michigan milk messenger: january 2011
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January 2011Volume 93 Issue 7
U color = PMS 160 R-168 G-67 B-0 C-0 M-60 Y-100 K-34
To Register or learn more:
Visit www.MDC.JBSunited.com and/or contact Lisa Coverdale, Marketing Manager (Ph: 317-758-2664 or 800-382-9909, Email: [email protected]).
Join us for the 2011 MIDWEST DAIRY CONFERENCE “Protein, Production, Profits…The Next Generation”
JBS United is excited to announce that we will be hosting our THIRD ANNUAL Technical Conference for Dairy Producers in the Midwest. The two previous conferences have been great successes, providing the critical education that dairy producers need. Just as last year, there will be TWO LOCATIONS, making it easy and convenient for you to attend. We have an outstanding list of speakers and presentations lined up, and there will be various industry professionals and suppliers on hand to discuss your needs.
Conference Details:Cost: FREE !
Dates and Time: March 2nd and 3rd 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (lunch included) - Registration opens at 9:00 a.m.
March 2nd Location The James B. Henry Center for Executive Development (www.HenryCenter.org) Michigan State University 3535 Forest Road, Lansing, MI 48910 Ph: (517) 353-4350 or (800) 356-5705 Note: Lodging may be available at Candlewood Suites.
March 3rd Location Sauder Village (www.SauderVillage.org) 22611 State Route 2, Archbold, OH 43502 Ph: (419) 446-2541 or (800) 590-9755
Who Should Attend: Anyone in the Dairy Production industry with an interest in animal nutrition (dairy farmers, feed mill customers, industry professionals, etc.).
Speakers and Presentations Include:
Dr. Randy Shaver, Professor, University of Wisconsin“Getting the Most from Ration Carbos”
Dr. Charles “Chuck” Schwab, Professor Emeritus of Animal Sciences, University of New Hampshire“Increasing Herd Profitability by Feeding for Higher Components”
Contents
Managing Editor ..................... Sheila BurkhardtEditors ........................................... Mindy Pratt Laura MoserAdvertising Manager ....................Karla MacelliCirculation .............................................. 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 ....................................... 32Freeliners ....................................................... 34Classifieds...................................................... 36Policies .......................................................... 37Market Report ............................................... 38MMPA Lab Lines .......................................... 39MMPA Staff .................................................. 39
On the Cover
Volume 93 Issue 7www.mimilk.com
Departments
Features
January 2011
Nobis Dairy Farm hosted MSU’s 12th annual MSU Dairy Challenge in December. See the story on page 24.
8 MMPA 2011 Direct Deposit Schedule
9 Environmental Management on the Farm: Painless and Profitable
10 Four Michigan Legislators Selected to Chair Committees in Washington D.C.
12 MMPA Quality Award Winners
16 Welcome Home – 2010 District 5 OYDC Trevor Bollinger
18 MMPA 2010 Leaders’ Conference
20 Low Cost Start-Up – 2010 District 6 OYDC Rick and Terri Hawbaker
22 2011 GLRDC Topics Focus on Preparing Dairy Producers for the Present and Future
24 Nobis Dairy Farm Hosts 12th Annual MSU Dairy Challenge
26 Fuel Up to Play 60: Kids Lead the Way to Better Health at School
28 400,000 SCC—Every Farm Can Beat It!
29 2011 Milker Training School Schedule
31 MMPA 2010-2011 Local Meetings
16 18
November 2009Volume 92 Issue 5
20 24
U color = PMS 160 R-168 G-67 B-0 C-0 M-60 Y-100 K-34
To Register or learn more:
Visit www.MDC.JBSunited.com and/or contact Lisa Coverdale, Marketing Manager (Ph: 317-758-2664 or 800-382-9909, Email: [email protected]).
Join us for the 2011 MIDWEST DAIRY CONFERENCE “Protein, Production, Profits…The Next Generation”
JBS United is excited to announce that we will be hosting our THIRD ANNUAL Technical Conference for Dairy Producers in the Midwest. The two previous conferences have been great successes, providing the critical education that dairy producers need. Just as last year, there will be TWO LOCATIONS, making it easy and convenient for you to attend. We have an outstanding list of speakers and presentations lined up, and there will be various industry professionals and suppliers on hand to discuss your needs.
Conference Details:Cost: FREE !
Dates and Time: March 2nd and 3rd 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (lunch included) - Registration opens at 9:00 a.m.
March 2nd Location The James B. Henry Center for Executive Development (www.HenryCenter.org) Michigan State University 3535 Forest Road, Lansing, MI 48910 Ph: (517) 353-4350 or (800) 356-5705 Note: Lodging may be available at Candlewood Suites.
March 3rd Location Sauder Village (www.SauderVillage.org) 22611 State Route 2, Archbold, OH 43502 Ph: (419) 446-2541 or (800) 590-9755
Who Should Attend: Anyone in the Dairy Production industry with an interest in animal nutrition (dairy farmers, feed mill customers, industry professionals, etc.).
Speakers and Presentations Include:
Dr. Randy Shaver, Professor, University of Wisconsin“Getting the Most from Ration Carbos”
Dr. Charles “Chuck” Schwab, Professor Emeritus of Animal Sciences, University of New Hampshire“Increasing Herd Profitability by Feeding for Higher Components”
Michigan Milk Messenger 3
Officers President: Ken NobisVice President: Bob KranTreasurer: Velmar Green 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
District Directors 1. Earl Horning, Manchester ............734-428-7641 2. Tim Hood, Paw Paw ...................269-657-5771 4. Dan Javor, Hastings .....................269-948-8345 5. Brent Wilson, Carson City ...........989-584-3481 6. Velmar Green, Elsie .....................989-862-5020 7. James Reid, Jeddo .......................810-327-6830 8. Leonard Brown, Sandusky ...........810-648-450510. Eric Frahm, Frankenmuth ...........989-652-355211. Bob Kran, FreeSoil ......................231-464-588912. John Kronemeyer, Pickford .........906-647-7638
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 989-593-2900Anthony Jandernoa, 989-593-2224 St. Johns Terry Nugent, Lowell 616-691-8424 David Reed, Owosso 989-723-8635
District SevenBill Blumerich, Berlin 810-395-2926Pat Bolday, Emmett 810-395-7139 Scott Lamb, Jeddo 810-327-6135Keith Wood, Kingston 989-683-2070
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 989-345-4264Jim Judge, Mt. Pleasant 989-866-2482Scott Kleinhardt, Clare 989-386-8037Carl Daniels, Sterling 989-654-2531
District ElevenJim Good, Caledonia 616-891-1414Frank Konkel, Hesperia 231-854-8041 David Pyle, Zeeland 616-772-1512Bill Stakenas, Freesoil 231-757-9340
District TwelveRobert Barron, Gladstone 906-786-7027John Bloniarz, Bark River 906-466-5537Corby Werth, Alpena 989-379-3772Jeremy Werth, Alpena 989-464-4022
District OneHank Choate, Cement City 517-529-9032Danny Hart, Grass Lake 517-206-1966Dennis Huehl, Chelsea 734-475-1051Carlton Evans, Litchfield 517-398-0629
District TwoDonald Bever, Delton 269-671-5050Francis Burr, Mendon 269-778-2697Richard 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 989-462-5380
Michigan Milk Producers Association
Advisory Committee
Board of Directors
Back row (l-r): Leonard Brown, Mark Halbert, Earl Horning, Dan Javor, Brent Wilson, Tim Hood, David VanderHaagen, John Kronemeyer, Clay Galarneau. Front row (l-r): Joe Diglio, James Reid, Velmar Green, Ken Nobis, Bob Kran, Rodney Daniels and Eric Frahm
4 January 2011
MMPA MattersBy Ken Nobis
President
Nobis Dairy Farms had the privilege of hosting the 12th
Annual MSU Dairy Challenge last month. Dr. Miriam Weber-Nielsen, associate professor in Michigan State University’s Animal Science Department, started the MSU Dairy Challenge to provide practical application of the concepts learned in the classroom for her students. Since then, the program has spread well beyond the banks of the Red Cedar to institutions across the U.S.A.
Interaction with MSU students and professors is an advantage of farming just 25 miles from their campus. Our farm was involved as a host for the MSU Dairy Challenge in the very early years when the participants carpooled or arrived in a small van, so we were pleasantly surprised when we saw two buses pull into the farm driveway on December 2. Eighty-two students participated, a 20 percent increase from 2009 (see story on page 24).
As the participation rate increased dramatically over the years, the quality of the students remained at a very high level. If you ever have the opportunity to host the Dairy Challenge, be prepared to answer tough, nitty-gritty questions about the management of your dairy operation. The time we spent with the students was well worth the investment. It caused us to step back and take a fresh look at some aspects of our management practices—always a good idea. It was also nice to see several sons and daughters of MMPA members among the group.
The enthusiasm of the students was encouraging, unlike the economic situation that challenges Michigan. Budget issues will force change on all universities and colleges, but since we in agriculture are most familiar with MSU, our focus tends to be centered there. MMPA members have made quite an investment of time and money in MSU over the years. We recognize MSU’s contribution in making our members among the most competitive producers in the U.S., and we don’t want that investment to be squandered with the growing need to economize due to budget shortfalls. MSU prepares students for careers in agriculture, and it does much more. As long as the core values of teaching, research and outreach through Extension are kept in focus, any viable option presented to respond to the budget shortfall will have to be examined.
Budget shortfalls have happened in recessions of the past, but this one is different in that Michigan has lost the auto industry’s ability to bounce back far enough to make our economy whole again. Agriculture and the dairy industry can help improve the economy, but bringing the economy back to where it was before is probably not going to happen. That’s realism, not defeatism.
We’ve experienced many changes through the years on our farms, as well as with Extension and on campus. One example of how MSU research changed our practices was the introduction of curtain-sided freestall barns. Who
could have imagined curtain-sided free stall barns 50 years ago? MSU, with the help of a few Michigan dairy farmers who built barns that were used as demonstration farms, started the practice that swept across the northern climates of this country. Millions of cows owe a more comfortable life due to research conducted at MSU.
Unnecessarily duplicating research, however, is a cost we can no longer afford. Several years ago, I was on a National Milk Producer’s Federation committee that helped set the guidelines for the dairy component of the National Air Emissions Monitoring Study (NAEMS). As areas for research surfaced, the producers on the committee insisted that before additional research was requested a search be made to ascertain whether or not the research had already been done some place in the world. In a similar manner, more research partnerships among universities will be established.
Extension has changed and will change more in the future. Today information is often just a key stroke away for most producers (it might be a slow delivery if you are like me and don’t have broadband available) and it can come from anywhere in the world. Agents will be more highly specialized as they help producers sift through and apply information to their practices.
Writing this column has brought back memories of the people at MSU that many of us have worked with in our careers. I have to admit that even though I
Stepping Up to the Challenge
Continued on page 23
Michigan Milk Messenger 5
By Gary TrimnerDirector of Member Services/Quality Control
Quality WatchBy Dean Letter
MMPA Manager of Producer Testing and Herd Health Programs
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will
step up tissue residue enforcement in January 2011. This enforcement may include visits to farms found to have tissue residues. MMPA Member Representatives are calling on our members with positive tissue residues to review the Milk and Dairy Beef Drug Residue Prevention Manual and discuss other possible actions the FDA may take. Because of the precautions
already taken by our members, very few will be affected by this.
On a more positive note, MMPA members have an excellent history of preventing drug residues in milk. Over the past couple of months, there have been no drug residues found in any delivery of milk in MMPA. If residues are found in a delivery of milk, it is diverted from the human food supply. Under no circumstances is this milk allowed to be used for human consumption.
As an added precaution, it is always a good idea for members to review their treatment protocols to be sure that all milk and meat withholding times are being followed. Additionally, should milk, serum, or urine need to be tested, MMPA recommends that members have access to a suitable detection test for whatever drugs being used.
MMPA and the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) are committed to preventing
residues in the milk and dairy beef supply. To this end, MMPA Member Representatives have been reviewing the Milk and Dairy Beef Drug Residue Prevention Manual with member farms. All farms will receive a visit from their member representative by March 2011. This manual provides a wealth of information to help prevent residues in meat and milk including available milk, serum, and urine screening tests. NMPF has recently released the 2011 edition of the Milk and Dairy Beef Drug Residue Prevention Manual. The manual is available online at www.nationaldairyfarm.com/residue-prevention.html.
