Michigan Milk Producers Association

Headed into the Independence Day holiday, we posted a state legislative briefing and update on MABA activities. Go here to learn more about our work the past few weeks: https://lnkd.in/gCP-67N6

Last week we were honored to host 49 young dairy farmer leaders and co-op coordinators representing 17 states and ten member cooperatives at our #YoungCooperators Dairy Policy & Legislative Forum in Washington, D.C. The annual event included discussions about political engagement and policy issues, along with training on how to be an effective advocate and spokesperson for dairy. YCs then headed to Capitol Hill to speak with members of Congress and their staffs about the 2024 Farm Bill, the Dairy PRIDE Act and trade issues. We’re grateful for the engagement from year’s outstanding group of Young Cooperators, and for the generous support of the Farm Credit Council, whose support made the event possible.

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! What does dairy mean to people of AAPI heritage? How can we continue to support and celebrate people of AAPI heritage in the dairy community? Throughout the month, IDFA is celebrating the diversity of AAPI Heritage and is excited to elevate the perspectives of several incredible AAPI members of the dairy industry.   Sudeep Jain, director of quality with Michigan Milk Producers Association, shares what heritage means to him and talks about how dairy can continue innovating to bring products to AAPI consumers while introducing new flavors and products to other consumers as well. #AAPIHeritageMonth #AAPI #dairy

Steve and Whitney Wamhoff are all about diversification on Wamhoff Family Dairy Farm LLC. These 2023 OYDC finalists recognizes the advantages of multiple revenue streams and knows what it takes to make it happen. Read more about the Wamhoff's in the latest #MilkMessenger https://lnkd.in/eBbAm9eW

"While we continue navigating today’s consumer landscape and the volatile nature of the dairy market, we continue to be committed to fostering innovation and enhancing technology, in a way that’s sustainable on member farms, in our plants and in our communities." - Joe Diglio, MMPA President & CEO

In 1999, fueled by a dream to establish a dairy farm according to his vision, Tjerk Okkema relocated his family from the Netherlands to America. Together they have built a healthy herd with milk quality that sets them apart from Michigan Milk Producers Association’s membership, earning them the cooperative’s coveted title of Top Quality Award Winner in 2023. Read more in the latest #MilkMessenger: https://lnkd.in/epGNrCG4

Thank you to all of our members, guests and employees who attended our 108th Annual Meeting last week! Attendees heard from our partners at GoodSport Nutrition, Dairy Distillery-makers of Vodkow and Amul (GCMMF) about how we're evolving, diversifying our portfolio and investing in premium products that reach a broader spectrum of consumers. We also recognized the outcome of the cooperative’s member governance changes last year and honored several MMPA members. Read more at https://lnkd.in/gP7rxSSt.

We're excited to announce that we're partnering with the world's largest dairy cooperative, Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Limited, to introduce the first Amul (GCMMF) branded fluid milk products in the United States market! Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gzCsi3ms

Dairy Care Academy is a free MMPA animal care training program for farm owners and employees. Designed to help farms meet Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) program training requirements, it also educates employees and improves performance. This training resource is available year-round for unlimited use. Learn more in the latest #MilkMessenger https://lnkd.in/ebe3Nq7e

During last week's CORE: Sustainability Summit, members got the inside scoop on MMPA's sustainability initiatives and heard from MMPA customers and partners from Unilever , The Nature Conservancy, and Newtrient LLC.🌱 Special insights were shared by incredible speakers: Jessie Deelo, a sustainable supply chain consultant; Joel Leland, Dairy Program Specialist at The Nature Conservancy; and Chris Kopman, CEO at Newtrient. 🎤