Prairie Farms Dairy is a farmer-owned cooperative headquartered in Edwardsville, Illinois. Founded in 1938, it is owned and operated by over 500 farm families who supply raw milk for processing into consumer products. The company's operations span the Midwest and Mid-South regions, with annual sales exceeding $4.69 billion.
The cooperative produces a broad range of dairy and beverage products. Its dairy line includes milk, cheese, butter, ice cream, cottage cheese, sour cream, dips, and yogurt. It also manufactures juices, flavored beverages, and pre-made iced tea. The company has received awards for milk flavor innovations and cheese products.
As a cooperative, Prairie Farms is structured around its member farms rather than outside shareholders. The model prioritises the interests of its farm families, who both own the business and supply its raw materials. This structure has sustained the company for more than eight decades across the American heartland.
