As long-time members of MMPA, 35- and 50-year members’ experiences overcoming the changes in markets, regulations and leadership within the industry over the past many years serve as evidence that moving forward is possible. The knowledge and wisdom that they share within their community ensures the success of the dairy industry and MMPA for many years to come. Our cooperative wouldn’t be the same today without their presence and leadership. Thank you, 35- and 50-year members for your dedication and service to MMPA.
35 Year Members:
- Everett William Bone
- Duane G Cumper
- John W Cumper
- Brian Eldred
- Jack D Fisk
- Martin C Fox
- Fred Heinze
- James A Huggett
- Peter Kurncz
- Bruce Litwiller
- Jane Sias Mamarrow
- Michael J Rasmussen
- Gary Schultz
- Iris R Stout
- Carol Baker
- David Klamer
- Edward Adamic
50 Year Members:
- Richard Fettig
- Wayne Hecksel
- Richard Heyboer
- Donald Judge
- Kenneth Van Polen
Donald Judge
Hometown: Shepherd, Michigan
Contract Date: March 1972
Number of Generations on the Farm: 4
Milking Herd Size: 475
How was your farm started?
My dad bought it in 1936. He milked 13 cows by hand for the first two or three years and then got a milk machine and it grew from there.
What do you enjoy most about being a dairy farmer?
The cows and calves.
Where do you think the future of the industry is heading?
Well, it’s pretty decent. It’s a lot of up and down stuff all the time.
How has MMPA helped your farm succeed?
Got a good market for our milk.
What words of wisdom would you like to share with fellow members?
Just keep up the good work.
Dick Fettig
Hometown: Petoskey, Michigan
Contract Date: February 1972
Number of Generations on the Farm: 3
Milking Herd Size: 200
How was your farm started?
My dad started it with a stall barn milking about 30 cows in the 50s.
Where do you think the future of the industry is heading?
Looks like it’s getting bigger and bigger farms.
How has MMPA helped your farm succeed?
The milk truck is there every other day! For a long time, I had a 1,300-gallon tank and I filled it and they came every day for 30 years. I just put a new tank in.
What’s made you remain an MMPA member for so long?
Well I’ve been a delegate for the last 25 years.
What words of wisdom would you like to share with fellow members?
I would say take care of the younger ones because they are the generation that’s coming up. Pass the farms on if you can.
This article was originally published in the May/June 2022 issue of the Milk Messenger. Subscribe »