michigan milk messenger: november 2014
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www.mimilk.comVol. 97 Issue 5
NoVeMBeR 2014
Thanksgiving Gratitude • Amish Dairy SpotlightInside
MessengerMichigan Milk
The official publication of Michigan Milk Producers Association
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EDITOR’S LETTER
4 MMPA MattersNot Another Farm Bill Column
6 Quality WatchFarm Program Updates
8 News & Views
10 Legislative Watch
FEATURES
12 An Attitude of Gratitude
14 Hogs to Heifers to Herd
2014 MMPA District 4 OYDC Bob & Kris Baker
16 National 4-H Dairy Conference
Michigan 4-H’ers travel to Madison, Wis.
18 Harnessing REAL Horsepower
14
12
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)
“I’m thankful for our cows.”Kaylin Choate, 4,Choate’s Belly Acres in Cement City
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22 Michigan Dairy Ambassadors
2015 Program News
24 Farmer by Birth, Dairyman by Choice
2014 MMPA District 6 OYDC Patrick & Andrea Fedewa
26 World Dairy Expo Michigan 4-H Judging Team Takes Top Honors
28 Boosting Your Balance Sheet
Calf Care Schools 18
28
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
Departments32 Merchandise
33 Quality Premiums
34 Freeliners
36 Classifieds
37 Policies
38 Market Report
39 Staff
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.
Cows graze on an Amish
MMPA member’s dairy
farm in northern Indiana.
Learn more about how
MMPA’s Amish members
produce high quality milk
without electricity
on page 18.
Cover
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byKen Nobis President
MMPA MATTERS
This feels very strange. It is time to write the November column for the Messenger and,unlike the past two Novembers, I can no longer lament the lack of effort from Congress to take up the farm bill. Congress finally took care of business, and in so doing they left me with an opening for a different November column.
However, one point remains to be made before I leave the farm bill. Make sure you sign up for the Margin Protection Program (MPP) ahead of the November 28 deadline. otherwise, the ship will sail without you, leaving you on the shore without a reasonably priced safety net for 2015.
I know prices still look pretty decent for 2015; however, with all of the political uncertainty around the globe, I don’t think passing up this opportunity is a risk worth taking. You will be able to sign up for 2016 next year, but when the cost of protection is so reasonable right now, why take chances?
Well that’s enough about the farm bill and its MPP. Turning to other current topics, almost everything in the dairy world is moving along reasonably well. In spite of a
cold, wet spring and a very cool summer, our crops are turning out to be relatively good, even though it has been a challenge to get them harvested. Feed analysis indicates decent quality, although you never really know about quality until the cows give us their opinion in the bulk tank. Hopefully everyone ends the year with adequate quantities of good quality feed.
sticking with current weather-related topics affecting producers, the lake erie algae bloom that occurred this past summer comes to mind. Agriculture is receiving a lion’s share of the blame for the algae bloom that prevented 400,000 people in the Toledo, ohio region from consuming tap water. Agriculture – and in particular animal agriculture – is blamed because the algae growth is spurred by phosphorous, the claim being phosphorous enters the lake via runoff from farm fields (especially those where manure has been spread) during large rain events.
other accepted contributors to the bloom include invasive species like zebra mussels and quagga mussels that allow sunlight to reach greater depths in shallow lakes like lake erie, poorly performing septic systems, inadequate municipal waste treatment facilities and, of course, climate change.
We at MMPA are involved in this issue because it could have far-reaching effects on all producers
Not Another Farm Bill Column
in our membership area. shutting down the drinking water source for 400,000 people is serious and gets far more attention than the occasional beach closing. We are concerned our role will be overstated.
While agriculture probably does play a role in phosphorous runoff, we have changed our practices dramatically over the last couple of decades. Dairy farmers have reduced the amount of phosphorous in our rations by more than 20 percent because research has shown we could still achieve high milk production with no decline in animal health. We have reduced the amount of fertilizer we use to produce a bushel of corn or a ton of corn silage. We have changed our tillage practices over time, using conservation tillage practices versus the moldboard plow of years ago.
The major concern for agriculture is that a holistic approach be taken to reduce phosphorous in our bodies of water. We have made great strides in protecting water quality, and I’m sure there are water-preserving advances that have not yet been discovered. let’s just be practical in our approach to better water quality and make sure the steps we are taking do indeed lead to better water quality.
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QUALITY WATCh
With a growing number of people in today’s world being removed from farm life, consumers want to be reassured they are purchasing their food from producers who provide quality care for their livestock.
The goal of the National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program is to provide a uniform set of animal care practices and quality assurance on dairy farms across the united states. There are currently 12,000 farms across the country enrolled in FARM, representing approximately 75 percent of the u.s. milk volume.
over the past four years, MMPA members have partnered with their member representatives to voluntarily enroll in the National Dairy FARM Program. Current member participation has reached 86 percent of the MMPA milk supply and continues to grow.
This is a great milestone for our cooperative, and the member services team continues to be dedicated to the goal of enrolling all of our members. enrollment in the National Dairy FARM Program allows the co-op to continue to market members’ milk to the best of our ability by addressing customer concerns about this important issue in a responsible way.
In order to assure credibility of the National Dairy FARM Program, participants need to agree to third-party verification. Third-party verification involves completing the National Dairy FARM Program
Farm ProgramUpdates
with a national verifier in order to ensure the information gathered by your member representative was accurate and the initial farm visit was conducted properly. For 2014, a number of member farms were selected for the third-party verification and those will be conducted later this fall.
So what’s new with the program?
The National Dairy FARM Program was developed by industry stakeholders, and every three years the program is reviewed to ensure it continues to meet the needs of both participating farmers and dairy consumers. During the review process, changes or additions are made to the program based on feedback from industry stakeholders, including members of the MMPA team. A draft of the program is then released to stakeholders and there is an additional time period for comments and or changes before a final draft is completed.
The most recent review was completed a year ago. As a result, some changes were incorporated into the National Dairy FARM Program, one of which is the addition of an action plan. Those producers who have newly enrolled or re-enrolled in the last year have received a list of recommendations or an “action plan” the farm is encouraged to implement to align themselves with the animal care practices encouraged by the National Dairy FARM Program.
If you have questions or would like help finding resources to assist youin completing your action plan, contact your herd veterinarian or MMPA member representative.
National Dairy FARM Program Becomes Mandatory
The National Milk Producers Federation oversees the National Dairy FARM Program. At its annual meeting on october 27, the NMPF board of directors voted to require all member farms to enroll in the animal care program. The increasing requests of animal care assurance from processors, dairy buyers and consumers prompted the NMPF board to act.
There will be an implementation period for producers to enroll in the program. Members are strongly encouraged to contact their member representative to schedule their FARM evaluation as soon as possible.
Typically, the evaluation takes about three hours to complete.
At the conclusion of the evaluation, the member representative will review their observations indicating where the farm’s animal care program compares favorably with national guidelines and where there may be room for improvement. Based on these observations, an animal care action plan will be developed to address where animal care may be improved.
___________
Please contact your member representative to schedule your National Dairy FARM evaluation, today.
byLindsay Green Member Representative
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NEWS & vIEWS
MDARD Director: 95% of Michigan Counties are now Bovine TB Free
Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Director Jamie Clover Adams signed the Michigan Bovine TB Zoning Rule on oct. 13, 2014 giving Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, emmet, otsego and Presque Isle counties Bovine TB-Free status. They now are part of 79 counties with TB test-free movement in Michigan.
