Author: MMPA

NOVI, Mich.—Michigan Milk Producers Association recently paid $1.6 million in cash patronage refunds to its dairy farmer member-owners. This cash allocation represents 100 percent of the farm supply earnings and 25 percent of the milk marketing earnings. All members who marketed milk through MMPA for fiscal year 2016 received a portion of the allocation.

MMPA members received other cash payments in April 2016 of $4 million through retirement of half of the cooperative’s 2007 equities. With the current payment of $1.6 million, cash payments in the last 10 months total over $5.6 million.

“The nearly $6 million in patronage refunds and equity retirements we’ve recently returned to our member-owners speak to the financial viability of MMPA,” Joe Diglio, MMPA general manager said. “The earnings generated by the cooperative demonstrates our commitment to returning value back to its dairy farmer member-owners.”

Cash patronage funds and equity allocations are based on the amount of milk each individual member farm marketed and on the supplies purchased through the cooperative during the year in which the earnings were achieved. Under the current board policy, the non-cash balance of the equity allocation will be revolved back to the members in future years.

Michigan Milk Producers Association is a member owned and operated dairy cooperative serving approximately 2,000 dairy farmers in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Wisconsin.

NOVI, Mich.–Twelve MMPA members were awarded National Dairy Quality Awards, including 50 percent of all gold awards. These MMPA members were among 44 nationally recognized farms in the annual award program. One platinum award, nine gold awards and two silver awards were earned by MMPA members.

“Our member-owners do their best each day to produce the highest quality milk possible,” Joe Diglio, MMPA General Manager said. “The 12 farms presented with a National Dairy Quality Award demonstrates the superior quality of our members’ milk and each farm’s dedication and commitment to excellence. We are proud to see their accomplishments recognized on a national level.”

MMPA offers a portfolio of member services to help members produce the highest quality milk possible, with field representatives working closely with each member to achieve quality goals. MMPA also offers a quality premium incentive for its members producing higher quality milk. Over the last five years, quality premium payments rose 37 percent.

MMPA’s large representation in the National Dairy Quality Awards underscores the hard work of the cooperative’s farms while competing against other well-preforming farmers across the country.

“The vast majority of dairy farmers produce high-quality milk. But, as with most endeavors, there’s ‘good’ and then there’s ‘great,’” wrote Corey Geiger, managing editor of Hoard’s Dairyman in an article about the award program. “It’s those ‘great’ herds that recently were recognized by the National Mastitis Council (NMC) through its National Dairy Quality Awards program.”

The winners were selected from a pool of applicants nationwide. The winning operations stood out for having produced high-quality milk consistently. Applications were evaluated for measures of quality, systems of monitoring udder health, milking routine, protocols for detection and treatment of clinical and subclinical cases of mastitis and strategies for overall herd health and welfare. MMPA winners were nominated by their member representatives.

The Platinum Quality Award winners were honored today during the National Mastitis Council annual meeting in St. Pete Beach, Florida.

The following MMPA members received awards.

Platinum Award

• Larry, Therese, Brent and Emily Simon, Westphalia, Michigan

Gold Awards

• Don Beattie, Holton, Michigan
• Harold and Ruth Ann Dodd, Falmouth, Michigan
• Randy and Cindy Dragt, Howard City, Michigan
• Brad and Debbie Kartes, West Branch, Michigan
• Ryan Litwiller, Middleton, Michigan
• William and Kimberly Pirman, Skandia, Michigan
• Robert and Mark Rau, West Branch, Michigan
• Ken and Duane VanPolen, Marion, Michigan
• Doug, Jake and Andrew Wirth, Evart, Michigan

Silver Awards

• Michael Bosscher, McBain, Michigan
• Rod, Lynn, Chris Daniels, Luke and Audrey Bischoff, Whittemore, Michigan

Michigan Milk Producers Association, established in 1916, is a member-owned and controlled milk-marketing cooperative serving approximately 2,000 dairy farmers in Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin and Ohio.

EAST LANSING, Mich.—MMPA announced the launch a new logo yesterday as the cooperative brings its centennial year to a close. The logo—which now only includes the co-op’s initials—features a modernized look, deeper blue and the addition of a cow silhouette.

“As we prepare to bring our centennial year to a close, we are looking forward to the next century and the opportunity to enhance the MMPA brand,” Joe Diglio, MMPA general manager said. “This transition reflects our strong foundation while demonstrating our five core values: quality, integrity, progress, community and leadership.”

