The plant, which was located in Hastings, Minnesota, about 30 miles southeast of Minneapolis, had been processing milk from about 45 farmers in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
The closure came after the plant was cited for several violations of its wastewater permit. In May, the plant released a large amount of milk and cream into the municipal wastewater treatment system, which caused problems at the treatment plant.
The Metropolitan Council, which operates the sewage treatment system for much of the Twin Cities region, said that Hastings Creamery had violated its permit six times in the past seven months.
The plant also had financial problems. In July, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection suspended the plant's milk contractor license.
As a result of the closure, dozens of farmers are now without a place to sell their milk. Some farmers have found new markets for their milk, but others are still struggling to find buyers.
The closure of Hastings Creamery is a blow to the dairy industry in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The plant was a major buyer of milk from local farmers, and its closure will likely lead to some farmers having to reduce their milk production.
The closure of Hastings Creamery is also a reminder of the challenges facing the dairy industry. The industry has been struggling with low milk prices for several years, and the closure of Hastings Creamery is just the latest example of the challenges facing dairy farmers.
The closure of Hastings Creamery is a sad day for the dairy industry in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The plant was a fixture in the community for over 100 years, and its closure will be felt by many people.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-r-j-seymour
Categories: Wisconsin, Livestock, Dairy Cattle