“We congratulate our producers all over Michigan for their tireless contributions to the disease eradication effort,” Clover Adams said. “But the fight isn’t over yet, and we won’t be satisfied until we have eradicated this disease from the remaining four Michigan counties: Alcona, Alpena, oscoda and Montmorency.”
Michigan has been diligently conducting surveillance testing for bovine TB since it was found in a wild free-ranging deer in 1994. Bovine TB is an infectious disease that is caused by bacteria. It primarily affects cattle; however, other animals may become infected. Bovine TB can be transmitted between wildlife populations and livestock.
“Bovine TB is not welcome in Michigan, and we will do everything in our power to help producers mitigate the risk of it impacting their lives and their livelihoods,” Clover Adams said. “The one thing we have learned through all of this is the importance of animal traceability.”
“looking forward, we will make sure all Michigan cattle bear ‘840’ ear tags connecting cattle to their farm of origin. The tag is an efficient way to track disease and stomp it out before it spreads,” Clover Adams said.
MDARD and usDA took public comment for 30 days regarding Michigan’s zones and the federal interim rule that grants TB-Free status to the same counties.
MSU Department of Animal Science Seeks Nominations for Dairy Farmer of the Year Award
Nominations for the 2015 Michigan state university (Msu) Dairy Farmer of the Year Award are currently being accepted by the Msu Department of Animal science.
Award nominees may be individuals, partnerships or multi-generation family partnerships. A team made up of faculty members and extension educators selects the winner on the basis of commitment and contributions to the dairy industry. The 2015 award will be presented at the Michigan Dairy Industry Awards Banquet on Feb. 6 at the Great lakes Regional Dairy Conference in Frankenmuth. The winner’s portrait will be added to the display featuring previous winners at the Msu Pavilion for Agriculture and livestock education.
Nomination forms for the MSU Dairy Farmer of the Year Award can be downloaded at the MSU Animal Science awards site. The deadline to submit nominations is November 15, 2014.
Class III Continues to Climb
The usDA announced the Class III base price for september is $24.60/cwt., up $2.35 from August, and $6.46 more than september 2013. The Class IV price is $22.58, down $1.31 from August, but $3.15 more than september 2013.
Michigan Cattle Must be Tagged with 840-Series RFID Tags Starting March 2015
According to the Michigan Department of Agriculture, Federal Animal Disease Traceability rules state only tags beginning with 840 shall be considered “official” when applied to cattle on or after March 11, 2015.
Cattle tagged with 900 series tags prior to March 11, 2015 will be considered officially identified for the life of the animal and those tags should not be removed.
since 2007, Michigan’s Bovine Tuberculosis (TB) Zoning order requires all cattle leaving a Michigan premise be tagged with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags. This applies to all cattle leaving a Michigan farm, regardless of their destination, and includes cattle moving to slaughter and cattle moving out of state.
To accommodate Michigan’s cattle industry in Bovine TB-Free areas, it is permissible to have cattle, born in TB-Free counties, tagged upon arrival at approved Michigan livestock markets. These approved markets must have a tagging agreement with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Upcoming DatesNovember 24leaders’ Conference
December local Meetings Begin
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MMPA Advisory CommitteeDistrict OneCarlton evans, litchfield ............................. 517-398-0629Perry Cisco, Hudson ........................................ 517-547-3231Glenn Preston, Quincy ................................... 517-639-4182Art Riske, Hanover ........................................... 517-524-6015
District TwoDonald Bever, Delton ..................................... 269-671-5050Michael oesch, Middlebury, IN ................... 574-825-2454 Danny Ransler, Gobles ................................... 269-628-4218Richard Thomas, Middlebury, IN ................. 574-825-5198
District ThreeJim Good, Caledonia ....................................... 616-891-1414Burke larson, scottville ................................. 231-425-8988David Pyle, Zeeland ....................................... 616-772-1512Bill stakenas, Freesoil ..................................... 231-757-9340
District FourMarvin Rubingh, ellsworth .............................231-588-6084 Dave Folkersma, Rudyard .............................. 906-478-3023Corby Werth, Alpena....................................... 989-379-3772Jeremy Werth, Alpena .................................... 989-464-4022
District FiveBruce Benthem, McBain ................................. 231-825-8182Tom Jeppesen, stanton.................................. 989-762-5399Bill Jernstadt, Big Rapids ............................... 231-796-4650 Mike Rasmussen, edmore .............................. 989-762-5380
Producers Scoring 95% or more on Grade A Surveys and Federal Check RatingsSeptember/October 2014sharrard Farms llC Bender’s Dairy Farm llC shell Farms Inc Brown Brothers Radloff Dairy llC*Parr Dairy Farm llC*Genevieve/Roger/Wayne Burgess siegler Dairy Farm llC William Mazure David/James Heberling Fisk Farms Nugentdale Farms llC Vincent Myers steven Roth D & J Dairy llC Jeff / larry Nielsen lew-Max Holstein llC*Powell Farms Kenneth Kosten Gary / Cory Nielsen Franklin Bowman Double-B Dairy*Ammon Martin ephraim /esther Martin**100 percent
Tell Us Your MMPA Dairy Story…With MMPA’s 100-year anniversary just around the corner, we’re looking for MMPA dairy stories to share in the Messenger and other special publications. And we need your help!
Think about what unique, time-honored stories you have to share:• Why did you, your parents or grandparents join MMPA? • What does being part of the cooperative mean to you? • What programs have you benefited most from? • How has the cooperative changed over the years? • When have you benefited from MMPA membership firsthand?
Send your name, farm name, producer number, phone number and story to: MMPA Member Relations, P.o. Box 8002, Novi, MI 48376
Or drop us an email: [email protected]
Sign-up for the Margin Protection Program Today!
sign-up for the dairy Margin Protection Program is now open at county Farm service Agency offices and will continue through November 28. During that period, farmers can obtain coverage for the final four months of 2014, as well as for calendar year 2015.
An online tool to help farmers determine their coverage level and percentage can be found at www.diarymarkets.org/MMP/. Additional information about the program and an alternate decision-making tool is available from the National Milk Producers Federation at www.futurefordairy.com.
District SixAaron Gasper, lowell ...................................... 616-897-2747 Jamie Meyer, Ionia ........................................... 989-587-6732David Reed, owosso ....................................... 989-723-8635 Kris Wardin, st Johns....................................... 989-640-9420
District SevenJohn Bennett, Prescott ................................... 989-345-4264eric Bergdolt, Vassar ....................................... 989-652-6500Rod Fowler, Chesaning ................................... 989-845-6131scott Kleinhardt, Clare ................................... 989-386-8037
District EightMike Bender, Croswell ................................... 810-679-4782Tim Kubacki, sebewaing................................ 989-883-3249Dale Phillips, Marlette .................................... 989-635-7917steve schulte, Harbor Beach ........................ 989-479-9339
At-LargeBill Blumerich, Berlin ...................................... 810-395-2926Pat Bolday, emmett ........................................ 810-395-7139 Mark Crandall, Battle Creek .......................... 269-660-2229James Droscha, Charlotte .............................. 517-543-5577scott lamb, Jeddo .......................................... 810-327-6135 David lott, Mason .......................................... 517-676-4593Chuck White, Fowlerville ............................... 517-521-3564Tom Wing, Bellevue ......................................... 269-660-0498
MMPA Endorses Candidates for General Election
State SenateDistrict
1 Coleman Young ( D-Detroit)
2 Bert Johnson (D-Highland Park)
4 Virgil smith (D-Detroit)
6 Hoon-Yung Hopgood (D-Taylor)
7 Dian slavens (D-Canton)
8 Jack Brandenburg (R-Harrison Twp)
14 David Robertson (R-Grand Blanc)
15 Mike Kowall (R-White lake)
16 Mike shirkey (R-Clarklake)
17 Dale Zorn (R-Ida)
19 Mike Nofs (R-Battle Creek)
20 Margaret o’Brien (R-Portage)
21 John Proos (R-st. Joseph)
22 Joe Hune (R-Hamburg)
23 Curtis Hertel (D-east lansing)
24 Rick Jones (R-Grand ledge
26 Tonya schuitmaker (R-lawton)
27 Jim Ananich (D-Flint)
28 Peter MacGregor (R-Rockford)
29 Dave Hildenbrand (R-Grand Rapids)
30 Arlan Meekhof (R-West olive)
31 Mike Green (R-Mayville)
33 Judy emmons (R-sheridan)
34 Geoff Hansen (R-Hart
35 Darwin Booher (R-evart)
36 Jim stamas (R-Midland)
37 Wayne schmidt (R-Traverse City)
38 Tom Casperson (R-escanaba)
The Michigan Milk Producers Association Political Action
Committee (MMPAC) has announced the following
endorsements for the November 4, 2014 General Election.
