Progressive farmer-processor relationships key in 2021, beyond

Strong working relationships between farmers and processors establish clear expectations of the product and please consumers, says a supply chain expert at Grande Cheese Company.

Greg Siegenthaler, vice president of milk marketing and supply chain at the Fond du Lac-based cheese company, will be a panelist at this year’s Dairy Strong conference. The virtual event, put on by the Dairy Business Association, starts today and runs through Thursday. Siegenthaler presents Wednesday at a panel called “Building relationships: Farmer and processor insights.” 

DBA spokesman Jamie Mara said the topic stemmed from a Dairy Strong presentation last year that envisioned the farmer of the future. One of the points was the need for a more transparent and collaborative relationship between farmers and the processors. Part of that need is driven by customers’ desire to know where their food comes from and whether it’s being responsibly produced.

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