Dairy Farmers of America reported today its net income increased more than 100% in 2012 — $83 million for 2012, compared to $40 million for 2011 — but after non-recurring items, DFA reported a net loss of $133 million for the year. 

Land O'Lakes Inc. reported 2012 sales of $14.1 billion (up 10.2% from 2011) and net earnings of $241 million (up 31%). Both are records. Additionally, three of the business segments achieved record sales, and the Crop Inputs segment had record earnings in addition to record sales.

The merger of Family Dairies USA, Manitowoc Milk Producers Cooperative and Milwaukee Cooperative Milk Producers creates the largest dairy marketing cooperative in the Midwest. The combined cooperative will be known as FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative. 

Effective today, the Alliance of Western Milk Producers, a coalition of California dairy processing cooperatives representing 60% of California’s milk, will cease to function. 

Agri-Mark will receive the New York Dairy of Distinction 2012 'Business of Distinction' award at a special ceremony on Aug. 27 at the New York State Fair in Syracuse, NY.

"We're pleased to announce that Agri-Mark has been named our 2012 'Business of Distinction'," said Nancy Putman, Secretary of Dairy of Distinction's New York chapter. "Agri-Mark and its Cabot and McCadam dairy brands exemplify the very best in the dairy industry."
 

Associated Milk Producers Inc. achieved sales of $2 billion last year. The 2011 performance marks the fifth consecutive year of growth in both consumer-packaged butter and cheese. The cooperative’s butter business increased 22 percent and packaged cheese sales climbed 43 percent in five years.  

Land O'Lakes Inc. reported 2011 net sales of $12.8 billion, a record, up from $11.1 billion in 2010. The sales, up 15%, were the result of record revenues in the company Dairy Foods, Feed and Crop Inputs businesses.

The dairy co-op Associated Milk Producers Inc. installs 18 new cheese vats in two Wisconsin plants.