7/1/2010 - Longmont May be the Dairy Empire of Colorado

Longmont may be the dairy empire of Colorado>. Naturally it has been the home of Longmont Dairy for nearly a half century. They own a farm, process the milk and deliver it fresh right to your door, in old fashioned returnable glass bottles no less. Their distribution goes all the way to Parker.

But over the years Longmont has also attracted others as well. In 1991, Horizon, the first national organic milk product was started in Longmont, and perhaps one of he largest organic milk processers in the country reaching coast to coast from its inland mountain home.

Several years ago Denver dairy, Royal Crest moved its processing plant from Denver to Longmont, joining the dairy group. They started in Denver in 1927 and still deliver milk in their old home town.

But cows are not the only animal providing milk that is bottled in Longmont. The Billy Goat Dairy recently got national attention too; but not the kind that is positive. They serve that edgy community that believes raw milk is good for you. Unfortunately, 16 people including children became ill from probable bacterial contamination of goats’ milk, some requiring hospitalization. Raw milk of course can dangerous, Boulder County officials shut down the Billy Goat Dairy following the event, pending an investigation.

Large established dairies pasteurize milk to protect the public and provide protection against bacteria that can be transmitted due to sanitation breaches. State and local regulators carefully inspect the sanitation of dairies, including the Billy Goat Dairy. The Billy Goat Dairy, operates a goat share program allowing customers to buy a share of a goat and in return for the goat’s raw, unpasteurized milk.  

Longmont will still be the Colorado Dairy Empire, unfortunately tarnished by a Goat Farm. But you can be sure that all the cow dairies in Longmont pasteurize their milk and provide wholesome products.

Ron Burgess

Burgess Management Consulting