The logo was unveiled to members at MMPA’s annual Leaders’ Conference in East Lansing, Michigan yesterday. Throughout 2016, MMPA has utilized a commemorative centennial logo in place of the traditional logo used by MMPA since the 1950s. The new logo marks a transition in MMPA’s brand identity.

Also at the Leaders’ Conference, MMPA launched a new website for public audiences. The new site is mobile friendly with improved design aesthetic and site usability. Information on MMPA products and member services has increased. Postings with MMPA news and articles from the Michigan Milk Messenger also have an improved presence on the site.

Michigan Milk Producers Association, established in 1916, is a member-owned and controlled milk-marketing cooperative serving approximately 2,000 dairy farmers in Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin and Ohio.

Dairy Cooperative to Assume Ownership of Deutsch Käse Haus on Nov. 1

Novi, MICH.—The Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) today announced the purchase of the Guggisberg Deutsch Käse Haus in Middlebury, Indiana. The cheese plant acquisition diversifies MMPA’s dairy product portfolio which currently includes award-winning butter, powder and other fluid milk products.

“We are eager to continue to grow our footprint in the Great Lakes region and utilize the expertise at Deutsch Käse Haus to gain greater diversity of our product portfolio,” MMPA General Manager Joe Diglio said. “MMPA members have a proven track record of producing high quality milk and to be able to align with an award winning cheese plant located in close proximity to our Constantine plant provides great synergies in our milk marketing strategy.”

The Deutsch Käse Haus—translated from German as German Cheese House—was founded in 1979 to serve the needs of local Amish dairy farmers. Today, the plant processes around 400,000 pounds of milk per day and employs 55 people. MMPA plans to retain the current employee team following the ownership transition. The plant is currently owned by Guggisberg Cheese Company of Millersburg, Ohio.

“The Deutsch Käse Haus has established a valued and trusted legacy in Indiana. I am confident MMPA’s progressive leadership will carry on this legacy as we move forward, bringing mutual benefit to both Guggisberg Cheese Company and MMPA,” Richard Guggisberg, owner of Guggisberg Cheese Company. “MMPA has a strong membership base in northern Indiana which will allow Deutsch Käse Haus to continue providing high quality products under new ownership.”

The Deutsch Käse Haus produces award-winning cheese, internationally recognized at the World Dairy Expo, U.S. Cheese Makers Competition and World Cheese Makers Competition. The plant mainly produces Colby cheese, a softer, milder flavored cheddar cheese, in addition to Colby-jack, Monterey-jack, Cheddar, pepper-jack cheese and other flavors.

Following the acquisition, MMPA intends to continue manufacturing the current types of cheeses made at the plant. The investment positions MMPA to further explore expansion opportunities at the Middlebury plant location in the future.

Michigan Milk Producers Association, established in 1916, is a member-owned and controlled milk-marketing cooperative serving approximately 2,000 dairy farmers in Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin and Ohio. MMPA owns milk processing plants in Ovid and Constantine, Michigan, and the cooperative handles over 5 billion pounds of milk annually.

NOVI, Mich.—Darrin and Barbara Siemen of Harbor Beach, Michigan, were selected as the state winning 2016 Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperators (OYDC).

As the state winning cooperators, Darrin and Barbara will represent MMPA at various industry and association activities. David and Gretchen Tolan of Ossineke, Michigan, were selected as the runner-up cooperators. Selection of the OYDC is based on the applicant’s farming operations, farm-related and community activities and demonstrated leadership abilities.

“The OYDC program identifies outstanding young leaders in our organization and provides an opportunity for them to gain a greater understanding of milk marketing activities and MMPA,” says Ken Nobis, MMPA president.

Darrin and Barbara own Prime Land Farm, a dairy farm five miles west of Lake Huron in Michigan’s Thumb region. The farm operates 1,500 acres and milks 320 cows using an automated milking system, commonly known as robotic milkers. The couple is a member of MMPA’s Huron Local in District 8.

“Prime Land Farm is a progressive and diverse centennial family farm which strives to be profitable for the next generation, sustainable in all stewardship practices, and serve its community and agriculture at large,” the Siemens described.

