Closing the doors

Pollock, S.D. — Dairy Farmers of America announced the closure of their dairy ingredient facility in Pollock to the public July 18. The facility will officially close Aug. 30.

“This was a difficult decision, but we have a responsibility to operate financially sound businesses that bring additional returns to our family farm-owners’ investment in the Cooperative,” said the statement provided by DFA.

The facility has been operated by DFA since 1998 and originally produced mozzarella cheese. In 2002, they converted it to produce hard Italian cheeses.

On average, the facility processed 450,000 pounds of milk per day. DFA said they will continue to have space for the milk production at nearby facilities located in North Dakota and the upper Midwest. The facility in Pollock will receive milk until Aug. 29.

DFA said their customers will continue to be served by their ingredient facilities.

According to DFA, there were many things taken into consideration when deciding to close the facility, including the analysis of new demand as well as the current supply dynamic.

“As part of a coordinated, Cooperative-wide milk marketing and balancing optimization project, the decision has been made to close our dairy ingredient facility,” DFA said.

Due to the closure, there will be 33 full-time and four part-time positions affected and removed from DFA.

“Any decision impacting people’s livelihoods is one not taken lightly, and we will work with employees to help them through this transition,” DFA said.

All full-time employees will be receiving a severance package. DFA said they are searching locally for employment opportunities and providing resources to help aide in the transition to other employment for those affected.

DFA is still determining what the next steps are for the building and the equipment inside.

“The employees at the facility have done an excellent job producing dairy ingredients, and we appreciate all their hard work and dedication,” DFA said.