A monumental achievement for Nebraska's dairy industry was recently marked by the groundbreaking ceremony for the DARI Processing LLC's new state-of-the-art facility in Seward. This cutting-edge plant, representing a substantial $165 million investment, is poised to revolutionize milk processing in the state. Set to commence operations in early 2027, the facility is designed to process an impressive 1.8 million pounds of milk daily, creating approximately 75 new employment opportunities. The enterprise is the brainchild of a dedicated team of fourth-generation dairy farmers from Nebraska, and will be responsible for producing Moo’V Real Milk, an ultra-filtered, high-protein, low-sugar, lactose-free milk product already available in over 180 Hy-Vee grocery stores and numerous convenience stores across the Upper Midwest.
This development signifies the culmination of a decades-long endeavor by Nebraska's dairy producers to secure in-state processing capabilities, which has historically been a significant impediment to herd expansion. The Nebraska State Dairy Association, alongside various state and local dairy leaders and industry partners, celebrated this pivotal moment, acknowledging its potential to reverse the trend of declining dairy farms and cow populations observed over the past decade. With much of Nebraska’s milk currently transported out of state for processing, this new facility is anticipated to foster substantial economic growth, with studies estimating a $140 million economic impact, translating to approximately $12,000 for every new dairy cow introduced in the state. The Tuls family, founders of DARI Processing, bring a rich heritage of dairying to this venture, with founder Todd Tuls having started his journey bottle-feeding calves in California and later establishing Double Dutch Dairy in Nebraska with his son, TJ, who now serves as co-owner and CEO of DARI Processing.
The "Grow Nebraska Dairy" initiative, an ongoing effort for over two decades, has been instrumental in attracting new processing and expanding the state's dairy herd. This initiative, spearheaded by the Nebraska State Dairy Association and supported by various state agencies like the Nebraska Department of Agriculture and the Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska (AFAN), has diligently worked towards farmer and processor recruitment. The DARI Processing plant represents the first new "green field" milk plant constructed in Nebraska since the 1960s, a testament to years of persistence and passionate effort. Initially, the plant will utilize milk from the Tuls family’s own dairies, with plans to incorporate milk from other producers as operations stabilize. This strategic move, leveraging Nebraska's abundant irrigated acres and water resources, along with the demand for manure by crop producers, positions the state as a burgeoning dairy frontier, offering an attractive environment for dairy farmers looking to expand or relocate their operations. The collaborative spirit and long-term vision behind this project highlight a positive outlook for the future of agriculture in Nebraska, fostering a robust and sustainable dairy sector.
This landmark achievement underscores the power of perseverance, visionary leadership, and collaborative efforts within an industry. It serves as an inspiring example of how a community, through strategic planning and dedication, can overcome long-standing challenges to unlock new opportunities and foster prosperity. The opening of DARI Processing is not merely an economic boon; it embodies the spirit of growth and innovation, reinforcing the idea that with concerted action and belief in a shared future, significant positive transformation is always within reach, benefiting not only an industry but also the livelihoods and well-being of countless individuals.