The couple met while attending Michigan State University where Darrin obtained a degree in food industry management and agribusiness. Barbara graduated with a degree in English and later received a teaching certificate from Saginaw Valley State University. The Seimens are involved with MMPA at the local level, with Darrin serving as a local delegate and Barbara as a dairy communicator. They both also hold leadership positions on the Huron County Farm Bureau. Barbara runs a blog, The Chick Wire, a network of women that shares values, cultivates understanding and inspires without judgement.

The Siemens were one of 10 cooperators invited to the annual OYDC Conference held Aug. 18-19. The couple was selected to participate in the program earlier this year by fellow dairy farmers in their local and the MMPA State Nominating Committee.

The state OYDC Conference, held at MMPA headquarters in Novi, provides participants with information about milk marketing activities, cooperatives, milk testing procedures and other current events within the dairy industry. The program has been held annually the past 66 years. This year’s program featured the Top Ten OYDCs selected by the State Nominating Committee from a pool of applicants nominated by their local. All Top 10 MMPA OYDCs will be officially recognized at MMPA’s 101st Annual Meeting to be held March 23, 2017 in Lansing, Michigan.

2016 Top 10 Outstanding Young Cooperators (in alphabetical order):

• Brady and Kellie Brown – District 8, Mid-Sanilac Local
• Amanda Carey – District 5, Alma Local
• Adam and Charlie Freis—District 4, U.P. West Central Local
• Gary and Renee Hufnagel – District 6, Mid-Michigan Local
• Samantha Mamarow-District 1, Saline-Ann Arbor Local
• Daniel and Sarah Minnis – District 1, Ingham County Local
• Nathan and Amy Pyle—District 3, West Michigan Local
• Darrin and Barbara Siemen—District 8, Huron Local
• Casey and Laura Sparks—District 3, Muskegon Local
• David and Gretchen Tolan—District 4, Hillman Local

Michigan Milk Producers Association, established in 1916, is a member-owned and controlled milk-marketing cooperative serving approximately 2,000 dairy farmers in Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin and Ohio.

Ovid, MICH.—The Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) today open the doors of its largest dairy processing plant in Ovid, Michigan for an open house. The event highlighted the value of the plant to MMPA for over half of the cooperative’s existence and continued celebrations of MMPA’s 100 year anniversary.

The dairy manufacturing plant—purchased by MMPA in 1957—operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, taking in approximately 5 million pounds of milk each day.

“Our plant in Ovid is a key component of reaching MMPA’s strategic goals. The quality products produced here from our members’ milk are nationally recognized and positively impact the local economy,” Ken Nobis, MMPA president said. “Today’s open house provides an opportunity for us to showcase the successes at our plant while celebrating our cooperative that is now a century-old.”

MMPA has invested over $96 million in the Ovid facility over the last ten years. The recent investments include a $62-million expansion, which has the capacity to process 60 percent more milk than before the expansion. According to a study completed by the MSU Product Center, the Ovid expansion project could have an economic impact of over $183 million to the state of Michigan. More recent additions include an expanded wastewater treatment system, new whole milk powder packaging system and a new butter churn.

Products made at the Ovid facility include condensed milk, dry milk powder, whole milk powder, buttermilk powder, liquid cream, condensed milk, skim milk, salted and unsalted butter. These products are used by MMPA customers in various end products such as salad dressing, ice cream, yogurt, infant formula, pudding, cheese, baked goods, frozen dinners, candy bars and other confections.

MMPA began recognizing its anniversary at its 100th Annual State Delegate Meeting in March, where it was announced MMPA would donate 100 gallons of milk per day for an entire year to the Food Bank Council of Michigan. MMPA released a history book and video series detailing 100 years of MMPA history and the evolution of the cooperative at the annual meeting. In May, MMPA hosted a Centennial Anniversary Celebration at Michigan State University on the same day and in the same building the cooperative was founded exactly 100 years prior. At the event, MMPA announced a $100,000 donation to be used toward animal agriculture research programs at the university.

Michigan Milk Producers Association, established in 1916, is a member-owned and controlled milk-marketing cooperative serving over 2,000 dairy farmers in Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin and Ohio.

Three farmer-owned dairy cooperatives announced today that they have committed to exploring joint ownership and operation of a major cheese processing plant in the state of Michigan. The three cooperatives are Foremost Farms USA, Baraboo, Wisconsin; Dairy Farmers of America, Kansas City, Missouri, and Michigan Milk Producers Association, Novi, Michigan. All three have farmermembers located in the state.

