Member Benefits
MMPA leads the way in quality milk production. The commitment to quality starts on the farm with MMPA’s on-farm partnership and variety of programs designed to help members excel. MMPA’s dedicated field staff provide services and programs that equip MMPA members with leading management and production information.
We’re dedicated to healthy cows and wholesome milk.
MMPA partners with the National Dairy FARM (Farmers Assuring Responsible Management) program to help demonstrate how dairy farmers take the very best care of cows and the environment, producing safe, wholesome milk and adhering to the highest standards of workforce development. All MMPA members are enrolled in the animal care silo and MMPA participates in the other program areas including workforce development, antibiotic stewardship and environmental stewardship. MMPA’s field staff provide on-the-ground guidance to help member farms maintain compliance.
Farm Services
MMPA leads the way in quality milk production. The commitment to quality starts on the farm with MMPA’s on-farm partnership and variety of programs designed to help members excel. MMPA’s dedicated field staff provide services and programs that equip MMPA members with leading management and production information.
FDA Certified Milk Testing Laboratory
MMPA’s FDA-certified milk testing laboratory located in Novi, Michigan, provides regular and special milk testing, and offers testing as part of the MMPA udder health program and calf milk pasteurizer program. The lab routinely conducts RBC, PIC and LPC milk tests. MMPA also partners with other laboratories to meet every farm’s testing needs.
Milking Systems Analysis
MMPA member representatives are trained to provide in-depth milk quality troubleshooting services on member farms. These tests include vacuum analysis of milking systems which impact cow health and somatic cell counts as well as cleaning analysis of equipment which helps to identify potential causes of high bacteria counts and unclean milking equipment.
Dairy Care Academy
Dairy Care Academy is a free MMPA animal care training program for farm owners and employees. Designed to help farms meet Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) program training requirements, it also educates employees and improves performance. The program teaches animal care training best practices, provides hands-on learning and improves employee performance on the farm.
Farm Supply Store
Buy everything you need to produce high quality milk on your farm – with the benefit of all store profits going back to member-owners every February along with cash patronage refunds. The MMPA Farm Supply Store leverages the collective power of member farms to negotiate competitive pricing on select products.
Sustainability Program
MMPA is committed to cooperative social responsibility and sustainable business practices throughout our entire supply chain. The Farmer Sustainability Advisory Committee formalizes member engagement in our sustainability program and fosters feedback and insights from members on farm sustainability efforts. MMPA partners with customers to develop programs like the Cover Crops Projects and MMPA’s field staff offers on-farm energy audits.
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 from the youth level all the way up to the board of directors.
Cooperative Leadership Positions
The first place to get involved in MMPA is by attending your District meeting. District meetings typically take place in December and include an update from MMPA leadership, your District board member, District 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.
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.
Cooperative Advantages
As a cooperative, MMPA is owned and controlled by dairy farmers in the Great Lakes region. Members are guaranteed a market and payment for their milk, co-op profits are reinvested in the co-op or distributed to its members, and members are represented legislatively.
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. MMPA also maintains our own contacts to Member of Congress, USDA and even the White House to communicate and advocate for our industry.
Interested in becoming a member?
MMPA’s dedicated field staff provide services and programs that equip MMPA members with leading management and production information.