|
|
Article: Craftsmanship paired with technology as Bongards' celebrates centennial.(Focus On)
- Article from:
- Rural Cooperatives
- Article date:
- November 1, 2008
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2008 U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Business - Cooperative Service. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]
Bongards' Creameries, a farmer-owned creamery co-op, was launched in 1908 in the town of Bongards, Minn., 72 area dairymen banded together to market their milk. Their goals were straightforward: to produce fresh, wholesome and great-tasting dairy products at a price that could sustain their livelihood.
Each member invested $25 a share in the co-op. They transported milk to Bongards' in cans and trucks. Onsite, they sold milk and cream and made butter.
In 1942, Bongards' Creameries expanded to include cheese-making facilities, and entered into the cheese-making business. The co-op made natural cheese for 30 years, and ...