Messenger www.mimilk.comVOL. 97 ISSUE 7JANUARY 2015

Constantine Reverse Osmosis Project • Long-Day LightingInside

Michigan Milk

The official publication of Michigan Milk Producers Association

Mes

sen

ger

| J

anu

ary

20

15

2

16

EDITOR’S LETTER

MMPA Matters Sustainability: Not a

Four Letter Word

Quality Watch Congratulations to all

Quality Award Winnters

News & Views

Legislative Watch

FEATURES MMPA Leaders’

Conference 2014 Highlights

MSU Extension Workshop

Effective Management of Farm Employees

Faith, Family and Farming

2015 MMPA District 5 OYDC Dries and Jamie Dodde

Milker Training Schools

Follow the Herd to Lower SCC

contentsMichigan Milk Messenger

Managing Editor ......................................................Sheila BurkhardtEditor .....................................................................Alex SchnabelrauchAdvertising Manager ...........................................Nancy MuszynskiCirculation .........................................................................................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 Telephone: 248-474-6672P.O. Box 8002 FAX: 248-474-0924Novi, MI 48376-8002 www.mimilk.com

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

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

(ISSN 0026-2315)

468

10

12

15

24

20

26

16

18

12

Mes

sen

ger

| J

anu

ary

20

15

3

Board of DirectorsOfficers

Ken Nobis, President

Bob Kran, Vice President

Mark Halbert, Treasurer

Joe Diglio, General Manager/ Secretary, Assistant Treasurer

Todd Hoppe, General Counsel

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

District Directors1. Hank Choate, Cement City ...............................................................517-529-9032 2. Tim Hood, Paw Paw ...........................................................................269-657-57713. Bob Kran, Free Soil .............................................................................231-464-58894. John Kronemeyer, Pickford ..............................................................906-647-76385. Brent Wilson, Carson City .................................................................989-584-34816. Tony Jandernoa, Fowler ....................................................................989-593-22247. Eric Frahm, Frankenmuth .................................................................989-652-35528. Leonard Brown, Sandusky ...............................................................810-648-4505

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.

MMPA and Foremost Farms employees joined forces to onboard a reverse osmosis system at the MMPA Constantine Plant in December, less than five months after breaking ground. Learn more on page 20.

CoverDepartments32 Merchandise

33 Quality Premiums

34 Freeliners

36 Classifieds

37 Policies

38 Market Report

39 Staff

Cooperation Among Cooperatives

Constantine Reverse Osmosis Project Complete

Keep the Lights On Ramping Up Milk Production

with Long-Day Lighting

MMPA Quality Awards

2014-2015 Recipients

24

20

26

24

byKen Nobis President

Wake up and smell the coffee. It’s a cliché that came to mind on a recent trip to attend a Sustainability Council meeting in Seattle, Wash., home of the world headquarters for Starbucks Coffee Company.

The Sustainability Council reports to the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, which is supported and staffed by our dairy checkoff organization, Dairy Management Incorporated (DMI). The council’s work moves forward on a daily basis, even though face-to-face meetings are limited to twice a year in various locations. Sustainability is something dairy farmers and our partners are always working toward achieving, but determining what that looks like is not easy.

Sustainability in a basic sense can refer to economic survival or the ability to simply make it through another year. I think most of us, though, would prefer to survive and prosper in a manner that guarantees a strong economic position year-after-year.

Often when we hear the term “sustainability” beyond our own economic situation, it is being applied to environmental issues such as carbon footprints, animal care and social license to operate certain types of businesses. These and other sustainability considerations build on our underlying concern of economic sustainability.

Our dairy industry is being challenged as we address a variety of concerns while maintaining economic viability. The industry, developing methods

to deal with changes that face us, formed the Sustainability Council. A breakdown of the council membership is as follows: 33 percent dairy producers and cooperatives, 23 percent manufacturers, 9 percent retailers, 9 percent environmental nonprofits and 26 percent other industry partners and organizations.

MMPA became involved with the Sustainability Council in 2008 soon after it was formed. We have seen practical applications that will have positive effects on our members. The use of energy audits to help increase energy efficiency on our farms is a prime example of a tool that will benefit producers as well as everyone else along the chain from producer to consumer.

Some other areas of interest brought forward by council members lead to questions like, “How much do you pay your employees? And what is your level of voluntary community involvement?” (These types of questions are too intrusive and stray too far from the purpose of the council, in my opinion.)

But overall, the council’s goal is to better understand the food chain from the producer to consumer and establish a uniform reporting scorecard for sustainability. For example, retailers have identified a need to report to consumers and, therefore, are asking for our cooperation in providing validation of our practices. Producers need to be involved in developing this scorecard to insure the sustainability requirements are feasible for modern agriculture.

Starbucks has also been involved with the council from the beginning.

Sustainability:Not a Four Letter Word

Whether or not you like coffee, it is easy to embrace a company with revenues in the $15 billion range, about half of which comes from dairy. The insiders jokingly noted they were once a coffee company selling dairy and have become a dairy company selling some coffee. Meeting with Starbucks representatives on their own turf provided an opportunity to learn firsthand how sustainability plays a role in their product procurement.

Getting to know the non-farm partners in our industry better and working with council members has led to a more practical approach to sustainability. Through MMPA’s involvement with the council, we met with representatives from General Mills and followed through on a pilot sustainability project at their Yoplait plant in Reed City, Mich. We found them to be very cooperative, and we hope to conduct another pilot project with them in the future after some computer program issues found in the first pilot project have been resolved.

As our customers demand sustainability indicators, I think working with the Sustainability Council is moving us forward to a more practical linkage between producer and consumer. Inherent in the sustainability journey are measurements to indicate progress over time. I look forward to being a part of developing these measurements in a meaningful manner that makes sense for dairy producers.

Mes

sen

ger

| J

anu

ary

20

15

4

MMPA MATTERS

Mes

sen

ger

| J

anu

ary

20

15

6

QUALITY WATCH

For the past 16 years, MMPA has honored its members with three levels of quality awards. This local meeting season, MMPA will honor its members with 343 bronze, 141 silver and 36 gold awards. Totaling 520, we’ll be giving quality awards to a record percentage of our membership.

In addition to local meetings, some MMPA members are honored for their excellent milk quality at the

national level. The National Mastitis Council (NMC) honors the best-of-the-best in milk quality. The National Dairy Quality Award Platinum Level awardees will be recognized at the NMC Annual Meeting in Memphis, Tenn. At press time, the awardees have not been announced, but many of our nominated members advanced well into the selection process and may be recognized in the January 10 issue of the Hoard’s Dairyman. Congratulations to everyone receiving this great honor; these farms are truly among the elite in milk quality!

Each year, MMPA customers place greater emphasis on milk quality and other issues related to “sustainability.” Farm sanitation is critical to maintaining a healthy herd and high milk quality. Many members recognize cleaning and sanitizing teats and teat ends is very important to preventing new cases of mastitis. Milk derived from normal, healthy udders is sterile. Bacteria can be introduced to the milk during the milking process, particularly if the teats were not properly prepped or if the cow was excessively soiled. Some of these bacteria are spore-formers which

Congratulationsto all Quality Award Winners

are not necessarily killed through the pasteurization process and may adversely affect the quality of finished dairy products. Spore-forming bacteria are getting more attention from dairy processors. Stay tuned for more details in future Messengers.

Since 1996, MMPA has provided its members an opportunity to attend Milker Training Schools. Throughout the day-long trainings, the importance of udder sanitation is emphasized along with the timing of certain steps of the udder prep procedure. MMPA hosts classroom-style Milker Training Schools through February, March and April. The dates and locations of the 2015 schools are posted in this Messenger. Please contact Marianne Gasiewski at the Novi Office if you wish to attend one of the schools.

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

MMPA’s Participation in the National Dairy FARM Program Critical

MMPA has been participating in the National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program for four years. The program was born out of farmer recognition that consumers wish to source their food from farms that routinely take excellent care of their animals. This past October, the National Milk Producers Federation board of directors voted to make this animal care program mandatory for farmers marketing their milk through participating milk handlers. It’s MMPA’s goal to have all members enrolled in the program before the end of 2015.

Members are encouraged to schedule a time to go through the program with their member representative well in advance of this deadline.

The National Dairy FARM Program has increased its focus on documentation, requiring members to:

• Develop or update their written herd health plan in conjunction with their herd veterinarian

• Write standard operating procedures (SOPs) (in the animal caretaker’s native language) for animal care activities such as feeding calves, milking, caring for special needs animals and moving non-ambulatory animals

• Post SOPs in a readily available area

• Keep records indicating that animal caretakers have received annual training on applicable animal care procedures in employee files

• Require employees to sign an employee code of ethics indicating their commitment to proper animal care and their responsibility to report any animal neglect or abuse they may witness to farm management

MMPA has 89 percent of its milk supply enrolled in the program and continues to work toward having all members participate. Widespread participation in a common sense animal care program such as FARM is critical to showing consumers the dairy industry takes animal well-being seriously and continuously strives to

improve animal care.

Members interested in getting moreinformation on the National Dairy FARM Program or other MMPA services are encouraged to call their member representative or the Novi office.

byDean Letter Director of Member Services

Mes

sen

ger

| J

anu

ary

20

15

8

NEWS & VIEWS

Upcoming Dates

JanuaryLocal Meetings Continue(see schedule on page 14)

29 MMPA Resolutions Committee Meeting

Novi, MI

FebruaryDistrict Meetings (TBA)

5-7 Great Lakes Regional

Dairy Conference Frankemuth, MI

Section 179 Tax Credits Extended for 2014

Congress passed legislation on Dec. 16, 2014 extending the ability of farmers and small businesses to write off capital purchases immediately instead of over time by use.

The so-called “tax extenders” bill reinstates Section 179 tax credits for 2014 only. National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and MMPA have strongly supported including the provision in legislation extending more than 50 expired tax breaks for one year. The bill passed the House, Senate and was signed by President Obama.

“Dairy farming requires significant investments in machinery and equipment,” NMPF President and CEO Jim Mulhern says. “By allowing producers to immediately write off these purchases, extending Section 179 gives producers a year-end incentiveto invest in their businesses while it reduced their record-keeping burden.”

The maximum amount of annual expensing under the extension is $500,000, as it was in 2013. A 50 percent bonus depreciation for the purchase of new capital assets, including farm equipment, is included.

Direct Deposit Schedule

The MMPA direct deposit program provides for the direct deposit of

members’ net milk proceeds to their bank account through the use of a

secure electronic funds transfer system. This system assures the timely

deposit of funds on the dates listed below and eliminates the need for

monthly trips to the bank.

The direct deposit service is free to MMPA members. Members on

direct deposit still receive their check statement by mail. The statement

is the same as the one attached to the milk check. The direct deposit

stub of the statement indicates the amount transferred into the

member’s bank account.

