There's a seismic change in the regions's dairy industry following Monday's vote of the St. Albans Co-op to join forces with Kansas-based Dairy Farmers of America.

Farmers say they are excited for an influx of cash. The Dairy Farmers of America promised to invest $18-million in the co-op if the merger was approved. Now they say it's time to make good on that promise.

"Overwhelming support to move this process forward," said Harold Howrigan, the St. Albans Co-op's chairman. He says 92 percent of co-op members voted Monday to merge. "The dairy farmers realize its a great opportunity for us, the future of dairy farmers."

Howrigan says DFA plans to invest in the co-op and give their 300 farms more opportunities to market their milk products on the national level. "With this merger we will not lose our identity as dairy farmers," he said. "We don't have much choice at this point."

The vote was held in a closed door meeting at the St. Albans American Legion. Afterwards, many expressed how the merger is needed. "Something has got to change.

It's been tough? No fun. No one is having any fun anymore," said one farmer as he left the meeting.

Jim Magnan with Copperhill Farm in Fairfax called the vote good news.

Jake Gosliga with Gosliga Farm in Addison said it means he can continue to farm.

"We get to participate in a bigger organization that's going to preserve at least a piece of our co-op, so I feel good about it," said Bill Rowell with Green Mountain Dairy Farm in Sheldon.

Those who voted against the merger declined to say why.

The merger becomes official Wednesday.