Dairy Farmers of America

Vermont dairy farms face financial struggles due to high overhead costs, aging infrastructure, and competition from states like Texas, exacerbated by recent dairy plant closures. Vermont farmers report significant losses per 100 pounds of milk produced, contrasting with profits in states like California.

Vermont dairy farms face financial struggles due to high overhead costs, aging infrastructure, and competition from states like Texas. Recent closures of three dairy plants in two months highlight the industry's challenges, with Vermont farmers losing $8.65 per 100 pounds of milk produced compared to profits in other states.

John Ovitt, a longtime plant manager, is reopening the Franklin Foods dairy facility in Franklin County as Franklin County Cheese this fall after it was shuttered by German company Hochland. The reopening follows recent closures of multiple Vermont dairy plants, including Perrigo and HP Hood, and is described as a 'ray of hope' for the struggling industry.

Dairy Farmers of America will idle its St. Albans milk processing plant and close the adjoining St. Albans Creamery & Supply, affecting 80 employees. The closure, part of broader operational changes, impacts Franklin County’s dairy economy and follows a recent union contract agreement over work conditions.

A report by University of Miami researchers found that 98% of environmental claims made by 33 major global meat and dairy companies, including Wisconsin-based operations like Saputo Cheese and Tyson Foods, are 'greenwashing' due to lack of supporting evidence. The study highlights that only three claims were backed by peer-reviewed research, comparing corporate tactics to those of the fossil fuel industry in misleading consumers about climate impact.