Posted: May 5, 2008 at 3:43 pm
By News Editor
Stonyfield Farm has been chosen as the Manufacturer of the Year for Global Supply Chain Excellence. The award is given by the World Trade Magazine to manufacturers whose approach to supply chain management would be an inspiration to others. Previous winners include: Procter & Gamble, Ford, IBM and Texas Instruments.
The thing to know about Gary Hirshberg, the Chairman/President of Stonyfield Farm, is not that his ryderorganic yogurt company has grown from a local New Hampshire home-spun operation into a fast-growing $300 million a year enterprise; nor that the company is driven by an environmental mission to which the business model must conform. Rather, it is the factoid in his Wikipedia entry that says he scored the first touchdown in the history of inter-collegiate Ultimate Frisbee.
It is such exuberance that characterizes what at first glance seems an unlikely CEO (or, as his card reads, CE-Yo as in yogurt) heading an unlikely company. Both are committed to aggressively forging the way toward a carbon neutral supply chain strategy—one, most emphatically, which enhances profit rather than hampers it.
At first glance, Stonyfield Farm hardly belongs in this league. It obviously operates on a much smaller, predominately domestic scale (although since being 80 percent bought by Group Danone in 2001, the product line is beginning to enter Europe on a small scale). Nor is its inbound supply chain, with the exception mostly of berries and sugar, international. “At the beginning,” recalls Steve Inamorati, VP/Supply Chain and Logistics, “we had to source everything ourselves because there weren’t a lot of organic sources. Ideally, now we’d like to be out of sourcing, but we still need to verify the ethics and organic practices of our vendors.”
So why did we choose Stonyfield? Because the company has demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to social responsibility since its inception and, in so doing, constitutes a strong case for the unanticipated financial benefits that accompany that commitment. As climate change becomes ever more destructive, business faces challenges. Managers are already being asked to respond, to adapt operating practices to new criteria, which help off-set the cost of social externalities—like pollution and environmental destruction—while still growing the enterprise. Stonyfield Farms affords a compelling example of how this can be done.
Posted: May 2, 2008 at 7:02 pm
By News Editor
The folks at the got milk? have given their website a new look! Be sure to check it out, because there may be a prize in store for you if your milk IQ can match the online puzzle. One grand prize winner will get a brand new Apple MacAir, second place receives a Nintendo Wii and third place finisher picks up a $150 Apple/iTunes gift card.
To reward consumers for touring the Web site, got milk? is challenging Californians to participate in a crossword puzzle contest titled “Are You Smarter than Your Mama? Test Your Milk IQ.”
They must correctly figure out the answers to 20 questions on the crossword puzzle as they relate to got milk?, its advertising campaign, as well as its health and consumer efforts. All answers can be found on the Web site.
The interactive Web site features eye-catching flash animations graphics and better navigational tools to make it easier for visitors to surf the site. Besides its visually captivating appeal, the site delivers the positive message of milk as a super drink: strengthening bones, muscles, hair, nails and teeth and even reducing some of the symptoms of PMS.
On the home page, consumers can navigate through a series of interactive games highlighting the health benefits of milk. These games feature a beaver, for example, who teaches visitors about milk’s teeth strengthening qualities, or an owl who informs consumers that drinking milk before sleep could help them get extra z’s at night. A drop down “related content” menu would also pop-out, giving consumers access to milk-related studies, articles and delicious low-fat recipes.
Posted: April 29, 2008 at 6:21 pm
By News Editor
Congrats to Joe Michaels who has been named the Forage Segment Director at Vermeer Corporation.
Michaels, who previously served as the segment’s sales manager, is now responsible for overall operations and will report directly to corporate management.
“Joe’s experience and understanding of the market will be invaluable to Vermeer as we continue to develop and market new and better solutions in the hay and forage marketplace,” said Bob Vermeer, president of Vermeer Corporation.
Michaels brings twenty-five years of agricultural equipment sales, service, marketing and product development experience.
After joining Vermeer as ag product director in 2000, he left the company briefly to help McCormick, USA re-launch the McCormick brand in the US market (McCormick USA, which was originally based in Pella, shared a strategic marketing alliance with Vermeer from November 2001 to March 2004) and then returned to the Vermeer forage group as sales manager.
Posted: April 23, 2008 at 3:35 pm
By News Editor
Congratulations to Scott Metzger, the new area sales manager for Trans Ova Genetic’s dairy clients across the nation.
