Yes! We do have unhomogenized, unpasteurized milk from our grassfedJerseys. It is available in glass jars, with the cream on top. Please call for availability.
For years, I dreamed of having my own milk supply. One whole summer Matt worked an additional job so we could earn three little heifer calves. February of 2008 those heifers finally had had their first calves and we were in the milking business. And let me tell you—it was a crazy life! Things have settled down now and we are content with the job.
We feel that the key to quality milk is in the grass. We use a technique called Management Intensive Grazing (MIG). The philosophy is to put the cattle on a small paddock (area of pasture) then as soon as they have eaten the grass move them to a new paddock. This gives the grass a chance to rest and spreads out the manure. We make every effort to move the cattle frequently, up to three times a day in the summer. We buy the best alfalfa hay in southeast Missouri for the wintertime. You can rest assured that we are not feeding the cows grain during milking time!
Cleanliness is next to Godliness, my mother used to say. I don’t know about that but when milking it is very important. We use a portable milking machine to keep the quality of the milk high. We quickly bottle and chill it to maximize the ‘shelf life’.
Real milk; what better food is there? We will be offering milk in three purchasing options.
"Personal Supply" milk as a pre-paid, reserved milk with specific amounts and pick up dates. You can rest assured we will have milk for you when you buy a Personal Supply. About 75% of our milk is sold this way. Call to get on the schedule.
"On Demand" milk which can be purchased at during regular store hours in any quantity (when available). Up to 20% of milk supply. This will be on a first come, first serve basis. I expect to have quite a bit extra in early spring and a regular but smaller amount all summer. Don't hesitate to call or stop by.
Frozen milk is perfect when your schedule is inflexible or when you have a long way to drive. Usually about 5% of milk produced.
Please tell others that you think are interested in buying REAL milk.
Do you strain the cream off of the top? No, we allow you to do that at home. This gives you the option to make butter, ice cream, whip cream, sour cream at home.
What size containers do you use? We sell the milk fresh in glass half gallon containers or you can buy frozen in glass half gallon or plastic one gallon containers.
I live two hours away but I still want milk; what do you suggest? The best solution is a "milk run". It is a Co-Operative Group of 3-5 families/individuals that take turns driving and picking up for the group. Milk is picked up every two weeks. Each member then only drives every two months or so. Check with us to see if there is one in your area yet. If not, perhaps you can start one.
How long does the milk last? When kept adequately chilled during transport, we are finding the milk to be a high quality for one week or so from the date the jar is opened. This hold true to milk that is two or even three weeks old when the jar is first cracked open. However, the fourth week becomes questionable. Always use your best judgment and your nose.
My spouse has doubts about "raw milk". How can show him/her it is safe? I have no hard and fast rules for you. Each person must make their own decisions. The best thing you can do is educate yourself. Share your findings with your loved one. Some good things to read may be found at the links below.
Walking cows to barn on a foggy morning. Beauty coming to pose for the camera. Dixie and Darling grazing on a sunny afternoon. They love the Sorgum Sudan grass. It give the milk a wonderful "melted ice cream" flavor.
