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.

  • 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.

Meet Your Creamery Team

  • Brittany Bilte

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

  • Sam

    PLANT OPERATOR

  • Brad

    PLANT ASSISTANT

  • Caleb

    HIGH SCHOOL INTERN

  • Lindsay

    RETAIL & EDUCATION

  • Doris

    RETAIL

  • Paulina

    RETAIL

  • Justice (photo coming)

    RETAIL

OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Founding board members 2022: L-R: Merritt Acheson, Brad Shaffer, 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

Cusick High School Agriculture Teacher

Brad Shaffer

Retired Starbucks legal

Alex Case-Cohen

Spokane Conservation District

Stacy Thomas

EWCD, President

Clover Mountain Dairy, Farmer and Dairy Processor

Tiffany Milne

EWCD, Secretary

Retired Navy

Virginia Thomas

EWCD, Treasurer

Clover Mountain Dairy, Farmer and Dairy Processor

Krista Stauffer

Stauffer Dairy, Farmer and Dairy Producer