F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 0F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 3

spring is justaround the corner

CEO Don Boelens

cWt assists swiss exports

Published Monthly by:swiss Valley Farms

cooperativeP.O. Box 4493

Davenport, IA 52808

563.468.6600 FAX 563.468.6616

www.swissvalley.com

nancy FeeneyEditor/ Member Relations Mgr.

Swiss Valley Farms, Co. will produce, distribute and sell value-added, quality products for our:

Customers & ConsumersOwner/MembersWorkforce

Swiss Valley Board OfficersChairPam Bolin.................................................Clarksville, IAVice ChairRandy Schaefer....................................Blue Grass, IAAssistant SecretaryFrancis Leibfried...................................Cuba City, WIAssistant TreasurerJames Schmitt............................................Sherrill, IA

swiss Valley directorsLoyde M. Beers......................................Eastman, WIJeff Berg...................................................LaCrosse, WIDale Humpal.........................................Ridgeway, IARichard Kauffmann...................................Farley, IASteve Klug...................................Spring Grove, MNG. Joe Lyon..................................................Toledo, IAPatrick Schroeder...............................Lancaster, WIEugene Smith...........................................Clinton, WIDonald Berlage......................................Elizabeth, IL

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J u s t A d d e d t o t h e L i s t

by Don Boelens

I love it when a plan comes together . . . or when someone else’s carefully designed plan comes together to

support my cause. In this instance, this happens to be CWT (Cooperatives Working Together).

Many of you probably remember CWT from ten years ago when dairy producers joined together to participate in a 5-cent per hundredweight checkoff. CWT was a voluntary, producer-funded national program designed to strengthen milk prices and bring long-term price stability to America’s dairy farm families. The checkoff funds were used to conduct “whole herd buyouts” across the country in an attempt to decrease the number of dairy cows in America and increase the U.S. milk price.

It was during this time the Board decided that Swiss Valley Farms members could each choose whether or not to make the 5-cent a hundredweight commitment to CWT. Back then, the export assistance branch of CWT was in its infancy. In 2010, CWT discontinued the whole herd buyouts and ramped up its export assistance efforts. The 5-cent checkoff was decreased to 2-cents per hundredweight.

These actions coincided well with Swiss Valley’s recent efforts to increase its own exporting efforts. A year ago, the Board realized it would be to Swiss Valley’s advantage to become a full-time member of CWT and actively seek its assistance to build our exports. The goal was for Swiss Valley to eventually use the CWT export assistance program as we ramped up our cheese and whey business abroad. As you will read on the next page, your co-op now exports 40% of its

total whey production and 65% of its cream cheese. Our Swiss and Blue cheese exports are also on the rise.

Now back to the plan coming together. On January 1st, at the request of Swiss Valley Farms, Swiss cheese was added to the list of products eligible for export assistance under the CWT program. As of January 11th, the Swiss Valley sales team submitted one bid for export assistance to Guatemala under this program. The bid was accepted and export assistance was awarded to Swiss Valley in the amount $8,170 for one load, 19 metric tons (approx. 42,000 pounds) of Swiss cheese manufactured at the Luana, Iowa Swiss cheese plant.

Needless to say, Swiss Valley Farms is excited to be using this program. Our immediate plans involve using even more CWT opportunities down the road. As the world of U.S. dairy exports continues to grow, we are pleased to have our foot in the door and shoulder to the wheel.

While our fluid milk business was confined to a regional geographic area, our specialty cheese and whey business has the ability to go global, and indeed, it has. In 2011, we began an effort to expand our export business, reaching out to interested markets beyond our domestic borders. As a result, at the beginning of 2013, our products can now be found in Mexico, The Dominican Republic, Panama, Puerto Rico, Columbia, China, South Korea, Japan, the Philippines, Taiwan, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia. The map below illustrates just how widespread our presence is globally.

Most of our exported product consists of 30 lb. cream cheese, 3 lb. cream cheese and 25 kg bags of whey. “In fact, 40% of our total whey production and 65% of our total cream cheese production is exported,” notes Jeff Saforek, VP/GM of Dairy Ingredients & Export.

Export customers are interested in our cream cheese for a variety of foodservice applications, from bakery goods to appetizers. Whey is commonly used in bakery, ice cream and yogurt drink applications. We also export Swiss, Baby Swiss and Blue cheeses as well. While some of our customers prefer to market our products under a private label, many of our customers see value in the Swiss Valley brand. In the Philippines, for example, our customer promotes the Swiss Valley brand and has even invested in promotional materials for use at international tradeshows. (See photo at right).

As you can imagine, shipping a product overseas

comes with its own unique challenges. In addition to the transportation by truck, many of our exported products endure a long journey by ship. As a result, temperature control and packaging durability are of the upmost concern. Our plants have addressed this challenge by seeking out heavier bags and boxes, particularly for our cream cheese and whey products, to accommodate this type of transit. Equipment within the plant was also re-worked to accommodate the new packaging.

Left:Global Pacific, one of our international distributors, samples our cheeses in a Swiss Valley branded booth at the 2011 Bakery Fair in the Philippines.

Bottom of page:Swiss Valley products have gone global and can now be found in 13 countries across the globe.

cWt assists swiss exports

Where in the Wide World are Swiss Valley Farms Products?

Map courtesy of http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/world_maps/world_physical_2011_nov.pdf

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(STORY CONTINUES ON NEXT PAGE)

by Lauren VanSpeybroeck

In addition to packaging material challenges, exported product must adhere to unique labeling and documentation requirements. “Export sales require specialized demand for documentation and compliance which SVF has been able to attain in our export markets,” notes Saforek. Mexico, for instance, requires Spanish packaging and a nutritional label where calories are listed as “energy content” in kilojoules (see label example below). Our customer in Taiwan is developing a private label cream cheese that includes both English and Mandarin. Extensive documentation is also required when shipping product internationally, and each country has different requests. Common among most export customers are Proforma Invoices, Pasteurization Certificates and a Country of Origin statement.

