Michigan Milk Messenger: November 2014

Messenger Michigan Milk

The official publication of Michigan Milk Producers Association

Inside

www.mimilk.com Vol. 97 Issue 5 NOVEMBER 2014

Thanksgiving Gratitude • Amish Dairy Spotlight

contents Michigan Milk Messenger EDITOR’S LETTER

4 6 8 10

MMPA Matters Not Another Farm Bill Column

Quality Watch Farm Program Updates

News & Views

Legislative Watch “I’m thankful for our cows.”

Kaylin Choate, 4, Choate’s Belly Acres in Cement City

12

FEATURES

12 14

An Attitude of Gratitude Hogs to Heifers to Herd

2014 MMPA District 4 OYDC Bob & Kris Baker

16

National 4-H Dairy Conference

Michigan 4-H’ers travel to Madison, Wis.

14

18 Messenger | November 2014

Harnessing REAL Horsepower

2

Managing Editor...................................................................Sheila Burkhardt Editor.................................................................................... Alex Schnabelrauch Advertising Manager...................................................... Nancy Muszynski Circulation...........................................................................................................2,972 An Equal Opportunity Employer – F/M/V/D Michigan Milk Messenger (USPS 345-320) is the official publication of Michigan Milk Producers Association, published monthly since June 1919. Subscriptions: MPA members, 50¢ per year; non-members, $5 per year.

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

Telephone: 248-474-6672 FAX: 248-474-0924 www.mimilk.com

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

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

(ISSN 0026-2315)

28 22

Michigan Dairy Ambassadors

Departments

2015 Program News

32 Merchandise

24

33

Farmer by Birth, Dairyman by Choice

Quality Premiums

26 28

World Dairy Expo

37 Policies

farm in northern Indiana.

MMPA’s Amish members

36

Boosting Your Balance Sheet

MMPA member’s dairy Learn more about how

2014 MMPA District 6 OYDC Patrick & Andrea Fedewa

Takes Top Honors

Cows graze on an Amish

34 Freeliners

Michigan 4-H Judging Team

Cover

Classifieds

38

Market Report

39

Staff

Calf Care Schools

produce high quality milk without electricity on page 18.

18

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 Ken Nobis, President

Ken Nobis, St. Johns................................ 989-224-6170 or 248-474-6672, ext. 201 Rodney Daniels, Whittemore................................................................989-756-4935 Dan Javor, Hastings.................................................................................269-948-8345 Mark Halbert, Battle Creek................................................................... 269-964-0511 James Reid, Jeddo...................................................................................810-327-6830

Bob Kran, Vice President

District Directors

Mark Halbert, Treasurer

1. Hank Choate, Cement City................................................................517-529-9032 2. Tim Hood, Paw Paw............................................................................269-657-5771 3. Bob Kran, Free Soil..............................................................................231-464-5889 4. John Kronemeyer, Pickford...............................................................906-647-7638 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

Joe Diglio, General Manager/ Secretary, Assistant Treasurer Todd Hoppe, General Counsel

Messenger | November 2014

Directors-At-Large

3

MMPA Matters

Not Another Farm Bill Column This feels very strange.

It is time to write the November column for the Messenger and, unlike the past two Novembers, I can no longer lament the lack of effort from Congress to take up the farm bill.

Congress finally took care of business, and in so doing they left me with an opening for a different November column.

Messenger | November 2014

However, one point remains to be made before I leave the farm bill. Make sure you sign up for the Margin Protection Program (MPP) ahead of the November 28 deadline. Otherwise, the ship will sail without you, leaving you on the shore without a reasonably priced safety net for 2015.

4

I know prices still look pretty decent for 2015; however, with all of the political uncertainty around the globe, I don’t think passing up this opportunity is a risk worth taking.

You will be able to sign up for 2016 next year, but when the cost of protection is so reasonable right now, why take chances?

Well that’s enough about the farm bill and its MPP. Turning to other current topics, almost everything in the dairy world is moving along reasonably well. In spite of a

cold, wet spring and a very cool summer, our crops are turning out to be relatively good, even though it has been a challenge to get them harvested. Feed analysis indicates decent quality, although you never really know about quality until the cows give us their opinion in the bulk tank.

Hopefully everyone ends the year with adequate quantities of good quality feed.

Sticking with current weatherrelated topics affecting producers, the Lake Erie algae bloom that occurred this past summer comes to mind. Agriculture is receiving a lion’s share of the blame for the algae bloom that prevented 400,000 people in the Toledo, Ohio region from consuming tap water. Agriculture – and in particular animal agriculture – is blamed because the algae growth is spurred by phosphorous, the claim being phosphorous enters the lake via runoff from farm fields (especially those where manure has been spread) during large rain events.

Other accepted contributors to the bloom include invasive species like zebra mussels and quagga mussels that allow sunlight to reach greater depths in shallow lakes like Lake Erie, poorly performing septic systems, inadequate municipal waste treatment facilities and, of course, climate change.

We at MMPA are involved in this issue because it could have farreaching effects on all producers

Ken Nobis

by

President

in our membership area. Shutting down the drinking water source for 400,000 people is serious and gets far more attention than the occasional beach closing. We are concerned our role will be overstated.

While agriculture probably does play a role in phosphorous runoff, we have changed our practices dramatically over the last couple of decades. Dairy farmers have reduced the amount of phosphorous in our rations by more than 20 percent because research has shown we could still achieve high milk production with no decline in animal health.

We have reduced the amount of fertilizer we use to produce a bushel of corn or a ton of corn silage. We have changed our tillage practices over time, using conservation tillage practices versus the moldboard plow of years ago.

The major concern for agriculture is that a holistic approach be taken to reduce phosphorous in our bodies of water. We have made great strides in protecting water quality, and I’m sure there are water-preserving advances that have not yet been discovered. Let’s just be practical in our approach to better water quality and make sure the steps we are taking do indeed lead to better water quality.

QUALITY Watch

Farm Program Updates With a growing number of people in today’s world being removed from farm life, consumers want to be reassured they are purchasing their food from producers who provide quality care for their livestock.

The goal of the National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program is to provide a uniform set of animal care practices and quality assurance on dairy farms across the United States.

There are currently 12,000 farms across the country enrolled in FARM, representing approximately 75 percent of the U.S. milk volume.

Messenger | November 2014

Over the past four years, MMPA members have partnered with their member representatives to voluntarily enroll in the National Dairy FARM Program. Current member participation has reached 86 percent of the MMPA milk supply and continues to grow.

6

This is a great milestone for our cooperative, and the member services team continues to be dedicated to the goal of enrolling all of our members.

Enrollment in the National Dairy FARM Program allows the co-op to continue to market members’ milk to the best of our ability by addressing customer concerns about this important issue in a responsible way.

In order to assure credibility of the National Dairy FARM Program, participants need to agree to third-party verification. Third-party verification involves completing the National Dairy FARM Program

with a national verifier in order to ensure the information gathered by your member representative was accurate and the initial farm visit was conducted properly. For 2014, a number of member farms were selected for the third-party verification and those will be conducted later this fall.

So what’s new with the program?

The National Dairy FARM Program was developed by industry stakeholders, and every three years the program is reviewed to ensure it continues to meet the needs of both participating farmers and dairy consumers. During the review process, changes or additions are made to the program based on feedback from industry stakeholders, including members of the MMPA team. A draft of the program is then released to stakeholders and there is an additional time period for comments and or changes before a final draft is completed.

The most recent review was completed a year ago. As a result, some changes were incorporated into the National Dairy FARM Program, one of which is the addition of an action plan. Those producers who have newly enrolled or re-enrolled in the last year have received a list of recommendations or an “action plan” the farm is encouraged to implement to align themselves with the animal care practices encouraged by the National Dairy FARM Program.

If you have questions or would like help finding resources to assist you in completing your action plan, contact your herd veterinarian or MMPA member representative.

