Citing cost concerns, Dean Foods Co., Dallas, said it plans this fall to close dairies in Flint, Mich., and Lincoln, Neb.

For competitive reasons, southern California retailer Stater Bros. Markets said it has agreed to sell its milk processing business, Santee Dairies Inc., City of Industry, Calif., to Dean Foods Co.

Perhaps the idea of “business as usual” no longer exists in today’s economy. Even so, the nation’s largest dairy processor appears to be back on track.

Perhaps the best word to describe Dean Foods Co.’s financial situation is “fluid.” That is to say that the Dallas dairy giant’s fortunes have been bleak - though officials expect that to improve during the second half of this next fiscal calendar year.