If you are interested in simplifying your banking and signing up for

direct deposit or desire more information, please contact the MMPA

Member Services Department at 800-572-5824.

JANUARYJanuary 16, FridayJanuary 26, Monday

FEBRUARYFebruary 17, TuesdayFebruary 26, Thursday

MARCHMarch 17, TuesdayMarch 26, Thursday

APRILApril 17, FridayApril 27, Monday

MAYMay 18, MondayMay 26, Tuesday

JUNEJune 17, WednesdayJune 26, Friday

JULY July 17, FridayJuly 27, Monday

AUGUSTAugust 17, MondayAugust 26, Wednesday

SEPTEMBERSeptember 17, ThursdaySeptember 25, Friday

OCTOBEROctober 16, FridayOctober 26, Monday

NOVEMBERNovember 17, TuesdayNovember 25, Wednesday

DECEMBER December 17, ThursdayDecember 28, Monday

November Prices DecreaseThe November Federal Order Class III price is $21.94 per hundredweight, down $1.88 from October, but $3.11 above November 2013. The November Class IV price is $18.21, down $3.14 from October, but $2.31 above November a year ago.

Mes

sen

ger

| J

anu

ary

20

15

9

District SixAaron Gasper, Lowell ..................................... 616-897-2747

Jamie Meyer, Ionia .......................................... 989-640-3372

David Reed, Owosso ...................................... 989-723-8635

Kris Wardin, St Johns...................................... 989-640-9420

District SevenJohn Bennett, Prescott .................................. 989-345-4264

Eric Bergdolt, Vassar ...................................... 989-652-6500

Rod Fowler, Chesaning .................................. 989-845-6131

Scott Kleinhardt, Clare .................................. 989-386-8037

District EightMike Bender, Croswell .................................. 810-679-4782

Tim Kubacki, Sebewaing............................... 989-883-3249

Dale Phillips, Marlette ................................... 989-635-7917

Steve Schulte, Harbor Beach ....................... 989-479-9339

At-Large

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 ......................................... 517-676-4593Chuck White, Fowlerville .............................. 517-521-3564

Tom Wing, Bellevue ........................................ 269-660-0498

MMPA and Land O’Lakes present...

Calf Care SchoolsFebruary 10 Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizer Headquarters, St. Johns (Spanish)

February 11 GreenStone Farm Credit Services Headquarters, Lansing

February 12 Heritage Hall, Coldwater

Contact Marianne Gasiewski at the Novi office (800-572-5824, ext. 215) to register. A $10 per 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!

MMPA Advisory CommitteeDistrict OneCarlton Evans, Litchfield ............................ 517-398-0629

Perry Cisco, Hudson ....................................... 517-547-3231

Glenn Preston, Quincy .................................. 517-639-4182

Art Riske, Hanover .......................................... 517-524-6015

District TwoDonald 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

District ThreeJim Good, Caledonia ...................................... 616-891-1414

Burke Larson, Scottville ................................ 231-425-8988

David Pyle, Zeeland ...................................... 616-772-1512

Bill Stakenas, Freesoil .................................... 231-757-9340

District FourMarvin Rubingh, Ellsworth ............................ 231-588-6084

Dave Folkersma, Rudyard ............................. 906-478-3023

Corby Werth, Alpena...................................... 989-379-3772

Jeremy Werth, Alpena ................................... 989-464-4022

District FiveBruce Benthem, McBain ................................ 231-825-8182

Tom Jeppesen, Stanton................................. 989-762-5399

Bill Jernstadt, Big Rapids .............................. 231-796-4650

Mike Rasmussen, Edmore ............................. 989-762-5380

Mes

sen

ger

| J

anu

ary

20

15

10

Clarify or Withdraw WOTUS Regulation, NMPF Tells EPA

NMPF has proposed a series of changes to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) controversial Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) regulation, asking either that its recommendations be included in the current draft, or that EPA withdraw and rewrite the rule.

In lengthy comments, NMPF stressed, above all, agriculture needs certainty on which waterways fall under the jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act (CWA), and which do not. It asked EPA to clarify numerous terms in the regulation, including “other waters,” “upland ditches,” ‘‘floodplain,’’ ‘‘tributary’’ and ‘‘significant nexus.”

In addition, NMPF urged that any final regulation exclude from federal jurisdiction intermittent streams and wetlands adjacent to excluded streams. NMPF also asked EPA to publish maps clearly indicating the features that make a waterway covered under the CWA.

“Clean water is essential to milk production, and the dairy industry is very willing to work with EPA to protect U.S. waters,” NMPF President and CEO Jim Mulhern said. “But EPA’s draft would only lead to more confusion and uncertainty around which waterways fall under the jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act.”

NMPF submitted 23 pages of comments on the regulation, along with additional comments on EPA guidance for when farmers must seek CWA permits for a long list of normal farming activities near wetlands. MMPA also submitted a letter to EPA, supporting NMPF’s comments and expressing its WOTUS concerns.

Issued in March, the draft WOTUS regulation expanded the waterways covered under the Clean Water Act to nearly all those connected to U.S. navigable waters. EPA received more than half a million comments on the rule.

LEGISLATIVE WATCH

January 13, 2015East Lansing, Michigan

January 14, 2015Archbold, Ohio

Itts not too late.We can help you with your resolutions andmore at the 2015 Midwest Dairy Conference.

Register online at MDC.JBSUnited.com

Mes

sen

ger

| J

anu

ary

20

15

12

MMPA Leaders’ Conference2014 Highlights

L ocal officers, delegates and dairy communicators gathered in force on Monday,

November 24 at the Kellogg Center in East Lansing for the annual MMPA Leaders’ Conference.

Joined by a panel of Michigan State University (MSU) faculty, Roxi Beck from the Center for Food Integrity (CFI) and Nell Kuhnmuench from Governmental Consultant Services Inc. (GCSI), members received an inside look at market trends, the dairy political landscape and recent MMPA expansion projects.

Starting off the agenda, a panel of MSU faculty – College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) Dean Fred Poston, Associate Dean and Director for Academic and Student Affairs Kelly Millenbah, Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine John Baker, Senior Associate Dean for Research and Director of AgBioResearch Doug Buhler, Associate Director of MSU Extension Ray Hammerschmidt, Animal Science Associate Chair and Professor John Shelle and Director of Stakeholder Relations Mike Kovacic – described the direction of CANR.

“This is the most exciting time in my tenure for undergraduate dairy programs,” Dr. Shelle says. “We have more students than ever and have a high-caliber group of faculty dedicated to preparing students for careers in the dairy industry. Our veterinary students and undergrads are getting hands-on dairy experience thanks to supportive MMPA members and the entire dairy industry.”

The final speaker of the morning was CFI Vice President Roxi Beck. She hit on the importance of educating consumers about on-farm practices and gave attendees tangible tips on starting conversations about GMOs with concerned consumers.

During the luncheon, emceed by 2014 Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperators (OYDC) Brian and

District 8 officers Debbie Kubacki (left) and Darwin Sneller (center) accept the 2014 MMPAC Challenge award from MMPA President Ken Nobis (right) during the 2014 Leaders’ Conference.

“A kickoff to the local meeting season, Leaders’ Conference is another way we try to keep our members informed about the future direction of the industry and their cooperative. It’s our chance to update our member-owners on what MMPA has been doing to add value to their farm businesses.”

—Joe Diglio, MMPA general manager

MMPA District 8 Wins the MMPAC Challenge

Congratulations to District 8

for winning the 2014 MMPAC

Challenge! District 8 had the

highest percentage of members

contribute to the Michigan

Milk Political Action Committee

(MMPAC) during the recent

fundraising campaign. They will

receive a matching gift of up

to $1,000 designated toward

the district’s choice of one of

five charity organizations or

youth foundations. Thank you

to all of the members who have

contributed to the MMPAC!

Mes

sen

ger

| J

anu

ary

20

15

13

Carrie Preston, the MMPA MSU scholarship recipients were recognized along with the other district OYDCs. Senior Michigan Dairy Ambassador Representative Megan Bush addressed the crowd and raffled off two free registrations for the 2015 Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference.

Wrapping up the luncheon, GCSI Director Nell Kuhnmuench gave members a recap of the 2014 state elections. “Even though the majority of voters were Democrats, the Republicans won a supermajority in the state Senate and the governor’s race. Looking ahead, road funding, changes to the state Electoral College system and the Civil Rights Act will likely be on the Michigan Legislature’s docket in 2015,” Nell says.

The afternoon program covered dairy market and industry news. MMPA President Ken Nobis highlighted the importance of signing up for the Dairy Margin Protection Program, being part of environmental and political discussions and participating in the

National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) program. He also emphasized the role MMPA and dairy farmers need to play in water quality.

“Water quality is a personal issue for us in agriculture. Sure, everyone uses water, but we live where we work,” Ken says. “It’s personal, and dairy farmers need to be part of the water quality solution.”

Joe rounded out the conference program, sharing big-picture highlights from the 2014 fiscal year, relaying the creative strategies MMPA utilized to weather swings in dairy product prices and charting a course for another year of anticipated member growth.

MMPA members and staff kicked off the local meeting season in East Lansing on November 24 with cooperative updates and reports from MMPA partners, including Michigan State University.

“Year-over-year we’ve seen

growth in Michigan’s milk

production, and we’ve processed

more milk in our plants than ever

before. But it’s going to take more

than the butter churn and reverse

osmosis equipment. Our goal is

to position ourselves to be in a

place where we can handle your

increased production,” Joe says.

Overall, the conference provideda snapshot of the co-op’s progressand future outlook, setting thestage for three months of membermeetings before the MMPA StateAnnual Delegate Meeting on

March 19, 2015.

TOGETHERTOWARDTOMORROW

MICHIGAN MILK PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION

2014-2015 Local Meetings

DISTRICT 1:

• Adrian

• Hillsdale-Litchfield

• Jackson County Plus

• Saline-Ann Arbor

• Ingham County

DISTRICT 2:

• Blossomland

• Constantine

• Kalamazoo

• Barry-Eaton

• Lansing

MMPA Locals by District (as of October 1, 2014)

Note: Information listed was available at press time. All members will receive complete meeting details mailed in the formal invitation.

LOCAL DATE LOCATION TIME

Flint/Livingston Charter/Owosso Wednesday, Jan. 7 Gigi’s Banquet Center, Corunna Noon

Grand Rapids Wednesday, Jan. 7 Golden Corral Buffet, Walker Noon

Dairyland Thursday, Jan. 8 Bloomer Twp. Hall, Carson City Noon

Mid-Michigan Thursday, Jan. 8 Agro Liquid headquarters, St. Johns 11:45 a.m.

