The Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) is moving full throttle: propelled by momentum, guided by purpose and united in their mission to deliver for their member-owners. As members and guests gathered for the 110th Annual Meeting on March 18, in Novi, Mich., the focus was clear; MMPA is accelerating forward, building on the strength of the cooperative
to create opportunities that benefit farms today and for generations to come.
This year, MMPA hit the accelerator on innovation, partnerships and progress, positioning the cooperative not just to respond to change, but to lead it. From launching strategic initiatives to expanding product capabilities and forming bold collaborations, momentum is building across every corner of the organization.
With transformative initiatives gaining traction and a shared vision guiding the road ahead, MMPA is forging a path that sets them apart in the industry. Looking toward the opportunities ahead, one thing remains constant: the strength of the cooperative is driven by the commitment of their member-owners, employees and partners working together to keep MMPA moving forward.
Recognizing Success
During the Annual Meeting, MMPA Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator finalists, members reaching 35 and 50 years of membership, the MMPA Top Quality Award winner, the MMPA Food Bank Legacy Award winner and MMPA employee service award recipients were recognized.
“The strength of our organization comes from young farmers building their future within the cooperative, long-time members who bring stability and experience gained through decades in the industry, and members who serve their communities by helping ensure dairy products reach those in need.” – Doug Chapin, MMPA Board Chairman
Milestone Members
Recognized for their long-term dedication and commitment to the cooperative as MMPA members for 35 and 50 consecutive years.
35-Year Members
William Hough, Blanchard, Michigan
Casey Moore, Mason, Michigan
William Risch, Webberville, Michigan
Klaas and Mary Ann Vanderploeg Ithaca, Michigan
50-Year Members
Keith and Wendy Bott, Wheeler, Michigan
Rodney Daniels, Whittemore, Michigan
Arden Eadie, Conklin, Michigan
Jack Evans, Sanford, Michigan
Mark Hilaski, Hopkins, Michigan
Clark Humrich, Webberville, Michigan
Michael Noll, Croswell, Michigan
“Who have been the market disruptors? Who have been the innovators in dairy in the past 20 years? Everybody can make their own list. Your milk is going to two of the best innovators in our industry.” – Corey Geiger, CoBank Lead Dairy Economist
2025 MMPA OYDCs
Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperators are recognized as leaders among the next generation of MMPA members.
2025 Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator
Dale and Lynnae Dick of McBain, Michigan
2025 Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator Runners-Up
Mason and Whitney Smith of Homer, Michigan
2025 Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator Finalist
Carson Evans of Litchfield, Michigan
MMPA Top Quality Award Winner
Recognized for an impressive average somatic cell count of 44,910, an indicator of producing high quality milk.
Hardy Spring Lake Farms of Stanton, Michigan
Food Bank Legacy Award Recipient
Recognized for their efforts in supporting their local food bank and strengthening their local community.
De Saegher Dairy of Middleton, Michigan
“Our momentum is real. We’re not standing still. We’re building, we are diversifying and we are strengthening your cooperative for the future. We’ve added meaningful chapters to our story today, but we’re far from finished. The investments are coming online very shortly, the partnerships are taking shape and the strategy is turning into execution. As we continue to accelerate our vision, the story isn’t ending, we’re just getting started.” – Joe Diglio, MMPA President & CEO
Employee Service Award Milestone Recipients
Recognized for serving MMPA members as employees of the cooperative for more than 15 years.
45 Years of Service
Cynthia Smith – Canton
35 Years of Service
Teresa Farmer – Novi
30 Years of Service
Chad Mehok – Canton
Albert Soehnlen – Canton
James Dorsey – Canton
Ryon Shaw – Ovid
Dean Letter – Novi
Allen Clark – Constantine
Thomas Brandebury – Constantine
25 Years of Service
Sandra Murphy – Canton
Kerry Sherman – Ovid
Dennis Settlemyre – Ovid
Robin Miller – Constantine
20 Years of Service
Wayne Blazer – Canton
Gary Bernard – Canton
Linda Sullivan – Canton
15 Years of Service
Andrew Pierce – Canton
Maximos Mihailides – Canton
Raymond Boyle – Canton
James Davis – Ovid
Patrick Chapko – Ovid
Benjamin Chapin – Novi
Brent Weller – Novi
I believe dairy is going through a revolution. And with Joe and Doug and the team at MMPA, you all have been ahead of the curve.” – Mike Upchurch, Trilliant CEO
MMPA Annual Report in Review
MMPA Plants Achieve Top Scores in Annual SQF Audits
Three of MMPA’s processing facilities, located in Canton, Ohio; Ovid, Mich. and Constantine, Mich., earned top scores in their 2025 Safe Quality Food (SQF) audits. These comprehensive audits evaluate facilities on food safety programs, operational procedures and product quality management. The Canton plant achieved 100% in food safety and 98% in food quality, while Ovid earned 99% in food safety and 100% in food quality. Constantine secured a perfect 100% in both categories.
Components Skyrocket
In 2025, member farms saw a notable rise in milk component levels by over 4% in butterfat and a nearly 3% increase in protein. The upward trend reflects the investments members have made in optimizing cow health and nutrition, with support from MMPA’s member services team.
New Endowment Invests in Dairy Youth Leadership
To support the next generation of agricultural leaders, MMPA and CoBank established the Joseph M. Diglio 4-H Dairy Youth Endowment in 2025. The fund was created in recognition of MMPA President & CEO Joe Diglio’s national leadership honor and his dedication to youth development. Administered by the Michigan 4-H Foundation, the endowment will provide long-term support for educational and leadership opportunities in the dairy sector.
Measuring Impact with Product Carbon Footprinting
In 2025, MMPA took a significant step forward by launching a product carbon footprinting initiative, becoming only the second dairy cooperative in the nation to measure and manage the environmental impact of dairy products this way. By quantifying emissions associated with production and processing, MMPA is equipped with the information needed to make informed decisions about sustainability practices.
Recognized for a Culture of Safety
For the second consecutive year, MMPA’s Constantine, Mich., facility was honored with an International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) safety award for outstanding worker safety. This award, co-sponsored by Dairy Foods magazine, is based on a facility’s occupational injury and illness performance rates, and recognizes outstanding achievement in worker safety. The Constantine plant reached three years without a lost-time accident, a milestone achievement recognized with the award.
This article was originally published in the March/April 2026 issue of the Milk Messenger. Subscribe »