MMPA recommends that all its members understand and follow the label directions regarding dosage, route of administration and milk and meat withholding times. Extra-label drug use should only occur under the direction of a veterinarian. Understand that extra-label drug use may nullify the milk and meat withholding times so be sure new withholding times are included in the extra-label use directions. Members can call the Novi office for more information.
Reflections on MMPA Milk Quality for 2010 I would like to take this time to honor this year’s record number of MMPA quality award winners. This is a great achievement that can only be accomplished
FDA to Increase Drug Residue Surveillance
Continued on page 23
6 January 2011
News & ViewsThe latest dairy news
November Class III Price Down $1.50
The Class III price for November is $15.44, down $1.50 from October, but up $1.36 from a year ago. The Class IV price for is $16.68, down 47 cents and up $3.43 from November 2009.
Upcoming Events
January
MMPA Local Meetings 27 Agricultures Conference on the Envrionment – Lansing 28 MMPA Resolutions and Nominating Committees – Novi
February3-5 Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference – Frankenmuth MMPA District Meetings 24 UDIM Annual Meeting
Producers scoring 95 percent or more on Grade A Surveys and Federal Check Ratings
* Scored 100 percent
MMPA FlintNovember 2010
Roger Markey*
Sheldon & Janita Zimmerman*
Richard & Susan Noake*
Duane Wagner*
Kenneth & Helen Smolek*
Larry & Karen Adams*
Meadow Muth Farms LLC*
Pine Grove Farm LLC*
Scharrer Dairy LLC
Carl Sanford
Ridley Dairy Farm
Lester, Barbara & Susan Knust
JW, Frances & Lonnie Ward
Dennis Hetzer
Weber Dairy Farms
January 18 TuesdayJanuary 26 Wednesday February 17 ThursdayFebruary 25 Friday March 17 ThursdayMarch 25 Friday April 18 MondayApril 26 Tuesday May 17 TuesdayMay 26 Thursday June 17 FridayJune 27 Monday
July 18 MondayJuly 26 Tuesday August 17 WednesdayAugust 26 Friday September 16 FridaySeptember 26 Monday October 17 MondayOctober 26 Wednesday November 17 ThursdayNovember 25 Friday December 16 FridayDecember 27 Tuesday
Settlement Dates Processed Through JP Morgan Chase Calendar Year 2011
The MMPA direct deposit pro-gram provides for the direct deposit of your net milk proceeds to your bank account through the use of an electronic funds transfer system. This system assures the deposit of funds on the dates listed below.
The direct deposit service is free to MMPA members. Members on direct deposit receive their check statement by mail. The statement
is the same as the one attached to the milk check. The direct deposit stub of the statement indicates the amount transferred into the mem-ber’s bank account.
If you are interested in signing up for direct deposit or desire more information, please contact the MMPA Member Services Depart-ment at 800-572-5824.
MMPA 2011 Direct Deposit Schedule
8 January 2011
Early registration ends January 21!
Great Lakes Regional Dairy ConferenceFebruary 3–5 Bavarian Inn Lodge and Conference Center • Frankenmuth, MI
Here’s a sampling of what you’ll hear:• Discover how partnerships formed through the dairy checkoff program drive growth
in dairy sales. • Speaker line-up includes: Jolene Brown, C.S.P.; Gary Sipiorski, Dairy Development
Manager, Vita Plus Corporation; MSU animal health experts Drs. Ron Erskine and Dan Grooms; and Jim Tillison, Senior Vice President, National Milk Producers Federation.
• Learn tips for improving milk quality, the newest techniques for managing leucosis and Johne’s Disease, and best management practices for caring for newborn calves from a panel of veterinarians, fellow producers and researchers.
• Five half-day workshops to choose from: discovering the steps to vertically integrating your dairy operation (panel), creatively managing family and business relationships, implementing proven calf and heifer management strategies, managing milk marketing risk, and learning how to use the new Spartan Dairy 3 ration program.
• Hear the latest on the direction federal dairy policy is headed as 2012 Farm Bill discussions start heating up.
Great LakesRegional Dairy Conference
serving the dairy industry since 2003
www.glrdc.msu.edu
As commodity prices keep livestock producers in a quandary, environmental issues continue to be challenging. That’s why Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) is presenting “Environmental Management on the Farm: Painless and Profitable.” The one-day program will provide a solid overview of issues related to soil, air, water and profitable farming.
The program will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will be offered at these locations throughout the state:
Feb. 22 Howard Miller Library Zeeland
Feb. 23 Franklin Inn Bad Axe
March 1 Hillsdale ISD Hillsdale
March 2 RESD Ithaca
March 2 Wexford Co. MSUE office Cadillac
March 9 Bay de Noc Comm. College Escanaba
Sessions Include: •EvaluatingYourCarbonFootprint.Measuringyour carbon footprint can uncover cost savings and be good for the environment. Discover new management practices that can maintain yields while cutting energy use. Marty Matlock, University of Arkansas.
•Updateonairemissionsfromlivestockproduction. Recent data from monitoring activities to determining livestock emissions and what it suggests for the future and a discussion on what is emitted and why some things are regulated and some are not.
•Stackingmanureorcompostinthefield.Bestmanagement practices for economic usefulness and air and water quality.
•Rethinkingwindowsof opportunityforland application of manure. Calculated nutrient management.
•Neighborrelations.Yes,theneedstillexistsandmany are finding out how useful it can be.
•Nationaltolocalmedia—bringinginfointoyourhomes and offices.
•Manuretopdressedontowheat—Howdoesitcompare to fertilizer?
Topics will be developed and presented by MSUE professionals including: Wendy Powers, Dale Rozeboom, Darrin Karcher, Jerry May, Roberta Osborne, Faith Cullens, Marilyn Thelen, Charles Gould, Emily Sneller, Jeannine Schweihofer, Jerry Lindquist, Kathy Lee, Frank Wardynski and more.
Visit www.animalagteam.msu.edu for your exact location’s topics and presenters, and for registration information. MAEAP Phase I and CCA credits are available.
Registration fee is $40 for the first farm/family member, and $20 for additional, $5 more for walk-ins. A complementary lunch will be provided. Registration will be available on line and by mail. Contact Natalie Rector [email protected], 269-967-6608 or Faith Cullens [email protected] for more details.
Environmental Management on the Farm: Painless and Profitable
Michigan Milk Messenger 9
Legislative WatchIssues important to today’s dairy farmers
When Congress convenes for its 112th session in January
2011, four Michigan legislators will chair committees important to agriculture. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) will serve as chair of the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee, Congressman Fred Upton (R-MI) will chair the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Congressman Dave Camp (R-MI) will chair the House Ways and Means Committee and Mike Rogers (R-MI) will Chair the House Intelligence Committee.
Sen. Stabenow to Chair the Senate Ag Committee MMPA, along with other Michigan agriculture groups applauded the selection of Senator Debbie Stabenow as Chair of the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee. As chair, Stabenow will be a leader in developing policies that affect U.S. agriculture, a $1.5 trillion-a-year industry. Those national policies, including the upcoming 2012 Farm Bill directly influence Michigan’s dairy farmers and the overall agriculture industry. Michigan’s dairy industry is the number one sector of the state’s agriculture industry, with a $5.9 billion impact on the state’s economy.
“Senator Stabenow has been a true supporter of Michigan’s dairy industry, tackling the issues that are important to the success of our 2,000 dairy farm families,” says MMPA President Ken Nobis. “Senator Stabenow’s commitment to agriculture and the dairy industry shows her understanding of the
important role agriculture plays in our economy and our communities. We look forward to continuing to work with the Senator in her new leadership position.”
Upton to Chair House Energy and Commerce Congressman Fred Upton (R-MI) was selected as the Chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee in the 112th Congress. The Committee writes legislation about interstate and foreign commerce, energy generation and conservation, travel and tourism, and consumer protection. Congressman Upton has served on the Energy and Commerce Committee since 1991. He has served southwest Michigan in the U.S. House of Representatives for 24 years.
“Congressman Upton is in a unique position as chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee to help move the Michigan economy in a new direction,” says Ken Nobis. “The issues brought before the Energy and Commerce Committee have a direct impact on the agriculture industry and all of Michigan as we work to rebuild Michigan. Congressman Upton has always been aware of the issues impacting our industry and has worked to reduce unnecessary restraints and limitations.”
Camp to Chair House Ways and Means Committee Congressman Dave Camp (R-MI) was selected as the Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee in the 112th Congress.
“Congressman Camp has been a strong advocate for dairy and agriculture issues during his 20 years in the U.S. House of Representative,” says Ken Nobis. “As chairman of one of the most powerful committees in the House, Congressman Camp will have significant influence on many tough issues facing Michigan and the agriculture industry.”
The Ways and Means Committee is the chief tax-writing body for the house, and as chair of that committee, Camp will have influence on issues that affect business and the overall economy. In his announcement, Camp pledged to focus on a job-creating agenda and reducing out-of-control spending.
Rogers to Chair the House Intelligence Committee
Congressman Mike Rogers (R-MI) was selected to Chair of the House Intelligence Committee in the 112th Congress.
“We look forward to the leadership Congressman Rogers will provide to this committee,” says Ken Nobis. “The Congressman’s experience in FBI and law enforcement make him a logical choice for the position. We have appreciated his professional approach to tough issues here in Michigan and I am confident we will see that same effective leadership has he assumes his new role.”
Four Michigan Legislators Selected to Chair Committees in Washington D.C.
10 January 2011
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MMPA Quality Award WinnersDuring the local meetings, MMPA presented quality
awards to 387 member farms in recognition of their outstanding quality milk production. Bronze, silver and gold quality awards were presented to those mem-bers who met the established criteria for each award. Bronze quality awards were presented to MMPA members who met both quality premium categories (10,000 or less raw bacteria and 20,000 or less PI count) and maintained a somatic cell count of 250,000 or less for nine or more months out of the previous fiscal year.
Silver quality awards were presented to those mem-bers who met the same criteria as in the bronze award category for 12 months out of the previous fiscal year. Members who qualified to receive a Gold award met the same criteria as in the silver award category and averaged a somatic cell count of 100,000 or less during the previous fiscal year. Star Awards were presented to those members who have received a quality award for five (one star), ten (two stars) and fifteen (three stars) consecutive years.
Adrian Local Silver
N Randy & Eric Bleich
Perry Cisco & Arturo Delgado
Hartland Farms Inc.
Matthew Smith
Bronze
Tim & Lisa Brasher
Marvin Farms Inc.
Scott D. Norden
Shadland Dairy Farms LLC
Alma Local
Gold
De Grins Oer Dairy
Kent L. Inniger **
Peters & Peters Dairy Farm
Silver
Chapin Family Farm LLC
Double Eagle Dairy Inc.
Edward J. Haynes
Ronald & Kevin Litwiller
Brian & Jacqueline McAlvey *
Pine Hills Dairy LLC
Dale Rowland
S & T Farms PTP
Spring Lake Farms LLC
Bronze
Bebow Dairy Inc.
Gordon H. Behrenwald
Kevin Bollinger
Lad & Agnes Doolittle
Double-B Dairy
Dragt Farms
Cindy Eldred
Joel & Edwin Ensz
Friesen Farms Inc.
Hooks Farms
William Hough Dairy Inc.
Douglas B. Kamer *
Koutz Dairy Farm
Ryan J. Litwiller
Oberlin Farms
Doeke & Melissa Prins
TLC Dairy ***
Vanderploeg Holsteins LLC
A G Wiles
Bad Axe Local
Silver
Joseph & Valerie Kubacki
Greg & Shelly Messing
Fred Wisneski
Bronze
Five Star Dairy LLC
Highland Dairy LLC
Neal Laeder
William C. Mazure *
Paramount Enterprises Dairy LLC
Prime Land Farm
Theodore, Valentine, Antionette, Rosemary & Donald Rice
Gary K. Roggenbuck
S & M Dairy Inc.
