HARRISBURG, PA — Reps. Mike Peifer and Jonathan Fritz and Sen. Lisa Baker on January 22 announced the awarding of state funding through the Pennsylvania Dairy Investment Program for a dairy expansion project in Wayne County.

Calkins Creamery LLC in Damascus Township received a $50,000 grant to help pay for construction of an addition to house a new walk-in cooler. The company is seeking to increase its cheese production.

“Calkins Creamery has been established here in Wayne County for over a decade and it is great to see this local business have the ability to grow and expand with the help of these funds,” said Peifer.

“The Bryant’s have lived and farmed in Wayne County since the 1880s and over five generations have thrived on the farm,” said Fritz. “Emily Bryant Montgomery and her husband, Jay, developed a plan to help her family’s farm diversify and flourish by creating fine, artisan cheese using her family’s farm fresh milk—thus Calkins Creamery was born. It is a true family affair and I’m happy to see them harness opportunity. These grant funds will greatly help them expand Calkins Creamery and increase their business impact.”