Foremost Farms will close Wisconsin cheese plant

Foremost Farms, a dairy co-operative representing farmers across seven US states, said it intends to close its cheese-making site in Marshfield, Wisconsin, in December. The facility has operated since the 1950s and employs 68 people.

The co-operative will end production of 40lb block cheese alongside the plant closure. It described the move as a strategic adjustment to its product range, saying that its review had considered growing US cheese-processing capacity and changes in what consumers are buying.

Foremost Farms president and chief executive Brenda Dehart said the decision was based on market conditions and the co-operative’s longer-term requirements. She said the Marshfield workforce had shown “dedication, professionalism and excellence” and that the business would assist employees during the transition.

Foremost Farms makes cheese, butter, fresh milk and dairy ingredients. Its other Wisconsin operations are in Appleton, Clayton, Lancaster, Reedsburg, Middleton and Richland Center. The co-operative also has a plant in Greenville, Michigan.

The announcement follows the planned closure of a Dairy Farmers of America facility in St Albans, Vermont. DFA said in June that the site would close with about 80 jobs affected.

Plant closures are taking place while US dairy processors are committing about $13bn to new or expanded manufacturing capacity in 19 states, according to the International Dairy Foods Association. The association estimates that the industry will handle an additional 15bn pounds of milk by 2030.

Recent investments include Land O’Lakes’ $34m expansion at its Tulare facility, intended to increase dairy-ingredient production. Danone said last year that it planned a multi-million-dollar expansion of its yoghurt factory in Ohio. Victor Martino, a columnist for Just Food, identified protein demand as one factor associated with the investment in dairy processing.