Despite its challenges, we continue to expand our global footprint, and our membership in USDEC (United States Dairy Export Council) has proven to be an invaluable resource for our company. In addition to the wealth of knowledge they provide

on export data and market trends, USDEC organizes trade missions to several overseas markets in an effort to help its members capitalize on sales opportunities within the region. (An August 2012 Dairyman article recounts last year’s mission to Central America.)

Who knows – perhaps someday you may be vacationing in Puerto Rico or sightseeing in Japan when you come across Swiss Valley Farms cheeses, and you’ll be sure to feel right at home!

Above: Our Japanese customer makes this cheesecake product using our cream cheese.

At left: In Mexico, you can find our 7# sandwich cut of Swiss cheese (Queso Tipo Emmental) packaged in this bag that contains all Spanish. The nutritional panel shows the calories listed as “energy content” (contenido energetico), measured in kilojoules.

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scholarship run down . . .

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The Insurance Advisory Council of The Insurance Center (T.I.C.) announces that six $500 scholarships are again available this year. Three of these scholarships are provided by WPS Health Insurance and three are provided by T.I.C.

To be eligible, students must be high school graduate, continuing their education in an ag-related field while attending a post-secondary college, university or technical school. To get an application, call Randi at T.I.C. at 1-800-362-8046. Application deadline is March 15.

Six Scholarships Offered Through The Insurance Center

Iowa high school seniors planning to study agriculture in college can apply for one of 10 $1,500 scholarships awarded from the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) this year.

Applications must be postmarked no later than March 1. Scholarship winners will be notified by April 30. Application forms for the ISA’s Ag Scholarship Program are available at www.iasoybeans.com or from high school guidance counselors.

Applications will be accepted from high school seniors who reside in Iowa and plan

to attend any ag-related college or university. Other criteria includes: accumulated GPA of 3.0, community involvement, leadership experience, future plans in agriculture, a short essay regarding the student’s role in the future of agriculture and three letters of recommendation. Preference will be given to applicants whose parents or grandparents are or become policy dues-paying ISA members.

Applications can be mailed to Mary Whitcomb, Iowa Soybean Association, 1255 SW Prairie Trail Parkway, Ankeny, IA 50023.

soybean associations offer scholarships for ag studies

Every year, Swiss Valley Farms is pleased to offer eight scholarships to its co-op members, representing a total value of $5,000. Current Swiss Valley Farms members who wish to apply for these 2013 co-op scholarships can download an application at www.swissvalley.com by going to: Member -- Procurement -- Member Benefits.

Or request one by sending an e-mail to: nancy.feeney@swissvalley.com. Scholarships are available for agriculture majors as well as students

pursuing any degree. Application deadline is March 30, 2013.

2013 Swiss Valley Farms Scholarship Applications Now

Available

The Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council offers a scholarship program to assist graduating high school seniors who plan to continue education in college or vocational school programs.

Applicants must be a Minnesota resident from a family who is active in agriculture, must be graduating from high school in the spring of 2013, must be active in both agriculture and community and must pursue an education in

agriculture, agribusiness, agricultural animal nutrition, large animal vet or food science related program. Up to four awards of $1,000 each will be granted for undergraduate study.

To apply, go to http://www.mnsoybean.org and complete the application online and then mail in resume, transcripts and letters of recommendation. Applications must be postmarked By March 1, 2013.

Iowa:

Minnesota:

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congrats to Quality award Winners

DISTRICT 5 1 YEAR AWARD BECKMAN, ROBERT & MARLENEMEDIAPOLIS, IABESLER, ROBERT J. JR. HOPKINTON,IACOSTELLO, MARTIN L.LONG GROVE, IADIESING, PATRICIA A.MAQUOKETA, IADIESING, RANDALLMAQUOKETA, IAHEIMS, DALE & MICHELLEDELHI, IAHEIMS, ELDONMANCHESTER, IAHEINRICH, JOE & SHELLYMAQUOKETA, IAHOLDORF, ROGER & NORMAWALCOTT, IAKLOSTERMANN, CHRISDYERSVILLE, IAKRIS-DEL FARMS CORP

DAVENPORT, IAMULLER, GERALDMONTICELLO, IAMULLER, RANDALLMONTICELLO, IAMULLER, RODMONTICELLO, IAWEIMERSKIRCH, GARYSPRAGUEVILLE, IA2 YEAR AWARD BESLER, ROBERT A.HOPKINTON, IABESLER, STEVEN R.HOPKINTON, IABILL & LYNN VANDERHAM DAIRY LLCHILLSBORO, IAGOLDSMITH, JIM G. & KRISTIEARLVILLE, IAKUNDE, DAVID C.MANCHESTER, IANORTON, CALEB TIPTON, IANORTON, WILLIAMTIPTON, IAPETERS, GREGG

HOPKINTON, IARATHJEN, GENE & JUDYWILTON, IASEE, JOHN R. & VICKISOLON, IA3 YEAR AWARD ANDERSEN, AARON G.CLINTON, IABLANCHARD FAMILYDAIRY LLCCHARLOTTE, IAMEHAFFY, PAULA S. & ROBERT E.NEW LONDON, IAMILLER, MERLYN W.RIVERSIDE, IAMIRACLES CAN HAPPEN BOYS RANCH WILTON, IA4 YEAR AWARDBLUE HYLL DAIRY LLC CLINTON, IAGAUL, JASON & REBECCANEW VIENNA, IAGAUL, KEITH & AMYNEW VIENNA, IA

