SHAWN VANDRIE, ADAM LEWIS AND OYDC JUDGE HANK CHOATE. (FRONT ROW) OYDC JUDGE FAITH CULLENS, LAURA YODER, MICHELLE LUCAS, REGINA COFFEY, 2014 OYDC CARRIE PRESTON, KATIE WOOD, BETH VANDRIE AND KAYLA LEWIS.

A

B

2015 TOP TEN OUTSTANDING YOUNG DAIRY COOPERATORS IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER A DARREN AND REGINA COFFEY | DISTRICT 3 - WEST MICHIGAN LOCAL B ADAM AND KAYLA LEWIS | DISTRICT 1 - HILLSDALE-LITCHFIELD LOCAL C BRENTT AND MICHELLE LUCAS | DISTRICT 4 - HILLMAN LOCAL

(CONTINUED ON PAGE 22)

C SEPTEMBER 2015 | MESSENGER

21

2015 Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperators Conference (continued)

D

E

F

G

2015 TOP TEN OUTSTANDING YOUNG DAIRY COOPERATORS - IN ALPHABTICAL ORDER (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21) D NICK SCHEURER AND JARED SCHEURER | DISTRICT 1 - INGHAM COUNTY LOCAL E RYAN SCHUMACHER AND KATIE WOOD | DISTRICT 7 - DEFORD/CLIFFORD-MAYVILLE LOCAL F SHAWN AND BETH VANDRIE | DISTRICT 5 - EVART LOCAL G RYAN AND LAURA YODER | DISTRICT 2 - CONSTANTINE LOCAL NOT PICTURED: JESSE AND TESSA CHASE | DISTRICT 2 - BARRY-EATON LOCAL REUBEN NELKIE | DISTRICT 7 - SUNRISE LOCAL CRAIG AND KAREN PALOSAARI | DISTRICT 4 - UP WEST CENTRAL LOCAL

22

MESSENGER | SEPTEMBER 2015

MMPA Advisory Committee District 1 Art Riske, Hanover............................................... 517-524-6015 Clark Emmons, Fayette, OH................................ 419-452-6764 Jeff Alexander, Hanover....................................... 517-740-9981 Perry Cisco, Hudson............................................ 517-404-7997 Carlton Evans, Litchfield....................................... 517-398-0629

District 2 Richard Thomas, Middlebury, IN.......................... 574-825-5198 Donald Bever, Delton........................................... 269-660-0498 Heather Wing, Bellevue........................................ 517-543-5577 Michael Oesch, Middlebury, IN............................. 574-825-2454 Danny Ransler, Gobles........................................ 269-628-4218

District 3 Burke Larsen, Scottville........................................ 231-757-2090 Bill Stakenas, Freesoil.......................................... 231-757-9340 Gary Nelsen, Grant.............................................. 231-834-7610 Tim Butler, Sand Lake.......................................... 616-636-8567 Nico Eadie, Conklin.............................................. 616-550-4041

District 4 Dave Folkersma, Rudyard.................................... 906-478-3023 Russ Tolan, Ossineke........................................... 989-471-2993 Ron Lucas, Posen................................................ 989-379-4694 Marvin Rubingh, Ellsworth.................................... 231-588-6084 Jeremy Werth, Herron.......................................... 989-464-4022

District 5 Tom Jeppesen, Stanton........................................ 989-762-5399 Bruce Benthem, McBain....................................... 231-825-8182 Amy Martin, Leroy................................................ 231-388-0496 Mike Rasmussen, Edmore................................... 989-762-5380 Bill Jernstadt, Big Rapids..................................... 231-796-4650

District 6 Kris Wardin, St. Johns.......................................... 989-640-9420 Aaron Gasper, Lowell........................................... 616-897-2747 Steve Thelen, Fowler............................................ 989-640-1075 David Reed, Owosso............................................ 989-723-2023 Jamie Meyer, Ionia .............................................. 989-640-3372

District 7 Eric Bergdolt, Vassar............................................ 989-652-6500 Steve Foley, Millington.......................................... 989-871-4028 Rod Fowler, Chesaning........................................ 989-845-6131 John Bennett, Prescott......................................... 989-345-4264 Scott Kleinhardt, Clare......................................... 989-386-8037

