Jeremy and Jody Sharrard of Peck, Michigan, were selected as the state winning 2011 Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperators (OYDC). They represented Michigan Milk Producers Association’s (MMPA) District 8 and the Southern Sanilac Local in the annual OYDC conference held Aug. 17-18. Chris and Michele Daniels of Whittemore, Michigan, were named runners-up. They represented MMPA’s District 10 and the Sunrise Local. The Sharrards and Danielses were selected to participate in the program earlier this year by fellow dairy farmers in their district.
Jeremy and Jody Sharrard
Jeremy and Jody farm in an LLC with Jeremy’s dad and uncle. Jeremy and Jody manage the herd of 670 cows while his dad manages the farm’s 1,175 acres of cropland. Jeremy serves as local vice president of the MMPA Southern Sanilac Local. They are also active in the county 4-H and as a Little League coaches. As the state winning cooperators, Jeremy and Jody represent MMPA at various industry and Association activities.
Chris and Michele Daniels
Chris and Michele farm in a family operation, WLR Daniels Farm, LLC with Chris’ dad, two uncles, and one cousin. The family milks 360 cows and farms 1,350 acres. Through MMPA, Chris serves as a delegate of the Sunrise Local.
Selection of the OYDC is based on the applicant’s farming operations, farm-related and community activities and demonstrated leadership abilities.
The State OYDC Conference, held at MMPA headquarters in Novi, Michigan, provides participants with information about milk marketing activities, cooperatives, milk testing procedures and other current events within the dairy industry. The program has been held annually during the past 61 years.
“The OYDC program identifies outstanding young leaders in our organization and provides an opportunity for them to gain a greater understanding of milk marketing activities and MMPA,” says Ken Nobis, MMPA president.
All the MMPA District OYDC’s will be officially recognized at MMPA’s 2012 Annual Meeting to be held next March in Lansing, Michigan. PD
—From MMPA news releases
PHOTOS
TOP: Jeremy and Jody Sharrard
BOTTOM: Chris and Michele Daniels
Photos courtesy of MMPA.