In his new position, Metzger will work with elite dairy breeders, helping them utilize advanced reproductive technologies such as embryo transfer (ET) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) to create desirable offspring from top cow families. Metzger also will counsel and educate breeders on sexed semen embryo production applications, genetic preservation and cloning to help align elite cow families with methods which will allow breeders to multiply their chances of success.
Metzger has a strong foundation in the dairy industry and a developed interest in dairy reproduction. He most recently spent four years providing genetic advice and service to clients of Semex USA as a district sales manager. In this role, he developed a new territory for the company by gaining client trust and providing genetic and reproduction solutions that matched their specific needs. Prior to joining Semex, Metzger worked for Nelson Dairy Consultants, Iowa State University Foundation and Prairie State Select Sires in full-time or internship roles.
Metzger graduated with honors in Dairy Science and Agricultural Business from Iowa State University in 2002. While at Iowa State, he was an active member of the school’s dairy science club, serving as president, and the Iowa State Dairy Judging Team for whom he earned All-American honors in 2001. A native of Larchwood, Iowa, Metzger was intricately involved in his family’s 50-cow Fredstel Jerseys including working as herdsman for a year following graduation.
Posted: April 22, 2008 at 3:57 pm
By News Editor
The newest value-added dairy product on the market is from Dairy Farmers of America, Inc. (DFA). The company has introduced Borden Essentials™, a cheese containing protective antioxidants, which help support a healthy immune system.
Borden is among the first packaged cheese to provide consumers with a source of antioxidants. DFA responded to consumers’ desire to increase antioxidants in their diets. According to the “2007 HealthFocus Trend Report,” more than 75 percent of moms believe that antioxidants improve or strengthen the immune system. Research from the U.S. National Institute of Health shows that protective antioxidants support a healthy immune system.
Antioxidants are molecules that protect cells from the damage caused by free radicals. Antioxidants, such as beta-carotene, lycopene, tocopherol and retinol, interact with and stabilize free radicals. Free radicals are formed through a process called oxidation which occurs when we eat, breathe or go out in the sun.
Two varieties of Borden Essentials are distributed nationally:
• 2% Singles – 16 individually wrapped slices in a 10 2/3-ounce package
• Mozzarella string cheese – 12 individually wrapped sticks, low-fat part-skim, in a 10-ounce package
Posted: April 20, 2008 at 12:18 pm
By News Editor
The Fairmont Products dairy plant in Belleville, Pa. will be closing it’s doors in October, causing 80 people to lose their jobs. The plant is owned by Dean Foods Co. and produces mostly cottage cheese and ice cream.
The plants closure will also affect local dairy farmers who supply milk to the plant. The company is owned by Dallas-based Dean Foods Co.
Dean Foods is a leading food and beverage company and the largest processor and distributor of milk and other dairy products in the country. The company sells products such as International Delight coffee creamers, Land O’Lakes creamers and other liquid dairy products.
Posted: April 18, 2008 at 4:33 pm
By News Editor
Stremicks Heritage Foods, based in California, is partnering with Disney Consumer Products to launch a new milk beverage line based on one of its popular animated TV series, “Little Einsteins.”
Disney Little Einsteins Milk is made with 32mg of omega-3 DHA per serving to support brain and eye development and heart health. It is the first Disney-branded refrigerated dairy beverage to launch since Disney announced its food guidelines in 2006.
“Disney has a long-term commitment to the health of kids around the world through its new food guidelines, which require the Disney name and its characters to be associated with kid-focused products that limit calories, fat, saturated fat and sugar,” said Lance Gatewood, vice president of food, health & beauty for Disney Consumer Products North America, in a statement. “Developing this product line with industry leaders such as Stremicks Heritage Foods brings us one step closer in delivering on this commitment.”
Characters from the TV show are featured on the packaging. The beverage is available in a 64-ounce package in low fat 1% and reduced fat 2%.
“Little Einsteins” is an educational preschool series that airs on Playhouse Disney. The animated show is designed to teach young children art and music appreciation.
Posted: April 17, 2008 at 9:33 pm
By News Editor
A Wisconsin based dairy, Red Barn Farms, is marketing a new milk with the term “humanely produced” on the label. The milk will be sold at the Sendik’s Food Markets in near Milwaukee, Wis. The price for this specially labeled milk is expected to be more than conventional milk but less than organic milk.
The milk from Appleton-based Red Barn Family Farms provides another choice for consumers concerned about animal care as well as milk quality, said Terry Homan, a veterinarian and founder of the firm.
“We truly believe that if the stable, or barn, itself produces a comfortable life and if cows are treated as a mother should be treated, the results will be obvious,” the firm states on its Web site.