District 8 Mike Bender, Croswell.......................................... 810-679-4782 Scott Lamb, Jeddo............................................... 810-404-8003 Mike Noll, Croswell............................................... 810-404-4071 Jeremy Sharrard, Peck......................................... 810-404-5076 Dale Phillips, Marlette........................................... 989-635-7917

At-Large Mark Crandall, Battle Creek................................. 269-660-2229 Tom Wing, Bellevue.............................................. 269-660-0498 Bill Blumerich, Berlin............................................ 810-395-2926 Chuck White, Fowlerville...................................... 517-521-3564

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Fuel Up To Play 60: Showing Kids the Fun in Being Active & Eating Healthy

BY EMILY HELSEN, JOHN DILLAND FELLOWSHIP INTERN

Every year, getting children interested in healthy eating is becoming more of a priority as we push for a healthier America. But as they say, old habits die hard and it can be tough changing the diet of a nation to one with more fruits, veggies, whole grains and dairy.

The National Dairy Council, the National Football League and the USDA developed a fun way to help promote the idea of healthy eating by making it appealing to youth through Fuel Up to Play 60. The national program empowers students of grades K-12 to improve their school environment by getting everyone on board to be active and eat healthy.

Fuel Up to Play 60 is important because it gives the dairy industry a strong platform to promote dairy products as part of a balanced diet in schools across the nation, including Michigan.

“In order to work with schools with any program, the program must have a total message about health and the benefits of healthy eating. Dairy is one of the USDA four food groups, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, children and adults need in their diets,” Anne Guyer, Registered Dietitian and United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM) Executive Director of School and Sports Nutrition Programs said.

“Fuel Up to Play 60 can help us empower students to take charge of their own health.”

On August 6, students from participating Fuel Up to Play 60 schools who showed exceptional leadership skills were chosen by their school’s Program Advisor to attend the Michigan Student Ambassador Summit, sponsored by UDIM, The Detroit Lions, Michigan State University Extension, Michigan Department of Education and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. At this event, 14 youth from across the state received training from a wide array of mentors on how to convey the message to their peers that healthy eating and being active can be fun.

The students enjoyed a day filled with guest speakers, such as former Detroit Lions All-Pro player Herman Moore and WOOD/WOTV personality Maranda.

Everyone in attendance was active for 60 minutes through a series of football training activities on Ford Field with the Detroit Lions youth football coaches.

They also received extra leadership training from the 2015-2016 Michigan FFA State Officers to strengthen their initiatives through Fuel Up to Play 60.

Students weren’t the only ones who learned from this experience: “Today’s event is an exciting opportunity as FFA officers because we can engage with a younger audience and help strengthen skills they already possess as leaders in their communities through Fuel Up to Play 60,” Michigan FFA State Vice President Samantha Ludlam stated.

The next event will be the Fuel Up to Play 60 Rally for School Health at Ford Field in September. Around 200 students, along with their adult Program Advisors will be in attendance.

In addition to these great events, all schools throughout Michigan have the chance to be awarded up to $4,000 per school year to help kick start Fuel Up to Play 60. Learn more at www.fuelupto play60.com and milkmeansmore.org.

MICHIGAN STATE FFA OFFICERS LUCAS WIELFAERT, MARIA BLOUGH, ANDREA WILLIAMS AND SAMANTHA LUDLAM FACILITATED THE FUEL UP TO PLAY 60 SUMMIT AND DEMONSTRATED LEADERSHIP SKILLS TO THE 14 YOUNG AMBASSADORS.

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MESSENGER | SEPTEMBER 2015

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ADM provides the expertise and program innovation to accommodate your specific dry & transition cow needs.

For more information on the Destiny Dry & Transition Cow Program contact Bill Earley, ADM Dairy Product Portfolio Manager at (800) 777-7692 ext. 5, or e-mail bill.earley@adm.com.

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Your Dairy Checkoff at Work in Michigan’s Schools

Through your dairy checkoff investment, school children across the state are learning about the benefits of including milk in their diet, discovering how milk and dairy products are produced, and hearing about Michigan’s dairy farm families. Students have the opportunity to enjoy milk in more ways through the following programs.

