Connecting with Our Farmers

The second annual Patrons Town Hall took place earlier this week, providing an opportunity for Sargento to connect with the patron farmers who supply the milk used to make the string cheese at our St. Cloud facility. The Patron’s Town Hall is an event where farmers can hear about what is happening in our business, ask questions, and share a meal together.

The event began with a presentation in which Louie, third generation CEO of Sargento, shared opening remarks and expressed his gratitude to the farmers. “You, as patron farms supplying milk to St. Cloud, are very valued stakeholders of ours. We understand the importance of the work you do every day to provide us with high-quality milk, enabling us to deliver excellent string cheese to our customers and consumers,” he said.

Michael Pellegrino-COO, then shared information about the growth and innovation that took place this year, along with goals and hopes for the upcoming year. A few other team members also presented on topics such as new procedures that the farmers will need to implement.

Farmers felt reassured after hearing Louie, Michael, and other leaders on the Sargento team speak. “As our family farm develops, it’s nice to know that Sargento will be able to take more milk, and we will be able to supply it,” said Mike Paulus of Paulus Dairy.

After the presentation, the floor was opened for questions. Of course, a meal was shared while the patron farmers had the opportunity to meet and converse with one another.

Patron farmer Karl Klessig from Saxon Homestead Farm, a first-time attendee, expressed gratitude for the knowledge this event provides to farmers. “It’s very helpful for us to know what happens to our milk once it leaves the plant.”

“We’ve never experienced something like this. Being able to hear Louie and Michael speak — you are open books to your patrons. It’s wonderful,” added Rob Klessig, also with Saxon Homestead Farm.

Overall, the Patrons Town Hall was a great event where farmers received recognition for the work they do and their years of service, learned about what is happening in the business, and were reassured in their partnership with Sargento.

15 Years

• Loehr Dairy
• Bob Van Daalwyk Dairy (pictured)

20 Years

• Burns Bros. Farms
• Ryan and Rose Johanning Farm (pictured)

• Mitchell Meadows Farm (pictured)

25 Years

• K-Boss Farms
• Kraemer's Windy Haven (pictured)

35 Years

• F.W. Rahn & Sons, Inc.