Alsum Farms celebrates 50 years with public-facing celebration

2023 is a golden year for Alsum Farms & Produce.

The Friesland, Wis.-based marketer is observing its 50th anniversary this year with extensive plans for the celebration, says Christine Lindner, marketing manager.

“Our focus has been celebrating this golden company milestone with our associates, grower and vendor partners, customers and consumers throughout the year,” Lindner said. “Our 50th year-long campaign theme 'Growing Goodness' pays homage to [how] Alsum Farms & Produce enriches the lives of associates, customers and consumers.”

The milestone is a chance for company leaders to reflect on humble beginnings, growth and innovation, she said.

That extends from the farm side to produce buyers who have helped the company’s Wisconsin Healthy Grown Certified Alsum potatoes to be a staple in the produce departments across the Midwest and beyond.

“We are looking forward to celebrating with the community our 50th anniversary on Friday, Aug. 11, and Saturday, Aug. 12,” she said.

The half-century anniversary has been a year-long celebration of activities and events, she said.

“We have hosted educational and service events with our associates from recently having our Friesland team tour our Adams, Wis., potato and pumpkins farms to associates from Alsum Farms touring our production facility last February,” she said.

Additionally, Alsum Farms & Produce held an employee day of service at a Feed My Starving Children pack event April 1 in Fond du lac, Wis. On that day, more than 20 Alsum associates packed 132,000 meals that include dehydrated potatoes that will feed 362 children for a year, Lindner said. 

“It was a heartwarming day for associates and their families to work together to help make meals for children that live in undernourished communities around the world," she said.

As the company celebrates its 50th anniversary with the public, the company is offering free guided tours of Alsum Farms & Produce’s production facility on Friday, Aug. 11.

Registration is required to join one of the tours, which begin at 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Visit alsum.com and click news for details to sign up.

The Alsum Farms & Produce 50th anniversary community celebration continues Saturday, Aug. 12, with Alsum’s 6th Annual Tater Trot 5k Family Run and 2-Mile Walk, Lindner said.

“All are welcome to shop at the farm fresh produce market, stroll through vendor and educational booths, and enjoy a brat and a Pepsi,” she said.

FFA chapters will have educational displays up and interactive games for the kids. In addition, the company will have the Wisconsin Spudmobile and Spudly on hand for visitors to learn more about Wisconsin potatoes and the sustainability work we do as farmers to grow, harvest and market a potato crop.

After the run and walk concludes at 10:30 a.m., Alsum Farms & Produce President and CEO Larry Alsum will lead a short program of reflection to recognize founder Glenn Alsum’s family as well as grower and industry partners who have been integral in Alsum’s success over the past five decades.

After the recognition program concludes, a tour of the Alsum potato and pumpkin farms in Grand Marsh, Wis., will be offered to see potato harvest firsthand and view the pumpkin fields, she said.

A coach bus will depart at 11 a.m. and return at 2:30 p.m. to Alsum Farms & Produce in Friesland. The bus is limited to 50 people, on a first-come basis, however, guests are welcome to drive to the Grand Marsh farm to join the farm tour. The tour is free of charge, though registration is required. Visit alsum.com and click news for details to sign up.