John and Diane Seidl & Family
Te Voortwis Dairy LLC
Dian Volmering
Barry-Eaton LocalSilver
Endsley Dairy Farms LLC
Hammond Dairy Farm LLC
Thomas & Heather Wing
Bronze
Burdock Hills Dairy LLC
Chase Crest Hill Farms *
Jonathan G. Hochstetler
Richard A. Miller
Leonard, Kevin, Andrew & Maxine Pixley
Schuurmans Dairy Farm
Battle Creek-Homer Local Gold
Crandall Dairy Farms LLC
Silver
Miller Farms
Bronze
Halbert Dairy Farm
Daniel L. Williams
Joseph & Jeffrey Willson
Blossomland Local
Silver
Gamble Family *
Bronze
Jerry, Terry & Jerry Jr. Koebel
Brown City-Marlette Local
Silver
Muxlow Dairy Farm
Bob, Jeffrey, Daniel, & Andrew Parr
Dwight Radloff
Bronze
Peggy & Patricia Bachschmidt
John David Boegner ***
Cumper Dairy Farms ***
12 January 2011
Goma Dairy Farms LLC
Wiegert Dairy Farms LLC
Chippewa County Local
Gold
Jason W. Hoornstra
Bronze
Doe Creek Farm
David A. Lamb
Clare LocalSilver
Jack Evans
Donald Kuehl Sr. & Family
Bronze
Le Var Farms LLC
Constantine Local
Silver
Gerald D. Bontrager
Ira L. Hochstetler
Glen F. Miller
Merle F. Miller *
David & Carolyn Nissley
Jacob W. Weaver
Bronze
Alvin D. Bontrager
Elva A. Bontrager
Glen E. Bontrager
Milton D. Bontrager
Philip D. Bontrager
Neal L. Borkholder
Detweiler Farms
Ervin L. Eash
Lamar & Erma Eash
Delmar J. Fry
Olen J. Fry
Vernon & Vernon Jr. Hochstetler
Wayne S. Kaufman
Harley H. Lambright
Ervin J. Lehman
Ernest L. Mast
Maynard J. Mast
Calvin F. Miller
Cletus H. Miller
Clyde S. Miller
Paul W. Miller
Verlin R. Miller
Vernon E. Miller
Lavern C. Nissley
Lewis Schmucker
Dorvin Shaum
Jerry C. Slabach
Michael R. Stoltzfus
Allen Troyer
Mervin & Susan Troyer
Andrew M. Wenger
David L. Yoder
Enos H. Yoder
Maynard Yoder
Norman L. Yoder
Rufus B. Zimmerman
Carl Zook
Dairyland Local
Gold
Roger Copeland
Silver
D & J Dairy LLC
Bronze
Mervin G. Dailey
David Kraft
Ammon R. Martin
Ephraim & Esther Martin
Wilson Centennial Farm
Deckerville Local
Silver
James M. Adler
Edward Joe Lawler
Bronze
Bradley & Brian Booms
Dallas Family Farms
Erdman Farms
Timothy Mater
Deford/Clifford-Mayville Local Silver
Meadow Muth Farms LLC
Alice Zajac
Bronze
Calvin J. Bodeis
Mohr Valley Dairy Farm Inc.
Evart Local
Gold
Michael L. Bosscher
Dick Haven Farms LLC
Mark F. Diemer
Silver
William A. Benson
Buning Dairy Farm LLC *
BWT Farms LLC
Keith A. Deruiter *
David L. DeZeeuw
Harold & Ruth Ann Dodde
End Road Farm
Kerwin J. Hamming
Leon Hamming
Star City Farm
William Stein
Wirth Dairy Farm **
Bronze
Benthem Bros. Inc.
Steve Benthem
Robert, Harold, Michael & Matthew Cnossen
Gaylord & Gerald Denslow
Eisenga Bros. Dairy
Gilde Farms ***
Mary & Robert Lee
Many Blessings Dairy Inc.
Jerry J. Mitchell
Rudvan Family Farms LLC
Jonathan & Mary Taylor
Kenneth & Carol Tebos
Van Polen Farms
Flint Local
Silver
Smolek Farms
Bronze
Corner Oak Farm
K&K Kern Farms
Weil Dairy Farm
Frankenmuth Local
Silver
Eric Frahm & Teresa Crook **
Petzold Dairy Farms LLC
Schiefer Farms LLC
Wardin Brothers
Bronze
Haubenstricker Dairy Farm LLC *
Larry Niec Farms LLC
Richard R Wardin
Weber Farms Inc.
Roger & Joanmarie Weiss
Michigan Milk Messenger 13
Grand Rapids Local
Silver
Cressbrook Farms
Fisk Farms
Albert Frandsen
Klamer Farms Inc. *
Stephen & Denise Knox
Potgeter Farms ***
James Schaendorf
Bronze
Franklin S. Bowman
James A. Brower
Med-O-Bloom Farms LLC
T & G Dairy LLC
Hillman Local
Silver
Jamey Allen
Melvin Mullet
Larry, Paulette, Jeremy & Paul Werth
Ervin Lee Yoder
Bronze
Brian Centala
Chippewa Dairy
Ryan & Charina Dellar
Crist Miller
Risky Endeavor Dairy
Skudlarek Dairy Farm
Fred, Corby & Cody Werth
Hillsdale-Litchfield Local
Gold
Ron Rayba
Silver
Christopher & Beth Brenner
Drakeland Farms LLC
Jonathan Dunks
Ferry Farms LLC
Herman’s Holsteins LLC
Bronze
Denningsons Farms
Ferris Farms
Richard & Patricia Hawkins
Pleasant View Dairy
Ingham County LocalGold
Kevin Cavanaugh **
Silver
Clona Farms LLC
Bronze
Dusk ‘Til Dawn Farm
Fogle Farms
Ron Launstein
David Lyon
Larry L. Steffey
Jackson County Plus Local SilverHillside Dairy Farms
Bronze
Grand Valley Farms
Riske Farms
Williams Family Farm LLC
Tom A. Zenz
Kalamazoo Local
Silver
Francis L. Burr
Lavern & Douglas DeMann
DeMann Farm LLC
Paul DeMann
Melvin T. Puschel **
Webers Meadow LLC *
Bronze
Louis Fifelski
James C. Jackson
K & W Dairy
MSU Kellogg Farm
Penney Farms
Rodney & Claude Pillars
Ransler Farms *
Scales Prairie Farm *
Tim & Sandy Ver Hage
Lansing LocalGold
MSU Dairy - Dept. of Animal Science
Bronze
Heyboer Farms Inc.
Chris, Kristina, Hans & Patricia Langmaack
Reeder Farms
Lapeer County Plus LocalBronze
Gleason Dairy Farm
Siegler Dairy Farm
Livingston Charter LocalSilver
Donal Farm LLC *
Bronze
Clarinda Farms LLC *
George & Hope Fyrciak
Menominee-Vacationland LocalSilver
Waucedah Hill Farm LLC
Bronze
Rivard Farms
Sandahl Dairy Farm
Karen Ann & John Strohl
Sherwin Wilson
Mid-Michigan LocalSilver
Berlyn Acres II LLC
John & Kelly Carter
Cornerstone II Dairy LLC
Green Meadow Farms Inc.
H & K Dairy LLC
George & Shirley Hazle
McCormack Enterprises Inc.
Nobis Dairy Farms
James J. Pohl
Sanborn & Sons LLC
Leroy & Stephanie Schafer
Brett & Jennifer Stump
Wadell Dairy Farm LLC
Aron W. Whitaker
Wieber Dairy LLC
Bronze
Clintonia Road Dairy LLC
George Grecu III
Green Meadow Farms Inc.
Michael T. Hogan
Lew-Max Holstein LLC
Alan J. Miller
P & H Farms
Melvin & Pamela Pohl *
Steven C. Roth
Gene L. Schneider
Gordon & David Schrader
Larry A. Simon
Steven H. Simon
Robert & Richard Skriba
Steenblik Dairy Inc.
Stony Creek Dairy LLC
Stout Dairy *
T & H Dairy II
Cliff & Kent Thelen
14 January 2011
Mt. Pleasant LocalSilver
Bernard, Louis & Ronald Brecht
Clark Dairy Farm LLC
Elton F. Dubois
Gross Farms Inc.
House Farms
Judge Dairy Farm Inc.
Bronze
Martin C. Fox
Gross Dairy Farms Inc. **
Robert S. Millard
Muskegon Local
Gold
Donald A. Beattie
Sueann M. Higgins **
Silver
Dewey Farm LLC
Larsen Farms
Gail A. Olsen
Silver Sky Dairy LLC
Slowpoke Farm LLC
Stakenas Farms Inc.
Udderside Dairy LLC
Bronze
Beuschel Fruit & Dairy LLC *
Thomas, Shirley & Eric Carson
Brian A. Guikema
Higgins Livestock Inc.
Howe Farms Inc.
Koppenol Dairy Farms Inc. **
Menno J. Lambright
Daniel J. Lombard
Evelyn & Joseph May
Jerry & Sharron Powers
Slater Farm LLC
Slater Farms 88th LLC
Stroven Dairy Farm
Sunglow Dairy LLC
Albert Lee Tiles *
Udder Pressure
David Vanderzanden
Diane, Gary & Karen Wolford
Owosso LocalSilver
Jason Szakal
Bronze
Ritter Farms LLC
David Sovis
Saline-Ann Arbor Local
Silver
Edward Keezer
Stanley & Patricia Lambarth
Bronze
Breuninger Farms LLC
Marcus S. Bristle
Gene & Gary Girbach
Horning Farms LLC *
Brian D. Sweetland
Sandusky Local
Bronze
Frederick & Candice Inbody
Southern Sanilac Local
Silver
Noll Dairy Farm Inc.
Bronze
John Nunn
St. Clair - Macomb Local
GoldLester, Barbara & Susan Knust
Bronze
James Reid
Sunrise Local
Gold
Jeremy & Deseriee Beebe
Circle K Farms Inc.
Silver
Anschuetz Dairy Farm LLC
Derek Brewer
Timothy Salgat
W-R-L Daniels Farm LLC **
Bronze
Cedar Lane Dairy Farms
Clemens Dairy Farm Inc. *
Curry Farms
Joseph E. Kauffman
Lemajru Dairy Farm
Poirier Farms
Victor Daniels & Sons
Joseph & Lana Vohwinkle
Weber Dairy Farms
West End Dairy Inc.
Upstate Local
Bronze
Dean & Victoria Edgecomb
Richard J. Fettig
Marvin J. Rubingh *
Stanek Farm
West Huron Local
Bronze
Alvin L. Gnagey
Hornbacher Farms
Timothy & Debra Kubacki
Paul G. Leipprandt & Son Inc.
Starward Farm
West Michigan Local
Silver
Daybreak Dairy
William & Robert Gruppen
Woodbridge Dairy Farm
Bronze
Al Ott Farm LLC
Alflen Dairy Farms Inc.
Timothy Baker
John M. Bodbyl
Wayne Dekleine *
Heritage Farms LLC
John & Philips Kuyers
Melridge Farms
Nienhuis Dairy Farm LLC
Dennis Raterink
Arlyn J. Walt
Delwyn Wedeven
Dale Welch
Western U.P. Local
Gold
Jacob and Elaine Jahfetson & Family
Bronze
Iho Farms
MSU U.P. Experiment Station
Michigan Milk Messenger 15
Welcome Home2010 MMPA District 5 OYDC Trevor Bollinger, Vestaburg, Mich.
Dairy farming is one of the few industries where parents send their children off to college actually hoping they will return
home. In Michigan, many young dairy farmers attend Michigan State University’s two-year Ag Tech Dairy Program to learn practical skills they can bring back and put to work on their family farms.
Trevor Bollinger says his experiences in the MSU Dairy Tech program have proved very helpful to the dairy farm he operates with his father, Kevin. For instance, a farm he interned on tail chalked their heifers for heats. The Bollingers now use that practice as a helpful management tool.
“It’s (college) a chance to get away from the farm and see how other people do things,” Trevor says. “The best part was the internship where I spent 3 months on a 1,000 cow dairy in California. That’s where I learned the most.”
That’s also where Trevor learned he did not ever want a 1,000 cow dairy.
“I couldn’t manage the people well enough,” Trevor says. “Cows I can deal with. I’m not a good people manager. I like being around cows and being my own boss.”
Not long after Trevor completed the dairy program at MSU, the Bollingers received the DHI Most Improved Herd award for Montcalm County. With Trevor back on the farm, he and Kevin were able to split the cows and heifers into their own groups, and were able to pay more attention to details such as harvesting forages at their peak instead of just harvesting when there was time.
“It’s good to have him back,” Kevin says. “He does an excellent job with reproduction.”
Trevor handles most of the breeding, which is mainly done via A.I. While they were expanding from 60 to 120 cows, the Bollingers introduced a clean-up bull to help expand from within. Now that herd numbers are where they would like, the Bollingers are back to using A.I. only.
