Hastings Creamery Closes, Leaving Some Dairy Farmers Without a Place to Process Milk

A dairy creamery in Hastings, Minn., that’s operated for more than a century has closed.

Hastings Creamery was founded in 1913 as a butter manufacturer and began bottling milk in 1920. According to its website, it’s owned by a group of local farmers focused on sustainable farming methods. The creamery also operated a dairy store in Hastings.

A person who answered the phone at the creamery on Tuesday confirmed that it’s closed, but did not disclose why.

In June, the Metropolitan Council cut off sewer service to the creamery after it leaked thousands of gallons of milk and cream into the city of Hastings’ sewer system, resulting in several permit violations.

In a statement, the Met Council said it spent several months working with the creamery, the city of Hastings and the state departments of labor and industry and agriculture to find a solution that supports local milk producers while protecting the community’s water supply.

“The Hastings Creamery is an important asset to the region, and we are committed to partnering on any future resolutions that supports the Creamery and the safety of the Hastings community,” the statement read.

Thom Petersen, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, called the news “disappointing, but not totally unexpected.” He said the aging creamery faced a number of challenges, including the wastewater problems and a tough dairy market.

Source: mprnews.org

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