KRUSE, MARTINDYERSVILLE, IALOEFFELHOLZ, DEANEARLVILLE, IAMARO, KENNETHLA MOTTE, IAMENSEN, STEVEN & JULIEEARLVILLE, IAOFFERMAN, RICHARDEARLVILLE, IA5 YEAR AWARD ASHDOWN, FRED FARMLONGWOOD, FLDE PAUW, ROBERT & PAMELAPORT BYRON, ILDEUTMEYER, THOMAS G. EARLVILLE, IAGOEDKEN, JOHN & MARILYNEARLVILLE, IA6 YEAR AWARD NURRE, ALANDELHI, IANURRE, BONNIEDELHI, IA

Every winter, Swiss Valley Farms honors its many Blue Ribbon Quality Milk Award winners at its district meetings. This year marked the program’s 39th year. Co-op members work hard all year to meet Swiss Valley Farms quality milk standards. The end result of all of this effort is millions of pounds of high quality milk that

the cooperative turns into delicious dairy products.

The list of Quality Award winners wraps up in this issue. Swiss Valley Farms applauds everyone who received awards this year. Good luck in the coming year with your quality milk production.

District 5: 23-Year Award: Eugene & Shirley Newell,

Eldridge, Iowa

P r e s e n t e d a t d i s t r i c t m e e t i n g s

District 5: 38-Year Award: Don & Dorothy Sywassink, Letts, Iowa

District 5: 32-Year Award: Gary & Carlyne

Overmann, Earlville, Iowa

District 5: 7-Year Award: Daryl & Viola Slabaugh,

Iowa City, Iowa

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congrats to Quality award Winners

District 5: 10-Year Award: The Strait Faimily: Rose, Emily, Melissa, Robert, Tammy and Pat,

Preston, Iowa

NURRE, ROBERTDELHI, IA7 YEAR AWARD BRUNSMAN, WADE & JENNIFERDYERSVILLE, IASLABAUGH, DARYL D.IOWA CITY, IA8 YEAR AWARD BLANCHARD FAMILYDAIRY LLCCHARLOTTE, IAELENZ, LEONDYERSVILLE, IAYODER, LEIGHTONKALONA, IA9 YEAR AWARDDOUG HERMSEN FARMSCOLESBURG, IAPRIER, DONALDDYERSVILLE, IA10 YEAR AWARDSTRAIT, PATRICIA A.PRESTON, IASTRAIT, TAMMY J.PRESTON, IA

11 YEAR AWARD SAUNDERS, BRIANROWLEY, IASAUNDERS, KEVINWINTHROP, IA12 YEAR AWARD SPERFSLAGE, IRVINMANCHESTER, IA13 YEAR AWARD TAKES, DANIEL J. & DEBBIEELY, IA14 YEAR AWARD CURTIS, CHRIS & TRACYAURORA, IADEUTMEYER, BE FONGDYERSVILLE, IADEUTMEYER, ROBERT F.DYERSVILLE, IA15 YEAR AWARD WEBER, GERALDDELHI, IA16 YEAR AWARD WEIS, ARDELL J.BELLEVUE, IA17 YEAR AWARD

ENGELKEN, THOMAS& CHERRIE EARLVILLE, IA18 YEAR AWARD BURKLE, DENNIS & SHERRYEARLVILLE, IAFISCHELS, JEFF J.INDEPENDENCE, IA19 YEAR AWARDGAUL, MICHAEL G.COLESBURG, IAGAUL, PETER E & KIM COLESBURG, IA23 YEAR AWARD NEWELL, EUGENELONG GROVE, IA28 YEAR AWARD CLEMEN, WAYNENEW VIENNA, IA31 YEAR AWARD MARDORF, LESLIE LEEHOPKINTON, IA32 YEAR AWARD OVERMANN, GARY & CARLYNE

EARLVILLE, IA33 YEAR AWARD VENTEICHER, DAVIDSTRAWBERRY POINT, IAVENTEICHER, PAULEDGEWOOD, IAVENTEICHER, RICHARDEDGEWOOD, IA34 YEAR AWARD MARDORF, CLIFFORDMONTICELLO, IA38 YEAR AWARD SYWASSINK, DONALDLETTS, IA

DISTRICT 6 1 YEAR AWARDSALT CREEK AYRSHIRESCLUTIER, IAWORMLEY, JOEL & JAN NEWTON, IAZIERER, DEANBLOOMFIELD, IA2 YEAR AWARD GILBERT, JOHN C.IOWA FALLS, IA

District 5: 14-Year Award: Robert Deutmeyer,

Dyersville, Iowa

District 5: 5-Year Award: Robert DePauw,

Port Byron, Ill.

District 6: 27-Year Award: Lyon Jerseys: Stuart, G. Joe, Eric & Terry,

Toledo, Iowa

District 6: 24-Year Award: ISU Dairy: Joe Detrick & Lucas

Fchau, Ames, Iowa

District 6: 12-Year Award: Lyle, Sharon & Aaron Nunnikhoven,

Oskaloosa, Iowa

District 6: 11-Year Award: Gibralter

Farms, Bev Gilbert, Iowa Falls, Iowa

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3 YEAR AWARD BEAR CREEK DAIRY LPBROOKLYN, IASCHULTE, AUSTINNORWAY, IATROYER, MERLINGARDEN GROVE, IA4 YEAR AWARD BIERSCHENK, CARY & JENNIFERVAN HORNE, IA5 YEAR AWARD GOODMAN, MARK A. ROSE HILL, IAMACHIN, LLOYDNEWTON, IA7 YEAR AWARD GINGERICH, STEVE PARNELL, IA10 YEAR AWARDFRANCK, RONALD E. NEWHALL, IA12 YEAR AWARD NUNNIKHOVEN, LYLEOSKALOOSA, IA13 YEAR AWARD VANDER WAL, BRUCENEW SHARON, IA14 YEAR AWARDGIBRALTER FARMS LTDIOWA FALLS, IA16 YEAR AWARD DEKLOTZ DAIRY INC NEWHALL, IA18 YEAR AWARD BLOOD DAIRY LLC STATE CENTER, IA