The bipartisan, statewide organization selected candidates
based on input from members, questionnaires completed
by candidates and evaluation of the candidate’s general
knowledge and support of dairy agriculture industry issues.
State House ofRepresentativesDistrict
2 Alberta Tinsley Talabi (D-Detroit)
6 stephanie Chang (D-Detroit)
9 Harvey santana (D-Detroit)
10 Matthew Hauser (R-Redford)
12 Kelly Thompson (R-Romulus)
16 Robert Kosowski (D-Westland)
17 Bill lavoy (D-Monroe)
22 John Chirkun (D-Roseville)
24 Anthony Forlini (R-Harrison Twp)
26 Jim Townsend (D-Royal oak)
30 Jeff Farrington (R- utica)
31 Marilyn lane (D-Fraser)
32 Andrea laFontaine (R-Richmond)
33 Ken Goike (R- Macomb Twp)
36 Peter lucido (R-shelby Twp)
38 Kathy Crawford (R- Novi)
39 Klint Kesto (R-Walled lake)
40 Michael McCready (R-Birmingham)
43 Jim Tedder (R-Clarkston)
45 Michael Webber (R-Rochester Hills)
46 Bradford Jacobsen (R-oxford)
47 Henry Vaupel (R-Fowlerville)
48 Pam Faris (D-Clio)
49 Phil Phelps (D-Flushing)
50 Charles smiley (D- Burton)
51 Joseph Graves (R-linden)
57 Nancy Jenkins (R-Clayton)
59 Aaron Miller (R-sturgis)
60 Jon Hoadley ( D-Kalamazoo)
63 David Maturen (R-Portage)
64 earl Poleski (R-Jackson)
65 Brett Roberts (R-Charlotte)
66 Aric Nesbitt (R-lawton)
67 Tom Cochran (D-Mason)
68 Andy schor (D-lansing)
69 sam singh (D-east lansing)
GovernorRick snyder (R)
U.S. SenateGary Peters (D)
Attorney General Bill schuette (R)
U.S. House of RepresentativesDistrict
1 Dan Benishek (R-Crystal Falls)
4 John Moolenaa (R-Midland)
5 Daniel Kildee (D-Flint)
6 Fred upton (R-st. Joseph)
7 Tim Walberg (R-Jackson)
10 Candice Miller (R-shelby Twp)
14 Brenda lawrence (D-southfield)
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LEGISLATIvE WATCh
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70 Rick outman (R-six lakes)
72 Ken Yonker (R- Caledonia)
73 Chris Afendoulis (R-Grand Rapids)
74 Rob VerHeulen (R-Walker)
75 Brandon Dillon (D-Grand Rapids)
76 Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids)
77 Tom Hooker (R- Byron Center)
78 Dave Pagel (R-Berrien springs)
79 Al Pscholka (R- stevensville)
80 Cindy Gamrat (R-Plainwell)
81 Dan lauwers (R-Brockway)
83 Paul Muxlow (R-Brown City)
84 edward Canfield (R-sebawaing)
85 Ben Glardon (R- owosso)
86 lisa lyons ( R-Alto)
87 Mike Callton (R-Nashville)
88 Roger Victory (R-Hudsonville)
89 Amanda Price (R- Holland)
92 Marcia Hovey-Wright (D-Muskegon)
93 Tom leonard (R-lansing)
94 Tim Kelly (R-saginaw)
96 Charles Brunner (D-Bay City)
97 Joel Johnson (R-Clare)
99 Kevin Cotter (R-Mt. Pleasant)
100 Jon Bumstead (R-Newaygo)
101 Ray Franz (R-onekama)
102 Philip Potvin (R-Cadillac)
103 Bruce Rendon (R-lake City)
105 Triston Cole (R-Mancelona)
106 Peter Pettalia (R-Presque Isle)
108 ed McBroom (R-Vulcan)
110 scott Dianda (D-Calumet)
The IDEXX Milk Pregnancy Test is availableat NorthStar Cooperative.• Confirmpregnancyearlierwithnew 28 days postbreeding claim.
• Dependonaccuracythatissimilartopalpationandultrasound.†
• Workcloselywithyourveterinariantodevelopareproductive
management program.
Call 1-800-631-3510 today to add the IDEXX Milk Pregnancy Test
to your recording samples.*
*samples can be fresh, frozen or preserved.
†Performance of the IDeXX Milk Pregnancy Test was determined by comparing test results to those from ultrasound and palpation (n=1,315 cows). Rechecks were not included in performance calculations. see IDeXX Milk Pregnancy Test Validation Data Report for full test performance data.
1. Data on file at IDeXX laboratories, Inc. Westbrook, Me usA.
©2014 INDEXX Laboratories, Inc. All rights reserved. • 105801-00
IDeXX and Test With Confidence are trademarks or registered trademarks of IDeXX laboratories, Inc. or its affiliates in the united states and/or other countries. The IDeXX Privacy Policy is available at idexx.com.
www.northstarcooperative.com
Instilling an Attitudeof Gratitude
12
Farmers know from experience the happiest
of people don’t necessarily have the best
of everything; they just make the most of
everything they have.
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we asked farm
kids and grandkids to answer the question,
“What are you thankful for?” We hope their responses bring a smile to
your face and a sense of gratitude to your
heart this holiday season.
“Tractors.”Will Dellar, 4,
Nu-Dream Dairy in Harrisville
“Tractors.”Will Dellar, 4,
Nu-Dream Dairy in Harrisville
“My friends.”Matthew Dellar, 7,
Nu-Dream Dairy in Harrisville
“God.”Victoria Dellar, 5,
Nu-Dream Dairy in Harrisville
“School and the opportunity to learn.”
Kiersten Dellar, 8,Nu-Dream Dairy in Harrisville
“Church, the Turkey Trot race, Halloweenand summerbecause I love them.” Max Wardin, 3, Evergreen Dairyin St. Johns
“Life. Not Life the cereal, but my life.” Ty Wardin, 7, Evergreen Dairyin St. Johns
“My ponies.”Emily Ponstein, 4,Ponstein Farms in Zeeland
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Instilling an Attitudeof Gratitude
13
“My mom and dad because they give us breakfast and feed us dinner.” Cole Wardin, 7, Evergreen Dairy in St. Johns
“Kitties.”Paisley Ponstein, 2, Ponstein Farms in Zeeland
“Food, water, air, shelter and light.”Gracie Rasmussen, 11, Hill Haven Farms in Edmore
“My grandpa, Steve.”
