Category: News

NOVI, Mich. — The Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) is proud to announce the acquisition of the Leprino Foods’ plant located in Remus, Mich., a strategic move that strengthens MMPA’s commitment to member-owners and enhances its product offerings. This expansion, made possible in part by support from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), will introduce cottage cheese production to MMPA’s product mix.

“This acquisition represents a meaningful step forward in MMPA’s long-term strategy to grow our cooperative, invest in Michigan’s dairy industry and deliver increased value to our members,” said Joe Diglio, President and CEO of MMPA. “With our longstanding familiarity with the Remus facility and deep ties to the surrounding community, we are excited about this opportunity to revitalize operations and bring new products to market.”

The Remus, Mich., plant has a rich history with MMPA, originally purchased by the cooperative in 1983. Leprino Foods began operating it in 1987 and in 2006 they assumed full ownership of the facility. In early 2024, MMPA worked with Leprino Foods to shift the plant’s product mix to fit Leprino’s business needs.

“For decades, MMPA has been—and will continue to be—an important business partner for Leprino,” said Lance FitzSimmons, Leprino Foods’ President & CEO. “We are pleased that we have been able to successfully transfer ownership of the Remus facility back to MMPA, where it will have the opportunity to be a productive asset for the community and for Michigan dairy farmers for many years to come.”

In addition to this acquisition, MMPA is expanding ultrafiltered milk production capabilities at its Ovid, Mich. facility. This enhancement adds 3 million pounds of daily processing capacity to the facility and builds on MMPA’s existing ultrafiltered milk capacity at Constantine, Mich.

“These projects are a direct result of the commitment and investment of our member-owners, and we’re proud to see that dedication fueling new growth,” said Doug Chapin, MMPA Board Chairman. “We’re excited to respond to the resurgence in demand for cottage cheese with a product that reflects our high standards, and to build on the strong performance of our ultrafiltered milk produced in Constantine, Mich. Together, these investments position MMPA to serve our customers more competitively and ensure long-term value for our members.”

These projects reinforce MMPA’s leadership in providing high-protein dairy ingredients and meets growing consumer demand. With both projects receiving support by MEDC funding, it reflects a shared commitment to investing in innovation and value-added dairy processing across the Great Lakes region.

“We are grateful to the Michigan Milk Producers for choosing to continue investing in Michigan and for creating opportunities for our friends, family and neighbors in and around Clinton and Mecosta counties,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Chair of the Michigan Strategic Fund. “The agricultural industry, including dairy farmers, plays a significant role in Michigan’s economy – from raising dairy cows to processing facilities and continuing product innovation in the food science industry, their work continues to show up on grocery shelves and at dinner tables, and the MSF Board is proud to support them.”

These investments support MMPA’s strategic goals of expanding its manufacturing footprint, enhancing production capabilities and strengthening the dairy supply chain, all while staying rooted in the cooperative’s nearly 110-year legacy of member-focused leadership.

NOVI, Mich. — The Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) was recognized as the Cooperative Communicator of the Year at the National Milk Producers Federation’s (NMPF) annual meeting yesterday in Arlington, Texas. The honor is part of NMPF’s annual cooperative communications contest, celebrating outstanding work in dairy communication across the country.

MMPA received five first-place awards, five second-place awards and five third-place awards in the contest, competing among 11 cooperatives and 102 total entries. The cooperative’s entry titled “The Low Down on FMMOs,” a story originally published in the January/February 2025 issue of the Milk Messenger, earned Best of Show: Writing, a top honor selected from all first-place winners across the contest’s four main categories: publication, writing, graphics and special projects.

“These awards reaffirm our cooperative’s mission to inform, engage and advocate for our member-owners,” said Joe Diglio, MMPA President and CEO. “Our communications team plays a critical role in strengthening the connections that unite our membership and sharing the story of MMPA’s impact across the broader dairy industry.”

Through its Milk Messenger magazine, digital platforms and member engagement initiatives, MMPA’s communications team continues to deliver meaningful content that informs and unites members across its four-state membership region.

This year’s recognition follows MMPA Board Chairman Doug Chapin’s honor as the 2024 NMPF Farmer Communicator of the Year, marking back-to-back national communications accolades for the cooperative. Together, these awards underscore MMPA’s ongoing commitment to strong, authentic communication.

