5 BEST Ways to Find High-Quality Dairy From A Local Dairy Farm

0 Comments

One of the biggest questions we hear is how to find high-quality dairy from a local dairy farm. The next time you are looking for high-quality dairy, try these 5 ways. Whether you have a farm that you can visit or choose to shop online, learn what is important when searching for high-quality dairy.

This article may contain affiliate links where we earn a small percent for you visiting our site with no cost to you!

What Is High-Quality Dairy?

Have you ever stared into the clear glass coolers at your local grocery store and wondered what to choose? Yep, we have, too.

clear glass with white milk from local dairy farm

There are so many options when it comes to milk that it is mind-boggling. Some are in cartons, and others are in various colors of plastic jugs. The milk that you find at your local grocery store has very likely undergone ultra-temp pasteurization which is a lower quality pasteurization than compared with low-temp, vat pasteurization.

We believe that the least amount of processing is best for the highest-quality dairy. This keeps the majority of the proteins intact and this ensures that the highest nutritional value is maintained.

Let’s take a look at this further below.

What is Pasteurization?

Pasteurization is the process that people use to sterilize food and make it safe for human consumption. Most food safety experts agree that it is generally necessary. This does not mean that consuming foods that are not pasteurized is unsafe.

The application of heat is the most common method to pasteurize food such as with cooking meat and “raw” ingredients. Health authorities have established minimum temperature standards that promote safe consumption.

Before you go further, check out our COMPLETE step-by-step Farm Stand Toolkit to launch and scale your farm stand for more income.

There is some discrepancy among experts about pastuerization. However, researchers often find that lower temperatures can be equally effective at killing bacteria. The challenge is that food must be heated for a longer time as the temperature decreases. You can see this to be true when preparing food in a Croc-Pot instead of grilling over an open flame. Although this article doesn’t address it, there is growing interest in the health benefits of raw milk.

Vat Pasteurization vs Ultra Pasteurization

There are two common types of pasteurization: ultra pasteurization and vat pasteurization. Ultra-pasteurization is the most common method for milk in your local grocery store. It uses very high temperatures at 280+ degrees Fahrenheit to kill all pathogens in 2-5 seconds. Vat pasteurized milk instead uses a lower temperature at 140 degrees Fahrenheit over 30 minutes.

Close-up of chocolate chip cookies stacked beside a glass of milk on a blue plate.

Both of these two methods work for the elimination of harmful pathogens. However, only vat pasteurization leaves the highly sensitive milk proteins and beneficial bacteria intact. Notice the cream layer and how the fat clings to the side of the glass jar. This is present in vat-pasteurized and raw milk.

milk in clear glass jar from local dairy farm

What is The Difference Between A1 and A2 Milk?

Whatever brand is available at your local grocery store for cow’s milk, you essentially have two options: A1 milk vs A2 milk.

A1 and A2 are types of proteins found in the cows that produce the milk.

Researchers sometimes link the A1 protein to various health issues, including digestive discomfort and inflammatory responses throughout the body and in the stomach.

Often labeled as A2 or A2A2 milk, this milk comes from male and female cows that produce the A2 beta-casein protein. Compare this to conventional milk which typically contains A1 casein proteins or a mixture of A1 and A2 proteins.

A2 milk is sold as a gentler option for those who experience adverse reactions to standard A1 milk. Because there are fewer cows with the A2 casein protein, it is often a more difficult option to find and the costs for this milk are often higher.

A hand pours fresh milk from a glass bottle into a tall glass with a black backdrop.

What About Organic Milk, Grass-fed Milk, or Non-GMO Milk?

Let’s go back to the overwhelming grocery store aisle for a second. As you are seeing the dozens of gallons of plastic jugs or paper cartons, you may see the following labels: Organic, Grass-fed, or Non-GMO.

Organic: organic milk comes from cows raised without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or antibiotics.

Grass-fed: Grass-fed milk is sourced from cows that primarily graze on pasture as nature intended. Grass-fed diets provide a healthier milk by increasing levels of beneficial nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins.

A glass of fresh milk against a black background, emphasizing simplicity and nutrition.