Aubrey Schulte, 3, S&M Dairy in Harbor Beach
“Mario (my dog), daddy and momma.”Jacob Taylor, 6,Cedar Grove Farm in Hersey
“My bike, my toy barn, animals and equipment, peaches and mac and cheese, that I have clothes and a house, a bed and pajamas and for going on papa’s tractor rides.”Will Smith, 5,Cedar Grove Farmin Hersey
“My calf named Queen Elsa, rainbows, stars, my bike, breakfast tacos, mashed potatoes, a strong house, holidays and seasons, Jesus and God and I’m thankful for me.”Alison Smith, 7,Cedar Grove Farm in Hersey
“My bunny,Clover.”Sofia Berens, 3, Heritage Farmsin Dorr
“Mickey Mouse, my calf I took to the fair named Waterfall, and deer.”Emmett Carmichael, 2,Cedar Grove Farmin Hersey
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When 17 heifers showed up at Bob and Kris Baker’s recently purchased Hastings farmstead in the fall of 2009, the plan was to sell them as springers. Bob, a master plumber with nine years of experience, assured his wife, Kris, the arrangement was temporary. And, to be fair, that was the original plan.
“But I knew Bob was going to find a way to convert the hog farm we’d just bought into a dairy, one way or another. When he spent multiple weekends out in the farrowing barn taking measurements and making plans for renovations, I saw the writing on the walls,” Kris says with a grin.
As predicted, those walls eventually housed a parlor. Those heifers turned into cows. And B&K Farms llC was born.
Defying the Odds
The Bakers knew from the start the dairy odds weren’t exactly in their favor. As they unloaded their heifers, the number of new farms nationwide was plummeting by a fifth, dairy taking the lion’s share of the hit. And who can forget the tumultuous dairy markets of 2009 and 2010.
“There was more than one person who said it couldn’t be done. lots of people told me there’s no way to start a dairy from scratch,” Bob recalls.
But the naysayers didn’t account for one thing: the Bakers’ tenacity.
While the couple had never owned a dairy, Bob helped and learned from aneighboring dairy farm as a child. He also worked on his stepfather’s crop farm and spent a year as assistant herdsman after studying dairy in college. Kris, a third generation crop farmer, was no stranger to agriculture and knew what it took to run a successful business. What others saw as impossible, the Bakers took on as a challenge.
“The support of our families mixed with our drive, patience and passion made it happen,” Bob smiles. “Thanks to the equity we’d built in the crop side of our business and hours of sweat and research, we found a way to break into the dairy business and build a successful operation.”
Extreme Makeover: Dairy Edition
But beating the odds came with its fair share of elbow grease. Before the Bakers’ original 17 heifers calved, Bob broke up concrete in the farm’s farrowing barn, dug a pit for the parlor, repoured floors and moved used parlor equipment (purchased from Bob’s childhood neighbor) into the newly-dug parlor.
Renovations continued as Bob put his experience in the trades to work, over-hauling the hip roof barn, replacing the hay mow with trusses, installing freestalls and headlocks and pouring concrete for a feed wall and alley. With the help of friends and family, most renovations were completed without outside labor.
“There’s no better way to learn or appreciate a business than putting your time and money on the line to make it happen. There’s no replacement for hands-on experience being the lone decision maker, determining the success or failure of your operation solo,” Bob affirms.
Today, the Bakers’ hard work and dedication have come to fruition. Their herd has grown to 50 head, and barns have been further retrofitted to enhance cow comfort.
Hogs to Heifers to Herd – A Startup Dairy Story2014 MMPA District 4 OYDC Bob and Kris Baker
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With only one part-time employee, most of the day-to-day management of the dairy rests on Bob’s shoulders. luckily, he has a little help.
“My daughter, Karlee, is my right-hand woman. she may only be 8, but she isn’t afraid to question my decisions and ask why we do things a certain way. she loves being outside with the cows and constantly keeps watch on the close-up cows and heifers through the barn’s live feed we have streaming in the house,” Bob says proudly.
More Than Dairy
Managing a relatively small herd, the Bakers don’t just rely on their startup dairy to make ends meet.
“our strategy is diversification. There’s too much volatility in the marketplace today to have all our eggs in one basket. If you’re in the right market at the right time, you’re making money. But the right market today might not be the right market tomorrow. so we’ve opted to spread out our risk amongst a variety of enterprises,” Bob explains.
Income sources are varied and include dairy, crops, custom straw harvesting, beef and hay. The Bakers believe they get the best of both worlds, enjoying the stability of monthly milk checks as well as the chance for added value on the commodity markets.
“We were able to start the dairy because we were involved in other sectors of agriculture and able to spread our risk amongst different parts of the operation. since we’re first generation dairymen, we’re more willing to take risks and not as afraid of failure. It’s all about finding creative ways to add value to your on-farm balance sheet, and I see that as my challenge day-in and day-out,” Bob affirms.
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Bob and Kris BakerDistrict 4 OYDC | Barry-Eaton Local
Children: Kaitlyn (10), Karlee (8) and Kelsey (3)
Herd Size: 50 milking, 6 dry
Replacements: 58
Crops Grown: Alfalfa, corn, grass, soybeans and wheat
Milking Regiment: Two-a-day milking in a double-5 herringbone parlor (transitioning to 3x milking)
Sustainable Practices: Grid sample acreage, variable rate fertilizer application, sod waterways to prevent erosion
Breeding Program: AI
Education: Bob and Kris graduated from lakewood High school in 1998. Bob earned a two-year certificate from the Michigan state university Dairy Herd Management program in 2000.
Ag, Dairy and Community Involvement: Bob and Kris have hosted 4-H farm tours at their Hastings-based dairy and have volunteered at the Barry County Fair’s little Red Barn selling dairy products. Bob was also an MMPA state Annual Meeting Delegate in 2014.
Bob and Kris Baker started their 50-head dairy with 17 heifers back in 2009. With only one part-time employee, Bob (pictured at left) is involved in all aspects of daily farm management, from parlor to calf care.
Michigan 4-h’ers Travel to Madison for National 4-h Dairy Conference
Five delegates – Jacob Arens of Portland, lance Frahm of Frankenmuth, lauren Heberling of Carsonville, Madeline Meyer of Ionia and Cassidy Polzin of saline – earned their sponsored trip to the conference through participation and interviews following the MMPA 4-H Milk Marketing Tour in June. Madeline Meyer was also selected as one of two youth delegates asked to return and serve on the planning committee for the 2015 conference.
A 2013 MMPA-sponsored attendee, Courtney Heisler of springport, was also in attendance and served on the 2014 planning committee. Another 4-H’er, Josh Hengesbach of Portland, joined the MMPA delegation to attend the conference.
Throughout the four-day conference, 4-H members were exposed to newdairy science technology and dairy-related careers. A combination of workshops, speakers, field trips and networking with other dairy-oriented youth helped delegates strengthen their futures in the dairy industry.
“Thank you to MMPA for taking me to the National 4-H Dairy Conference in Madison.The experience opened my eyes to a lot of different jobs in the dairy industry,” Jacob Arens says.
“I met many new people at the National 4-H Dairy Conference and stepped out of my comfort zone. My favorite part was World Dairy expo; seeing all the gorgeous cows blew my mind! But really this whole trip opened my mind to the dairy industry and made me realize the way we do it in Michigan isn’t the way they do it everywhere,” lauren Heberling comments.
