Bareman Dairy, Holland, Mich., received the Member of the Year award from the All Star Dairy Association at its 54th annual convention, which was held Feb. 29 to March 4 at the Hyatt Grand Champions Resort in Indian Wells, Calif.
Cheddar Cheese prices received for U.S. 40-pound blocks averaged $1.51 per pound for the week, up 1.8 cents. The price for U.S. 500-pound barrels adjusted to 38% moisture averaged $1.55 per pound, up 4.9 cents.
Meijer, the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer, has acquired the plant operations at Bareman's Dairy, a local family owned company based in Holland, Mich. Meijer's move into dairy production will also include a more than $8 million investment to expand the Bareman's dairy plant in Holland, Mich.
Associated Milk Producers Inc. achieved sales of $2 billion last year. The 2011 performance marks the fifth consecutive year of growth in both consumer-packaged butter and cheese. The cooperative’s butter business increased 22 percent and packaged cheese sales climbed 43 percent in five years.
Butter prices received for 25-kilogram and 68-pound boxes meeting United States Department of Agriculture Grade AA standards averaged $1.44 per pound for the week ending March 17.
Each flavor made by Salt & Straw Ice Cream includes local, organic and sustainable ingredients. The Portland, Ore.-based company opened in May 2011 with the goal of featuring the “best Oregon has to offer, through ice cream.” The owners call their business a “farm-to-cone” company.
A manufacturing facility in Luana, Iowa runs 24/7, every day of the year. Swiss Valley Farms produces Swiss-style cheeses, cream cheeses and whey powders.
Northeastern Iowa was shaped by the glaciers and the Mississippi River, which makes up its eastern border. The landscape here defies the stereotype of Midwestern flatness. Rolling hills yield unexpected delights for motorists negotiating the winding county roads.