Support Iowa Dairy Farmers: Buy Locally

We’re in the middle of a pandemic, but our need for good milk and dairy products hasn’t ended. We’ve all seen the videos, articles, and pictures floating around the interwebs of dairy farmers having to dump out milk due to a variety of reasons. Thankfully, here in Iowa, we can support our local dairy farmers and buy quality products directly from the source! This is especially good news if you’re having problems finding milk in your grocery stores!

Benefits of Milk

Right now, the best thing you can do for yourself and for dairy farmers is to buy milk and other dairy products like yogurt, cheese, & ice cream. Yes, I am ordering you to eat more ice cream! You’re welcome! 😉 There is a large variety of reasons that milk is good for you, but some of the top ones are that milk is packed full of nutrients, its great source of quality protein, it benefits the health of your bones (calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and K2), helps prevent weight gain, and it is very versatile in cooking and baking.

There are many benefits of buying locally produced milk as well! It stimulates jobs, supports local families, and stimulates the economy by putting $ back into local economy.

Buy Iowa Milk & Dairy Products

Everyone knows that Iowa is a state based on agriculture. We know there are lots of row crops, pigs, and beef cattle, but did you know that we have quite a few locally owned dairy’s as well as large dairy farms? A lot of these you can buy products directly from!

WW Homestead Dairy – Waukon, Iowa

WW Homestead Dairy has been providing quality dairy products since 2011. Their retail store is open Monday through Saturday for people to purchase their dairy products, grab some ice cream, or even enjoy their coffee bar! you know how much I love a good locally made coffee too! You can also order online and have products delivered to your door within the Midwest right now for free by using the code APRILCHEESE at check out and with a minimum order of $15! They also offer delivery as their truck routes run all over so reach out to them to see how to get their products! They will do their very best!

Finally, if you know of a community, group, or school that needs milk, they would love to connect with them! That goes for any grocery stores that are struggling to get milk right now. They want to help get people and communities local, high quality dairy! Email them at homesteaddairy@gmail.com for more info!

• WW Homestead Dairy – 850 Rossville Rd, Waukon, Iowa

Country View Dairy – Hawkeye, Iowa

Country View Dairy’s story started in Hawkeye in 2002. Now, they have a state certified creamery onsite and produce a large variety of dairy products. In their store on the farm, you’ll find their famous yogurt, frozen yogurt, sour cream, and whole milk gallons. You’ll also find products from Hansen’s Dairy, WW Homestead, & Picket Fence Creamery! Additionally, they stock a variety of Iowa made foods at their store. They are open 7 days a week, 8AM-8PM.

If you can’t get to Hawkeye to shop their store, many of their products are found all over the state. Click HERE to find a store closest to you!

• Country View Dairy – 15197 230th St., Hawkeye

Hansen’s Dairy – Hudson, Iowa

Almost 2 years ago, we visited Hansen’s Dairy for a tour so we know just how good their products are! This generational farm has been operating for over 150 years outside Hudson, Iowa. Back in 2004, the fours sons decided to turn it into a commercial creamery and produced the first gallon of milk onsite. Now, you can purchase their dairy products like milk, egg nog (seasonal), cheese curds, hard ice cream, soft serve, and more!

Ready to purchase some Hansen’s Dairy? They have retail store on their farm as well as stores in Waterloo & Cedar Falls. If they aren’t close to you, their items can also be purchased in a variety of stores across Iowa! They also source to locally owned restaurants, so you can do double duty by supporting the dairy and a local restaurant by getting an order to go!

• Hansen’s Dairy – 8461 Lincoln Road, Hudson, Iowa

Picket Fence Creamer – Woodward, Iowa

Located in central Iowa near the town of Woodward, you’ll find Picket Fence Creamery.

Right now Picket Fence is only offering curb side service, but they are still in the store 8AM-6PM. From them you can find their fresh milk, chocolate milk, strawberry milk, 10 varieties of cheese curds, 35 flavors of ice cream, and other foods from over 100 Iowa families. And, if you can’t get to their store, you’ll find their products in Des Moines & Ames area Hy-Vee, Fareway, Price Choppers, & Whole Foods!

Supporting Larger Iowa Dairy Farmers

Of course, if you aren’t close to one of these small dairy farmers, you can support the larger dairy farmers of Iowa by buying a variety of dairy products.

New Day Dairy is located in North Central Iowa (outside of Clarksville) and a member of Prairie Farms Cooperative. Whenever possible, purchase Prairie Farm dairy products and know that you’re helping to support them and several Iowa family farms! New Day also has a great lodging option in their Guest Barn, when travel is safe again! A gift certificate would make a great gift for someone to enjoy later as well!

Regardless how you decide to support a dairy farmer, know that they are appreciative of it! Think about supporting them and all smaller, locally owned businesses going through a hard time right now!