Lindsay Green

by

Member Representative

National Dairy FARM Program Becomes Mandatory The National Milk Producers Federation oversees the National Dairy FARM Program. At its annual meeting on October 27, the NMPF board of directors voted to require all member farms to enroll in the animal care program. The increasing requests of animal care assurance from processors, dairy buyers and consumers prompted the NMPF board to act.

There will be an implementation period for producers to enroll in the program. Members are strongly encouraged to contact their member representative to schedule their FARM evaluation as soon as possible.

Typically, the evaluation takes about three hours to complete.

At the conclusion of the evaluation, the member representative will review their observations indicating where the farm’s animal care program compares favorably with national guidelines and where there may be room for improvement. Based on these observations, an animal care action plan will be developed to address where animal care may be improved. ___________

Please contact your member representative to schedule your National Dairy FARM evaluation, today.

news & views

Class III Continues to Climb The USDA announced the Class III base price for September is $24.60/cwt., up $2.35 from August, and $6.46 more than September 2013. The Class IV price is $22.58, down $1.31 from August, but $3.15 more than September 2013.

Michigan Cattle Must be Tagged with 840-Series RFID Tags Starting March 2015 According to the Michigan Department of Agriculture, Federal Animal Disease Traceability rules state only tags beginning with 840 shall be considered “official” when applied to cattle on or after March 11, 2015.

Cattle tagged with 900 series tags prior to March 11, 2015 will be considered officially identified for the life of the animal and those tags should not be removed.

Messenger | November 2014

Since 2007, Michigan’s Bovine Tuberculosis (TB) Zoning Order requires all cattle leaving a Michigan premise be tagged with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags. This applies to all cattle leaving a Michigan farm, regardless of their destination, and includes cattle moving to slaughter and cattle moving out of state.

8

To accommodate Michigan’s cattle industry in Bovine TB-Free areas, it is permissible to have cattle, born in TB-Free counties, tagged upon arrival at approved Michigan livestock markets.

These approved markets must have a tagging agreement with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Upcoming Dates November 24 Leaders’ Conference December Local Meetings Begin

MDARD Director: 95% of Michigan Counties are now Bovine TB Free Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Director Jamie Clover Adams signed the Michigan Bovine TB Zoning Rule on Oct. 13, 2014 giving Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Otsego and Presque Isle counties Bovine TB-Free status. They now are part of 79 counties with TB test-free movement in Michigan.

“We congratulate our producers all over Michigan for their tireless contributions to the disease eradication effort,” Clover Adams said. “But the fight isn’t over yet, and we won’t be satisfied until we have eradicated this disease from the remaining four Michigan counties: Alcona, Alpena, Oscoda and Montmorency.”

Michigan has been diligently conducting surveillance testing for bovine TB since it was found in a wild free-ranging deer in 1994. Bovine TB is an infectious disease that is caused by bacteria. It primarily affects cattle; however, other animals may become infected. Bovine TB can be transmitted between wildlife populations and livestock.

“Bovine TB is not welcome in Michigan, and we will do everything in our power to help producers mitigate the risk of it impacting their lives and their livelihoods,” Clover Adams said. “The one thing we have learned through all of this is the importance of animal traceability.”

“Looking forward, we will make sure all Michigan cattle bear ‘840’ ear tags connecting cattle to their farm of origin. The tag is an efficient way to track disease and stomp it out before it spreads,” Clover Adams said.

MDARD and USDA took public comment for 30 days regarding Michigan’s zones and the federal interim rule that grants TB-Free status to the same counties.

MSU Department of Animal Science Seeks Nominations for Dairy Farmer of the Year Award Nominations for the 2015 Michigan State University (MSU) Dairy Farmer of the Year Award are currently being accepted by the MSU Department of Animal Science.

Award nominees may be individuals, partnerships or multi-generation family partnerships. A team made up of faculty members and Extension educators selects the winner on the basis of commitment and contributions to the dairy industry. The 2015 award will be presented at the Michigan Dairy Industry Awards Banquet on Feb. 6 at the Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference in Frankenmuth. The winner’s portrait will be added to the display featuring previous winners at the MSU Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock Education.

Nomination forms for the MSU Dairy Farmer of the Year Award can be downloaded at the MSU Animal Science awards site. The deadline to submit nominations is November 15, 2014.

Tell Us Your MMPA Dairy Story…

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

And we need your help!

Think about what unique, time-honored stories you have to share:

• Why did you, your parents or grandparents join MMPA? • What does being part of the cooperative mean to you?

• What programs have you benefited most from?

• How has the cooperative changed over the years?

• When have you benefited from MMPA membership firsthand?

Send your name, farm name, producer number, phone number and story to:

MMPA Member Relations, P.O. Box 8002, Novi, MI 48376 Or drop us an email: MMPA100@mimilk.com

Sign-up for the Margin Protection Program Today!

Sign-up for the dairy Margin Protection Program is now open at county Farm Service Agency offices and will continue through November 28. During that period, farmers can obtain coverage for the final four months of 2014, as well as for calendar year 2015.

An online tool to help farmers determine their coverage level and percentage can be found at www.diarymarkets.org/MMP/. Additional information about the program and an alternate decision-making tool is available from the National Milk Producers Federation at www.futurefordairy.com.

Producers Scoring 95% or more on Grade A Surveys and Federal Check Ratings September/October 2014 Sharrard Farms LLC Bender’s Dairy Farm LLC Shell Farms Inc Brown Brothers Radloff Dairy LLC* Parr Dairy Farm LLC* Genevieve/Roger/Wayne Burgess Siegler Dairy Farm LLC

William Mazure David/James Heberling Fisk Farms

Nugentdale Farms LLC

Vincent Myers Steven Roth D & J Dairy LLC Jeff / Larry Nielsen Lew-Max Holstein LLC* Powell Farms

Kenneth Kosten Gary / Cory Nielsen Franklin Bowman Double-B Dairy* Ammon Martin Ephraim /Esther Martin* *100 percent

District One

District Six

Carlton Evans, Litchfield .............................. 517-398-0629 Perry Cisco, Hudson......................................... 517-547-3231 Glenn Preston, Quincy.................................... 517-639-4182 Art Riske, Hanover............................................ 517-524-6015

Aaron Gasper, Lowell....................................... 616-897-2747 Jamie Meyer, Ionia............................................ 989-587-6732 David Reed, Owosso........................................ 989-723-8635 Kris Wardin, St Johns....................................... 989-640-9420

District Two

District Seven

Donald Bever, Delton...................................... 269-671-5050 Michael Oesch, Middlebury, IN.................... 574-825-2454 Danny Ransler, Gobles.................................... 269-628-4218 Richard Thomas, Middlebury, IN ................. 574-825-5198

John Bennett, Prescott.................................... 989-345-4264 Eric Bergdolt, Vassar........................................ 989-652-6500 Rod Fowler, Chesaning.................................... 989-845-6131 Scott Kleinhardt, Clare.................................... 989-386-8037

District Three

District Eight

Jim Good, Caledonia........................................ 616-891-1414 Burke Larson, Scottville.................................. 231-425-8988 David Pyle, Zeeland ........................................ 616-772-1512 Bill Stakenas, Freesoil...................................... 231-757-9340

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 Four

At-Large

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

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

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

Messenger | November 2014

MMPA Advisory Committee

9

legislative watch

MMPA Endorses Candidates for General Election The Michigan Milk Producers Association Political Action Committee (MMPAC) has announced the following endorsements for the November 4, 2014 General Election.

The bipartisan, statewide organization selected candidates based on input from members, questionnaires completed by candidates and evaluation of the candidate’s general knowledge and support of dairy agriculture industry issues.