22 YEAR AWARD CADDEN, GEORGE & JUDY L. BROOKLYN, IA24 YEAR AWARD IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY AMES, IA27 YEAR AWARD LYON JERSEYS TOLEDO, IA

DISTRICT 71 YEAR AWARDDRINKALL, RANDY RUSHFORD, MNFRICKSON, ANDREW M.DAKOTA, MNHAMMELL, EDWARDCALEDONIA, MNHAUGEN, BONNIE & VANCECANTON, MNHIGHVIEW FARMSHAMBURG, MNLEMKE, RANDYLA CRESCENT, MNSPRICK, ALICELAKE CITY, MNTSCHUMPER, KENNETHLA CRESCENT, MNWOLTER, ANDYDAKOTA, MN2 YEAR AWARD VANDERZEE, RANDY& BETTYDAKOTA, MN

3 YEAR AWARD MILL, W DALE LEWISTON, MN5 YEAR AWARDELMHORST, MICHAEL& EVANGELINEPAYNESVILLE, MNLASKA, RICHARD & CAROLWINONA, MNTHILL, LAVERNE F.WINONA, MN6 YEAR AWARD BLOCK, JAMES HAMBURG, MNBOLTMANN, ANGIEHAMBURG, MNBOLTMANN, REBECCAHAMBURG, MNBOLTMANN, ROBERTHAMBURG, MNKETCHUM, ROBERT C.& TERRI AUTICA, MN7 YEAR AWARDGERDES, WILLIAM CALEDONIA, MNKLUG, DARRELL J. SPRING GROVE, MNKLUG, MATTHEWSPRING GROVE, MNKLUG, STEVE & ANNASPRING GROVE, MN11 YEAR AWARD OAT HILL ATWATER , MN

REPS, DENNIS L & MARCIAUTICA, MNREPS, TRAVISUTICA, MNSIEGLE, SANDRASCHREMPPCOLOGNE, MNSIEGLE, STEVEN D. COLOGNE, MN13 YEAR AWARD INGVALSON FARMS INC CALEDONIA, MN19 YEAR AWARDALDINGER, ROGER WINONA, MN20 YEAR AWARDBRATLAND, DARINSPRING GROVE, MN21 YEAR AWARD SCHUMACHER, PAUL& JENNIFER HOUSTON, MN23 YEAR AWARD SELKE, WILLIAMDAKOTA, MN25 YEAR AWARD BRATLAND, DURON BRATLAND, GERALD SPRING GROVE, MN27 YEAR AWARDHENDEL FARMS CALEDONIA, MNMEYER FARMS DAIRY LLCCALEDONIA, MNSELKE, WALTERDAKOTA, MN

District 6: 10-Year Award:Ronald & Joan Franck,

Joshua & Caleb, Newhall, Iowa

District 7: 27-Year Award: Meyer Farms Dairy:

Lee & Laurie Meyer & Jacob, Caledonia, Minn.

District 7: 7-Year Award: Steve Klug, Spring Grove, Minn.

District 8: 37-Year Award: Donald

Brinck, Ossian, Iowa

District 8: 27-Year Award: Todd & Lynn

Moser, Colesburg, Iowa

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District 8: 20-Year Award: Jerry

Gibson, Waukon, Iowa

DISTRICT 81 YEAR AWARD ADNEY, AARON A.MCGREGOR, IAADNEY, ANDREW A.MCGREGOR, IABLUME, DON R.GUTTENBERG, IABLUME, MICHAEL D.GUTTENBERG, IAHENKES, LESLIE ANNLUANA, IAHENKES, TRENTLUANA, IAHILLERS, JEFFREY & JESSICACOLESBURG, IAHILLERS, ROBERT & JOYCE GUTTENBERG, IAJEFF WEST INC. FARMERSBURG, IAKAISER, RONALD D.GARNAVILLO, IAKLEIN, PAUL R.ELKPORT, IAKRIENER, TOMMY & PAUL

FORT ATKINSON, IAMENNE, JASONWEST UNION, IAMENNE, RICHARD R.WEST UNION, IAMEYER, LARRY & NADYNE GARNAVILLO, IAMOSER, KIRK COLESBURG, IAMUMMAU, VINCENTSTRAWBERRY POINT, IARENK, KERMITNEW ALBIN, IASCHMITT, ANDREW J.FORT ATKINSON, IASCHMITT, PETERFORT ATKINSON, IASMITH, JENEFORT ATKINSON, IASMITH, JOEL FORT ATKINSON, IASMITH, WAYNEFORT ATKINSON, IA2 YEAR AWARD DEUTMEYER, TIMSTRAWBERRY POINT, IAHUMPAL, DALE & MARY JORIDGEWAY, IA

KEHRLI FAMILY LTDPARTNERCHEROKEE VILLAGE, ARKREGEL, GARY & DARLENEGUTTENBERG, IAMARTING, MICHAEL & JOYCEST OLAF, IAMOON, DAN & NANCY MONONA, IATIESKOETTER, BRYAN L.CASTALIA, IAWILKE, DONELKADER, IAWILKE, JERRYELKADER, IA3 YEAR AWARD HAGENSICK, STEVEMONONA, IAWALTER, MARJORIELUANA, IAWALTER, TIMFARMERSBURG, IAWESTHOFF, NICHOLAS& JESSIE GUTTENBERG, IA4 YEAR AWARD ADAWAY DAIRY LLC