“In 2004, we had 60 cows,” Trevor says. “We are up to 120 now that we’re both here. We need to be around that number of cows in order to support two families. Our plan is to stay around that number for the time being.”
Milk production dipped during the expansion, which was only a year or two after the Bollingers received the county DHI award. Kevin and Trevor attribute the production drop to several factors, such as overcrowding and keeping older cows in the herd as long as they could carry a calf, even if their production was low.
A new freestall barn built in 2007 solved the crowding issue. By that time, herd numbers were getting close to the Bollingers’ goal of around 100 cows.
“Now that the cow numbers are where we want them, we are at the point we can get rid of the low producing cows because we have replacements coming in,” Trevor says.
Though he’s not a full partner yet, Trevor helps Kevin make farm business decisions, both of them sitting down and discussing their options to come up with a plan that will work best for their particular situation.
“Our expansion is for Trevor’s future,” Kevin says. “We are going to move farm assets and interests to him the same way the farm was handed down to me. Trevor is the third generation on this farm.”
The Bollingers are in the process of meeting with a lawyer to work toward creating an LLC for the farm. Their goal is to have the LLC in place prior to making any major improvements, such as building a parlor, which is planned for this spring.
16 January 2011
Photos, clockwise, from left: Trevor Bollinger; Trevor and his father, Kevin Bollinger; cows on the Bollinger Dairy Farm.
Bollinger Dairy Farm Facts:MMPA Members of: District 5 and the Alma Local Acres farmed: 400Herd size: 120 milking and dry; 155 replacements Milking set-up: 42 tie stall stanchion with 5 milking units
Ag and community involvement: Trevor is a member of the Montcalm County Farm Bureau. “One thing that makes a difference on our farm is…teamwork. With my dad and I as the only employees on the farm it
is important that we work together to make things run as efficiently as we possibly can.
“This is just the next step in our farm’s progression,” Trevor says. “Eventually I’d like to take it over when dad retires so making the farm an LLC is just part of the process.”
Even though Trevor and Kevin are the sole employees on the farm, the two recognize the importance of time off and try to rotate weekends off during the slower times of the year.
“Once in awhile it’s nice to get away and get a little break to refresh,” Trevor says. “That makes a lot of work for the person who is still here, but it’s usually only a couple of days and we don’t go away during planting or harvesting.”
Another advantage to the farm owners being the only employees is their attention to detail, particularly while milking the cows. Trevor milks at night and Kevin milks in the morning. While one person is milking, the other takes care of feeding.
“Producing good quality milk is a price that’s in our control if we do a good job,” Trevor says. “It’s a chance to make a little more money so it needs to be a priority. If you can get an extra 35 cents per hundredweight for your milk, it’s worth it. With only the two of us milking, we know what we are doing and that seems to work well to keep SCC low.”
About a year ago, the herd’s SCC spiked from around 150,000 to 300,000. The Bollingers were perplexed as to how the levels could spike so quickly and spent a few months searching for the problem.
“For 2-3 months, we couldn’t figure out what was going on,” Trevor says. “We checked all the cows, checked all the equipment and couldn’t find it. Finally, our vacuum pump quit one day. While that was being fixed, they found a plug in the line that was causing the problem.”
Now that the vacuum problem is fixed, the herd’s average SCC generally runs around 150,000, earning the Bollingers a Bronze Quality Award from MMPA this past year.
Michigan Milk Messenger 17
What a difference a year makes—low milk prices
overshadowed 2009, setting a rather somber tone during last year’s MMPA Leaders’ Conference. A year later, milk prices are predicted to finish out 2010 nearly $4 higher than last year’s all-milk price. For the cooperative, 2009 was the year MMPA members took a giant step to increase MMPA’s ability to market members’ milk to the greatest advantage possible through a $62 million expansion to the cooperative’s Ovid manufacturing plant. Today, the expanded plant is running smoothly, along with the addition of a $27 million dryer project.
This year’s Leaders’ Conference was held in East Lansing on November 22. The meeting kicked
off MMPA’s annual meeting season, and all MMPA members holding leadership positions at state, district or local levels, were invited to attend the daylong information session.
MMPA General Manager Clay Galarneau noted that 2010 was “the best year in a long time,” citing strong milk prices due in part to strong exports, which were up approximately 40 percent from 2009, representing nearly 13 percent of total U.S. milk production. For 2010, USDA’s all-milk price is projected at $16.35 per cwt., with MMPA’s all-milk price estimated to be about 50 cents higher than the USDA price.
MMPA all-milk prices for 2011 are predicted to be similar to 2010. Clay said for farmers who expect
to receive the full amount of MILC payments offered, the payments are estimated to average about 41 cents for the year. The MILC payments are not based on low milk prices but rather the feed price adjuster, as feed prices are expected
to be much higher in the next year.
MMPA’s Ovid plant expansion, dryer project and additional warehouse storage were completed in 2010. From April to July, the Ovid plant processed 47.5 percent more (or 163 million pounds) milk over 2009. Efficiencies built into the expansion have the plant running more smoothly than ever before.
“The Ovid plant is processing more milk more efficiently than we have in the past,” Clay said.
MMPA President Ken Nobis gave an overview of the revamped Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) program that costs only 2 cents per cwt., ends the herd retirement option and focuses solely on export assistance. Ken reiterated Clay’s statements on the importance of exports to all-milk prices.
“Exports are becoming more and more critical to this industry,” Ken said. “Growth in commercial exports contributes about twice as much new market growth for U.S. products as domestic consumption. The world market as a whole returned more to dairy farmers than domestic markets did.”
While the CWT Committee voted to move forward with the new program, Ken cautioned that
MMPA Leaders’Conference 2010
From left: MMPA President Ken Nobis, MMPA General Manager Clay Galarneau, MSU Dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Dr. Jeff Armstrong and Dr. Chris Brown of the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine presented during the morning session of Leaders’ Conference. After their presentations, the four answered questions from MMPA leaders.
Battle Creek-Homer Local Wins MMPAC Challenge
Congratulations to the Battle Creek- Homer Local for winning this year’s “MMPAC Challenge.” For the second year in a row, the Battle Creek-Homer Local had the highest percentage of members contribute to the Michigan Milk Political Action Committee during the recent fundraising campaign. The winner of the “MMPAC Challenge” was announced at Leaders’ Conference. The Battle Creek-Homer Local will receive a matching gift of up to $1,000 to the local’s choice of one of five charity organizations or youth foundations. Thank you to all members who have contributed to the MMPAC.
18 January 2011
it would only move forward if 75 percent of U.S. milk production agrees to contribute the 2 cents per cwt. He was optimistic that would occur, noting that much of the opposition by those not contributing to the original CWT was due to the herd retirement portion of the program.
He discussed the various aspects of NMPF’s Foundation for the Future, which encompasses a multi-faceted approach to ensure the livelihood of dairy farmers in the future despite shrinking federal dairy programs. One of the sticking points for many farmers is why Foundation for the Future calls for the discontinuation of the Dairy Price Support Program. Ken explained how the support program disadvantages U.S. dairy by supporting dairy farmers throughout the world by reducing demand for U.S. dairy products and creating disincentives to product innovation.
Ken commended the members for their contributions to the MMPA Political Action Committee, noting that of the 105 candidates endorsed by MMPA in the election, 96 candidates, representing 91 percent endorsement, were elected. He presented a plaque to this year’s winner of the MMPAC Challenge, MMPA’s Battle Creek-Homer Local.
Dr. Jeff Armstrong, Dean of the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, talked about the potential changes taking place within the college’s departments, such as combining Animal Science and Food Science to become one department. In all, the plan is to reduce the number of departments from 13 to 8, but Jeff dispelled rumors that any college majors would be cut.
“We’ve been charged with becoming as efficient as possible,” Jeff said. “Any dollar we can take out of administration and put into
faculty and staff program dollars, that’s what we want to do.”
Dr. Armstrong also explained why MSU redesigned its Extension program, saying that they are going back to the core of Extension—to educate.
Dr. Chris Brown with the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine discussed the importance of research partnerships with other universities, as well as partnerships within the Animal Science department of MSU. He explained how the partnerships work, noting that they were “looking for more ways to cooperate and utilize our mutual resources.”
MMPA 2010 OYDC Burke and Lisa Larsen chaired the luncheon honoring all of the 2010 District OYDCs. The MMPA scholarship winners were also recognized during the lunch.
During lunch, Nell Kuhnmuench, Director for Governmental Consulting Services discussed the political make up of Michigan’s newly elected House and Senate, noting a 20 person reversal in the House to give the Republicans the majority, which is something that hasn’t happened in about 40 years. At 26 members, the Senate Republicans will have a super majority, meaning they can override a Gubernatorial veto if they so choose.
“Out of 110 members of Michigan’s legislature, 92 have two years or less experience in state legislature, and 62 of those have no experience at all,” she said.
With that much inexperience in the legislature, Nell urged MMPA members to get in front of their individual legislators to help educate them about issues facing dairy.
The senior division 2010 Michigan Dairy Ambassador Melissa Erdman, daughter of MMPA members Mike and Vicki Erdman, gave an overview of her
Continued on page 30
2010 OYDC Burke and Lisa Larsen chaired the OYDC Luncheon where all the 2010 OYDCs and MMPA scholarship winners were recognized.
Leprino Foods President Larry Jensen, left, and VP of Marketing and New Business Development Derek Freidman discussed Leprino Foods future outlook.
Nell Kuhnmuench discussed how the upcoming political atmosphere in Michigan will consist of a Republican House, Senate and Governor when legislators begin their session in January.
The senior division 2010 Michigan Dairy Ambassador Melissa Erdman, daughter of MMPA members Mike and Vicki Erdman, gave an overview of her experiences as ambassador.
Michigan Milk Messenger 19
Low Cost Start-Up2010 MMPA District 6 OYDC Rick and Terri Hawbaker, Pewamo, Mich.
M ost dairy farmers who rotationally graze in Michigan didn’t start out that way. Many switched from conventional dairying to
grazing for various reasons, be it cow health, lower input and labor costs or a combination of other factors. Those same reasons are also being cited by today’s younger dairy farmers who have created start-up dairy farms on grass-based systems.
For Rick and Terri Hawbaker, the decision to start their farm as a grass-based dairy was simple. Terri grew up on a dairy farm. Her parents, Howard and Mary Jo Straub, farm about 7 miles away from the Hawbakers’ farm. When Terri was 13, her family decided to make the switch to rotational grazing, giving Terri the unique perspective of what it was like to live on both a conventional and a grass-based dairy.
“By growing up that way, I was able to see the benefits of grazing,” Terri says.
Rick grew up in Pennsylvania and worked for about 5 years on a grass-based dairy farm there. With their experiences in grass-based dairy management and a mutual love for dairy farming, the Hawbakers found a
farm with most of its acreage planted in alfalfa and began the process of transitioning it to fit their needs.
“The low input cost grazing model allows us to both work on the farm and still keep the farm size small, around 100 cows,” Rick says. “We were able to start the farm in our early 20s without cosigners and built the farm from scratch.”
While the Hawbakers were looking for a farm and then getting their farm set up to graze and milk cows, they had begun to establish their herd and kept them at Terri’s family farm. Once Grazeway Dairy was ready to graze cows, the Hawbakers had 48 cows and 11 heifers that were already accustomed to grass-based living.
“It’s easier for young dairy farmers to get started with a grass-based system because the input costs are lower,” Terri says. “All we started with was one tractor, a parlor, fence and the cows.”
Selecting a farm with acerage that consisted mainly of a hayfield allowed the Hawbakers to focus on installing fencing right away. They were able to offset nearly half of the cost of the fencing and watering projects by following NRCS specifications, which enabled them to receive EQIP funds. Taking the time to follow NRCS guidelines to help pay for fencing needs is a management decision the Hawbakers highly recommend to anyone starting a grazing operation.
During the farm’s first year, cows at Grazeway Dairy grazed on the forages that were present when Rick and Terri purchased the farm. By the following year, a mix of grasses, forages and brassicas were planted in 9 acre stages of three paddocks each. It took some time for the Hawbakers to find the best seed mix for their farm and say they are pleased with what they are currently using.
“For us, it’s finding what works,” Terri says. “Each year we reseed a different 9 acres, which was the winter lot for the previous year.”
The paddocks are planted with a variety of forages including: perennial rye grass, alfalfa, red clover, timothy hay, orchard grass and one brassica—Pasja turnips. The Pasja turnips are specific to grazing in that they do not form a bulb in the ground nor do they flavor the milk in any way.