Governor

State Senate

Rick Snyder (R)

District

2

Alberta Tinsley Talabi (D-Detroit)

6 Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit) 9

Harvey Santana (D-Detroit)

10

Matthew Hauser (R-Redford)

12

Kelly Thompson (R-Romulus)

16

Robert Kosowski (D-Westland)

17

Bill Lavoy (D-Monroe)

22

John Chirkun (D-Roseville)

Coleman Young ( D-Detroit)

24

Anthony Forlini (R-Harrison Twp)

2

Bert Johnson (D-Highland Park)

26

Jim Townsend (D-Royal Oak)

4

Virgil Smith (D-Detroit)

30

Jeff Farrington (R- Utica)

Attorney General

6

Hoon-Yung Hopgood (D-Taylor)

31

Marilyn Lane (D-Fraser)

Bill Schuette (R)

7

Dian Slavens (D-Canton)

32

Andrea LaFontaine (R-Richmond)

U.S. House of Representatives

8

Jack Brandenburg (R-Harrison Twp)

33

Ken Goike (R- Macomb Twp)

14

David Robertson (R-Grand Blanc)

36

Peter Lucido (R-Shelby Twp)

District

15

Mike Kowall (R-White Lake)

38

Kathy Crawford (R- Novi)

1

Dan Benishek (R-Crystal Falls)

16

Mike Shirkey (R-Clarklake)

39

Klint Kesto (R-Walled Lake)

4

John Moolenaa (R-Midland)

17

Dale Zorn (R-Ida)

40

Michael McCready (R-Birmingham)

5

Daniel Kildee (D-Flint)

19

Mike Nofs (R-Battle Creek)

43

Jim Tedder (R-Clarkston)

6

Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph)

20

Margaret O’Brien (R-Portage)

45

Michael Webber (R-Rochester Hills)

7

Tim Walberg (R-Jackson)

21

John Proos (R-St. Joseph)

46

Bradford Jacobsen (R-Oxford)

10

Candice Miller (R-Shelby Twp)

22

Joe Hune (R-Hamburg)

47

Henry Vaupel (R-Fowlerville)

14

Brenda Lawrence (D-Southfield)

23

Curtis Hertel (D-East Lansing)

48

Pam Faris (D-Clio)

24

Rick Jones (R-Grand Ledge

49

Phil Phelps (D-Flushing)

26

Tonya Schuitmaker (R-Lawton)

50

Charles Smiley (D- Burton)

27

Jim Ananich (D-Flint)

51

Joseph Graves (R-Linden)

28

Peter MacGregor (R-Rockford)

57

Nancy Jenkins (R-Clayton)

29

Dave Hildenbrand (R-Grand Rapids)

59

Aaron Miller (R-Sturgis)

30

Arlan Meekhof (R-West Olive)

60

Jon Hoadley ( D-Kalamazoo)

31

Mike Green (R-Mayville)

63

David Maturen (R-Portage)

33

Judy Emmons (R-Sheridan)

64 Earl Poleski (R-Jackson)

34

Geoff Hansen (R-Hart

65

Brett Roberts (R-Charlotte)

35

Darwin Booher (R-Evart)

66

Aric Nesbitt (R-Lawton)

36

Jim Stamas (R-Midland)

67

Tom Cochran (D-Mason)

37

Wayne Schmidt (R-Traverse City)

68

Andy Schor (D-Lansing)

38

Tom Casperson (R-Escanaba)

69 Sam Singh (D-East Lansing)

Gary Peters (D)

Messenger | November 2014

District

1

U.S. Senate

10

State House of Representatives

Rick Outman (R-Six Lakes)

72

Ken Yonker (R- Caledonia)

73

Chris Afendoulis (R-Grand Rapids)

74

Rob VerHeulen (R-Walker)

75

Brandon Dillon (D-Grand Rapids)

76

Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids)

77

Tom Hooker (R- Byron Center)

78

Dave Pagel (R-Berrien Springs)

79

Al Pscholka (R- Stevensville)

80

Cindy Gamrat (R-Plainwell)

81

Dan Lauwers (R-Brockway)

83

Paul Muxlow (R-Brown City)

84 Edward Canfield (R-Sebawaing) 85

Ben Glardon (R- Owosso)

86 Lisa Lyons ( R-Alto)

The IDEXX Milk Pregnancy Test is available at NorthStar Cooperative.

• Confirm pregnancy earlier with new 28 days postbreeding claim.

• Depend on accuracy that is similar to palpation and ultrasound.† • Work closely with your veterinarian to develop a reproductive management program.

87

Mike Callton (R-Nashville)

88

Roger Victory (R-Hudsonville)

Call 1-800-631-3510 today to add the IDEXX Milk Pregnancy Test

89

Amanda Price (R- Holland)

to your recording samples.*

92

Marcia Hovey-Wright (D-Muskegon)

93

Tom Leonard (R-Lansing)

94

Tim Kelly (R-Saginaw)

96

Charles Brunner (D-Bay City)

97

Joel Johnson (R-Clare)

99

Kevin Cotter (R-Mt. Pleasant)

100

Jon Bumstead (R-Newaygo)

101

Ray Franz (R-Onekama)

102

Philip Potvin (R-Cadillac)

103

Bruce Rendon (R-Lake City)

105

Triston Cole (R-Mancelona)

106

Peter Pettalia (R-Presque Isle)

*Samples can be fresh, frozen or preserved.

Performance of the IDEXX Milk Pregnancy Test was determined by comparing test results to those from ultrasound and palpation (n=1,315 cows). Rechecks were not included in performance calculations. See IDEXX Milk Pregnancy Test Validation Data Report for full test performance data.

†

1. Data on file at IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. Westbrook, ME USA. ©2014 INDEXX Laboratories, Inc. All rights reserved. • 105801-00 IDEXX and Test With Confidence are trademarks or registered trademarks of IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. or its affiliates in the United States and/or other countries.

The IDEXX Privacy Policy is available at idexx.com.

108 Ed McBroom (R-Vulcan) 110 Scott Dianda (D-Calumet)

www.northstarcooperative.com

Messenger | November 2014

70

11

“God.”

“School and the opportunity to learn.”

Victoria Dellar, 5, Nu-Dream Dairy in Harrisville

Kiersten Dellar, 8, Nu-Dream Dairy in Harrisville

“Tractors.”

“My friends.”

Will Dellar, 4, Nu-Dream Dairy in Harrisville

Matthew Dellar, 7, Nu-Dream Dairy in Harrisville

Instilling an Attitude of Gratitude

Farmers know from experience the happiest of people don’t necessarily have the best

of everything; they just make the most of everything they have.

“Church, the Turkey Trot race, Halloween and summer because I love them.”

Max Wardin, 3, Evergreen Dairy in St. Johns

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we asked farm kids and grandkids to answer the question,

“What are you thankful for?”

We hope their responses bring a smile to your face and a sense of gratitude to your heart this holiday season.

Messenger | November 2014

“My ponies.”

12

Emily Ponstein, 4, Ponstein Farms in Zeeland

“Life. Not Life the cereal, but my life.”

Ty Wardin, 7, Evergreen Dairy in St. Johns

“Mario (my dog), daddy and momma.”

Jacob Taylor, 6, Cedar Grove Farm in Hersey

“My mom and dad because they give us breakfast and feed us dinner.”

Cole Wardin, 7, Evergreen Dairy in St. Johns

“My bunny, Clover.”

“My grandpa, Steve.”

Aubrey Schulte, 3, S&M Dairy in Harbor Beach

Sofia Berens, 3, Heritage Farms in Dorr

“Kitties.”

Paisley Ponstein, 2, Ponstein Farms in Zeeland

“Mickey Mouse, my calf I took to the fair named Waterfall, and deer.”

“My bike, my toy barn, animals and equipment, peaches and mac and cheese, that I have clothes and a house, a bed and pajamas and for going on papa’s tractor rides.”

“Food, water, air, shelter and light.”

Gracie Rasmussen, 11, Hill Haven Farms in Edmore

“My calf named Queen Elsa, rainbows, stars, my bike, breakfast tacos, mashed potatoes, a strong house, holidays and seasons, Jesus and God and I’m thankful for me.”

