Michigan Milk Messenger: October 2012

Michigan Milk Messenger 1

October 2012Volume 95 Issue 4

2 October 2012


Contents

Managing Editor ..................... Sheila BurkhardtEditors .......................................... Laura Moser .................................. Alex SchnabelrauchAdvertising Manager ............. Nancy MuszynskiCirculation .............................................. 4,200

An Equal Opportunity Employer – F/M/V/D

Michigan Milk Messenger (USPS 345-320) is the official publication of Michigan Milk Producers Association, published monthly since June 1919. Subscriptions: MMPA members, 50¢ per year; non-members, $5 per year.

41310 Bridge St. P.O. Box 8002

Novi, MI 48376-8002 Telephone: 248-474-6672 FAX: 248-474-0924

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

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

(ISSN 0026-2315)

MMPA Matters ............................................... 5Quality Watch ................................................. 6News & Views ................................................. 8Legislative Watch ........................................... 10Merchandise Memo ....................................... 28Freeliners ....................................................... 30Classifieds...................................................... 32Policies .......................................................... 33Market Report ............................................... 34MMPA Lab Lines .......................................... 35MMPA Staff .................................................. 35

On the Cover

Volume 95 Issue 4www.mimilk.com

Departments

FeaturesOctober 2012

Kris and Carla Wardin were selected as the 2012 MMPA OYDC. Read more about them and their farm on page 13.

17


October 2012Volume 95 Issue 4

13

209 CWT Assists with 3.7 Million Pounds of Cheese and Butter Export Sales

9 Michigan’s Frahm Sweeps All-American Junior Dairy Management Contest

11 Agriculture Groups Say 25 x 25 is Bad for Rural Michigan, Join CARE for Michigan Coalition

12 A Cheese By Any Other Name

13 Rewriting History: 2012 OYDC Kris and Carla Wardin

16 A World Of Fresh Ideas For Dairy Producers

17 More Than a Family Tradition: 2012 OYDC Runners-up Josh and Lesley Lott

20 Not a Hail Mary Pass: Quality Milk Takes Deliberate Management: National Quality Winners Reveal their Secrets for Success

23 MMPA Clothing

27 Milk Culturing Class Scheduled

4 October 2012

Officers President: Ken NobisVice President: Bob KranTreasurer: Mark Halbert General Manager/Secretary: Clay Galarneau Ass’t. Treasurer: Joe DiglioGeneral Counsel: David VanderHaagen

Directors-At-LargeKen Nobis, St. Johns ........................989-224-6170 or 248-474-6672, ext. 201Rodney Daniels, Whittemore ............989-756-4935Mark Halbert, Battle Creek ...............269-964-0511

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

Mission Statement“To market our members’ milk to the

greatest advantage possible.”

District SixJohn Hufnagel, Westphalia 989-640-1394Anthony Jandernoa, 989-593-2224 St. Johns Aaron Gasper, Lowell 616-897-2747 David Reed, Owosso 989-723-8635

District SevenBill Blumerich, Berlin 810-395-2926Pat Bolday, Emmett 810-395-7139 Scott Lamb, Jeddo 810-327-6135Chuck White, Fowlerville 517-521-3564

District EightMike Bender, Croswell 810-679-4782Tim Kubacki, Sebewaing 989-883-3249Dale Phillips, Marlette 989-635-7917Steve Schulte, Harbor Beach 989-479-9339

District TenJohn Bennett, Prescott 989-345-4264Rod Fowler, Chesaning 989-845-6131Scott Kleinhardt, Clare 989-386-8037Ken Daniels, Sterling 989-654-2546

District ElevenJim Good, Caledonia 616-891-1414Frank Konkel, Hesperia 231-854-8041 David Pyle, Zeeland 616-772-1512Bill Stakenas, Free Soil 231-757-9340

District TwelveRobert Barron, Gladstone 906-786-7027Ron Lucas, Posen 989-379-4694Corby Werth, Alpena 989-379-3772Jeremy Werth, Alpena 989-464-4022

District OneBrad Hart, Clayton 517-445-2649Perry Cisco, Hudson 517-547-3231Carlton Evans, Litchfield 517-398-0629Glenn Preston, Quincy 517-639-4182

District TwoDonald Bever, Delton 269-671-5050Francis Burr, Mendon 269-778-3552Richard Thomas, 574-825-5198 Middlebury, IN Susan Troyer, Goshen, IN 574-533-4506

District FourDavid Bivens, Bellevue 269-758-3980Jeff Butler, Nashville 517-852-1859 Mark Crandall, 269-660-2229 Battle CreekDavid Lott, Mason 517-676-4593

District FiveTom Jeppesen, Stanton 989-762-5399Bill Jernstadt, Big Rapids 231-796-4650 Robert Lee, Marion 231-743-6794 Mike Rasmussen, Edmore 989-762-5380

Michigan Milk Producers Association

Advisory Committee

Board of Directors

District Directors 1. Hank Choate, Cement City ..........517-529-9032 2. Tim Hood, Paw Paw ...................269-657-5771 4. Dan Javor, Hastings .....................269-948-8345 5. Brent Wilson, Carson City ...........989-584-3481 6. Brad Ritter, Byron .......................810-266-4091 7. James Reid, Jeddo .......................810-327-6830 8. Leonard Brown, Sandusky ...........810-648-450510. Eric Frahm, Frankenmuth ...........989-652-355211. Bob Kran, Free Soil .....................231-464-588912. John Kronemeyer, Pickford .........906-647-7638


MMPA MattersBy Ken Nobis

President

Five Years Of Challenges Make Us Better Prepared To Meet The Future

MMPA held its annual employee service awards luncheon in

mid-September. The average length of service at MMPA is 14 years, and those who have reached benchmark milestones in their careers during the past year are recognized for their service. This year’s benchmarks ranged from the five-year mark to the 35-year mark. This is always an enjoyable event where people reminisce and participating after having been president for five years started me thinking about those years.

Taking the time to reflect helped me understand why the past five years have flown by very rapidly. Among other things, MMPA has been busy responding to the implications of world economic events, expanding our processing facilities, restructuring our co-op’s governance structure, coping with too much milk earlier this year and now wondering where we might find more milk.

We’ve witnessed Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) morph from a herd retirement program to a highly successful export assistance program. This happened at the right time, as we’ve watched dairy exports continue to grow at a rate that far outpaces the growth rate of dairy sales in our domestic market. We have invested over three years (so far) promulgating and now trying to convince Congress to pass a Farm Bill that includes a revolutionary approach of protecting margins as an improved safety net for dairy as opposed to the antiquated Dairy Product Price Support Program and the Milk Income Loss Contract Program.

Several points stand out more than others as highlights or low points over the past five years. One example, of course, is the economic collapse that led to the economic crisis we endured in 2009. The dairy farmer, whether an old dog or a young pup, had never experienced negative margins as severe as those encountered in 2009. This lasted far longer and was more severe than we had anticipated, but most of us made it through those horrible prices.

On the heels of 2009, 2010 wasn’t a bad year, and 2011 was pretty good. While 2009 provided a learning experience for us that we would have preferred to avoid, it did prepare us to be better managers to face a year like 2012.

MMPA entered the year 2011 with optimism. We recognized that it had been a long time since we had done a thorough review of our governance structure and so we took on that challenge. After all, the demographics of MMPA (and all of agriculture for that matter) had changed dramatically in the years since we had last updated. As a result of that introspective study, we enacted some subtle changes that update our methods to more closely match the needs of the 21st century.

As we entered 2012, we thought we had a pretty good handle on the mechanics of MMPA. We had a strong membership base, updated governance, and an expanded Ovid plant. But then, before we had much time to sit back and enjoy the situation, the weather intervened like it frequently does in our ag world. Last winter, we discovered that cows, like humans, thrive in mild winter weather. Suddenly we had more

milk than we knew how to handle, and this resulted in long lines at milk plants. Milk haulers waiting in those long lines experienced difficulty getting back to farms where full bulk tanks waited as the next milking loomed. But once again, realizing that throwing our hands up in despair was not an option, we tweaked the system and found ways to get more milk through our plants. Of course the only problem is that we found the remedy just as the summer of 2012 heated up so that milk production was restricted a little more than usual. But we learned and it has prepared us to handle the increased volumes of milk that we know are in the offing.

It has definitely been an action-packed five years during which we as members, and MMPA as a co-op, reacted proactively to the challenges. That has made us better prepared to meet the future. I think the future looks promising for the MMPA membership area. We will continue to grow the dairy herd in this area, because in addition to excellent dairy producers we have four very important ingredients necessary for dairying: climate, land, water, and infrastructure. The grass isn’t always greener on the other side of the fence. The happy cows now live here, and there aren’t many local dairy farmers “California dreaming” today. Now if only we could get Congress to pass the Farm Bill…..

