My view

The end of a very successful era

By ARDEN TEWSBURY
Posted 1/12/22

The closing of one of the most successful dairy operations on the East Coast will leave approximately 150 dairy farmers scrambling for a new market for their milk. Historic Readington Farms of …

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My view

The end of a very successful era

Posted

The closing of one of the most successful dairy operations on the East Coast will leave approximately 150 dairy farmers scrambling for a new market for their milk. Historic Readington Farms of Whitehouse, NJ, has announced they will be closing their operations in all probability by the end of March.

However, at least two dairy farmer cooperatives are interested in possibly all of Readington dairy farmers’ milk. Attempts are being made by the Maryland &Virginia dairy cooperative to take all of Readington’s milk. Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) also has exhibited interest in the milk supply.

I would strongly advise any dairy farmer to find out what the total cost will be before signing a contract with any dairy co-op. Will there be a premium paid? Will there be a marketing cost deduction?  

I have obtained the total cost of shipping to the Maryland/Virginia co-op from central Pennsylvania.  

As Readington Farms closes its operation, I am sure all of its dairy producers will sorely miss not shipping milk to them.  While their departure at this time of the year is very disturbing, we have to thank them and their predecessor Durling Farms for their consideration of all their dairy farmers since the 1930s, as I remember.

A special thanks must go to Durling Farms for starting their operations way back in 1888, before their transition to Readington Farms. Durling Farms even had a receiving station in Meshoppen, PA. The old-timers will never forget Papa Durling..

Arden Tewksbury is the manager of Pro-Ag in Meshoppen, PA. Pro-Ag can be reached at 570/833-5776.

Readington Farms, dairy operations, milk market, dairy farmer cooperatives, dairy farmers, Durling Farms

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