The retail price for a pound of butter is $2.53, a drop of 51 cents from two weeks ago. Shredded cheese, ice cream, regular and Greek yogurt prices rise.

Shamrock Farms, Phoenix, said in March it is building a $50 million state-of-the-art dairy manufacturing facility in August County, Virginia.

Hiland Dairy Foods Co., Umpqua Dairy Products Co., and Galliker Dairy Co. took the top Quality Chekd honors in dairy excellence, plant performance and marketing, respectively, at the 2013 QCS Leadership Conference last month in New Orleans. 

Dean Foods Company (NYSE: DF) today announced strong first quarter 2013 results. The Company reported first quarter 2013 diluted earnings per share of $2.63, compared to first quarter 2012 earnings per share of $0.20. These financial results reflect the January 2013 sale of the Company's Morningstar business, the gain of which is the primary driver of the diluted earnings of $2.63 per share and is reflected in discontinued operations, as well as the Company's majority ownership interest in its consolidated subsidiary, The WhiteWave Foods Company

More than 30 dairy foods manufacturers – including some of the largest food companies in the United States – have sent letters over the past week to members of the House and Senate, including key agriculture committee members, calling on them to oppose government-imposed limits on milk supply. 

The American Dairy Products Institute honored Phillip S. Tong with an Award of Merit.  "ADPI members widely acknowledged Phil's numerous contributions to the processed dairy products industry throughout his distinguished career," said ADPI's CEO, David Thomas. "ADPI is pleased to recognize his service to the industry with this award."

"We're off to a solid start," said Tony Vernon, CEO of Kraft.  "Our first quarter results reflect strong returns on our new product innovations to date, as well as the fact that our cost savings outpaced our plans to reinvest in our brands."

All Star Association honors Kwik Trip as the member of the year and BGC Manufacturing as the most improved plant of the year.