“This recognition is a testament to the strength of MMPA’s communications,” said Doug Chapin, MMPA Board Chairman and 2024 NMPF Farmer Communicator of the Year. “Winning multiple awards, including Best of Show, reflects our commitment to keeping members informed and engaged.”

Read the award-winning article and other recent stories at mimilk.com/news/messenger, or subscribe to the Milk Messenger to receive each issue at home. For a full list of NMPF contest results, visit the official announcement.

NOVI, Mich. — The Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) is pleased to announce Dale and Lynnae Dick as the 2025 Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperators (OYDC). Dale farms alongside his brother, Mark, and father, Gordon, on their sixth-generation farm, Dick Haven Dairy LLC, located in McBain, Michigan. As the winning cooperators, Dale and Lynnae will represent MMPA at various industry and association activities.

Dick Haven Dairy milks 300 Jersey and Holstein cows and operates 1,200 acres. Established in 1890, the farm has long been a cornerstone of the community, with the Dicks actively sharing their dedication to caring for their animals and the land.

“On our farm we focus on transparency, education and responsible management,” Dale said. “We emphasize that we are a family farm, and like the families we serve, we consume the products we produce. This connection motivates us to maintain high standards of animal welfare and environmental stewardship.”

Alongside Dale and Lynnae, Mason and Whitney Smith of Homer, Michigan, will serve as the 2025 runner-up cooperators. At Smith Farms, they milk 200 cows and operate 1,000 acres. Finalist Carson Evans, a second-generation farmer from Litchfield, Michigan, milks 220 cows and operates 1,200 acres with his family. Selection of the OYDC is done by a selection committee representing leaders in the Great Lakes dairy industry. Applicant’s farming operations, farm-related and community activities and demonstrated leadership abilities are considered during the process.

“The OYDC program is a fundamental tool in encouraging young dairy cooperators to network and learn more about their cooperative to help identify future leaders and recognize their efforts,” Doug Chapin, MMPA board chairman, said. Chapin and his wife, Cheri, were the MMPA OYDC runners-up in 1990.

MMPA has been identifying future leaders through the OYDC program since 1950. The purpose of the program is to strengthen leadership abilities in young farmers, broaden young farmers’ knowledge of milk marketing and MMPA, and recognize the abilities and stewardship of young dairy farmers. This honor highlights the Dicks’ and Smiths’ dedication to strengthening their farming operation, making a difference in their communities and providing leadership in the industry.

NOVI, Mich. — The Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) is pleased to announce Larsen Farms of Scottville, Michigan as the first recipient of the MMPA Food Bank Legacy Award.

As longtime supporters of their community and local food pantry, the Larsen family has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to fighting food insecurity. Several years ago, they secured a grant to purchase a stand-up cooler for Caritas Food Pantry, enabling them to donate milk weekly and volunteer their time to support pantry operations.

“Larsen Farms exemplifies what it means to be a good neighbor and a dedicated dairy farmer. Their consistent efforts to support their local food bank shows how impactful it can be when farms give back to their communities,” said Doug Chapin, MMPA Board Chairman. “It’s an honor to recognize the Larsen family with the first Legacy Award in recognition of their partnership with their local food pantry.”

Larsen Farms, established in 1957, has been a cornerstone of their community and dairy industry, with the Larsen’s commitment to serving their community and supporting those in need.

“This recognition will help us continue our weekly milk deliveries to our local food pantry, ensuring that those in need have access to the goodness of milk,” said Lindsay Bliss, daughter of Lisa and Burke Larsen. “We truly enjoy working with our local food pantry not only to give back, but also to connect with our community and share the nutritional benefits of milk. We feel incredibly blessed to witness the full journey of a gallon of milk from our farm to the families that need it most.”

In 2023, in honor of past MMPA Board President Ken Nobis, who played a critical role in establishing the original partnership, the MMPA Board of Directors and the Food Bank Council of Michigan (FBCM) created a Legacy Award. This award builds upon MMPA’s existing outreach efforts, expanding support from dairy community events to youth development programs and local food banks. Since 2015, MMPA has donated more than 1.4 million gallons of milk.

