Young Cooperators
Since 1950, MMPA has been identifying future leaders through the Young Cooperator and Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator (OYDC) program. 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 our young dairy farmers.
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.
2020 Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperators
Brent and Emily Simon of Westphalia, Michigan, were selected as the state winning 2020 MMPA Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperators (OYDC) by a panel of judges represented by leaders in the Great Lakes dairy industry. Drew and Beth Rupprecht of Vassar, Michigan, were selected as the runner-up young cooperators.
Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator Program
Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperators
Younger members (under 41 years of age) can increase their involvement with the cooperative through the Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator (OYDC) program. Each year, MMPA selects a couple or individual to represent the cooperative in the dairy industry. The winning and runners-up OYDC are selected every August at the OYDC conference. The two-day long conference welcomes the OYDC finalists each nominated by MMPA local associations to the MMPA headquarters. The conference also offers the opportunity for members to gain a broader understanding of various dairy industry and association issues.
After selection OYDCs:
- Invited to attend National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) Annual Meeting, held in different locations across the county.
- Invited to serve on the MMPA YC Conference planning committee.
- Designated as honorary members of the MMPA Advisory Committee.
- Opportunity to serve on the NMPF Young Cooperator Advisory Council and visit Washington, D.C.
Selection for each year’s OYDC starts during the winter local meeting season. If you are an MMPA member interested in participating in the 2021 OYDC program, please contact your local officer or call Jessica Welch at 248-474-6672, ext. 303 or email jwelch@nullmimilk.com.
| Year | Winners | Runners-Up |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Brent and Emily Simon of Westphalia, Michigan | Drew and Beth Rupprecht of Vassar, Michigan |
| 2019 | James Weber of Vassar, Michigan | Brad and Nicole Wren of Prescott, Michigan |
| 2018 | Paul and Nancy Pyle of Zeeland, Michigan | Jeremy and Deanna Beebe of Alger, Michigan |
| 2017 | Nate and Jenny Elzinga of Zeeland, Michigan | Jarris and Rebekah Rubingh of Ellsworth, Michigan |
| 2016 | Darrin and Barbara Siemen of Harbor Beach, Michigan | Dave and Gretchen Tolan of Ossineke, Michigan |
| 2015 | Shawn and Beth VanDrie of Lake City, Michigan | Darren and Regina Coffey of Allegan, Michigan |
| 2014 | Brian and Carrie Preston of Quincy, Michigan | Ken and Kristen Sparks of Cassopolis, Michigan |
| 2013 | Mike and Jordan Noll of Croswell, Michigan | Jeff and Chriss Carmichael of Hersey, Michigan |
| 2012 | Kris and Carla Wardin of St. Johns, Michigan | Josh and Lesley Lott of Mason, Michigan |
| 2011 | Jeremy and Jody Sharrard of Peck, Michigan | Chris and Michele Daniels of Whittemore, Michigan |
| 2010 | Burke and Lisa Larsen of Scottville, Michigan | Scott and Alissa Ferry of Litchfield, Michigan |
| 2009 | Jeremy and Summer Werth of Alpena, Michigan | Tom and Heather Wing of Bellevue, Michigan |
| 2008 | Brad and Tonia Ritter of Byron, Michigan | Scott and Kristie Lamb of Jeddo, Michigan |
| 2007 | Aaron and Andrea Gasper of Lowell, Michigan | Brad and Monica Crandall of Battle Creek, Michigan |
| 2006 | Tom and Diane Cook of Pewamo, Michigan | Doeke and Melissa Prins of Lakeview, Michigan |
What is the OYDC Program?
The Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator (OYDC) program strengthens leadership abilities and recognizes outstanding Young Cooperators. Each year, MMPA selects winning and runners-up OYDC to represent the co-op at local and national events.
Who can participate?
Anyone between the ages of 21 and 40 who is a member or affiliated with a member farm is eligible to participate in the program. Nominees do not have to be “on the contract” or a voting member to be considered.
How are OYDCs selected?
OYDCs are nominated by their Locals. From those nominated, the finalists are invited to the OYDC conference in August. During the conference, a panel of judges reviews each applicant while the finalists learn more about MMPA and milk marketing.
Can OYDCs be nominated more than once?
OYDCs can participate multiple times in the program as long as they still meet eligibility requirements and have not been chosen as the winning OYDC.