By the end of April, the cows are on full grass in the paddock system, which consists of 35 paddocks of about 3 acres each. In the spring, when the grass is really growing well, cows are given half a paddock every 12 hours. Once the cows have grazed that paddock, the paddock is given a 30 day rest period as part of the Grazeway Dairy’s rotational grazing plan.
During the winter, dry cows are kept in “renovation lots” which consist of 3 paddocks each (9 acres total) and
20 January 2011
Photos, clockwise, from left: Rick and Terri Hawbaker; the Hawbaker family: Rick holding George, 4 months, Terri holding Ruby, 2, Clyde, 7 and Eli, 6; Grazeway Dairy’s cows on pasture.
Grazeway Dairy Facts:MMPA Members of: District 6 and the Mid-Michigan Local Acres farmed: 216Herd size: 105 milking and dry; 61 replacements Milking set-up: New Zealand Style Swing line 18Ag and community involvement: Terri serves on the American Forage and Grassland Council board of directors. She
and Rick have hosted numerous forage tours at their farm and both have been featured nationally as speakers on grazing
practices and farm structure at universities and national forage programs. They attend and volunteer at the Carson City
United Methodist Church and are active in the Clinton County 4-H program.“One thing that makes a difference on our farm is…we only implement the ideas or improvements that honor God, family
and the bottom line.”
are rotated yearly. These are the lots that will be replanted with the Hawbaker’s grass/forage/brassica mix in the spring. Once planted, the lots must be well established before the Hawbakers will allow the cows to graze the new lots.
“The seasonality goes hand and hand with grass production,” Terri explains. “We want the cows to be at their peak production when the grass is at its peak production. That is the ideal and it is our goal.”
All cows are dried off early to mid February for about 6 weeks so they calve in April. During that time, the Hawbakers go on vacation, do all parlor maintenance and get the barn set up for calving season. About 80 percent of the Hawbakers’ cows calve in April.
“During calving season we have about 2 months where calves are being born every day,” Rick says. “We have at least one each day, and average four per day. The most we had was eight in one day. “
All calves kept are born in April so they are strong and healthy going into winter.
“Each year, we only keep the first 25-30 heifer calves and sell the rest,” Rick says. “Our cull rates are low. We have some cows that are 15 years old. We either have to milk more cows or sell some.”
Rick and Terri credit the herds’ longevity to the cows’ grazing lifestyle, noting that the cows are out in open air, get more exercise, eat a simple diet and have low stress. The Hawbakers also say they don’t push the cows for production.
“We have very low vet costs,” Rick says. “This year the vet only came out one time for a preg check. Even the hoof trimmer comes out only once a year.”
Drying off all cows at once means a break from milking, but it also means the Hawbakers don’t receive a milk check while the cows are not producing milk. The couple sets a budget for what expenses will be incurred when the cows are dried off. During the months they receive milk checks, Rick and Terri pay out monthly expenses and put what’s left in a separate “dry time” bank account.
“At the end of the year we do projects and try to pay for everything in cash,” Rick says. “This year we were able to pour a concrete lane to the barn and purchased a bale grinder.”
The Hawbakers’ low cost grazing system coupled with their pay for what they can afford financial plan served them well through the most recent period of low milk prices.
“We didn’t take a loss when prices were low in 2009, we fared well,” Terri says. “It did take us an extra month to get our “dry time” fund put away, but we still fared well for the year.”
Michigan Milk Messenger 21
Continued on next page
The ninth annual Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference
(GLRDC) will usher in a strong line-up of keynote speakers, workshops, producer panels and other activities to help dairy producers plan for the future, both on and off the farm. Whether digging into issues that surround working with family members or focusing on optimizing animal health, the two-day educational program is sure to provide attendees with take-home information that will help guide their farming decisions.
“The purpose of the GLRDC is to provide timely information for the dairy industry in the Midwest,” said Faith Cullens, chair of the 2011 GLRDC planning committee and Michigan State University (MSU) Extension dairy educator. “It’s also a great opportunity for producers to network with one another.”
The 2011 GLRDC takes place February 3–5 at the Bavarian Inn Lodge and Conference Center in Frankenmuth. The conference includes two days of educational sessions, one half-day of breed association and youth meetings and an industry-wide awards banquet honoring a host of industry winners including the MSU Dairy Farmer of the Year.
The first day of the conference will feature a series of speakers addressing the overarching topics of dairy marketing and animal health. First on the agenda are Diane Leonard, vice president of strategic initiatives for Dairy Management Inc., and Rachel Weber, DMI Dairy Scientist for McDonald’s partnership, who will talk to producers about her role in helping
develop new food and beverage items on the McDonald’s menu.
“As the profit margin in the dairy industry continues getting smaller, it’s important for producers to look at new ways of generating income,” Cullens said. “For some, that might mean buying more cows, while for others, the answer might lie in diversifying their operations by direct-marketing their products. These sessions will walk producers through some of those possibilities.”
Dairy farmer and world champion hot rod racecar driver Mark Thomas will commence the series on animal health with his presentation titled “Team Work Spells Success in Racing—and in Farming.” Other speakers who will be discussing specific dairy health issues include Drs. Ron Erskine and Dan Grooms, both from the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine, and Dr. Sam Leadley, calf and heifer specialist with Attica Veterinary Associates, P.C. Following their presentations, all speakers will gather on a panel facilitated by Dr. Mark Fox of the Deckerville Veterinary Clinic to field questions from the audience.
Producers will also enjoy hearing from Iowa farm native Jolene Brown, a family business consultant that understands agriculture and the families that live it every day. Her dinner program titled “Normal Doesn’t Live Here Anymore” occurs Thursday night, and she will head up a Friday afternoon workshop, “The Facts of Life: When Family and Business Collide.” She’s bound to have conference attendees laughing while they learn valuable, realistic tools to help them balance family and
business.
Other speakers featured on the 2011 GLRDC program include:
•JimTillison,NMPFSeniorVice President, Marketing and Economic Research/Chief Operating Officer, Cooperatives Working Together (CWT)
•JeffreyStevenson,KansasState University
•DanUndersander,Universityof Wisconsin
•GarySipiorski,VitaPlusCorporation
•GeorgeCrave,CraveBrothersFarmstead Cheese
Five in-depth workshops take place Friday afternoon, Feb. 4:
•TheFactsof Life:WhenFamily and Business Collide with Jolene Brown
•Calf andHeiferManagementStrategies with Dr. Sam Leadley
•VerticalIntegrationof DairyFarms, a producer/retailer panel with Dr. John Partridge, MSU Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition as facilitator, and panel participants Doug Westendorp, Mooville Creamery; George Crave, Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese; Jon Plummer, Moomers Ice Cream; and Wendell Van Gunst, Country Dairy
•MilkMarketingRiskManagement and Positioning Your Dairy Farm for the Future with Dr. Chris Wolf, MSU Department of Agriculture, Food, and Resource Economics
•Spartan3DairyTrainingwith program architect Dr. Mike VandeHaar, MSU Department of Animal Science
From Marketing to Health, 2011 GLRDC Topics Focus on Preparing Dairy Producers for the Present and Future
22 January 2011
place a lot of value on MSU, I had forgotten many of the contributions made by the MSU family over the years. The writing process also helps me recognize the expansion of issues dairy farmers face today. Would anybody have thought 50 years ago that having an animal care specialist on the faculty at MSU would be essential? It is, and MSU has it covered with one of the best in the country. Who would have thought air quality would be a concern for dairy farmers—well, ok maybe the odor part, but the methane produced in the digestion process? Got that one covered, too, with one of the most highly respected air quality experts in the country.
I could name other areas of emphasis, but my point here is that the number of issues has expanded as the dollars have decreased and tough decisions will have to be made to best utilize the money available. We all need to understand that our success as dairy farmers includes more than the person staring back at us in the mirror. Stay tuned.
Cullens thinks the best thing about this year’s conference is the effort the planning committee has taken to make sure workshops, panels and speakers are relevant to what dairy producers are dealing with today. “This year we sought out producers for input on putting together the program, so it truly is a producer-driven conference,” she said. Other conference highlights include the sixth annual Great Lakes Commercial Heifer Extravaganza Sale, an industry trade show, purebred dairy breed association meetings and the Michigan Dairy Ambassador Scholarship and Leadership Program interviews. Registration forms and a complete program schedule are available online at www.glrdc.msu.edu. Participants can also register and receive more information on the conference by calling MSU events coordinator Megghan Honke at 517-353-3175 ext. 229. Registrations received before Jan. 21 qualify for a $50 early bird discount. Online registration closes Jan. 28. On-site registrations are subject to availability.
MMPA Matters – Continued from page 5
through daily attention to detail and hard work!
In 2010, MMPA has also realized its lowest average somatic cell count. As of this writing, we do not know the 12 month average but based on how the SCC is trending, we expect the co-op 12 month average SCC to fall below 200,000! If this happens, it will be the first time in MMPA history. This is a reflection of the hard work and great animal care that occurs on our member farms day in and day out.
MMPA members saw stricter SCC marketing requirements in 2010. Some members in southern Michigan and the Thumb ship their milk to a market that began requiring all tanker loads of milk to be below 250,000. To meet this requirement, some members had to adjust aspects of their herd management program. MMPA members rose to the occasion and are now substantially meeting or
exceeding the requirements of that market. Making changes is not easy; I appreciate everyone’s effort toward continued milk quality improvement.
As a reminder, MMPA will begin its new SCC premium program January 1, 2011. The new program is outlined below.
Quality Watch – Continued from page 6
SCC Level Current Rate New Rate on 1-1-11
50,000 and below +55¢/cwt +55¢/cwt
51,000 – 75,000 +50¢/cwt +50¢/cwt
76,000 – 100,000 +45¢/cwt +45¢/cwt
101,000 – 125,000 +40¢/cwt +40¢/cwt
126,000 – 150,000 +35¢/cwt +35¢/cwt
151,000 – 175,000 +30¢/cwt +30¢/cwt
176,000 – 200,000 +25¢/cwt +25¢/cwt
201,000 – 225,000 +20¢/cwt +20¢/cwt
226,000 – 250,000 +10¢/cwt +15¢/cwt
251,000 – 275,000 +10¢/cwt –
276,000 – 400,000 – –
401,000 – 500,000 – -15¢/cwt
501,000 – 600,000 -10¢/cwt -30¢/cwt
601,000 – 750,000 -50¢/cwt - $1.00/cwt
Over 750,000 - $1.50/cwt - $1.50/cwt
Michigan Milk Messenger 23
M ore than 80 Michigan State University (MSU) students pursuing careers
in the dairy industry competed in the annual MSU Dairy Challenge hosted by Larry and Ken Nobis of St. Johns. The contest is open to all university students. There were four student divisions: novice, advanced, agricultural technology and veterinary. “This year’s MSU Dairy Challenge was the largest in its 11-year history, with over 80 students and 4 divisions,” Miriam Weber Nielsen, coordinator of the MSU Dairy Challenge program says. “The steady increase in student numbers
Nobis Dairy Farm Hosts 12th Annual MSU Dairy Challenge
over the years reflects greater enrollment in our two advanced dairy courses and also growing interest by our younger students in learning what is all involved in evaluating a dairy farm.”
The Dairy Challenge is a way for students to practice the skills they’re learning in the classroom by applying them to a real-life setting, ultimately providing students with increased employment opportunities through networking and skill building, and the chance to put their skills to the test.
“I was very impressed with the number and quality of the students involved in the Dairy Challenge project,” MMPA President and farm
tour host Ken Nobis says. “They were well prepared to assess our dairy operation.”
The contest is separated into two portions, each held on a separate day—an on-farm evaluation the first day, followed by presentations to judges a week later. Students work together in teams of four to complete each section and the top three teams in each division were awarded cash prizes.