6 October 2012

By Dean LetterMMPA Manager of Producer Testing

and Herd Health Programs

Quality WatchBy Dean Letter

Director of Member Services

MMPA Milker Training School – Striving to Serve Members’ Needs

MMPA member farms have some of the lowest SCC

averages in the Midwest region. This is certainly a testament to every member’s hard work and dedication to milk quality and animal health. MMPA has always strived to provide services that help its members achieve that goal. MMPA’s Milker Training School has been one of those services for 16 years.

Since the inception of MMPA’s Milker Training Schools, nearly 4,000 students have attended the day-long session. Morning session topics explain the science of how proper teat stimulation followed by an optimal lag time reduces the bacteria population on the teat skin, enhances oxytocin release from the pituitary gland, and allows for a more efficient milk harvest. The procedure that is outlined at the school is backed by science. NMC and DPC (Dairy Practices Council) also promote the key concepts promoted at MMPA’s Milker Training School.

The afternoon session gives participants an opportunity to get a “feel” for the timing and technique taught during the morning session. The purpose of the school is to recommend and teach a sound milking procedure effectively. Training the milking crew is the first step to establishing a sound milking procedure. In order for the new procedure to “stick,” someone at the farm needs to “own” the procedure. As the “owner” of the procedure, this person would periodically

evaluate the milking crew. They provide the milkers encouragement by recognizing what they do well and provide retraining in areas where milkers have drifted from the established procedure.

A few years ago, an MMPA Food Systems Fellowship intern conducted a study that seemed to confirm what we thought to be true: milking crews that were routinely evaluated tended to more closely adhere to the established milking procedure. In other words, these milking crews experienced less “procedural drift.” For this reason, MMPA strongly encourages farm management to attend the schools along with their milking crews.

MMPA continues to strive to meet the needs of its members. Determining the location of Milker Training Schools has been a challenge. Ideally, the schools are conducted in locations where they can service the greatest number of members. While we would like to conduct a school in a location

that is convenient to everyone, this is practically impossible considering the distribution of our membership. Members interested in having a school near their farm should contact Marianne Gasiewski at the Novi office. Members can reach her at (800) 474-6672 ext. 215. When calling, please provide your farm’s permit number, contact person’s name, mailing address and phone number, the number of people that wish to attend a school, and whether the students prefer a Spanish speaking instructor or an English speaking instructor.


©2012 by A&L Laboratories, Inc. A&L Laboratories, Inc. is a subsidiary of Hypred S.A., a company of the Roullier Group.

www.AandL-Labs.com • 800-225-38321001 Glenwood Ave. N., Minneapolis, MN 55405

Water starts losing heat the instant it leaves the heater, and most CIP detergents are only effective with water temperatures down to 120.̊ For many dairies, this is less than ideal, especially near the end of the cycle as alkaline detergent solution temperatures drop.

Pro Clean II has an improved alkaline formula that maintains its effectiveness down to 90,̊ boosting alkaline-cycle cleaning performance to ensure that your system will be clean, PI count will stay low and milk quality will be protected.

For more information about Pro Clean II contact your local dealer, or call 800-225-3832.

PRO CLEAN ll .™ A CIP ALKALINE DETERGENT

THAT’S EFFECTIVE DOWN TO 90.̊

HOW COOL IS THAT?

ALKAL INE DETERGENT

TM

PRO CLEAN ll

8 October 2012

News & ViewsThe latest dairy news

Upcoming Events

October

November

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

.

August Class III Milk Up from July, but Down from 2011

Don’t Forget to Vote “Yes” to Continue the Michigan Dairy Check-off October 8-19

MMPA Ovid East

August 2012


Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted 11

requests for export assistance to sell 3.337 million pounds (1,514 metric tons) of Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese and 385,809 pounds (175 metric tons) of butter, to customers in Asia and the Middle East. The product will be delivered September 2012 through February 2013.

In 2012, CWT has assisted member cooperatives in making export sales of Cheddar, Monterey Jack and Gouda cheese totaling 82.4 million pounds, butter totaling 57.1 million pounds and anhydrous milk fat totaling 123,459 pounds, to 34 countries on four continents. On

a butterfat basis, the milk equivalent of these exports is 2.008 billion pounds, or the same as the annual milk production of 95,600 cows.

Assisting CWT members through the Export Assistance program positively impacts producer milk prices in the short-term by reducing inventories that overhang the market and depress cheese and butter prices. In the long-term, CWT’s Export Assistance program helps member cooperatives gain and maintain market share, thus expanding the demand for U.S. dairy products and the farm milk that produces them.CWT will pay export bonuses to the bidders only when delivery of the product is

verified by the submission of the required documentation.

The Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) Export Assistance program is funded by voluntary contributions from dairy cooperatives and individual dairy farmers. The money raised by their investment is being used to strengthen and stabilize the dairy farmers’ milk prices and margins. For more information about CWT, visit www.cwt.coop.

CWT Assists with 3.7 Million Pounds of Cheese and Butter Export Sales

T.J. Frahm from Frankenmuth, Mich., was high individual

in the 26th annual Junior Dairy Management Contest, held Tuesday, Sept. 18, at the 2012 All-American Dairy Show in Harrisburg.

Repeating wins last year were the New York State 4-H team, with Hunter Calyer, Peter Gartung, Noah Ives and Cody Sears, and the Big Spring FFA, with team members Cody Bear, Laura Ryan, Mark Shughart and Joe Weber.

“It’s an honor to win,” said Frahm, a freshman at Michigan State University, who has also participated in other management contests. A member of the Michigan State 4-H team, Frahm grew up honing his dairy management skills on a 120-cow dairy in Frankenmuth. T.J. is the son of MMPA members Eric Frahm and Teresa Crook.

“This contest is a training

ground for young dairymen,” said Carl Brown, one of the event’s organizers. “It provides an exercise in the width and breadth of dairy management.” From the beginning of the contest, participants evaluate cows to find the best, most profitable ones, then determine how to feed them, keep them healthy, measure their performance and tie that all together in an economical package designed to help participants succeed in the highly competitive dairy business.

Participants competed in six classes, including dairy cattle selection and dairy linear type,

feed identification and management, nutrient management, dairy tools and equipment, Dairy Herd Improvement Association records and dairy business management.

The Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association sponsored a $1,000 scholarship for the high individual. Sponsors for the event included Alltech Pennsylvania, Balchem Encapsulates, Church & Dwight Company, Elanco Animal Health, Kirby Ag, Land O’

Lakes Milk Coop., Maryland-Virginia Milk Producers, Milk Specialties Company, Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, Prince Agri-Products, Inc. and The Old Mill-Troy, Inc.

Michigan’s Frahm Sweeps All-American Junior Dairy Management Contest

T.J. Frahm of Frankenmuth, was top individual of the Junior Dairy Management Contest at the 2012 All-American Dairy Show in Harrisburg.

10 October 2012

Legislative WatchIssues important to today’s dairy farmers

Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA)

President Ken Nobis joined hundreds of other farmers on Capitol Hill last month at a rally urging Congress to pass a new, five-year farm bill before current farm programs expire.

Nobis, who also serves as First Vice Chairman of National Milk Producers Federation, told those assembled that politics shouldn’t stand in the way of helping America’s farmers.

“Dairy farmers have worked with Democrats and Republicans, in the Senate and the House, to create a farm bill that saves taxpayers money, and at the same time offers dairy producers a more effective safety net when times are tough,” Nobis said. “It would be a tragic mistake, after this bill has already passed the Senate, and the House Agriculture Committee, to let it wither and die on the political vine, rather than make the necessary effort to get it passed in the coming weeks.”

Nobis reminded lawmakers that the dairy reforms included in the new farm bill will reduce government expenditures compared to current policy, which should appeal to those members of the House concerned with the deficit.

“If the question in Washington is how to reform government programs and make them more effective, we have an answer: pass the 2012 Farm Bill. The dairy title, along with the rest of the program, is budget-

friendly. By not acting on this measure, Congress actually increases federal spending next year,” Nobis said.

If the bill can’t be approved this fall, the path forward is murky at best.

The rally on Capitol Hill was organized by the Farm Bill Now coalition, which brought dozens of groups and hundreds of farmers together at the steps of the U.S. Capitol. The event has been endorsed by 88 organizations representing a broad range of associations and coalitions, including MMPA.

MMPA President Urges Congress to Pass New Farm Bill at Capitol Hill Rally

Watch you

r mailboxes

for a co

mplete list

of

MMPAC endorsem

ents.

Don’t fo

rget to vo

te on

November 6

!


“A full service insurance agency”

We specialize in Farms and offer a full range of coverages to serve all of your insurance needs.

• Competitive – Farmowners.

• Co-op Members in good standing receive additional premium discounts on Farmowners policy.

• Group Medical – Regardless of health conditions for 2 plus groups.

• Low Cost Term Life “Debt Protection.”

616.656.7260 [email protected]

On September 7, three of rural Michigan’s leading voices

called out the 25 x 25 ballot proposal for what it is: a costly, unreliable, irresponsible constitutional mandate. The Michigan Milk Producers Association, the Michigan Sugar Company and the Michigan Farm Bureau announced their opposition to the 25 x 25 energy initiative set for the November ballot last month. The proposal would amend Michigan’s constitution and, if passed, cost Michigan families and businesses at least $12 billion.

