The Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) Board Chairman Doug Chapin was named the 2024 National Milk Producer Federation’s (NMPF) Farmer Communicator of the Year. Chapin accepted the award at NMPF’s annual meeting held in Phoenix.

“I don’t take my leadership role lightly and I recognize how important it is to share our story and do my part to help people understand the work we do every day,” Chapin said. “At times it seems like there are challenges at every turn, and I’m honored to be in a position where I can make a difference.”

The NMPF Dairy Farmer Communicator of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding farmer’s efforts in sharing dairy’s story and celebrates those who go above and beyond to foster a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by dairy farmers.

“Chapin was recognized for his leadership in communicating farmer and co-op perspectives on challenging issues that were of top priority to dairy farmers and the entire industry throughout 2024, including dairy’s response to the discovery of the H5N1 influenza virus in dairy cattle and efforts to modernize the Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) system,” NMPF said.

In 2024, Chapin testified on behalf of NMPF and MMPA for FMMO reform, advocating for the higher of Class 3 or 4 proposal for the Class I skim milk price mover. In addition, he was instrumental during the beginning of the H5N1 outbreak. Chapin supported a science-based regulatory approach to legislators, represented dairy interests to the media, and maintained critical industry relations within the agriculture community.

“Doug is a leading voice in our industry and is the first to step forward when dairy farmers need representation,” Joe Diglio, MMPA President & CEO said. “I couldn’t be more pleased with his willingness to advocate for our members and communicate their needs.”

Chapin represents MMPA on a number of national industry committees including the National Milk Producers Federation Board of Directors, National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management Program committees, and the U.S. Dairy Export Council and Trade Envoy Program.