Dean Foods announcement that it's filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection could benefit dairy farmers in Door and Kewaunee counties.  The company's decision is based on low milk prices, the loss of some larger customers and a drop in consumer demand for fluid milk.  Dean Foods is also in negotiations for a possible sale to the Dairy Farmers of America cooperative, or DFA.  Greg Letter, the owner of Thunderstruck Holsteins of Brussels, says if DFA were to acquire Dean Foods that could work to the advantage of local dairy farms.

Dean Foods has reported losses in seven of the last eight quarters of operations.  If Dean and the Dairy Farmers Association do come to a sales agreement, it would still be subject to higher offers from other bidders.