As we look ahead to spring here at Cortez Creamery, this dry winter has brought its fair share of challenges. Without the insulating blanket of snow we depend on, our water hydrants have been freezing off and on, creating extra work to ensure the cows and calves get the water they need. The lack of moisture also means less grazing for our herd in the months ahead, forcing us to rely on hay sooner than usual—a reality made tougher by the rising cost of feed.
Still, even in the face of these challenges, I feel incredibly blessed every single day. There’s something deeply humbling about starting the morning in the barn, milking these amazing cows. Providing fresh, nourishing milk for families and their growing children is an honor I don’t take lightly. It’s a connection to life, community, and purpose that fills my heart with gratitude.
Our herd is thriving despite the dry conditions. Almost all of our cows are in full milk production, and we’ve just weaned our calves, who are growing big and strong. Watching these animals flourish reminds me of the resilience and beauty of farming, even when the circumstances aren’t perfect.
One exciting development is the growing community around Cortez Creamery. Recently, James Ranch made the difficult decision to discontinue their milk share program and graciously recommended us to their customers. We’ve welcomed many new families into our creamery family, and I couldn’t be more honored to continue providing high-quality milk to these wonderful people. To meet this increased demand, we’re working on adding new ladies to the herd, and we may need to adjust delivery days slightly to ensure we can serve everyone.
If you’re a current member and are thinking about increasing your share, now is a great time to reach out! With most of our cows in full production, we’re confident we can meet the growing demand, and we’d love to help your family enjoy even more fresh milk.
We’re also looking to expand in other areas of the farm. With the ongoing concerns around bird flu, which has resulted in millions of commercially raised hens being culled, we’ll be increasing our laying flock. Raising hens outdoors, in fresh air and sunshine, seems to make them far more resilient. This natural approach not only keeps the flock healthy but also ensures our customers have access to fresh, high-quality eggs.
Another exciting development is the return of pigs to the farm. Skim milk from butter and cream making will go to good use feeding them, creating a sustainable cycle that minimizes waste. We’ll have three pigs ready for March 2025 and expect to have piglets later this year for anyone looking to raise their own. For more information, you can visit our sister site: www.rockyridgefarm.org.
We’re also offering pastured poultry shares through Rocky Ridge Farm. It’s a way to ensure families have access to nutritious, delicious chicken raised the right way.
That said, this dry winter has us concerned about the price of hay in the coming year. Without spring rains, we’ll have to buy hay sooner, and the cost will likely be steep. We’ll do everything we can to avoid raising prices, but if the weather doesn’t cooperate, some adjustments may be unavoidable. I want to be upfront about these realities because transparency and trust are the heart of what we do.
Farming is a delicate balance. Between the demands of the dairy, working off-farm jobs, and the ever-changing challenges of nature, it’s a full and sometimes overwhelming life. But it’s also one I wouldn’t trade for the world. By 2026, my goal is to dedicate myself fully to the dairy, and every bit of support from our members helps move that dream closer to reality.
Thank you to everyone who has supported us—whether you’ve been with us for years or have just joined. Your belief in what we do keeps us going, even on the hard days. Here’s to hoping for a fruitful spring, with green pastures, growing herds, and the promise of better days ahead.
Your Farmer Hannah
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