Delegates toured an assortment of dairy farms and related agribusinesses during the conference, including: ABs Global, Crave Bros. Farm and Homestead Cheese llC, Hoard’s Dairyman, Hoard’s Dairyman Farm, Chason Acres, Nasco International, National Dairy shrine Museum and World Dairy expo. The tour presentations and accompanying question and answer sessions helped delegates understand the breadth of career opportunities in dairy.
_________
For more information on the National 4-H Dairy Conference and other Dairy Youth Programs, contact Michigan State University Dairy Youth Educator Melissa Elischer at [email protected] or 517-432-4306.
seven Michigan 4-H’ers traveled to Madison, Wis. to participate in the 60th annual National
4-H Dairy Conference sept. 28 - oct. 1, 2014 thanks, in part, to MMPA’s support. In total, the educational program attracted approximately 200 youth and adult delegates from across the u.s. and Canada.
“We continue to sponsor five Michigan 4-Hers’ trip to the National 4-H Dairy Conference because we see the value in exposing our future dairy leaders to the global scope of today’s dairy industry. The conference gives the next generation of dairy farmers, researchers and agribusiness professionals the chance to get hands-on education and the opportunity to network with counterparts from across North America,” Ken Nobis, MMPA president, says. “The sooner we can get students interested in dairy, technology and global cooperation, the better.”
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Michigan’s delegates stand in front of the Hoard’s Dairyman Farm during the 60th National 4-H Dairy Conference. The 2014 participants, pictured above, included (left to right) Courtney Heisler, Cassidy Polzin, Jacob Arens, Lance Frahm, Josh Hengesbach, Lauren Heberling and Madeline Meyer.
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cows to pay for a tractor than for a team of horses,” a young Amish producer explains.
since only limited technology can be used to run the farm, manual record-keeping and attention to detail are essential to the Amish community. Monitoring cows’ feed intake, milk prior to attaching milking units and feed quality is slightly more time consuming; however, can be more rewarding.
“I know exactly what is going on in every aspect of the farm. I don’t need to check with other people or check a computer. simple is better for me,” a northern Indiana producer reports.
since Amish farms are typically smaller and expansion isn’t a priority, these farms focus on running a family business that utilizes what they have in the most sustainable way possible. A new Amish producer reflected about when he started up, saying, “I learned to not spare a dollar! Just spend what it takes for the convenience. saving a minute a day adds up at the end of the year. An unorganized setup will take the fun out of it quickly. You must enjoy what you do to make it work best.”
Harnessing REAL Horsepower, Producing Quality Milk By Krista Beeker, Member Representative
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Deceiving AppearancesThe Amish lifestyle may seem old fashioned to some, but it isn’t as out-of-date as one may think. Instead of using power from the electric company, Amish farmers use generators, engines and car batteries to power automatic takeoff milkers and bulk tank coolers along with other necessary equipment.
In the recent past, many farms in the Amish community have upgraded to using pipelines in their parlors, building freestall barns and instituting rotational grazing to maximize the land they have. Just like “english” (non-Amish) producers, the Amish realize land is a valuable commodity that is very sought after and are getting creative and more stainable to best use what they have available.
Horses are still used to do most of the fieldwork including hauling manure, planting, harvesting and making hay. “The benefit to horses is we can get in the fields earlier than with tractors because the equipment isn’t as heavy. There isn’t as big of an impact on the soil and we aren’t quite as tied up time-wise. You need more
With shows like Breaking Amish and Amish Mafia dominating cable channels
and media outlets, it’s easy to fall into the trap of seeing the Amish lifestyle and belief system through the lens of Hollywood. But, the more I’ve gotten to know and work with Amish dairy producers, the more I’ve realized they aren’t so different from our other members, committed to quality and continuous improvement.
As a member representative in northern Indiana, I get a front row seat, watching hardworking, top-notch quality, dedicated members of our co-op produce milk without conventional utilities. MMPA’s Amish producers share the same common goals and values as well as use the same tools and services as other MMPA members.
During the peak of harvest season, a few Amish producers took time out of their very busy schedules to open up their farms and lifestyles to me. It’s my honor to share their story and give our members a glimpse inside an Amish dairy.
one Amish producer comments, “MMPA Milker Training school was huge! My wife and I definitely improved the farm from utilizing what we learned. It should be a must for every farm at least once.”
Persistent Family FocusMilking cows is not just a job in the Amish community; it is a family affair. Not so different from our english members, the whole Amish family gets involved with running the farm, whether it is feeding calves, washing the equipment, assisting with planting and harvesting or milking the cows.
Without the distractions of TV or video games, helping with chores starts as soon as children can walk. Amish kids receive a high level of responsibility at a young age so they have the skill set needed to take over the family farm or start their own upon marriage if they so choose.
The Amish, like many of our dairy farmer members, use running a farm as a way to teach valuable skills such as responsibility, sustainability and a sense of accomplishment in a job well done.
Tight-Knit Community Within the Amish culture, there is a lost art: a sense of community in all aspects of life. When it is time to do fieldwork, neighbors help each other get it done. Dairy farmers group together in small groups to share the work load.
A young Amish producer explains, “Working together makes hard work and long days enjoyable. It is kind of an excuse to spend time with friends while getting things accomplished.”
It is common practice to put your neighbors first and help out when needed. Along with helping one another with farm work, many get together to discuss challenges and learn from each other. There are always ways to improve a dairy operation, and the Amish believe the fastest way to do so is to learn from others’ mistakes and successes.
Although I grew up in southwest Michigan around the Amish community, I learned quite a bit from chatting with the producers I interviewed for this story. I learned the true meaning of loving your neighbor above yourself and the tremendous work ethic engrained in all Amish.
But what stuck with me most is what one producer relayed. He said, “We are just like everyone else: just people. even if we do things the ‘harder’ way, we are still committed to selling quality milk.”
I couldn’t have said it better myself. 19
Using Their ToolboxAlthough computer-based tools such asDairyComp305 and PCDART cannot be integrated into management of an Amish dairy, they strive for excellent milk quality and healthy, happy cows. Many Amish farms use the expansive toolbox our co-op offers to achieve the top-notch quality MMPA is recongized for year-after-year.
The CMT paddle is a go-to diagnostic solution to quickly target high quarters in cows. A laGrange County Amish producer says, “CMT is my main tool for fighting somatic cells, even if I just suspect. It is worth the few extra seconds during milking to know the milk going into the tank has a low sCC. Clean, dry cows, attention to detail and following the MMPA recommended milking procedure are also keys to maintaining low sCC.”
Quite a few farms in the Amish community utilize the MMPA certified lab for herd culturing, attend Milker Training schools, write mastitis management plans with assistance from member representatives and have their equipment tested by a certified Milking system Performance Assurance Program specialist from the co-op.
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A northern Indiana Amish dairy farmer (pictured below) chops corn using a team of horses. Actively involved in farm chores
from a young age, an Amish boy (pictured on right) unhitches horses while his father completes the afternoon milking.
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Michigan Dairy Ambassador Program Gearing Up for 2015Applications Due Jan. 9 Michigan high school and college students interested in pursuing a career in the dairy industry have until Jan. 9 to apply for the 2015 Michigan Dairy Ambassador scholarship and leadership Program. Continuing with updates instituted last year, the program offers dairy communications training to interested applicants.
