Creamline-how to convince local dairy

[qdog1955]

  Living in Pennsylvania---the 5th largest milk producing state in the country----and you wouldn't believe how hard it can be to get cream line milk. The few places within reasonable distance that do sell it , want over $8.00 a gallon, same for raw milk.
  Now there is a local dairy that's been in business since 1960----when I spoke to the owners about cream-line, it turns out the wife has been trying to convince hubby to sell cream-line for sometime---she thinks there is a good market for it---and not just cheese makers---lot a people are just tired of over processed foods.  She says "We don't even have to increase the price, we're actually eliminating a step". Hubby is reluctant.
  The question is, how can I help convince Hubby to offer his customers a cream-line milk? These are wonderful, friendly people in a very competitive business, so I understand the concerns.
  Any suggestions? I'd love to here them.

Qdog

[John@PC]

I've seen "cream line" milk on the forum a lot but just figured it was a brand name.   Is it a brand or is it refer to non-homogenized milk?

[ArnaudForestier]

Non-homogenized.  We have a few folks around us that do that.  One vat pasteurizes, LTST. 

[John@PC]

Then I consider myself lucky to be able to purchase my "cream line" LTP milk for $4.75 . 

[ArnaudForestier]

Wow, that's a fantastic price, John.  Our creamline here is more expensive than raw milk, IIRC.  Branding, in the words of George Lucas.

[Spoons]

Then I consider myself lucky to be able to purchase my "cream line" LTP milk for $4.75 .

Oh shush...  It's $10.50 to $13.00 around here.  and needs to be special ordered.

  The question is, how can I help convince Hubby to offer his customers a cream-line milk? These are wonderful, friendly people in a very competitive business, so I understand the concerns.
  Any suggestions? I'd love to here them.

Qdog

An idea that will take years, lol: Start a "creamline movement". You gain enough steam and support and the bigger producers will start listening.

[John@PC]

Oh shush...  It's $10.50 to $13.00 around here.  and needs to be special ordered.

Ok here's a deal:  I'll send you the milk and you send me the cheese  .  I'll even pay shipping.
 

[DiggingDogFarm]

Interesting, I was a dairy farmer in Pennsylvania up until just a few years ago.
Befriend a local farmer, some will sell right out of the bulk tank...just be sure to run the agitator first!!!!!!!!
Ain't nobodies business but yours and his, or hers. 

$2.50 a gallon would be a fair price.

[Spoons]

Haha, John

This got me thinking though, I'm only 45 minutes from the border. Maybe I can find a supplier in northern NY State. Worth a look as I always make my cheeses with cream line milk anyways... yes, even at that price 

[qdog1955]

  Interesting side note----the wife did convince hubby to start making there own ice cream awhile back---and they can barely keep up with demand------this ice cream is like the old home cranked stuff we used to make as kids (without the arm fatigue) and it's not 80% air. Maybe hubby should take note of wife's good business sense.

Qdog

[scubachi]

Ain't nobodies business but yours and his, or hers. 

Agreed! I recently moved back to PA and have really ramped up my cheesemaking hobby. When I was out of state it was a luxury to make cheese, and hard to find quality milk. I love having access to good raw milk, and am fortunate to have a farmer with a good attitude.

There's a local goat dairy and creamery near me which I may approach about a discount and ask to pick-up off their bulk tank. Not sure if 10 or 20 gallons at a time would be worth their while. Currently you can get their raw milk in stores for around $7.50 a gallon.

-Steve

 

[awakephd]

Ain't nobodies business but yours and his, or hers. 

Unfortunately, some states make it their business -- at least if we're talking about raw milk. It is illegal to sell raw milk for human consumption in NC. Before asking a local farmer to accidentally spill some milk into a bucket, I'd encourage giving some thought to the fact that one is asking the farmer to run the risk of being shut down / fined out of existence. The farmer doesn't know if the person asking is actually an undercover inspector, and even if not, word WILL get out. I don't know of any farmers anywhere near me who are willing to run that risk!

[qdog1955]

  I agree, I would never ask anyone to break the law ----In Pa. it is legal to sell raw milk within the State---but requires a special license--and most Dairies don't want the extra attention from regulators----there is also a fear of unjustified law suits. But the cream line does not require a special license, since it is pasteurized.
Qdog