Organic Valley is expanding milk routes in Aroostook County and will be holding a series of opportunity meetings for farmers in the region who want to learn more about the cooperative.
“Organic Valley has been picking up milk from two farms in Aroostook County, Maine, since July 2014. Several other dairy farms have committed to joining the cooperative,” said Steve Getz, Organic Valley’s regional dairy pool manager.
“These ongoing opportunity meetings represent the cooperative’s continued commitment to providing a stable milk market to current milk producers and new farmers in the County,” Getz added.
Local meetings are planned as follows:
• Tuesday, Feb. 3, from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Stephen Petre/Old Crane Farm, 238 Lincoln Rd., Hodgdon.
• Wednesday, Feb. 4, from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Aroostook Country Agricultural Center, 744 Main St., Presque Isle.
• Thursday, Feb. 5, from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Johnny Willigar Farm, 220 Siberia Ave., Stacyville.
Demand for organic products continues to grow, and these meetings are designed for prospects who would like to learn more about this rapidly growing industry and the advantages of joining a farmer-owned cooperative. Getz and ruminant nutritionist Dr. Silvia Abel-Caines will be available at the meetings to answer questions.
Organic Valley has offered a stable pay price to its members for over 26 years. The New England 2015 pay price is $36.348/cwt., and transition assistance is also available. Along with opportunities for sustained financial growth, Organic Valley has numerous ways to support member-owners in every aspect of farming. Veterinary and agronomic assistance, feed and forage sourcing, educational workshops and other resources are available to all members.
For further information, transportation assistance or questions, call Organic Valley’s Farmer Hotline at (888) 809-9297.
