On-Farm Partnership

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.

Member Benefits and Services

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.

Milk Systems Analysis

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.

Equity

As a cooperative, MMPA has adopted a cooperative plan governing the allocation and distribution of MMPA’s earnings, member’s investment in MMPA through capital retains and the redemption of membership equities.

Forward Contracting

MMPA recognizes that the dairy market is volatile. Through MMPA’s Price Protection Program, members can lock in up to 75 percent of their production at a set price based on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) futures market.

Everything you need to produce high quality milk

In addition to receiving help from qualified field staff, MMPA members benefit from the MMPA Farm Supply Store. The MMPA Farm Supply Store sells a variety of farm supplies and products used on dairy farms. As a cooperative resource, the Farm Supply Store returns all profits back to member-owners every February along with cash patronage refunds. They are also able to leverage the collective power of member farms to negotiate competitive pricing on select products.

Man and woman dairy farmers
Ramona Okkema in front of her herd.

Interested in becoming a member?

MMPA’s dedicated field staff provide services and programs that equip MMPA members with leading management and production information.