Kleinpeter helps Smith Creamery get back in business

Kleinpeter Farms Dairy has reached a deal with Smith Creamery to help the Washington Parish dairy recover from a devastating explosion. Kleinpeter plans to package and distribute Smith Creamery milk, half-and-half and cream. Smith Creamery milk should start returning to store shelves Tuesday. The Kleinpeter distribution will allow Smith Creamery to go into every Rouses supermarket in south Louisiana; before the blast it was only available in 12 of the 34 stores. Warren Smith, founder of Smith Creamery, says the agreement gives his dairy a new lease on life. Smith says he wasn’t sure if or how he would reopen the dairy that was heavily damaged June 22. Authorities believe a leaking propane tank triggered the blast. “We were still in shock about the accident when Jeff (Kleinpeter) called us,” Smith says. “He has encouraged us to rebuild, but we needed to get our milk back in the hands of customers. Kleinpeter’s helping hand will give us the time we need to explore options for rebuilding.” Jeff Kleinpeter, president of the dairy, says he wanted to support a fellow family business. “I’m not here to make money off of them. I wanted to give them hope, for rebuilding, for supporting our Louisiana dairy industry, which revolves around family dairy farms,” Kleinpeter says.—Tim Boone