Rite Way Milk Has Supported Dairy Farmers for Nearly 80 Years Through Its Hauling Services

June 7, 2025

Many residents of Phelps County, Nebraska, have deep roots in the community, and the owners of Rite Way Milk are a great example of families who have built their legacies here. Rite Way Milk was founded in 1947 by Carrol Geer, and ownership then passed on to the Stewarts, who have grown the business and built partnerships across Nebraska and Kansas.

“Our family acquired partial ownership of the business in the late 1980s, but Geer kept working there until he retired in 2004,” says Jim Stewart, one of the current owners of Rite Way Milk. “My mom and dad still work here, and I hope my sons will want to work here someday as well.”

Stewart has worked for Rite Way Milk since 1998, but he’s involved in other aspects of Phelps County life. Read more about this business and how the Stewarts make a difference in the Holdrege community.

Rite Way Milk is a Stable Partner for Local Dairies

Rite Way Milk has a fleet of 14 trucks that haul milk from dairies across the region to processing facilities. The company works closely with Dairy Farmers of America and Wood River Dairy in nearby Buffalo County.

“We go wherever there’s milk to haul,” says Stewart.

A lot has changed in the dairy industry over the past 78 years, and Rite Way Milk continues to adapt and support farmers as they modernize production. Stewart says he has noticed that there are fewer small dairy farms to work with and mega-farms are becoming more common.

“The farmers have done what they needed to do to keep going,” he says. “They have always been good to us, and we try to support them however we can.”

While Stewart is a key part of the family milk hauling business, his passion lies in the trucks. He enjoys working on them and driving them when needed. This excitement keeps the fleet running whenever there’s a mechanical breakdown or one of the trucks needs repairs.

The Stewarts Are Also Improving Downtown Holdrege

The Rite Way Milk building is home to Phelps County’s newest mural, called The Mailbox by residents. This is a beautiful depiction that locals and visitors alike are drawn to. The upstairs area of the building was recently gutted and renovated by the Stewarts (Jim and his wife, Katherine) so it can be a short-term rental.

“It took a while to renovate, but the construction process went really well,” says Stewart. “The outcome was worth the wait.”

The biggest issue with the renovation process was replacing the plumbing. The building is more than 100 years old, and the plumbing reflected that. Now there is modern plumbing that can accommodate visitors who stay there.

This renovation will support the tourism efforts of Phelps County and make downtown a fun and engaging place to be. The apartment is no longer sitting empty, but rather is a place where people can gather and stay.

The Apartment Renovation Was Supported by a GO! Program

The Stewarts worked with the Phelps County Development Corporation (PCDC) to help fund the apartment renovation project. Ron Tillery, Executive Director of PCDC, met with The Stewarts to discuss their options. They secured a Growing Opportunities (GO!) grant to support downtown revitalization and local development.

“PCDC was really helpful,” says Stewart. “They got us started with the grant process and helped us secure funding to reconstruct the second level of the building.”

This renovation project shows how communities can grow when passionate residents work together with involved economic development teams. Tillery knew that Stewart had an idea for the second story of the Rite Way building and actively looked for ways to help him.

Phelps County Residents Work Together to Support Growth

Jim Stewart is just one example of Phelps County residents who are involved in local industries while also following their passions. In addition to the short-term rental, he runs a small cow-calf ranch with Katherine. He enjoys the small-town feel of Phelps County and wants it to grow while maintaining its charm.

“Our town has a lot to offer, even though it is small,” says Stewart. “I like that everyone knows who you are, and I appreciate the slower pace.”

PCDC does its best to listen to residents and seek out plans for growth that align with their visions for the future. The goal is to make Phelps County a great place to live and work through sustainable initiatives that support the community. Through mindful economic development, the future is bright for Phelps County.

Learn More About PCDC

Phelps County Development Corporation has the tools, information, and skills to assist you with relocation for your business or family. PCDC is ready to help with housing and project advocacy, including permitting, timely utilities, and financial assistance. Contact PCDC at (308) 995-4148 or pcdc@phelpscountyne.com today. To further explore “Why Phelps,” download the community guide.