All applicants meeting baseline
criteria will be invited to attend
a day-long training on Feb. 6, the
second day of the Great lakes
Regional Dairy Conference (GlRDC).
Attendees will be considered 2015
GlRDC dairy ambassadors and will
be equipped with the messaging
and training needed to effectively
communicate with consumers in-
person and online.
A panel of industry judges will
evaluate each ambassador based
on his/her application, introduction
and participation throughout
the training to select one junior
and one senior dairy ambassador
representative. Representatives will
be the primary faces and voices
of Michigan’s dairy industry at a
variety of educational, industrial
and promotional events held
across the state during the year.
Ambassadors may also be called
upon to fill in at events when the
dairy ambassador representatives
are not available.
As in the past, two scholarships will
be awarded to the representatives,
one to a junior winner and another
to a senior winner. The senior
division is reserved for college
students up to age 22, with
the winner receiving a $1,500
scholarship. The junior division is
limited to high school students in
grades nine to 12, and the winner
Quinn Kolar (left) and Megan Bush (right) discuss ways to advocate for dairy and agriculture on their college campuses during ambassador training last February.
Heather Van Lieu (left) and Jennie Lubbers (right) took advantage of the day-long training to hone their dairy promotion and advocacy skills.
2014 Michigan Dairy Ambassadors pose after their training during the Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference. Pictured above: front (left to right) Evelyn Okkema, Kailey Sweers, Heather Van Lieu, Allison Pung and Libby Venema and back (left to right) Jennie Lubbers, Laura Lubeski, Natalie Horning, Mason Horning, Kayle Jakus, Quinn Kolar and Megan Bush.
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receives $1,000 that can be applied
toward higher education or the
purchase of a dairy animal within
the upcoming year. Applicants are
not required to have a dairy farm
background, but they must plan to
pursue a career related to the dairy
industry. The scholarship program
is funded through a benefit auction
held at the annual Great lakes
Regional Dairy Conference (GlRDC).
Currently, Megan Bush of swartz
Creek and Kailey sweers of Dansville
are serving as the 2014 senior
Michigan dairy ambassador
representatives. Mason Horning of
Manchester is the junior Michigan
dairy ambassador representative.
students interested in applying for
the 2015 Michigan Dairy Ambassador
scholarship and leadership Program
can download an application from
www.glrdc.msu.edu or contact
Megghan Honke at 517-353-3175,
ext. 229. Applications must be
submitted electronically to
will be accepted until January 9.
The 2015 GlRDC is slated for
Feb. 5-7 at the Bavarian Inn lodge
in Frankenmuth. For the conference
schedule and registration information,
please visit www.glrdc.msu.edu or
contact Megghan Honke.
GLRDC 2015
www.glrdc.msu.edu
With a fulltime job in education and no previous dairy experience, Andrea has found a home in the dairy industry as well, serving as the farm’s morning milk helper in the summer months and any other time extra hands are needed.
Working as a Well-Oiled MachineDespite the iconic nostalgia of a multi-generation family business, many Michigan farm families can attest: working with family isn’t always easy. Yet, the father-son Fedewa duo has managed to mitigate the pitfalls, open lines of communication and find middle ground.
“We operate under a shared understanding; we trust each other to make decisions for the good of the operation. There’s no second guessing. We talk through problems and big decisions together until we’re on the same page and put our ideas together to come up with innovative solutions neither of us could have come up with on our own,” Patrick says.
When asked for his advice to other young dairymen and women struggling to work with an older generation, Patrick recommends constantly asking for the other’s perspective, respecting their opinions, showing concrete facts and benefits of new technology or updates, combining ideas, compromising to find the best solutions and talking and acting with patience.
Farmer by Birth, Dairyman by Choice2014 MMPA District 6 OYDC Patrick and Andrea Fedewa
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Celebrating their two-year anniversary next month, Patrick and Andrea Fedewa enjoy living and working on their 150-year-old farm, continuing the family business.
An expert multi-tasker, Patrick manages the family farm with his father, Glenn, while balancing a fulltime job and custom baling business.
In first grade, the school principal didn’t call home because Patrick Fedewa picked a fight. No, he wasn’t a disruption in the classroom and could cut in straight lines and recite his ABCs like a pro.
But, the then 6-year-old couldn’t stand to pay attention to the teacher. That is, when he could see farmers taking grain to the local mill outside the classroom window.
“Patrick used to tell his teacher and classmates, ‘oh look, it’s so-and-so. He must be taking in a load of corn.’ His mom told me as a young child Patrick would cry when he couldn’t go to the family dairy,” Andrea, Patrick’s wife of two years, relays. “There was never a question; Patrick always wanted to come back to the dairy farm.”
In the Jeans GenesIt’s not uncommon for passersby to seethree generations of Fedewas – Patrick,his father and grandfather –working on
the nearly 150-year-old farm on a saturday morning. The sixth generation, Patrick and his father, Glenn, are in partnership, sharing the day-to-day responsibilities of the operation. Grandfather, Paul, is never too far away.
“It has always been a family business. I spent a lot of milkings as a toddler watching the action in the parlor from a high chair,” Patrick says. “I remember every barn we’ve built and every tractor we’ve purchased since my childhood. We’re still here, 150 years later, not because we have to be here. It’s because we want to be in the dairy business.”
Yet, operating the 70-cow dairy isn’t the only thing on Patrick’s plate. He’s worked fulltime as a yardman for a local veneer company since 2001. He’s also owned and operated Fedewa Custom Baling for nine years, growing his customer base from a few neighbors to over 20, producing 5,000 bales this past summer.
“Just because it’s a ‘no’ today, doesn’t mean it will be tomorrow,” Patrick smiles. “It’s about planting the seed and give-and-take. sometimes just because you think something should be done, doesn’t mean you’re always going to be right.”
Andrea adds, “Really, Patrick and Glenn’s partnership is like any good marriage. They respect each other, stand-up for their own ideas, but always, above all, back-up each other’s decisions.”
EfficiencyTrumpsExpansionA rock-solid partnership built on mutual respect has paved the way for herd growth from 35 to 70 head since Patrick’s childhood. Compromise and continuous improvement has helped the relatively small dairy survive and remain relevant in the contemporary dairy industry.
“When my dad and I bought out my grandpa, we made lots of updates. We changed our mentality and realized we had to give back to what was making us money – the cows. They are the ones giving us a livelihood, and we made many changes to improve their comfort and wellbeing,” Patrick explains.
After the transition of ownership, a freestall barn was renovated to add more stalls, a manure pit was built, rations were changed, fly control was improved and ventilation and cow comfort were prioritized. Those little changes made a real difference for the Fedewa’s Westphalia herd. Their increased production and improved herd health speak for themselves.
Yet the changes are just beginning. In the future, when Glenn begins to transition off the farm, Patrick will fulfill his childhood dream and return to the farm fulltime. Robotic milkers may also be in the farm’s long-term plans.
No matter the farm’s future trajectory, Patrick emphasizes, “It’s not always about adding cows. It’s about getting the most and the best out of the number of cows we have. each farm has to find the right recipe for their situation, and our recipe is 150 years in the making.”
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Patrick and Andrea FedewaDistrict 6 OYDC | Mid-Michigan Local
Herd Size: 70 milking, 10 dry
Replacements: 70
Acres Farmed: 260
Crops Grown: Alfalfa, corn, soybeans and wheat
Milking Regiment: Two-a-day milking in a stanchion barn with four automatic takeoffs
Sustainable Practices: soil testing
Breeding Program: Natural service
Education: Patrick earned a two-year certificate from the Michigan state university Dairy Herd Management program in 2003. Andrea graduated from Central Michigan university in 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in child development.