Jump with Jill Through a partnership with the world’s only rock and roll nutrition show Jump with Jill and the United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM), The Milk Means More Jump with Jill Live Tour is back to rock schools across Michigan this school year. This live, one-hour concert celebrates the benefits of calcium-rich Michigan dairy, essential healthy habits, and the Fuel Up to Play 60 Program. To date the tour has reached over 100,000 kids across the state of Michigan.

“Not only is milk a high quality protein and nutrient source made right here in Michigan, it rocks!,” says the star of the Midwest Jump with Jill Cast, Laura Brown, MS, RD. “This tour helps recognize Michigan’s hard-working dairy farmers and processors for the safe and wholesome products they make every day.”

Experience the magic for yourself! To bring the Jump with Jill tour to a school in your community, contact Jolene Griffin at jolene@milkmeansmore.org or 517-349-8923 or submit an entry at jumpwithjill.com/win.

Chocolate Milk: Nature’s Sports Drink Grant If your high school athletes aren’t powering up with chocolate milk, then this is a great opportunity to get started!

Chocolate milk is ‘Nature’s Sports Drink’, and provides many important nutrients needed for overall health, including calcium, potassium and vitamin D.

Fuel Up to Play 60.

Get Healthy, Stay Active, Make a Difference!

Fuel Up to Play 60 empowers youth to take action to improve nutrition and physical activity at their school, and for their own health. The program encompasses all areas of good nutrition and physical activity, which allows us to share dairy nutrition and dairy farmers’ stories with more schools and more children, while building life-long dairy consumers.

The United States Department of Agriculture and the National Dairy Council have huddled with the National Football League to support Fuel Up to Play 60, bringing together the dairy industry’s nutrition expertise with the star power and physical activity of the NFL.

UDIM is now accepting applications for the 2015-2016 school year.

Two hundred fall, winter and spring high school sports teams in Michigan will be rewarded with cash to purchase chocolate milk for their team to replenish after practices and games for the entire season (cash value determined by size of team), chocolate milk nutrition education materials and other prizes! Deadlines for winter sports grants are due October 2, 2015.

In Michigan, 500,000 students are activing in Fuel Up to Play 60 and more than half of the adult leaders say the program is increasing access to dairy, according to a survey conducted in 2014.

Visit FuelUpToPlay60.com to enroll your school and become a Fuel Up to Play 60 wellness advocate, receive monthly eNewsletters and more.

Download the documents at www. milkmeansmore.org/schools/ grant-information to get started.

» FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THESE PROGRAMS, FOR HELP NOMINATING A SCHOOL FOR A JUMP WITH JILL EVENT, OR TO LEARN ABOUT OTHER DAIRY CHECKOFF PROGRAMS, PLEASE CONTACT JOLENE GRIFFIN AT JOLENE@MILKMEANSMORE.ORG OR VISIT WWW.MILKMEANSMORE.ORG.

26

MESSENGER | SEPTEMBER 2015

D E D N EXPA

R BOPM S N O TI

T U P T U O R E HIGH E C I F I R C A S NO

IMPROVED DIGESTIBILITY

INTEGRATED REFUGE OPTIONS

Pioneer.com/BMR The minor component of the Pioneer ® brand Optimum® AcreMax® blend product is not a Brown MidRib corn hybrid.

PIONEER® brand products are provided subject to the terms and conditions of purchase which are part of the labeling and purchase documents. ® TM SM , , Trademarks and service marks of DuPont, Pioneer or their respective owners. © 2015 PHII. DUPPFO15026_VA_090115_MMM

CHOOSE FROM A RANGE OF MATURITIES

MERCHANDISE

Calf Feeding Equipment Just like the rest of us, baby calves need to eat. However, unlike most of us, they need bottles and nipples. Fortunately, the warehouse stocks 2qt and 3qt Snap cap bottles and Snap cap nipples made by the E-Z Nurse Company.

These bottles feature pint graduations for easy measurement. The Snap cap nipple is easy to attach by simply turning the base up and snapping the edges down firmly around the bottle top. This is made easier by warming the nipple with hot water first.