Non-GMO: Non-GMO milk is from cows that are not fed genetically modified organisms.

Unfortunately, each of these labels is not heavily regulated, so how do you choose?

Check out this article where we cover why the cattle living conditions are more important than labels. You must become an informed consumer and know where and how your food is raised!

How Do Local Dairy Farms Support Local Economies?

Supporting local dairy farms is beneficial for your health, the environment, and the local economy.

  1. Local Economy Investment: When you choose to buy from local farms, you support the economic growth of your neighborhood. Local farmers often reinvest in their communities by purchasing supplies and services from nearby businesses.
  2. Job Creation: Local dairy farmers help to create jobs within local agricultural. Jobs are supported and created at the farm, in local feed stores, and in businesses where farmer shops.
  3. Agritourism: when you choose to buy from a local dairy farm and engage in agritourism activities, you help a larger community grow. Agritourism often brings in customers from outside of the community. This promotes a cycle of economic growth leading to stronger, healthier communities and a more sustainable future.
A cozy scene of milk being poured into tea, accompanied by an open book on a wooden tray.

How Do Local Dairy Farms Treat Their Animals?

Buying from local dairy farms significantly benefits animal welfare, ensuring that livestock are treated ethically and humanely. Please know that these practices do reflect some farmers who raise animals organically and conventionally. Here are some highlights:

  • Animal well-being: Some dairy farms prioritize the well-being of their animals by providing them with adequate space, access to the outdoors, and opportunities for promoting natural behaviors. We believe that animal well-being is of the utmost importance in raising healthy and happy animals.
  • Animal Care Transparency: Organic certification requires transparency in caring for animals. Many conventional dairy farmers also provide humane care to their animals without any specific certifications. This transparency helps ensure that you can make informed choices about the sources of your food while ensuring the animals are raised in healthy environments.

Where Can I Buy High-Quality Dairy Near Me?

Finding locally raised, high-quality dairy from a local dairy farm is easier than ever, thanks to a variety of resources available to consumers.

Online

We are proud to offer this website as one resource. There are many other online directories dedicated to connecting consumers with local farms. Always research the resource and learn as much about the farm as you can. Some online services will advertise “local dairy” with pictures of local farmers but they won’t tell you about the “bait and switch” as they sell items from other suppliers or other countries! If you don’t have a local dairy farm near you, then this is the next best option!

Crop faceless person pouring fresh cold milk from bottle into transparent clean glass placed on wooden table

Farmers Markets & Local Events

We love visiting our local farmers’ markets to learn about unique farmers and growers in our community. Farmers markets are a great way to interact directly with the farmer and learn about their growing practices. When you ask questions about their practices and sample their products, you can make informed decisions about your dairy purchases.

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) 

CSAs are a program where you can subscribe to receive regular shares of farm-fresh products, including dairy. CSA programs build a direct relationship between you and farmers, where you support local agriculture and also enjoy seasonal, high-quality meat. To learn more about CSAs, click here.

Crop faceless person pouring fresh cold milk from bottle into transparent clean glass placed on wooden table

Herd Share

Similar to a CSA, a herd share is an agreement between a farmer and multiple individuals where they can establish an ownership interest in the same animal. This allows the consumer to have access to items produced from the animal including meat and dairy.

Farm Direct Sales

This is likely the best option, if available. You can purchase dairy products like milk, butter, cheese, etc. directly from the farm through their on-site farm store or for pickup at their farm location. Due to the time involved, some dairy farmers make their products available at other farm stores in your area. This is how we started offering Hartzler Family Dairy for pickup at our farm.

A clear glass of fresh milk next to a glass milk jug from local dairy farm

Visit A Local Dairy Farm

The absolute best way to get first-hand experience with buying your high-quality dairy is to visit a local dairy farm. Visiting a local dairy farm helps you to connect with local agriculture and gain insight into the dairy production process.

Close-up of barista pouring milk to create stunning latte art in a coffee shop setting.

