There have been some changes in leadership at National Dairy, Dallas, and some in the industry are speculating that the nation's second largest full-line dairy company is in the process of selling a large portion of its holdings.

DALLAS-There have been some changes in leadership at National Dairy, Dallas, and some in the industry are speculating that the nation's second largest full-line dairy company is in the process of selling a large portion of its holdings.

President and Chief Operating Officer Tracy Noll has left the company and joined a consulting firm in Dallas, according to Dairy Foods sources. Chairman and CEO C.O. "Tex" Beshears has retired, leaving only one original remaining managing partner, Allen Meyer, those same sources confirmed.

While Dairy Foods was not able to confirm the information from the parties involved, it is also believed that portions or all of the Marigold and Crowley division of the company are in the process of being sold.

National Dairy Holdings was formed in April 2001 when Dean Foods was forced to divest itself of 11 dairy plants to gain approval of its merger with Suiza Foods. It merged in 2002 with Milk Products LP. National Dairy purchased Crowley and Marigold from Wessanen, NV in 2001. In October, National Dairy purchased Sinton Dairy, Colorado Springs.