Ag, Dairy and Community Involvement: Patrick was in 4-H and FFA growing up and the couple continues to give back to the local program through donations to Clinton County 4-H. The Fedewas are both members of Michigan Farm Bureau and belong to st. Mary’s Catholic Church.
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Michigan 4-h Dairy Judging Team Takes Top honors at World Dairy Expo
The Michigan 4-H dairy judging team won top honors at the National 4-H Dairy Cattle
Judging Contest at the World Dairy expo sept. 29 in Madison, Wis. The team finished as the first team overall, ahead of 26 teams from across the country, as well as the top team in reasons. several members also ranked in the top 10 individually.
Team members Bryce Frahm of Frankenmuth, Kayla Holsten of saline, suzanna Hull of North Adams and lucas Moser of Dansville evaluated 10 classes of dairy cattle at the national competition before delivering reasons on five of those classes.
“These 4-H’ers have worked very hard—not only this summer, but for many years. Most of these youth have been judging for at least five years,” commented team coach Joe Domecq, who, along with co-coach and 4-H volunteer sarah Black, has been coaching 4-H teams in preparation for the contest since 1998.
In addition to bringing home the distinguished Top overall Team and Top Team Reasons awards, the team also finished first in the Brown swiss category and second in the Jersey breed. several team members also received high individual rankings, with Moser ranking second in the top 10 individual competition, Holsten ranking sixth and Frahm ranking 10th. These three also scored in the top 10 for individual reasons, with Holsten coming in second, Moser third and Frahm fifth.
As a result of their success, the team has been invited to compete at the 2015 International livestock and Dairy Judging Contest in scotland. The 2014 team is the second Michigan 4-H team in the past three years to be invited to this international contest.
To learn more about 4-H dairy judging, participation in the 4-H dairy project areas or Michigan 4-H in general, visit http://4h.msue.msu.edu/
Michigan’s first place 2014 National 4-H
Dairy Cattle Judging Contest team consisted
of (left to right)Suzanna Hull,
Kayla Holsten,Lucas Moser and
Bryce Frahm, pictured with
coaches Sarah Blackand Dr. Joe Domecq.
“This success is the culmination of a lot of hours, dedication and hard work from our youth, coaches, volunteers and parents. It takes an army of people passionate about youth development to make this happen, and none of it would be possible without the support of 4-H volunteers who coach youth in their home counties, the Michigan dairy industry and dairy farms that open their doors for the teams to practice.”
“These 4-H’ers have worked very hard—not only this summer, but for many years.”
Mail order formand picture
for the rebate to:
MMPA Member Sign
MMPA
PO Box 8002
Novi, MI 48376
Please allow 4-5 weeks
for delivery
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The Secret to Boosting Your Balance Sheet: Calf Care
From milking routine to lighting, ventilation to bedding, modern dairy farmers have explored a
multitude of on-farm management changes to increase productionand profits. Yet, most producersforget to continue problem solving and investing in their herd’s next generation: young stock.
“Quality calf care is an overlooked management area for many dairy farmers and a golden opportunity for producers to positively impact their balance sheets,” Drew Rupprecht, MMPA member representative, attests. “There are tremendous benefits, both
financially and management-wise, for producers to spend additional time and resources on their herd’s young stock.”
MMPA’s Member service Department has identified this missed opportunity and has partnered with land o’lakes to develop Calf Care schools, first-rate training programs designed to help interested farmers shore up their young stock care.
With updates and improvements from last year and summer 2014, MMPA and land o’lakes are continuing their partnership to offer Calf Care schools to MMPA members in December and
throughout winter 2015. But why is it worth your time? What’s in it for you and your farm? look no further!
Topfivereasonsproducersshould take advantage of the MMPA-Land O’Lakes Calf Care Schools
1. Increase Herd Production and Profitsstudies have shown quality calf care can grow calves bigger and faster, allowing for earlier weaning, earlier milking and earlier payback. From colostrum management to full potential feeding, heat stress to calf nutrition, Calf Care schools cover a breadth of information geared toward maximizing a calf’s future potential and, therefore, farm profits.
“Before attending Calf Care school, I fed calves according to the directions on the bag of milk replacer and used the measuring cup provided. I never understood the ‘why’ behind whatI did every day,” MMPA member Melissa Petzold explains. “After attending the training, I realized I had been underfeeding our calves and being lax in areas crucial to calf growth, health and development. I made changes, and our calves are growing faster than they ever have before.”
2. Bolster Herd Health and Milking LifeDairy farmers know a healthy calf is a productive calf. Yet, many calf management techniques and soPs aren’t designed to prevent disease spread. Calf Care schools cover a diverse set of topics including vaccinations, sanitation, biosecurity and disease identification.
Get a Leg-up with MMPA Calf Care Schools
MMPA member Melissa Petzold
completes morning calf chores armed
with the information she gained from
attending an MMPA Land O’Lakes
Calf Care Schoollast summer.
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“Replacement heifers are the future of your farm and business. They require lots of care and great investment,” Dr. Nicholas Barbu, Clinton Veterinary service veterinarian, attests. “MMPA land o’lakes Calf Care schools teach vital techniques, tips and tricks to feeding your calves. You will learn to combine great nutrition with early disease detection and treatment.”
3. Learn Innovative Best Practices from Industry ExpertsA program packed with bovine veterinary practitioners and expertsin calf nutrition, Calf Care school attendees can expect to get management training incorporating the most recent, cutting-edge research available. Producers no longer have to exclusively rely on their local veterinarian or nutritionist. Multiple calf care experts are on hand to provide information and answer questions.
sue Puffenbarger of land o’lakes Animal Milk Products confirms, “our Calf Care schools will help you to get calves on the ground running, sooner. We use the latest research
to cover topics including reducing stress at birth, impacts of fresh pen and colostrum management on the incidence of scours, what diseases occur when and what to do to minimize them and feeding programs to improve health and growth during extreme weather.”
4. Receive Personalized Training to Implement On-Farm Techniques
Calf Care schools aren’t just lectures. Whether in a classroom-based school or a training held in an outdoor laboratory setting, instructors utilize calf management equipment to helpprovide applicable instruction producerscan take back to their home farms.
Melissa affirms, “The hands-on aspect of the schools really helps cementthe information. It gives farmers, like me, who are taking care of calves on a daily basis the chance to match information provided during the presentation to real techniques and tips to put the science into practice on a working farm.”
5. Fulfill the Training Component of the National Dairy FARM Program
As a greater number of producers participate in the National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program, a growing number of farmers are looking for ways to provide training to their employees. MMPA land o’lakes Calf Care schools fit the bill and provide farms with incredible value over the course of a day-long training.
There are far more than five benefits to focusing on your young stock and attending MMPA land o’lakes Calf Care schools. see for yourself and sign-up for a school, today!
MMPA and Land O’Lakes
Calf Care SchoolsDecember 2, 10 a.m. to 3 p.mShipshewana, Indiana
Contact Marianne Gasiewski at the Novi office (880-572-5824, ext. 215) to register. A nominal $10/person registration fee will be deducted from your milk check and will help defray the cost of lunch. Class size is limited to 30, so reserve your spot early!
Stay tuned for additional dates in the next issue of the Michigan Milk Messenger.