WAUCOMA, IAANDERSEN, KENNETH N.STRAWBERRY POINT, IABISCHOFF, MARKGARNAVILLO, IAHARBAUGH DAIRYELKADER , IAJOHANNINGMEIER,MIKEMONONA, IAJOHANNINGMEIER,STEVEWATERVILLE, IAKLEINLEIN, DANSTRAWBERRY POINT, IALINDERBAUM, DENNIS& EILEEN OSSIAN, IASCHMITT, ALAN DBARAND-AL FARMS FORT ATKINSON, IASPERFSLAGE, DEAN & DANAEDGEWOOD, IAWAGNER, STEVEN MONONA, IAWALZ, JEFF & MELINDA WEST UNION, IA

District 8: 20-Year Award: Brent

Garbes, Waukon, Iowa

District 8: 8-Year Award: Larry

Svendsen, Ossian, Iowa

District 8: 7-Year Award: Mark

Lamborn, Luana, Iowa

District 8: 5-Year Award: Kevin & Donna

Carolan, Calmar, Iowa

District 9: 9-Year Award: Grand Central Jerseys LLC, Robert & Patricia

Horst, Bristow, Iowa

District 9: 9-Year Award: Dulci

Arends, Ackley, Iowa

District 9: 5-Year Award: Joseph Nolt,

Alta Vista, Iowa

District 9: 5-Year Award: Roy Johnson,

Parkersburg, Iowa

District 9: 22-Year Award:

Pat Hofmeister, Geneva, Iowa

District 9: 5-Year Award: Eric, Margaret & Joel Dirksen,

Plymouth, Iowa

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5 YEAR AWARD CAROLAN, KEVIN & DONNACALMAR, IA6 YEAR AWARDCROSSROADS DAIRY LLC POSTVILLE, IAOYLOE, RONALDDECORAH, IAPATTISON, LEE & SARAGARNAVILLO, IA7 YEAR AWARD LAMBORN FARMS LLCLUANA, IATIESKOETTER, LEON POSTVILLE, IA8 YEAR AWARDSVENDSEN, LARRY A & MARYOSSIAN, IA9 YEAR AWARD GAUL, TIM & KARI GUTTENBERG, IAKULPER, ROGER & JENNIFER GARBER , IAKURTH, DAVID G.ST OLAF, IAKURTH, GARY & ANNE LUANA, IA10 YEAR AWARDHENKES, DARYL MONONA, IAHENKES, DUSTINMONONA, IA

HENKES, L’DEANMONONA, IAKRIENER, DALERIDGEWAY, IAKRIENER, DONALDRIDGEWAY, IAKRIENER, LARRYRIDGEWAY, IALENTH, TERRYLUANA, IA11 YEAR AWARDHUMPAL, DARRYL G.RIDGEWAY, IASCHMITT, STEVEN M.HAWKEYE, IA12 YEAR AWARD HEIMS, SUEEDGEWOOD, IA15 YEAR AWARDLANTZKY, BRIAN & HEIDIHAWKEYE, IA17 YEAR AWARDMC NALLY DAIRY MONONA, IA18 YEAR AWARD THOMPSON, LARRY & LIANE MONONA, IA20 YEAR AWARDGARBES, BRENT N.WAUKON, IAGERNER, JAMES A.GARBER, IAGERNER, LORAS J.GARBER, IA

GERNER, RICHARD B.GUTTENBERG, IAGIBSON & SONSWAUKON, IA21 YEAR AWARDLANDT, NEIL LUANA, IA27 YEAR AWARD MOSER, TODD M.COLESBURG, IA37 YEAR AWARDBRINCKS, DON I.OSSIAN, IA

DISTRICT 91 YEAR AWARD BEAVER CREEK FARM% D. BOLINCLARKSVILLE, IABOLIN, PAMCLARKSVILLE, IASCHNIEDER, EARL A.NEW HAMPTON, IASCHNIEDER, RANDY L.FREDERICKSBURG, IAVOHSMAN, ROGERNASHUA, IA2 YEAR AWARD BEACHY, NORMANST. ANSGAR, IABUTLER, GLENNKENSETT, IANOLT, WESLEY FLOYD, IANOSBISCH, DALE & SHARI

IONIA, IAZIMMERMAN, MERVIN H.ORCHARD, IA4 YEAR AWARD JELSMA DAIRY LLC DENVER, IASNOW ROCK DAIRIES LLC CLARKSVILLE, IATUKKER DAIRIESROLFE, IA5 YEAR AWARD DUTCHLAND DAIRYROLFE, IAHODSON-DIRKSENFARMS LLCPLYMOUTH, IAJOHNSON, DUANE A.PARKERSBURG, IAJOHNSON, ROY A.PARKERSBURG, IALINDSAY, BRIANNORA SPRINGS, IANOLT, JOSEPH & ANNAMARYALTA VISTA, IA6 YEAR AWARD NOLT, REUBEN & VERA ALTA VISTA, IASONBERG FARMS, LLCOSAGE, IASTAUFFER, TITUS CHARLES CITY, IA9 YEAR AWARD ARENDS, DARWIN & DULCI

District 9: 5-Year Award: Dutchland Dairy, Dan

& Dean Duitscher, Rolfe, Iowa

District 10: 14-Year Award: Tom & Joan Oberhaus,

Waukesha, Wis.

District 10: 13-Year Award: Alice &

Arnold Gudex, Campbellsport, Wis.

District10: 12-Year Award: Hofa Park Dairy Farm,

Cheryl & Dave Wagner, Seymour, Wis.

District10: 9-Year Award: Busy Bee

Acres, Andrew Nitz, Markesan, Wis.

