Dean Foods and Dairy Farmers of America agreed to new bid procedures as one of the nation's largest largest food and beverage companies tries to emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Dean Foods Co. has reached an agreement to sell much of its business operations to Dairy Farmers of America for $425 million, pending approval by a federal bankruptcy court and the Justice Department.

Though a grocery shopper may remain oblivious to the financial collapse of Dean Foods, a major milk processor and manufacturer, the industry is guessing how the firm's trip though Chapter 11 bankruptcy and expected sale to the Dairy Farmers of America will all shake out.

Corporations and organizations looking to serve the nation's farmers and ranchers are exploring a new pool of candidates to fill their open positions: students with backgrounds outside of traditional production agriculture.

California dairy producers have voted to approve a Federal Milk Marketing Order for the entire Golden State.