Date/Time
Date(s) - August 17, 2017 - August 18, 2017
9:30 am - 1:30 pm
Location
Michigan Milk Producers Association
41310 Bridge St
Novi
MI
48375
Categories
This two-day long conference welcomes the Top 10 statewide OYDC representatives each nominated by MMPA local associations. The winning and runners-up OYDC are selected every August at the OYDC conference at MMPA headquarters. The conference offers the opportunity for members to gain a broader understanding of various dairy industry and association issues.
For more information, contact Jessica Welch at 248-474-6672, ext. 303 or email jwelch@nullmimilk.com.
Overview of the OYDC Program
Since 1950, MMPA has been identifying future leaders through the Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator program. The program has seen some changes over the years, but the basic purpose of identifying and developing future dairy industry leaders has remained.
Purpose of OYDC Program:
- To strengthen leadership abilities in young farmers.
- To broaden young farmers’ knowledge of milk marketing and MMPA.
- To recognize the abilities and stewardship of our young dairy farmers.
Program highlights:
Young Cooperator Conference: This one-day conference has been held annually since 1995 and is planned by the winning and runner-up OYDC’s from the current and prior years. All young dairy farmers are invited to attend. The event, normally held in April, includes an update on industry and association activities, and one or two guest speakers to address topics of interest to young dairy farmers. The day also usually includes a farm tour. Normally between 80-100 young dairy farmers attend the conference.
State OYDC Conference: A two-day conference for the Top Ten statewide OYDC representatives. Participants have the opportunity to gain a much broader understanding of various industry and association issues. Three judges are designated to select one OYDC nominee and a runner-up to represent MMPA at various industry and association activities throughout the year. OYDC judges include an MMPA board member, a former State OYDC winner and a representative from MSU Extension or Department of Animal Science. The Top Ten OYDCs are selected by the State Nominating and have the opportunity to be represented at the State OYDC Conference.
Selecting OYDCs:
All locals are encouraged to submit nominees for the OYDC program. Nominees must be at least 21 and not 41 years of age as of January 1 in the contest year. If running as a couple, the age requirement applies to the younger spouse. Single individuals or couples can serve as an OYDC nominee.
All local nominees are sent an application form. After the application forms are filled out and mailed back to the MMPA office, the application forms are forwarded on to the State Nominating Committee who evaluate the applications and select the Top Ten OYDCs.
Winning OYDC:
- Invited to attend National Milk Producers Federation Annual Meeting for two years.
- Invited to serve on the MMPA YC conference planning committee for two years.
- Designated as honorary members of the MMPA Advisory Committee for one calendar year.
- Has opportunity to serve on the National Milk Producers Federation Young Cooperator Advisory Council if interested.
Runner-up OYDC:
- Invited to attend National Milk Producers Federation Annual Meeting for one year.
- Invited to serve on MMPA YC conference planning committee for two years.
- Designated as honorary members of the MMPA Advisory Committee for one calendar year.
Statewide OYDCs:
- The Top Ten OYDCs are recognized publically at a variety of member meetings: Leaders’ Conference, State Annual Meeting and their own district and local meetings.
- The Top Ten OYDCs are featured in our monthly publication, the Michigan Milk Messenger.