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MMPA names Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperators

The Michigan Milk Producers Association recently announced their Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperators (OYDC) for the upcoming year.

Beth VanDrie and her husband were awarded the 2015 state winning cooperator couple.  “We got selected based on judges reviewing us as we went through the conference.”  VanDrie tells Brownfield the top ten young dairy couples in the cooperative were nominated by their local districts to attend the annual OYDC Conference. She says not only was she able to meet with other young dairy farmers, but VanDrie says the conference gave her a chance to learn more about MMPA and what the cooperative is doing for their members.

VanDrie farms over 1,300 acres and milks almost 300 cows with her brother and father in Lake City, in Michigan’s west central region.

Darren and Regina Coffey, of Allegan in southwest Michigan, were named OYDC Runners-Up. The Coffey’s 750 cows and farm 1,600 acres.

VanDrie tells Brownfield, all dairy farmers are responsible for providing consumers with a quality product they want to buy.  “It’s important to work together, and it’s important to be transparent.”  She says most importantly, dairy farmers need to be responsible managers.

MMPA’s OYDC awards are based on farming operations, farm-related and community activities and leadership abilities.

AUDIO: Interview with Beth VanDrie (5:10 mp3):