A longtime Wisconsin cheese-making facility is set to close later this year, ending decades of production and putting dozens of workers out of jobs. The shutdown comes as the dairy industry continues to face changes in consumer demand, production capacity, and market conditions.
Cheese plant scheduled to close
Foremost Farms USA announced August 26 that it planned to close its cheese manufacturing facility in Marshfield, Wisconsin, in December 2026. The facility produces 40-pound blocks of cheese and has been part of the company’s manufacturing operations for decades.
The closure is expected to affect 68 employees working at the Marshfield facility. Foremost Farms said it made the decision after evaluating its manufacturing network and the changing conditions affecting the U.S. cheese market.
According to the cooperative, the country has experienced significant growth in cheese production capacity in recent years. At the same time, changing consumer demand has created additional challenges for cheese manufacturers.
The company said the Marshfield facility’s production will continue through the end of the year, with the closure expected to be completed in December.
Dairy industry faces changing market
Foremost Farms is a farmer-owned dairy cooperative based in Baraboo, Wisconsin. It collects milk from member farms and processes it into a variety of dairy products, including cheese, butter, and milk powders.
The Marshfield announcement comes as dairy companies across the country continue to adjust their operations amid shifting market conditions. Cheese production has expanded significantly in the United States, increasing competition among manufacturers and putting pressure on some facilities.
For employees at the Marshfield plant, the closure will mean the loss of jobs at a facility that has provided employment in the community for years. Foremost Farms said it plans to work with affected employees during the transition.
The company also emphasized that the decision was not a reflection of the workers at the facility, but rather part of an effort to adjust its manufacturing footprint to current market conditions.
The Marshfield plant is expected to remain in operation until December, giving employees and the local community several months to prepare for the closure.
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