Foremost Farms USA to close Wisconsin cheese plant and end 40lb block production

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Foremost Farms USA plans to close its Marshfield, Wisconsin, cheese manufacturing facility and discontinue production of 40-lb block cheese, citing changing dairy market dynamics and increased US cheesemaking capacity.

The dairy cooperative said production at the site is expected to continue during the transition period, with operations scheduled to conclude in December.

The decision follows a review of the cooperative’s product portfolio and wider market conditions, including growth in US cheese production capacity and shifts in consumer demand.

Foremost Farms said the move forms part of a strategic realignment intended to focus resources on areas it believes offer greater potential for long-term growth and value for its farmer members, customers and the wider cooperative.

Brenda Dehart, president and CEO of Foremost Farms USA, said: “This is not a reflection on our employees in Marshfield. The Marshfield team has consistently demonstrated dedication, professionalism and excellence.”

Dehart said the decision had been “incredibly difficult” and was driven by changing market conditions and the cooperative’s longer-term requirements.

The planned closure will affect 68 employees, who were informed of the decision on 24 August.

Foremost Farms said it will provide affected workers with access to training, human resources support and other resources during the transition. Employees will also have the opportunity to apply for positions at other Foremost Farms facilities.

The Marshfield plant dates back to the 1950s and has a long history of cheese production.

The closure comes against a backdrop of continued expansion in US cheese production, with processors facing changing demand patterns and the need to balance manufacturing capacity with market requirements.

Foremost Farms said it remains focused on serving customers and maximising value for its dairy farmer members as it adapts to developments across the dairy industry.

The cooperative represents hundreds of dairy farmer members across Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin. It describes itself as one of the largest dairy cooperatives in the US and a major food manufacturing business.