MEDIA LAUNCH SPEECHES

The Passion Behind Monforte Renaissance
by Ruth Klahsen

One of the greatest pleasures in my life (and I have many) is Ruby Sue, my beautiful clydesdale.

On Sunday, I was hanging out in her manger, thinking about what I wanted to convey
this evening.

It’s important to realize what a privilege it is to sit beside this gentle creature while she fluffs her hay, before eating it. That she allows me to be in her space, to watch the unborn fowl roll around inside her. That she allows me to climb on her back, (and at this stage of my life this is not always the lithest of performances) and then moves me in the steadiest, and most honest of ways through the pastures and woods that surround her barn. And I realized once again on that day, because I realize it many times everyday, what a life of privilege I have.

That I can be here this evening, with all of you, who are my friends and colleges, in this place of privilege, where we have the opportunity to reinvent Monforte, so that we can make better cheese, so that we can support more farmers, and cheesemakers, and so that we can be part of the change that needs to happen to this world.

Maybe we can be the prototype of a new business model.

I want more people to have my life of privilege. To realize each and every day that we live
in a place of opportunity. I want each of them to have their Ruby Sue.

Thank you so much for coming and supporting us in this journey. Thank you to everyone who jumped in and helped make tonight happen. And mostly thank you for giving me hope, that I can once again make cheese.

MICHAEL HAY’S SPEECH >

BRENDAN HOWLEY’S SPEECH >