Scott Rankin, a University of Wisconsin-Madison associate professor of food science, said some consumers may find the “humanely produced” label important. But there’s a danger that some could infer that milk that does not carry such a label comes from farmers who treat their animals poorly, he said.
“We don’t want people to get confused and think it means those cows (without the label) are not humanely cared for,” added Shelly Mayer, executive director for the Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin.
Red Barn’s milk comes from three small, family farms in the Seymour area, said Homan, who has a veterinary practice there. More farms may be added later, he said. The American Humane Association, a national animal-welfare organization, has certified the farms’ milk as humanely produced, validating the farmers’ efforts, Homan said.
“The purpose is not to criticize anyone,” he said.
Tim Amlaw, manager of the American Humane Association certification program, said nearly 200 dairy farms around the country have received certification from his group. Numbers have been increasing in part because of hypersensitivity created by reports about “downer” cattle too sick or injured to stand being slaughtered and sold in California.
Posted: April 16, 2008 at 6:58 pm
By News Editor
Chocolate milk has been a hot topic lately, and with the addition of an omega-3 fortified version produced by Omega Farms, even more press could be coming its way.
According to the company, Omega Farms Low-Fat Chocolate Milk provides kids the added benefits of Omega-3s needed for brain development and athletes the perfect combination of carbohydrates and protein needed for sports recovery.
Cindy DiFerdinand, nutritionist of Omega Farms, said: “We are thrilled to add a new product to the Omega Farms popular line of Omega-3 fortified products. Chocolate milk is a classic for kids and a modern sports recovery product for athletes.”
Posted: April 16, 2008 at 6:46 pm
By News Editor
There’s a new milk on the production line, one to help your baby settle down for a good night’s sleep. Called Good Night Milk, it is marketed by Cow & Gate, a company based in the UK.
Suitable for bottle-fed babies from six months onwards, Cow & Gate Good Night Milk is a nutritionally tailored milk which contains a special formulation of carbohydrates to make the formula thicker than regular follow-on milk. The addition of prebiotics means that Cow & Gate Good Night Milk is gentle on baby’s tum and can be used instead of your usual follow-on formula night feed to provide a warm and satisfying end to your baby’s day.
Posted: April 14, 2008 at 4:19 pm
By News Editor
Vreba-Hoff Dairy, located in Hudson, Michigan, has announced it will be providing kosher milk to an Israeli food distributor. The dairy will ship 9.5 million pounds (1.15 million gallons) of whole milk to a kosher processing facility in Kentucky, which will convert the milk into powder and then ship to Israel. Once there, the powder will be used in kosher products that will be distributed internationally.
“This is such a great opportunity for us and a dynamic new direction for our products,” said Peter van der Vegt, a business development advisor to Vreba-Hoff. “It is a great honor to do business with such an outstanding international distributor.”
“Kosher” refers to food products that meet the dietary requirements of Jewish law. Kosher certification guarantees that the source of the ingredient and the status of the production equipment meet certain requirements, including superior sanitation levels and on-site rabbinical supervision. The distributor has referred to the products as “super kosher” because the procedures the dairy is following far exceed kosher criteria. These products also often meet the strict dietary requirements of other religions, including Islam.
Producing kosher milk requires a significant commitment at Vreba-Hoff, which is also working hard to develop additional products for U.S. distribution and consumption for the kosher market.
Posted: April 14, 2008 at 4:14 pm
By News Editor
Alaska has a new processing plant, Matanuska Creamery, that will turn 1,100 gallons of local Alaskan milk into cheddar cheese. This marks the first time residents in the Matanuska Valley will have access to cheese made with local milk.
Matanuska Creamery CEO Kyle Beus has worked diligently since December to get this business off the ground.
“We have, as a company policy, we will only use Alaska dairy products,” Beus said. “I mean this is what all this was built for — strictly 100 percent.”
“So we’ve got about 4,000 pounds in the bank that has to age about 60 days and it will be ready to distribute to folks who have pre-bought that,” Beus said.
All the cheese has already been sold, thanks to the Alaska Farmers and Stockgrowers Association. Rob Wells, the vice president of the association calls it an “exciting day” for Alaskan agriculture.
Beus said his goal is to pay dairy farmers a premium price so they won’t ever have to worry about staying afloat, since without them there would be no Matanuska Creamery.
Posted: April 10, 2008 at 6:05 pm
By News Editor
Break out the tomato soup - April is National Grilled Cheese month, and Kraft Cheese is celebrating! Submit your favorite grilled cheese memory on April 16, and you may receive a coupon for a free package of Kraft Singles.