“What the Larsen family does for Caritas Food Pantry may seem small to some, but to those families who receive the fresh milk it is huge,” said Phil Knight, Executive Director, FBCM. “A huge investment into the lives of the children who now have access to food they want and need. Thank you to the Larsen family and to the people who lead Caritas Food Pantry, you all give the rest of us hope and inspiration that we can take hunger off the table!”

Annually, an MMPA member will be recognized for their efforts in supporting their local Michigan food bank. The recipient will have the opportunity to designate a $1,000 contribution to the food pantry they work with to help combat food insecurity.

NOVI, Mich. – The Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA), in partnership with CoBank, is proud to announce the establishment of the Joseph M. Diglio 4-H Dairy Youth Endowment. This permanent fund, to be managed through the Michigan 4-H Foundation, is dedicated to supporting the next generation of dairy youth leaders in Michigan.

“The Joseph M. Diglio 4-H Dairy Youth Endowment will provide unending support helping to ensure young people who are passionate about the dairy industry and agriculture have opportunities to grow, learn and lead, just as many in the industry have had the chance to do,” said Doug Chapin, MMPA Board Chairman, during the endowment’s announcement at MMPA’s 109^th Annual Meeting on March 19, 2025.

Partial funding for the endowment’s establishment is a result of MMPA President and CEO Joe Diglio being named the 2025 Robert B. Engel Farmer Co-op Manager of the Year by the National Council Farmer of Cooperatives (NCFC) in February 2025. The award was based on Diglio’s role in delivering solid financial results and benefits to MMPA member-owners, fostering a culture of excellence, communication skills, contributing to community partners and understanding the co-op model. With his passion for youth development and the future of the dairy industry, Diglio selected the Michigan 4-H Foundation as his awarding charity and the NCFC Foundation made a contribution in his name.

“I am honored to be recognized as NCFC Co-op Manager of the Year, but even more grateful for the opportunity to give back in a way that supports the future of our industry,” said Joe Diglio, MMPA President and CEO. “Investing in Michigan’s dairy youth through this endowment ensures that the next generation has the tools, resources and education that they need to carry our industry forward.”

“The Michigan 4-H Foundation is proud to partner with MMPA on this initiative,” said Abbey Miller, Michigan 4-H Foundation Director. “This endowment ensures that young people passionate about the dairy industry and agriculture have 4-H opportunities for years to come.”

To further extend the impact of Diglio’s recognition, the MMPA Board of Directors unanimously voted to match the donation with additional funds through CoBank’s Sharing Success program, establishing a permanent endowment dedicated to supporting dairy youth.

“CoBank is honored to support the Dairy Youth Endowment,” said Leslie Hagle, CoBank’s Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility. “Investing in the next generation of agricultural leaders aligns with our mission, and we are proud to partner with MMPA and the Michigan 4-H Foundation to ensure youth have the resources they need to be future leaders in the dairy industry.”

Cumulatively, these funds create an endowment that will serve as a long-term resource to support dairy youth programming, scholarships and leadership development opportunities through Michigan 4-H Youth Development. For more information about the Joseph M. Diglio 4-H Dairy Youth Endowment and how to contribute, please visit mi4hfdtn.org/4hdairyendowment.

About Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA)

The Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) is a member-owned and operated milk marketing cooperative known for producing high-quality, award-winning dairy products. Established in 1916, MMPA is the 9th largest U.S. dairy farmer-owned cooperative serving members in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Wisconsin. At MMPA, commitment to milk quality begins on the farm and extends through all four of their SQF version 9.0 certified processing facilities: a cheese plant in Indiana, a dairy product plant in Ohio and two dairy ingredient plants in Michigan.

About CoBank

CoBank is a cooperative bank serving vital industries across rural America. The bank provides loans, leases, export financing and other financial services to agribusinesses and rural power, water and communications providers in all 50 states. The bank also provides wholesale loans and other financial services to affiliated Farm Credit associations serving more than 78,000 farmers, ranchers and other rural borrowers in 23 states around the country. CoBank is a member of the Farm Credit System, a nationwide network of banks and retail lending associations chartered to support the borrowing needs of U.S. agriculture, rural infrastructure and rural communities. Headquartered outside Denver, Colorado, CoBank serves customers from regional banking centers across the U.S. and also maintains an international representative office in Singapore.

