In the heart of our small family farm, nestled within the rhythm of our daily operations, a transformative decision has taken root. We have embarked on the journey of building an on-farm butter processing plant. This decision is not merely a shift in our operations but a strategic move towards securing the future of our farm in a rapidly changing dairy industry.
The Vision of Sustainability:
For us, the future of small farms lies in on-farm processing and diversification. The landscape of the dairy industry is undergoing rapid consolidation, leaving small family farms with diminishing space within cooperatives. As the number of dairy farms dwindles across the United States, the paradoxical stability of milk production continues, concentrated on fewer farms. This trend raises concerns about the viability and sustainability of small, family-owned operations.
Direct Connection to Our Community:
Our dream has always been to connect directly with our local community. While being part of a cooperative allowed us to establish and sustain our farm for the past fifteen years, we foresee a future where there might not be a place for us or our children. On-farm processing empowers us to break free from the limitations of cooperative structures, allowing us to sell our products directly to friends and family.
Control Over Our Destiny:
One of the driving forces behind this decision is the desire for greater control over our products, marketing strategies, and ultimately, how we are compensated for our hard work. Currently, we find ourselves without a voice in determining the value of our products or where our milk ends up. On-farm processing grants us the autonomy to shape our own destiny, ensuring that our dedication and effort are rewarded fairly.
Crafting Quality from Farm to Table:
By building our on-farm butter processing plant, we aspire to supply our community with farm-fresh dairy products, crafted with care and commitment. This not only guarantees the quality of our offerings but also fosters a deeper connection between our farm and the families enjoying our products.
Embracing Change for a Sustainable Tomorrow:
In the face of industry transformations, we have chosen to embrace change proactively. Our commitment to on-farm processing signifies not just a business decision but a dedication to the sustainability of our farm, the preservation of small-scale agriculture, and the nourishment of our local community.
This journey is a testament to our resilience, optimism, and belief in the enduring value of family farms. As we navigate the path to on-farm processing, we invite you to join us on this transformative adventure, where the essence of our farm is bottled into every product, fostering a sustainable future for generations to come.
Note: We are thankful to have the opportunity to continue to supply milk to our local cooperative and non-profit creamery. We believe in diversification and are thankful every day for both opportunities that allow us to continue to farm.
Krista Stauffer
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