Here are some questions to consider asking the farmer:

  1. Can I see how the cattle live? I would love to learn about your animal husbandry practices.
  2. How long have you been raising cattle?
  3. What breed of cattle do you raise?
  4. Do you offer raw milk? If not, how is your milk pasteurized?
  5. How do you prevent disease on the farm?
  6. Do you use any antibiotics?
  7. Do you use any growth hormones?
  8. Do you use any steroids?
  9. How do you feed the animals in warm and cool seasons?
  10. Do your cows have access to fresh grass? If so, how often?
  11. If you prefer grass-fed: Are your cows grass-fed AND grass-finished?
  12. If you prefer organic: Tell me about your organic practices.
  13. If you prefer organic: Tell me about your organic feed.
A glass mug of warm milk with cinnamon on a white tray, creating a cozy morning vibe.

Many farmers are eager to share their knowledge and passion for sustainable farming. We tend to “geek out” when customers ask about our farm and we know that beef farmers love doing the same thing!

Final Thoughts

We believe that the highest quality local dairy is made from milk that is unpasteurized or is minimally processed – retaining the highest nutrient content.

A creamy cinnamon topped drink in a clear glass mug on a wooden tray, inviting and delicious.

When you buy local dairy, you enjoy fresher milk, butter, and cheese that is packed full of flavor compared to store-bought options. Plus, you get the bonus of learning about how the cows were raised and becoming friends with your local dairy farmer! When you choose local dairy farms for your next milk, butter, or cheese purchase, you make healthier meals and support a growing community.

Discovering Local Dairy Farms in Ohio (170+ Dairy Farms Listed)

Below is a list of Ohio farms that raise cattle to produce high-quality dairy. We obtained this list from a generous search online and through submissions to our website. As always, please reach out to the farm directly to verify their farming practices and what they raise or grow. If you are a farmer and would like to update the information below or be added, check out our Ohio local farm directory.

Albany

  • Douglas Farms
    • 8870 Wood Rd, Albany, OH 45710

Alger

  • Natural Choice Dairy
    • 2500 Co Rd 110, Alger, OH 45812

Apple Creek

  • Steffen Farm
    • 12892 Western Rd, Apple Creek, OH 44606

Ashland

  • Young Family Farms ENT
    • 954 Co Rd 1754, Ashland, OH 44805
Glass mug of coffee with milk being poured, surrounded by scattered coffee beans on a wooden table.

Ashville

Belle Center

  • South Fork Dairy
    • 4740 Co Rd 96, Belle Center, OH 43310

Bellefontaine

  • HOANBU Dairy Goats
    • 1605 Township Rd 216, Bellefontaine, OH 43311
    • Website: hoanbu.com

Bellevue

Bellville

  • Broken Rock Farms
    • 10100 Leedy Rd, Bellville, OH 44813

Big Prairie

Bluffton

Bucyrus

Cadiz

Caledonia

  • Two Sparks Farm, Grass Fed Highland Cattle, Maple Syrup

Cambridge

Canfield

Cardington

Cecil

  • Emerald Dairy
    • 16750 OH-111, Cecil, OH 45821

Celina

Chandlersville

  • Eck dairy farms
    • 8580 Chandlersville Rd, Chandlersville, OH 43727
A clean, minimalist image of a hand holding a milk bottle, emphasizing freshness and simplicity.

Chillicothe

  • Gearhart Farms LLC

Circleville

Columbus

  • Golden Guernsey
  • Ohio Dairy Producers Association
    • 2800 Corporate Exchange Dr # 260, Columbus, OH 43231
    • Website: odpa.org

Continental

  • Van Ham Dairy
    • 7089 Rd 22, Continental, OH 45831

Convoy

Coshocton

Crestline

Custar

  • Bankey’s Dairy Farm
    • 7411 Milton Rd, Custar, OH 43511

Dalton

  • Farriss Dairy Farms Inc
    • 1373 Eckard Rd, Dalton, OH 44618

De Graff

Defiance

  • Canal Junction Farm
    • 18637 Rd 168, Defiance, OH 43512
    • Website: cjgrassfed.com

Delaware

  • Dee Lehner Farms
    • 641 Radnor Rd, Delaware, OH 43015
  • Fleming Family Farms LLC
    • 5701 Leonardsburg Rd, Delaware, OH 43015

