Ok, dairymen and good citizens of the northwest. I was approached last night by a successful Food business owner in Portland lasy night. He asked me if I knew of any smaller or local dairy men that wanted to do a direct trade with a business like his.
(his needs: His business is growing and currently consumes about 165 gallons of milk and half and half per week) retail cost to him of about 700.00 dollars.
This seems like a small dairy could make it with several clients of his size? But the ins and out's of the dairy business are complex ...... Government subsidies, pasteurization and processing, alread in place farmer organized and operated cooperatives.
If anybody has any ideas I would love to hear them... ....David Packham?
-Patrick
Here's a link to some of the ordinances: http://www.oregon.gov/ODA/fsd/Pages/program_dairy.aspx
ReplyDeleteSince he's looking to resell the milk, it becomes a lot more complicated (in my opinion) than if he were looking to buy it for his own use. Small pasteurizers can be purchased or built at a relatively reasonable cost. Some dairies have one for processing milk for their calves. However, a commercial processor will also screen the milk for antibiotic residue (contrary to popular belief, the milk in the store is rigorously screened), somatic cells and contamination, as well as performing homogenation not to mention the packaging. If he wants to do this, I would suggest he deal with the ODA to be sure what needs to be in place for him to be in compliance and not risk his business.