The farm families of St. Albans Cooperative Creamery overwhelmingly approved today a merger with Dairy Farmers of America (DFA). The merger reflects a desire to position St. Albans members for a secure, long-term future amid rapidly changing market dynamics.
“We are incredibly excited about this new chapter for dairy farmers in Vermont,” said Harold Howrigan, Jr., chairman of the St. Albans Board and sixth-generation dairy farmer. “We are very pleased with the outcome of today’s vote and are optimistic about the future our membership will have as DFA members.”
St. Albans has been an integral part of the Vermont dairy community for the past century, and a member cooperative of DFA since 2003.
“During our 16-year partnership, we have developed a strong, collaborative working partnership with DFA,” said Leon Berthiaume, chief executive officer of St. Albans Cooperative Creamery. “In many ways, this merger is a continuation of the strategic goals, values and mission of St. Alban’s Cooperative Creamery.”
As a national dairy marketing cooperative, DFA offers St. Albans members milk market security, investments in a nationwide network of manufacturing facilities, access to patronage dividends and valuable member programs and services.
“We are excited to welcome the hardworking members and employees of St. Albans to the DFA family,” said Brad Keating, senior vice president and chief operating officer of DFA’s Northeast Area. “Together, we are committed to investing in continuing the strong tradition of dairy farming in the Northeast.”
As part of the merger, McDermotts, a hauling company owned by St. Albans, the St. Albans Cooperative Store and St. Albans Cooperative Creamery Plant will become wholly owned subsidiaries of DFA. In addition, the Board of Directors of St. Albans Cooperative will continue to represent dairy farmers’ interests as part of DFA’s Northeast Area Council.
The merger will officially close Thursday, August 1.
Dairy Farmers of America is a national, farmer-owned dairy cooperative focusing on quality, innovation and the future of family dairies. While supporting and serving 14,000 family farmers, DFA works with some of the world’s largest food companies to develop ingredients that satisfy their customers’ cravings while staying committed to social responsibility and ethical farming. For more information, please visit dfamilk.com.
The St. Albans Cooperative Creamery is a member-governed dairy cooperative committed to providing service, stable markets and the greatest achievable return to our members by delivering the highest quality milk, milk products and services to our customers. The Cooperative provides active leadership in the dairy industry and political environment to benefit all dairy farmers.
