By Andi Anderson
Fifteen Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) dairy farms have been awarded National Dairy Quality Awards by the National Mastitis Council (NMC).
Recognized during the NMC Annual Meeting in Charlotte, North Carolina, these MMPA members were among 40 nationally recognized farms selected from a pool of 72 applicants.
One MMPA farm earned the highest honor, the platinum award, which was granted to only six dairy farms in the U.S. and Canada. The Michigan State Dairy Teaching and Research Center in East Lansing, Michigan, received this honor for the second consecutive year. Additionally, MMPA farms won four gold awards, nine silver awards, and one honorable mention.
“MMPA's members exemplify an unparalleled commitment to milk quality within the dairy industry. Their dedication to animal care, meticulous attention to farm details, and ongoing efforts result in the production of some of the finest quality milk nationwide. The notable representation in this year's NMC National Dairy Quality Awards is a clear testament to the relentless hard work of our members and the devoted field staff in upholding excellence,” said Ben Chapin, MMPA Director of Member Services.
MMPA offers a portfolio of member services to help members produce the highest quality milk possible, with field representatives working closely with each member to achieve quality goals.
MMPA also provides a quality premium incentive for its members producing higher quality milk. This year, MMPA presented awards to 267 member farms for outstanding milk quality over the last fiscal year.
The representation of MMPA in the NMC National Dairy Quality Award Program underscores the hard work of the cooperative’s farms while competing against other well-performing farmers across the country.
NDQA judges considered many criteria when reviewing finalists’ applications. In addition to milk quality indicators, judges looked at specific details about each operation, including milking routine, cow comfort, udder health monitoring programs, treatment and prevention programs, strategies for overall herd health and welfare, and adherence to drug use and record-keeping regulations.
This year’s NDQA sponsors included Boehringer Ingelheim, GEA, Cargill, Hoard’s Dairyman, and NMC. NMC is an international professional organization based in Minnesota, devoted to reducing mastitis and enhancing milk quality.
Platinum Award:
Michigan State University Dairy Teaching and Research Center, East Lansing, Michigan
Gold Awards:
Evergreen Dairy Farm (Kris and Carla Wardin), St. Johns, Michigan
Clearview Dairy Farm (Paul, Betty, and Brian DeMann), Martin, Michigan
Hammond Dairy Farm (Norm, Kim, and Derrick Hammond), Dowling, Michigan
Beattie Farms (Don Beattie), Holton, Michigan
Silver Awards:
Pixley Dairy (Kevin, Lisa, and Lane Pixley), Nashville, Michigan
Schultz Dairy Farm (Dave and Kelton Schultz), Sandusky, Michigan
Horning Farms (Earl, Jeffrey, Lynda, and Mason Horning, and Katelyn Packard), Manchester, Michigan
Spring Lake Farms (Bill and Jason Hardy), Stanton, Michigan
Chapin Family Farm (Sam, Doug, and Cheri Chapin), Remus, Michigan
Koch (John and Marian Koch), Weidman, Michigan
Bosscher Dairy Farm (JP Koop), Hudsonville, Michigan
Vandermade Dairy (Lambert Vandermade), Sherwood, Ohio
Golden Elm Dairy (Eric Frahm), Frankenmuth, Michigan
Honorable Mention:
Slater Farms Baseline (Allen and Aaron Slater), Holton, Michigan
These awards highlight the dedication and excellence of MMPA members in producing high-quality milk.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-ahavelaar
Categories: Michigan, General