The warehouse is also stocking a new and improved metal whisk. The whisk is longer and heavier than our previous model. It is a stainless steel 18â&#x20AC;? whisk from Land Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Lakes and features more robust whips and a thicker handle for a more secure grip.

Stock Number

Description

Chemical, Sanitizer and Teat Dip Contact Information These are service personnel only.

Order your Member Merchandise supplies through your hauler.

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

Member Price

#8251 2 qt Snap Bottle $3.06 #8250 3 qt Snap Bottle $4.21 #8252 Snap Nipple Only $1.44 #8254 Mixing Whisk $10.00 #8253 Bottle Holder $8.50

Pro Clean II Replacement

For Service, call the Ecolab Service Message Center 1-800-392-3392 or one of the following service representatives: Stan Palmer

Liquid HD 325 is a new addition to our product line up. According to Ecolab, this product is a close chemical match to the discontinued Pro Clean II. Liquid HD 325, unlike Pro Clean II, does not claim to clean at temperatures below recommended settings. Please follow label instructions for proper usage concentrations and temperature settings. Liquid HD 325 is only available in the fifteen gallon barrel. The stock number and price are listed below.

2105 Fohl Street SW

Stock Number

Description

Member Price

4461 Cambridge Dr.

#6972

Liquid HD 325 15 gal

$130.51

If you have any questions about these or any other products, please contact the

Canton, OH 44706 330-407-0220 Ben Johnson Port Huron, MI 48060 810-824-0636

merchandise warehouse.

Pat Mitchell

Three Ways to Order your MMPA Merchandise 1. Place order through your milk hauler 2. Call in your order:

Duane Farmer, Supervisor.................................... 989-317-8370

Toll Free....................................................................877-367-6455

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

3. Fax in your order:

28

MMPA Merchandise fax..........................................989-317-8372

MESSENGER | SEPTEMBER 2015

7273 N. Rollin Hwy. Addison, MI 49220 517-403-0928

PREMIUMS MERCHANDISE

MMPA Quality Premium Program

MMPA Member Testing Fees

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

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

50,000 or below............ +55¢/cwt.

201,000-225,000........... +20¢/cwt.

51,000-75,000................+50¢/cwt.

226,000-250,000............+15¢/cwt.

76,000-100,000.............+45¢/cwt.

251,000-300,000...........+00¢/cwt.

101,000-125,000.............+40¢/cwt.

301,000-400,000..........- 30¢/cwt.

126,000-150,000........... +35¢/cwt.

401,000-500,000........ -$1.00/cwt.

151,000-175,000.............+30¢/cwt.

501,000-600,000.........-$1.50/cwt.

176,000-200,000.......... +25¢/cwt.

601,000 and greater.. -$2.00/cwt.

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

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

Raw bacteria count and components.

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.

All costs are listed per individual sample.

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

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

All herd tests must be scheduled with the laboratory through your MMPA member representative.

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

• Bovine Viral Diarrhea - PCR.........................................................................................................$40 - ELISA........................................................................................................$6 • Johne’s Milk Test - PCR.........................................................................................................$40 - ELISA – cows.........................................................................................$6 - ELISA – tank......................................................................................... $10 • Bovine Leukosis Test - ELISA – cows.........................................................................................$6 - ELISA – tank......................................................................................... $10 • Milk Pregnancy ELISA.................................................................... $4.50 Lab test results by mail: $2/month All tests must be scheduled through your MMPA member representative or the laboratory for proper sample submission protocol.

ANTEL-BIO TESTING Loc/Hlr/Producer # _________________________________ Sample Date______________________________ Member name_______________________________________________________________________________ Sample ID__________________________________________________________________________________ BLV ELISA__________ Johne’s ELISA____________ Johne’s PCR____________ Pregnancy_____________

Refer to above for current pricing. The cost of testing is the responsibility of the producer.

This card MUST be filled out completely when sending in samples to be tested by Antel-Bio to avoid potential service charges.

SEPTEMBER 2015 | MESSENGER

29

FREELINERS To place your freeliner ad please call 1-800-572-5824, ext. 202, or fax 248-426-3412, or email your ad to: Muszynski@mimilk.com.

