Welcome to Hiland Dairy

Hiland Dairy began in Springfield, Missouri, in 1938 by two men, Mr. Putman and Mr. Carter, who used a gas-powered electric generator to facilitate the milking of a 50-cow herd. All sales at this time were conducted door-to-door to homes in the area. Hiland Dairy was one of about 40 such dairies that existed around Springfield in the late 1930s.

In 1948, Hiland moved to a single, two-story brick building on old Route 66. Mr. Putman worked hard for many years and developed the business until 1979, when he sold the operation to Prairie Farms Dairy, Inc. and Dairy Farmers of America, Incorporated. Hiland Dairy is now jointly owned by these two dairy farmer cooperatives.

Since the late 1970s, Hiland has competed against other much larger national dairies. Today, Hiland is the only locally operated dairy due in large part to its single-minded commitment to quality. Hiland’s stringent production standards exceed the toughest state and federal requirements which help ensure the highest quality dairy products available.

Currently, Hiland has eight manufacturing plants located in:

  • Chandler, Oklahoma
  • Fayetteville, Arkansas
  • Fort Smith, Arkansas
  • Kansas City, Missouri
  • Norfolk, Nebraska
  • Norman, Oklahoma
  • Wichita, Kansas
  • Springfield, Missouri (headquarters)

In addition to these plants, 25 distribution sites are located around a six-state area that includes:

  • Arkansas
  • Oklahoma
  • Missouri
  • Kansas
  • Colorado
  • Texas

Mission Statement

Hiland will continually strive to provide high quality products that our customers desire at a competitive price. This goal will be accomplished by the following:

Being better than we have to be Setting high standards in performance and quality control and meeting or exceeding those marks. Never settling for less than the very best we can offer.

Doing what is right. Treating our greatest asset, our people, with dignity and respect. Attracting and retaining high quality people by providing a competitive compensation package and continually training and upgrading the skills of our people.

Providing a reasonable return to our owners by keeping pace with the market in all areas of our business.