NOVI, Mich.–The 96th Annual Delegate Meeting of the Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) was held on March 22 at the Lansing Center in Lansing, Mich. Business conducted by the delegates included the re-election of Mark Halbert, of Battle Creek, to an at-large position on the board of directors and adoption of the 2012 MMPA resolutions.
President Ken Nobis and General Manager Clay Galarneau discussed changes taking place in the industry and cooperative. Galarenau stated that 2011 was a tremendous year for MMPA and the dairy industry and was a year of unparalleled dairy demand.
“MMPA is committed to helping our members succeed in the life they have chosen in the dairy industry,” said Galarneau.
MMPA Treasurer Mark Halbert presented the financial status of the cooperative, reporting a net savings in fiscal year 2011 of $6.3 million. Halbert also illustrated the strength of MMPA in the marketplace and the amount of dollars returned to members in the past year in the form of premium payments.
President Nobis recognized 31 individuals holding MMPA membership for 35 years. He honored these individuals for their commitment and hard work to the dairy industry and MMPA. Each 35-year member was presented with a plaque.
The 2011 District Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperators (OYDC) were also honored at the meeting, including Jeremy and Jody Sharrard, of Peck who were officially recognized as MMPA’s 2011 OYDC.
John Kronemeyer, District 12 Director, presented Ryan and Charina Dellar of Harrisville, Mich., with the highest quality milk production award. The Dellars achieved the best quality records in 2011 of over 1,300 farms belonging to MMPA. To qualify for this prestigious award, a producer must meet MMPA’s quality premium requirements for an entire year.
Guest speaker Jerry Dryer, editor of the Dairy and Food Market Analyst told the delegates, “there is an endless number of opportunities to drive the market for U.S. dairy products overseas.”
Michigan Milk Producers Association is a member owned and controlled milkmarketing cooperative serving over 2,100 dairy farmers in Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin and Ohio.