HARRISBURG (Jan. 22, 2020) – The Canon Dairy Farm in Shenango Township, Mercer County, has been chosen to receive a $50,000 grant for new milk processing equipment, Sen. Michele Brooks announced today.
The grant will assist the dairy, a fifth-generation operation, in buying and installing pasteurization, bottling and cheese-making equipment, allowing for the bottling of raw, whole, chocolate and other flavored milks. The funding was approved through the Dairy Investment Program, which Sen. Brooks voted to create as part of the 2018-2019 budget.
It will also allow Canon Dairy farmers to produce their own butter and cheeses for sale. Augmented by this money, the formation of Canon Creamery, a new entity, is expected soon.
“Unfortunately, for a variety of reasons, consumer tastes have changed and supply currently exceeds demand, despite the incredible hard work, commitment and dedication of our farmers, and the outstanding quality of their product. These complex array of factors have led the dairy industry to fall on hard times, both locally and nationally,” Brooks said. “This grant will help our area and our milk and cheese producers to diversify and expand operations at a critical time in the life of the dairy industry.”
The funding was approved this morning by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA).
Contact: Diane McNaughton (717) 787-1322 dmmcnaughton@pasen.gov