Freeliner Policy

Bulls

Dairy Equipment

to current MMPA members

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.

1500 gal. Surge bulk tank, good condition. John Deere 6420 MFWD with 640 loader. 12-row anhydrous tool bar. 1747 R Moline. 616-218-9350.

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

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

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

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

Registered year old Jersey bull.

Fertility tested. Grand Prix x Verify x Maximus. This guy should improve looks, butterfat, and protein.

Dam and granddam excellent.

517-238-5684.

Cows & Heifers Small registered Holstein herd sired by popular select sire bulls and bred the same. Call 574-370-8606 or 574-370-2667.

Equipment John Deere grain drill model FB, 15 hole with seeder, hydraulic lift, $300.

616-837-8982.

18-ft. belt elevator, $350. 20-ft.

X-fold Brillion cultipacker. Two 1,500 gal. septic tanks, $350 for 1, $600 for the pair. 810-724-8825.

Gehl 1160 Merger, good condition, $2,000 or best offer. 989-268-5789 leave message if no answer.

Bale grapler holds 15 small squares, $3,000. Weighted bags. 50 free stalls, $25 each. Blower type for harvestore silo. 810-404-2738.

30

MESSENGER | SEPTEMBER 2015

Better Built 6,600 gallon tank spreader, good condition, $12,500.

20-ft. grain box with steel sides with heavy duty cylinder, grain door, needs some work. $1,250. Grain bins 8 and 14 ton $600 for the pair.

616-869-1459 or 616-292-8948.

Universal 2050 gal. bulk tank with compressor and washer.

231-826-3641.

The Freeliners column is open 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

Misc.

Part time milker needed on 300 cow dairy in Fremont area.

Call 231-218-4134.

Corn silage and snaplage for sale.

Delivery available. Call 231-250-8592.

Dairy Farm Cheboygan, Mich. 367.11 acres, includes double 16 parallel parlor, 4 years old. 2,000 gal. bulk tank, 400 free-stall barn, calf barn, commodity barn, hay barn, maternity barn, and pole barn. 45 ac. pasture by main farm. 7 bedroom brick home. Can send or email packet with pictures. Equipment list and appraisal available. Crops for 2015 are in.

This can be a turn-key operation, or raise heifers etc. Purchase price is $990,000, this is for the farm only.

Cows and equipment are separate.

We rent 600 +ac. with $40 being the highest price paid per acre. Contact 231-625-2036 or 517-202-9421.

We’re ready to make a deal!!

the member resubmits the item 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/she 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 October issue, the freeliner must be at the MMPA office by Sept. 10.

Wanted Registered Holsteins. Call Brent at 989-551-0681.

www.mimilk.com

SEPTEMBER 2015 | MESSENGER

31

CLASSIFIED ADS

Cost for classifieds is $20 per ad, up to six lines. All 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. You may submit your ads by: MAIL:

Classified Ads | Michigan Milk Messenger

P.O. BOX 8002, Novi, MI 48376-8002

EMAIL:

Muszynski@mimilk.com FAX: 248-426-3412

OPPERMAN GROOVING: We can

A SURE WAY TO KEEP YOUR COWS

fix your scabbled floors. Diamond

UPRIGHT! Concrete grooving/texturing

sawed grooves, no hammering

provides high quality traction in new &

or cracking of concrete. No hoof

old concrete, fast service. Call for your

damage. Call Opperman Grooving

below pricing 989-635-1494. BLUE

Inc., Portland. 517-647-7381.

DAVIDSON CEMENT GROOVING, INC: No water needed. Wider, rougher grooves for better traction.

RIBBON HOOF TRIMMING, LLC. FOR SALE: 5000-4000-3000-25002000-1500 OH MUELLER LATE MODEL

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

BULK TANK MILK TANKS, complete, will trade. 1-800-558-0112.

We also offer texturing for your previously grooved floors. Three

WANTED TO BUY: USED BULK MILK

operators will travel Michigan and

TANKS, 200 gallons & larger, Sunset

other states. No interest payment

& Mueller, 1-800-558-0112.

terms. Established since 1987.

Call 1-800-365-3361.