About Michigan 4-H Foundation

Founded in 1952, the Michigan 4-H Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in East Lansing, Mich. Led by a board of trustees, the foundation solicits, manages, grants and stewards funding from private individuals, organizations, foundations and corporations to support the mission and vision of Michigan State University Extension 4-H Youth Development.

NOVI, Mich.— Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) members and guests gathered in Novi, Michigan, on March 19 for MMPA’s 109th Annual Meeting. The nearly 200 attendees learned from MMPA leadership and industry partners about how MMPA is charging ahead and joined in celebrating the partners and members who made the success possible.

During the Annual Meeting, Joe Diglio, MMPA President & CEO, shared the impressive number of milestone events the cooperative celebrated last year and shared his vision for the future. “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.”

Attendees heard from partners that highlighted some of these milestone events including Dr. Jayen Mehta, Amul Managing Director; Omid McDonald, Dairy Distillery Founder & CEO; and Mike Upchurch, Trilliant Foods Founder & CEO. These partnerships enable MMPA to diversify its portfolio and invest in premium products that reach a broader spectrum of consumers.

Dr. Jayen Mehta shared virtual remarks from India about MMPA’s partnership with Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Limited (GCMMF), the world’s largest dairy cooperative and owners of the Amul brand. The collaboration was announced at last year’s Annual Meeting and has resulted in the sales of over a million gallons of Amul branded fluid milk in the U.S., utilizing MMPA member milk.

“The good quality milk supplied by MMPA and packed in the Superior Dairy facilities is setting new milestones, not just in the marketing of Amul milk, but more importantly the association and bond between the two cooperatives,” Dr. Jayen Mehta, Amul Managing Director said. “During the United Nations International Year of the Cooperatives, this is a shining example and all of us in India take pride in this association.”

Omid McDonald, Dairy Distillery Founder & CEO, shared about the groundbreaking event held last year that kicked off the construction of America’s lowest-carbon intensity dairy ethanol plant at MMPA’s Constantine, Michigan facility. “The concept of taking a low value by-product and turning it into jet fuel is getting a lot of attention with the sustainability aspect and the community benefits. MMPA has been recognized as a leader and pioneer in the world’s first dairy ethanol plant that we’re proving out and will be a model for other dairies.”

Trilliant Foods Founder & CEO Mike Upchurch, shared about their new high-protein drink Nurri made possible by their partnership with MMPA, and Upchurch expressed his thanks to MMPA members responsible for supplying them with high quality milk. “The MMPA team complements us. We’ve been seamless from the beginning because of your engagement, innovation, and the way you think. You aren’t only a perfect partner, but you think the same way as we do, and that’s a huge compliment to your organization.”

In addition to recognizing partners, the Annual Meeting proceedings involved recognizing the cooperative’s success last year and honoring several MMPA members including MMPA Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperators, members achieving 35 and 50 years of membership, the MMPA member farm who achieved the best quality milk in 2024 of all MMPA farms, Koppenol Dairy Farm of Coopersville, Michigan; and the first Food Bank Council of Michigan Legacy Award recipient, Larsen Farms of Scottville, Michigan, recognized for their work with their local food bank.

“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,” Doug Chapin, MMPA Board Chairman said.

The meeting proceedings also included recognition of a trifecta of success among MMPA’s leadership. MMPA Board Chairman Doug Chapin was named the 2024 Farmer Communicator of the Year by the National Milk Producers Federation recognizing his efforts for sharing dairy’s story to foster a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by dairy farmers. MMPA Board Vice Chairman Tony Jandernoa was named the 2025 Dairy Farm of the Year by the Michigan State University Department of Animal Science. Rounding out the success, MMPA President & CEO Joe Diglio was recently named the 2025 Robert B. Engel Farmer Co-op Manager of the Year by the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives for his outstanding achievement and commitment to cooperative principles.

MMPA Treasurer Eric Frahm presented the financial status of the cooperative and reported on a strong balance sheet and annual net savings for fiscal year 2024. MMPA recently paid out $1.7 million in cash patronage refunds to its dairy farmer members, representing twenty-five percent of the net savings with the remaining non-cash balance allocated to certificates of equity to be revolved back to members in future years.

