EAST LANSING, Mich.—The Michigan Milk Producers Association
(MMPA) today recognized its 100th Anniversary at the Justin Morrill Hall of
Agriculture at Michigan State University (MSU). The cooperative was founded in
that same building 100 years prior on May 23, 1916. At the event, MMPA
announced the contribution of $100,000 toward animal agriculture research
programs at MSU.
“With great pride MMPA marks this occasion and we celebrate
the day when the innovative dairy leaders of 1916 began our cooperative,” said
Ken Nobis, MMPA president and dairy farmer. “Today, we acknowledge our humble
beginnings and the vast challenges and opportunities that have shaped our
organization to this day. Tomorrow, we will continue to work on behalf of our
dairy farmer member-owners and support the agriculture and dairy industry.”
In recognition of MMPA’s 100th anniversary, Nobis announced
MMPA’s planned donation of $100,000 to MSU. The contribution is designed to
work in conjunction with the efforts of the Michigan Alliance for Animal
Agriculture. The funding will support research for the advancement of the animal
agriculture industry, in priority areas such as bovine tuberculosis,
sustainability and workforce development.
“One hundred years after its first meeting on this campus,
MMPA continues strong in its unwavering support of MSU and its research. We are
grateful to this organization and for the partnership we’ve formed over this
past century,” said George Smith, associate director and interim dean of MSU
AgBioResearch. “MMPA leadership has been instrumental in advocating for
additional funding for animal agriculture research and its potential economic
return for the State of Michigan. We look forward to strengthening our
partnership with MMPA and enhancing the Michigan dairy industry over the next
100 years.”
The anniversary celebration called attention to MMPA’s
strong relationship with MSU from its founding date to present-day partnerships
and initiatives.
“On behalf of the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural
Resources (CANR), we wish MMPA congratulations on celebrating its centennial,”
said Doug Buhler, MSU CANR interim associate dean. “It is through partnerships
between industry and education that we can ensure a well-versed workforce and
stable and safe food supply for Michigan’s residents.”
Among other MMPA leaders and agriculture industry partners, Senator
Joe Hune, Chairperson of the Michigan Senate Agriculture Committee, was in
attendance to congratulate the cooperative on its anniversary and present the
association with a legislative proclamation acknowledging MMPA’s role within
the state.
“Congratulations to MMPA on celebrating 100 years of their
organization,” Hune said. “MMPA has been a vital asset to the dairy market in
our state and I wish them another successful 100 years of protecting and
promoting the welfare of our dairy farmers and agriculture industry.”
MMPA began recognizing its anniversary at its 100th Annual
State Delegate Meeting in March, where it was announced MMPA would donate 100
gallons of milk per day for an entire year to the Food Bank Council of
Michigan. MMPA released a history book
and video detailing 100 years of MMPA history and the evolution of the
cooperative at the annual meeting. Continuing the celebration, an open house at
MMPA’s milk processing plant in Ovid is slated for this summer.
Michigan Milk Producers Association, established in 1916, is
a member-owned and controlled milk-marketing cooperative serving approximately
2,000 dairy farmers in Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin and Ohio.
MMPA members and former members gathered at the Justin S. Morrill Hall
of Agriculture at Michigan State University on May 23 exactly 100 years
following the cooperative’s founding.