Prairie Farms Buys Dairy In Mississippi

Carlinville, IL - Prairie Farms Dairy, Inc. has purchased LuVel Dairy Products, Inc., a family owned dairy in Kosciusko, Mississippi that has produced milk and ice cream for 88 years.

In announcing the acquisition, Ed Mullins, Executive Vice President and CEO of Prairie Farms, said both companies have a long history of producing high quality dairy products.

"The acquisition of LuVel Dairy allows our companies the ability to continue our growth in new markets," Mullins said in a statement.

Jimmie Briscoe, LuVel's President, said he and his brother, Richard, who is Vice President, will remain at the helm of the Kosciusko operation.

"This will be a good business deal for Kosciusko and the employees of LuVel," Briscoe said in a statement.

Briscoe said the LuVel name also will remain on products from the Kosciusko plant.

LuVel opened in July 10, 1919, as the Kosciusko Creamery. In 1930, the creamery's owner, Z.O. Graham, held a contest to give the company a new name. The name chosen was a combination of names from Graham's daughter, Lucinda, and his wife, Velma – LuVel.

In 1979, Jack Briscoe and other investors bought LuVel.

SOURCE: Prairie Farms Dairy, Inc. and LuVel Dairy Products, Inc