ALFALFA HAYLAGE (excellent and fair grades) and corn silage.

CONCRETE GROOVING BY TRI-

989-723-1886 or 989-277-1414.

STATE SCABBLING, home of the

BARN WHITE WASHING AND

2” wide groove. Best traction,

CLEANING WITH HIGH PRESSURE AIR:

lowest prices. (800) 554-2288.

Serving all Michigan and Indiana.

www.tristatescabbling.com

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

REGISTERED HOLSTEIN BULLS OVER 100 SERVICE AGE BULLS FOR YOUR SELECTION! A special herd sire or a truck load of breeder bulls.

Ready to go to work on your farm!

• Sired by the top sires from the U.S. and Canada • From our top production cows

GREEN MEADOW FARMS 6400 Hollister Road, Elsie, MI 48831 Phone: 989-862-4291

www.greenmeadowfarms.com

32

MESSENGER | SEPTEMBER 2015

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

POLICIES MERCHANDISE

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.

If a loss is incurred by MMPA due to the disposal and/or non-marketability of a load of milk or milk products containing drug residue, then the member responsible will be provided an 2. The member can test the milk on the farm. If dumped, the invoice for the entire value of the loss plus transportation and member must be sure to take the stick reading, record disposal costs as required by the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance. the number of pounds of milk and report the information to their This invoice may be submitted to the member’s insurance carrier.

MMPA must receive settlement on the invoice within 90 days of member representative. issuance. If settlement is not made within 90 days, the full amount • If the tank tests negative (no drugs present), the milk may be of the invoice will be deducted from the next milk check unless released and shipped. other settlement arrangements are made.

OR

• If the tank tests positive (drugs present), the member 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.

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

If the milk is dumped, the member will be paid 75% of the value of the tank of milk involved.* In order to receive payment for an added water voluntary dump, the member must install a Swingline Safety Switch. The Swingline Safety Switch can be ordered from the Mt. Pleasant 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. * The member will only be paid for two (2) voluntary dumps in a rolling 12 month period. ** 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.

REJECTED LOAD SHIPMENT

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

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

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

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

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

SEPTEMBER 2015 | MESSENGER

33

MARKET MARKET REPORT REPORT

Statistical Summary || FOR FOR MILK MILK MARKETED MARKETED IN IN JULY JULY 2015 2015 Market Statistics - Mideast Federal Order #33 (pounds)

National Trends

This This Month Month

% % Year Year Ago Ago

Change Change

Total Total Class Class 11 Sales Sales

507,898,920 507,898,920

495,583,403 495,583,403

+2.49 +2.49

Total Total Class Class 22 Sales Sales

361,593,094 361,593,094

156,357,364 156,357,364

+131.26 +131.26

Total Total Class Class 33 Sales Sales

298,683,789 298,683,789

573,195,275 573,195,275

-47.89 -47.89

Total Total Class Class 4 4 Sales Sales

269,183,447 269,183,447

194,575,657 194,575,657

+38.34 +38.34

1,437,359,250 1,437,359,250

1,419,711,699 1,419,711,699

+1.24 +1.24

35.3% 35.3%

34.9% 34.9%

(million pounds) 2015

2014 % Change

Production California

3,405

3,522

-3.3

Wisconsin

2,502

2,377

+5.3

Idaho

1,234

1,225

+0.7

New York

1,219

1,181

+3.2

Pennsylvania

201

179

+12.3

Michigan

888

835

+6.3

Texas

855

865

-1.2

Avg. Avg. Daily Daily Production Production per per farm....................................................................... farm ...................................................................... 8,312 8,312

Minnesota

800

768

+4.2

Avg. ................................................................................................. 2.99% Avg. Protein Protein Test.

Test...................................................................................................

2.99%

New Mexico

659

688

-4.2

Washington

564

563

+0.2

Ohio

468

464

+0.9

Indiana

336

328

+2.4

17,650

17,435

+1.2

123,254

121,352

+1.6

16,581

16,381

+1.2

Total Total Production Production Class Class 11 Utilization Utilization

Mideast Federal Order #33 Total Total Producers.......................................................................................................5.578 Producers ......................................................................................................5.578

Avg. Avg. Butterfat Butterfat Test..............................................................................................