“I think that we forget the valuable role the judges play in the overall success of the Dairy Challenge and the future
24 January 2011
Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has initiated
a membership drive to boost participation in the self-help program during the next two years, with the goal of signing up at least 75 percent of the nation’s milk in order to fully fund a robust Export Assistance program. “Focusing CWT’s efforts exclusively on helping sell U.S.-made dairy products into foreign markets will have a positive impact on all dairy farmers,” said Jerry Kozak, President and CEO of NMPF, which manages CWT. “With the investment in CWT at two cents per hundredweight by all dairy farmers, we believe the Export Assistance program will be extremely effective in enhancing and maintaining producer’s margins.” An analysis by the National Milk Producers Federation’s Vice President of Market and Economic Research, Dr. Peter Vitaliano,
demonstrates the effectiveness of the Export Assistance program in enhancing dairy farmer revenue, and the value and importance of continuing the program in the future. Over the life of the program, every dollar spent helping members export dairy products has returned $15.53. CWT is expected to carry over $30 million from its 2009-2010 budget. These monies will provide the basic funding for the program in 2011 and 2012, and will be supplemented by the revenue generated from a two-year commitment by cooperative and individual producers marketing a minimum of 75 percent of the eligible milk production. Kozak said CWT needs a commitment from at least 75 percent of the nation’s milk supply to the two-cent (2¢) per hundredweight level in order for the assessment to go into effect.
A narrated copy of Dr. Vitaliano’s presentation is available for downloading from the CWT website www.cwt.coop. A brochure that describes the benefit to all producers of the Export Assistance program and a membership form is also available on the website. A CD of the presentation, copies of the brochure and membership forms are also available by emailing a request to [email protected] or by calling toll free 1-888-463-6298. Cooperatives Working Together is being funded by dairy cooperatives and individual dairy farmers, who are contributing 10 cents per hundredweight assessment on their milk production through December 2010. For more on CWT’s activities, visit www.cwt.coop.
Cooperatives Working Together 2011 Membership Drive
success of the students,” Ken says. “Judges represent a variety of dairy professionals including academics, veterinarians, nutritionist and business management. Their on-job experiences provide positive reinforcement of the students’ academic experience.”
“We at MSU are grateful to Nobis Dairy Farms and to our sponsors and judges for coming together to provide this real-world educational experience for our students,” Miriam says. “The efforts of our Michigan dairy producers, companies and organizations who help make this event possible show our industry’s commitment to developing the skills of Michigan’s future dairy producers and industry professionals.”
Michigan Milk Messenger 25
It takes creativity and energy to improve student health habits at school—and Michigan students
are up to the challenge.
Student involvement is the heart of Fuel Up to Play 60, an in-school wellness program created in partnership by the National Dairy Council and the National Football League. What makes student involvement so vital? Students know what works: They know which nutrition and fitness activities will be engaging and fun for students. And, students who help create initiatives are more likely to participate, get other students involved, and become invested in the outcome.
The ultimate goal of Fuel Up to Play 60 is to ensure changes made at school are sustainable, making it possible for children to have more opportunities to be physically active and to eat tastier options of nutrient-rich foods like low-fat and fat-free milk, whole grains and fruits and vegetables. A healthy school environment makes it more likely for students to meet government recommendations for nutrition and physical activity.
“Through Fuel Up to Play 60, youth are empowered to take action at their schools and develop their own road maps to better fitness and nutrition,” says Mike Flanagan, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Michigan Department of Education.
The components of Fuel Up to Play 60 include:
•Afreewellnessactivationkit for schools that includes healthy eating and physical activity programs, promotion materials, “playbook” activities,
and educational tools. These resources help adult advisors and students co-create and implement customized Fuel Up to Play 60 initiatives.
•Grantstohelpschools make lasting improvements in the health of the school environment.
•FuelUpToPlay60.com, an interactive website where students can enroll, take the pledge, play educational games and track healthy behaviors.
To fuel excitement for Fuel Up to Play 60 and provide Michigan schools with additional resources and ideas, United Dairy Industry of Michigan partnered with the Michigan Department of Education and the Michigan Department of Community Health to host a statewide Fuel Up to Play 60 Kick Off to School Health at Ford Field in Detroit this September.
“Students and staff who attended the Kick Off learned ways to implement these lessons in their own schools by participating in hands-on activities, which we hope will inspire them to eat right, remain active, and encourage others to do so as well,” Flanagan says.
More than 400 people attended the event, including principals, teachers and more than 150 students from 31 Michigan schools. The day began with a well-balanced breakfast of egg and cheese burritos, fruit and milk. After the participants were powered up, they discovered the impact nutrition and exercise has on learning during an interactive session with Jean Blaydes
Madigan, an international expert on action-based learning.
Next, the students took the field with Detroit Lions’ Defensive End Kyle Vanden Bosch, Former Pro Bowler Luther Elliss, and the Detroit Lions’ trainers. For about an hour, students ran sprint relays and practiced footwork, blocking, tackling, passing, catching, and jumping. During the huddle at the end of the session, a trainer shouted, “Who’s going to Fuel Up to Play 60 today and every day?” The students replied in unison, “We are!” This mini training camp was the best part of the day for many students.
“I had lots of fun on the field and got a lot of exercise,” says Joey Fortino from Hayes Middle School. “My favorite part was tackling the dummies.”
At halftime, a “Try It, You’ll Like It” lunch activity allowed participants to taste and rate new healthy menu selections including Greek yogurt; red beans with whole grain rice; whole grain chips with peach salsa or guacamole; and grilled chicken with honey mustard,
Fuel Up to Play 60:
by Karen Giles-Smith, United Dairy Industry of Michigan
Kids Lead the Way to Better Health at School
26 January 2011
barbeque, or sweet chili dipping sauce. The crowd favorite was grilled chicken with honey mustard dipping sauce.
During the second half of the Kick Off event, Go Comedy!, a professional improvisational group, performed skits about nutrition and physical activity. To bring the messages home, Ellis and Detroit Lions’ Kicker, Jason Hanson answered audience questions about how professional athletes eat healthy and play hard for optimal performance—emphasizing the need to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat/fat-free dairy for energy to exercise and “reach for the stars.”
“[The Kick Off] was so motivational for kids,” says Taggert Doll, nutritionist, Michigan Department of Community Health. “It’s a unique program—it brings the boring parts of nutrition and physical activity to life. This way, it sinks in.”
As a result of the brainstorming sessions during the Kick Off, school staff members and students left with activity ideas to promote tasty, healthful eating and fun physical fitness in their own schools. “I was very impressed by the kids’ involvement in brainstorming new ideas and processing what was taught yesterday—not just our school’s kids, but all the kids,” says Martha Powelson, Food Service Director, Alma Public Schools, “What wonderful, creative projects they’ve either come up with in the past or are contemplating now!”
Dan Droski, gym and health teacher at City Middle/High School in Grand Rapids says his team plans to implement grab-and-go breakfast since many students aren’t currently eating breakfast. Houghton Lake Middle School wants to have a teacher-student basketball tournament and also involve students in evaluating lunch options. Lakeview Middle School would like to hold a taste test for students and ask the principal to broadcast “brain breaks”—short activity breaks to boost brain power—over the intercom at the start of each school day.
“I truly believe students now understand the connection between healthy eating, physical exercise, and brain power and that, without a good foundation, they can’t expect to achieve their highest potential or realize their dreams,” says Powelson. “Fuel Up to Play 60 is an exciting opportunity for kids to lead other kids, and for our younger generation to make positive changes now that will positively impact their lives.”
A sampling of how student teams in Michigan schools are “running with” Fuel Up to Play 60:
Taste and Tell: The Power Middle School Fuel Up to Play 60 team in Farmington found a way to keep pizza, the most served and loved entrée, on the menu. They organized a school-wide taste test to sample a variety of pizzas and voted for whole grain crust, a lower sodium sauce, and a lower fat cheese topping.
Power Up with Breakfast: Students at Gerald R. Ford Middle School in Grand Rapids were entered into a drawing every time they ate breakfast. A weekly drawing was held the last three weeks of school when breakfast participation is usually low. Prizes included a leather basketball, iPod and Wii.
Hula to Health: Students at Freeland Middle School participated in a workshop where they learned how hula-hooping improves fitness. They made their own hula hoops and either donated them back to the school or took them home.
Take a Health Break: Charged with the task of getting their classmates physically active in a fun way, the Oxford Middle School Fuel Up To Play 60 team created TEXT Time (Talking and EXercising while listening to Tunes). Once a week during home room, all students walk the track in the gym for half an hour. While walking, students can talk with their friends and listen to music they’ve selected or choose from various activities in the center of the gym, such as badminton.
Healthy Body, Healthy Planet: Since John Page Middle School switched to offering 8-ounce milk in plastic bottles, the team wanted to expand on that success. They designed and launched a milk drinking contest. Students deposited milk bottle twist caps into “bone banks”. At the end of each day, the Fuel Up to Play 60 team counted all the caps and posted the results. For the contest period, sixth graders banked the most caps and drank the most milk for bone health.
Michigan Milk Messenger 27
The European Union (EU) announced this past year that
every farm supplying milk to any plant making products that will be offered for sale in the European Union must meet the 400,000 Somatic Cell Count (SCC) limit used in the EU.
Reactions from dairy producers in Michigan and around the country varied. Comments ranged from “This is impossible and impractical” to “It’s about time.” Adding to the concern of some producers is the fact that processors are putting more and more emphasis on low SCC milk as their best way to insure the quality of their products.
The time has arrived that an SCC of less than 400,000 will soon be required simply to make milk eligible for sale regardless of the legal limit in the United States. Some markets already require lower SCC for the milk they purchase. More than ever before, SCC is viewed as the best overall predictor of milk quality.
While the milk produced by MMPA members last month averaged below 200,000 SCC, there are some members whose bulk tank still tests above 400,000. A couple of questions frequently asked this past year are “Can I keep my SCC below 400,000?” and “What do I have to do to get my SCC below 400,000?” The answer to the first question is YES. The answer to the second question requires an action plan specific to each farm.
SCC Reduction Plan—specific to each farm The path to lower SCC is different for every farm. Every basic SCC reduction plan must address several key issues and be tailored for an individual farm’s needs to be successful. The action points listed below are not new, but the need to take action on these issues has never been greater. Some more conventional approaches to dealing
with high SCC cows may have to be revisited to satisfy the expectations of milk buyers. Your success in keeping SCC below 400,000 to even below 200,000 is directly related to your commitment to a SCC reduction plan for your farm. Key action points that must be included in an SCC reduction plan include:
•Aplantoidentifyallinfectedcows
•Aplantoidentifythemastitispathogens involved
•Aplantodealwithcowsalreadyinfected (subclinical too)
•Aplantopreventnewinfections
Most Infections are Subclinical—Early detection is critical You can’t even begin to reduce SCC until you know which cows have high SCC’s. Any cow that has a SCC of over 200,000 should be considered infected. Most of these infected cows (80 to 90 percent) are subclinical infections with no visible symptoms.
If an infected cow does not self-cure, her SCC contribution to the bulk tank often becomes greater with each passing month. The infected cow also presents a risk of infection to every cow that is milked with that same milking unit. In most herds, subclinical infections are the greatest source of somatic cells in the bulk tank.
If you are serious about reducing SCC, you have to start with knowing which cows are infected. Remember that cows with high SCC often exhibit no symptoms and their milk appears “normal” to the eye. Relying on clinical symptoms alone to identify high SCC cows may never make progress in reducing bulk tank SCC.
Tools that detect SCC levels are plentiful today. From the cow side CMT test, to testing with sophisticated laboratory equipment, to monthly DHIA testing, there is a test that can work for you to identify
high SCC cows. Your MMPA Member Representative can explain more about testing options that are available to you.
Know the Enemy—which pathogens are in your herd? Formulating a good battle plan to reduce SCC requires knowing the mastitis pathogens in the herd. Some mastitis pathogens are contagious, some do not respond to treatment, some are both contagious and untreatable. Some pathogens are always in the environment, some are found mostly on skin and tissue, and some are passed from cow to cow. Mastitis pathogen populations are often different on different farms. You need to know the enemy in order to establish a practical treatment plan and even more important, to establish effective prevention practices. Until you take steps to identify the mastitis pathogens in your cows, both your prevention and treatment plans will be at risk of failure.
Culturing opportunities to identify mastitis pathogens are available through the MMPA laboratory, diagnostic labs such as at MSU, through your veterinarian or through on-farm culturing. Sometimes whole herd culturing is appropriate and other times individual cow cultures are most appropriate. The method of pathogen identification most appropriate for your farm depends on the pathogens in your herd. Your MMPA Member Representative can assist you with an approach to culturing that fits your situation.
Being able to identify all high SCC cows soon after they are infected and knowing which mastitis pathogens are involved is a great starting point in the battle to keep your bulk tank SCC below 400,000 then below 150,000 or even lower. A good plan does not stop at 400,000; it will eventually take your SCC as low as you want it to be.