Alison Smith, 7, Cedar Grove Farm in Hersey

Will Smith, 5, Cedar Grove Farm in Hersey

Messenger | November 2014

Emmett Carmichael, 2, Cedar Grove Farm in Hersey

13

Hogs to Heifers to Herd – A Startup Dairy Story 2014 MMPA District 4 OYDC Bob and Kris Baker When 17 heifers showed up at Bob and Kris Baker’s recently purchased Hastings farmstead in the fall of 2009, the plan was to sell them as springers. Bob, a master plumber with nine years of experience, assured his wife, Kris, the arrangement was temporary. And, to be fair, that was the original plan.

“But I knew Bob was going to find a way to convert the hog farm we’d just bought into a dairy, one way or another.

When he spent multiple weekends out in the farrowing barn taking measurements and making plans for renovations, I saw the writing on the walls,” Kris says with a grin.

As predicted, those walls eventually housed a parlor. Those heifers turned into cows. And B&K Farms LLC was born.

Messenger | November 2014

Defying the Odds

14

The Bakers knew from the start the dairy odds weren’t exactly in their favor. As they unloaded their heifers, the number of new farms nationwide was plummeting by a fifth, dairy taking the lion’s share of the hit. And who can forget the tumultuous dairy markets of 2009 and 2010.

“There was more than one person who said it couldn’t be done. Lots of people told me there’s no way to start a dairy from scratch,” Bob recalls.

But the naysayers didn’t account for one thing: the Bakers’ tenacity.

While the couple had never owned a dairy, Bob helped and learned from a neighboring dairy farm as a child. He also worked on his stepfather’s crop farm and spent a year as assistant herdsman after studying dairy in college. Kris, a third generation crop farmer, was no stranger to agriculture and knew what it took to run a successful business. What others saw as impossible, the Bakers took on as a challenge.

“The support of our families mixed with our drive, patience and passion made it happen,” Bob smiles. “Thanks to the equity we’d built in the crop side of our business and hours of sweat and research, we found a way to break into the dairy business and build a successful operation.”

Extreme Makeover: Dairy Edition But beating the odds came with its fair share of elbow grease. Before the Bakers’ original 17 heifers calved, Bob broke up concrete in the farm’s farrowing barn, dug a pit for the parlor, repoured floors and moved used parlor equipment (purchased from Bob’s childhood neighbor) into the newlydug parlor.

Renovations continued as Bob put his experience in the trades to work, overhauling the hip roof barn, replacing the hay mow with trusses, installing freestalls and headlocks and pouring concrete for a feed wall and alley. With the help of friends and family, most renovations were completed without outside labor.

“There’s no better way to learn or appreciate a business than putting your time and money on the line to make it happen. There’s no replacement for hands-on experience being the lone decision maker, determining the success or failure of your operation solo,” Bob affirms.

Today, the Bakers’ hard work and dedication have come to fruition.

Their herd has grown to 50 head, and barns have been further retrofitted to enhance cow comfort.

With only one part-time employee, most of the day-to-day management of the dairy rests on Bob’s shoulders.

Luckily, he has a little help.

“My daughter, Karlee, is my right-hand woman. She may only be 8, but she isn’t afraid to question my decisions and ask why we do things a certain way. She loves being outside with the cows and constantly keeps watch on the close-up cows and heifers through the barn’s live feed we have streaming in the house,” Bob says proudly.

More Than Dairy Managing a relatively small herd, the Bakers don’t just rely on their startup dairy to make ends meet.

Bob and Kris Baker District 4 OYDC | Barry-Eaton Local Children: Kaitlyn (10), Karlee (8) and Kelsey (3)

Income sources are varied and include dairy, crops, custom straw harvesting, beef and hay. The Bakers believe they get the best of both worlds, enjoying the stability of monthly milk checks as well as the chance for added value on the commodity markets.

Herd Size: 50 milking, 6 dry

“We were able to start the dairy because we were involved in other sectors of agriculture and able to spread our risk amongst different parts of the operation. Since we’re first generation dairymen, we’re more willing to take risks and not as afraid of failure. It’s all about finding creative ways to add value to your on-farm balance sheet, and I see that as my challenge day-in and day-out,” Bob affirms.

Sustainable Practices: Grid sample acreage, variable rate fertilizer application, sod waterways to prevent erosion

Bob and Kris Baker started their 50-head dairy with 17 heifers back in 2009. With only one part-time employee, Bob (pictured at left) is involved in all aspects of daily farm management, from parlor to calf care.

Replacements: 58 Crops Grown: Alfalfa, corn, grass, soybeans and wheat Milking Regiment: Two-a-day milking in a double-5 herringbone parlor (transitioning to 3x milking)

Breeding Program: AI Education: Bob and Kris graduated from Lakewood High School in 1998. Bob earned a two-year certificate from the Michigan State University Dairy Herd Management program in 2000.

Ag, Dairy and Community Involvement: Bob and Kris have hosted 4-H farm tours at their Hastings-based dairy and have volunteered at the Barry County Fair’s Little Red Barn selling dairy products. Bob was also an MMPA State Annual Meeting Delegate in 2014.

Messenger | November 2014

“Our strategy is diversification. There’s too much volatility in the marketplace today to have all our eggs in one basket. If you’re in the right market at the right time, you’re making money.

But the right market today might not be the right market tomorrow. So we’ve opted to spread out our risk amongst a variety of enterprises,” Bob explains.

15

Michigan 4-H’ers Travel to Madison for National 4-H Dairy Conference

S

even Michigan 4-H’ers traveled to Madison, Wis. to participate in the 60th annual National 4-H Dairy Conference Sept. 28 - Oct. 1, 2014 thanks, in part, to MMPA’s support. In total, the educational program attracted approximately 200 youth and adult delegates from across the U.S. and Canada.

Messenger | November 2014

“We continue to sponsor five Michigan 4-Hers’ trip to the National 4-H Dairy Conference because we see the value in exposing our future dairy leaders to the global scope of today’s dairy industry. The conference gives the next generation of dairy farmers, researchers and agribusiness professionals the chance to get hands-on education and the opportunity to network with counterparts from across North America,” Ken Nobis, MMPA president, says. “The sooner we can get students interested in dairy, technology and global cooperation, the better.”

16

Five delegates – Jacob Arens of Portland, Lance Frahm of Frankenmuth, Lauren Heberling of Carsonville, Madeline Meyer of Ionia and Cassidy Polzin of Saline – earned their sponsored trip to the conference through participation and interviews following the MMPA 4-H Milk Marketing Tour in June.

Madeline Meyer was also selected as one of two youth delegates asked to return and serve on the planning committee for the 2015 conference.

A 2013 MMPA-sponsored attendee, Courtney Heisler of Springport, was also in attendance and served on the 2014 planning committee. Another 4-H’er, Josh Hengesbach of Portland, joined the MMPA delegation to attend the conference.

Throughout the four-day conference, 4-H members were exposed to new dairy science technology and dairyrelated careers. A combination of workshops, speakers, field trips and networking with other dairy-oriented youth helped delegates strengthen their futures in the dairy industry.

“Thank you to MMPA for taking me to the National 4-H Dairy Conference in Madison.The experience opened my eyes to a lot of different jobs in the dairy industry,” Jacob Arens says.

“I met many new people at the National 4-H Dairy Conference and stepped out of my comfort zone.

My favorite part was World Dairy Expo; seeing all the gorgeous cows blew my mind! But really this whole trip opened my mind to the dairy industry and made me realize the way we do it in Michigan isn’t the way they do it everywhere,” Lauren Heberling comments.

