At the 100th Annual State Delegate Meeting of the Michigan Milk Producers Association, the cooperative recognized one century of service to members. As MMPA builds upon its vision for the future, the cooperative reflects upon the defining moments of it collective history, recognizing the power of the past. The meeting was held on March 24 at the Lansing Center in Lansing, Michigan.
Gov. Snyder Thanks Dairy Farmers
“Michigan’s food and agriculture industry is one of our state’s largest, contributing $101.2 billion annually to our state’s economy,” Snyder said. “The dairy industry plays a critical role in this success, and I thank all of Michigan’s dedicated dairy farmers and leaders for their contributions to making Michigan grow stronger.”
Business Partners Recognize MMPA’s 100th Anniversary
Representatives from JPMorgan, Consumers Energy and CoBank congratulated MMPA on the anniversary, presenting commemorative plaques and awards.
MMPA President Ken Nobis Notes Longevity of MMPA
“We have been in existence for 100 years but it doesn’t really feel like we have, and maybe that’s because we keep evolving. As markets change, we adapt. In 1916, our markets were close by and by comparison quite simple. Today we still deal locally but we are also cognizant of the global market place, and when appropriate we market globally,” Nobis stated. “We are adapting to the changing playing field and developing markets and membership across the state line.”
MMPA Treasurer Eric Frahm Reports Financial Status
“As a result of operational efficiencies and after monthly premiums paid to members, the net savings for the fiscal year was $6 million,” Frahm said. “Achieving consistent net savings along with managing an appropriate working capital position allows the Association to successfully handle volatile market conditions as they surface.”
Delegates Adopt Resolutions, Elect Board Members
Business conducted by the delegates included the adoption of the 2016 MMPA resolutions and reelection of Ken Nobis of St. Johns, Michigan to the board of directors in a three-year, at-large position. Delegates also elected Gertie van den Goor of Marlette, Michigan to her first three-year term in an at-large position.
Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperators Recognized
MMPA Board Member Hank Choate introduced the 2015 Top 10 Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperators (OYDC) at the meeting, including Shawn and Beth VanDrie, of Lake City, MMPA’s 2015 OYDC and Darren and Regina Coffey, 2015 OYDC Runners-Up.
MMPA Top Quality Award Winner Announced
Dean Letter (right), director of member services, and Frank Brazeau (left), member representative, presented Jacob and Elaine Jahfetson (center) of Baraga, Michigan with the highest quality milk production award. The Jahfetsons achieved the best quality records in 2015, 2014 and 2013 among MMPA’s 1,200 farms.