By Tom Herremans, MMPA Mastitis Management Supervisor
Continued on page 30
400,000 SCC—Every Farm Can Beat It!
28 January 2011
2011 Milker Training School Locations and Dates
Registration: 9:30 a.m. Program: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Lunch is provided
Shipshewana, IN March 1 Farmstead Inn
Greenville March 8 Greenville Community Center
Lansing March 17– Spanish Greenstone Farm Credit Service
Cass City March 23 Gillian’s
Alpena March 29 19th Hole Restaurant
Milker Training Registration
Name
Address
Telephone
Producer Permit Number
Date and location of session you will attend:
Number of people attending:
English
Hispanic
Send this form to: MMPA Milker Training School P.O. Box 8002 Novi, MI 48376-8002
Don’t miss a great opportunity to help lower SCC Rising to the challenge of lower SCC requirements is no easy task but additional SCC quality premiums and increased milk production per cow are only a few of the rewards waiting to be claimed. The importance of proper udder prep and milking procedure for mastitis control and milk quality is indisputable. MMPA Milker Training Schools provide an opportunity for members and their employees to improve their udder prep and milking procedure through a combination of classroom instruction and hands on training conducted by Tom Herremans, Christy Dinsmoore and Katie Pierson.
MMPA Milker Training School is a daylong session offered free of charge to MMPA members and their employees. Farm managers are encouraged to attend with their employees so they are able to reinforce new techniques that may be implemented on their farm. A schedule and registration form is listed below. Each school is limited to 30 people, however, a second session may be held to meet demand. Early registration is a must to determine if a second day is needed at some locations. Contact your MMPA Member Representative or Member Services Department in the Novi office with any questions or registration information.
Hispanic Milker Training Schools Some Michigan dairy farms employee Hispanic milkers. They are often enthusiastic, cooperative employees; however, the language barrier often makes communication between milker and owner difficult. For this reason, MMPA offers Hispanic Milker Training Schools. The presentation is taught in Spanish and allows time for discussion on specific milking routine questions. A concurrent but separate session is offered in English for employers and milking supervisors of the Hispanic employees so they will have an overview of the techniques the employees are taught.
Schools at Additional Locations The locations for the 2011 Milker Training Schools were selected based on MMPA producer responses to the Milker Training School survey sent to members in the October milk check. Schools were located in any area where 25 or more members requested a school.
If members would like a school offered in an area other than the locations already selected, and know that 20-30 people would attend from that area, we can still schedule a school for that area. To request a school at a location not listed below, contact Christy Dinsmoore at (989) 528-9102 or [email protected] or the Member Services Department at the Novi office.
2011 MMPA Milker Training Schools
Michigan Milk Messenger 29
experiences as ambassador, encouraging the group to recommend the program to other young dairy farmers.
A trio of Leprino Foods representatives—President Larry Jensen, Senior VP Michael Reidy and VP of Marketing and New Business Development Derek Freidman—gave the MMPA leaders an update on Leprino Foods operations in Michigan.
Larry gave a brief history of Leprino Foods, discussing their exclusive supply agreements with the “big three” pizza chains.
“Our vision is to be the best in the world at what we do and that’s to be the best dairy ingredient provider,” Larry said. “Our goal is to grow at roughly 10 percent per year. We will win that business with quality and service.”
Derek discussed how when the pizza business declined (resulting in lower sales for Leprino as well), Leprino Foods helped their customers make a better pizza so the customers could win with pizza again.
“We partnered with one customer to make it work in their system by building a great pizza without adding new complexities,” Derek said.
Leprino is also working on new technologies to “save taste in a low sodium world,” that will reduce sodium in cheese without impacting taste.
Mike Reidy discussed Leprino Foods new plant in Greely, Colorado, which will help the company match production capacity with sales volume growth and optimize the supply chain network. He also mentioned the need for change in the pricing structure to reduce volatility in the cheese markets, noting “it needs to happen to make our lives more comfortable.”
What can dairy farmers do to help keep Leprino Foods bottom line healthy, thus creating a larger market for MMPA members’ milk? It’s simple, say the Leprino Foods folks—eat more pizza.
“Keep supporting pizza,” Derek said. “It’s working. It’s driving your business and it’s driving the mozzarella category. Growing pizza business is an extremely efficient way to grow the cheese business.”
Leaders’ Conference– Continued from page 19 400,000 SCC– Continued from page 28
BUT early identification of infected cows and pathogen identification are only the starting point.
Prevention—the only plan that really works Prevention of new infections is the ultimate goal for permanent SCC reduction. An excellent prevention plan is inexpensive and is the best investment a dairy producer can make for the future. Next month I will discuss some new approaches to dealing with high SCC subclinical cows and prevention practices that work. Milking procedures are always an important part of that prevention plan.
Milker Training Schools —14 years and going strong Milking routine is a great opportunity to really make a difference in reducing the rate of new infections. Members that have really focused on excellence in their milking routines have been rewarded with Somatic Cell Counts as low as 50,000 to 100,000 on a consistent basis. It sounds too simple, but it works!
Schedule and Registration in this Issue The Milker Training Schools are a unique opportunity offered exclusively to MMPA members. The dates, locations and registration forms are found in this issue of the Milk Messenger.
The day long training sessions are a combination of classroom instruction and ‘hands on’ training. While the instruction focuses strongly on the dynamics of an excellent routine, the message is tailored to benefit both the farm owner/manager and the milking employees. Don’t miss your opportunity to be one of the over 3,000 people who have attended an MMPA Milker Training School.
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30 January 2011
Local Date Place Location Time SpeakerFrankenmuth Monday, Jan. 3 Black Forest Restaurant Frankenmuth 12:00 noon Joe Diglio
Flint and Livingston Charter Wednesday, Jan. 5 Janelle’s Family Restaurant Byron 12:00 noon Ken Nobis
Hillman Wednesday, Jan. 5 Hillman Community Center Hillman 11:30 a.m. Clay Galarneau
West Michigan Wednesday, Jan. 5 Zeeland Township Hall Vriesland 11:30 a.m. Sheila Burkhardt
Bad Axe Thursday, Jan. 6 Huron County Expo Center Bad Axe 11:30 a.m. Ken Nobis
Mid-Michigan Thursday, Jan. 6 Clinton County RESA St. Johns 11:30 a.m. Clay Galarneau
Adrian Friday, Jan. 7 Rome Grange Hall 12:00 noon Ken Nobis
Alma Friday, Jan. 7 Maxfield’s Restaurant Wyman 11:30 a.m. Clay Galarneau
Constantine Saturday, Jan. 8 Siloam Fellowship Hall Goshen, IN 10:30 a.m. Ken Nobis
West Huron Saturday, Jan. 8 Immanuel Lutheran Church Sebewaing 12:00 noon Clay Galarneau
Deford/Clifford-Mayville Monday, Jan. 10 Liz’s American Diner Caro 12:00 noon Ken Nobis
Owosso Monday, Jan. 10 Drew’s Steakhouse Owosso 12:00 noon Carl Rasch
Dairyland Tuesday, Jan. 11 Bloomer Township Hall Carson City 12:00 noon Joe Diglio
Grand Rapids Wednesday, Jan. 12 Fire Mountain Comstock Park 11:45 a.m. Clay Galarneau
Ingham County Wednesday, Jan. 12 Wooden Nickel Dansville 11:00 a.m. Joe Diglio
St. Clair-Macomb Wednesday, Jan. 12 Holly Meadows Golf Course Capac 11:30 a.m. Dean Letter
Evart Thursday, Jan. 13 McGuire’s Resort Cadillac 11:00 a.m. Clay Galarneau
Muskegon Thursday, Jan. 13 Russ’ Banquet Room Muskegon 11:30 a.m. Ken Nobis
Deckerville Saturday, Jan. 15 St. John’s Lutheran Church Palms 12:00 noon Ken Nobis
Lansing Saturday, Jan. 15 Saites Brothers Catering Potterville 11:00 a.m. Carl Rasch
Lapeer County Plus Monday, Jan. 17 Tietz’s Restaurant Imlay City 11:30 a.m. Dean Letter
Saline-Ann Arbor Tuesday, Jan. 18 Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds Ann Arbor 12:00 noon Clay Galarneau
Clare Wednesday, Jan. 19 Church of the Nazarene Clare 10:00 a.m. Sheila Burkhardt
Jackson County Plus Wednesday, Jan. 19 Gene Davis & Sons Jackson 12:00 noon Ken Nobis
Sandusky/Southern Sanilac Wednesday, Jan. 19 Liberty Lanes Sandusky 12:00 noon Clay Galarneau
Hillsdale-Litchfield Thursday, Jan. 20 Hillsdale County Fairgrounds 12:00 noon Ken Nobis
Blossomland Friday, Jan. 21 Zeke’s Restaurant Dowagiac 12:30 p.m. Dean Letter
Mt. Pleasant Friday, Jan. 21 Riverwood Mt. Pleasant 11:30 a.m. Ken Nobis
Brown City-Marlette Saturday, Jan. 22 Eddie G’s Marlette 12:00 noon Clay Galarneau
MMPA 2010-2011 Local Meetings
Michigan Milk Messenger 31
Merchandise MemoTo order call: 1-800-572-5824 then dial 2
HC-10 Change For many years, dairy farms and milk haulers have used a product called HC-10 to manually clean their equipment. Ecolab has recently decided to change the packaging of this manual cleaning soap. Up until now, the cleaning compound was packaged in a 24 lb. box comprised of eight 3 lb. bags. The same product will now be sold in a 10 lb. pail with lid. For those farms and milk haulers on direct delivery, HC-10 will need to be ordered by the case (four 10 lb. pails per case). Dairy farms that purchase HC-10 from their haulers can order it by the 10 lb. pail. HC-10 in the 10 lb. pail will have a new stock number of 6005, and the member price per pail will be $15.38.
Agricultures Conference on the Environment provides expert insight on real world issues facing farmers today. Join hundreds from Michigan’s agricultural community at this valuable event.
January 27, 2011
How can 550 farmers like you find real advice?Register to attend today at www.maeap.org/ACE
New Glove Items The St. Louis warehouse now carries two different kinds of leather gloves. We have some nice heavy-duty deerskin gloves for sale as well as some lighter-duty goatskin gloves. Both of these types of gloves provide excellent dexterity with the deerskin type having heavier-duty leather. Both styles are described as unlined with a shirred wrist and a keystone thumb (conforms to natural hand contours for best comfort). Following are the stock numbers, sizes available and glove prices.
Stock # MMPA Gloves Member Price5054 Goatskin Leather Gloves – XL $ 5.81
5055 Goatskin Leather Gloves –L $ 5.81
5056 Goatskin Leather Gloves – M $ 5.81
5070 Deerskin Leather Gloves – XL $11.88
5071 Deerskin Leather Gloves – L $11.88
New Glove Items, HC-10 Change
Revised Program
Effective
January 1, 2011
32 January 2011
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
Rick SchoenhofenW5389 North Shore Dr.
Shawano, WI 54166715-524-2928
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.
•ScheduledHerdTests $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.
•MycoplasmaCultures $ 8
•BacteriologyCultures $12 – Includes identification of bacteria
and drug susceptibility.
•BovineViralDiarrhea - PCR $40 - ELISA $ 6
•Johne’sMilkTest - PCR $40 - ELISA – cows $ 6 - ELISA – tank $10
•BovineLeukosisTest - 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:•50,000orbelow +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.•Over750,000 -$1.50/cwt.
A payment of 5¢/cwt. will be added for each of the following, if the count is equal to or below:•10,000RawBacteriaCount•20,000Pre-Incubated(PI)Count
There will be a deduction of 10¢/cwt. for:•Greaterthan100,000RawBacteria 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:•Positivedrugresidue•Abnormalfreezepoints•Highloadcountshipmentorrejected load shipment•#3or#4sediment•RawBacteriacountover100,000The count levels for raw and PI will be determined on one test run per month.
To qualify for MMPA SCC premiums there must be:•Noabnormalfreezepointsduringthe month
To qualify for MMPA volume premiums there must be:•Noabnormalfreezepointsduringthe month•Anaveragesomaticcellcountof 750,000 or less.
MMPA Quality Premium Program
MMPA Member Testing Fees
Chemical, Sanitizer & Teat Dip Contact
Information
Revised Program
Effective
January 1, 2011
Michigan Milk Messenger 33
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.
