摘要：This study of the history and development of Prairie Farms Dairy, Inc., sheds light on how and why the cooperative grew and its economic impact on members, employees, other cooperatives, and the area served. Local creameries, encouraged by l11inois Agricultural Association formed one of the Nation's larger milk bottling cooperatives. Success came largely from making judicious choices among alternatives. Growth was largely through acquisitions of small dairies unable to continue as successful firms. Key staff was retained and used with flexibility and local initiative. Employee loyalty was demanded, observed and rewarded. About half of its milk was purchased from other cooperatives. Members were paid competitive prices plus an attractive thirteenth check. By 1978, impact on the trade area had reached 2,300 jobs, $48 million in income and $433 million in output.
