MMPA Celebrates Founding Date, 100th Anniversary
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EmailThe Michigan Milk Producers Association today recognized its 100th Anniversary at the Justin Morrill Hall of Agriculture at Michigan State University.
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 of MSU AgBioResearch and interim associate dean of research for the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR).“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, we wish MMPA congratulations on celebrating its centennial,” said Doug Buhler, MSU CANR interim 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. MMPA also announced the donation of $100,000 to MSU for dairy research in conjunction with the Michigan Alliance for Animal Agriculture grants program. 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
