NASHVILLE –Weigel’s, one of East Tennessee’s largest milk processors, has committed to using milk produced exclusively in Tennessee.
“Wiegel’s has a history of being innovative with industry-leading decisions, and their choice to use only Tennessee-produced milk is a great example of that,” Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. said. “We are thankful that Weigel’s is choosing to support Tennessee agriculture. This commitment will truly impact and benefit the bottom line for dairy farmers.”
All of the milk processed by Weigel’s will feature the Tennessee Milk logo. The logo was created to help consumers identify milk that has been entirely produced, processed, and bottled in Tennessee. The branding is administered by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA).
“Milk has been an important part of our heritage for more than 85 years,” Weigel’s chairman Bill Weigel said. “This new logo represents the pride and dedication of our Tennessee farmers, and we are proud to announce that Weigel’s will process and distribute milk only from Tennessee dairy farms.”
With 67 locations throughout East Tennessee, Weigel’s sells more than 2.5 million gallons of Tennessee milk each year. The company was among the first in the region to distribute pasteurized milk.
“The Tennessee Dairy Products Association (TDPA) would like to congratulate Weigel’s on achieving the distinction of producing Dairy products under the Tennessee Milk Logo program,” TDPA representative Beth Farrow said. “The partnership with the TDA and Tennessee dairy farmers to produce milk and dairy products promoting the Tennessee dairy industry embodies the mission of the TDPA. The Tennessee Milk branding will further help consumers find and support local farmers here in Tennessee.”
The Middle Tennessee State University Creamery, Sunrise Dairy, Hatcher Family Dairy, and G & G Family Dairy are also using the Tennessee Milk logo.
The 110th General Assembly passed legislation enacting the Tennessee Milk logo. Sen. Frank Nicely and Rep. David Hawk sponsored the bill. TDA will continue working with processors to increase Tennessee Milk participation, giving consumers a broader opportunity to support local farmers.
Tennessee has 204 cow dairy farms and approximately 31,000 dairy cows, goats, and sheep. For more information about the Tennessee Milk logo, contact Dan Withers at Danny.Withers@tn.gov or 615-741-1750.