•Anitemsubmittedwillbepublished for no more than two consecutive months (one month, unless otherwise requested).
•Afterthat,itwillbewithdrawn.
•Itwillbepublishedagainforno 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.
•Referencetoanameof afirmor other commercial enterprise with which a member is involved will be deleted, with permission of the member.
•If thememberdoesnotwishsuch deletion, he may choose to have the item published as a Classified Ad at the regular per-line Classified Ad rate.
•Freelinersmustbereceivedbythe 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.
BullsREGISTERED 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.
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 HOLSTEIN BULLS. Call Steve Alexander, 810-622-8548 evenings or 810-404-8548.
REG. HOLSTEIN BULLS FROM MANy GENERATIONS OF VG AND EXC DAMS w/ high production records made while grazing. Jenesis Genetics, 231-924-6163 or 231-225-8615.
RED & WHITE AND BLACk & WHITE HOLSTEIN BREEDING BULLS. Also, Jersey-Holstein and Swedish Red-Holstein crossbred bulls. High fat and protein testing dams, guaranteed breeders and free delivery. Jerry Good 616-262-6904.
BULLS FOR SALE: By SERVICE SIRES SHOTTLE, MILLION, BOGART, AND LAWNBOy. We have B&W, R&W and RC, w/ exc. components. Available for pick up or delivery. Call Wardin Bros. 989-642-3262.
FreelinersCall 1-800-572-5824 ext. 224 to place your ad
Cows & HeifersSPRINGING HEIFERS, 10 Jerseys 7 mo. pregnant, 15 Jersey-Holstein crossbred 5 ½ - 7 mo. pregnant. Larry and Jeremy Werth, 989-464-4022 and 989-727-4754.
SMALL RED & WHITE HOLSTEIN DAIRy HERD FOR SALE: 35 - Dairy cows, milking and dry $1,300.00 ea. Milked in parlor, housed in free stalls. 10 - Bred heifers, due February thru May, $1,300.00 ea. 10 - Short bred heifers, due June thru Sept, $1,000.00 ea. All are AI and bred AI. Dan & Cindy Lombard, New Era 231-861-4430.
8 – JERSEy/HOLSTEIN CROSS COWS, from a grazing dairy. 260-894-7413.
EquipmentJAMESWAy 500 BARN CLEANER, 220 ft. of chain, best offer. 810-376-4624.
4305 PATZ TMR MIXER, good cond., new sliding and knives on bottom auger, $7,500. 260-768-4378 ext. 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
34 January 2011
1999 CASE 1840 SkIDLOADER, 4,400 hrs., nice shape, good tires, $5,800. 231-206-7922.
J.D. 1219 MOWER CONDITIONER, 9 ft., VG cond., 260-705-8185.
3- GEHL SELF-UNLOADING WAGONS, all on tandem gears, BU910, BU940, BU960 for $1,500, $1,800, $3,500, or make offer. May part out BU940, call if interested. 2-110 gal. Raven spray tanks, $150 OBO. Auger from NH 308 spreader, $350 OBO. 20-Jamesway stanchions, $5 each. Harvestore weight dump box $50 OBO. Call 810-404-0468.
1999 GEHL 2412 DISC BINE, 12 ft. cut, exc. cond., stored inside, $7,500 obo,231-834-5776.
INTERNATIONAL 20 FT. WHEEL DRAG, always housed, exc. cond., extra set of new Danish tines, $1,250 obo. 616-681-9668.
Dairy EquipmentBOUMATIC PIPELINE, approx. 230 ft. of 2 ½ in. pipeline w/ 8 milking units. Also, 800 gal. Mueller bulk tank w/ compressor and 80 gal. free heater. All in good condition. 989-658-8341.
FeedBIG STRAW BALES, $80/ton plus delivery. 810-384-6538 and 810-841-5405.
Wanted170 C7B SUPERIOR SILO STAVES. 269-659-5971.
H BUNkS IN GOOD CONDITION. 989-862-4421.
CALFTEL SUPERHUTCH, 616-634-2958.
USED PUP TRAILER, 5,000-6,000 gal. 574-202-4879.
SMALL SqUARE BALE STRAW CHOPPER. 260-499-3311 ext. 9 – leave message, Abe Bontrager. 400 CU. FT. AUGER MIXER, cash or can trade Knight 3042 mixer, 989-658-2373.
®, TM, SM Trademarks and service marks of Pioneer Hi-Bred. All purchases are subject to the terms of labeling and purchase documents. © 2010 PHII ADTVS017215P360MVAR1
Pioneer® brand inoculants provide the benefits and choices you want. Our inoculants can help provide increased dry matter intake, more stable silage and enhanced fiber digestibility. Plus the knowledge of our dairy specialists adds innovation across our whole product line — all to help you make more milk.
See your Pioneer sales professional for the right inoculant for your operation. Treat your silage right and your herd will reward you.
www.pioneer.com/forage
Enhanced fiber digestibilityCooler silageIncreased dry matter recoveryMore milk
Michigan Milk Messenger 35
Mail ads, preferably typewritten, to: Classified Ads, Michigan Milk Messenger, PO BOX 8002, Novi, MI 48376-8002. Ads must be received by the 10th of the month before the month of desired publication. Send check or money order for $11.30 (two lines) with your order. MMPA neither sponsors nor endorses products or services advertised in the Messenger.
Classified Ads ($5.65 per line)
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.____________________________________
ClassifiedsCall 1-800-572-5824 ext. 224
®, TM, SM Trademarks and service marks of Pioneer Hi-Bred. All purchases are subject to the terms of labeling and purchase documents. © 2010 PHII CRNSL017214P360MVA
More milk from every acreThe right seed choices are critical to success today and will impact your operation for the entire feeding season. Pioneer has the right corn silage hybrid selections to help you maximize your milk-per-ton as well as yield-per-acre.
Pioneer conducts worldwide forage research, developing corn silage hybrids with higher yield potential and better digestibility to help youproduce more milk-per-acre.
See your local Pioneer sales professional to get the right corn silage product on the right acre.www.pioneer.com/forage
GeneratorsWinpower & KatolightStocking up to 100 KW
24 HourEmErgEncy SErvicE
serving Michiganfor the past 30 years800-345-1887
Midwest Power systeMs
36 January 2011
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 thetanktestsnegative(nodrugspresent),themilkmaybereleased and shipped.
•If thetanktestspositive(drugspresent),themembershiprepresentative 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 foranyreasonMMPApersonnelmustpickupsamplesatthe 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 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
Michigan Milk Messenger 37
MARKET STATISTICSMideast Federal Order #33
(pounds)
COMMODITY CREDIT CORP.(CCC) PURCHASES (million pounds)
Mideast Federal Order #33
COMPONENT PRICING INFORMATIONMideast Federal Order #33
NATIONAL TRENDS(million pounds)
This Month year Ago % Change
Total Class 1 Sales 546,616,502 618,054,033 -11.56
Total Class 2 Sales 245,975,328 258,891,071 -4.99
Total Class 3 Sales 501,293,510 391,352,926 +28.09
Total Class 4 Sales 64,859,739 67,754,053 -4.27
Total Production 1,358,745,079 1,336,052,083 +1.70
Class 1 Utilization 40.2% 46.3%
Current Month
Total Producers 6,906
Average Daily Production per Farm 6,347
Average Protein Test 3.14%
Average Butterfat Test 3.74%
Average Other Solids Test 5.69%
Average SCC Count (MMPA) 188,000
Protein Price/lb. $2.4739
Butterfat Price/lb. $2.4436
Other Solids Price/lb. $0.1736
Class III Price @ 3.5% $ 16.94
Prod. Price Diff/cwt. (Mich. Mkt.) $0.42
Uniform Price @ 3.5% $ 17.36
SCC Adjustment/cwt./1000 $0.00088 This year Month Ago
Butter 0.00 0.00Cheese 0.00 0.00Nonfat Dry Milk 0.00 +0.13Total Solids 0.00 +0.92
2010 2009 % Change Production California 3,346 3,207 +4.3
Wisconsin 2,124 2,107 +0.8
Idaho 1,091 1,021 +6.9
New York 1,054 1,007 +4.7
Pennsylvania 887 862 +2.9
Minnesota 740 741 -0.1
Texas 737 710 +3.8
Michigan 682 660 +3.3
New Mexico 653 640 +2.0
Washington 499 466 +7.1
Ohio 427 425 +0.5
Indiana 289 282 +2.5
* Total U.S. 14,784 14,306 +3.3
* U.S. Y-T-D 149,578 146,701 +2.0
* For 23 states
NASS Survey Prices
Monthly Avg.Cheese/lb. 1.7666
Butter/lb. 2.1893
Nonfat Dry Milk/lb. 1.1674
Dry Whey/lb. 0.3676
Market ReportFor Milk Marketed in October 2010
38 January 2011
MMPA FIELD STAFF
NOVI (Headquarters)248-474-6672
800-572-5824General Manager
Clay Galarneau, ext. 200
Member Services/Quality Control Milk Sales/Dispatch Finance/Controller Gary Trimner, ext. 213 Carl Rasch, ext. 244 Joseph M. Diglio, ext. 240 Producer Testing/Herd Health Programs Manufactured Sales Credit/Insurance Dean Letter, ext. 217 Jim Dodson, ext. 229 Cheryl Schmandt, ext. 210 Laboratory Supervisor Member Relations/Public Affairs Data Processing Patti Huttula, ext. 219 Sheila Burkhardt, ext. 208 Gregory Schulkey, ext. 237Human Resources Member Communications Cindy Tilden, ext. 220 Mindy Pratt, ext. 211 Laura Moser
MANUFACTURING PLANTS
Constantine Ovid 269-435-2835 989-834-2221 Plant Manager Plant Manager/Plant Operations Thomas Carpenter 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.
MASTITIS MANAGEMENT
Supervisor: Tom Herremans ....................231-853-8008 Ravenna ................ mobile 269-967-0890
Gerry Volz .............................989-848-5996 Fairview mobile 989-289-9219
NORTH AREA
Supervisor: Jack Stickler St.LouisOffice ...................989-681-5183
Frank Brazeau ......................920-834-4059 Oconto, Wis. mobile 906-250-0337
Ben Chapin ................................................... Haslett mobile 989-289-0731
Preston Cole ...........................231-584-2587 Mancelona mobile 989-289-9301
Duane Farmer ...................... 517-552-3976 Howell mobile 586-484-9278
Steven Lehman ......................989-875-3441 Ithaca mobile 989-330-1638
Katie Pierson ................................................ Coleman mobile 989-289-9686
Kristin Rawlings........................................... Crystal mobile 231-414-4539
Lyndsay Stakenas ......................................... Fremont mobile 231-519-2455
Jack Stickler ..........................989-561-5022 Remus mobile 989-289-9075
MMPA Staff
EAST AREA
Supervisor: Michael Marvin MarletteOffice ...................989-635-3650
Gary Best ...............................810-664-4984 Lapeer mobile 586-484-9279 Bulk Tank Calibration
Christy Dinsmoore ....................................... Fairgrove mobile 989-528-9102
Richard Fluegge ........................................... Cass City mobile 248-709-0283
Michael Marvin ............................................ Marlette mobile 989-670-4864
Jody Bugaiski ............................................... North Street mobile 989-289-8610
SOUTH AREA
Supervisor: Dale Ledebuhr BattleCreekOffice ............269-962-5550
Steve Beroza...........................269-623-8178 Delton mobile 269-986-6792
David Brady ...........................517-522-5965 Grass Lake mobile 517-937-9061
Dale Ledebuhr.......................269-965-2474 Battle Creek mobile 269-986-6791
Andrew Rupprecht ...................................... Reading mobile 269-986-6793
Kendra Stieg ................................................. Caledonia mobile 269-245-6632
Ed Zuchnik ................................................... Three Rivers mobile 269-967-7351
Merchandise—st. LouisSupervisor: Joe Mishler.......989-681-2334 Fax .......................................989-681-3988 Toll Free ..............................877-367-6455 Orders (Novi) ..800-572-5824 then dial 2
Michigan Milk Messenger 39
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
Can be fully customized to every dairy’s unique environment
Replaceable battery adds to the life of the transponder
Can aid in identifying lame or sick cows
Identifies non-cycling cows quickly
Backed by professionally trained, local service representatives
Precision Reproductive Management
800.631.3510northstarcooperative.com
Photo by Jenny Thomas, Cybil Fisher Photography
™
Talk to your area NorthStar representative to learn more.