The groups join another rural powerhouse, the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association, which represents Michigan’s 11 rural electric cooperatives. MECA announced its opposition to the reckless mandate earlier in September. Combined, the groups speak on behalf of millions of Michigan residents.

“Just like we can’t predict Michigan’s weather patterns, we certainly can’t predict the state’s energy future,” said Ken Nobis, president of the Michigan Milk Producers Association. “To lock this costly, restrictive proposal into the constitution is unwise for Michigan families and the state’s agriculture community.”

“Michigan’s energy future is not something we as agriculture leaders want to gamble with,” said Mark Flegenheimer, president and CEO of the Michigan Sugar Company. “We need affordable, reliable energy to keep our operations running smoothly, and locking this restrictive proposal into our constitution doesn’t guarantee stability for our industry.”

“The Michigan Farm Bureau has strong concerns that this initiative would hurt the pocketbooks of Michigan families, businesses and our farms,” said Wayne Wood, president of the Michigan Farm

Bureau. “Many of our members use renewable energy to help run their farms and we support those efforts, but locking energy policy into the state’s constitution is bad policy, plain and simple.”

The initiative set for the November ballot would change the state constitution to require 25 percent of Michigan’s electricity to come from renewable sources by 2025, no matter how much it costs the state’s residents. Experts predict the proposal would cost Michigan families and businesses at least $12 billion. The proposal would make Michigan the first–and only–state in the nation to include a renewable portfolio standard in its constitution.

Business, labor, local government organizations, agriculture groups and elected officials from both parties have joined the CARE for Michigan Coalition to oppose the 25 x 25 initiative. The ballot proposal would alter Michigan’s current energy policy, which was approved by an overwhelming vote of the legislature in 2008 after two years of research and deliberation.

The CARE (Clean Affordable Renewable Energy) for Michigan

Coalition is fighting to ensure reliable, clean, affordable energy for Michigan families and businesses. The diverse coalition, including labor and business, Michigan energy providers, citizen groups and local officials, supports the state’s landmark 2008 energy policy, which requires energy providers to generate 10 percent of Michigan’s electricity from renewable sources like wind and solar by 2015. Michigan utilities are halfway there, thanks to current challenging but realistic goals. The coalition opposes efforts to alter the state constitution to inject an arbitrary, ill-considered 25 percent renewable energy standard and urges Michigan residents to support the state’s current reasonable and responsible standard.

Agriculture Groups Say 25 x 25 is Bad for Rural Michigan, Join CARE for Michigan Coalition

12 October 2012

The U.S. cheese business is built on a heritage dating back hundreds

of years, since the time when immigrants, mostly from Europe, brought their food preferences with them from the Old World to the New. Unfortunately, the Europeans now want to ignore that global migration, and reclaim some products’ names just for themselves.

For the past several years, trade negotiators with the European Union (EU) have been making greater inroads in restricting the use of the names and translations – in trade parlance, the Geographic Indications (GIs) – for some foods and beverages made in certain parts of the world. Champagne from France is an obvious example. But so are cheeses such as Feta from Greece, Gorgonzola from Italy and others. The EU asserts that if the principle of Geographic Indications is applied to these cheeses, any similar food products made elsewhere, from Argentina to the U.S., are not just pale imitators, but in violation of international trade laws.

While clawing back these names of common and popular consumer products may seem like a far-fetched goal, the EU has already had success in restricting the use of several key GIs in a free trade agreement it reached with South Korea. For instance, any cheeses labeled as Asiago, Feta, Fontina and Gorgonzola now sold in Korea can only come from Europe. And even though the U.S. just signed its own free trade deal with South Korea, we’re now subject to the cheese GI restrictions written into the deal between the EU and Korea.

The stakes for this battle are big and growing. More than $20 billion in U.S. cheese production utilizes European-origin names. Last year,

almost $1 billion in U.S. cheeses were exported; many of these could be harmed by the EU’s aggressive attempt to confiscate common names.

In order to fight this trend, NMPF earlier this year joined with the U.S. Dairy Export Council and other domestic and international organizations to form the Consortium for Common Food Names (CCFN). MMPA is also a member of CCFN. The CCFN is devoted to informing consumer groups, farmer associations, manufacturers, trade and intellectual property officials of the damage that will be caused in their own countries if efforts to restrict the use of common food names go unchecked. CCFN provides an internationally-organized counterbalance to the EU’s overly-aggressive approach to restricting product names. Its website, www.commonfoodnames.com, provides information to companies interested in joining this important effort, as well as to policy makers around the world.

While focused on more than just dairy foods, the Consortium for Common Food Names is reaching to all manufacturers of cheeses and milk producers to encourage them to challenge the EU’s attempt to produce more free trade deals like the one between Europe and South Korea. While the World Trade Organization talks are in suspended animation, other broad, multi-party talks are moving forward, where a discussion of limiting the use of GIs may be on the table. The EU has concluded free-trade agreement talks with South Korea, Colombia, Peru and Central America in the past few years. Negotiations with India, Brazil, Singapore, Malaysia and more than 30 other countries are ongoing.

And once a precedent is set among these countries to restrict GIs, the limitations could be very damaging to future commerce, even if the U.S. isn’t a party to the agreement.

Moreover, the biggest prize of all – the U.S. market – is one the EU is keenly eyeing as it insists on imposing its views on GIs on the U.S. With a potential U.S.-EU trade deal currently under consideration, the U.S. cheese sector faces a very real threat if negotiators write any GI restrictions into a resulting agreement.

A reasonable path exists to protect location-specific GIs, say, for Parmigiano Reggiano, as opposed to the much more generic Parmesan. The U.S. has some interest in using GIs of its own, but a clear and limited scope of protection is what is needed, not a blanket restriction. It doesn’t help that Europe has been incredibly arbitrary in fighting for some GIs, such as Asiago, but not others, such as “Cheddar.”

As global trade barriers gradually come down, bit by bit and country by country, groups like NMPF, MMPA and the CCFN have to ensure that new barriers in different forms – or in different names – don’t rise to take their place. The U.S. versions of Feta and Gorgonzola should be able to compete with versions made elsewhere. Consumers around the world will be the ultimate judges as to which are best.

A Cheese By Any Other Name

By Jerry Kozak, Preseident/CEO National Milk Producers Federation

As global trade barriers gradually

come down, bit by bit and country by

country, groups like NMPF, MMPA

and the CCFN have to ensure that

new barriers in different forms – or

in different names – don’t rise to take

their place.


Until September 2006, dairy farming was history for Kris and Carla Wardin. Kris is a fifth-generation dairy farmer whose parents, Mike and Joanna Wardin, still farm in Hemlock

with Mike’s two brothers and their families. With an equally-impressive pedigree, Carla is also a fifth-generation farmer. Her parents Jack and Cherie Anderson operated the 130-year-old family farm in St. Johns until 2007.

But in 2006, Kris and Carla lived in Connecticut. Kris had a thriving career climbing the management ladder at Caterpillar and Carla was impressing coworkers with her knack for marketing writing at Michigan-based TechSmith Corporation. They were successful, young, “employees to watch” taking advantage of opportunities to travel and advance their careers. But something was missing.

“We always knew we wanted our own business,” Kris describes. “That’s why when Carla’s parents came out East for a visit in the fall of 2006 talking about selling the farm to retire, the wheels started turning.”

That night after the Andersons left, Kris pitched the

idea to Carla. “I loved growing up on a farm and that way of life. I just never dreamed Kris would dairy farm and that I would want to come back … but literally overnight everything changed. I called mom the next morning and said, ‘Tell dad not to sell the cows. We’re considering buying the farm!’ Mom said, ‘Okay,’ and hung up. Not really the reaction I was expecting,” Carla grins.

A month later, Kris and Carla came back for an MSU football game and the chance to talk business with Carla’s parents. The Andersons arrived at the couple’s hotel room armed with the farm’s financials and Carla’s mom’s, “List of Things to Consider.”

After crunching the numbers and discussing the life change, Kris and Carla decided that they wanted to start a family back in Michigan, raising their kids with the same farming lifestyle they enjoyed. After wrapping up work commitments and preparing for the transition, the Wardins moved to St. Johns during the spring of 2007 with no concept of where life was about to take them.

Rewriting History2012 OYDC Kris and Carla Wardin

By Alex Schnabelrauch

Continued on page 14

14 October 2012

Learning the Ropes and Improving Infrastructure “June of 2007 was probably the most chaotic time of our entire lives,” Carla relives. “I gave birth to our twins right at the beginning of calving season. We jumped into being parents and farmers at the same time. It was crazy!”

They spent their first year trying to get a handle on what was working well and what needed to be improved. Maintaining the same herd size, Kris slowly started making changes to ensure long-term viability of the operation.

