CLIMAX, Ga. (WTXL) — Providence Dairy farm owners have had to dump more than 50,000 gallons of milk due to various closures stemming from the spread of coronavirus.
"So with the dairy industry, approximately 60 percent of all dairy products are consumed from the food service market, to restaurants, stadiums, catering, weddings," said Matt Johnson, Providence dairy farm owner. "With all of the stay at home orders in most states now, those industries have all but shut down."
With those buyers out of commission, Johnson says his back is against a wall.
"it's not like I have enough storage space," said Johnson. "I have about one days worth of storage space, so when my tanks get full the milk either has to ship or it goes down the drain."
They're not alone. According to the most recent report from the USDA, Florida production is mostly at its peak. Supply outweighs demand in many parts of the country, and milk managers have described business as chaotic.
Johnson says he's confident the sales climate will shift soon, but that it will need help from local stores that are currently limiting sales.
"If the grocery stores can remove the signs, let people buy all they want and try to manage their inventory so that they don't run out, we can produce it," Johnson said.
According to the USDA, the average price of milk today is $1.99. Their weekly reports are available here.