Delegates toured an assortment of dairy farms and related agribusinesses during the conference, including: ABS Global, Crave Bros. Farm and Homestead Cheese LLC, Hoard’s Dairyman, Hoard’s Dairyman Farm, Chason Acres, Nasco International, National Dairy Shrine Museum and World Dairy Expo. The tour presentations and accompanying question and answer sessions helped delegates understand the breadth of career opportunities in dairy. _________ For more information on the National 4-H Dairy Conference and other Dairy Youth Programs, contact Michigan State University Dairy Youth Educator Melissa Elischer at Elischer@anr.msu.edu or 517-432-4306.

Michigan’s delegates stand in front of the Hoard’s Dairyman Farm during the 60th National 4-H Dairy Conference. The 2014 participants, pictured above, included (left to right) Courtney Heisler, Cassidy Polzin, Jacob Arens, Lance Frahm, Josh Hengesbach, Lauren Heberling and Madeline Meyer.

Harnessing REAL Horsepower, Producing Quality Milk

By Krista Beeker, Member Representative

W

ith shows like Breaking Amish and Amish Mafia dominating cable channels and media outlets, it’s easy to fall into the trap of seeing the Amish lifestyle and belief system through the lens of Hollywood. But, the more I’ve gotten to know and work with Amish dairy producers, the more I’ve realized they aren’t so different from our other members, committed to quality and continuous improvement.

As a member representative in northern Indiana, I get a front row seat, watching hardworking, top-notch quality, dedicated members of our co-op produce milk without conventional utilities. MMPA’s Amish producers share the same common goals and values as well as use the same tools and services as other MMPA members.

Messenger | November 2014

During the peak of harvest season, a few Amish producers took time out of their very busy schedules to open up their farms and lifestyles to me. It’s my honor to share their story and give our members a glimpse inside an Amish dairy.

18

Deceiving Appearances The Amish lifestyle may seem old fashioned to some, but it isn’t as out-ofdate as one may think. Instead of using power from the electric company, Amish farmers use generators, engines and car batteries to power automatic takeoff milkers and bulk tank coolers along with other necessary equipment.

In the recent past, many farms in the Amish community have upgraded to using pipelines in their parlors, building freestall barns and instituting rotational grazing to maximize the land they have. Just like “English” (non-Amish) producers, the Amish realize land is a valuable commodity that is very sought after and are getting creative and more stainable to best use what they have available.

Horses are still used to do most of the fieldwork including hauling manure, planting, harvesting and making hay.

“The benefit to horses is we can get in the fields earlier than with tractors because the equipment isn’t as heavy. There isn’t as big of an impact on the soil and we aren’t quite as tied up time-wise. You need more

cows to pay for a tractor than for a team of horses,” a young Amish producer explains.

Since only limited technology can be used to run the farm, manual record-keeping and attention to detail are essential to the Amish community. Monitoring cows’ feed intake, milk prior to attaching milking units and feed quality is slightly more time consuming; however, can be more rewarding.

“I know exactly what is going on in every aspect of the farm. I don’t need to check with other people or check a computer.

Simple is better for me,” a northern Indiana producer reports.

Since Amish farms are typically smaller and expansion isn’t a priority, these farms focus on running a family business that utilizes what they have in the most sustainable way possible. A new Amish producer reflected about when he started up, saying, “I learned to not spare a dollar! Just spend what it takes for the convenience.

Saving a minute a day adds up at the end of the year. An unorganized setup will take the fun out of it quickly. You must enjoy what you do to make it work best.”

A northern Indiana Amish dairy farmer (pictured below) chops corn using a team of horses. Actively involved in farm chores from a young age, an Amish boy (pictured on right) unhitches horses while his father completes the afternoon milking.

Tight-Knit Community Within the Amish culture, there is a lost art: a sense of community in all aspects of life. When it is time to do fieldwork, neighbors help each other get it done.

Dairy farmers group together in small groups to share the work load.

Although computer-based tools such as DairyComp305 and PCDART cannot be integrated into management of an Amish dairy, they strive for excellent milk quality and healthy, happy cows. Many Amish farms use the expansive toolbox our coop offers to achieve the top-notch quality MMPA is recongized for year-after-year.

The CMT paddle is a go-to diagnostic solution to quickly target high quarters in cows. A LaGrange County Amish producer says, “CMT is my main tool for fighting somatic cells, even if I just suspect. It is worth the few extra seconds during milking to know the milk going into the tank has a low SCC. Clean, dry cows, attention to detail and following the MMPA recommended milking procedure are also keys to maintaining low SCC.” Quite a few farms in the Amish community utilize the MMPA certified lab for herd culturing, attend Milker Training Schools, write mastitis management plans with assistance from member representatives and have their equipment tested by a certified Milking System Performance Assurance Program specialist from the co-op.

One Amish producer comments, “MMPA Milker Training School was huge! My wife and I definitely improved the farm from utilizing what we learned. It should be a must for every farm at least once.”

Persistent Family Focus Milking cows is not just a job in the Amish community; it is a family affair.

Not so different from our English members, the whole Amish family gets involved with running the farm, whether it is feeding calves, washing the equipment, assisting with planting and harvesting or milking the cows.

Without the distractions of TV or video games, helping with chores starts as soon as children can walk. Amish kids receive a high level of responsibility at a young age so they have the skill set needed to take over the family farm or start their own upon marriage if they so choose.

The Amish, like many of our dairy farmer members, use running a farm as a way to teach valuable skills such as responsibility, sustainability and a sense of accomplishment in a job well done.

A young Amish producer explains, “Working together makes hard work and long days enjoyable. It is kind of an excuse to spend time with friends while getting things accomplished.”

It is common practice to put your neighbors first and help out when needed. Along with helping one another with farm work, many get together to discuss challenges and learn from each other. There are always ways to improve a dairy operation, and the Amish believe the fastest way to do so is to learn from others’ mistakes and successes.

Although I grew up in southwest Michigan around the Amish community, I learned quite a bit from chatting with the producers I interviewed for this story. I learned the true meaning of loving your neighbor above yourself and the tremendous work ethic engrained in all Amish.

But what stuck with me most is what one producer relayed. He said, “We are just like everyone else: just people. Even if we do things the ‘harder’ way, we are still committed to selling quality milk.”

I couldn’t have said it better myself.

Messenger | November 2014

Using Their Toolbox

19

2014 Michigan Dairy Ambassadors pose after their training during the Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference. Pictured above: front (left to right) Evelyn Okkema, Kailey Sweers, Heather Van Lieu, Allison Pung and Libby Venema and back (left to right) Jennie Lubbers, Laura Lubeski, Natalie Horning, Mason Horning, Kayle Jakus, Quinn Kolar and Megan Bush.

Michigan Dairy Ambassador Program Gearing Up for 2015

All applicants meeting baseline

Applications Due Jan. 9

GLRDC dairy ambassadors and will

Michigan high school and college students interested in pursuing a career in the dairy industry have until Jan. 9 to apply for the 2015 Michigan Dairy Ambassador Scholarship and Leadership Program. Continuing with updates instituted last year, the program offers dairy communications training to interested applicants.

and training needed to effectively

criteria will be invited to attend a day-long training on Feb. 6, the second day of the Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference (GLRDC).

Attendees will be considered 2015 be equipped with the messaging communicate with consumers inperson and online.

Quinn Kolar (left) and Megan Bush (right) discuss ways to advocate for dairy and agriculture on their college campuses during ambassador training last February.

A panel of industry judges will evaluate each ambassador based

representative. Representatives will

on his/her application, introduction

be the primary faces and voices

and participation throughout

of Michigan’s dairy industry at a

the training to select one junior

variety of educational, industrial

and one senior dairy ambassador

and promotional events held across the state during the year.

Ambassadors may also be called upon to fill in at events when the dairy ambassador representatives are not available.

As in the past, two scholarships will

Messenger | November 2014

be awarded to the representatives,

22

one to a junior winner and another to a senior winner. The senior division is reserved for college students up to age 22, with the winner receiving a $1,500 scholarship. The junior division is Heather Van Lieu (left) and Jennie Lubbers (right) took advantage of the day-long training to hone their dairy promotion and advocacy skills.

limited to high school students in grades nine to 12, and the winner

receives $1,000 that can be applied toward higher education or the purchase of a dairy animal within the upcoming year. Applicants are not required to have a dairy farm background, but they must plan to pursue a career related to the dairy industry. The scholarship program is funded through a benefit auction held at the annual Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference (GLRDC).

