LANSING, Mich.–The 97th Annual Delegate Meeting of the Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) was held on March 21 at the Lansing Center in Lansing, Mich. Business conducted by the delegates included the re-election of Ken Nobis, of St. Johns, to an at-large position on the board of directors and adoption of the 2013 MMPA resolutions.
President Ken Nobis and General Manager Clay Galarneau discussed changes taking place in the industry and cooperative. Clay explained that 2012 was characterized by significant milk production gains in Michigan and the rest of the upper Midwest. MMPA showed strong earnings throughout the year and distributed a record 530 milk quality awards to members.
“The investment MMPA members have made to expand the Ovid and Constantine processing plants has accommodated the growth of their milk production and provided flexibility to move into new dairy categories that offer expanded opportunities for improving product margins,” Galarneau said.
MMPA Treasurer Mark Halbert presented the financial status of the cooperative, reporting a net savings in fiscal year 2012 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 12 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 2012 District Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperators (OYDC) were also honored at the meeting including Kris and Carla Wardin, of St. Johns, who were officially recognized as MMPA’s 2012 OYDC.
Eric Frahm, District 10 director, presented Charles and Julie Nelkie and Abigal O’Farrell, of West Branch, Mich., with the highest quality milk production award. The Nelkies and O’Farrells achieved the best quality records in 2012 among MMPA’s over 1,300 farms.
Guest speaker David Riemersma, president of Butterball Farms Inc., told the delegates, “Exceptional flavor and superior texture are expected by the customer and delivered consistently in each and every pat of Butterball butter. The Constantine and Ovid plants help us deliver on those expectations each week – day after day – year after year.”
Michigan Milk Producers Association is a member owned and controlled milk marketing cooperative serving over 2,000 dairy farmers in Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin and Ohio.