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DFA Idles St. Albans Plant, Cuts 80 Jobs

6/19/2026

32 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

DFA will idle the St. Albans plant on Aug. 17 and lay off 80 employees.
The closure joins a wave of shutdowns that have hit Franklin County and nearby New England dairy producers and ends a decades-long operation that supplied milk to Ben & Jerry’s and Cabot Creamery.
Union organizer Curtis Clough said the decision disappoints workers.
Members will meet with DFA and U.S. Senator Peter Welch in July to discuss accommodations.

History

Historical Context

In 2008 a nationwide milk price collapse drove farmgate revenue down 30% and forced Dean Foods to close three plants, cutting about 500 jobs and hurting brands like Ben & Jerry’s. California’s dairy herd had more than doubled since 1987, making the state the nation’s top milk producer, but the same volatility resurfaces as DFA idled its St. Albans plant on Aug 17 2024, laying off 80 workers.

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Story summary

DFA will idle the St. Albans plant on Aug. 17 and lay off 80 employees.
The closure joins a wave of shutdowns that have hit Franklin County and nearby New England dairy producers and ends a decades-long operation that supplied milk to Ben & Jerry’s and Cabot Creamery.
Union organizer Curtis Clough said the decision disappoints workers.
Members will meet with DFA and U.S. Senator Peter Welch in July to discuss accommodations.

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