Alma Friday, Jan. 9 Maxfield’s Restaurant, Wyman 11:30 a.m.

Hillman Friday, Jan. 9 Hillman Community Center, Hillman 11:30 a.m.

Constantine Saturday, Jan. 10 Siloam Fellowship, Goshen, IN 10:30 a.m.

Huron Saturday, Jan. 10 Franklin Inn, Bad Axe 11:30 a.m.

Deford/Clifford-Mayville Monday, Jan. 12 Lizzy’s American Diner, Caro Noon

Adrian Tuesday, Jan. 13 UAW Hall Hall, Adrian Noon

Frankenmuth Tuesday, Jan.13 Sullivan’s Black Forest Restaurant, Frankenmuth Noon

Ingham County Wednesday, Jan. 14 Brookshire Inn, Williamston 11:00 a.m.

Mid-Thumb Wednesday, Jan. 14 Holly Meadows Golf Course, Capac 11:30 a.m.

West Michigan Wednesday, Jan. 14 Zeeland Township Hall, Vriesland 11:30 a.m.

Evart Thursday, Jan. 15 Rehoboth Reformed Church, McBain 11:00 a.m.

Muskegon Thursday, Jan. 15 Russ’ Banquet Room, Muskegon 11:30 a.m.

Clare-Mt. Pleasant Friday, Jan. 16 Clare Church of Nazarene, Clare 11:00 a.m.

Jackson County Plus Wednesday, Jan. 21 Gene Davis & Sons, Jackson Noon

Mid-Sanilac Wednesday, Jan. 21 Liberty Lanes, Sandusky 11:30 a.m.

Hillsdale-Litchfield Thursday, Jan. 22 Hillsdale County Fairgrounds, Hillsdale Noon

Blossomland Friday, Jan. 23 Zeke’s Restaurant, Dowagiac Noon

Saline-Ann Arbor Tuesday, Jan. 27 Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, Ann Arbor Noon

Mes

sen

ger

| J

anu

ary

20

15

14

The mission of the Michigan Milk Producers Association is to market MMPA members’ milk to the greatest advantage possible.

DISTRICT 5:

• Alma

• Evart

• Dairyland

DISTRICT 6:

• Mid-Michigan

• Owosso

• Flint

• Livingston Charter

DISTRICT 7:

• Frankenmuth

• Sunrise

• Clare-Mt. Pleasant

• Deford/Clifford/Mayville

DISTRICT 8:

• Huron

• Mid-Sanilac

• Mid-Thumb

DISTRICT 3:

• Grand Rapids

• West Michigan

• Muskegon

DISTRICT 4:

• Hillman

• Chippewa County

• U.P. West Central

• Upstate

Mes

sen

ger

| J

anu

ary

20

15

15

Program Offered on Effective Management of Farm Employees

Employees on the farm either drive the operation forward or they hold it back. The difference is often in the way farm owners and managers work with

their employees. The Michigan State University Extension Dairy Team has put together a meeting on Effective Management of Farm Employees to help farm owners and managers develop their skills and perspective for better management of employees.

The meeting will be offered January 27 and 28, 2015 at the Doubletree Hotel in Bay City and January 29 and 30 at the Hilton Hotel, Grand Rapids (Airport). The interactive meeting is designed to provide farm owners and managers a solid basis for building their business with employees using strategies from industry and MSU specialists.

Effective Management of Farm Employees meetings will begin at 5:30 p.m. with dinner on day one, providing an early opportunity for developing a peer network of like-minded people and beginning to share the issues facing farm operations. Session one, “Attracting Good Applicants in Today’s Job Environment,” is after dinner.

On day two, there are three sessions: “Building Teamwork on the Farm,” “Capitalizing on Your Employee’s Desire to Learn” and “Achieving High Quality Performance.” The program concludes with lunch.

Complete information and online registration is available at http://events.anr.msu.edu/ManagingEmployees/. The cost to attend is $160 for the first participant from a farm and $140 for each additional participant. Space is limited and early registration is encouraged.

Speakers for this dynamic program include:

Lori Culler, CEO of AgHires, an online job board and recruiting firm, who has over 13 years of talent management experience providing management consulting services in the agriculture industry.

Phil Durst and Stan Moore, MSU Extension senior educators, who have led a project interviewing 174 farm employees and developing recommendations to improve employee management.

Felix Soriano, CEO of APN Consulting, a dairy consulting business that believes the large herd manager’s success depends on getting things done through others, and, therefore, works to help producers become excellent communicators and leaders of well-trained, talented and skilled employees.

Corey Risch, MSU assistant professor, whose experience includes working as a farm business consultant for Clemson University where she provided financial and management consulting services to farmers and agribusinesses in South Carolina. 

Matt Wood, regional sales manager with Vita Plus Corporation, who has worked as a fulltime dairy specialist for Vita Plus in the Thumb area for 10 years, consulting with dairy clients on their farm management and nutrition.

Developing your skills in employee management is the key to taking your farm business to the next level of performance. For more information or questions, contact Phil Durst at 989-387-5346 or durstp@msu.edu or Stan Moore at 231-533-8818 or moorest@msu.edu.

Mes

sen

ger

| J

anu

ary

20

15

16

Faith, Family and Farming2014 MMPA District 5 OYDC Dries and Jamie Dodde

Growing up in the same little town, Dries and Jamie Dodde were raised to walk by faith, prioritize family and live a farming lifestyle. Now, they use the same three Fs to raise a family of their own, continuing the Dodde agricultural legacy on their Falmouth dairy farm.

“I always loved growing up on a farm,”Jamie says. “But I would not have guessed I’d be married to a farmer and living just a few miles from my family’s dairy. Now I’m blessed to be able to raise my own family on a farm and instill the same work ethic and values my parents passed on to me.”

Yet, despite their proximity (even attending the same high school) Dries and Jamie’s story didn’t begin until long after graduation.

All About the Cows

Originally set on a career in education, it only took three semesters of college in Iowa to convince Dries the family farm was where he belonged. He came back to work fulltime on the dairy in 2001, farming in partnership with his father, Harold, and brother, Chad.

In fact, Dries was so busy taking care of his cows, the only women in his life from the time he came back to the farm until 2011 had four legs and spots. With nearly 500 bovines, a wife, three daughters and a son, Dries’ days of bachelorhood are long gone. But his passion for cows continues to grow.

“I’m a sap for animals,” Dries admits. “Working with cows is my favorite part of the job and there’s nothing I get

more satisfaction from than helping heal a sick cow or watching an animal grow from a small calf into a productive member of the milking herd.”

The farm’s primary herdsman, Dries helps with fieldwork, but enjoys spending the majority of his time with the cows. He heads up the operation’s calf care, breeding and herd health while doing his fair share of milking.

“I’m a dairy farmer because I like to be out farming. Even when I’m away from the farm, I’m continuously thinking of which cows I need to move and calves I need to wean when I get home,” Dries says.

Quantity and Quality

Touting MMPA bronze, silver and gold milk quality awards, the Doddes focused on milk quality before SCC became a buzz word. Located in an

area rich in farmland and bursting at the seams with high-quality milk, Dries credits a supportive, driven agricultural community as part of the farm’s success.

“We live in an area where low bacteria counts are the norm. We know that taking excellent care of our cows results in superior quality milk, and people like to buy quality milk,” he relays. “From the start, it’s always been a team effort with all three of us having a voice in decision making. Dad, Chad and I work together and talk through issues to ensure our farm is the best it can be.”

Despite battling weather and other factors outside of their control, the Doddes’ mantra is: do the best with what’s in front of you and tomorrow, get up, and do it again. Their commitment to consistent, high-quality milking procedures and willingness to

Mes

sen

ger

| J

anu

ary

20

15

17

Dries and Jamie DoddeDistrict 5 OYDC | Evart Local

Children: Nicholas (10), Morgan (9), Leah (2) and Gracie (2 months)

Herd Size: 220 milking, 30 dry

Replacements: 290

Acres Farmed: 1,000

Crops Grown: Alfalfa, corn, wheat

Milking Regiment: Two-a-day milking in a double-6 parabone parlor

Sustainable Practices: Strip tillage, cover crops, recycled plate cooler water

Breeding Program: AI

Education: Dries and Jamie graduated from Northern Michigan Christian Academy in 1999 and 1996, respectively. Dries studied education and agriculture at Dordt College for three semesters. Jamie earned an associate’s degree in business administration from Baker College in 1998.

Certifications/Training: National Dairy FARM Program

listen to suggestions from all members of the management team have helped the farm’s production rise and SCC fall.

“If you’re going to show up to work every day, you might as well try to be good at what you do,” Dries explains. “Growing up, my mom and dad made a concerted effort to teach us the importance of zeroing in on milk quality and doing all the little things right. Eventually those little efforts became habits, and we’ve achieved recognition for our quality at the state and national level.”

Successful Start to Succession

While some families may struggle to get along during a three-hour family Christmas meal, dairy farmers manage to live around and work with family 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Even more impressive, the Doddes have found a way to broach the subject of transition planning without inciting a family feud.

“My mom and dad started the conversation, and we brought in our accountant to get the process started,” Dries explains. “Chad and I have slowly been buying into the operation and purchasing land for years. Sure, we just started the process, but we’re going into it knowing my dad started this farm from nothing, and we owe all that we’ve built to the groundwork he laid.”

Aside from transition plans, Dodde Farms is at a crossroads. The balance sheet is indicating it’s time to double the herd or find other enterprises to bring in extra income.

Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain; no matter the outcome, the family will weigh all the options and take a next step like they’ve taken every other change to this point: together.

Dries Dodde uses activity monitorsto improve conception rates on hisfamily’s 250-head dairy in Falmouth.

Mes

sen

ger

| J

anu

ary

20

15

18

Follow the Herd to Lower SCCBy Lyndsay Earl, Member Representative

Milker Training School Registration

____________________________________________________________________________________Name

_____________________________________________________________________________________Address

_____________________________________________________________________________________Telephone

_____________________________________________________________________________________Producer Permit Number

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Date & Location of Session Number of people attending

To register, complete and return this form to:MMPA Milker Training School, - Member Services Dept.P.O. Box 8002, Novi, MI 48376-8802

You may also register via phone or email. Contact:Marianne Gasiewski at 248-474-6672 or Gasiewski@mimilk.com

MMPA can proudly say our members consistently maintain excellent milk quality standards and have one of the lowest somatic cell counts (SCC) in the nation. Every year, we have several producers who are recognized at the national level for their quality achievements. When we look at a list of our top quality farms, we notice some common practices that help ensure great milk quality on their farms:

Clear, well-communicated goals

A specific, consistent milking routine

Training

Clean cattle environment

Properly functioning milking equipment

Why are these factors so important?