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ACKLEY, IAGRAND CENTRAL JERSEYS LLC BRISTOW, IAWEAVER, CURVIN M.OSAGE, IA22 YEAR AWARD HOFMEISTER, DALLAS& PAT GENEVA, IA

DISTRICT 10 1 YEAR AWARD CHAPMAN, STEVEN J.& CHERYL A.EAST TROY, WIGUDEX, TONYBROWNSVILLE, WIKEMP, BRAD JANESVILLE, WILENSMIRE, THOMAS & JANE CLEVELAND, WINUNES, DARYL & PAM DEERFIELD, WIQUAM, WILLIAMDANE, WIWARD, BRECK N.ELKHORN, WI2 YEAR AWARDANDERSON, ARTHUR L.& LESLIEWHITEWATER, WIANDERSON, VINTON II WHITEWATER , WI

BENNETT, JOHN B. & CHARLENE M.WESTFIELD, WIBREUNIG, KELLY F.MAZOMANIE, WID & J DAIRY INCCHILTON, WIDEANS, DANIEL J. & KARADANE, WIEVERT, HARLAND F. MAZOMANIE, WIEVERT, SCOTT A. MAZOMANIE, WIFROZENE, TOM, RICK,LINDA & PENNY WESTFIELD, WIGALLUN, TRACYWEST BEND, WIHEATH, DALEJANESVILLE, WIKUTZ DAIRY LLCJEFFERSON, WIMARL LAKE FARMS LLCOXFORD, WIPAULSEN, MARK N.WISCONSIN DELLS, WIPFISTER, P. SHELDONWISCONSIN DELLS, WISCHWARTZLOW, DEWAYNEBRODHEAD, WIWERFELMANN FARMS LLC ELKHORN, WIWIKMAN, JOHN & JUDY

District10: 7-Year Award: Gerald & Bonnie Sauer,

Waterloo, Wis.

District10: 6-Year Award: Clem and Cathy Mess,

Watertown, Wis.

FRIENDSHIP, WIWILLIAMS, DAVID A.WAUKESHA, WI3 YEAR AWARD BAUS, RON & MARY MOUNT CALVARY, WIBRENNAN FARMSLAKE GENEVA, WIENDRES, JOHN P.SAUK CITY, WIENDRES, JOSEPH E. SAUK CITY, WIRICHARDS, PHIL & JULIECROSS PLAINS, WIRICHARDS, TRAVIS K.CROSS PLAINS, WISCHULZ, RICHARD E.& JOLENENEOSHO, WIZIEGLER, DENNIS & MARY JODANE, WI4 YEAR AWARD BROCKMEYER, PAULWHITEWATER, WIDAMROW, DON & DONNAJUNEAU, WIHOFFMAN, DON A. & MARYWAUNAKEE, WIHOFFMAN, JEREMY M.WAUNAKEE, WIHOFFMAN, KEVIN A. WAUNAKEE, WIHOFFMAN, NATHAN J.WAUNAKEE, WI5 YEAR AWARDHAAG DAIRY LLCDANE, WI6 YEAR AWARD BREUCKMAN, CHADCOLUMBUS, WIMESS, CLARENCE & CATHERINEWATERTOWN, WIPRZYBYLSKI, GARY D.KRAKOW, WISCHAEFER, JEFFREY G.WATERTOWN, WI

SCHAEFER, KURTWATERTOWN, WISCHAEFER, SUSAN WATERTOWN, WI7 YEAR AWARD SAUER DAIRY FARM LLCWATERLOO, WI8 YEAR AWARD ESSER, RICHARD J.MIDDLETON, WIRENGO FARMSWATERTOWN, WI9 YEAR AWARDBUSY BEE ACRES, LLCMARKESAN, WIH D FARMS LLC LODI, WI10 YEAR AWARD DEAVER, MIKE EDGERTON, WIFASSBENDER, PAUL G. MAZOMANIE, WIMAIER, EUGENE H.CROSS PLAINS, WIMAIER, JULIE K. CROSS PLAINS, WI11 YEAR AWARD AUSTIN, RAYMOND BLACK EARTH , WIMOORE FARMS INC.ELKHORN, WI12 YEAR AWARDHOFA PARK DAIRY FARM SEYMOUR, WI13 YEAR AWARD GUDEX, WILLIAM L. CAMPBELLSPORT, WIKABARA, JAMESPULASKI, WIPETERSON, PER K. WHITEWATER, WIVANDOSKE DAIRY FARMSCLEVELAND, WIWELTER, KRIS & PHILLIPWHITEWATER, WI14 YEAR AWARD OBERHAUS, THOMAS A. & JOAN WAUKESHA, WI

page 12 SWISS VALLEY FARMS dairYMan

Yc spring Break Will Be March 8 - 9 in Lacrosse, Wis.

The Swiss Valley 2013 Young Cooperator Conference heads to Wisconsin and will be held at the Radisson Hotel on the waterfront in LaCrosse. Your registration form is on the next page.

Who qualifies as a Young Cooperator? You are a Swiss Valley Farms Young Cooperator if you are between and including the ages of 18 and 45

AND1. You are a Swiss Valley Farms co-op member2. Or the son or daughter of a co-op member3. Or if you work in the dairy operation of a Swiss Valley Farms member

2013 Outstanding Young Cooperator ContestIt’s time to submitt your application for the Swiss Valley Farms 2013 Outstanding Young Cooperator

Contest, which will be held at this conference. If you want to open the door to unlimited opportunities for learning, leadership and travel, think about participating in this contest. Winners will attend the 2013 NMPF National Dairy Summit that will be held November 11 - 13 in Phoenix, Arizona.

The age limit on this national YC contest is 21 to 40 years. Your application is on the next page.

• OnFriday--tourSwissValley’sBluecheeseplantinMindoro.• ThentourtheroboticdairyofLaCrossedirectorJeffBerg.• OnSaturday--pickuptipsononhowtoachieveasuccessfulfamilyfarmtransferfromRogerWilliams,UW-Madison/Extensionprofessoremeritus.

