FARM LIFE CREAMERY HISTORY:
Gary and Amy Blase each grew up on dairy farms. They started their married life with a dairy of their own in 1972 and raised their three children on the farm. Eldest son, Chad Blase, returned to the farm in 2016 to help his parents, but shortly thereafter, the milk prices plummeted causing the Blase Family (like so many small dairy farms!) to consider some major changes, including, sell the farm, or create their own products. Chad’s partner Laura Klock had been involved in the family discussions, and heard their thoughts about starting a creamery in an effort to turn their Grade A milk into profitable consumer products instead of selling their raw milk at a loss. A self–proclaimed “serial entrepreneur” with an education in marketing and a desire to help keep the Blase’s family farm alive, Laura began to research, seeking out anyone who might have some experience or advice to share on the topic. The quest led them to Valley Side Farm Cheese in Crooks, South Dakota, which had equipment and inventory for sale, but also a knowledgeable owner willing to teach Chad and Laura the ways of making cheese. The rest, as they say, is history.
Farm Life Creamery was born.
With us (Chad and Laura) as its owners, and Gary and Amy continuing their dairy, we now handcraft small batch cheese using Grade A milk from our family's Holstein Herd in Ethan, South Dakota. Fresh, squeaky cheddar Cheese Curds allowed us to get our brand to market fast, taking our delicious cheddar cheese directly out of the vat and delivering it fresh to you! Farm Life Creamery has been gaining new cheese fans and adding to our flavor list and product line since. Currently we make over 40 flavors of cheese curds, as well as a large variety of cheddar aged a minimum of 3 weeks, gruyere, Mozzarella, Colby, Cotswold, and our own “Chocolate Cheddar”.
Minimally processed, safe, fresh milk.
After mastering cheese making, Farm Life Creamery became the only small, on-farm, Grade A licensed bottling plant in the state of South Dakota! Grade A milk from our own herd of Holstein cows is collected and bottled fresh. We pasteurize low and slow, but nothing else, leaving our milk as close to its natural state as possible. Because our milk is non-homogenized, the cream rises to the top. SHAKE IT UP and enjoy. Farm Life Creamery bottled milk is the most natural form of cow's milk that can be purchased on a store shelf. What a great option for your family!
And now, we make ICE CREAM too!
FARM LIFE CREAMERY is a TRUE FARM EXPERIENCE
We couldn't stop with just producing products. We built on our desire to keep a piece of rural America alive, build community, and to provide education about farming and learning where food comes from. Our beloved Saint Bernard named Rex happily greets you at the entrance of Farm Life Creamery as he keeps watch over the random collection of fur and feathers that make up our petting farm. Mini-donkey and pony, horses, goats, pigs, baby calves, cats, geese, ducks, chickens, turkeys, emus, a llama and even a couple Alpacas are a sampling of what you’ll see on our rural property located just southwest of Ethan, South Dakota. You will find our 18–hole mini golf course and the (self–proclaimed) largest tire swing in South Dakota, surrounded by a playground made from tractor tires to keep kids and families entertained for hours. We welcome company picnics, tourists, birthday parties, family gatherings, school field trips, group tours and more.
VISIT US!
Schedule a tour. Plan an event. Or just take a Sunday drive and stop by for an ice cream cone.
605-999-9824
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