Test .............................................................................................3.58% 3.58% Avg. Avg. Oth Oth Solids Solids Test............................................................................................5.75% Test ...........................................................................................5.75% Avg. Avg. SCC SCC -- MMPA............................................................................................

MMPA ...........................................................................................176,000 176,000

Component Pricing Information Mideast Federal Order #33

Total U.S.

Protein Protein Price Price /lb................................................................................................$2.6070 /lb ...............................................................................................$2.6070 Butterfat Butterfat Price Price /lb............................................................................................... /lb ..............................................................................................$2.1125 $2.1125 Other .................................................................................. $0.2004 Other Solids Solids Price Price /lb. /lb.................................................................................... $0.2004 Class ........................................................................................ $16.35 Class III III Price Price @ @ 3.5%.

3.5%.......................................................................................... $16.35 Prod. ...............................................................($0.37) Prod. Price Price Diff Diff /cwt. /cwt. -- Mich Mich Mkt. Mkt.................................................................($0.37) Uniform ....................................................................................... $15.98 Uniform Price Price @ @ 3.5%.

3.5%......................................................................................... $15.98 SCC SCC Adjustment Adjustment /cwt /cwt /1000.................................................................. /1000 .................................................................$0.00085 $0.00085

AMS Survey Prices Product Product

Monthly Monthly Avg Avg

Cheese .............................................................................................................. 1.6997 Cheese /lb. /lb................................................................................................................

1.6997 Butter ................................................................................................................. 1.9159 Butter /lb. /lb...................................................................................................................

1.9159 Nonfat .......................................................................................... 0.8366 Nonfat Dry Dry Milk Milk /lb. /lb............................................................................................

0.8366 Dry .......................................................................................................0.3937 Dry Whey Whey /lb. /lb.........................................................................................................0.3937 34 34

MESSENGER MESSENGER || SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 2015 2015

U.S Y-T-D For 23 States

MMPA STAFF MERCHANDISE

MMPA Field Staff*

Novi Headquarters

Northwest Area

Main Office Local line.........................................................................................248-474-6672 Toll free............................................................................................800-572-5824

Ben Chapin, Supervisor, Blanchard.......................................... 989-289-0731 Frank Brazeau, Energy Auditor, Oconto, WI..................... 906-250-0337 Lyndsay Earl, Ludington................................................................... 231-519-2455 Sarah Michalek, Portland...............................................................248-305-0537 Deb Navarre, Leroy..........................................................................248-520-3580

General Manager Joe Diglio.................................................................................................... ext. 200 Chief Financial Officer Josep Barenys.......................................................................................... ext. 240

Dirk Okkema, Blanchard.............................................................. 248-756-2062

Member Services Dean Letter.................................................................................... 989-289-9251

Northeast Area

Milk Sales/Dispatch Carl Rasch....................................................................................................ext. 244

Christy Dinsmoore, Supervisor & Mastitis Management Specialist, Fairgrove......................248-513-7920 Lindsay Green, Energy Auditor, East Lansing....................989-488-8159 Ashley Herriman, Alpena.............................................................. 269-245-6632 Angie Kirsch, Harbor Beach...........................................................231-414-4539 Drew Rupprecht, Clio...................................................................... 269-986-6793

Laboratory Supervisor Patti Huttula.................................................................................................ext. 219 Manufactured Product Sales Jim Dodson.................................................................................................ext. 229 Quality Amandeep Dhillon.................................................................................. ext. 305

Ben Butcher, Durand.........................................................................248-514-5273

Credit/Insurance Cheryl Schmandt.......................................................................................ext. 210

South Area

Human Resources Cindy Tilden................................................................................................ext. 220

Ed Zuchnik, Supervisor & Energy Auditor, Three Rivers................................................... 269-967-7351 Krista Beeker, Topeka, IN............................................................... 269-986-6792 Dave Brady, Grass Lake........................517-522-5965 or (c) 517-937-9061 Elyse Martin, Charlotte.....................................................................810-701-6460 Joe Packard, Kalamazoo................................................................ 248-520-3481

