KAUKAUNA, WI (Toledo News Now) - Milk Source LLC, based in Kaukauna, WI, has announced its purchase of three dairies near the Michigan-Ohio border. The farms, purchased from Rabo AgriFinance, are in Hillsdale and Lenawee counties.
"We have been working toward this purchase for more than a year," said Jim Ostrom, a partner in Milk Source. "During our due diligence of this purchase, we were impressed by the agricultural community in Michigan. The local growers and suppliers are among the very best in the country."
Ostrom, John Vosters and Todd Willer - all from multi-generational dairy farm families - are the three partners of Milk Source. The company has a nearly 20-year track record of environmental stewardship, as well as sustainable and financially sound dairy farming in Wisconsin and traces its roots back to a 30-cow dairy farm that was started in 1965 by the parents of one of the three partners.
The purchase in southeastern Michigan includes three dairy farms and approximately 2,250 acres of farmland. The total investment by Milk Source will be up to $90 million, according to Ostrom. The company expects to have up to 100 full-time employees with full benefits.
Milk Source intends to begin remodeling shortly to modernize the dairies.
"We will insure the sustainability of these farms through environmental integrity, financial responsibility and modern technology, such as sand recycling for the animal bedding and a solid manure separation system," explained Ostrom.
Representatives felt local and state officials were impressive with their knowledge and professionalism.
"Along each step of the way, we found that the government was rational, sensible and fair. This went a long way in convincing us to look at Michigan as a place to make a substantial investment," added Ostrom.