Clear, well-communicated goals – Farms with low SCCs typically have

established milk quality goals and have communicated theses goals

to employees. It is also important to let employees know where the

quality stands relative to the goals. It is difficult for employees to meet

goals if they don’t know the current quality results.

A specific, consistent milking routine – Cows love consistency!

Spelling out a specific milking routine with employees helps maintain

consistent procedures between all shifts.

Training – Train employees on the routine the farm has developed.

Whether it’s the routine MMPA teaches at Milker Training Schools (MTS)

or a variation of the routine that works best for the specific farm, all

employees need to be trained on the same routine.

Clean cattle environment –Clean housing means clean cows. Clean

cows are easier to prep. Limiting the number of bacteria on or near teat

ends at milking time reduces mastitis cases.

Properly functioning milking equipment – Poorly functioning

milking equipment can be detrimental to udder health. Don’t let your

equipment cancel out a quality, consistent milking routine.

Are you implementing these practices on your farm? Would you like to

be, but don’t know where to start? Let us help!

MTS can serve as a valuable

resource for milk quality

information and can help bring

all of these concepts together.

Allowustooffertheknowledge,

tools and training necessary

to help you achieve, or even

exceed, your milk quality goals.

Find the MTS nearest you!

2015 Milker Training School Dates & Locations

Registration: 9:30 a.m.

Program: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Lunch is provided

February 10 Osceola County Fairgrounds Evart

February 11 St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Hale

February 17 Shipshewana Event Center Shipshewana, Ind.

February 24 Kilpatrick United Brethren Church Woodland (English)

February 25 Kilpatrick United Brethren Church Woodland (Spanish)

March 24 Evergreen Township Hall Decker

April 14 Freedom Township HallManchester

April 29 Menominee County Extension Service Stephenson

April 30 Rudyard Christian Reformed Church Rudyard

Mes

sen

ger

| J

anu

ary

20

15

19

When the occasion suggests flowers,consider a living, growing tribute. Make a contribution to

Michigan Dairy Memorial and Scholarship Foundationwhere the earnings provide scholarships to worthy

students in dairy industry-related fields.

MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO:

Michigan State University

DESIGNATE:

Michigan Dairy Memorial and ScholarshipFoundation (A10901)

MAIL TO:

Dr. Miriam Weber NielsenDepartment of Animal Science

Michigan State University1250 Anthony Hall, 474 S. Shaw Lane

East Lansing, MI 48824-1225

Michigan Dairy Memorial and Scholarship Foundation

“Michigan’s milk supply is growing

at a rate of 3 to 4 percent per year, so

investing in a project like the RO helps

us keep pace with the growing milk

production in our region. The MMPA-

Foremost Farms strategic alliance is

a great example of the true spirit of a

cooperative — working together for

the betterment of all. It’s a win-win for

the Michigan dairy industry, achieving

transportation efficiencies and helping

market increased member milk

production,” Joe Diglio, MMPA general

manager, says.

Showcasing the power and efficiency of

cooperation among cooperatives, the

first phase of MMPA and Foremost Farms’

partnership finished on time and on

budget, onboarding technology to better

serve the cooperatives’ member-owners.

Waste No Time, Waste No Water

Increasing Constantine’s processing capacity from 1 to 2 million pounds was no small feat; yet both cooperatives set an aggressive timeline to accomplish construction, installation and commissioning. Case in point: a

Cooperation Among CooperativesReverse Osmosis (RO) Adds 1 Million Pounds of Processing Capacity to MMPA Constantine Plant

Mes

sen

ger

| J

anu

ary

20

15

20

MarchMMPA and

Foremost Farmsinitiate talks about

strategic alliance opportunities

August 1MMPA and

Foremost Farms sign Constantine RO

project contract

August 1Demolition and remodeling of

existing warehouse to house RO

equipment begins

September 23RO equipment

installationbegins

September 29Installation of eight new (and relocation of one preexisting)

silos begins

Constantine RO Timeline

On December 4, just four months

after approval from the Michigan

Milk Producers Association (MMPA)

board of directors, the first full load

of raw milk concentrate left the

MMPA Constantine Plant, destined

for a Foremost Farms USA cheese

plant in Wisconsin. Processed by a

reverse osmosis (RO) system owned

by Foremost Farms and housed and

operated by MMPA, the load marked

a new chapter in MMPA history.

August 1Contractors begin

building a newload-out bay and

silo vestibule

Constantine Lead Production Supervisor Ed Lloyd (center) stands in front of the RO system with the equipment’s four operators (left to right) Mike Outman, Chris Huddleston, Tim Conklin and Joe Randazzo.

lineup of excavation equipment idled outside Constantine’s gates on August 1, ready and waiting for word that the board had approved the project.

“When we were quoting the RO construction with various contractors, more than one gave us a doubtful smirk when we shared our deadlines,” Dave Davis, Constantine plant manager, says. “To be honest, those of us putting the project together didn’t know whether we’d be able to get it done on time either. It took a concerted effort by everyone involved to achieve this milestone.”

With anywhere from 20 to 60 contractors working on the project daily, the majority of construction occurred during third shift to minimize disruptions to the plant’s regular operations. Despite a daily onslaught of construction equipment and activity, milk throughput never declined.

The project involved adding eight silos, upsizing pumps and piping in receiving, constructing two additional load-out bays and renovating a warehouse to

Mes

sen

ger

| J

anu

ary

20

15

21

November 24First RO runwith water

December 3First test run of

RO with milk

December 4First load of RO raw milk concentrate

departs Constantine

December 17RO running at

current maximum capacity (1 million

pounds/day)

MayPhase two targeted completion date (increasing capacity by an additional

1 million pounds/day)

house the RO. MMPA invested in the project’s infrastructure and will take the lead on RO management; though MMPA and Foremost Farms member farms are both supplying a portion of the milk processed with the RO.

“We were anxious to be part of this project because it allowed Constantine to grow and help serve our member-owners. It increased the security of our plant and cemented the value our facility brings, not only to the co-op, but to the dairy industry as a whole,” Dave says.

In addition to reducing transportation costs and hauler fuel emissions by a third, the RO adds another level of sustainability to the Constantine operation. During the RO process, two-thirds of the raw milk volume is separated as pure water. But this byproduct isn’t just dumped down the drain. Rather, the resulting pure water from the RO process (75,000 gallons per day) is used to clean the equipment.

(continued on page 22)

Constantine Bulk Milk Receiver Jeff Miller monitors the status of trucks in receiving, unloading in half the time thanks to new pumps and piping.

Ed Lloyd checks liquid flow in the RO.

What is RO and why are we using it?The reverse osmosis (RO) process, in the simplest sense, uses high pressure filtration to concentrate the milk solids in raw milk, removing water in the process. The same process, on a much smaller scale, is used in homes to separate drinking water from nitrates. The RO enables three trucks of milk solids to be concentrated down to one, saving transportation costs and improving efficiency.

In Constantine, raw milk is screened for antibiotics, offloaded and stored in raw milk silos. When it’s ready to be processed, the milk is pumped through the RO machine where it’s pushed through nine membrane loops at 450 psi. The membranes and pressure force all the water in milk to the center of the piping while milk solids are caught on the outside.

While raw milk contains 12 percent solids, the RO raw milk concentrate holds 34 percent solids.

Resembling condensed milk (or PET milk), the raw milk concentrate is loaded on trucks and transported to Foremost Farms cheese plants to be used as a raw-milk additive, increasing milk solids levels and improving the efficiency of

the cheese-making process.

Mes

sen

ger

| J

anu

ary

20

15

22

RedefiningCOOPERATE-ive

Boiled down, the RO story is a testament to the power of cooperation. “Foremost Farms formed a great, technical team to help pull off this project. We have really enjoyed working with and learning from them, and I believe the end result is something better than either co-op could have come up with on its own,” Dave explains.

Even an outsider could pick up on the excitement at Constantine as MMPA and Foremost Farms employees – salaried and hourly, plant and corporate – have come together with contractors, regulators and local government to pull off an eight-month project in five.

“This has been a positive partnership because the Foremost Farms and MMPA teams formed a positive and constructive working environment,” Ed Lloyd, Constantine lead production supervisor, says.

Full Steam Ahead

But the end of this phase doesn’t mean a reprieve for the Constantine team. The plant will continue operating in a state of construction for the next five months, moving ahead to phase two of the MMPA-Foremost Farms strategic alliance. The goal of the next phase is operating the RO during all three shifts, increasing capacity by another 1 million pounds of milk.

It’s going to take additional expansion on the intake and load-out sides of the operation, but MMPA and Foremost Farms management and employees are confident they can pull it off.

“We set out to find a partner in Michigan to support a critical business need Foremost Farms had, to find a processing home for an unprecedented amount of milk growth in the region,” Dirk Tachick, Foremost Farms USA senior vice

president-manufacturing and lead representative on the project, says. “Michigan Milk was not only facing the same situation, but they matched our business philosophies, and we had confidence both cooperatives would roll up their sleeves and complete phase one. That is exactly what happened. We were on time, on budget and there was effective collaboration across both cooperatives to get the job done.

“Phase two in 2015 will be about milk balancing and flexibility. We will add storage, receiving capacity and double RO processing to 2 million pounds per day. The RO will help both cooperatives balance the Michigan milk supply to a much greater degree. The cream separators and additional silos will allow us some flexibility at managing the milk supply for the benefit of both cooperatives.”

MMPA and Foremost Farms leadership poses in front of the newly installed RO. Pictured in the back row (left to right) are Marc Hopkins, Ed Lloyd, Jesse Mahoney and Jeremiah Fawley. The front row includes (left to right) Doug Rasmussen, Dave Davis, Merl Jones and Cash Molski

(Constantine RO continued from page 21)

13TH ANNUAL

Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference Slated for Feb. 5–7 in Frankenmuth

Dairy producers attending the 13th annual

Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference

(GLRDC) Feb. 5-7, 2015, at the Bavarian Inn

and Conference Center in Frankenmuth, Mich.,

will receive the latest information on managing the

challenges of dairy farming.

Consumers expect high-quality, safe and nutritious

dairy products produced in a socially, economically and

environmentally responsible way. This year’s conference

will focus on techniques, tools and strategies to deliver

the type of dairy products consumers expect.

The conference kicks off Thursday with a look at the

future of the dairy industry, from the local farm to the

global market. Attendees will learn strategies to excel

as the industry advances and producers plan to meet

future needs on their farms. Presentations will include:

• Which cow produces the most money for every dollar of

input, and how feed and water supply will continue to affect

management decisions on the farm

• Where the global industry is headed and how it will affect the

farm’s bottom line

• How to focus on margins, not ratios, by focusing on money-

corrected milk, and how to determine the combination of fluid

milk, butterfat, protein, feed rations and genetics to make the

most economic sense for the farm

• How to excel in an ever-changing industry by staying ahead

of the curve and establishing the factors most critical in

evaluating decisions on the farm

The Exhibitor Showcase, Excellence in Dairy Award and

the Dairy Challenge Presentation round out the day.

