Member Involvement
From its beginnings in 1916, MMPA has relied on grassroots member support to lead the association. Today, MMPA fosters member involvement and leadership afrom the youth level all the way up to the board of directors.
MMPA prides itself on the dedicated and involved members who own the cooperative.
MMPA is a cooperative democratically controlled by member-owners. MMPA’s governance structure includes subdivisions of the membership into Locals and Districts based upon members’ geographic area. Each local association meets once per year, typically in December or January. All members are invited to attend their local meeting. Each district meets once per year, typically in February. Local delegates attend their district meeting to conduct business on behalf of members in their local.
Member Relations
Cooperative Leadership Positions
The first place to get involved in MMPA is by attending your Local meeting. Local meetings typically take place in December or January. These meetings include an update from your District board member, Local elections and opportunities to connect with fellow members in your area.
Young Cooperator Program
Since 1950, MMPA has been identifying future leaders through the Young Cooperator and Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator (OYDC) program. The program includes the OYDC award program and programming for all younger members, called Young Cooperators. While OYDCs go through a selection and nomination process, ALL members and member employees aged 40 and under are automatically considered Young Cooperators.
Dairy Communicator Network
The MMPA Dairy Communicator program is an ongoing effort of members to promote dairy in their local communities across the Great Lakes region. Dairy Communicators are involved in a wide variety of promotion activities including farm tours, school visits and social media. Members are elected by their Local annually to communicate on behalf of dairy farmers.
Photo Contest
MMPA hosts an annual photo contest showcasing MMPA member’s view of stunning landscapes across the Great Lakes region. Members have the unique opportunity to capture beautiful scenes like the morning fog rolling across corn fields, a newborn calf’s big eyes taking in new wonders of the world or memorable moments of farmers caring for their cows.
Scholarships
MMPA offers scholarships to members, children of members and employees of members at Michigan State University, Purdue University and The Ohio State University. MMPA also supports the Michigan Dairy Memorial and Scholarship Foundation, Michigan Dairy Ambassador and Leadership Program and the Michigan Youth Livestock Scholarship Fund.
Advocacy and Government Relations
MMPA works closely with state and national partners, like the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), to advocate and represent dairy on Capitol Hill. NMPF represents the voices of dairy farmers and dairy cooperatives in Washington, D.C. MMPA also maintains our own contacts to Member of Congress, USDA and even the White House to communicate and advocate for our industry.
Complementary “Daisy the Cow” Rentals
Towering over 10 feet tall, Daisy the MMPA Cow is the one-of-a-kind mascot of MMPA dairy farmers and the dairy industry and can be found at fairs, festivals and events all across the Great Lakes region. MMPA members can rent Daisy for their own promotion events and efforts.
Member Communication
To keep members informed, MMPA publishes a variety of member communication materials, including a bi-monthly magazine (Milk Messenger), a monthly newsletter (Member Connection) and weekly email (e-news). Members are also encouraged to attend member meetings, get involved with the cooperative or reach out to their District board member with questions.
Interested in becoming a member?
MMPA’s dedicated field staff provide services and programs that equip MMPA members with leading management and production information.