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Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) has announced plans to idle its plant in St. Albans, Vermont, and close the adjoining St. Albans Creamery & Supply store, affecting around 80 employees.

The closure is set to take effect on 17 August 2026. In a statement, DFA said it had made the “difficult decision” to idle the plant and close the store, adding that the move was “not a reflection” of employee performance.

The cooperative said it was “grateful to this team for their hard work and dedication” and would provide resources and additional support services to those impacted.

The plant and store have been part of the St. Albans community for generations. DFA said it recognised the “deep local connections” to the operations and acknowledged that the news would be difficult for employees, their families and the wider Vermont community.

Milk currently received at the St. Albans facility will continue to be processed within DFA’s wider network. The cooperative said this would ensure regional dairy farmers continue to have a market for their milk and that customers would continue to be served without disruption.

Local farmers will also continue to have access to products and services previously provided by St. Albans Creamery & Supply through DFA’s direct-ship model.

DFA said the decision “was not made lightly” and reflected broader operational and network changes needed to better serve its farmer-owners and customers. The cooperative added that it would continue to support Vermont through Northeast Logistics and its farmer-owners.