Farm Bureau is standing-up for dairy farmers being targeted by predatory lawyers representing the estate of Dean Foods, which is currently undergoing bankruptcy proceedings. Many Tennessee dairy farmers and almost 500 dairy farmers across the country who once sold milk to Dean Foods received letters threatening legal action unless they refund money legitimately earned prior to the bankruptcy filing.
Farm Bureau sent a letter to the law firm managing the Dean Foods estate calling for an immediate reversal of their “predatory shakedown” and threatening potential legal action if the firm fails to withdraw the letters sent to farmers.
Many recipients of the Debtor letters are independent farmers already struggling through difficult economic times made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic. The letters put producers in an impossible position—either pay the amounts demanded or incur the cost of legal counsel to defend against the Debtor’s allegations
The letter from Farm Bureau outlines the legal legitimacy of the payments made to dairy farmers and admonishes the lawyers representing Dean Foods for knowingly taking advantage of farmers, saying, “Sending the Letters under these circumstances is not only deceptive, but outrageous because they threaten legal action when in fact the Producers have no legal exposure for the reasons set forth herein.”
Farm Bureau further calls upon those lawyers to retract their demands by notifying each farmer by separate letter within 10 business days; returning any funds already received; and by ceasing any litigation against farmers who did business with the company.
Read the full letter here.
Read the AFBF Press Release here.
Update on 12/10/20:
Farm Bureau is continuing to investigate the situation and is working to provide the best information to dairy producers. The Pennsylvania Milk Marketing Board (a government agency) has provided information and a response form for dairy farmers and milk haulers. TFBF is not providing legal advice but is aiming to provide information to those impacted. TFBF encourages those impacted to seek legal counsel.
Below are links from the Pennsylvania Milk Marketing Board.
Avoidance Claim Declarations Explanation.pdf
Farmer Declaration.pdf
Hauler Declaration.pdf