“After a year under our belts, we started strategically investing in modernizing our facilities. We knocked down silos and increased feed storage. Since we’re a pasture-based farm, we installed a second irrigation pivot to provide room for future expansion. Then we built a calf barn that easily transitions to accommodate our seasonal calving schedule,” Kris explains.

Currently, the Wardins milk 260 cows with a goal of expanding to 400. They operate 700 acres, 280 of which is pasture, and plant corn and alfalfa. To make room for the family’s planned expansion, they’ll break ground on a new lagoon this fall and start construction on a freestall barn in spring.

Kris manages the farm, taking the lead on employee management, herd health, feeding, cow numbers, cropping, bookkeeping, financial planning and payroll. “I also work day-in and day-out helping our employees carry out farm tasks. I plant, chop, feed and milk alongside our workers,” he explains.

“There are lots of ways to run a good farm, but this setup is good for our employees, our cows, and our lifestyle,” Kris states. “Pasturing works well for us because we have the layout, it’s good for cow health and it enables seasonal breeding. We also exclusively use natural service bulls because it creates a low stress

environment for our cows and our labor as we try to be as efficient as possible. It also helps keep feed costs in check.”

Set up for seasonal calving, the majority of the Wardins’ calves are born in three months. In fact, 90 percent of their heifers calve in the first six weeks. Carla speaks from experience: “At the height of calving season, we have 10-12 calves a day!”

Finding Balance Even through expansion projects and adjusting to a new way of life, work-life balance for themselves and their three full-time and four part-time employees is the Wardins’ focus. “Our parents created a culture where employees are dependable and self-sufficient. Our workers are experienced, long-time family

Continued from page 13


friends and neighbors, some of whom worked for my dad before we took over. When we leave, we don’t have to worry,” Carla relays.

Carla’s role on and off the farm revolves around balancing the kids’ – Ty (5), Cole (5) and Max (1) – activities and dairy promotion and education. “Growing up, it seemed like everyone lived on a dairy farm. Branching out into other fields, I’ve realized how rare a dairy farming background truly is. So I try to publicize what we do. The more people know about what goes on at our farm, the more they care,” Carla says.

Carla is also extremely involved off the farm, serving as a MMPA Dairy Communicator for three years, writing for her church newsletter, teaching swimming lessons and toddler Sunday school, running, blogging (www.truthordairy.blogspot.com) and guest blogging. She also wrote a book, “Every Other Twin Book is Wrong” which is available on Amazon.com.

Kris serves as MMPA Mid-Michigan Local secretary/treasurer, state delegate and a member of the State Resolutions Committee. He’s also a member of the Clinton County Farm Bureau Board, financial secretary for the church and avid MSU football and basketball season ticket holder.

“Any time you own a business, it becomes your life. But with reliable employees we’re able to get off the farm, see what other farmers are doing, and learn from them. Balancing time at work with community involvement and time with my family is essential,” Kris adds.

The Happy Ending They Never Thought They Wanted Just a few years ago, the Wardins probably wouldn’t have believed they’d be back on a Michigan dairy farm. But now, they wouldn’t have it any other way.

Kris solidifies, “This isn’t just a job. We’re in this together as a

lifestyle. Like many Michigan dairy farmers, we could have had lots of other jobs that we would enjoy and do well. But dairy farming was ‘it’ for us. I’m glad we chose Michigan, dairying, and this family-based lifestyle.”

Carla likes the fact that while on the farm, her kids don’t have to wonder what their parents do for a living; rather they experience it as members of the family business. “It seems like farms are storybook things – something that people want to have ties to. True, they’re idealized. But for us, there’s no better place to raise our family,” she confirms.

As the 2012 OYDC the Wardins will represent MMPA at various functions including the National Milk Producers Federation Annual Meeting in October.

16 October 2012

When you’re looking to maximize your corn silage acres, look no further than Pioneer® brand corn silage hybrids. DuPont Pioneer o� ers the choices you want to balance yield and quality. And when you can produce and feed more of your own high quality corn silage, you can maximize forage intake and reduce ration costs.

Rely on your local dairy specialist, agronomic and nutritional experts, and your Pioneer sales professional to get the right product on the right acre.

For additional information, go to www.pioneer.com/cornsilage

To get every cowto do her best, every acre has

to do its best

The DuPont Oval Logo is a registered trademark of DuPont.®, TM, SM Trademarks and service marks of Pioneer.

All purchases are subject to the terms of labeling and purchase documents.

© 2012 PHII. CRNSL025898P360MVA

CRNSL025898_P360M_VA.indd 1 9/10/12 3:41 PM

A World Of Fresh Ideas For Dairy Producers

The global dairy industry is gearing up for the world’s largest dairy-

focused event – World Dairy Expo. Officials are anticipating over 65,000 producers and industry professionals gathering from over 90 countries. Attendees can expect to experience innovative new concepts at Expo Seminars, Virtual Farm Tours, dairy cattle competition, dairy company displays and many contests. The 2012 theme, “Market Fresh,” exemplifies the show mantra of sharing fresh ideas for the future success of the dairy industry around the globe.

Dairy producers who want to discover the latest in technologies, products and services should find the New Holland Trade Center a welcome expansion of the huge trade show. Over 850 exhibiting companies from 28 countries will be on display at Expo, many unveiling their newest ideas. Dairy producers will enjoy face-to-face discussion with their peers at the Virtual Farm Tours, which highlight successful dairy operations from across the United States featuring unique facilities, herd management and marketing opportunities.

Dairy cattle show fans will be treated to facility improvements this year to enhance their experience as they watch over 2,500 head of North America’s finest cattle parade across the famed “colored shavings.” All seven dairy breeds will compete for the ultimate Supreme Champion on Saturday, October 6 at 5 p.m.

World Dairy Expo, which will be held October 2-6 at the Alliant Energy Center, Madison, Wisconsin, “the place where the dairy industry meets.” Hours for World Dairy Expo are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, through Saturday. Daily admission is $10 per person and season passes are $30 per person. Parking is free. Visit www.worlddairyexpo.com, contact via email [email protected] or call 608-224-6455 for more information.


It took 365 days. Just a year after Josh Lott left his family’s farm for a welding job, he realized that home is where his heart is. He pitched the idea of coming back to the farm to his father, Dave, and

joined the family partnership with his brother, Jake, in 1998.

“It didn’t take long to decide I wanted to come back. I tried other jobs, but I didn’t like following a set schedule. Sure, I work a ton more hours on the farm, but I’m around family and I’m my own boss,” Josh says.

A few years later, Josh’s younger brother Ethan followed suit, bringing the partnership count up to four. The fourth generation at the family farmstead in Mason, Josh says farming doesn’t even feel like a job. His wife of nearly three years, Lesley remarks, “I don’t know what he’d do if he wasn’t farming! It’s a great way of life and a lifestyle choice more than a career choice.”

Home Sweet Mar-Jo-Lo FarmsThe Lotts currently milk 500 cows and run 740 acres of corn, alfalfa and rye with plans to increase their herd size and land base. To support four families, they’ve had to transition farm management to a more stringent business model, creating room for growth.

The first phase of their expansion was completed in 2007, adding the capacity of a 2 million gallon slurry to their previous 3 million gallon lagoon, as well as a new 6-row freestall barn with management rail. Capitalizing on mostly internal replacements, the Lotts raise their heifer calves until they’re 6 to 8 months old. To maximize labor and feed efficiencies, the family’s heifers are then transported to a farm in Westphalia and return two to three months before they calve.

Likewise, efficiency through division of labor is an important part of the Lotts’ business model. Josh and his father head up the crop section of the business and maintain the machinery while assisting with calf care and health. Jake takes the lead on feeding and nutrition, and Ethan manages cow care and herd health. “Dividing up segments of the business into enterprises gives us each something to focus on daily. It increases our consistency and therefore our quality,” Josh explains.

They milk 20 hours a day in their retrofitted double-14 parlor with the help of six full-time milkers. An ABS Global technician is responsible for managing the herd’s reproduction and has substantially improved the farm’s conception rate.

More Than a Family Tradition2012 OYDC Runners-up Josh and Lesley Lott


Continued on page 18

18 October 2012

Expanding the Gene PoolSure, getting the right genetics is vital for farm success… And the Lotts have taken that to heart. Neighbors joke that the Lott boys have pulled off some very advantageous, strategic marriages adding value to the farm.

Lesley has a master’s degree in entomology from Michigan State University (MSU) and conducts specimen processing at the MSU Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health and Clinical Pathology Laboratories. The laboratory tests for bacteria and nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) and even examines milk samples (some from MMPA members). Lesley assures, “It’s not like the family farm gets free testing or I can fill them in on what other farms are doing, but my backgrounds in crop pests and knowledge of veterinary tests have come in handy!”

As if an expert in insect and nematode pests of crops wasn’t enough, one of Josh’s sisters-in-law is a veterinarian. “People sometimes get the wrong idea. We still have to pay for our vet visits like everyone else, but it’s convenient to have a vet so close to the farm. It makes the 3 a.m. calls a little more bearable,” Josh laughs.