Dorset

  • Comp Dairy Farm Ltd
    • 3015 Allen-Comp Rd, Dorset, OH 44032

East Canton

  • Pero Dairy Farm
    • 720 Motts Ave SE, East Canton, OH 44730

Findlay

Forest

  • Corey Dairy
    • 18405 Co Hwy 70, Forest, OH 45843
  • Silver Creek Dairy Farm LLC
    • 15641-15061, OH-67, Forest, OH 45843

Frankfort

  • Putnam Dairy Farm
    • 2410 Putnam Rd, Frankfort, OH 45628

Fredericksburg

  • Troyer Farms
    • 9505 Criswell Rd, Fredericksburg, OH 44627

Fredericktown

  • BHD Farms
    • 12212 Montgomery Rd, Fredericktown, OH 43019
    • Website: bhdfarms.com
  • Fox Hollow Farm
    • 20060 Gilmore Rd, Fredericktown, OH 43019
    • Website: foxhollowfarmnaturally.com
  • Sky High Farms
    • 6180 Sparta Rd, Fredericktown, OH 43019
    • Website: skyhighfarmscattle.com
  • Sweet Grass Dairy

Gallipolis

Grafton

  • Conrad Farms
    • 19900 Indian Hollow Rd, Grafton, OH 44044
  • Yarish Farm
    • 38096 OH-303, Grafton, OH 44044

Granville

  • FH Farms

Harrod

  • Old School Farms
    • 15643 Township Rd 25, Harrod, OH 45850

Hartford

  • Cramer Dairy Farm
    • 12957 Roberts Rd, Hartford, OH 43013

Haviland

  • Van Erk Dairy LLC
    • 8789 OH-114, Haviland, OH 45851

Huber Heights

  • Prairie Farms Dairy
    • 5820 Executive Blvd, Huber Heights, OH 45424

Jackson Center

  • FreshStart Farm Store
    • 18120 Pasco-Montra Rd, Jackson Center, OH 45334

Jamestown

  • Pleasant Valley Farm Miniature Herefords
    • 755 Heifner Rd, Jamestown, OH 45335
  • Swallow Hill Jersey Dairy
    • 3778 Corry Rd, Jamestown, OH 45335

Jeffersonville

  • Bluegrass Farms of Ohio Inc.
    • 9768 Milledgeville-Jeffersonville Rd, Jeffersonville, OH 43128

Kidron

  • Harmony Farms
    • 5294 Kidron Rd, Kidron, OH 44636

La Rue

Lagrange

  • Tomstead Farms
    • 42716 OH-303, Lagrange, OH 44050

Lima

  • Goodmans Dairy Farm
    • 4600 Ottawa Rd, Lima, OH 45801

London

  • Blue Star Farms
    • 2777 OH-665, London, OH 43140

Loudonville

  • Circle T Farm
    • 2764 OH-60, Loudonville, OH 44842

Lucas

  • Culler Mill Farm
    • 3208 Kaylor Road, Lucas, OH 44843

Mansfield

  • Broadleaf Farms
    • 8656 OH-314, Mansfield, OH 44904

Marengo

  • Loeffler Farms LLC
    • 4 County Rd 212, Marengo, OH 43334

Marion

  • McDonald Family Farms
    • 5033 Baer Rd, Marion, OH 43302
  • Smith’s The Dairy In The Country
    • 135 Sara Ave, Marion, OH 43302

Marshallville

  • Bristol Dairy
    • Marshallville, OH 44645
  • L & R Dairy Farm
    • 12599 Fulton Rd, Marshallville, OH 44645

McConnelsville

  • Smith Family Farm
    • 6849 N Smith Dr NW, McConnelsville, OH 43756

Mechanicsburg

  • Ayars Family Farm
    • 4381 Rosedale Rd, Mechanicsburg, OH 43044

Metamora

  • Triple H Farms
    • 15167 OH-64, Metamora, OH 43540

Millersburg

  • Amish Valley Farms
    • 6005 Co Rd 77, Millersburg, OH 44654
  • Clover Patch Dairy
    • 10061 Township Road 301, Millersburg, OH 44654
  • Paint Valley Farms
    • 10550 Township Rd 262, Millersburg, OH 44654

