ADFC Taps T.C. Jacoby & Co. to Secure Future for Dairy Farmers

STATESVILLE, NC – January 09, 2026 – The Appalachian Dairy Farmers Cooperative (ADFC) has announced a significant strategic transition, naming T.C. Jacoby & Co. as its new management and marketing partner, effective January 1, 2027. This move, which includes a comprehensive rebranding effort, is designed to fortify the cooperative’s position and ensure long-term stability for its farmer members across five Southeastern states.

Piedmont Milk Sales, LLC, the cooperative's current management entity, will continue its duties throughout 2026, working closely with Jacoby to facilitate a seamless handover. The decision represents a proactive step by the cooperative's leadership to navigate the complexities of an evolving dairy industry.

Navigating a Shifting Landscape

The transition comes at a critical time for the dairy industry, particularly in the Southeastern United States. For decades, the region has witnessed a steady decline in the number of dairy farms, a trend that has accelerated in recent years. Farmers grapple with a confluence of challenges, including tight profit margins, rising input costs for feed and fuel, and significant milk price volatility. This economic pressure is compounded by increasing urbanization, which puts agricultural land at a premium, and a wave of consolidation that has seen processing plants close, potentially limiting market access for independent producers.

ADFC was born from these very pressures. Formed in 2018, the cooperative provided a lifeline for independent dairy farmers who faced contract terminations from large processors and needed to organize to maintain their milk markets. The cooperative’s structure was intentionally designed to preserve farmer independence while providing the collective bargaining power necessary to survive. This new partnership with Jacoby is the next chapter in that story of adaptation.

“This cooperative has always been built around one core principle, the farmer is at the heart of everything we do,” said Mike Jackson, President of Piedmont Milk Sales, LLC. “This transition represents a strong opportunity for ADFC farmers because it ensures continuity, stability, and experienced leadership well into the future while allowing the cooperative to continue adapting to a changing dairy marketplace.”

A Strategic Partnership for Stability

The choice of T.C. Jacoby & Co. is a deliberate move to bring in deep-seated industry expertise. A third-generation, family-owned business founded in 1949, Jacoby is celebrating 75 years of operation and is recognized as one of North America's premier dairy product trading and services companies. Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, the firm has a long history of supporting farmer-owned organizations, providing comprehensive administrative, logistical, and marketing services since its inception.

Jacoby’s expertise spans the full spectrum of the dairy economy, from the physical trading of commodities like fluid milk, cream, and cheese to sophisticated risk management services leveraging deep knowledge of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) and Federal Milk Marketing Orders (FMMO). This proficiency will be crucial for ADFC members as they navigate future market fluctuations and regulatory changes, including the anticipated FMMO reform in 2025, which is expected to impact farm-level milk prices in the Southeast.

“We are honored to have the opportunity to work with Appalachian Dairy Farmers Cooperative and its members,” said Gus Jacoby, President of Fluid Group Operations at T.C. Jacoby & Co. “Jacoby has a long history of supporting farmer owned organizations, and we look forward to building on the strong foundation established by ADFC and Piedmont. Our goal is to provide consistent, reliable marketing and management services that help farmers succeed today and remain competitive for years to come.”

Leadership, Legacy, and Continuity

A key component of the transition plan is the emphasis on continuity. The year-long handover period throughout 2026 is designed to prevent any disruption to operations. Crucially, Mike Jackson, the long-serving President of Piedmont Milk Sales, will continue his work with ADFC by joining the Jacoby team to assist with management and marketing services. Jackson and Piedmont have been marketing milk for these farmers since 1991, long before the cooperative officially formed, making his continued involvement a vital bridge between the past and future.

This arrangement ensures that the deep relationships and institutional knowledge built over three decades will not be lost. It signals to members and customers that the core values and farmer-centric focus of the cooperative will be preserved. ADFC's Board of Directors voiced strong support for this element of the plan.

“We are proud of Mike Jackson and his team’s work and how they’ve served dairy farmers,” said Maxie Aker, President of the ADFC Board of Directors. “This transition will ensure strong leadership with the same values we’ve appreciated over the years.”

This focus on a smooth transfer of leadership and expertise underscores the collaborative nature of the agreement, which was jointly developed by all three parties—ADFC, Piedmont, and Jacoby. For customers who rely on ADFC for a steady supply of raw milk, the message is one of unwavering reliability.

As part of its forward-looking strategy, ADFC also plans to unveil a new brand identity, including a new logo. This rebranding is more than cosmetic; it is intended to reflect the cooperative’s continued evolution and its commitment to long-term service, growth, and the enduring success of its dairy farmer members. Additional details about the new brand are expected to be released as the transition progresses into 2027.