News

Michigan Milk turns 100

The Michigan Milk Producers Association says the cooperative was created exactly 100 years ago to unify dairy farmers searching for a more reliable and stable milk price.

President Ken Nobis tells Brownfield the importance of a co-op remains true today.  “The challenge with organization and the challenge of pricing and the natural push back that you get from your customer—it’s still there today.”  He says, “I don’t see any reduced need for a co-op today, any more reduced than it was 100 years ago.”

He says in honor of the centennial, MMPA is donating $100,000 to animal agriculture research at Michigan State University.  “We’re enjoying the bounty we have today because of research that was done in that past, our members see the need to continue that research.”

A commemorative book detailing the history of MMPA’s 100 years and a three part video series have been created to honor the organization and its members.

Today MMPA represents 2,000 dairy farmers in Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin and Ohio.

AUDIO: Interview with Ken Nobis