Be sure to also check out the Great Lakes Commercial

Heifer Extravaganza X Sale.

Friday morning’s lineup features a range of topics

looking at improving efficiencies on the farm.

Presentations range from an intricate look at how

management, genetics and nutrition impact the

reproductive efficiency of the cow to how silage,

Shredlage and improved kernel processing can lead

to nutritional efficiencies. After learning strategies for

making cows more sustainable through reproduction

and nutrition, attendees will learn how to improve the

farm’s overall sustainability through simple changes,

which could have a profound impact on reducing the

industry’s environmental footprint and producing a

more desirable and profitable product.

Friday afternoon, attendees will have the

choice of three educational workshops:

1. On-farm Crisis Preparedness

2. Easy, Affordable On-farm Energy

Conservation to Boost Your Bottom Line

3. Dairy Reproduction and Nutrition

Question and Answer Session

In addition to educational sessions, producers will

have the opportunity to attend breed meetings.

The Michigan Holstein Association will conduct its

annual meeting on Friday, from 3:30 to 5 p.m.

The Michigan Brown Swiss and Jersey associations

will follow, conducting their annual meetings on

Saturday starting at 9 a.m.

Individual (adult), student and farm registration options

are available. Registrations received before Jan. 16,

2015, will save up to $25 per day. Online registration

closes Feb. 1, 2015, at midnight. On-site registrations

are subject to availability.

Mes

sen

ger

| J

anu

ary

20

15

23

Visit www.glrdc.msu.edu for the complete conference schedule or to register online.

Participants can also register by phone by calling 517-884-7089.

Something is changing in Bellevue. “My cows are calmer, cleaner and

produce more than they ever have,” Tom Wing says with a smile.

No, the Wings didn’t install robotic milkers. They haven’t changed rations. And yes, they are still milking twice-a-day. But soaking up 16 hours of sunny-day-like light, the Wings’ herd is starting to illuminate the positive production potential of long-day lighting.

per day during their dry period. For growing heifers, LDL lighting has been found to increase weight gain, feed efficiency and growth of mammary parenchyma.

The production gains are impressive, however, implementing LDL isn’t as easy as leaving the lights on for a few extra hours each day.

“Consistency is paramount,” Al Go, MSU specialist and LDL project leader, says. “Successful LDL systems must be completely automated because it’s impossible to achieve consistent, barn-wide lighting using only human observation and control. Disruptions in the routine and lighting cycle could negate any potential production gains.”

Acing the HardwareTo achieve necessary timing and light intensity throughout the barn, farmers must work closely with lighting manufacturers and suppliers to design a customized lighting layout. Suppliers use specialized light meters to measure barn lighting intensity, creating a blueprint for lighting fixture placement. The Michigan Farm Energy Program is willing to review these recommendations, ensuring they fulfill LDL lighting thresholds in agricultural settings.

Regardless of lighting type, successful LDL is contingent on its accuracy and consistency. “The automated sensors and control systems make LDL work. The lights are secondary,” Al says. “If the sensor and control systems fail to accurately measure light at the cows’ eyes –either standing or lying down – and adjust light intensity accordingly, the cycle can be disrupted. Plus, the system needs to ensure proper timing of gradual light-on and light-off routines with back-up power.”

Keep the Lights OnRamping Up Milk Production with Long-Day Lighting

Through a Michigan Energy Office grant awarded to Michigan State University’s Michigan Farm Energy Program, MMPA members Tom and Heather Wing have taken part in a long-day lighting research study since last January. Touting over 10 percent production increases through November, the couple has found a way to increase production without adding cows.

consumption (about 3.5 percent) and an increase in milk yield. Production gains aren’t typically realized until after a two month lag time with consistent LDL implementation.

Lighting period control has also been found to impact dry cows and heifers as well. Dry cows accustomed to LDL can produce 6.8 more pounds daily during their first 120 days in milk if exposed to eight hours of light

Mes

sen

ger

| J

anu

ary

20

15

24

Long-Day Lighting 101The premise of long-day lighting (LDL) is that consistently increasing the perceived length of day stimulates milk production. Research shows increasing a dairy herd’s daily light photoperiod to 16-18 hours of 15-20 foot-candles (fc) light, followed by a “dark” period of six to eight hours of less than 3fc of light can increase milk production by 5 to 10 percent. Bottom line: more light period exposure means more feed

Tom and Heather Wing

(pictured with daughters

Olivia and Arrin) have

increased milk production

by 10 percent after

implementing long-day

lighting in January 2013.

Three-a-day milking systems present even more obstacles; achieving the necessary number of light and dark hours while accommodating three milkings could be challenging. It is hypothesized production gains may not be as significant, thus lengthening the payback period.

Pleasant Unintended ConsequencesWhile the obstacles may appear daunting even compared to the potential production gains, the Wings have realized other benefits to upgrading their lighting systems. Tom explains, “It was like changing an analog television to HD. We had an old, outdated lighting system, but we didn’t realize how poor it was until we upgraded. We have noticed problems with our freestalls and cows we would have previously missed.”

And Tom and Heather aren’t the ones enjoying the light’s added clarity. Typically spooked by shadows cast from insufficient lighting and

unfamiliar sounds, the Wing’s herd used to clump together in groups. Close cow proximity resulted in dirtier cows.

Uniformly increasing the light intensity has caused the cows to use the entire barn again, spreading out, calming down and staying cleaner. So much so Tom practically has to pry the cows out of bed for the morning milking.

“Looking back, we would do it all over again. We’ve seen the payback in our milk check, and Tom and our employees have noticed a real difference in our cows,” Heather says. “We’d encourage all MMPA members to conduct an energy audit with an MMPA member representative to evaluate possible energy savings on their farms and determine if LDL is right for them.”

To learn more about LDL and other

potential farm energy-saving solutions,

contact an MMPA energy auditor listed

on page 39.

Mes

sen

ger

| J

anu

ary

20

15

25

Shedding Light on the ChallengesWhile more affordable options (including high pressure sodium lights, compact fluorescents and high intensity discharge lamps) are available, the Wings utilized LEDs from CBM Lighting in Rodney for the research study. Boasting maximum efficiency and being the only truly dimmable light, LEDs use proportionally less energy when dimmed unlike other lighting types. Yet, they carry a hefty price tag.

“We wouldn’t have gone with LEDs without the grant’s cost-share program. But, the LEDs have really boosted our lighting efficiency. Even with an increase in the number of lights and hours of usage, our bill hasn’t increased,” Tom relays.

Before beginning the project, Al and the Wings calculated, assuming a 5 percent increase in production based on $15/cwt. milk, the system’s payback period would be three to four years (including increased feed and energy costs). With 2014’s milk prices and better-than-expected production increases, that timetable has been accelerated to just under a year.

As lighting technology continues to improve, prices are beginning to decline. However, with a limited number of lighting distributors involved in on-farm applications, finding compatible automated sensors and control systems to implement LDL can be difficult.

TOGETHERTOWARDTOMORROW

MICHIGAN MILK PRODUCERS ASSOCIATIONADRIAN LOCAL

Gold Marvin Farms Inc.

SilverEric & Randy BleichPerry Cisco*Hartland Farms Inc.* Gary A. MiddletonMatthew Smith

Bronze

Timothy D. BrasherDwight MansfieldLong Haven FarmsMartinline LLCTerry L. NordenRies Pine Ridge Dairy FarmStoutcrest FarmsVissers Dairy LLCWhelan Farms

ALMA LOCAL

GoldSpring Lake Farms LLC****

SilverBebow Dairy Inc.Ronald & Lewis BrechtCarter Farms LLCChapin Family Farm LLCLad & Agnes DoolittleDouble-B DairyCindy EldredTroy HaynesWilliam Hough Dairy Inc. Jeff & Larry NielsenOberlin Farms LLCChad PetersDoeke & Melissa PrinsS & T Farms PTPTLC DairyVanderploeg Holsteins II LLC

BronzeBebow Dairy Inc. Bollinger Farms LLCBruce CareyDouble Eagle Dairy Inc. Dragt Farms****Joel EnszBasil Ervin, Jr. Friesen Farms Inc. Kent L. InnigerKenneth KostenBruce A. LitwillerKevin & Ronald LitwillerGlen H. MillerShelly & Laura NesbittCory & Gary NielsenDe Grins Oer DairyAlbern OlsonPaulen Farms Inc. Pine Hills Dairy LLC**Kenneth Vredenburg

BARRY-EATON LOCAL

GoldCrandall Dairy Farm LLCHalbert Dairy Farm LLCLadine Farms

SilverChase Crest Hill Farms Greg & Paul EndsleyHammond Dairy Farm LLC Thomas & Heather Wing

BronzeB & K Farms LLCBurdock Hills Dairy LLCBrent & Nina ButlerCary Dairy Farms Inc.Miller Vue Farm Schuurmans Dairy Farm Inc.*

2014-2015 MMPAQuality Awards

D uring local meetings, MMPA will present quality awards to 520 member farms in recognition of their outstanding quality milk production. Bronze,

silver and gold quality awards will be presented to those members who met the established criteria for each award. This year, MMPA will award 343 bronze, 141 silver and 36 gold awards.

Bronze quality awards are presented to MMPA members who met both quality premium categories (10,000 or less raw bacteria and 20,000 or less PI count) and maintained a somatic cell count of 250,000 or less for nine or more months out of the previous fiscal year.

Silver quality awards are presented to those members who met the same criteria as in the bronze award category for 12 months out of the previous fiscal year.

Gold quality awards are presented to members who met the same criteria as in the silver award category and averaged a somatic cell count of 100,000 or less during the previous fiscal year.

Star awards will be presented to those members who have received a quality award for five (one star), 10 (two stars), 15 (three stars) or 20 (four stars) consecutive years.

