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Joseph Gallo Farms continues to break the mold at its California-based cheese processing plant.
Some experts say success tied to vertical integration is more the exception man the rule - a concept that doesn't work for everyone. But for Joseph Gallo Farms, this concept lies at the heart of its success, and work it does.
The company's ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility, coupled with innovative practices and effective public outreach, puts this California cheese operation at the head of the pack.
"Producing top-quality products while ensuring environmental accountability is our mission," says Carl Morris, general manager and chief operating officer.
Stretching over nearly 15,000 acres, Joseph Gallo Farms comprises five dairies near Atwater, Calif., all within 10 miles of each other. Together, they manage over 15,000 cows. The company's cheese plant provides a ready market for the 300 million pounds of milk the dairies produce each year. Joseph Gallo Farms is one of the nation's largest dairy farm operations, with more than 450 employees.
Joseph Gallo Farms is located next to the largest concentration of wetlands left in California, the San Jnaquin Valley Grasslands. These wetlands are home to a wide variety of migrating wildlife, including geese, ducks, cranes, egrets, hawks and bald eagles.
Starting in the early 1990s, the company sold several thousand acres to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; this land became part of the San Luis National Wildlife Refuge Complex. Joseph Gallo Farms partnered with the Fish and Wildlife Service again in 1995, placing more than 2,000 acres into an agricultural conservation easement program. It was the first California farm to do so.
Mike Gallo, chief executive officer and co-owner, supports the call for government incentives to help dairy farmers adopt sustainable production practices. "Most dairy farmers would not be able to make these improvements without incentives," he says.
Ten years ago, Gallo created a department of environmental affairs at his company, formally making conservation management a key business function. By taking a proactive approach, he has helped the company avoid regulatory problems, improve the public's perception of California dairies and enhance brand recognition of the company's premier product, Joseph Farms cheese.
The farm's environmental commitment extends beyond the local wildlife. In 2004, the farm adopted a comprehensive nutrient management...