Ballots are on their way to dairy producers’ mailboxes, as it’s time to vote on Michigan’s dairy promotion referendum. Producers will have until Oct. 14 to vote “yes” or “no” to continue the educational and promotion efforts of the United Dairy Industry of Michigan.

Under national law, 15 cents per cwt are deducted from dairy producers’ milk checks for advertising and educational programs. The law permits 10 of the 15 cents to remain in Michigan to fund local programs. The upcoming referendum decides if that 10 cents will stay in Michigan, or go to the national level.

“A ‘no’ vote does not reduce the amount of money a farmer will contribute to dairy promotion, only who will get to help direct a portion of that money,” says Jerry Neyer, DFA member. “A ‘yes’ vote means Michigan dairy farmers will continue to direct a dime of that 15 cents toward in-state programs and promotion.”

Over the years, the United Dairy Industry of Michigan has used the funds to establish partnerships with health agencies, state agencies and leaders in the field of education. The relationships promote programs such as school breakfast and fighting childhood obesity by including dairy as part of a healthy diet, along with getting 60 minutes of physical activity every day.

UDIM continues to lead school health and wellness initiatives, playing a part in the development of school food standards that recognize the value of dairy in good nutrition.

“If we pass the referendum, the Michigan dairy industry can keep the funds necessary to continue to support the much-needed nutrition education and advertising programs in our own geographic area that benefit our producers,” says Doug Chapin, Michigan Milk Producers Association board chairman and dairy farmer from Remus, Mich. “If the referendum fails, the Michigan dairy industry loses control of how and where that entire 15 cents is invested, which is the primary reason I encourage my fellow dairy farmers to take the time to vote ‘yes’ and return the ballots.”

The 15-cent per cwt checkoff is authorized by the Dairy and Tobacco Adjustment Act of 1983. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development administers the Michigan referendum.

Source: UDIM, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.