Mes

sen

ger

| J

anu

ary

20

15

26

BronzeAlvin D. Bontrager Daniel A. Bontrager Daniel Jay Bontrager David Bontrager, Jr. Ferman R. Bontrager Floyd O. Bontrager John D. Bontrager Karl M. Bontrager Neal L. Borkholder Marvin E. Eash Lamar J. Eash Jake R. EicherJohn E. Eicher Michael M. Graber Victor H. Graber Larry M. Hershberger Harley H. Lambright Jerry D. LehmanPerry N. Lehman Alva Lengacher Glen R. MastHarley J. Mast Calvin F. Miller Clyde S. Miller* David H. Miller Dennis E. MillerDevon J. Miller Wilbur P. MillerLavern D. Miller Lavern D. Miller Leroy E. Miller Matthew D. MillerMarlin M. Miller Omer F. MillerRaymond L. MillerPerkins Twin Creek Farm Inc. Dorvin Shaum Jacob W. Weaver Andrew M. Wenger Ernest Wengerd Samuel M. Wengerd Devon Ray Yoder Enos H. Yoder Harvey & Lamar YoderLyle D. Yoder Maynard Yoder Norman L. Yoder Phillip, Esther & Nathan YoderVirgil D. Yoder Verlin J. Yoder Jason & Minerva Zimmerman Rufus B. Zimmerman Carl Zook*

DAIRYLAND LOCAL

GoldWilson Centennial Farm LLCLeroy O. & Ella M. Zimmerman **

BronzeD & J Dairy LLCMervin G. Dailey Anson K. MartinAllen & Eileen RamerTitus B. Zimmerman

DEFORD/CLIFFORD-MAYVILLE LOCAL

SilverCalvin J. Bodeis Meadow Muth Farms LLC*Keith & Jane Wood

BronzeEdward, Sandra & Steven Adamic Paramount Enterprises Dairy LLCSunrise Dairy White Creek Dairy Inc.

EVART LOCAL

GoldHarold, Matthew, Michael & Robert CnossenKeith A. Deruiter Dick Haven Farms LLCMark F. Diemer ****Tacoma Dairy Inc. Van Polen FarmsWirth Farms LLC

SilverBode Valley Farm Inc. Dale A. Brinks Jerry Mitchell & Christina CarmichaelDaniel Dezeeuw Dairy LLC David L. DezeeuwLeon Hamming Many Blessings Dairy Inc. North Acres Dairy Schooley Farm LLC William Stein Sunny Side Dairy Jonathan Lee Taylor

2014-2015 MMPAQuality Awards

BronzeAris Dairy Farm LLCJerry A. Beerens Benthem Brothers Inc. Benthem Homestead Farms Inc. Ronald J. Brinks Buning Dairy Farm LLCGaylord & Gerald DenslowDaniel Diener Doddedale FarmsEnd Road Farm**** Bradley & Carrol FoxGilde Farms LLC Kerwin J. Hamming Lee’s Woodland Farm LLCJames A. Oudman Rudvan Family Farms LLCAndrew Leon Stanley Travis Stanley Star City Farm Inc. Kenneth & Carol TebosNathan Webster Yonkman Dairy Zuiderveen Farms Zuiderveen Farms

FLINT LOCAL

SilverCole Riverview Farms Inc.K & K Kern Farms LLC

BronzeApple Dairy Corp. Wagner Dairy Farms LLCWeil Dairy Farm

FRANKENMUTH LOCAL

SilverFowler Dairy LLCPetzold Dairy Farms LLC**** Wardin Brothers Dairy LLC Richard R. Wardin

BronzeEric J. Frahm Haubenstricker Dairy Farm LLCDennis W. Hetzner Schumacher & Sons Farms LLC

TOGETHER TOWARD TOMORROWMICHIGAN MILK PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION M

esse

ng

er |

Jan

uar

y 2

015

27

BLOSSOMLAND LOCAL

BronzeGamble FamilyJerry, Jerry, Jr. & Terry KoebelFloyd & Gordon Nesbitt

CHIPPEWA COUNTY LOCAL

BronzeDavid & Tammy BellDavid A. Lamb Taylor Creek Farm LLCMelvin G. Thorne

CLARE-MT. PLEASANT LOCAL

SilverH. Brushaber Sons Farm LLCElton F. Dubois Gross Dairy Farms Inc. House Dairy LLC Robert S. Millard Rick L. Newman

BronzeClark Dairy Farm LLC*Martin C. Fox Judge Dairy Farm Inc. John Koch Le Var Farms LLC** James & Mary Ann Miller Family Paul S. Miller Stevens Farms Herbert Alan Varney & Herbert J. Varney, Jr.

CONSTANTINE LOCAL

GoldThaddaeus Coning Olen J. Fry*

SilverDave & Lorene BeechyMilton D. Bontrager * Philip D. Bontrager Ervin L. Eash Ira L. HochstetlerVernon & Vernon HochstetlerMarlin Hoover Glen F. Miller**** Vernon R. MillerMarvin M. Shrock David E. Yoder Freeman E. Yutzy

GRAND RAPIDS LOCAL

GoldPotgeter Farms

SilverMarten & Sharlene BrowerMed-O-Bloom Farms LLCStoney Hill Farm Inc.

BronzeFranklin S. Bowman Fisk Farms Klamer Farms Inc.Stephen & Denise KnoxKenneth Leseman Mark & Cheryl Richmond L & E Robinson Farms LLC James Schaendorf

HILLMAN LOCAL

SilverBrian Centala* Chippewa Dairy LLC Risky Endeavor Dairy Skudlarek Dairy Farm

BronzeButterwerth Dairy Farm LLCChristensen Farms Grams Farms Todd HemmingsonJ & D Dairy Inc. Jerome LarsonLucas Dairy Farms LLCNathan & Jodie MitchellJohn, Matthew & Kathleen NoffzeRobert J. Troy Fred, Corby & Cody WerthEric & Janel WoodwardErvin Lee YoderJoseph P. Zbytowski Kevin, Karen & Travis Zbytowski

HILLSDALE-LITCHFIELD LOCAL

GoldEasterday Dairy Farm Pleasant View Dairy

SilverChristopher & Beth BrennerDrakeland Farms LLC**Ferry Farms LLCRichard & Patricia HawkinsHerman’s Holsteins LLCDonald Lindsey

BronzeDale & Carol BakerMatthew S. DunksDavid, Cecelia, Carlton & Carol EvansFerris Farms Chris Hassenzahl Michael E. Moore Pleasant View Dairy Judith M. Poling Wildt Farms Jeffrey & Joseph WillsonDaniel L. Williams

HURON LOCAL

GoldClunis Dairy Oak River Dairy LLC

SilverDelcath Farms Loren J. Mazure Nugent’s Farm Dairy Starward Farm

BronzeRobert, Robert & Veronica DallasGusa Dairy Farms Gregory & Shelly Messing & Ashley KennedyJoseph & Valerie KubackiTimothy & Debra KubackiDavid J. LeavineWilliam C. Mazure R L S Dairy Inc. John C. Richmond & Sons Dairy Farm Rose Valley Dairy LLCS & M Dairy Inc.*Sunrise Dairy LLCTe Voortwis Dairy LLCDaniel Van Erp Zielland Farms

INGHAM COUNTY LOCAL

SilverMSU Dairy - Dept. of Animal Science

BronzeClona Farms LLC*Curtis Family Farms LLC Fogle Farms Graf Acres LLCLinda GrettenbergerKubiak Family Farms David Lyon

Mar Jo Lo FarmsMarten Family Dairy LLCCasey Moore Rapid Ridge Farms LLCRisch Farms Ri-Val-Re Farms Larry L. Steffey

JACKSON COUNTY PLUS LOCAL

SilverGrand Valley FarmsChoate’s Belly Acres

BronzeHillside Dairy FarmsRiske Farms

KALAMAZOO LOCAL

GoldAndrew W. JohnsonVer Hage Dairy Farm****Webers Meadow LLC

SilverDemann Farms LLC***Louis Fifelski Melvin T. Puschel

BronzeClearview Dairy Farm LLC K & W Dairy Kevin Dykstra Timothy & Charles Hood & Tamara SpicherJames C. Jackson* Craig & Linda Jo NewlandPenney FarmsRodney Pillars*Victor Puschel Scales Prairie Farm

LANSING LOCAL

SilverMarvin & Wayne Hochstetler Chris, Kristina, Hans & Patricia Langmaack*Ritter Farms

LIVINGSTON CHARTER LOCAL

SilverLarry & Karen AdamsDonal Farm LLCCharles & Janet White

BronzeClarinda Farms LLC

MID-MICHIGAN LOCAL

GoldLew-Max Holstein LLCSteven C. Roth Simon Dairy Farm LLC

SilverDennis & Pamela BaeseBerlyn Acres II LLCCornerstone II Dairy LLC*H & K Dairy LLC*Michael & Andrew Hogan* Houska Farms Inc.Nobis Dairy Farms* Melvin & Pamela PohlRiverview Dairy LLC Steenblik Dairy Inc. Jeffry & Patricia ThelenWadell Dairy Farm LLCAron W. Whitaker Wieber Dairy LLC Lisa M. Wilson

BronzeDouble A Dairy LLCAdkinson Farm Howard C. Andersen IICarter Acres Dairy Clintonia Road Dairy LLC* Cook Dairy FarmJames P. DershemDutch Meadows Dairy LLCEvergreen Dairy Inc.Andrew & John FeldpauschGeorge Grecu III Green Meadow Farms Inc.* Green Meadow Farms Inc.*Terri & Rick HawbakerNugentdale Farms LLCP & H Farms William C. PlatteSamuel I. RamerSanborn & Sons LLC* Gene L. Schneider Simpson Farms LLC Richard & Robert SkribaSlavik Farms Stony Creek Dairy LLC**Stout Dairy T & H Dairy II Jon & Tina Thelen Roland Van AlstineDavid J. Warnke

Mes

sen

ger

| J

anu

ary

20

15

28

MID-SANILAC LOCAL

GoldTimothy Mater **

SilverCumper Dairy FarmsGoma Dairy Farms LLCEdward Joe Lawler MK Farms LLCMuxlow Dairy Farm Noll Dairy Farm Inc. Parr Dairy Farm LLCRadloff Dairy LLC** Welter Dairy Farms LLC

BronzeSteven & Lisa AlexanderPatricia & Peggy BachschmidtJerry L. Blatt Steven R. Boice Bradley & Brian Booms*Brown Brothers Mark Draher Matthew J. FischerRoger Markey Glen & Dale Phillips Farms Dorothy E. Sanford David, Harland & Gale SchultzThomas C. Schultz Sharrard Farms LLC Rick L. SuttonTriple M Farms David M. Varosi

MID-THUMB LOCAL

SilverGleason Dairy Farm Edward, James & Patrick Bolday

BronzeWilliam & Virginia AnkleyLamb Dairy Farm Richard Noake Reid Dairy Farm LLC Siegler Dairy Farm LLC Tracy & Theresa SohnDonald Slesinski Alfred, Doris & Duane StueverGary & Doris TurnerRichard W. Zacharias

MUSKEGON LOCAL

GoldSueann M. Higgins Koppenol Dairy Farms Inc.Diane, Gary & Karen Wolford*

SilverCarson Acres LLC Larsen Farms Powers Dairy Farm LLCRichard Papes Riverside Dairy LLCMark RottierAndrew, Casey, Glen & Roger SparksTri-R Farms LLC

BronzeAckerberg Farms Tom W. Barends Donald A. Beattie Dewey Farm LLC Doug & Shelly Ekkel & FamilyBrian A. Guikema Wayne Hecksel Howe Farms Inc. Bruce A. Majeske David J. MarshDan Mauer Dairy LLC Devon Miller Norris Dairy Farm Inc.Slater Farms 88th LLC*La Vern SobieralskiStakenas Farms Inc. Stroven Dairy Farm Sunglow Dairy LLC Albert Lee Tiles David VanderzandenTheodore M. Wolschlager

OWOSSO LOCAL

SilverRitter Farms LLCDavid Sovis

BronzeJames, James & John AnibalReed Dairy Farm LLC

SALINE-ANN ARBOR LOCAL

SilverHorning Farms LLC

BronzeBreuninger Farms LLCStanley & Patricia Lambarth

SUNRISE LOCAL

GoldCedar Lane Dairy Farms Circle K Farms Inc.