Montpelier

  • Bridgewater Dairy
    • 14894 County Rd 8-50, Montpelier, OH 43543

Mt Gilead

  • Goodman Family Farms
    • 5684 Township Rd 121, Mt Gilead, OH 43338
  • Pleasant Ridge Farm
    • 5555 Township Rd 59, Mt Gilead, OH 43338
  • Sippel Family Farm
    • 6398 OH-19, Mt Gilead, OH 43338

Mt Vernon

  • Round Hill Farm
    • 508 N McKenzie St, Mt Vernon, OH 43050
  • Yellowbird Food Shed
    • 13246 Wooster Road, Mt Vernon, OH 43050

Nashport

  • Creamery Valley Farm
    • 6235 Creamery Rd, Nashport, OH 43830

New Bavaria

  • Sun Mountain Dairy
    • 18377 Co Rd B, New Bavaria, OH 43548

New Vienna

  • Happy Cows Creamery
    • 1103 Hodson Rd, New Vienna, OH 45159

New Weston

  • Buschur Dairy Farms Inc
    • 14393 Johnson Rd, New Weston, OH 45348

Newark

  • Shipley Farms
    • 9309 Reynolds Rd NE, Newark, OH 43055
  • South Fork Dairy
    • 8166 Lake Drive Rd, Newark, OH 43056
  • Tamarack Farms Dairy
    • 1701 Tamarack Rd, Newark, OH 43055

Newcomerstown

  • Darr Farms
    • 21284 Township Rd 257, Newcomerstown, OH 43832

Norwalk

  • Stein Dairy Farm
    • 431 Old State Rd S, Norwalk, OH 44857

Nova

  • Ramsay Dairy Farm
    • 593 Township Rd 1041, Nova, OH 44859

Oberlin

  • Dovin Dairy Farm
    • 15967 OH-58, Oberlin, OH 44074
  • Lewis Farms Ohio LLC
    • 49293 Plate Rd, Oberlin, OH 44074

Ohio City

  • Gina Dairy LLC
    • 14349 Richey Rd, Ohio City, OH 45874

Pataskala

  • L&R FARMS
    • 7482 Columbia Rd SW, Pataskala, OH 43062

Paulding

  • Schilderink Dairy
    • 12593 Co Rd 71, Paulding, OH 45879
  • GreenTop Acres, LLC
    • 3315 OH-114, Payne, OH 45880

Perrysville

  • Ayers Farms Inc.
    • 820 OH-39, Perrysville, OH 44864
  • Mills Dairy Farm
    • 2116 OH-60, Perrysville, OH 44864

Plain City

  • Conklin Dairy Farms C RJ
    • 12939 US-42, Plain City, OH 43064
  • Gruenbaum Dairy Farm
    • 14276 Hidden Farms Road Plain City, OH

Pleasant Plain

  • Mohrfield Holsteins Inc
    • 10279 OH-132, Pleasant Plain, OH 45162
    • Website: Not provided

Plymouth

  • Hurst Farm Services
    • 1832 Plymouth East Rd, Plymouth, OH 44865

Powell

  • Eversole Run Farm Cattle LLC
    • 8756 Concord Rd, Powell, OH 43065
  • Riverwood Farms
    • 1000 Powell Rd, Powell, OH 43065

Rawson

  • BOEHM DAIRY FARM LLC
    • 7326 Township Rd 25, Rawson, OH 45881

Richwood

  • Hoffman Holistic Cattle LLC
    • 24259 State Route 4, 30520 Lemaster Rd, Richwood, OH 43344

