Project Pivot
There are times in both life and business where you realize you cannot continue the same way if it is not producing the results you want or need. During our time on the farm, we have tried multiple enterprises from goats to eggs. Like most things in life, there are challenges that may or may not be in your control. Unfortunately there are few meat processors in Northern Minnesota and those that do exist are booked for over a year. We tried the poultry exemption but the limits impacted our ability to market and sell product.
So now it is time to pivot. I believe agriculture is on the verge of a pivot in general. People want more insight into how their food is raised and supplied. We want ethical farming practices and quality nutritious food. Through the pandemic, we learned that supply chains are fragile and we need to support local producers as much as possible.
We are pivoting, looking back to see what works and what we enjoy. You could say we are going back to our roots and the origins of this land. We are opting to depend on the grass and sunshine to support a small herd of dairy cows. However, we cannot just be a dairy, the numbers don’t work and there is no place that will pick up our milk. We are going to pilot the Micro-Dairy Movement here in Minnesota. We will be a small producer and processor. Not only will we be able to bottle and sell milk but we will turn that milk into the dairy products that you enjoy every day: yogurt, gelato, and more.
Phase 1: Planning & Funding
Complete! April 2024
Phase 1 is all about planning the creamery from the layout to the products. A key step will be to get final approval from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA).
Phase 2: Renovation
We are here!
This is the active phase! We will be renovating our 1950’s milking parlor, the processing center, and installing equipment. This will have the most visual transformation.
Phase 3: Testing & Licensing
Spring 2025
Lots of final paperwork with the MDA and inspections. This is critical for food quality and safety! We will also be officially doing our product & market testing with a soft open to come.