Michigan Milk Producers Association establishes endowment for 4-H dairy youth
Print
EmailThe Joseph M. Diglio 4-H Dairy Youth Endowment Fund is dedicated to supporting the next generation of dairy youth leaders in Michigan.
In March, the Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA), in partnership with CoBank, established the Joseph M. Diglio 4-H Dairy Youth Endowment with the Michigan 4-H Foundation. This permanent fund is dedicated to supporting the next generation of dairy youth leaders in Michigan.
“The Joseph M. Diglio 4-H Dairy Youth Endowment will provide unending support, helping to ensure young people who are passionate about the dairy industry and agriculture have opportunities to grow, learn and lead, just as many in the industry have had the chance to do,” said Doug Chapin, MMPA board chairman, during the endowment’s announcement at MMPA’s 109th Annual Meeting on March 19.
Partial funding for the endowment’s establishment came when MMPA President and CEO Joe Diglio was named the 2025 Robert B. Engel Farmer Co-op Manager of the Year by the National Council Farmer of Cooperatives (NCFC) in February. The award, which comes with a large monetary gift, was based on Diglio’s role in delivering solid financial results and benefits to MMPA member-owners; fostering a culture of excellence; exceptional communication skills; contributing to community partners; and understanding the co-op model. With a passion for youth development and the future of the dairy industry, Diglio selected the Michigan 4-H Foundation as the charitable recipient of his award and NCFC Foundation made a contribution in his name.
“We are so thankful for MMPA’s continued partnership in creating memorable 4-H learning experiences for youth to explore agriculture and the dairy industry,” said Kendra Van Order, MSU Extension educator for 4-H dairy programs. “This new endowment is testament to MMPA’s dedication to supporting 4-H youth dairy education.”
To further extend the impact of Diglio’s recognition, the MMPA Board of Directors unanimously voted to match the donation with additional funds through CoBank’s Sharing Success program, establishing a permanent endowment dedicated to supporting dairy youth.
Cumulatively, these funds create an endowment that will serve as a long-term resource to support dairy youth programming, scholarships and leadership development opportunities through Michigan 4-H Youth Development.
For more information about the Joseph M. Diglio 4-H Dairy Youth Endowment or to make a contribution, visit mi4hfdtn.org/4hdairyendowment.