This decision is driven by the growing milk supply in Michigan, the lack of available processing capacity within the region, market accessibility and transportation benefits.

“Michigan dairy producers own some of the most progressive and efficient dairy operations in the world, and they have positioned themselves to be a long-term supplier to domestic and global markets,” explained Michael Doyle, president & CEO, Foremost Farms USA. “Collectively, our respective organizations are extremely pleased we can come together to positively address this growing market.”

Greg Wickham, chief financial officer, Dairy Farmers of America, said, “Strategically, Michigan is well situated geographically to serve not only major U.S. markets, but also global markets. In addition to the quality milk supply in the region, it has a solid transportation infrastructure, one well served by major highways and various ports.”

“We are excited to potentially leverage the strengths and assets of our three cooperatives in order to accommodate the growing milk production in Michigan,” said Joe Diglio, general manager, Michigan Milk Producers Association. “Working collaboratively helps enhance our ability to better serve dairy producers in this region and align the marketing strengths of our organizations together.”

The plant is expected to process 6 million pounds of milk a day and make 220 million pounds of American-style cheese annually.

About Foremost Farms USA:
Foremost Farms USA, headquartered in Baraboo, Wis., is a farmerowned milk processing and marketing cooperative with about 1,500 members and annual sales of $1.5 billion. The nation’s eighth-largest cooperative and number 25 in annual sales among the Top 100 U.S. dairy processors, Foremost Farms focuses on the creation of tailored and innovative milk solutions that meet the needs of customers around the world.

About Dairy Farmers of America:
Dairy Farmers of America is a national dairy marketing cooperative that serves and is owned by nearly 14,000 members on nearly 8,000 farms in 48 states. DFA also is one of the country’s most diversified manufacturers of dairy products, food components and ingredients and is a leader in formulating and packaging shelf-stable dairy products.

About Michigan Milk Producers Association:
Michigan Milk Producers Association is a member owned and operated dairy cooperative serving approximately 2,000 dairy farmers in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Wisconsin. MMPA owns milk processing plants in Ovid and Constantine Mich., and the cooperative handles over 5 billion pounds of milk annually.

Leaders gather at Michigan State University exactly 100 years following the cooperative’s founding, announce $100,000 donation

EAST LANSING, Mich.—The Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) today recognized its 100th Anniversary at the Justin Morrill Hall of Agriculture at Michigan State University (MSU). The cooperative was founded in that same building 100 years prior on May 23, 1916. At the event, MMPA announced the contribution of $100,000 toward animal agriculture research programs at MSU.

“With great pride MMPA marks this occasion and we celebrate the day when the innovative dairy leaders of 1916 began our cooperative,” said Ken Nobis, MMPA president and dairy farmer. “Today, we acknowledge our humble beginnings and the vast challenges and opportunities that have shaped our organization to this day. Tomorrow, we will continue to work on behalf of our dairy farmer memberowners and support the agriculture and dairy industry.”

In recognition of MMPA’s 100th anniversary, Nobis announced MMPA’s planned donation of $100,000 to MSU. The contribution is designed to work in conjunction with the efforts of the Michigan Alliance for Animal Agriculture. The funding will support research for the advancement of the animal agriculture industry, in priority areas such as bovine tuberculosis, sustainability and workforce development.

“One hundred years after its first meeting on this campus, MMPA continues strong in its unwavering support of MSU and its research. We are grateful to this organization and for the partnership we’ve formed over this past century,” said George Smith, associate director and interim dean of MSU AgBioResearch. “MMPA leadership has been instrumental in advocating for additional funding for animal agriculture research and its potential economic return for the State of Michigan. We look forward to strengthening our partnership with MMPA and enhancing the Michigan dairy industry over the next 100 years.”

The anniversary celebration called attention to MMPA’s strong relationship with MSU from its founding date to present-day partnerships and initiatives.

“On behalf of the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR), we wish MMPA congratulations on celebrating its centennial,” said Doug Buhler, MSU CANR interim associate dean. “It is through partnerships between industry and education that we can ensure a well-versed workforce and stable and safe food supply for Michigan’s residents.”

Among other MMPA leaders and agriculture industry partners, Senator Joe Hune, Chairperson of the Michigan Senate Agriculture Committee, was in attendance to congratulate the cooperative on its anniversary and present the association with a legislative proclamation acknowledging MMPA’s role within the state.

