After years of evolving and orchestrating change, the Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA), is determined to take initiative, seize opportunities and partner with others that move us forward.
MMPA members and guests gathered in Novi, Michigan, for the 109th Annual Meeting on March 19 to learn how we’re harnessing the power of collaboration to bring groundbreaking projects to fruition and explore innovations that maximize value for our members.
From pioneering partnerships to expanding production capabilities, attendees learned our focus remains on producing high-quality, award-winning dairy products. This year, MMPA’s accomplishments are a result of the strategic decisions we’ve made in the past, positioning us to meet the challenges of today and the possibilities of tomorrow. As we look to the future, MMPA is ready to charge ahead, led by our members, employees and partners, all with the same determination and focus that has guided us through more than a century of success.
“Our cooperative’s strength relies on young farmers who have a future in our organization, our long-time members who provide the stability and wisdom that come with many years in the business, and members who are working in their communities to help supply dairy to those less fortunate, ” said Doug Chapin, MMPA Board Chairman.
Aaron Gasper, MMPA Director-At-Large, recognizes Joe Diglio, Tony Jandernoa and Doug Chapin for their recent state and national awards.
Member Recognition
Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperators
2024 Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator
Ashley Kennedy, Bad Axe, MI
2024 Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator Runners-Up
Jake and Lauren Buning, Falmouth, MI
2024 Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator Finalists
• David Krafft, Frankenmuth, MI
• Erich Lautner, Traverse City, MI
• Ty and Tammy Spicher, Paw Paw, MI
• Zachary Steiner, Creston, Ohio
• Ross and Markel Williams, Homer, MI
MMPA Top Quality Award Winner
Koppenol Dairy Farm of Coopersville, MI
Food Bank Council of Michigan Legacy Award Winner
Larsen Dairy Farm of Scottville, MI
Milestone Members
35-Year Members
• Shauna Weil, Goodrich, MI
• David & Michael Clark,
Mount Pleasant, MI
• David Dezeeuw, Falmouth, MI
• Michel Martin, Wakarusa, Indiana
• Max Finkbeiner, Saline, MI
• Mark & Becky Iciek, Gladwin, MI
• Eric Frahm, Frankenmuth, MI
• Tom & Jack Jeppesen, Stanton, MI
• Thomas Wing, Bellevue, MI
• Perry Lehman, Middlebury, MI
• Kevin Cole, Bancroft, MI
50-Year Members
• John Bennett, Prescott, MI
• Steve Denning, Jonesville, MI
• Paul Powell, Williamston, MI
• Joseph Zbytowski, Alpena, MI
• Donald Hooks, Breckenridge, MI
• Sherwin Wilson, Stephenson, MI
• Larry Nielsen, Coral, MI
Trifecta of Success
At the beginning of fiscal year 2024, MMPA kicked off the year with some big wins. Sarah Michalek, MMPA Sustainability Manager was recognized with The Nature Conservancy’s Conservation Excellence Agribusiness Award, a testament to MMPA’s leadership in sustainability. Then, Dave Davis, the plant manager at MMPA’s Constantine plant, was honored with the Michigan Dairy Industry Service Award for his years of dedication to dairy. In October, MMPA butter took first place at the World Dairy Expo – proving once again that the quality milk we produce on our farms makes MMPA products among the best in the world. Those wins were just the beginning. Over the last year, there was an unprecedented trifecta of success – three of MMPA’s leaders earning top honors on the state and national stage.
First, MMPA Board Chairman Doug Chapin was named Farmer Communicator of the Year by the National Milk Producers Federation to recognize his efforts for sharing dairy’s story to foster a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by dairy farmers. Doug’s passion and advocacy make him a powerful voice for dairy farmers, and this award is proof that people are listening.
Last month, the Michigan State University Department of Animal Science announced MMPA Board Vice Chairman Tony Jandernoa was named the 2025 Dairy Farm of the Year! The award is presented annually and is the highest honor the department gives to outstanding dairy farms across Michigan. The success of Tony’s operation is a reflection of the innovation, quality and dedication he brings to the board room.
And last but certainly not least, MMPA President & CEO Joe Diglio was named the 2025 Robert B. Engel Farmer Co-op Manager of the Year at the recent National Council of Farmer Cooperatives Annual Meeting. NCFC represents a wide range of cooperatives throughout the United States and created the award to recognize outstanding achievement and commitment to cooperative principles by co-op managers across the country. This is one of the highest honors in the cooperative world, recognizing Joe’s vision, leadership and commitment to making MMPA stronger than ever.
“I’m proud of what we’ve been able to do this last year and I’m excited about the future. That’s why we’ve coined this meeting CHARGE, because we are in charge. We’re not only in charge of the destination that we’re taking our business and the products that we produce, but we’re taking charge of the direction we want to go,” said Joe Diglio, MMPA President & CEO.
2024 in Review
MMPA breaks ground of America’s lowest carbon dairy ethanol plant
MMPA is leading the way in sustainability with the construction of America’s lowest carbon dairy ethanol plant in Constantine, Michigan. This groundbreaking Dairy Distillery Alliance project is designed to transform permeate, a byproduct of ultrafiltered milk production, into one of the world’s lowest carbon-intensity ethanol.
MMPA partners with the world’s largest dairy cooperative
In 2024, MMPA partnered with Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), the world’s largest dairy cooperative, to introduce Amul branded fluid milk products to the U.S. market. The collaboration brings together MMPA’s unique technology capabilities and high-quality member milk with the Amul brand’s rapidly growing and well-known, international reputation for premium dairy products.
MMPA takes stake in GoodSport
MMPA took a brand equity stake in GoodSport, a revolutionary sports drink that transforms milk permeate, a dairy byproduct, into a natural, hydrating beverage. Founded by Michelle McBride, GoodSport extracts electrolytes and carbohydrates from milk, providing a healthier alternative to traditional sports drinks. MMPA’s role as an early supplier of milk permeate has evolved into a strategic partnership aimed at driving innovation in the dairy industry.
MMPA launches new Dairy Care Academy Spanish milking practices module
MMPA’s Dairy Care Academy (DCA) launched a new Spanish milking practices module as part of its comprehensive animal care training program. This initiative is designed to support farm owners and employees in meeting the Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) program training requirements, as well as enhancing their knowledge and skills in dairy farm management.
MMPA expands ultrafiltered milk capacity
In 2024, MMPA expanded their ultrafiltered milk production capacity at the Constantine, Michigan, facility. This strategic investment underscores MMPA’s commitment to meeting evolving consumer demands while driving value for our members and partners. With its high-protein and low-sugar attributes, ultrafiltered milk is in growing demand and MMPA is positioned to deliver a higher-quality product tailored to meet customer needs.
This article was originally published in the March/April 2025 issue of the Milk Messenger. Subscribe »