Local Dairy Companies Fear Walmart Is Taking Their Milk Off The Shelf

After the fall the of milk prices there is now another possible blow to farmers and local dairy companies.

WJAC TV has learned local milk is being pulled from the shelves at Walmart.

Walmart hasn't admitted to taking local brands including Galliker or Ritchey’s milk off the shelf Walmart officials only stated they're carrying the right merchandise at the right price. Local farmers and companies said they're not buying it.

The local dairy issue started with an anonymous letter someone wrote WJAC pleading for help against retail giant Walmart. The letter states Walmart dropped dairy products at Walmart stores in particular East Freedom dropped Galliker milk, and Altoona and Huntingdon dropped Ritcheys milk.

Walmart said "I'm not able to comment specifically on relationships with our suppliers."

Walmart representatives said it's their merchandising strategy, emphasizing the right product for the right customer.

Somerset County Farmer Harold Shaulis said, “Walmart espouses supporting the local community but by failing to buy milk locally or using our local processors whoever they might be. They are affecting local economy.”

In Walmart's statement they repeatedly mentioned having the lowest prices, and said, "We know our customers need our unbeatable prices more now than they ever had."

Shaulis said, “If Walmart is buying from Dean's they have a minimum wholesale price that they have to sell to Walmart. If they're buying it cheaper somewhere else if they have out of state milk they don't have to pay premiums set by the marketing board then someone besides the farmer is making money.”

Galliker, Ritchey’s and Dean Foods wouldn’t comment on the issue. Shaulis encourages buying local product to help the local economy.