Local Dairy History

Since 1964, Stevens County, WA, has witnessed a significant decline from 360 dairies to just 9. This stark reduction is attributed to consolidation driven by flawed government programs and ineffective cooperative efforts.

 
 

The government's low milk prices have led to a surge in farm debt, forcing many dairies out of business. The absence of local processing infrastructure, coupled with persistently low milk prices, further hinders the establishment of new farms.

 

Follow the Cow

We believe in a different dairy future with vibrant small farms connected to thriving rural communities through nutritious food.

Healthy cows, healthy farms, healthy communities.

Columbia Community Creamery exists solely to support our local rural community of producers and consumers.

Together we are rebuilding our local food economy.

  • Working with Farmers

    Small farms have always been the backbone of local agriculture. We help farmers by assisting with grazing planning, veterinary care, farm planning, regenerative farming practices, networking, sourcing supplies, finding feed, using new technologies, improving business skills, and so forth.

  • Access to Market

    There must be easier access to market to keep farms and encourage new farms. This includes a fair milk price, covered milk hauling, local processing, marketing, and regional distribution. We are creating a strong brand for our dairy farmers allowing them to focus on producing the best milk.

  • Community Engagement

    Our nonprofit increases economic, social, and environmental benefits to our community. Foremost we are providing nutritious milk to feed our neighbors. Education programs reconnect community members with agriculture. Supporting local farms strengthens our rural economy.

Milk from happy, healthy herds on small family dairy farms.

 

All milk is in classic glass bottles that are reused and endlessly recyclable. Milk is gently pasteurized and not homogenized so that cream rises to the top.

Founding board members: L-R: Merritt Acheson, Brad Shaffer (Secretary), Savannah Gucwa, Michelle Lancaster, Aubrey Markel, Alex Case-Cohen, Stacy Thomas (President) & Virginia Thomas (Treasurer)

 

Dedicated to DAIRY

Our board of dedicated volunteers have decades of experience in local food infrastructure, farming, retailing, animal husbandry, and education.

Merritt Acheson

Front Porch Farm, Farmer

Chewelah Farmers Market,

President

Aubrey Markel

Jenkins Jr/Sr High School, FFA and Agriculture Teacher

Brad Shaffer

EWCD, Secretary

Chewelah Farmers Market,

Manager

Alex Case-Cohen

Spokane Conservation District

Stacy Thomas

EWCD, President

Clover Mountain Dairy, Farmer and Dairy Processor

Tiffany Milne

Retired Navy

Virginia Thomas

EWCD, Treasurer

Clover Mountain Dairy, Farmer and Dairy Processor

Krista Stauffer

Stauffer Dairy, Farmer and Dairy Producer