• “TellingYourDairyStory”willbeMidwestDairyAssociationrepsDonnaMoenning,SeniorVP,IntegratedCommunicationsandSherryNewell,DirectorofCommunications,AgriculturalandDairyIndustryTradeMedia.

• Learnmoreaboutdairyindustryissuesandco-opissuesthatwillaffectyouinthecomingyear.

YC’ERS, REGISTRaTIon BEGInS now!

2013 Yc conFerence set

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YC’ERS, REGISTRaTIon BEGInS now!

Swiss Valley Farms 2013 Young Cooperator Contest CONTEST RuLES

1) To be eligible to enter, contestants must be a member of the cooperative or in the immediate family of a member and active in the dairying operation or a full-time employee of a Swiss Valley Farms member dairy operation, be between the ages of 18 and must not have turned 41 before November 1, 2013.

2) To enter: Fill in the following form as completely as possible.3) Entries must be submitted to Nancy Feeney at the Swiss Valley Farms Corporate Headquarters by Wednesday, February

27, 2013. Entries may be Faxed to the Corporate Headquarters at 563.468.6616. (Please call Nancy Feeney at 563-468-6640 before FAXing.) Entrants will be interviewed by the Member Relations Committee on late Friday afternoon, March 8 at the YC Conference in LaCrosse, Wis, where the final judging will take place.

YC CONTEST APPLICATION PART 1: Tell Us About YourselfContestant’s Name (s)_____________________________________Phone # __________________Prod #_____________Address __________________________________________________________________________________________Birthdate _______________ Age ________ Number of Years in Dairying ______________________________________ Community and Civic Activities (Also list spouse’s activities, if applicable) Use additional sheet is necessary: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Agricultural related activities and organizations: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________List Other Cooperatives in which you have memberships. (Indicate if director, etc.): ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

YC CONTEST APPLICATION PART II: Write Down Your Thoughts

On a separate sheet of paper, write your thoughts on the following question. “ As a co-op member, what do you see as the most important service Swiss Valley Farms performs for your dairy operation?”

Please keep your answer to 250 words or less. Remember that we are looking for your opinions and ideas. There is no right or wrong answer to this question.

_______________________________________________________________________

Mail your entry to: Swiss Valley Farms, Co., Outstanding YC Contest, c/o Nancy Feeney PO Box 4493, Davenport, IA 52808

Entries must be in the SVF Corporate Headquarters by: Wednesday, February 27, 2013DO NOT PUT THIS FORM IN THE SAME ENVELOPE AS yOUR SPRING BREAK REGISTRATION FORM.

Contestant # ___________(This # will be assigned by the Member Relations Committee)

Spring Break & Two-Day Conference Registration Form

YC Conference registration deadline is Wednesday, February 27, 2013.Include your $10 per person check with your form.

YES! Reserve a room for me at this YC Spring Break March 8 - 9, 2013 in LaCrosse, Wis.

Name ________________________________________________ Phone_____________________Address _________________________________________________________________________Producer# ________________ Do you require a smoking room? Yes No

Mail this form and your check to Swiss Valley Farms YC Spring Break PO Box 4493 Davenport, IA 52808

Somatic Cell Range -- Percentage listed is based on number of A Farms0 - 100,000......................................................11%100,001 - 200,000..................................... 41%200,001 - 300,000...................................... 31%300,001 - 400,000...................................... 11%400,001 - 500,000........................................ 4%500,001 and above................................... 2%

page 14 SWISS VALLEY FARMS dairYMan

Chris Hoeger VP, ProcurementEldridge, IA 52748

Office 563.468.6628Mobile 563.340.7943

Nancy Feeney Member Relations3855 Manchester Dr • Bettendorf, IA 52722

Office 563.468.6640Mobile 563.320.4815

Tim Genthe Lab & Safety Manager803 S. School St. • Cuba City, WI 53807

Office 563.583.7669Home 608.744.3515

Jesse Chandlee Raw Milk Sales136 East 6th St. • Coal Valley, IL 61240

Office 563.468.6668Mobile 563.663.1445

Ron Brenner Field Supervisor1817 Loomis St. • LaCrosse, WI 54603

Mobile 563.663.1573Office 608.781.5324

Thomas Tegeler Field Supervisor1320 11/2 St. SW • Dyersville, IA 52040

Office 563.583.7669Home 563.875.2059

Randy Heisel259 E. Lakeview Dr. • LaFarge, WI 54639

Home 608.625.2045Mobile 608.386.6681

Mike Howald 7105 N. Freeport Rd. • Forreston, IL 61030

Office 815.938.2651Fax 815.938.9151

s w i s s v a l l e y f a r m s

FieLd personneL & stats Field Department & Procurement Division Directory During the Month of December, these

Swiss Valley Farms Members averaged below 100,000 for their Somatic Cell count.

ADAMS, DOUGLAS R. 92,000ADAMS, PAUL & LORRIE 92,000ALDINGER, ROGER 87,000ARENDS, DARWIN & DULCI 73,000BAILEY, MICHAEL & JEAN 82,000BAUS, RON & MARY 73,000BENNETT, JOHN & CHARLENE 59,000BIERSCHENK, CARY & JENNIFER 93,000BILL & LYNN VANDERHAM DAIRY 65,000BREUCKMAN, CHAD 62,000BRIMEYER, THOMAS W. 60,000BROCKMEYER, PAUL 70,000BUSY BEE ACRES 99,000CAROLAN, KEVIN & DONNA 67,000DEKLOTZ DAIRY INC. 80,000DOUG HERMSEN FARMS INC. 87,000DREIER, RANDY D. 99,000DUTCHLAND DAIRY 86,000ELMHORST, MICHAEL & EVANGELINE 59,000EVERGREEN RIDGE DAIRY LLC 98,000FISCHELS, JEFF J. 57,000GALLUN, TRACY 79,000GOEDKEN, JOHN & MARILYN 95,000GORHAM, FLORIEDA 82,000GRAND CENTRAL JERSEYS LLC 87,000GUDEX, TONY 95,000HALL, LARRY & ROXANNE 95,000HEATHERSTONE ENTERPRISES 88,000HENDEL FARMS 60,000HESSENIUS, CRAIG 69,000HIGHWAY DAIRY FARM LLC 95,000HODSON-DIRKSEN FARMS LLC 76,000HOFA PARK DAIRY FARM LLC 83,000JOHNSON, DUANE A. 74,000JOHNSON, ROY A. 74,000JUNK, MELANIE M. 76,000KAUFFMANN, JERRY & STEPHANIE 94,000KAUFFMANN, RICHARD & LUANN 94,000KETCHUM, ROBERT C & TERRI A 56,000KLUESNER, LEO J & JULIE 93,000KOHOUT, KENNETH J. & ANITA K. 87,000KOOPMANN, BRENT 82,000KOOPMANN, CHAD 82,000

