The new dairy plant will assist in extending the Ogden, Utah, company’s distribution capabilities into Utah, Nevada, New Mexico, California, and Arizona.

“In November of 2002, Meadow Gold Dairies launched an integrated brand recognition campaign comprising bulletins on major freeways … radio spots, plus a strong grassroots community program,” said Susan Meadows, v.p. of marketing. “We want to make sure that the Meadow Gold brand is top of mind with our Las Vegas customers.”

Construction on the new plant started in February and will take about 16 months to complete. Meadow Gold is part of the Dean Dairy Group, a division of Dean Foods, Dallas. There are more than a dozen Meadow Gold processing plants in the western U.S. and Hawaii.

Tillamook County Creamery Assn. recently presented its 2002 Producer of the Year quality award to Spring Valley Farms. After an absence from dairy farming, Fib and Rita Johnston returned to Tillamook in 1971 and have maintained the farm at 240 acres with a mixed herd of 80 Jerseys, Holsteins and Brown Swiss cows. Completing the family operation are their son Devin, his wife, Elena, and their four children Ruth, Isaac, Louisa and Sam.