In the board reorganizational meeting held at the conclusion of the Annual Meeting, the following officers were reelected: Doug Chapin as board chairman, Tony Jandernoa as board vice chairman and Eric Frahm as treasurer.

Recognition highlights MMPA’s efforts to prioritize safety and foster excellence in all of the cooperative’s operations.

NOVI, Mich. — Last week, the Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) plant in Constantine, Michigan, received an International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) safety award for outstanding worker safety. This marks the second consecutive year that the Constantine plant has earned this distinction, achieving a significant milestone of three years without a lost-time accident, exemplifying excellence in workplace safety.

“Constantine’s impressive achievements are a testament to the facility’s management and employees’ commitment to safety,” said Kelly Kerrigan, MMPA’s Human Resources Director. “We value a culture of safety in our workplaces, and this award reflects the dedication and hard work of our team.”

The annual Dairy Industry Safety Recognition Awards program, co-sponsored by IDFA and Dairy Foods magazine, honors U.S. dairy facilities and trucking operations for their exceptional worker safety standards. Applicants are evaluated based on occupational injury and illness performance rates, showcasing the dairy industry’s dedication to prioritizing the safety of both its people and products. MMPA was one of 23 dairy companies recognized during this year’s award program.

In 2022, MMPA’s Middlebury, Indiana, plant received the same recognition from IDFA for employee safety. MMPA’s continued success in receiving these recognitions highlights the cooperative’s ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of its workforce. By prioritizing safety, MMPA fosters excellence in all aspects of its operations.

Recognition acknowledges Doug Chapin’s efforts to share dairy’s story and address challenging issues facing the industry.

The Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) Board Chairman Doug Chapin has been named the 2024 National Milk Producer Federation’s (NMPF) Farmer Communicator of the Year. Chapin accepted the award last week at NMPF’s annual meeting held in Phoenix, Arizona.

“I don’t take my leadership role lightly and I recognize how important it is to share our story and do my part to help people understand the work we do every day,” Chapin said. “At times it seems like there are challenges at every turn, and I’m honored to be in a position where I can make a difference.”

The NMPF Dairy Farmer Communicator of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding farmer’s efforts in sharing dairy’s story and celebrates those who go above and beyond to foster a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by dairy farmers.

“Chapin was recognized for his leadership in communicating farmer and co-op perspectives on challenging issues that were of top priority to dairy farmers and the entire industry throughout 2024, including dairy’s response to the discovery of the H5N1 influenza virus in dairy cattle and efforts to modernize the Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) system,” NMPF said.

In 2024, Chapin testified on behalf of NMPF and MMPA for FMMO reform, advocating for the higher of Class 3 or 4 proposal for the Class I skim milk price mover. In addition, he was instrumental during the beginning of the H5N1 outbreak. Chapin supported a science-based regulatory approach to legislators, represented dairy interests to the media, and maintained critical industry relations within the agriculture community.

“Doug is a leading voice in our industry and is the first to step forward when dairy farmers need representation,” Joe Diglio, MMPA President & CEO said. “I couldn’t be more pleased with his willingness to advocate for our members and communicate their needs.”

Chapin represents MMPA on a number of national industry committees including the National Milk Producers Federation Board of Directors, National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management Program committees, and the U.S. Dairy Export Council and Trade Envoy Program.

On Thursday, October 17, the Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) welcomed the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, Alexis Taylor, for a Women in Agriculture Roundtable.

Under Secretary Taylor led a discussion at MMPA’s Novi, Michigan, headquarters with over a dozen of women in leadership roles within Michigan’s agriculture community. The session highlighted USDA programs and resources that support U.S. agricultural exports and served as a platform to discuss key issues impacting women in agriculture.

“We were honored to host Under Secretary Taylor and engage in meaningful conversations with women leaders in agriculture,” said Joe Diglio, MMPA President and CEO. “The discussion not only showcased the importance of USDA’s programs, but also emphasized the critical role women play in advancing agriculture industries.”

MMPA is proud to have 50% of their senior leadership team and 28% of their total leadership roles filled by women and recognizes the importance of gender diversity in driving success. MMPA’s commitment to fostering inclusivity extends across every level of the cooperative, with 27% of their over 600 employees identifying as female. MMPA is committed to making business decisions that positively impact their members, employees, stakeholders and communities they live and work in.

