Ben Chapin
MMPA Member Services Director
MMPA members have a long-storied history of producing top quality milk across the Midwest. I’ve always admired the membership’s dedication towards continuous improvement and progressiveness within the dairy industry. Of course this doesn’t come without challenges. As we work our way out of the summer heat and humidity, I think farmers and cows alike are breathing a sigh of relief.
With much of the focus now shifting to fall harvest, it is important not to lose sight of the quality of the milk coming off the farm. There is a lot of value in what you produce, and it is integral for marketability to our customers. It has been your quality milk that opened the doors to new partners and created sustaining relationships with our customers.
Take the time to schedule preventative maintenance throughout your milking and cooling systems and take advantage of the MMPA services that are accessible to you. Your field staff are available to assist with milking and wash system diagnostics and analysis, herd tests and on-farm milker training schools. The MMPA lab can assist in culturing, running special bacteria counts and trouble shooting. Also, don’t forget the Farm Supply Store carries a wide array of products that help support milk quality.
Christy Dinsmoore
MMPA Area Supervisor
Michigan may not have hit 100°F this summer, but the heat and humidity sure made it feel like we did. Hot weather stresses cows’ immune systems and increases bacteria in their environment, two big reasons Somatic Cell Count tends to rise.
You can’t control the weather, but you can control mastitis management practices on your farm. Lost premiums and deductions are just the beginning of what mastitis costs your farm.
Focus on four key areas:
- Identify infected cows: Pre-strip during udder prep to catch clinical cases. Use DHIA data or set up a herd test with your field representative to find subclinical cases. California Mastitis Test (CMT) is easy to add to fresh cow checks. Work with your vet to set up treatment protocols.
- Prevent new infections: Keep bedding clean and dry across all cow groups. Refresh your milker team on proper protocols and review dry-off procedures. Start planning facility upgrades for next summer’s heat.
- Maintain milking equipment: Regular maintenance matters. Check vacuum regulators, clean pulsators and replace rubber parts on schedule.
- Think ahead for winter: Prep facilities and plan for cow comfort now. Consider switching to winter teat dips by October to prevent teat skin chapping.
Steve Lehman
MMPA Raw Milk Compliance Manager
Raw milk quality has been the foundation that has allowed MMPA to build a strong customer base for raw and manufactured products being sold to dairy food companies around the world. High-quality milk has helped retain long-term customers while attracting new ones seeking premium products.
Ensuring top milk quality doesn’t have to be complicated. Regularly clean compressor condensers, especially in hot weather, and flush the plate cooler to remove iron and water scale. Inspect the bulk tank with a light before milking begins. During wash cycles, walk through the parlor to confirm proper water flow, functioning air injectors, no air leaks and no system trapping. Check chemical barrels to ensure adequate supply and usage, and verify that water temperatures are hot enough for effective cleaning.
A valuable tool is a recording thermometer installed downstream from the plate cooler. The data it provides offers key insights into milking and washing performance, helping identify potential issues early. By staying proactive and attentive, producers can uphold the exceptional milk quality that continues to drive MMPA’s growth and reputation.
This article was originally published in the September/October 2025 issue of the Milk Messenger. Subscribe »