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Novi, Michigan Hosts 109th Annual MMPA Meeting

Attendees at the MMPA Annual Meeting in Novi, Michigan discussing dairy farming innovations.

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News Summary

The city of Novi, Michigan, welcomed nearly 200 members of the Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) for their 109th Annual Meeting on March 19. The event focused on future success in dairy farming with the theme ‘CHARGE’ and featured discussions on sustainability, collaborations, and member achievements. Key insights were shared by industry leaders, celebrating the cooperative’s commitment to excellence and community support. Members were recognized for their contributions, with impressive financial reports and leadership reelections emphasizing MMPA’s dedication to improving dairy production.

Novi, Michigan Welcomes Dynamic Gathering at 109th Annual MMPA Meeting

On March 19, the vibrant city of Novi, Michigan, played host to the 109th Annual Meeting of the Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA), where nearly 200 members and guests gathered to celebrate success and discuss the future of dairy farming. The atmosphere buzzing with excitement, attendees engaged in constructive discussions led by the cooperative’s leadership and industry partners.

Looking to the Future: The “CHARGE” Theme

As the meeting kicked off, MMPA President and CEO Joe Diglio introduced a theme that resonated strongly with attendees: “CHARGE.” This initiative represents the cooperative’s proactive approach to business in the evolving dairy landscape. It lays the groundwork for innovative collaborations and advancements that will position MMPA members for future success.

Key Insights from Industry Leaders

The event featured input from several industry luminaries. Noteworthy mentions included Dr. Jayen Mehta from Amul, who shared insights into a partnership that has resulted in the impressive sale of over one million gallons of Amul branded fluid milk in the U.S., utilizing milk sourced from MMPA members. Omid McDonald from Dairy Distillery highlighted the groundbreaking developments surrounding America’s first low-carbon intensity dairy ethanol plant at MMPA’s Constantine facility, showcasing the cooperative’s commitment to sustainability. Meanwhile, Mike Upchurch from Trilliant Foods praised the association for aiding in the creation of a new high-protein drink called Nurri, further propelling the cooperative’s innovative spirit.

Celebrating Member Achievements and Milestones

One of the meeting’s highlights was the recognition of outstanding MMPA members. The annual event celebrated several milestones, with awards given to members achieving remarkable tenures—such as those with 35 and 50 years of membership—acknowledging their dedication to the cooperative. Among the recipients, Koppenol Dairy Farm was honored for producing the best quality milk for 2024, further emphasizing the importance of excellence in dairy production.

Making a Difference in the Community

Adding to the celebrations, Larsen Farms took home the inaugural Food Bank Council of Michigan Legacy Award for their exceptional contributions to local food banks, illustrating the community-driven spirit of the MMPA. This recognition not only highlights their charitable endeavors but also showcases the broader commitment of MMPA members to support local communities and address food insecurity.

Acknowledging Leadership Excellence

Throughout the event, the leadership within the MMPA was also acknowledged for their contributions. Doug Chapin was recognized as the 2024 Farmer Communicator of the Year, Tony Jandernoa was celebrated as the 2025 Dairy Farm of the Year, and Joe Diglio received the title of 2025 Robert B. Engel Farmer Co-op Manager of the Year, stressing the importance of effective leadership within the cooperative.

Strong Financials and Reelection of Leadership

The MMPA also reported impressive financials for fiscal year 2024, which included a substantial payout of $1.7 million in cash patronage refunds to its members. The meeting wrapped up on a positive note with the reelection of key officers: Doug Chapin as Chairman, Tony Jandernoa as Vice Chairman, and Eric Frahm as Treasurer, reinforcing the continuity and stability of leadership within the cooperative.

As a proud member-owned dairy marketing cooperative, established in 1916, the MMPA consistently demonstrates its dedication to high-quality dairy production. Now recognized as the 10th largest dairy farmer-owned cooperative in the U.S., MMPA members span across Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Wisconsin, including state-of-the-art processing facilities that handle everything from cheese production to dairy ingredients.

As the 109th Annual Meeting concluded, it was evident that optimism and a strong sense of community are at the heart of MMPA, inspiring its members to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the dairy industry.