Currently, Megan Bush of Swartz Creek and Kailey Sweers of Dansville are serving as the 2014 senior Michigan dairy ambassador representatives. Mason Horning of Manchester is the junior Michigan dairy ambassador representative.

Students interested in applying for the 2015 Michigan Dairy Ambassador Scholarship and Leadership Program can download an application from www.glrdc.msu.edu or contact Megghan Honke at 517-353-3175, ext. 229. Applications must be submitted electronically to honkemeg@anr.msu.edu and will be accepted until January 9.

The 2015 GLRDC is slated for Feb. 5-7 at the Bavarian Inn Lodge in Frankenmuth. For the conference schedule and registration information, please visit www.glrdc.msu.edu or

www.glrdc.msu.edu

Messenger | November 2014

C2 RD 0

15

GL

contact Megghan Honke.

23

Farmer by Birth, Dairyman by Choice 2014 MMPA District 6 OYDC Patrick and Andrea Fedewa In first grade, the school principal didn’t call home because Patrick Fedewa picked a fight. No, he wasn’t a disruption in the classroom and could cut in straight lines and recite his ABCs like a pro.

But, the then 6-year-old couldn’t stand to pay attention to the teacher. That is, when he could see farmers taking grain to the local mill outside the classroom window.

“Patrick used to tell his teacher and classmates, ‘Oh look, it’s so-and-so.

He must be taking in a load of corn.’

His mom told me as a young child Patrick would cry when he couldn’t go to the family dairy,” Andrea, Patrick’s wife of two years, relays. “There was never a question; Patrick always wanted to come back to the dairy farm.”

In the Jeans Genes

Messenger | November 2014

It’s not uncommon for passersby to see three generations of Fedewas – Patrick, his father and grandfather –working on

24

the nearly 150-year-old farm on a Saturday morning. The sixth generation, Patrick and his father, Glenn, are in partnership, sharing the day-to-day responsibilities of the operation. Grandfather, Paul, is never too far away.

An expert multi-tasker, Patrick manages the family farm with his father, Glenn, while balancing a fulltime job and custom baling business.

“It has always been a family business.

I spent a lot of milkings as a toddler watching the action in the parlor from a high chair,” Patrick says. “I remember every barn we’ve built and every tractor we’ve purchased since my childhood. We’re still here, 150 years later, not because we have to be here. It’s because we want to be in the dairy business.”

With a fulltime job in education and no previous dairy experience, Andrea has found a home in the dairy industry as well, serving as the farm’s morning milk helper in the summer months and any other time extra hands are needed.

Yet, operating the 70-cow dairy isn’t the only thing on Patrick’s plate. He’s worked fulltime as a yardman for a local veneer company since 2001. He’s also owned and operated Fedewa Custom Baling for nine years, growing his customer base from a few neighbors to over 20, producing 5,000 bales this past summer.

Despite the iconic nostalgia of a multigeneration family business, many Michigan farm families can attest: working with family isn’t always easy. Yet, the father-son Fedewa duo has managed to mitigate the pitfalls, open lines of communication and find middle ground.

Celebrating their two-year anniversary next month, Patrick and Andrea Fedewa enjoy living and working on their 150-year-old farm, continuing the family business.

Working as a Well-Oiled Machine

“We operate under a shared understanding; we trust each other to make decisions for the good of the operation. There’s no second guessing. We talk through problems and big decisions together until we’re on the same page and put our ideas together to come up with innovative solutions neither of us could have come up with on our own,” Patrick says.

When asked for his advice to other young dairymen and women struggling to work with an older generation, Patrick recommends constantly asking for the other’s perspective, respecting their opinions, showing concrete facts and benefits of new technology or updates, combining ideas, compromising to find the best solutions and talking and acting with patience.

“Just because it’s a ‘no’ today, doesn’t mean it will be tomorrow,” Patrick smiles.

“It’s about planting the seed and giveand-take. Sometimes just because you think something should be done, doesn’t mean you’re always going to be right.”

Andrea adds, “Really, Patrick and Glenn’s partnership is like any good marriage.

They respect each other, stand-up for their own ideas, but always, above all, back-up each other’s decisions.”

Efficiency Trumps Expansion A rock-solid partnership built on mutual respect has paved the way for herd growth from 35 to 70 head since Patrick’s childhood. Compromise and continuous improvement has helped the relatively small dairy survive and remain relevant in the contemporary dairy industry.

After the transition of ownership, a freestall barn was renovated to add more stalls, a manure pit was built, rations were changed, fly control was improved and ventilation and cow comfort were prioritized. Those little changes made a real difference for the Fedewa’s Westphalia herd. Their increased production and improved herd health speak for themselves.

Yet the changes are just beginning.

In the future, when Glenn begins to transition off the farm, Patrick will fulfill his childhood dream and return to the farm fulltime. Robotic milkers may also be in the farm’s long-term plans.

No matter the farm’s future trajectory, Patrick emphasizes, “It’s not always about adding cows. It’s about getting the most and the best out of the number of cows we have. Each farm has to find the right recipe for their situation, and our recipe is 150 years in the making.”

Patrick and Andrea Fedewa District 6 OYDC | Mid-Michigan Local Herd Size: 70 milking, 10 dry Replacements: 70 Acres Farmed: 260 Crops Grown: Alfalfa, corn, soybeans and wheat Milking Regiment: Two-a-day milking in a stanchion barn with four automatic takeoffs Sustainable Practices: Soil testing Breeding Program: Natural service Education: Patrick earned a two-year certificate from the Michigan State University Dairy Herd Management program in 2003. Andrea graduated from Central Michigan University in 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in child development.

Ag, Dairy and Community Involvement: Patrick was in 4-H and FFA growing up and the couple continues to give back to the local program through donations to Clinton County 4-H. The Fedewas are both members of Michigan Farm Bureau and belong to St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Messenger | November 2014

“When my dad and I bought out my grandpa, we made lots of updates. We changed our mentality and realized we had to give back to what was making us money – the cows. They are the ones giving us a livelihood, and we made many changes to improve their comfort and wellbeing,” Patrick explains.

25

Michigan 4-H Dairy Judging Team Takes Top Honors at World Dairy Expo

T

he Michigan 4-H dairy judging team won top honors at the National 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging Contest at the World Dairy Expo Sept. 29 in Madison, Wis. The team finished as the first team overall, ahead of 26 teams from across the country, as well as the top team in reasons. Several members also ranked in the top 10 individually.

Team members Bryce Frahm of Frankenmuth, Kayla Holsten of Saline, Suzanna Hull of North Adams and Lucas Moser of Dansville evaluated 10 classes of dairy cattle at the national competition before delivering reasons on five of those classes.

Messenger | November 2014

Michigan’s first place 2014 National 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging Contest team consisted of (left to right) Suzanna Hull, Kayla Holsten, Lucas Moser and Bryce Frahm, pictured with coaches Sarah Black and Dr. Joe Domecq.

26

“These 4-H’ers have worked very hard—not only this summer, but for many years. Most of these youth have been judging for at least five years,” commented team coach Joe Domecq, who, along with co-coach and 4-H volunteer Sarah Black, has been coaching 4-H teams in preparation for the contest since 1998.

“These 4-H’ers have worked very hard—not only this summer, but for many years.”

“This success is the culmination of a lot of hours, dedication and hard work from our youth, coaches, volunteers and parents. It takes an army of people passionate about youth development to make this happen, and none of it would be possible without the support of 4-H volunteers who coach youth in their home counties, the Michigan dairy industry and dairy farms that open their doors for the teams to practice.”