Ridgeway

  • Tighe Farms Dairy Good LLC
    • 7667 County Rd 142 N, Ridgeway, OH 43345

Rockford

  • Heartland Dairy Farm
    • 3101 Tama Rd, Rockford, OH 45882

Russia

  • Schafer Dairy Farm Inc
    • 2400 Redmond Rd, Russia, OH 45363

Salem

Sandusky

  • Hermes Dairy Farm
    • 3211 Hayes Ave, Sandusky, OH 44870

Shelby

  • Hoover Dairy Farm
    • 3469 London West Rd, Shelby, OH 44875

Sherwood

  • Vander Made Farms
    • 11314 McCavit Rd, Sherwood, OH 43556

Shreve

  • Esselburn Dairy Farm
    • 8095 Snoddy Rd, Shreve, OH 44676
  • Schlegel Dairy Farms Inc
    • 10720 Township Rd 526, Shreve, OH 44676

Sidney

  • Irish Acres
    • 11053 OH-705, Sidney, OH 45365

Smithville

  • Selah Farms
    • 3287 Apple Creek Rd, Smithville, OH 44677

South Charleston

  • Van Raay Dairy
    • 12738, 12748 Thomas Rd, South Charleston, OH 45368
  • Gill Dairy
    • 14997 Charleston-Chillicothe Rd, South Solon, OH 43153
  • Meerland Dairy
    • South Solon, OH 43153
  • Twin Oak Dairy LLC
    • 14380 Charleston-Chillicothe Rd, South Solon, OH 43153

South Vienna

  • Harmony Cattle Farms LLC
    • 11992 E National Rd, South Vienna, OH 45369

Springfield

  • Reiter Dairy LLC
    • 1961 Commerce Cir, Springfield, OH 45504

St Louisville

  • Diamond Hill Farm, Ltd.
    • St Louisville, OH 43071

Sterling

  • Marty Farms
    • 7382 E Pleasant Home Rd, Sterling, OH 44276
  • Winkler Farms LLC
    • 13344 Kauffman Ave, Sterling, OH 44276

Sugarcreek

  • Andreas Farms Inc
    • 446 Ragersville Rd SW, Sugarcreek, OH 44681
  • Gerber Valley Farm
    • 1859 County Hwy 144, Sugarcreek, OH 44681
  • Smokey Lane Farm
    • 279 Smokey Lane Rd NW, Sugarcreek, OH 44681

Sunbury

  • Fitchelman Family Farm
    • 16842 Meredith State Rd, Sunbury, OH 43074

Swanton

  • Dowling Dairy Farms
    • 12161 OH-64, Swanton, OH 43558

Tiffin

  • Clay Hill Organic Farm
    • 2848 N Township Rd 165, Tiffin, OH 44883
  • Riehm Produce Farm, LLC

Troy

Urbana

Warren

  • Kibler Dairy Farms Inc
    • 5163 Highland Ave, Warren, OH 44481

Warsaw

  • Hill N Dale Dairy Farm
    • 18887 Township Rd 51, Warsaw, OH 43844

Washington Township

Wayne

  • M S B Dairy
    • 11539 Bloomdale Rd, Wayne, OH 43466

Waynesfield

  • Lazy Day Farm
    • 26436 Fairmount Rd, Waynesfield, OH 45896

Wellington

West Alexandria

  • Dale Filbrun Morning Sun Organic Farm
    • 3993 OH-503, West Alexandria, OH 45381

West Liberty

  • Henry Farms
    • 9110 OH-287, West Liberty, OH 43357

West Mansfield

West Portsmouth

West Salem

West Union

  • William Seaman Farm
    • 11659 OH-125, West Union, OH 45693

Willard

  • Albright Jerseys LLC
    • 2216 State Rte 61, Willard, OH 44890
  • Bar Lee Jerseys
    • 4950 Willard West Rd, Willard, OH 44890

Wooster

  • Ro-La-Sue Dairy Farms
    • 6601 McKee Rd, Wooster, OH 44691
  • The Ohio State ATI dairy facility
    • Barnard Rd, Wooster, OH 44691
    • Website: http://ati.osu.edu/grace-l-drake-agricultural-laboratory/dairy-facility
  • Harvest Hills Dairy Goat Farm, LLC
  • Hartzler Family Dairy

Xenia

  • Hilltop Farms Inc
    • 1613 Hilltop Rd, Xenia, OH 45385

Yellow Springs

Pin This Post

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Are you human? Please solve:Captcha