Member Relations/Public Affairs Sheila Burkhardt...................................................................................... ext. 208 Data Processing Gregory Schulkey..................................................................................... ext. 237 Member Communications Allison Stuby..............................................................................................ext. 296

Emily Smith, Bronson...................................................................... 269-535-0822

Other Services Bulk Tank Calibration Gary Best, Lapeer...............................810-664-4984 or (c) 586-484-9279 Merchandise Coordinator, Energy Auditor

Manufacturing Plants Constantine Dave Davis, Plant Manager.................................................... 269-435-2835 Ovid Colt Johnson, Plant Manager..............................................989-834-2221

Katie Pierson, Coleman..................................................................989-289-9686 Mastitis Management Specialist Steve Lehman, Ithaca.......................... 989-875-3441 or (c) 989-330-1638

MMPA Labs Novi (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.)

In Michigan..................................................................................... 800-572-5824 Toll Free........................................................................................... 800-233-2405 Ovid (Daily, 6 a.m.-10 p.m.).....................................................989-834-2515 Constantine (Daily, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.)......................................800-391-7560

Merchandise - Mt. Pleasant Duane Farmer, Supervisor Main Line..................................................................................................989-317-8370

*If you are unable to

reach your assigned member representative, please contact the representatives listed in your area.

Toll Free 877-367-6455 Orders (Novi).............................................................800-572-5824, then dial 2 Fax............................................................................................................... 989-317-8372 SEPTEMBER 2015 | MESSENGER

35

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SUPREME SUPREME SUPREME CHAMPION CHAMPION CHAMPION DAIRY DAIRY DAIRY COW COW COW SUPREME SUPREME SUPREME CHAMPION CHAMPION CHAMPION DAIRY DAIRY DAIRY COW COW COW LUCAS LUCAS LUCAS MOSER, MOSER, MOSER, DANSVILLE DANSVILLE DANSVILLE LUCAS LUCAS LUCAS MOSER, MOSER, MOSER, DANSVILLE DANSVILLE DANSVILLE

SUPREME SUPREME SUPREME CHAMPION CHAMPION CHAMPION DAIRY DAIRY DAIRY HEIFER HEIFER HEIFER SUPREME SUPREME SUPREME CHAMPION CHAMPION CHAMPION DAIRY DAIRY DAIRY HEIFER HEIFER HEIFER ANDREW ANDREW ANDREW ATHERTON, ATHERTON, ATHERTON, SWARTZ SWARTZ SWARTZ CREEK CREEK CREEK ANDREW ANDREW ANDREW ATHERTON, ATHERTON, ATHERTON, SWARTZ SWARTZ SWARTZ CREEK CREEK CREEK

SUPREME SUPREME SUPREME CHAMPION CHAMPION CHAMPION DAIRY DAIRY DAIRY SHOWPERSON SHOWPERSON SHOWPERSON SUPREME SUPREME SUPREME CHAMPION CHAMPION CHAMPION DAIRY DAIRY DAIRY SHOWPERSON SHOWPERSON SHOWPERSON KRISTEN KRISTEN KRISTEN BURKHARDT, BURKHARDT, BURKHARDT, FOWLERVILLE FOWLERVILLE FOWLERVILLE KRISTEN KRISTEN KRISTEN BURKHARDT, BURKHARDT, BURKHARDT, FOWLERVILLE FOWLERVILLE FOWLERVILLE

SUPREME SUPREME SUPREME CHAMPION CHAMPION CHAMPION CHEESE CHEESE CHEESE SUPREME SUPREME SUPREME CHAMPION CHAMPION CHAMPION CHEESE CHEESE CHEESE OLD OLD OLD EUROPE EUROPE EUROPE CHEESE, CHEESE, CHEESE, BENTON BENTON BENTON HARBOR HARBOR HARBOR OLD OLD OLD EUROPE EUROPE EUROPE CHEESE, CHEESE, CHEESE, BENTON BENTON BENTON HARBOR HARBOR HARBOR

2015 2015 2015 DAIRY DAIRY BUYERS BUYERS 2015 2015 2015DAIRY DAIRY DAIRY DAIRYBUYERS BUYERS BUYERS BUYERS

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