The first 1,000 people who submit their favorite grilled cheese memory on April 16 will receive a coupon for one free pack of Kraft Singles.
Kraft is sponsoring this year’s Grilled Cheese Invitational, an annual grilled cheese cook-off competition in Los Angeles. The event, which takes place April 19, is open to the public, and will feature professional and amateur chefs battling it out to see who makes the best sandwich.
During the event, Kraft will distribute grilled cheese sandwiches to the 100 participants and attendees.
Grilled cheese is the No. 2 preferred non-deli sandwich nationwide, Kraft said. While the exact origin of the grilled cheese sandwich is unknown, similar recipes appeared in Ancient Roman cookbooks. The sandwich started gaining popularity in 1920, according to NPD Group.
Posted: April 8, 2008 at 4:23 pm
By News Editor
Shamrock Farms milk is now be available nation-wide in the grocery store Harris Teeter. The store will sell Shamrock Farms 12-ounce varieties of chocolate milk, whole milk, and 2% white milk, as well as “Shamrockers(R), individual 8-ounce milks.
“Across the country, people are discovering that milk is a great-tasting, healthy beverage option they can feel good about drinking,” said Sandy Kelly, director of marketing at Phoenix-based Shamrock Farms. “Our fun and innovative packaging designs help draw kids and moms to our products, and our convenient single-serve options make it easy to incorporate milk into their daily routine. We’re thrilled to bring fresh, delicious Shamrock Farms milk, and our spokescow Roxie, to Harris Teeter shoppers.”
Posted: April 7, 2008 at 6:03 pm
By News Editor
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Southeast Milk Inc. (SMI), a Florida-based milk cooperative has announced that it will close its Atlanta Dairy facility. SMI’s decision to close the facility was announced to employees on March 10.
According to Calvin Covington, Chief Executive Officer, SMI anticipated operating the facility through May 9, 2008, but a recent tornado in the Atlanta area forced them to accelerate plans to close the facility.
SMI will continue to maintain dairy deliveries and operate from its Atlanta facility through early April and has been working with Mayfield Dairy, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dean Foods Company to assist in customer transitions. Mayfield Dairy will assume the distribution routes and hire a number of Atlanta Dairy employees. Additionally, Mayfield Dairy will acquire certain assets necessary to provide continued service to Atlanta Dairy customers, including the Atlanta Dairy trademarks. Dean has also agreed to continue to purchase the raw milk produced by SMI members that was going to Atlanta Dairy.
SMI has been exploring a sale of the real estate associated with the facility to buyers interested in the property for retail or residential development.
Posted: March 25, 2008 at 6:08 pm
By News Editor
Dairy Farmers of America, Inc. (DFA) is pleased to announce the re-elected board of directors for the national dairy cooperative. Tom Camerlo, a dairy farmer from Florence, Colo., was re-elected to his sixth term as chairman of the national board.
Camerlo has served as DFA’s chairman since 2003. He is the chairman of the U.S. Dairy Export Council, serves on the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee for Trade and is on the board of Dairy Management, Inc. He has owned and operated Camerlo Dairy since 1963.
Randy Mooney of Rogersville, Mo., was re-elected first vice chairman. He chairs DFA’s Southeast Area Council and serves on the boards of National Milk Producers Federation, the Missouri Dairy Association and the Milk Processor Education Program. Mooney and his wife, Jan, milk 200 Holsteins and operate a cow-calf operation.
Tom Croner of Berlin, Pa., was re-elected secretary/treasurer and chairman of the Finance and Budget Committee. He chairs DFA’s Mideast Area Council and serves on the boards for the Pennsylvania Dairy Promotion Program and the Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association. Croner has been a dairy farmer since 1964 and farms 700 acres and milks 200 cows with his son, T. Richard.
Four other board members were elected vice chairman, and each will chair one of DFA’s committees:
Jerrel Heatwole of Greenwood, Del., was re-elected as a vice chairman and chairman of the Government, Member and Public Relations Committee. He chairs DFA’s Northeast Area Council. Newly elected as a vice chairman was George Mertens of Sonoma, Calif., who will chair the Fluid Marketing and Public Policy Committee. He chairs DFA’s Western Area Council. Wayne Palla of Clovis, N.M., was re-elected as a vice chairman and chairman of the Audit Committee. He chairs DFA’s Southwest Area Council. Bill Siebenborn of Trenton, Mo., was re-elected as a vice chairman and chairman of the Value-Added Committee.
Posted: March 21, 2008 at 4:55 pm
By News Editor
BelGioioso Cheese, based in Wisconsin, will host the grand opening of its fifth cheese plant next week. The ceremony will take place on March 25 at the plant site in Freedom, Wis.
