Alaska dairy preparing for production

Construction is already underway for a new Alaska, US dairy set to open next month, which many here hope will rescue the state’s dairy industry.

Since Matanuska Maid Dairy closed its doors in December, local farmers in the Valley area have had to dump nearly 60% of their milk on a weekly basis.
The new dairy should be finished within four months and nearly 90% of the needed equipment, including milk tanks, bottling equipment and even a cheese vat, has already arrived and is awaiting installation.
It will both manufacture dairy products and sell them retail. “If things go according to plan, we can look forward to seeing 100% Alaskan, fresh dairy products back on store shelves in the month of April,” says owner Kyle Beus.
Cheese production will start right away, according to Hodge, and bottled, fluid milk may be expected shortly thereafter. Ice cream production will follow.