Dairy Farmers of America to close Monett plant

Kansas City-based national milk marketing cooperative Dairy Farmers of America Inc. plans to close its Monett milk processing plant in the second half of 2013.

The plant's 86 employees were informed of the plans March 6, said DFA spokeswoman Kristi Dale.

"The decision came as a result of continued financial losses due to a deficit milk market," she said via email.

According to the National Animal Agriculture Economic Analysis by the United Soybean Board, while national milk production grew 18 percent between 2001 and 2011, production in Missouri fell by more than 28 percent during that time.

Dale said DFA is working with the Monett employees to identify other employment opportunities, including with Schreiber Foods Inc., which she said has indicated it would take over the plant when DFA vacates it. A Schreiber official in Monett declined to comment.

Green Bay, Wis.-based Schreiber offers a line of dairy products including natural and processed cheese and cultured products. The company currently operates a facility adjacent to DFA's planet in Monett.

DFA also operates Springfield facilities including a plant and research and developer center.