In addition to bringing home the distinguished Top Overall Team and Top Team Reasons awards, the team also finished first in the Brown Swiss category and second in the Jersey breed. Several team members also received high individual rankings, with Moser ranking second in the top 10 individual competition, Holsten ranking sixth and Frahm ranking 10th. These three also scored in the top 10 for individual reasons, with Holsten coming in second, Moser third and Frahm fifth.

As a result of their success, the team has been invited to compete at the 2015 International Livestock and Dairy Judging Contest in Scotland. The 2014 team is the second Michigan 4-H team in the past three years to be invited to this international contest.

To learn more about 4-H dairy judging, participation in the 4-H dairy project areas or Michigan 4-H in general, visit http://4h.msue.msu.edu/

Mail order form and picture for the rebate to: MMPA Member Sign MMPA PO Box 8002 Novi, MI 48376 Please allow 4-5 weeks for delivery

The Secret to Boosting Your Balance Sheet: a Leg-up with MMPA Calf Care Get Calf Care Schools

F

rom milking routine to lighting, ventilation to bedding, modern dairy farmers have explored a multitude of on-farm management changes to increase production and profits. Yet, most producers forget to continue problem solving and investing in their herd’s next generation: young stock.

“Quality calf care is an overlooked management area for many dairy farmers and a golden opportunity for producers to positively impact their balance sheets,” Drew Rupprecht, MMPA member representative, attests.

“There are tremendous benefits, both

Messenger | November 2014

MMPA member Melissa Petzold completes morning calf chores armed with the information she gained from attending an MMPA Land O’Lakes Calf Care School last summer.

28

financially and management-wise, for throughout winter 2015. But why is it producers to spend additional time and worth your time? What’s in it for you resources on their herd’s young stock.” and your farm? Look no further!

MMPA’s Member Service Department has identified this missed opportunity and has partnered with Land O’Lakes to develop Calf Care Schools, first-rate training programs designed to help interested farmers shore up their young stock care.

Top five reasons producers should take advantage of the MMPA-Land O’Lakes Calf Care Schools

1. Increase Herd Production and Profits Studies have shown quality calf care can grow calves bigger and With updates and improvements from faster, allowing for earlier weaning, last year and summer 2014, MMPA earlier milking and earlier payback. and Land O’Lakes are continuing their From colostrum management to full partnership to offer Calf Care Schools to potential feeding, heat stress to calf MMPA members in December and nutrition, Calf Care Schools cover a breadth of information geared toward maximizing a calf’s future potential and, therefore, farm profits.

“Before attending Calf Care School, I fed calves according to the directions on the bag of milk replacer and used the measuring cup provided. I never understood the ‘why’ behind what I did every day,” MMPA member Melissa Petzold explains. “After attending the training, I realized I had been underfeeding our calves and being lax in areas crucial to calf growth, health and development. I made changes, and our calves are growing faster than they ever have before.”

2. Bolster Herd Health and Milking Life Dairy farmers know a healthy calf is a productive calf. Yet, many calf management techniques and SOPs aren’t designed to prevent disease spread. Calf Care Schools cover a diverse set of topics including vaccinations, sanitation, biosecurity and disease identification.

5. Fulfill the Training Component of the National Dairy FARM Program

3. Learn Innovative Best Practices from Industry Experts A program packed with bovine veterinary practitioners and experts in calf nutrition, Calf Care School attendees can expect to get management training incorporating the most recent, cutting-edge research available. Producers no longer have to exclusively rely on their local veterinarian or nutritionist. Multiple calf care experts are on hand to provide information and answer questions.

Sue Puffenbarger of Land O’Lakes Animal Milk Products confirms, “Our Calf Care Schools will help you to get calves on the ground running, sooner. We use the latest research

to cover topics including reducing stress at birth, impacts of fresh pen and colostrum management on the incidence of scours, what diseases occur when and what to do to minimize There are far more than five benefits them and feeding programs to improve to focusing on your young stock and health and growth during extreme attending MMPA Land O’Lakes Calf Care weather.”

Schools. See for yourself and sign-up for a school, today!

4. Receive Personalized Training to Implement On-Farm Techniques Calf Care Schools aren’t just lectures.

Whether in a classroom-based school or a training held in an outdoor laboratory setting, instructors utilize calf management equipment to help provide applicable instruction producers can take back to their home farms.

Melissa affirms, “The hands-on aspect of the schools really helps cement the information. It gives farmers, like me, who are taking care of calves on a daily basis the chance to match information provided during the presentation to real techniques and tips to put the science into practice on a working farm.”

MMPA and Land O’Lakes

Calf Care Schools December 2, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m Shipshewana, Indiana Contact Marianne Gasiewski at the Novi office (880-572-5824, ext. 215) to register. A nominal $10/person registration fee will be deducted from your milk check and will help defray the cost of lunch. Class size is limited to 30, so reserve your spot early!

Stay tuned for additional dates in the next issue of the Michigan Milk Messenger.

Messenger | November 2014

“Replacement heifers are the future of your farm and business. They require lots of care and great investment,” Dr. Nicholas Barbu, Clinton Veterinary Service veterinarian, attests. “MMPA Land O’Lakes Calf Care Schools teach vital techniques, tips and tricks to feeding your calves. You will learn to combine great nutrition with early disease detection and treatment.”

As a greater number of producers participate in the National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program, a growing number of farmers are looking for ways to provide training to their employees. MMPA Land O’Lakes Calf Care Schools fit the bill and provide farms with incredible value over the course of a day-long training.

29

merchandise

New Product—

Less-Cu for Strong Hooves The MMPA Merchandise Program has been searching for an alternative to the discontinued product, Healthy Hooves. Well, our search is over. We are happy to introduce Less-Cu from Ecolab to our lineup.

Less-Cu footbath enhancer reduces copper sulfate costs as it increases the effectiveness of footbath mixes as a preventative and conditioning solution for hoof health. Its proprietary formula makes copper sulfate more soluble and reduces the introduction of heavy metal to the environment for a clear, effective solution to hoof conditions.

Less-Cu is a unique livestock footbath cleaning additive for dairy livestock. The cleaning effectiveness of Less-Cu is based on a stabilized quat and phosphoric acid combination and effectively controls the footbath at ph +5.

It can help to reduce the amount of copper sulfate usage by up to 50 percent. All it takes is one half gallon of Less-Cu per 50-gallon mix to cut copper sulfate usage in half. Use the same bath replenishment frequency, preferably 200- 300 cows, as with a traditional footbath preventative program.

This product is only available in 15-gallon containers. Please feel free to call the warehouse with any questions you may have. You may use our toll free number 877-367-6455 or our new local number 989-317-8370.

Stock number: Description: 5924 Less-Cu, 15 gal.

Member price: $412.50

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

Messenger | November 2014

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

32

Citrus Pulp

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

Valero Meal

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

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

Order Your MMPA Merchandise through your milk hauler or call: Duane Farmer Supervisor 989-317-8370 Fax: 989-317-8372 Toll Free: 877-367-6455 Orders (Novi): 800-572-5824 then dial 2

premiums

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: 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.

251,000-300,000................................+00¢/cwt.

301,000-400,000................................- 30¢/cwt.

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

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

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

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

There will be a deduction of 10¢/cwt. for: • Greater than 100,000 Raw Bacteria Count A high raw count deduction will be waived if the producer has received the quality premium the previous three months for raw bacteria count.

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

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

• An average somatic cell count of 750,000 or less

MMPA Member Testing Fees Payment for testing will be made through an automatic milk check deduction.

All costs are listed per individual sample.

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

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

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

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

• Bovine Viral Diarrhea - PCR..................................................... $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.

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

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

Messenger | November 2014

MMPA Quality Premium Program

33

FREELINERS

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

Bulls

Dairy Equipment

Freeliner Policy

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.

EZ Chute hoof chute, includes entry gates. 231-510-2957.

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.