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Order Your MMPA Merchandise
through your milk hauler or call:
Duane FarmerSupervisor
989-317-8370
Fax:989-317-8372
Toll Free: 877-367-6455
Orders (Novi): 800-572-5824
then dial 2
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
New PrOduct—
Less-Cu for Strong hoovesThe MMPA Merchandise Program has been searching for an alternative to the discontinued product, Healthy Hooves. Well, our search is over. We are happy to introduce Less-Cu from Ecolab to our lineup.
less-Cu footbath enhancer reduces copper sulfate costs as it increases the effectiveness of footbath mixes as a preventative and conditioning solution for hoof health. Its proprietary formula makes copper sulfate more soluble and reduces the introduction of heavy metal to the environment for a clear, effective solution to hoof conditions.
less-Cu is a unique livestock footbath cleaning additive for dairy livestock. The cleaning effectiveness of less-Cu is based on a stabilized quat and phosphoric acid combination and effectively controls the footbath at ph +5.
It can help to reduce the amount of copper sulfate usage by up to 50 percent. All it takes is one half gallon of less-Cu per 50-gallon mix to cut copper sulfate usage in half. use the same bath replenishment frequency, preferably 200- 300 cows, as with a traditional footbath preventative program.
This product is only available in 15-gallon containers. Please feel free to call the warehouse with any questions you may have. You may use our toll free number 877-367-6455 or our new local number 989-317-8370.
Stock number: Description: Member price:5924 less-Cu, 15 gal. $412.50
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PREMIUMS
Chemical, Sanitizerand 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
Kurt Fiene8356 C.R. 115
Kenton, oH 43326612-889-1063
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
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.
Cows & HeifersFresh heifers – take your pick, $2,100 a piece. 810-724-8825.
Equipment2007 Kuhn Knight 8132 spreader. $1,800. Call Brent at 989-551-0681.
20 x 75 Harvestor silo Goliath unloader with speed reduction, new roof and center fill. New Holland 62B blower. Hammermill with screens, 10 hp. motor. 231-510-4978.
Quatam 20-ft silo unloader with new C faced 10 hp. motor. 50-ft. single chain conveyor. Please call 231-826-3770.
Crop sprayer, George White 450-gal., 36-ft. booms, newer Delavan pump, $2,500. 616-681-9668.
1 Harvestore Alliance unloader for 20-ft. silo with motor and oiler, excellent shape, $5,500 or best offer. 810-648-2379.
Dairy Equipment
EZ Chute hoof chute, includes entry gates. 231-510-2957.
1,600 gal. Mueller bulk tank with one size hp. single phase compressor, $10,000. 989-553-5021.
1,250 gal. Surge bulk tank, 5 hp. milk cooler single phase, 8 yrs. old, both work great. $2,000 obo. 810-728-6237.
Double 7 Herringbone milking parlor, modified surge super stalls with stainless steel weaver index rail, Boumatic 4400 signature series detachers, Flowstar units, 3-in. low line with all control boxes, 10 hp. sutorbilt oil less vacuum pump, Mueller plate cooler, thermostore heat recovery for hot water. Will separate or sell as a whole unit. 231-757-2934 or 231-3734673.
Mueller 1,250 gal. bulk tank with variable speed compressor with washer control box and thermostore water tank. 231-250-0692 or 231-250-4372.
Surge 100+ vacuum pump with rebuilt 5 ½ hp. motor, $350. 989-727-3252.
Wanted
Registered Holsteins. Call Brent at 989-551-0681.
Full time herdsman for a family dairy. Mechanical ability a must. send resume to the Cedar springs Post office, P.o. Box 345, Cedar springs, MI 49319-0345.
Rent
Looking to rent dairy facility for 200-400 cows. 248-345-9885.
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 January issue, the freeliner must be at the MMPA office by December 10.
www.mimilk.com
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To place your ad please call 1-800-572-5824, ext 202, or fax 248-426-3412, or email your ad to: [email protected].
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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.
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.
Concrete Groovingand Texturing
Call: Jeff Brisky - owner
Toll Free: 1-800-294-1202
Cell: 1-716-353-1137
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: [email protected]
FAx: 248-426-3412
1-800-248-8070M-40 South
Hamilton, MI 49419
PTO and Automatic Start Generators
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POLICIES
MMPA Policy on Drug Residue in Milk
MILK ON FARM – DRUG RESIDUE SUSPECTEDIf 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 CONFIRMEDIf 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 QUESTIONABLEWhen 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 COUNTIf…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 SHIPMENTIf…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 September 2014
Market Statistics - Mideast Federal Order #33 (pounds)
% This Month Year Ago Change
Total Class 1 sales 526,568,570 530,305,204 -0.70
Total Class 2 sales 215,684,208 200,123,422 +7.78
Total Class 3 sales 534,992,591 453,647,901 +17.93
Total Class 4 sales 191,380,131 115,444,062 +65.78
Total Production 1,468,625,500 1,299,520,589 +13.01
Class 1 utilization 35.9% 40.8%
Mideast Federal Order #33Total Producers ................................................................................. 5,961
Avg. Daily Production per Farm ................................................... 8,212
Avg. Protein Test ..............................................................................3.09%
Avg. Butterfat Test ...........................................................................3.68%
Avg. oth solids Test ........................................................................5.72%
Avg. sCC (MMPA) ......................................................................... 179,000
Component Pricing Information -Mideast Federal Order #33Protein Price/lb. ........................................................................... $3.4991
Butterfat Price/lb. ....................................................................... $3.2467
other solids Price/lb. ................................................................. $0.4876
Class III Price @ 3.5% ......................................................................$24.60
Prod. Price Diff/cwt. (Mich. Mkt) .................................................. $0.27
uniform Price @ 3.5% ....................................................................$24.87
sCC Adjustment/cwt./1000 ....................................................$0.00117
AMS Survey PricesProduct Monthly Avg
Cheese/lb. ........................................................................................... 2.3472
Butter/lb. ............................................................................................. 2.8525
Nonfat Dry Milk/lb. .......................................................................... 1.4718
Dry Whey/lb. ...................................................................................... 0.6725
National Trends(million pounds) 2014 2013 % Change
Production
California 3,291 3,197 +2.9
Wisconsin 2,292 2,220 +3.2
Idaho 1,136 1,099 +3.4
New York 1,129 1,080 +4.5
Pennsylvania 864 835 +3.5
Texas 820 748 +9.6
Michigan 790 739 +6.9
Minnesota 736 725 +1.5
New Mexico 646 625 +3.4
Washington 541 513 +5.5
ohio 435 425 +2.4
Indiana 317 303 +4.6
*Total u.s. 15,485 14,874 +4.1
*u.s. Y-T-D 145,300 142,218 +2.2
*For 23 states
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MARKET REPORT
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*If you are unable to reach your assigned member representative, please contact the representatives listed in your area.
staffMMPA
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
Deb Navarre, leroy .....................................................248-520-3580
sarah Michalek, Portland .........................................248-305-0537
Northeast AreaChristy Dinsmoore, supervisor& Mastitis Management specialist, Fairgrove ..248-513-7920
lindsay Green, energy Auditor, Dewitt ............. 989-488-8159
Angie Kirsch, Harbor Beach .................................. 231-414-4539
Drew Rupprecht, Clio ............................................... 269-986-6793
South 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
emily smith, Bronson .................................................269-535-0822
Violet lombard, Delton .............................................248-520-3481
elyse Martin, energy Auditor, Charlotte .............810-701-6460
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, 7 a.m.-4 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, supervisor
Toll Free...................................................................................877-367-6455
orders (Novi) ................................................800-572-5824, then dial 2
