MAY 2008:
More Organic Milk Sought in Northeast
Farms should be sure to have a market secured before
beginning the 12 month herd transition.

The Word from DMS

Dairy Marketing Services (DMS) continues to market more than 50 percent of organic milk in the Northeast. DMS was established to deliver efficiency in services and enhance returns from the market directly back to producers at a minimal cost. It offers a wide range of services to producers such as health insurance and workers compensation through Agri-Services Agency, leases and loans from Agri-Max Financial, farm inputs and supplies through Eagle Dairy Direct, and herd management software from Dairy One. For more information, please contact Dave Eyster at 1-888-589-6455, ext. 5409 or david.eyster@dairymarketingservices.com.

The Word from CROPP

CROPP Cooperative~Organic Valley Family of Farms , the nation's largest farmer owned organic marketing cooperative continues to grow its dairy producers base now and into the future in New York,  Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania,  Virginia and all of the New England States. Current market conditions underscore the need for our founding principles of supply management. CROPP/Organic Valley is currently looking for producers interested in starting their 12 month transition anytime. We offer a stable, competitive organic milk pay price once certified organic and a complete year of Transitional Funding for new farmers during herd's transitional year as well as Staff Veterinarians, Farmers Relations staff support, the Organic Trader, and inclusive communications. In addition, our Farm Resource department can help refer, source and finance feed purchases for your operation.  

In New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia contact Peter Miller, Northeast Region Dairy Pool Coordinator, at (888) 444-6455, x3407 to leave a voice message, or mobile at
(612) 801-3506, peter.miller@organicvalley.coop. In New England States contact John Cleary, New England Dairy Pool Coordinator, at (888)-444-6455 x3330 to leave voice mail, or mobile at (612)-803-9087, or email at john.cleary@organcivalley.coop . In the Great Lakes Region contact Jake Schmitz, Great Lakes Region Dairy Pool Coordinator at (888) 444-6455, Ext. 3507, cell phone (270) 779-1526 or jake.schmitz@organicvalley.coop

The Word from Horizon

Interested in transitioning to organic dairy? At Horizon Organic, it all begins on the farm. As America’s leading organic dairy brand, we owe our success to the growing community of family farmers who support our mission, one organic acre at a time. We believe that farmers deserve to know where their milk is going – and consumers deserve to know where it originated. Over the years, we’ve maintained a dedicated milk supply and nurtured a direct relationship with each of the hundreds of farms in our network. And we’re committed to keeping it that way.
Horizon Organic produces a full line of products from cheese to yogurt to fluid milk, and is the leading brand in the grocery store, as well as the number one source for bringing new organic milk consumers into the category.

Join Horizon Organic, the leading brand in one of the fastest growing categories within the number one segment of agriculture, and enjoy the experience, stability and competitive pricing that we have come to be known for.  

Contacts: Cindy Masterman (New England) (888) 648-8377; Peter Slaunwhite (Northeast) (800) 381-0980; Steve Rinehart (Mideast) (866) 268-4665; Michelle Sandy (Mid Atlantic) (866) 412-1380; Mike Bandstra (Midwest) (877) 620-8259; Greg Dabney (West) (800) 588-9283 x4747

The Word from HP Hood

HP Hood continues to look for high quality farms for our organic milk supply. We are eager to talk to farms that are ready to begin their herd transition in the fall of 2007. Our routes encompass a number of Northern Tier States (ME, NH, VT, NY, PA, OH, MI, WI, MN, IA) and we would like to hear from you. Our support of sustainable agriculture, a signing bonus and transition assistance have helped many already. Please call Karen Cole, HP Hood Milk Procurement, karen.cole@hphood.com  or at 1-866-383-1026.

The Word from LOFCO

Lancaster Organic Farmers Cooperative (LOFCO) continues to look for milk in PA/MD, particularly southeast PA. The market is strong. Please contact Levi Miller at 717/661-8682 or Jerry McCleary at 717/577-8809.

The Word from Upstate Niagra

Upstate Niagara Cooperative, a dairy farmer owned, full service cooperative headquartered in Buffalo, NY is continuing to grow its supply of organic milk.  The members of Upstate Niagara Coop own and operate 4 milk plants in Buffalo, Niagara Falls and Rochester.   Our members are interested in producing organic milk and processing organic dairy products.   We currently process & package fresh, not ultra-pasteurized organic milk in our Rochester Milk Plant.  If you are interested in learning more about Upstate Niagara Coop, please visit our website at www.upstatefarms.com or contact me.  Enjoy your day…..Bill Young 800-724-6455 byoung@upstateniagara.com

The Word from United Ag Services

United Ag Services in Seneca Falls, NY is looking for organic milk in NY and northern PA. Please call 800-326-4251.

Any buyers looking for organic milk who would like to be listed in this column for the May 2008 issue of NODPA News, please email the desired text to Ed at ednodpa@comcast.net or call
413-772-0444 by June 16, 2008 .