SilverClemens Dairy Farm Inc.

BronzeAnschuetz Dairy Farm Double B DairyBennett Dairy Farm LLC Derek Brewer Curry Farms*Ron Diehl Gallagher Dairy Farm Inc. Cary & Tamara GrezeszakHagley FarmsAlan Jantzi Joseph E. Kauffman Lemajru Dairy Farm LLC Poirier FarmsReetz Dairy LLC Barry Troyer W-R-L Daniels Farm LLC

UPSTATE LOCAL

SilverBoss Dairy Farms Inc.Marvin J. Rubingh

BronzeDean Edgecomb**** Olds Paradise Farm Inc. Stanek Farm Douglas K. Warner

WEST MICHIGAN LOCAL

GoldHeritage Farms LLC Seth Ponstein

SilverAlflen Dairy Farms Inc.Daybreak Dairy LLC Pyle Dairy Farm Inc. Dennis Raterink Norman Terhaar Welchkin Acres

BronzeAl-Ott Farms LLCTimothy Baker* Country Corners Farms LLC Robert & William GruppenHaveman Farms LLC Mark Hilaski James H. Iciek Vernon Klinger Nienhuis Dairy Farm LLC Mark & Elizabeth PonsteinRobert & Donna PepperDelwyn Wedeven Woodbridge Dairy Farm LLCArlyn J. Walt**

U.P. WEST CENTRAL

GoldJacob & Elaine Jahfetson & Family

Silver Dave Cappaert Robert Paidl

BronzeSteven & Becky BrockFreis Dairy LLC Getz-Milk Dairy LLC Milton A. Patz Gary & Teresa PalosaariPleasant View Dairy Farm LLCJames & Connie Seefeldt Van De Walle Farms LLC

TOGETHER TOWARD TOMORROWMICHIGAN MILK PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION M

esse

ng

er |

Jan

uar

y 2

015

29

Mes

sen

ger

| J

anu

ary

20

15

30

Evaluation criteria included: 

• Relevance to the Michigan animal agriculture industry and annual priorities.

• Potential long-term impact.

• Technical merit and feasibility.

• Investigator qualifications.

• Mechanisms to deliver information generated to relevant commodity groups.

• Leverage of external and other funding sources and extent of partnering with Michigan animal agriculture industries.

Seventeen projects, totaling $630,780, were selected for funding. The proposals address issues related to workforce education, nutrient management, health and welfare, sustainability and profitability across beef, dairy, horse, poultry, sheep and or swine industries.

George Smith, MSU AgBioResearch acting associate director, is in charge of administering the M-AAA grants program.

“These M-AAA research and Extension projects continue to exemplify the strong history of successful partnerships between the Michigan animal agriculture commodity groups and MSU to help grow the animal agriculture economy, enhance employment opportunities and build economic vitality and sustainability for the entire state,” Smith said.

Ray Hammerschmidt, MSU Extension interim director, called the program a valuable tool in helping expand the knowledge of Michigan’s food producers.

“This helps ensure the research we do around the state gets into the hands of the farmers who can put it into practice,” he said.

For more information on M-AAA, visit http://bit.ly/12SyGcb.

M-AAA Awards More Than $600K in Grants for Agriculture Research

Thirty-six proposals, requesting approximately $1.4 million, were submitted to M-AAA for consideration in three categories: applied research, Extension efforts and seed grants. All proposals were required to identify anticipated benefits to Michigan animal agriculture and to align with the annual priorities of one or more of the following animal agriculture stakeholder organizations:

• Michigan Milk Producers Association

• Michigan Allied Poultry Industry

• Michigan Cattlemen’s Association

• Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

• Michigan Farm Bureau

• Michigan Horse Industry

• Michigan Pork Producers

• Michigan Sheep Breeders Association

Christina Fenske – MMPA MSU Food Systems Fellowship intern – takes down ear tag numbers during a herd test on a member farm in Marlette.

Seventeen Michigan State University (MSU) researchers and Extension outreach and

education specialists have received more than $600,000 in funding from the Michigan Alliance for Animal Agriculture (M-AAA).

The M-AAA (formerly the Animal Agriculture Initiative) is a partnership between Michigan’s animal agriculture industries, the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, MSU AgBioResearch and MSU Extension. It focuses on advancing the state’s animal agriculture economy by supporting applied research and outreach efforts that address key issues identified by the industry. 

The Michigan food and agriculture system contributes roughly $100 billion annually to the state’s economy and provides nearly 1 million jobs. About 37 percent of the agricultural products sold are attributed to the animal agriculture sector, so it is a critical component of Michigan’s economy. 

Agenda

10:00 Welcome

10:05 What you need to know about an energy audit (Charles Gould, MSUE)

10:35 Farmer perspective on participating in an energy audit (panel discussion)

11:15 Auditor perspective on working with farmers to complete an energy audit

11:30 Developing an energy management strategy (Al Go, MSUE)

12:00 Lunch

12:30 Funding to implement on-farm energy conservation practices through utility companies (Power company representative)

1:15 Funding to implement on-farm energy conservation practices through USDA REAP (USDA-RD)

2:15 Funding to implement on-farm energy conservation practices through USDA NRCS (USDA-NRCS)

2:45 Next steps (Al Go)

3:00 Adjourn

Workshop Purposes

The purposes of this workshop are to help farmers learn how to use an energy audit to develop an energy management strategy that:

a. Reduces overall farm energy expenses. b. Effectively leverages utility company

rebates and Federal grants and low interest loans to implement energy conservation practices recommended by an audit.

c. Facilitates applying for renewable energy project funding.

There is an unprecedented amount of money available to farmers who want to implement energy conservation practices on their farms.

Energy Conservation: Impact on the Bottom Line

Meeting Locations

Date: Tuesday, January 13, 2015 Location: DTE Energy North Area Energy Center, 4100 Doerr Road, Cass City, MI 48726

Date: Wednesday, January 14, 2015 Location: Smith Hall, 800 Sickles St, St. Johns, MI 48879 Date: Thursday, January 15, 2015 Location: Olive Township Hall, 6480 136th Ave., Holland, MI 49424

Sponsored by

MSU Extension programs and material are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, or veteran status.

Registration Information

Registration fee is $10.00. To register visit: http://events.anr.msu.edu/2015EnerConProg/

Registration deadline: Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by contacting Charles Gould at 616/994-4547 by January 7 to make arrangements. Requests received after this date will be fulfilled when possible.

34% minimum protein13% maximum crude fiber

4% minimum fat

Valero Meal

16% maximum fiber6% minimum protein

2.1% maximum calcium2% minimum fat

Citrus PulpLow Fat Hominy7% minimum protein7% maximum fiber4% minimum fat

Improve bottom-line $$. Lower feed costs. Maximize production.Ingredients from your trusted source.

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

Traditional ZFS® Menu

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

MERCHANDISE

Winter Teat DipsThis is the time of the year when single-digit and sub-zero temperatures inspire news stories warning us to bring our pets in to protect them from the cold. While dogs and cats aren’t a big problem, it’s difficult to fit a Jersey cow let alone a Holstein in the average home.

With that in mind, we suggest using our winter teat dips to help protect those sensitive teats from the harsh weather. MMPA has two such products in our warehouse: A& L’s Wintercare and Ecolab’s Artec. Both products can be used all year, but are designed specifically for cold weather application.

Wintercare Wintercare is a very gentle, orange post-dip with 74 percent skin conditioners, moisturizers and emollients that provide excellent skin care. It is formulated with a 1 percent Capric/Caprylic acid combination which provides excellent bacteria kill and mastitis prevention. The unique skin conditioners form a film on the teat surface that helps seal the orifice. Extreme weather conditions and cold wind chill may require cows’ teat ends to be blotted after dipping.

Item Stock # Member Price

Wintercare – 5 gallon 3535 $103.78

Wintercare – 15 gallon 3536 $298.94

Artec Ecolab’s Artec is a blue post-dip that’s effective against mastitis-forming bacteria with the use of 1.5 percent heptanoic acid. It is proven to work very quickly, requiring only 15 seconds of kill time. Artec also contains a triple blend of emollients for superior teat conditioning (78 percent system including glycerin and lanolin). The dip can be used as skin protection during cold weather, reducing the need for teat salves or creams. Once again, during extreme cold teat end blotting may be required after dipping.

Item Stock # Member Price Artec – 5 gallon 6064 $95.00

Artec – 15 gallon 6981 $273.75

Artec – 55 gallon 6077 $919.88

Udder Cream For the cows that experience teat chapping or freezing, Ken Ag’s Udder Cream can help. This product can be used in cold or warm weather. Udder Cream softens and soothes chapped teats and udders in the winter and aids in the prevention of dryness during sunny and windy summer conditions.

CAUTION: To avoid contamination of milk, thoroughly wash and dry udder and teats before each milking using an individual clean towel.

Item Stock # Member Price

Udder Cream 14 oz. tub 5710 $4.69

Order Your MMPA Merchandise

through your milk hauler or call:

Duane FarmerSupervisor

989-317-8370

Toll Free: 877-367-6455

Orders (Novi): 800-572-5824

then dial 2

Fax:989-317-8372M

esse

ng

er |

Jan

uar

y 2

015

32

Mes

sen

ger

| J

anu

ary

20

15

33

PREMIUMS

Chemical, Sanitizer

and Teat Dip

Contact Information

These are service personnel only. Order your Member Merchandise

supplies through your hauler.

ECOLAB24 - Hour Medical Emergency

Hotline: 1-800-328-0026 For Service, call the

Ecolab Service Message Center 1-800-392-3392

orStan Palmer

5303 E. Swan Drive #3Port Clinton, OH 43452

419-797-2101

Ben Johnson4461 Cambridge Dr.

