Minnesota Dairy Farmers get Vocal About Confronting Corporations

(Adobe Stock via Minnesota News Connection)

(By Mike Moen. Minnesota News Connection) – Do you know which farm the milk in your fridge came from? Smaller dairy farms in Minnesota said they are increasingly worried it is not from their cows but rather, factory farms.

They are ratcheting up organizing efforts to ensure rural economies get a fair shake. Dairy farms have long been at the heart and soul of Minnesota’s agricultural sector but data show corporate consolidation has helped lead to a dramatic shrinking of independent producers of milk, cheese and other dairy products.

Keith Ellison, Minnesota’s Attorney General, said his office is interested in making use of antitrust laws to prevent small farms from selling off their land. “Dairy farmers that are small are innovative, they’re efficient, but they just sort of have the deck stacked against them,” Ellison contended.

Ellison argued establishing market fairness overlaps with other needs of rural residents, including health care and high-speed internet access. Dairy consolidation woes are likely to be raised during an Aug. 24 town hall in Paynesville, featuring Ellison and hosted by the Land Stewardship Project. Industry giants believe mergers help farmers reach new global markets amid weaker U.S. demand in recent decades.