Progress with New TechnologyThe farm’s proximity to MSU has given the Lotts a unique edge and insider’s look at new technologies. “We’ve worked with professors on rootworm research, growing their new varieties,” Josh tells. “True, they had to destroy the research crop, but the behind-the-scenes experience increased our adoption of the new technology because we had already watched its impressive results in action.”

Corn trials were just the beginning for the tech-savvy Lotts. Their herd is fitted with pedometers which assist with breeding cycle and illness detection. An automated post-milking footbath automatically dumps and refills after every 100 cows, and an electronic sort gate on the parlor exit helps separate cows based on production.

On the grain side of the business, a feed tracking system on the family’s TMR mixer automatically syncs with cow numbers in each pen. “It tells us what we need to feed and

what we did feed. It makes us all more conscientious of what we’re doing and helps our nutritionist make effective management decisions,” Josh explains.

“We also received our FARM certification in the spring of 2010 so we could show our neighbors we’re kind to our animals,” he adds.

And this is just the beginning. The family is currently looking into installing a methane digester and other experimental technologies that would require outside investors. Lesley elaborates, “From an outside

Continued from page 17


point of view, they [the Lotts] are extremely progressive and forward thinking. They try to adopt new technologies early to lessen their impact on the environment while maximizing cow comfort and production.”

It’s Good to Get Out While managing the family business is enough to keep everyone tied up on the farm, Josh and Lesley stress the importance of community involvement. “I love working on the farm, but you’ve got to know what’s going on in the industry,” Josh compels producers. “You’re not going to see things change if you never leave the farm.”

Josh serves as the Ingham County Local president and previously served as vice president. He’s been a member of the Resolutions Committee and state delegate as well as an active member of the Mason FFA Alumni.

An “import” to the dairy farm lifestyle, Lesley emphasizes, “It’s so important to get out of your sphere and network! I never would have met Josh if I had stayed in my equine-based world.” Lesley was introduced to animal agriculture through 4-H and owns three horses, showing on the Class A Arabian Horse circuit.

As a graduate student, Lesley was involved in the Society of Nematologists as well as a member of the Entomological Society of America. She was a teaching assistant for six semesters and

presented to various audiences through MSU Extension.

“We’re involved because we like knowing what’s going on with the co-op. I wish more young people saw the value in participating in the OYDC program and other opportunities to get a better idea of what our investment in MMPA means,” Josh closes.

The Lotts represented District 4 at the OYDC Conference in August and will also represent MMPA at the National Milk Producers Federation Annual Meeting later this month.

Precision Reproductive Management

Photo by Jenny Thomas, Cybil Fisher Photography

™

Call 800.631.3510 or talk to yourlocal NorthStar representaive

to learn more!

Pregnancy Confirmation!“We have been using the Select Detect system on our heifers for about a year now and it just works. We are averaging about 85% heat detection on our heifers and now we call our pregnancy checks, pregnancy confirmation!”

~ Brian Houin, Homestead Dairy Plymouth, IN. 4,000 Heifers

northstarcooperative.com

Monitors cow activity around the clock so you don’t have to

Identifies a high percentage of cows in heat

Reduces the need for timed A.I., saving you time and money

Identifies non-cycling cows quickly

Backed by professionally trained, local service representatives

20 October 2012

Driving up US-127 and M-115 the scenery looks more like

a haven for summer-cottages and hunting cabins than a hub for Michigan agriculture. Passing crowded putt-putt golf courses and mom-and-pop ice cream shops, it is evident the majority of the population has no clue celebrities live right up the road. Well… nationally-acclaimed, dairy quality celebrities that is.

Duane and Laurie VanPolen have achieved dairy-superstar status, receiving three Hoard’s Dairyman National Dairy Quality Platinum Awards in the past four years. Two of them back-to-back in 2010 (60,000 average SCC) and 2011 (72,000 average SCC).

Impressive to say the least! But their story hasn’t always been so record-breaking.

From the Most Unlikely Places

Farm girl by marriage and the daughter of a gas and service station owner, Laurie VanPolen seemed like an unlikely candidate for farmhand of the year. Yet, a positive attitude, thirst for improvement and stubborn stick-to-itiveness propelled this improbable hero to nationwide quality sensation.

“When the herdsman quit 15 years ago, I volunteered! I thought, ‘I can do that,’ thinking it was a temporary thing... A decade and a half later, I’m still in charge of milking the cows,” Laurie grins. “I can’t tell you how many people told me, ‘You won’t last a week. You’re not a farm girl!’ But that made me want to prove them wrong even more.”

I think it’s fair to say Laurie got the last laugh.

There’s No Such Thing as Too Many Questions

When Laurie took over milking, the VanPolens’ SCC averaged between 150,000 and 200,000. Still considered high quality by most, Laurie wasn’t

satisfied. “I was thrown into milking right away so I didn’t really have time to ease into it and do my research. So I asked for tips from everyone I came into contact with – the cattle nutritionist, our vet, the DHIA milk tester. With their help, we made little tweaks here and there to improve every year. Those little changes have turned into awesome results,” she reflects.

She also attended a MMPA Milker Training School (MTS) just after taking over the herdsman duties. Laurie says her MTS experience made her more conscious of all the steps required to maximize cow comfort, production and quality. “Milker Training School gave me lots of great tips that were extremely useful as a new milker. It was also a great refresher for those who had been milking for years. It’s important to constantly search out tips for improvement and tweak them to fit your situation. Not everything works for every farm.”

Producing Quality has to be Intentional

“Being new to working on the farm, I learned quickly that anybody can milk a cow. But not just anyone can

produce quality milk,” relays Laurie. With 15 years of training, adjustments and advice, she believes that if you follow the right procedure consistently, quality management practices don’t take much more time. In fact, she thinks they save time by eliminating the need to separate as many mastitis cows for individualized care.

In Laurie’s mind, a commitment to milk quality requires time management skills, consistency, teamwork, patience, cleanliness, keen observation skills and a calm demeanor – all characteristics she has tried to instill in her family and milkers. “On a given day, I can tell who milked just by checking SCCs. It takes the right mix of skills and personality to achieve superior quality.”

The Moral of the Story

From humble beginnings, the Van Polen family’s milk quality went from good to stellar in just over 10 years. It didn’t take magic or even a new milking parlor. “When it comes down to it, quality milk is a direct result of a milker’s willingness to do things right day-in and day-out. If a gas station owner’s daughter can do it, so can you. It’s just a matter of investing the time

Not a Hail Mary Pass: Quality Milk Takes Deliberate Management

National Quality Winners Reveal their Secrets for Success


The Van Polens, (l-r) Mike, Beth, Duane and Laurie.


needed to gather the right tips and training, and committing to continuous improvement,” Laurie encourages. “It’s all about making quality milk a priority and realizing that just because you’ve always done things a certain way, doesn’t mean it’s the best way.”

To learn more and get some easy tips for increasing your milk quality, check out some of the VanPolens’ milk quality game changers on the next page.

It All Comes Back to Family

While farm life was new to Laurie when she married Duane 25 years ago, the family farm started back with Duane’s grandparents in 1942. The fourth generation to farm near Marion, Mich., Duane and Laurie’s children are still actively involved in the day-to-day operations and instrumental in their quality success.

Their oldest son – Mike, 25 – has taken over managing the family’s 600 acres of alfalfa, barley and corn. Kristin, 22, recently moved to Texas to work under a world-class horse trainer; prior to the move, she was the head herdswoman charged with animal health and care, barn cleaning, calf raising and some of the milking. Her husband Alex worked with Laurie as the primary milkers for the past four years. The family’s calf and young cattle care is headed by their youngest daughter, Beth, who is 18.

When asked what brought him back to the farm after graduation, Mike laughs, “I didn’t know any better! We grew up with a strong family work ethic and because we all work here together, we appreciate the lifestyle of a family business. We’ve grown into working together and have each started finding our niche on the farm and take pride in the responsibilities we manage.”

Laurie remarks, “Some people aren’t lucky enough to work with their kids. It’s a blessing.”

With two full-time and three part-time employees not to mention building a new milk parlor last year as well as on-going construction on a new freestall barn nearing completion this fall, Duane has been busy managing cattle care and the building projects. “We’re figuring

out that our facilities aren’t efficient for our expanding herd. If we can update our facilities and improve our quality management procedures, we can cut milking, treating and feeding time so people can spend more time in the areas we need it the most,” he adds.

Still in partnership with Duane and Laurie, Duane’s father, Ken, takes pride in operating a quality, family business. “A lot of people have to call professionals to fix problems. If a combine breaks down they call the

dealer. When things get busy, they call custom harvesters to harvest their crops. Not us. We do things ourselves and do things right,” he proudly confirms.

“When it comes down to it, sure, we get paid more for quality milk. But our family likes to know that the product we’re shipping to our neighbors is quality. I try not to be prideful, but we are proud of the quality milk we produce by working together as a family,” Laurie concludes.