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

1,250 gal. Surge bulk tank, 5 hp. milk cooler single phase, 8 yrs. old, both work great. $2,000 obo.

810-728-6237.

Service age Reg. Holstein bulls: Deep pedigrees, some red carriers.

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

Reg. 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.

Cows & Heifers Fresh heifers – take your pick, $2,100 a piece. 810-724-8825.

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

Messenger | November 2014

20 x 75 Harvestor silo Goliath unloader with speed reduction, new roof and center fill. New Holland 62B blower. Hammermill with screens, 10 hp. motor.

231-510-4978.

34

Quatam 20-ft silo unloader with new C faced 10 hp. motor. 50-ft. single chain conveyor. Please call 231-826-3770.

Crop sprayer, George White 450gal., 36-ft. booms, newer Delavan pump, $2,500. 616-681-9668.

1 Harvestore Alliance unloader for 20-ft. silo with motor and oiler, excellent shape, $5,500 or best offer.

810-648-2379.

1,600 gal. Mueller bulk tank with one size hp. single phase compressor, $10,000. 989-553-5021.

Double 7 Herringbone milking parlor, modified Surge super stalls with stainless steel weaver index rail, Boumatic 4400 Signature Series detachers, Flowstar units, 3-in. low line with all control boxes, 10 hp.

Sutorbilt oil less vacuum pump, Mueller plate cooler, thermostore heat recovery for hot water. Will separate or sell as a whole unit.

231-757-2934 or 231-3734673.

Mueller 1,250 gal. bulk tank with variable speed compressor with washer control box and thermostore water tank.

231-250-0692 or 231-250-4372.

Surge 100+ vacuum pump with rebuilt 5 ½ hp. motor, $350.

989-727-3252.

Wanted Registered Holsteins.

Call Brent at 989-551-0681.

Full time herdsman for a family dairy. Mechanical ability a must.

Send resume to the Cedar Springs Post Office, P.O. Box 345, Cedar Springs, MI 49319-0345.

Rent

• 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 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 January issue, the freeliner must be at the MMPA office

by December 10.

Looking to rent dairy facility for 200-400 cows. 248-345-9885. www.mimilk.com

classifieds

Classified Ads ($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

REGISTERED HOLSTEIN BULLS Over 100 service age bulls for your selection!

A special herd sire or a truck load of breeder bulls.

• Sired by the top sires from the U.S. and Canada

Ready to go to work on your farm!

• From our top production cows

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

www.greenmeadowfarms.com

Concrete Grooving and Texturing Call: Jeff Brisky - Owner Cell: 1-716-353-1137

Messenger | November 2014

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

We also offer texturing for your previously grooved floors. Three operators will travel Michigan and other states. No interest payment terms. Est. 1987. Call 800-365-3361.

CONCRETE GROOVING BY TRI-STATE SCABBLING, home of the 2” wide groove. Best traction, lowest prices. 800-554-2288. www.tristatescabbling.com A SURE WAY TO KEEP YOUR COWS UPRIGHT! Concrete grooving/texturing brings existing grooves back to 100% efficiency and provides high quality traction in new & old concrete, fast service.

BLUE RIBBON HOOF TRIMMING, LLC. 989-635-1494.

Toll Free: 1-800-294-1202

36

OPPERMAN GROOVING: We can fix your scabbled floors. Diamond sawed grooves, no hammering or cracking of concrete. No hoof damage. Call Opperman Grooving Inc., Portland. 517-647-7381.

FOR SALE: 5000-4000-30002500-2000-1500 OH MUELLER LATE MODEL BULK TANK MILK TANKS, complete, will trade.

800-558-0112.

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

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

Dry hay & straw (large & small square bales) and barley for feed.

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

Alfalfa haylage (excellent and fair grades) & corn silage. Call 989-723-1886 or 989-277-1414.

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 non-marketability 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 Drug Milk Quality 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.

Messenger | November 2014

QUALITY QUESTIONABLE

37

MARKET REPORT

Statistical Summary for Milk Marketed in September 2014 Market Statistics - Mideast Federal Order #33 (pounds)

National Trends

% Change

This Month

Year Ago

Total Class 1 Sales

526,568,570

530,305,204

-0.70

Total Class 2 Sales

215,684,208

200,123,422

+7.78

Total Class 3 Sales

534,992,591

453,647,901

+17.93

Total Class 4 Sales

191,380,131

115,444,062

1,468,625,500

1,299,520,589

35.9%

40.8%

Total Production Class 1 Utilization

2013 % Change

Production 3,291 3,197 +2.9

Wisconsin

2,292 2,220 +3.2

+65.78

Idaho

1,136 1,099 +3.4

+13.01

New York

1,129

1,080

+4.5

Pennsylvania 864 835 +3.5

Mideast Federal Order #33

Texas

820 748 +9.6

Total Producers.................................................................................. 5,961

Michigan

790 739 +6.9

Avg. Daily Production per Farm.................................................... 8,212

Minnesota

736

725

+1.5

New Mexico

646

625

+3.4

Avg. Oth Solids Test.........................................................................5.72%

Washington

541 513 +5.5

Avg. SCC (MMPA).......................................................................... 179,000

Ohio

435 425 +2.4

Indiana

317 303 +4.6

Avg. Butterfat Test............................................................................3.68%

Component Pricing Information Mideast Federal Order #33

*Total U.S.

Protein Price/lb. ............................................................................ $3.4991

*U.S. Y-T-D

Butterfat Price/lb. ........................................................................ $3.2467

*For 23 States

Other Solids Price/lb. .................................................................. $0.4876 Class III Price @ 3.5%.......................................................................$24.60 Prod. Price Diff/cwt. (Mich. Mkt)................................................... $0.27 Uniform Price @ 3.5%.....................................................................$24.87 SCC Adjustment/cwt./1000.....................................................$0.00117 Messenger | November 2014

2014

California

Avg. Protein Test...............................................................................3.09%

38

(million pounds)

AMS Survey Prices Product

Monthly Avg

Cheese/lb............................................................................................. 2.3472 Butter/lb. .............................................................................................. 2.8525 Nonfat Dry Milk/lb. .......................................................................... 1.4718 Dry Whey/lb. ....................................................................................... 0.6725

15,485

14,874

+4.1

145,300 142,218

+2.2

staff MMPA

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 Deb Navarre, Leroy......................................................248-520-3580

General Manager Joe Diglio............................................................................... ext. 200

Sarah Michalek, Portland..........................................248-305-0537

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, Dewitt.............. 989-488-8159 Angie Kirsch, Harbor Beach ................................... 231-414-4539 Drew Rupprecht, Clio................................................ 269-986-6793

South Area 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 Emily Smith, Bronson..................................................269-535-0822 Violet Lombard, Delton..............................................248-520-3481

Laboratory Supervisor Patti Huttula......................................................................... ext. 219 Manufactured Product Sales Jim Dodson........................................................................... ext. 229 Quality Amandeep Dhillon............................................................. ext. 305 Credit/Insurance Cheryl Schmandt................................................................ ext. 210 Human Resources Cindy Tilden.......................................................................... ext. 220 Member Relations/Public Affairs Sheila Burkhardt................................................................. ext. 208

Elyse Martin, Energy Auditor, Charlotte..............810-701-6460

Data Processing Gregory Schulkey............................................................... ext. 237

Other Services

Member Communications Alex Schnabelrauch........................................................... ext. 211

Bulk Tank Calibration Gary Best, Lapeer.................810-664-4984 or (c) 586-484-9279 Merchandise Coordinator, Energy Auditor Katie Pierson, Coleman..............................................989-289-9686 Mastitis Management Specialist Steve Lehman, Ithaca.......... 989-875-3441 or (c) 89-330-1638

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

Novi (Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4 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 Toll Free...................................................................................877-367-6455 Orders (Novi).................................................800-572-5824, then dial 2

*If you are unable to

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

Messenger | November 2014

MMPA Labs

39