Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) members recently elected Amy Martin to serve a three-year term on the MMPA board of directors as a District 3 Director. Martin joins the 12 other dairy farmers on the MMPA board of directors, helping guide the direction of the cooperative and setting strategic goals.
Martin began farming on her family farm, Gingrich Meadows in LeRoy, Mich. in 1989. Today, with her husband Craig and two children Eric Martin and Brandon Gingrich, they manage 1,600 acres of farmland and 500 milking cows on their dairy. She’s been active in MMPA for many years, previously serving on the MMPA Advisory Committee and as a local secretary. She’s also an MMPA Dairy Communicator and served on the MMPA Restructuring Task Force.
How has MMPA impacted your farm?
MMPA provides a reliable and consistent market for our milk. I never have to worry about the milk check as I trust that it’s always going to be deposited in the bank on time.
What do you value most about MMPA?
The staff is very important. The services that they provide such as the milk sampling, wash system analysis, etc. help with the farm management program and that is invaluable.
Why did you want to join the board of directors?
I’ve spent my entire life on a dairy farm and have a strong love for the dairy industry. I was born and raised on one, and now, with the help of my husband and two sons, I run my own dairy farm. I’ve always been very active with Michigan Farm Bureau and MMPA, serving on a lot of committees and I’m at a time in my life that I now can take on a bigger role with the board of directors.
What are your goals and vision while serving on the board of directors?
I believe that a board member should first observe and learn what their board position is expected to do. With my leadership experience throughout the years and serving on various committees, I know I can bring a lot of ideas and opinions that will help serve the co-op.
What would you tell members looking to become more active within the cooperative?
I always encourage people at the district meeting to get involved. You can join CORE programs, be part of the Legislative Group or participate in virtual meetings. MMPA has made it very easy for people to be involved, and I think it’s part of members’ best interests to know what’s going on within their co-op.
This article was originally published in the July/August 2024 issue of the Milk Messenger. Subscribe »