Training and Setting Expectations for Hired Help

Consistency is emphasized on the VanPolen farm as Laurie ensures all employees follow the same procedure for every shift

and weekend. New milkers spend their first few shifts working with Alex and/or Laurie until they’re ready to carry out

the family’s procedure without supervision. By setting clear expectations and showing up for milker checks during random

shifts, employees are reminded that quality doesn’t just happen. “It has to be a habit,” she comments. Additionally, there is a

note posted in the milking parlor with the written milk procedure for all employees to consult.

Wiping Away the Sand, Pre-Stripping and Dipping

“Timing, cleaning and pre-stripping is critical – from the time you first touch her [a cow] to claw attachment to removal. If

you don’t get the timing and steps just right, your SCC will suffer,” Laurie warns. “We prep three cows at a time, then go

back to attach the claw, ensuring we allow an adequate amount of lag time for milk letdown.”

Scraping the Freestalls Twice a Day and Constantly Kicking Out Manure and Wet Sand

She elaborates, “Eliminating manure means getting rid of those bacteria before they have a chance to get on the cows’

udders. It’s a preventative way to stop mastitis before it even has a chance to start.”

Keeping an Eye Out for Sick Cows

“When you’re around cows as much as dairy farmers are, you can just tell when something is not right. Looking for swollen

udders or flaking while pre-stripping helps us catch sick cows before their milk ends up in the bulk tank. We also pay close

attention to our newly freshened cows that are most susceptible to new infection,” Laurie says. “We watch for cows with

droopy ears, sunken eyes, smells that may indicate infection and cows that are slow or refuse to get up out of the freestall for

milking.”

Washing Milkers and Parlor Equipment Continuously

Even though the VanPolens’ updated double-12 milking parlor has been in use for a year, it looks like a brand new system!

Employees are taught to constantly clean the equipment, floors and walls to keep bacteria as far away from the milk supply

as possible.

Transitioning from Paper to Cloth Towels

“We found that paper towels just weren’t getting the job done,” Laurie explains. After taking the advice of their cattle

nutritionist, the VanPolens found the texture of cloth towels more effectively grabs and holds solid particles. Not to mention

they have the increased ability to absorb more liquid, therefore successfully drying the udder.

Switching from Cement and Sawdust Bedding to Sand

On the VanPolen farm, it was easier to keep sand bedding dry and brush off at milking time than sawdust. Again, less

moisture means fewer bacteria which translate to reduced infections.

Drying Cloth Towels

“Our cattle nutritionist once told me, ‘Dry them and when you think they’re dry, dry them some more,” Laurie says.

“Bacteria thrive in wet, warm environments. So if you can kill their habitats, it’s more likely that you’ve killed all of them!”

VanPolens’ Milk Quality Game Changers

PC90H


MMPA Ag Wear

L500

K500

PC90H

8900

Please Note: All clothing will have an MMPA logo embroidered on it.

PC90H Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt9-ounce, 50/50 cotton/poly fleeceDyed-to-match drawcord (Ash and Athletic Heather have white drawcord)Adult Sizes: S-4XL Colors: White, Ash, Athletic Heather, Gold, Orange, Dark Chocolate Brown, Red, Cardinal, Maroon, Pale Pink, Purple, Royal, Navy, Safety Green, Kelly, Dark Green, Black. $27.008900 Summit JacketWindproof/water resistant heavyweight nylon shell lined with super heavyweight anti-pilling Panda Fleece. Also features contrasting color on front and back panel plus two front pockets with zippers and one inner right chest pocket with zipper. Elastic waist-band, Velcro cuff closure, and a hood concealed in the collar.Sizes: S-3XL (available in all colors)4XL – 6XL, LT – 6XLT (available in * colors)Colors: Yellow*, Black*, Imperial Blue*, Red*, Charcoal*, Maroon, Olive, Khaki*, Forest Green* Price: $59.00

K500 Silk Touch Sport ShirtAn enduring favorite, this comfortable classic sport shirt is anything but ordinary. Superior wrinkle and shrink resistance.5-ounce, 65/35 poly/cotton piqueFlat knit collar and cuffsMetal buttons with dyed-to-match plastic rimsDouble-needle armhole seams and hemSide ventsSizes: XS-6XL (available in all colors)Colors: White*, Light Pink, Tropical Pink, Hibiscus, Red*, Burgundy*, Maroon, Banana*, Gold, Texas Orange, Orange, Light Stone, Stone*, Coffee Bean, Light Blue*, Ultramarine Blue, Maui Blue, Mediterranean Blue, Royal*, Navy*, Purple, Eggplant, Lime, Mint Green, Kelly Green, Court Green, Clover Green, Dark Green*, Bark, Steel Gray, Cool Gray*, Black*.LT-4XLT (available in *colors)

Price: $18.50 L500 Ladies Silk Touch Sport ShirtSizes: XS-6XL (available in all colors) Price: $18.50

24 October 2012

JST73

L705

S608

JST73 Hooded Raglan JacketA hit on and off the field, these jackets are comfortable, stylish and quiet. These favorites have sporty hoods and raglan sleeves. They also offer an unrestrictive fit and lightweight weather protection.100% polyester shellJersey lining with mesh insets at gussets for added breathability, Side pockets, Articulated elbows for greater mobility, Half elastic, half self-fabric cuffs for comfortDrawcord hem with toggle, Drawcord hood with togglesSizes: XS-6XLColors: True Red, Maroon, Forest Green, True Royal, True Navy, Black Price: $31.00

J705 Textured Soft Shell JacketPerfect for everyday wear. Super soft and flexible, these jackets deliver pure comfort as well as water and wind protection. The raglan silhouette gives you optimum range of motion, while the angled zippered chest pocket adds visual appeal. 1000MM waterproof rating, 1000G/M2 breathability ratingStorm flap with chin guard, Ergonomic zipper pullsZippered chest pocket, Front zippered pocketsSpandex-trimmed cuffs, Open hem with drawcord and toggles for adjustabilitySizes: XS-4XL Colors: Black, Insignia Blue, Café Brown, Stone

Price: $56.00

L705 Ladies Textured Soft Shell JacketGently contoured silhouette, Princess seamsOpen hemLadies Sizes: XS-4XL Price: $56.00

S608 Easy Care ShirtsThese comfortable wash-and-wear shirts are indispen-sible for the workday. Wrinkle resistant. 4.5 ounce, 55/45 cotton/poly, Button down collar, Dyed-to-match buttons, Patch pocket, Box back pleatSizes: XS-6XL (available in all colors)Colors: White*, Light Pink, Tropical Pink, Hibiscus, Red*, Burgundy*, Yellow, Gold, Athletic Gold, Texas Orange, Light Stone*, Stone*, Coffee Bean, Light Blue*, Maui Blue, Ultramarine Blue, Mediterranean Blue*, Royal*, Navy*, Classic Navy, Purple, Eggplant, Court Green, Clover Green, Dark Green*, Steel Gray, Black*.LT-4XLT (available in *colors):

Price: $24.30

L608 Ladies Easy Care ShirtsSizes: XS-6XL (available in all colors) Price: $24.30

J705



J763

J355

J763H


J763H Duck Cloth Hooded Work JacketTough enough to do the job, this work jacket layers easily over shirts and jackets so it’s great for mild or harsh weather. 12-ounce, 100% cotton duck cloth, 6-ounce polyfill nylon lining for added warmth. Hood with dyed-to-match drawcord, Rib knit cuffs and waistbandFront hand warmer pocketsColors: Duck Brown, Navy, BlackSizes: XS-6XL Price: $63.00

J763 Duck Cloth Work JacketA workwear staple, this jacket has triple-needle stitching at the shoulders and armholes so it will last job after job.12-ounce, 100% cotton duck cloth, 6-ounce polyfill nylon lining for added warmth, Corduroy collar, Bi-swing backZippered chest pocket, Adjustable 2-snap sleeves, Front slash pocketsAdjustable button waist tabsColors: Black, Duck Brown, NavySizes: XS-6XL Price: $60.00

J355 Challenger VestThe new versatile Challenger vest has spandex-trimmed armholes and hem for long-wearing durability.Hidden zippered chest pocket, Double-needle stitching throughoutOpen hemColors: Goldenrod, True Red, True Royal, True Navy, True Hunter, Steel Gray, True Black.Sizes: XS-4XL Price: $41.00

K431 Cool Mesh Sport ShirtSoft, garment washed sports shirt with breathable mesh weave. 6.3-ounce, 100% ring spun combed cotton, double needed stitch-ing throughout, flat knit collar, 3-button placket with horn-tone buttons. Features tipping stripe trim. Adult sizes XS-6XL Colors: Red/Ivory/Khaki, Banana/Ivory/Navy, Blueberry/Ivory/Navy, Oxford Heather/Ivory/Black, White/Khaki/Navy, Royal/Khaki/Navy, Burgundy/Khaki/Navy, Stone Heather/Ivory/Black, Cypress/Navy/Khaki, Navy/Ivory/Khaki, Black/Ivory/Khaki. Price: $28.00 L431 Ladies Cool Mesh Sport ShirtV-neck Johnny collarSizes: XS-4XL Price: $28.00

L431K431

MMPA Ag Wear Order Form

Ship To:

Name:

Street Address:

City: State: Zip:

Phone:

Style/Code# Description Color Size Total Price Total Qty. Each Amount

Merchandise Subtotal6% Sales Tax

Add S&H ChargesTotal Order

Use size chart to determine your correct size. Specify the quantity by size. Size ChartS M L XL 2X 3X 4X34-36 38-40 42-44 46-48 50-52 54 56

Please read size chart carefully. Since garments are decorated, returns or exchanges will only be accepted with prior approval.