BelGioioso Cheese, which currently employs 350 people and sources milk from 200 area dairy farms, will host local officials and members of the media at a grand opening ceremony at its new Freedom plant. Featured speakers include BelGioioso Cheese President Errico Auricchio, State Agriculture Secretary Rod Nilsestuen, and Kim Cates, representing Senator Herb Kohl.
The new 90,000 sq. ft. Freedom cheese plant is the latest addition to BelGioioso Cheese’s growing Wisconsin dairy processing operation. The new plant will make Fresh Mozzarella and Fontina, two of more than 25 Italian specialty cheeses handcrafted by the company.
Posted: March 17, 2008 at 7:42 pm
By News Editor
Congratulations are in order for Alto Dairy - there Colby-Jack cheese, entered by Wisconsin Master Cheesemaker, Gregg Palubicki, from Alto Dairy’s Black Creek plant, won its class at the 2008 World Championship Cheese and Butter Contest in Madison, Wis.
The block of Colby-Jack earned a score of 97.75 out of 100 possible points. Alto’s Colby-Jack was also named World Champion at the last contest held in 2006. The World Championship Cheese Contest is the largest international cheese and butter competition in the world. It is a three day event held in Madison, Wis. every other year and is sponsored by the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association.
“Alto Dairy is honored to have received such a prestigious title,” Rich Scheuerman, Alto’s President and CEO. “American-style cheeses such as Alto’s Colby-Jack are very popular among U.S. consumers, and Alto is proud to be recognized again for making the best Colby-Jack in the World.” Colby-Jack is a marbled blend of Colby and Monterey Jack cheeses. Colby-Jack, along with other American-style cheeses such as Cheddar and Brick, account for over 45% of the cheeses consumed in the United States.
This year’s competition set a new record with 1,941 contest entries from 20 different nations. More than 20 tons of cheese and butter was shipped to Madison this year for the contest. Wisconsin dominated the contest; bringing home 27 of the 77 gold medals awarded during the three day contest. Over-all the United States won 46 of the 77 cheese and butter classes at the contest.
Posted: March 16, 2008 at 9:23 am
By News Editor
Davisco Foods, headquartered in Le Sueur, Minn. has announced that a multi-phase, $8.22 million improvement project to the Lake Norden Cheese Co., S.D. is on track to complete in May 2008. When completed, Lake Norden will increase its whey processing capacity by 60 percent.
The company is adding a new whey pasteurizer, additions to its whey processing infrastructure and upgrades to the factory’s utility infrastructure to accommodate future growth in both milk and cheese processing capacity. The Lake Norden factory also is adding nearly 50,000 square feet to its dry storage capacity.
Davisco Foods International operates five dairy processing plants in South Dakota, Minnesota and Idaho.
Posted: March 10, 2008 at 3:46 pm
By News Editor
Leaders from Hilmar Cheese Co., California Dairies Inc. and Land O’Lakes Inc. met in Modesto, Calif. last week to discuss the state’s milk processing capacity. They said demand for their products is healthy, but plant construction is hindered by state regulations.
“California is a disaster on plant capacity,” said Richard Cotta, president and chief executive officer at California Dairies Inc., which has plants in Turlock, Los Banos and elsewhere.
He was part of a panel discussion at the annual convention of Western United Dairymen at Modesto Centre Plaza. Also taking part were John Jeter, president and CEO of Hilmar Cheese Co., and Bill Schreiber, a vice president for Land O’Lakes Inc. in Tulare.
After the session, all three told The Bee that they had no plans for converting the recently closed Hershey Co. chocolate plant in Oakdale to dairy processing. Cotta said California Dairies did consider the option but found that it would be too expensive and too far from its milk suppliers.
Milk is the top farm product in California, the nation’s leading producer, with about 4.5 billion gallons in 2006. The state often has a surplus, a result of its large per cow output and farm size, its mostly good weather, and its advanced breeding and feeding practices.
Often, a surplus leads to low prices for farmers, as happened in 2006. This year, prices are relatively strong, because of a drought affecting Australian producers and other factors. Still, California farmers face increased costs for feed, fuel, labor and other things that go into producing milk. They believe that an expansion of plant capacity would prompt processors to compete for the milk with high prices, helping meet expenses on the farm.
“We were very thorough and looked around California, but California is a challenging place to do business,” Jeter said.
Cotta said the process would be easier if his company could find a site that already had the needed permits. Processing capacity aside, the executives said the industry overall is doing well. Exports are strong, and many consumers believe that dairy products are good for them.
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