First District Association

About the Company

First District Association (FDA) is a leading dairy cooperative based in Litchfield, Minnesota, USA. Established in 1921, the company has been a key player in the dairy processing and manufacturing industry, supplying high-quality cheese, whey protein concentrates, and lactose products to both domestic and international markets. With a farmer-owned cooperative model, First District Association works with over 650 dairy producers across Minnesota and neighboring states to ensure a sustainable and high-quality milk supply.

Core Business and Specialization

The cooperative specializes in cheese production, whey protein extraction, and lactose processing, utilizing state-of-the-art facilities to produce nutrient-rich dairy ingredients for a variety of applications in the food, nutrition, and health industries.

Key Areas of Specialization:

• Cheese Manufacturing – Producing high-quality natural cheese for retail and foodservice applications.
• Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC) Production – Supplying WPC 34% and WPC 80%, widely used in sports nutrition and food manufacturing.
• Lactose Processing – Producing food-grade lactose for infant formula and pharmaceutical applications.

Product Offerings

Cheese Products:

• White Cheddar
• Colored Cheddar
• Monterey Jack

Whey and Dairy Ingredients:

• Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC 34%)
• Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC 80%)
• Food-Grade Lactose

Private Label and Bulk Supply:

• Custom cheese solutions for industrial applications.
• Bulk dairy ingredient supply to food manufacturers.

Certifications and Compliance

First District Association operates under stringent quality and food safety standards, ensuring compliance with international regulations:

• USDA and FDA Approved
• SQF (Safe Quality Food) Certified
• HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) Compliance
• Kosher and Halal Certified
• Sustainable Dairy Practices Certification

Market Presence and Global Reach

First District Association supplies its products to national and global markets, partnering with food manufacturers, dairy processors, and nutrition companies. Key markets include:

• United States
• Europe
• Asia
• Latin America

The company's Fieldgate Cheese brand is widely recognized for its consistent quality and flavor, making it a preferred choice for restaurants, foodservice providers, and retail chains.

Financial and Business Performance

As a farmer-owned cooperative, First District Association handles over 5.5 million pounds of milk per day, making it one of the largest dairy processing plants in the Midwest. The company’s strategic investments in advanced dairy processing technology have resulted in consistent revenue growth and increased production capacity.

The global whey protein market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.2% (2023-2028), driven by rising demand for protein-based nutrition. First District Association is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend through expanded production and enhanced processing capabilities.

Sustainability and Environmental Commitment

The cooperative is committed to sustainable dairy farming and environmentally responsible manufacturing, with initiatives focused on:

• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and optimizing energy efficiency.
• Water conservation and waste management in dairy processing.
• Promoting sustainable farming practices among cooperative members.

Customer Testimonials

Food manufacturers and distributors consistently praise First District Association for:

• Reliable supply and consistency in product quality.
• Excellent customer service and partnership in custom dairy formulations.
• Sustainably sourced milk from local dairy farms.

Major Achievements

• Expansion of milk processing capacity, making it one of the largest dairy cooperatives in the Midwest.
• Recognition for sustainable dairy farming initiatives.
• Strong global partnerships with leading food and beverage manufacturers.

Conclusion

First District Association continues to be a trusted leader in dairy processing, providing high-quality cheese, whey proteins, and lactose products for foodservice, retail, and industrial applications worldwide. With a strong cooperative model, commitment to sustainability, and cutting-edge dairy technology, the company remains a driving force in the U.S. and global dairy industries.