Our cheese reflects the distinctive qualities of the milk from our nationally-recognized herd of registered Ayrshire cows.  Now considered a “heritage breed,” Ayrshire cows imported from Scotland were the most common breed in New England in the 1800s.  Known as good grazers, our cows enjoy 150 acres of pasture consisting of timothy, clover, brome and alfalfa.  At Crawford Family Farm, our cows are known by name, are treated with respect and affection, and are carefully bred for health and longevity.  We do not use artificial growth hormones (rBST) on our cows.

The American Livestock Breeds Conservancy (ALBC), concerned about the decreased genetic diversity of livestock in the U.S. , has placed Ayrshire cows on their “watch list.”  Ayrshires currently comprise only 3% of all U.S. cows.  We are helping to maintain this breed of cattle as well as preserving an agrarian way of life.

From our 60 milking cows, we carefully select two dozen to provide the milk for our cheese, based on monthly tests of the components and quality of their milk.  This summer, these cows included Kelly, Amy Jane, Borena, and Dorie.

Kelly was born in Canada in 2001, and was able to cross the border before it was closed to livestock sales.  She is a lovely dark red, catching the appreciative eye of cheesemaker Maria.  Kelly has had a daughter, Kelly Ripa, and a bull calf Regis who has already sired several calves, making Kelly a grandma.  She is a no-nonsense cow and a hard worker who is old and wise and knows she’s special.

Four-year-old Amy Jane is the daughter of Piglet (twin of Pooh).  She was originally sold to a girl who cared for her as a 4-H project, but was re-purchased by the Crawfords when they saw her for sale at an Ayrshire auction in Rutland .  She hasn’t had any daughters yet, but has had a couple of bull calves.  She moos loudly until she is milked, so she is often one of the first.  She also likes to “lick” Jim’s back while he milks, which he enjoys more in the heavy clothes of winter than the t-shirts of summer.

Borena at 2 years old is the current generation of a long matriarchal line of Borenas in this herd.  She has not yet produced a Borena of her own—only a bull calf so far.  She was shown by a 4-H student at the Addison County Field days last year and won a blue ribbon. She is pretty and stylish with fine bone structure and a ladylike demeanor.  Perhaps this is why she acts like a spoiled brat, head-butting Jim while he is milking her.

Dorie is two and a half years old and was named by Cindy’s daughter Dacey who was charmed by the fish character in the movie “Finding Nemo.”  Dorie is the daughter of Detty, who is now at Jasper Hill Farm (in VT) also making milk for cheese.  Last year, in a 4-H competition at the Addison County Field Days, she won a blue ribbon.  This spring, she gave birth to Isabella, who was bred from the frozen egg of a treasured and productive cow Isadora, who died a few years ago without leaving any female offspring.  Dorie is an eager eater and leader of the pack.