The Hastings Creamery, a dairy processing plant in Hastings, Minnesota, closed its doors last week after 110 years in business. The closure has put stress on local dairy farmers, who are now forced to sell their milk on the spot market or find other creameries to process their products.
The creamery's closure was due to a number of factors, including a milk leak in June that led to the plant being cut off from the city's sewer system. The closure has also been made more difficult by the current state of the dairy economy.
Local leaders are hoping that the creamery's closure will only be temporary. They are working to find a new buyer for the plant and bring it back online. Minnesota Sen. Judy Seeberger said that the Hastings Creamery has been an institution in the community for over 100 years and she is hopeful that a new buyer will come along who can bring the creamery back online.
The closure of the Hastings Creamery is a blow to the local dairy industry. It is also a reminder of the challenges facing the dairy industry as a whole.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-jessicahyde
Categories: Wisconsin, Livestock, Dairy Cattle