Shullsburg, WI – Prairie Farms Dairy Inc. has announced plans to permanently end production operations at its Shullsburg creamery, resulting in the layoff of 97 employees, according to a WARN notice filed with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.
According to the WARN notice dated July 20, 2026, the company will close production operations at its facility located at 208 W. Water St. in Shullsburg. The layoffs are expected to begin Monday, July 20, with the remaining affected employees scheduled to be laid off by Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, depending on operational needs.
The company said the layoffs are permanent and will affect production employees at the facility. A limited number of workers—including certain maintenance staff, warehouse employees, packaging personnel, supervisors, and administrative positions—will remain temporarily to assist with winding down operations before their employment also ends.
Prairie Farms stated that the closure will not affect employees working at the retail cheese store, which was specifically excluded from the layoff notice.
The WARN filing also noted that employees at the Shullsburg creamery are not represented by a union, meaning bumping rights do not apply.
Federal and state WARN notices are intended to provide advance notice of significant layoffs or plant closures, allowing employees and local communities time to prepare for the employment impacts.
Prairie Farms did not announce plans for future use of the facility in the notice. Additional information about worker assistance programs is expected to be coordinated through the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.