“Congratulations to MMPA on celebrating 100 years of their organization,” Hune said. “MMPA has been a vital asset to the dairy market in our state and I wish them another successful 100 years of protecting and promoting the welfare of our dairy farmers and agriculture industry.”

MMPA began recognizing its anniversary at its 100th Annual State Delegate Meeting in March, where it was announced MMPA would donate 100 gallons of milk per day for an entire year to the Food Bank Council of Michigan. MMPA released a history book and video detailing 100 years of MMPA history and the evolution of the cooperative at the annual meeting. Continuing the celebration, an open house at MMPA’s milk processing plant in Ovid is slated for this summer.

Michigan Milk Producers Association, established in 1916, is a member-owned and controlled milk marketing cooperative serving approximately 2,000 dairy farmers in Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin and Ohio.

NOVI, Mich.— Former dairy industry leader and Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) President Elwood Kirkpatrick, of Kinde, Michigan passed away on May 16 at the age of 79. Kirkpatrick served the dairy industry for over 28 years in various leadership positions, including 26 years as president of Michigan Milk Producers Association. Throughout his presidency, Kirkpatrick served the cooperative and dairy industry on both state and national levels through his involvement in a number of agriculture and dairy related organizations.

Kirkpatrick was elected to serve on the MMPA board of directors in 1979 where his aptitude in finance quickly earned him the respect of fellow board members who elected him as president of MMPA in 1981. He continued to serve as MMPA president until his retirement from the board in March 2007.

“The dairy industry lost a great leader. Elwood Kirkpatrick made a tremendous impact on the dairy industry on both the state and national level,” MMPA President Ken Nobis said. “He played an important role in shaping today’s dairy industry, and his vision will live on.”

In Michigan, Kirkpatrick served as chair of the Michigan Dairy Industry Committee, was a member of the United Dairy Industry of Michigan board of directors and had served on the Michigan Agriculture Commission.

On the national level, Kirkpatrick served on the executive committee of the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) for 23 years, including serving as NMPF vice president from 1983-2003.

An example of his leadership character emerged in the late 1980s when he helped lead the charge to unify the promotion and marketing efforts of the U.S. dairy industry, bringing together the activities of the United Dairy Industry Association and the National Dairy Board through the formation of Dairy Management Incorporated, creating greater efficiencies in the national dairy promotion program.

Kirkpatrick accomplished many notable successes for the dairy industry, but one of his most influential roles was serving as the first chairman of the U.S. Dairy Export Council. From its inception, Kirkpatrick worked tirelessly to establish and grow the U.S. dairy export sector. At the time of its start, dairy exports represented less than 3 percent of annual U.S. milk production. Today, exports of U.S. dairy products exceed over 15 percent of U.S. milk production.

Kirkpatrick served as Chair of the U.S. Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade in Animals & Animal Products (ATAC) and was a member of the U.S. Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee for Trade (APAC).

As an accomplished dairy farmer, Kirkpatrick had been recognized with Michigan State University’s “Dairy Farmer of the Year” award in 1986 and the “Distinguished Service to Agriculture” award in 1987.

Upon Kirkpatrick’s retirement in 2007, the MMPA board of directors established the Elwood Kirkpatrick Dairy Science Research Fund at Michigan State University. The endowment fund pays tribute to Kirkpatrick’s dedication to advancing the research needs of the dairy industry. Kirkpatrick was instrumental in the establishment of the Revitalization of Animal Agriculture Initiative signed into Michigan law in 1993.

Kirkpatrick was born in Dwight Township on January 30, 1937 to the late Ross A. and Eula (Arnott) Kirkpatrick and was a lifetime dairy farmer.

He is survived by his wife, Michelle Kirkpatrick of Dwight Township; daughters: Lisa (Craig) Iden of Kinde and Rebecca Waling of Texas; sons: Dean (Maureen) Kirkpatrick, Ron (Andrea) Kirkpatrick, both from Kinde and Brad (Amy) Kirkpatrick of Traverse City; granddaughters: Corey, Casey, Brooke, and Natalie; grandsons: Randy, Dallas, Sean, Eric, Derek, Nathan, Colin and Ryan; and a special cousin, Beverly (Arnott) McFarland from Bay City. He was preceded in death by his cousin, Leslie Arnott.

Memorials may be offered to Heartland Hospice or to the Bad Axe Free Methodist Church.