LANSING, Mich. — On the cusp of the organization’s 100th year, delegates for the Michigan Milk Producers Assoc. (MMPA) gathered for their annual meeting March 19 at the Lansing Center.

While milk prices have plummeted from the record highs of 2014, the leaders of the nearly century-old cooperative look forward with their motto of “Together Toward Tomorrow.” Addressing the group with optimism, MMPA President Ken Nobis highlighted its firm commitment to managing the growing milk supply.

“Our members have invested nearly $100 million in the last five years in dairy processing that has brought increased capacity to our plants, added value to our members’ milk and created jobs for the community,” he said. “However, we are not finished with expansion as we move forward into 2015, because we see continued production growth by our members and growing global markets.”

Having completed his first year as general manager, Joe Diglio thanked the group for its trust in his leadership. He emphasized the importance of cooperation with other milk cooperatives to manage the growing milk supply in Michigan.

Diglio also highlighted the progress made with cooperation in the Reverse Osmosis system that was installed in MMPA’s Constantine plant with the combined investment of MMPA and Foremost Farms USA.

Peter Vitaliano, National Milk Producers Federation vice president of Economic Policy and Market Research, gave his 2015 price outlook. He said while 2015 will not be as good as the record high prices of milk seen in 2014, they won’t dip as low as 2009 prices. His outlook sees improvement when major dairy-importing countries return to their normal levels of buying on the world market later this year.

Veteran members of 35 years were recognized, as well as the 2014 District Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperators (OYDC). Brian and Carrie Preston of Quincy were honored as the winners of the OYDC contest.

They were picked from a field of 10 district finalists including Ken and Kristen Sparks of Cassopolis, Bob and Kris Baker of Hastings, Dries and Jamie Dodde of Falmouth, Patrick and Andrea Fedewa of Westphalia, Steven and Grace Adamic of North Branch, Wayne Messing of Minden City, Scott and Heidi Kleinhardt of Clare, Steve and Danielle Berens of Wayland and Matt and Emily Grams of Harrisville.

Outstanding milk quality took center stage as Jacob and Elain Jahfetson of Baraga were honored with the Highest Quality Milk Production Award for 2013 and 2014. The meeting concluded with the adoption of several resolutions.

The 2016 delegate meeting will be a celebration of 100 years of MMPA. A special commemorative book and video marking the trends, influences and events of the evolution of the dairy industry will be included in the anniversary celebration.