If you’re looking for a one-day road trip to talk with a couple of Wisconsin’s leading dairy grazers, head to Sheboygan County. Grassway Organics Farm Store, located on a winding, scenic patch of country road just outside of New Holstein, Wisconsin is where you’ll find dairy farmers Kay and Wayne Craig rotationally grazing about 100 Holsteins and Jerseys, producing amazing milk from cows who have access to impressive pastures.
Kay and Wayne are passionate about the health and nutrition benefits of grass-fed livestock — both to cows, as well as us humans who eat their products. If you ever have time to spend with these folks or one of their employees, you’ll find farmers who are willing to talk. These are farmers who wholeheartedly believe in what they do, and they believe in educating their customers about their products just as much (and even before) selling them their products.
And great products they have… when you stop in, be sure to try some of their fresh, grass-fed milk — although you’ll have to purchase a $10 farm-share in order to do so. In Wisconsin, it’s not legal to sell raw milk directly to consumers, so Grassway works with consumers who want access to raw milk by offering them a “farm share,” which makes them part owners of the farm and thus personally liable for the milk they drink. In addition to the dairy products, Grassway Organics offers a full line of natural and organic foods and household products, so if you live in the area, feel free to stop by and stock up on provisions… and they’re always looking for other local and/or artisan products to feature.
Speaking of education, Grassway Organics has a few upcoming classes on cheesemaking taught by a local farmhouse cheesemaker. On July 23 they are teaching a class on butter, kefir and yogurt-making. And on July 30, they will make hard cheeses. For more information on dates and topics, call Grassway at 920-894-4201.
