Joseph Gallo Farms
Encyclopedia
Joseph Gallo Farms is a large family-owned dairy operation, and is prominent in California
’s dairy industry. It is based in Livingston, California
.
by Joseph Edward Gallo
following World War II.
After working in the dairy business, Gallo and son Michael built the company’s cheese plant in 1982. In 1995, Successful Farming Magazine called Joseph Gallo Farms “America’s largest dairy farm”. It is currently in the third generation as a family-owned/operated business.
In 2004 they completed their first methane digester system, which uses biogas
produced from cow manure to supply the majority of their plant’s electrical needs. They have claimed they are working on a second digester, which would enable a completely renewable energy-powered plant.
They use whey
, a source of protein found in milk, and a byproduct of the cheese making process, to make whey protein isolate
. Using an ultrafiltration
system to purify and concentrate the protein, they produce WPI at about 90% pure protein for use in nutritional supplements.
They are strong advocates of sustainable business practices and have being recognized by the California Environmental Protection Agency
with their 2009 WRAP Award.
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
’s dairy industry. It is based in Livingston, California
Livingston, California
Livingston is a city in Merced County, California. Livingston is located west-northwest of Atwater, at an elevation of 131 feet . According to the 2010 census, the city population was 13,058, up from 10,473 at the 2000 census. Livingston's total area is , including undeveloped farmland annexed in...
.
History
Joseph Gallo Farms was founded in 1946 in the northern San Joaquin ValleySan Joaquin Valley
The San Joaquin Valley is the area of the Central Valley of California that lies south of the Sacramento – San Joaquin River Delta in Stockton...
by Joseph Edward Gallo
Joseph Edward Gallo
Joseph Edward Gallo was the brother of Ernest Gallo and Julio Gallo and owner of Joseph Gallo Farms, a producer of cheeses.-Biography:...
following World War II.
After working in the dairy business, Gallo and son Michael built the company’s cheese plant in 1982. In 1995, Successful Farming Magazine called Joseph Gallo Farms “America’s largest dairy farm”. It is currently in the third generation as a family-owned/operated business.
Sustainability
Joseph Gallo Farms is a prominent sustainable enterprise, receiving several honors and awards for their environmental practices. They also utilize conservation and renewable energies.In 2004 they completed their first methane digester system, which uses biogas
Biogas
Biogas typically refers to a gas produced by the biological breakdown of organic matter in the absence of oxygen. Organic waste such as dead plant and animal material, animal dung, and kitchen waste can be converted into a gaseous fuel called biogas...
produced from cow manure to supply the majority of their plant’s electrical needs. They have claimed they are working on a second digester, which would enable a completely renewable energy-powered plant.
Vertical integration
The farm grows the majority of the feed for their own cows. They are the oldest U.S. cheese producer to be government certified “free of all artificial hormones.”They use whey
Whey
Whey or Milk Serum is the liquid remaining after milk has been curdled and strained. It is a by-product of the manufacture of cheese or casein and has several commercial uses. Sweet whey is manufactured during the making of rennet types of hard cheese like cheddar or Swiss cheese...
, a source of protein found in milk, and a byproduct of the cheese making process, to make whey protein isolate
Whey protein isolate
A whey protein isolate is a dietary supplement created by filtering milk protein. Whey is a by-product of the cheese-making process...
. Using an ultrafiltration
Ultrafiltration
Ultrafiltration is a variety of membrane filtration in which hydrostatic pressure forces a liquid against a semipermeable membrane. Suspended solids and solutes of high molecular weight are retained, while water and low molecular weight solutes pass through the membrane...
system to purify and concentrate the protein, they produce WPI at about 90% pure protein for use in nutritional supplements.
Awards
Joseph Gallo Farms has earned more than 100 awards and medals for their cheese and milk. In 2009, their provolone cheese was named "best in the world" at the World Cheese Awards.They are strong advocates of sustainable business practices and have being recognized by the California Environmental Protection Agency
California Environmental Protection Agency
The California Environmental Protection Agency is a state cabinet-level agency within the government of California. Cal/EPA is composed of six departments, boards and offices responsible for environmental research, regulating and administering the state's environmental protection programs, and...
with their 2009 WRAP Award.
Further reading
- Henderson, Bruce, with Ernest and Julio Gallo. Ernest & Julio: Our Story. Times Books, 1994
- Ernest Gallo last retrieved March 6, 2007
- #645 Ernest Gallo
- Ernest Gallo
- John Holland, J.N. Sbranti, Tim Moran, and Garth Stapley. "Wine titan Ernest Gallo dead at 97." The Modesto Bee, March 7, 2007.
- Web Archive
- Modesto Bee