Editorial

Waiting to exhale

Originally published in the "4-9-09" issue.

There’s no doubt this is a very important week for the future of the Humboldt Creamery. Banks will be making decisions in the next few weeks on whether or not to get involved with a dairy cooperative that is a far reach from what it was thought to be on paper.

While we don’t know the fine details of the business plan pitched to potential backers this week, we do sense the increasing frustration from cooperative members who are hanging on, despite all odds. We can’t imagine the pressure of having to constantly look forward instead of focusing on what happened, why it happened and the sense of betrayal they must all feel. While we all want answers, there is no time, when one is focused on surviving, to seek them.

We see the panic, we have heard the desperation from many of them. It’s ugly, people. And, it may get even uglier before they come up for air.

What we do know is that the creamery officials and the board members that we have interacted with, are giving it their all. They have to. Their livelihood and those that placed their trust in them, depends on it. Fatigue, however, is setting in, personal relationships are suffering, and the cows still need milking.

Humboldt Creamery has the attention of a national audience, which, for the most part, is rooting for you. It feels as if Ferndale is collectively holding its breath. We look forward to the day we can exhale.