Kara Koopmann6142 Roller Coaster Rd. • Epworth, IA 52045

Plant 563.583.7669Home 563.876.3900

Roger Lenius319 9th St. • Waverly, IA 50677

Office 319.352.5463Home 319.352.5015

Ken Ley225 S. Clifton • Livingston, WI 53554

Cell 608.732.8361Home 608.943.6240

Lynne Melchert117 Culver Rd. NE • Hopkinton, IA 52237

Office 563.926.2363Home 563.926.2794

Jim Schmitz304 Dale Dr. • Montfort, WI 53569

Office 608.943.1172Cell 563.599.2400

Cheryl Zablocki-WagnerW 1919 Hofa Park Dr. • Seymour, WI 54165

Office 920.822.2933Mobile 563.663.1306

Bob Zielsdorf309 North St. • Sparta, WI 54656

Mobile 563.599.2399Home 608.269.5452Fax 608.366.1772

S w i s s V a l l e y G a l s F a l l M e e t i n g s

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Swiss Valley members can now get a text message delivered to their cell phones containing their components from every tank of milk picked up on their dairy as soon as the lab sends the results to Swiss Valley, which is usually the next day. Lab results include components (butterfat, protein and other solids), SCC and MUN score. The text is identified by the sequence number the hauler puts on the sample when picking up the milk.

To get signed up for texting, send your cell phone number and cell phone provider to tim.genthe@swissvalley.com. Be sure to include your producer number.

Get Your Milk Components in a Text

welcomeneW sWiss

VaLLeY FarMs MeMBers

BRIAN J. MUELLERCuba City, Wis.

JOHN & BORJE SELINViroqua, Wis.

Antibiotic PolicyIf a member suspects antibiotics in his or her bulk tank & calls

a SWISS VALLEY FARMS field representative to report this before dumping the milk:

•1st time in a calendar year, the coop will pay 80% of the milk.•2nd & 3rd times in a calendar year, the coop will pay 50% of

the milk.•Over 3 times in a calendar year, the coop will pay zero.On the 1st offense, if a member has purchased a test kit and

detects the positive antibiotic milk, SWISS VALLEY FARMS, CO. will reimburse that member $75.00 toward the cost of the test kit.

All claims must be received by the corporate office for payment no later than 60 days after the milk was dumped.

The earliest dated claim turned in will be paid at 80% payment. If antibiotics are found to be present in a farm truckload as a

result of a screening test, the member will NOT be paid for that shipment of milk, and will be assessed as follows:

Full cost of net loadplus the cost of disposal.Net load = total pounds on the load minus the member’s pounds.

swiss valley farms

antiBiotic poLicY

on the coVer:Remember when? While we have yet to see a snow this big all

winter, it’s still February! But spring just keeps getting closer and closer. Jessica Steger, the daughter of Swiss Valley Farms members Tim and Char Steger, Prairie du Chien, Wis., took this photo two winters ago when the snows were a bit more memorable.

LEARY, STEPHEN E. 67,000MEIER, BRIAN 64,000MEIER, MIKE & CHERYL 64,000MEYER FARMS DAIRY LLC 99,000MORHARDT, KEITH 95,000NUNES, DARYL & PAM 91,000PAISLEY, JAMES 75,000PAISLEY, PATRICK 75,000PATTISON, LEE & SARA 77,000PAULSEN, MARK N. 80,000PEARCE, RICHARD J. 90,000PFISTER, P. SHELDON 59,000PRIER, DONALD 90,000R & M DAIRY LLC 84,000REGO, DAVID & LINDA 97,000REGO, JACOB B. 97,000SCHAEFER, JEFFREY & SUE 49,000SCHAEFER, KURT 49,000SCHMITT, JAMES & LORIE 75,000SCHUMACHER, PAUL & JENNIFER 88,000SCHUSTER, CHRIS 89,000SCHUSTER, LEONARD 89,000SCHUSTER, RONALD 89,000SELKE, WALTER 63,000SELKE, WILLIAM 63,000STAUFFER, TITUS 84,000THOMPSON, LARRY & LIANE 65,000TRANEL, DAN J. 85,000TROYER, MERLIN 87,000VALLEY VIEW DAIRY INC. 73,000WELTER, KRIS & PHILLIP 78,000WILKE, DON 99,000WILKE, JERRY 99,000ZIEGLER, DENNIS & MARY JO 95,000

Heads up, YC’ers!!It’stimetoregisterforthetwo-day

SwissValleyYCConferenceMarch8thand9thinLaCrosse,Wis.

GotoPg.12ofthisissuetogetmoreinformationandyourregistrationform.

You don’t want to miss this once-a-year co-op event.

S W I S S V A L L E Y F A R M S C O O P E R A -dairymanYour copy of

Post Office Box 4493Davenport, IA 52808

Address Service Requested

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPermit No. 141Davenport, IA