QUESTIONS
What exactly is a dairy cooperative? What’s the difference between whole and 2% milk? Where does all the milk go? Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc., welcomes these questions and many others. Learn more about our cooperative of over 200 family farms. If you still have unanswered questions, we’d love to hear from you!
Who owns Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc.?
UNC is owned by over 200 dairy farming families. Our farmers’ high-quality milk supply allows us to produce fresh, delicious, award-winning products.
When was the cooperative founded?
In the late 1930s, a series of mergers of local area farms in smaller cooperatives began to occur, expanding over the years to eventually result in the formation of Upstate Niagara Cooperative in 2006.
What products does UNC manufacture?
We market a wide variety of dairy products including milk, flavored milk, yogurt, refrigerated dip, sour cream, cottage cheese, Italian cheeses, and ice cream mix.
Where/how far are UNC dairy products distributed?
All of our products are distributed throughout New York and Pennsylvania. Upstate Farms® Yogurt is distributed nationally and can be found in all 50 United States.
Does UNC provide dairy products for private labeling and/or have co-packing capabilities?
Yes. Even if you don’t see the Upstate Farms® logo, many of your favorite retailer brands are using our cooperative’s dairy products. We also offer co-packing programs for companies looking to partner and tap into our manufacturing and packaging capabilities.
How do you ensure freshness for your dairy products?
Our wide network of distribution means that once milk leaves the farm, it can show up on store shelves in 2-3 days. What’s more, our Upstate Farms® Yogurt has the longest lasting shelf life in the country.
Are your products gluten-free?
Yes. All dairy products are naturally gluten-free.
Is your milk supply rBST-free?
Yes. Our entire milk supply is rBST-free.
How committed is UNC to cow care, herd health, and animal well-being?
Our farms are more committed to cow care now than ever. We are members of several trade councils that work toward improving animal care, including the NMPF Animal Health & Well-Being Committee, Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM), and the New York State Cattle Health Assurance Program (NYSCHAP).
What about the safety of those working in UNC dairy plants?
Employee safety has been, and will always be, one of our top priorities at Upstate Niagara.
Do you offer organic products?
We do. Our cooperative’s organic fluid and cultured products are made from the milk supply of our own USDA-certified organic farmer-owners. On organic dairy farms, the cows eat only grass and certified-organic feed, so consumers who wish to avoid GMOs can choose certified-organic dairy foods.
