Press release

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (Sept. 4, 2013) – Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) has acquired Dairy Maid Dairy. Located in Frederick, Md., Dairy Maid is a family-owned processor of milk, juice and fruit drinks.

Dairy Maid has been owned and operated by the Vona family since 1946 and is currently led by brothers, Jimmy and Jody. The Vonas will continue to manage the day-to-day operations.

[Editor's note: DFA is the third largest cooperative, after Land O'Lakes and Agropur, on the Dairy 100, Dairy Foods annual ranking of the largest dairy processors based in the United States and Canada. DFA, listed at No. 8, reported 2012 revenues of $2.544 billion. Dairy Maid Dairy's plant is number 008 on the Interstate Milk Shipplers list. It achieved an enforcement rating of 90 on the most current edition of the list. The plant is approved for raw milk, pasteurized milk, pasteurized half-and-half and cream, cultured products and egg nog.]

“The acquisition of Dairy Maid Dairy aligns with DFA’s strategy to increase its commercial footprint and expand ownership in the fluid and fresh dairy category,” said Rick Smith, DFA president and chief executive officer. “The Vonas have built a solid business and earned a reputation for quality products and superior service and is business our dairy farmer member owners can be proud of.”

Dairy Maid’s customers include major grocery chains, schools and governmental entities, such as prisons and military installations. Milk to the facility is supplied by a variety of sources including DFA, Maryland-Virginia, Lanco, Land O’Lakes, Cumberland Valley and Dairy Marketing Services.

Despite the change in ownership, there will be no disruption in operations. It is anticipated that Dairy Maid’s 110 employees will retain their positions and milk procurement will not be disrupted, ensuring quality products and service continue for Dairy Maid’s customers.

“We are pleased to be able to become part of the DFA family,” said Jimmy Vona. “DFA shares many of the same values that my family does. This transaction ensures the business we have built over the past four decades will continue to thrive in the future.”