Ordering Information:Please complete all necessary information. Indicate sizes where re-quired. Costs can be deducted from producer’s milk check. Money orders and checks are also accepted. Do not mail cash. Orders must be sent to the Novi Office. Allow 3-4 weeks for delivery (all items shipped USPS).

Payment:Milk Check deduction:

Loc _____ Hlr.______ State #______

Please subtract this amount from my milk check.

Check or money order enclosed payable to MMPA.

No invoices will be issued.

(Signature)

(Date)

Please note: All clothing will have an MMPA logo embroidered on it.Ordered By:

Name:

Street Address:

City: State: Zip:

Phone:

Mail order to:MMPA ClothingP.O. Box 8002

Novi, MI 48376-8002or fax to:

(248) 426-3400

$8.00

Please add $2 for size 2XL and larger or any tall sizes.

Office Use Only

Order #

DS

DR


Learn more about the bacteria that cause mastitis and how to identify them through on-farm milk culture in this workshop at MSU on October 27.

MSU Extension and the College of Veterinary Medicine will

offer another workshop on Mastitis Bacteriology and Herd Decision-Making on Saturday, October 27, 2012, from 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. This workshop will teach participants about the various organisms responsible for mastitis in dairy herds and how to identify those organisms through on-farm milk culture. Participants will practice inoculating culture plates and learn various specific diagnostic techniques to determine the organism.

This workshop is intended for dairy producers, employees on dairy farms and professionals working with farmers. The class size is limited to the first 16 so that there is adequate opportunity in the lab to practice.

Participants will also be given unknown samples to determine using a diagnostic flow-chart and the information they determine from tests. In addition, for participants who chose, they will be mailed unknown samples several months after the workshop that they can plate out and report back their findings. Following that they will receive the official identities.

Whether or not participants choose to begin on-farm milk cultures, this class will be valuable in improving their knowledge of

mastitis prevention and treatment based on the organisms involved.

The cost of the workshop is $115 per participant. It is supported with grants from Pfizer Animal Health, Animart and Portacheck. A complete culture kit, including incubator, culture plates, instruction book and everything else needed, has been donated by Animart and will be given away to one participant.

To get a copy of the flier for the workshop, see the MSU Extension Dairy Team website at http://dairyteam.msu.edu, or contact Phil Durst at [email protected] or Dr. Ron Erskine at [email protected]

The registration fee includes parking on campus, a morning snack and lunch. Sign up today for this workshop on October 27.

Milk Culturing Class Scheduled

4Ways We Can Help Your Return On Investments

• Zym-O-Factors®

Enzymes to Increase Carbohydrate Digestion

• Key Dairy ProgramPersonalized Dairy Nutrition, Testing and Fortification

• Silo-King®

The Premier Forage and Grain Treatment Program

• Ru-MaxDirect Fed Probiotic to Aid in Fiber Digestion

517-819-7002800-435-9560

www.agriking.com

MMPA Ag Wear Order Form

28 October 2012

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

Ultimate P.D. Now Available Through the MMPA Merchandise Program

We are introducing a new teat dip to our lineup. Ultimate P.D. is a non-iodine pre dip

manufactured by Ecolab. It is highly concentrated and mixes at a ratio of 1:9. In other words, one gallon of concentrate mixed with 9 gallons of water will make 10 gallons of ready to use dip.

The germicidal formula in Ultimate P.D. is a unique combination of lactic acid and linear alkylate sulfonates which include sulfonated oleac acid and linear benzene solfonic acid. This formula is equally effective against infectious mastitis organisms and environmental types such as E. Coli. Ultimate P.D. also contains a 4% sorbital based emollient package. Its excellent detergent blend provides for quick and thorough udder prep.

Due to its low viscosity, it pumps readily at virtually any temperature. It is orange in color, will

not stain and can be applied as a spray or as a dip. Ultimate P.D. is available in both a 1.5 gallon container and a 55 gallon drum. The 1.5 gallon container mixes easily by simply pouring the container into a clean, empty 15 gallon drum and adding water. There is a mixing pump available for use with the larger 55 gallon drum container. If you are looking for a cost effective non iodine pre dip, Ultimate P.D. may be the answer.

Description Size Stock # Member Price:Ultimate P.D 1.5 gal 5921 $67.50 = $4.50/gal.

Ultimate P.D 55 gal 6072 $1677.50 = $3.05/gal.

REGISTERED HOLSTEIN BULLS

a special herd sire or a truck load of breeder bulls. ready to go to work on your farm!

GREEN MEADOW FARMS

• SIREDBYTHETOPSIRESFROM the u.s. and canada

• FROMOURTOPPRODUCTION cows.

www.greenmeadowfarms.com

6400 hollister rd.elsie, mi 48831

ph: 989-862-4291

over 100 service age bulls for your selection!


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 or

Stan Palmer5303 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

Kurt Fiene8356 C.R. 115

Kenton, OH 43326612-889-1063

Jeff TimmNW 8665 C.R. M

Shawano, WI 54166612-840-0555

P ayment for testing will be made through an automatic milk

check deduction. All costs are listed per individual sample.

• Scheduled Herd Tests $1

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

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

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

Members who choose to receive their lab test results via U.S. postal service: $2/month

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

• Mycoplasma Cultures $ 8

• Bacteriology Cultures $12 – Includes identification of bacteria

and drug susceptibility.

• Bovine Viral Diarrhea - PCR $40 - ELISA $ 6

• Johne’s Milk Test - PCR $40 - ELISA – cows $ 6 - ELISA – tank $10

• Bovine Leukosis Test - ELISA – cows $ 6 - ELISA – tank $10

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 - 400,000 00¢/cwt.• 401,000 - 500,000 -15¢/cwt.• 501,000 - 600,000 -30¢/cwt.• 601,000 - 750,000 -$1.00/cwt.• Over 750,000 -$1.50/cwt.

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

There will be a deduction of 10¢/cwt. for:• Greater than 100,000 Raw Bacteria Count

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

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

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

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

MMPA Quality Premium Program

MMPA Member Testing Fees

Chemical, Sanitizer & Teat Dip Contact

Information

30 October 2012

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

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

• After that, it will be withdrawn.

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

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

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

• Freeliners must be received by the 10th of the month preceding the desired month of publication. Example: to be included in the January issue, the freeliner must be at the MMPA office by December 10.

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.

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

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

R & W bull born 2/15/12. Sired by Lawn Boy P-Red. Dam Apple-Red. Grand Dam Marmax. 810-404-0468.

Breeding bulls, including Russell Super Sampler son from VG Bolton born 10/8/10 with 2000 GTPI. Several bulls ready for heifers and a 3/20/12 Red Polled bull around 2000 GTPI. Call Wardin Bros. at 989-642-3262.

Cows and Heifers

Bred heifers due September, October and November. 231-256-7127.

Holstein heifers, springers and short bred. 616-835-6776.

18 registered Holstein heifers, due now, bred 9/15 through 12/1. 989-635-2796 or 989-467-0215.

Equipment

Silage bagger, 8 ft. x 150 ft., $2,600. 419-758-3191.

NH #40 Forage Blower, small 1000 PTO one owner, excellent condition, $1,750 obo. Gehl Cross Conveyor tray part #045022, like new, $50. 810-404-0468.

Very good condition Lilliston bean combine, 6-row Lockwood bean windrower and 6-row speedy edible bean puller. $5,000 for all. Call 616-634-2958.

John Deere 4400 combine with 213 grain platform and 443 corn head. 989-615-6372.

Dairy Equipment

Single 10 parallel parlor with automatic takeoffs, pulsators, milker units. Complete with pipeline, washer, controls, minus vacuum pump, $7,500. Surge stainless steel 800 gal. bulk tank w/washer, compressor, Freon water cooler & storage tank, $4,000 obo. AO Smith gas water heater, $500. 989-871-3401.

Used 1500 gal. Zero Super Cooler milk tank. 231-347-9534, Petoskey, Mich.

Wanted

Pulsators Delaval Deltron 60/40. Call or text 616-799-5379.

Small herd of milking cows that can be bought on milk check assignment. 616-889-0769.

Used plate cooler. 517-543-2415.