Port Huron, MI 48060810-824-0636

Jason Koerth7509 Aborcrest Dr.Portage, MI 49024

269-207-3773

Pat Mitchell7273 N. Rollin Hwy.Addison, MI 49220

517-403-0928

A & L Laboratories24 - Hour Medical Emergency

Hotline: 1-800-424-9300

Jeff TimmNW 8665 C.R. M

Shawano, WI 54166612-840-0555

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

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

MMPA Quality Premium Program

MMPA Member Testing FeesPayment 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.

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

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

FREELINERS

Freeliner Policy

The Freeliners column is open

to current MMPA members

who wish to advertise—at no

charge—goods or services

relating directly to their dairy

farm operations.

• An item submitted will be

published for no more than

two consecutive months (one

month, unless otherwise

requested). After that, it will

be withdrawn.

• It will be published again

for no more than two

consecutive months only if

the member resubmits the

item by 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

February issue, the freeliner

must be at the MMPA office

by January 10.

www.mimilk.com

Mes

sen

ger

| J

anu

ary

20

15

34

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

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

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

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

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.

Equipment

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

Penta 3010 low profile vertical TMR mixer, Gehl 1265 Forage Chopper, hay pickup & two-row corn head, 2 Gehl 980 Silage wagons with 12-ton running gears, tractor weights, Ford Oliver, I.H., suitcase weights. Call 989-271-8757.

Gehl 170 grinder mixer, always house, no scale, $8,500. 616-636-8257.

2014 John Deere 7180SPFH 4x4 autolube KP. 180 hours, excellent condition. Financing available. Call 989-464-5436.

Patz 18-in. gutter cleaner with 207-ft. of chain. Used very little. Call 810-648-2174

Skid-steer Silage Defacer, (The Edge) 5-ft. carbide tipped. Excellent shape. $3,000. 616-886-0969.

Dairy Equipment

4,000 gal. Dari-Cool milk tank. Bought new in 2005, no issues with tank, just too small, $30,000. W-R-L Daniels Farm LLC, Whittemore, Mich. 989-873-0036.

700 gal. Mueller milk tank, flat top with Copeland Compressor, $1800. Pipeline for double 4 parlor. 76 DeLaval vacuum pump. Milk pump and control DeLaval pulsator. Dellatron 100 SL and master controller. Standard Claws. $1800.Rebuilt masport M3 vacuum pump, $500. DeLaval Dcc counter machine to test milk at farm (like new). New $4000 sell for $2500. Contact Lyle Warkentine (home) 260-665-8265, (cell) 260-667-7983.

Dairy Farm

Dairy Farm, Cheboygan, Michigan 367.11 acres, which include double 14 parallel parlor put in soon to be 4 years. 2,000 gal. bulk tank, 400 free-stall barn, calf barn, commodity barn, hay barn, maternity barn, shop pole barn. 45 acre pasture by barn. 7-bedroom L shaped brick home, well maintained, built 1976. Can send packet with more info if interested. We also have all the equipment, which has been appraised and a list is also available. We have most all of 2014 crops in and available. This can be a turnkey operation or farm, and equipment can be sold separately. We also rent 670 acres paying from $10 to $40 an acre. The $40 one is the highest. This would also work as a perfect place to raise your heifers. Contact the Brown farm at 231-625-2036 or Jeff at 517-202-9421. Price has been lowered to $999,000.

Wanted

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

Calf-Tel Super Hutches. Call or text 616-634-2958.

Looking for herdsman on a 400 cow dairy near Blanchard, Michigan. Contact T J at 989-560-7444.

Miscellaneous

Australian Shepherd pups born 10/9/14, all colors, shots & wormed. Both parents on site. Make great farm dogs. 810-569-6599.

Mes

sen

ger

| J

anu

ary

20

15

36

CLASSIFIEDS

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

DAVIDSON CEMENT GROOVING,

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

REGISTERED HOLSTEIN BULLS

A special herd sire or a truck loadof breeder bulls.

Ready to go to work on your farm!

GREEN MEADOW FARMS6400 Hollister Road, Elsie, MI 48831

Phone: 989-862-4291

www.greenmeadowfarms.com

OVER 100 SERVICE AGE BULLS FOR YOUR SELECTION! • Sired by the top sires from the

U.S. and Canada• From our top production cows

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

1-800-248-8070M-40 South

Hamilton, MI 49419

PTO and Automatic Start Generators

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.

FOR SALE: 5000-4000-3000-

2500-2000-1500 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.

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.

Mes

sen

ger

| J

anu

ary

20

15

37

POLICIES

MMPA Policy on Drug Residue in Milk

MILK ON FARM – DRUG RESIDUE SUSPECTED

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

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.

MILK SHIPPED — POSITIVE DRUGS CONFIRMED

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

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 QualityQUALITY 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.

HAULERA 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.

Statistical Summaryfor Milk Marketed in November 2014

Market Statistics - Mideast Federal Order #33 (pounds)

% This Month Year Ago Change

Total Class 1 Sales 523,346,911 556,102,493 -5.89

Total Class 2 Sales 271,057,232 150,388,783 +80.24

Total Class 3 Sales 380,299,542 480,924,426 -20.92

Total Class 4 Sales 272,080,843 118,520,173 +129.57

Total Production 1,446,784,528 1,305,935,875 +10.79

Class 1 Utilization 36.2% 42.6%

Mideast Federal Order #33Total Producers.....................................................................................5,962

Avg. Daily Production per farm .......................................................8,089

Avg. Protein Test ................................................................................. 3.21%

Avg. Butterfat Test ............................................................................. 3.87%

Avg. Oth Solids Test .......................................................................... 5.71%

Avg. SCC - MMPA ............................................................................160,000

Component Pricing Information -Mideast Federal Order #33Protein Price /lb ...............................................................................$3.9018

Butterfat Price /lb ............................................................................$2.2011

Other Solids Price /lb .....................................................................$0.4505

Class III Price @ 3.5% ........................................................................ $21.94

Prod. Price Diff /cwt. - Mich Mkt .................................................. ($0.94)

Uniform Price @ 3.5% ...................................................................... $21.00

SCC Adjustment /cwt /1000 ..................................................... $0.00107

AMS Survey PricesProduct Monthly Avg

Cheese /lb............................................................................................ 2.1305

Butter /lb.............................................................................................. 1.9891

Nonfat Dry Milk /lb........................................................................... 1.3902

Dry Whey /lb ....................................................................................... 0.6365

National Trends(million pounds) 2014 2013 % Change

Production

California 3,346 3,275 +2.2

Wisconsin 2,254 2,192 +2.8

Idaho 1,112 1,069 +4.0

New York 1,110 1,069 +3.8

Texas 839 779 +7.7

Pennsylvania 869 840 +3.5

Michigan 784 733 +7.0

Minnesota 743 721 +3.1

New Mexico 638 641 -0.5

Washington 526 501 +5.0

Ohio 435 429 +1.4

Indiana 318 308 +3.2

*Total U.S 15,520 15,002 +3.5

*U.S Y-T-D 176,855 172,669 +2.4

*For 23 States

Mes

sen

ger

| J

anu

ary

20

15

38

MARKET REPORT

Monthly Avg

Cheese /lb 2.1305

Butter /lb 1.9891

Nonfat Dry Milk /lb 1.3902

Dry Whey /lb 0.6365

NASS Survey Prices

Mes

sen

ger

| J

anu

ary

20

15

39

*If you are unable to reach your assigned member representative, please contact the representatives listed in your area.

Novi HeadquartersMain OfficeLocal line ................................................................... 248-474-6672Toll free ...................................................................... 800-572-5824

General ManagerJoe Diglio .............................................................................. ext. 200

Member ServicesDean Letter .............................................................. 989-289-9251

Milk Sales/DispatchCarl Rasch ............................................................................. ext. 244

Laboratory SupervisorPatti Huttula ........................................................................ ext. 219

Manufactured Product SalesJim Dodson .......................................................................... ext. 229

QualityAmandeep Dhillon ............................................................ ext. 305

Credit/InsuranceCheryl Schmandt ............................................................... ext. 210

Human ResourcesCindy Tilden ......................................................................... ext. 220

Member Relations/Public AffairsSheila Burkhardt ................................................................ ext. 208

Data ProcessingGregory Schulkey .............................................................. ext. 237

Member CommunicationsAlex Schnabelrauch .......................................................... ext. 211

Manufacturing PlantsConstantineDave Davis, Plant Manager ................................ 269-435-2835

OvidColt Johnson, Plant Manager ........................... 989-834-2221

MMPA Field Staff*Northwest Area 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

Northeast AreaChristy 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

South AreaEd 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, Energy Auditor, Charlotte .............810-701-6460

Joe Packard, East Lansing ........................................248-520-3481

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

Other ServicesBulk 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

MMPA LabsNovi (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) In Michigan ....................................................................800-572-5824Toll 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. PleasantDuane Farmer, SupervisorMain Line ...............................................................................989-317-8370Toll Free...................................................................................877-367-6455Orders (Novi) ................................................800-572-5824, then dial 2Fax .............................................................................................989-317-8372

MMPA STAFF

February 5–7Bavarian Inn and Conference Center Frankenmuth, Michigan

Great LakesRegional DairyConference

Consumers expect high-quality, safe and nutritious dairy products that are produced in a socially, economically and environmentally responsible way. This year’s conference will focus on techniques, tools and strategies to deliver dairy products consumers expect.

Check-out sessions on: • Improving your bottom line by raising heifers for optimum milk

production and analyzing your money-corrected milk

• Making genetic and nutritional changes for reproduction improvements and maximizing nutritional efficiency through Shredlage processing

• Looking to the future of the dairy industry with strategies to excel and reducing the industry’s environmental footprint

• Improving labor management, on-farm energy conservation and crisis preparedness to protect your business moving forward

Early registration ends January 16!

www.glrdc.msu.edu • 517-884-7089 • honkemeg@msu.edu

February 5–7Bavarian Inn and Conference Center Frankenmuth, Michigan

Great LakesRegional DairyConference

Consumers expect high-quality, safe and nutritious dairy products that are produced in a socially, economically and environmentally responsible way. This year’s conference will focus on techniques, tools and strategies to deliver dairy products consumers expect.

Check-out sessions on: • Improving your bottom line by raising heifers for optimum milk

production and analyzing your money-corrected milk

• Making genetic and nutritional changes for reproduction improvements and maximizing nutritional efficiency through Shredlage processing

• Looking to the future of the dairy industry with strategies to excel and reducing the industry’s environmental footprint

• Improving labor management, on-farm energy conservation and crisis preparedness to protect your business moving forward

Early registration ends January 16!

www.glrdc.msu.edu • 517-884-7089 • honkemeg@msu.edu