This roundtable was part of USDA’s efforts to promote the United Nations’ designation of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer. Under Secretary Taylor’s visit to MMPA is part of her nationwide tour to engage with agricultural leaders and promote the contributions of women to the industry’s future.

Recognition reinforces MMPA’s 108-year-long legacy of producing high-quality, award-winning dairy products.

MADISON, Wisc. — Butter made by the farmer-owned Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) was awarded first place in the unsalted butter category at the prestigious World Dairy Expo Championship Dairy Product Contest.

“Receiving this recognition for one of our signature products is a testament to the commitment and hard work of our entire membership and team,” said Molly Costaris, MMPA Director of Commodity Sales. “Producing high-quality dairy products begins with our members’ commitment to producing quality milk on their farms and continues through every step of the process at our plants.”

The World Dairy Expo Championship Dairy Product Contest is the only North American judging contest which encompasses all dairy products. The contest features product classes including cheese, butter, fluid milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, ice cream, cultured milk and dried whey from throughout the United States.

The award-winning butter was produced at MMPA’s Ovid, Michigan dairy ingredient plant. MMPA also operates a cheese plant in Middlebury, Indiana; a dairy product plant in Canton, Ohio; and another dairy ingredient plant in Constantine, Michigan.

“Our plants receive high quality milk, utilize proper process controls and conduct rigorous testing on finished products,” Sudeep Jain, MMPA Director of Quality said. “By doing this, we ensure supply of wholesome and delicious dairy products to every customer, every day.”

In addition to butter, MMPA produces a wide array of dairy ingredients, including ultra-filtered milk, nonfat dry milk, cream and buttermilk powder, for use in products such as ice cream, baked goods and more. MMPA also manufactures retail fluid milk, ice cream and other dairy products.

MMPA members are known for producing some of the highest quality milk in the nation and annually receive national recognition through the National Dairy Quality Award program. This latest recognition for MMPA’s unsalted butter reinforces MMPA’s 108-year-long legacy of producing high-quality, award-winning dairy products.

NOVI, Mich. — The Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) is pleased to announce Ashley Kennedy as the 2024 Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator (OYDC). She farms alongside her husband, Eric, on their third-generation farm, Sheridan Dairy LLC, located in Bad Axe, Mich. As the winning cooperator, Kennedy will represent MMPA at various industry and association activities.

Sheridan Dairy milks 240 Jersey and Holstein cows and operates 280 acres. Established in 1962, the farm has been a cornerstone of their community and dairy industry, with the Kennedys continuing the legacy by raising the next generation on the farm.

“The mission of Sheridan Dairy is to continue our family farm legacy by embracing the highest quality care for our cows, land, employees and environment,” Kennedy said. “We strive to foster diversity and innovation in all parts of our business, in order to offer the opportunity for future generations to continue the farm.”

Alongside Kennedy, Jake Buning of Falmouth, Mich, will serve as the 2024 runner-up cooperator. He milks 760 cows and operates 1,600 acres on his family’s farm in Falmouth, Mich. Selection of the OYDC is done by a selection committee representing leaders in the Great Lakes dairy industry. Applicant’s farming operations, farm-related and community activities and demonstrated leadership abilities are considered during the process.

“The OYDC program is a fundamental tool in encouraging young dairy cooperators to network and learn more about their cooperative to help identify future leaders and recognize their efforts,” Doug Chapin, MMPA board chairman, said. Chapin and his wife, Cheri, were the MMPA OYDC runners-up in 1990.

MMPA has been identifying future leaders through the OYDC program since 1950.  The purpose of the program is to strengthen leadership abilities in young farmers, broaden young farmers’ knowledge of milk marketing and MMPA, and recognize the abilities and stewardship of young dairy farmers. This honor highlights the Kennedys’ and Buning’s dedication to strengthening their farming operation, making a difference in their communities and providing leadership in the industry.

2024 OYDC Finalists

• Zach Steiner – Creston, Ohio
• Ross & Markel Williams – Homer, Mich.
• Ty & Tammy Spicher – Paw Paw, Mich.
• David Krafft – Frankenmuth, Mich.
• Erich Lautner – Traverse City, Mich.