FreelinersCall 1-800-572-5824 ext. 202 to place your ad

or email to: [email protected]

32 October 2012

Call 1-800-572-5824 ext. 224

Mail ads to: Classified Ads, Michigan Milk Messenger, PO BOX 8002, Novi, MI 48376-8002. Or email to [email protected]. 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.

Classified Ads ($20 per ad up to 6 lines)

OPPERMAN GROOVING: Diamond sawed grooves, no hammering or cracking of concrete. No hoof damage. Call Opperman Grooving Inc., Portland. 517-647-7381.______________________________________DAVIDSON CEMENT GROOVING, INC:NO water needed. Wider, rougher grooves for better traction. We also offer texturing for your previously grooved floors. 3 operators will travel Michigan and other states. No interest payment terms. Est. since 1987. Call 1-800-365-3361.______________________________________CONCRETE GROOVING By TRI-STATE SCABBlING, home of the 2” wide groove. Best traction, lowest prices. (800) 554-2288. www.tristatescabbling.com______________________________________CONCRETE GROOVING/FlOOR TExTURING: Bring existing grooves back to 100% efficiency/new construction. Blue Ribbon Hoof Trimming, LLC. 989-635-1494. ______________________________________

FOR SAlE: 5000-4000-3000-2500-2000-1500 OH MUEllER lATE MODEl BUlk TANk MIlk TANkS, complete, will trade. 1-800-558-0112.______________________________________WANTED TO BUy: USED BUlk MIlk TANkS, 200 gallons & larger, Sunset & Mueller, 1-800-558-0112.______________________________________HOOF TRIMMING: certified, experienced, w/ references. Craig Martin, 517-231-7790.

HOOF TRIMMING: SERVICING CENTRAl TO WEST MI. Dairyland Hoofcare Institute certified, references available upon request. Reaux-Dale Hoofcare, 616-862-6668.______________________________________CERTIFIED RED & WHITE wheat seed. Call for varieties and price. 989-723-1886 or 989-277-1414.______________________________________

FAll BARlEy SEED and June clover seed. 989-723-1886 or 989-277-1414.______________________________________

ClassifiedsCall 1-800-572-5824 ext. 202 or email to: [email protected]

1-800-248-8070

M-40 South

Hamilton, MI 49419

PTO and Automatic

Start Generators

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


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 Residue in Milk:

MMPA Policy on 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 St. Louis warehouse. The MMPA Member Representative will verify the switch has been installed. Reimbursement for the Swingline Safety Switch and the voluntary dump will then be made to the member.

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

MIlk SHIPPED – HIGH BACTERIA COUNT

If:

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

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

3. testing of the individual member samples on that load identifies the member or members having a bacteria count of 300,000 or more, then the member or members involved will be charged the value of one-half of one day’s production** and will be disqualified for raw and PI bacteria count premiums.

**For members using more than one bulk tank, the assessment will be based on the value of milk in the tank or tanks in violation of the MMPA quality policy.

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

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

HAUlER

A hauler whose entire load sample exceeds 300,000 per mL bacteria count will be charged the amount of an average shipment on that load if the individual member samples all are less than 100,000. A hauler will be responsible for all costs incurred by MMPA for loads rejected for temperature. Charges and assessments made under this program will be withheld from milk checks of members or haulers involved.

Policies

34 October 201234 October 2012

MARKET STATISTICSMideast Federal Order #33

(pounds)

Mideast Federal Order #33

COMPONENT PRICING INFORMATIONMideast Federal Order #33

NATIONAL TRENDS(million pounds)

This Month Year Ago % Change

Total Class 1 Sales 515,257,151 534,314,392 -3.57

Total Class 2 Sales 299,711,058 286,997,789 +4.43



Total Production 1,287,445,151 1,412,356,989 -8.84

Class 1 Utilization 40.0% 37.8%

Current Month

Total Producers 6,237

Average Daily Production per Farm 6,659

Average Protein Test 3.00%

Average Butterfat Test 3.55%

Average Other Solids Test 5.75%

Average SCC Count (MMPA) 197,000

Protein Price/lb. $3.1211

Butterfat Price/lb. $1.8339

Other Solids Price/lb. $0.3462

Class III Price @ 3.5% $ 17.73

Prod. Price Diff/cwt. (Mich. Mkt.) ($0.46)

Uniform Price @ 3.5% $ 17.27

SCC Adjustment/cwt./1000 $0.00088

2012 2011 % Change Production California 3,299 3,502 -5.8

Wisconsin 2,313 2,206 +4.9

Idaho 1,179 1,181 -0.2

New York 1,110 1,089 +1.9

Pennsylvania 869 884 -1.7

Texas 766 781 -1.9

Minnesota 753 733 +2.7

Michigan 748 710 +5.4

New Mexico 661 681 -2.9

Washington 523 541 -3.3

Ohio 437 425 +2.8

Indiana 304 292 +4.1

* Total U.S. 15,313 15,342 -0.2

* U.S. Y-T-D 126,159 122,652 +2.9

* For 23 states

Market ReportFor Milk Marketed in August 2012

Monthly Avg

Cheese /lb 1.7682

Butter /lb 1.6859

Nonfat Dry Milk /lb 1.2543

Dry Whey /lb 0.5352

NASS Survey Prices

34 October 2012


(pounds)











Current Month















Wisconsin 2,313 2,206 +4.9

Idaho 1,179 1,181 -0.2

New York 1,110 1,089 +1.9


Texas 766 781 -1.9


Michigan 748 710 +5.4

New Mexico 661 681 -2.9


Ohio 437 425 +2.8

Indiana 304 292 +4.1

* Total U.S. 15,313 15,342 -0.2

* U.S. Y-T-D 126,159 122,652 +2.9

* For 23 states


Monthly Avg

Cheese /lb 1.7682

Butter /lb 1.6859


Dry Whey /lb 0.5352

NASS Survey Prices


MMPA FIELD STAFF

NOVI (Headquarters)248-474-6672

800-572-5824General Manager

Clay Galarneau, ext. 200

Member Services Milk Sales/Dispatch Finance/Controller Dean Letter, ext. 213 Carl Rasch, ext. 244 Joseph M. Diglio, ext. 240Laboratory Supervisor Manufactured Product Sales Credit/Insurance Patti Huttula, ext. 219 Jim Dodson, ext. 229 Cheryl Schmandt, ext. 210Human Resources Member Relations/Public Affairs Data Processing Cindy Tilden, ext. 220 Sheila Burkhardt, ext. 208 Gregory Schulkey, ext. 237 Member Communications Laura Moser ext. 296 Alex Schnabelrauch ext. 211

MANUFACTURING PLANTS Constantine Ovid 269-435-2835 989-834-2221 Plant Manager Plant Manager/Plant Operations Dave Davis David Wittkop

Novi: 800-572-5824 (in MI) 800-233-2405 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. Mon-FriOvid: 989-834-2515 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. DailyConstantine: 800-391-7560 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. Daily

MMPA LAbs

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

NORTH AREA

Supervisor: Gerry Volz St.LouisOffice ...................989-289-9219

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

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

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

Kendra Kissane ............................................ Hudsonville mobile 269-245-6632

Katie Pierson ................................................ Coleman mobile 989-289-9686

Kristin Rawlings........................................... Cass City mobile 231-414-4539

Gerry Volz ..............................989-848-5996 Fairview mobile 989-289-9219

MMPA Staff

SOUTH AREA

Supervisor: Lyndsay Stakenas ColdwaterOffice ................231-519-2455

Krista Beeker ................................................ Howe, IN mobile 269-986-6792

David Brady ...........................517-522-5965 Grass Lake............ mobile 517-937-9061

Andrew Rupprecht ...................................... Clio ........................ mobile 269-986-6793

Lyndsay Stakenas ......................................... Coldwater ............. mobile 231-519-2455

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

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

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

MASTITIS MANAGEMENT

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

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

Christy Dinsmoore ....................................... Fairgrove .............. mobile 989-528-9102

Other Services:

Gary Best ...............................810-664-4984 Lapeer ................... mobile 586-484-9279 Bulk tank calibration

Michael Marvin .....................989-670-4864 Marlette energy auditor

34 October 2012


(pounds)











Current Month















Wisconsin 2,313 2,206 +4.9

Idaho 1,179 1,181 -0.2

New York 1,110 1,089 +1.9


Texas 766 781 -1.9


Michigan 748 710 +5.4

New Mexico 661 681 -2.9


Ohio 437 425 +2.8

Indiana 304 292 +4.1

* Total U.S. 15,313 15,342 -0.2

* U.S. Y-T-D 126,159 122,652 +2.9

* For 23 states


Monthly Avg

Cheese /lb 1.7682

Butter /lb 1.6859


Dry Whey /lb 0.5352

NASS Survey Prices

Grand Champion Cheese Cowslip Creamery

2 June 2012 Michigan Milk Messenger 3

Michigan Milk Messenger: October 2012

Documents

Transcript of Michigan Milk Messenger: October 2012