 |
Oakvale Farmstead Cheese 1285 S.R. 29 London , OH 43140 (740) 857-0000
|
|
Oakvale Farmstead Cheese 1285 S.R. 29 London , OH 43140 (740) 857-0000
|
Background. Two years ago, the owners of Oakvale Farm, Randy and Elizabeth Finke and Elizabeth's parents Dale and Jean King, decided that something had to be done if they wanted to maintain their small family farm lifestyle. Their small registered Holstein farm, located in London , Ohio , needed to either expand, find a way to add value to their milk product, or have someone find a job off of the farm. Wanting to maintain a small herd of 85 milk cows and with no one interested in leaving the farm, they began researching ways to add value to their product to preserve the way of life they had always enjoyed.
Ag Advancement. Jean read an article in the newspaper about a couple in Georgia making farmstead cheese on their small dairy farm, and everyone became interested. The family spent the next six months researching the processes of making cheese, attending classes, and making the proper additions to their farm including building a structure to house the cheese making. In November 2003, Oakvale Farmstead Cheese was made available to customers for the first time. They are currently producing between 260 and 275 pounds of Gouda cheese per week from milk produced by their cows. Gouda is known as a versatile table and cooking cheese.
Benefits to farm. By starting the production of Oakvale Farmstead Cheese, the family farm found a way to thrive in the dairy industry. Also, they now have direct contact with the consumers who enjoy their product.
Farming Philosophy. Elizabeth believes that the family farm is about maintaining and improving what you have in order to pass it on to future generations, including serving as good neighbors and stewards to the environment. Oakvale Farm also educates others about agriculture. With so few people having a connection to agriculture, the farm works to help bridge the gap between the grocer and the farm. They serve as a place for students to learn about basic agriculture.
Benefits to the community. Oakvale Farmstead Cheese was designed with the community in mind. The milking facilities as well as the cheese manufacturing room can be toured. The family plans to offer tours that will demonstrate the cheese making process. They are also able to provide a wholesome product, produced locally to other community members.
Quoteable Quote. “We are all an intricate part of feeding the nation and the world. It is an important job, and one that I take very seriously.” - Elizabeth Finke
This Ag Advancements profile was written by Lucy Bowen.