The Farmers' Creamery Newsletter - Spring 2025

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Welcome

Greetings from all of us at Farmers’ Creamery in beautiful Mio, Michigan!

Spring is in full bloom — bringing fresh energy, new opportunities, and renewed appreciation for the partnerships that make our work possible.

Whether you’ve been with us for years or are just beginning your journey with Farmer’s Creamery, we sincerely thank you for being part of our extended family.

At the heart of our mission is a commitment to producing highquality dairy products — from our rich, creamy ice cream to our fresh, nourishing milk — rooted in integrity, hard work, and respect for the land and the people behind it.

FARM

This spring, we’re especially excited to share new upgrades that will enhance both efficiency and product quality. We’re also shining a light on the exceptional local farmers and vendors — like you — who help bring our vision to life every single day.

FRE SH TASTE

DIGESTIVE FRIENDLY A2 MILK

This quarterly newsletter is designed to keep you informed and connected. Inside, you’ll find updates on production improvements, introductions to the people behind our products, seasonal recipes, and opportunities to grow alongside us. We’ll also highlight customer favorites, share feedback from the field, and provide insights into the evolving dairy landscape.

Thank you for your ongoing support. It plays a vital role in everything we do, and we’re honored to continue building a partnership grounded in trust, collaboration, and shared success.

Here’s to a season of growth, good food, and strong relationships.

Warm regards,

The Farmer’s Creamery Team

The Farmers’ Creamery Employees

Edward Yoder GENERAL MANAGER

David Weaver Jr. SALES AND CUSTOMER RELATIONS

Mahlon Yoder PRODUCTION MANAGER

Andy Byler PRODUCTION

Did you know?

Reuben Yoder CHEESE AND ICE CREAM PRODUCTION

Calvin Lehman PRODUCTION

Luke Gascho PRODUCTION

Lyndon Yoder PRODUCTION

Myron Yoder PRODUCTION

Senesa Yoder OFFICE

Anna Schmucker OFFICE/ORDER FULFILLMENT

Thomas Weaver SALES AND BUSINESS RELATIONS

THE U.S. DAIRY INDUSTRY is a significant part of the nation’s economy, with dairy farms producing approximately 37.2 billion dollars annually and employing over 900,000 people. COWS HAVE A STRONG SENSE OF SMELL. They can perceive smells at a distance of over 6 miles.

Farmers’ Creamery - Mio, Michigan

BESIDES THE ‘MOOING’ cows use their body language, such as the position of the head, limbs and tail, as well as facial expressions, in order to communicate.

Amish Dairy Board hosts national convention in Mio

Farmer’s Creamery recently welcomed members of the National Dairy Board for German-speaking Amish dairy producers to its facility in Mio, marking a key industry event for the region.

Held at the intersection of M-33 and Kittle Road, the event featured guided tours of the Creamery’s operations, including live bottling of its signature chocolate milk and an exclusive look at a new specialty offering: Mozzarella cheese currently undergoing fermentation trials.

Farmer’s Creamery General Manager Edward Yoder, who was also elected to the dairy board’s leadership during the event, expressed appreciation for the strong turnout and positive response.

think people genuinely enjoyed the experience,” Yoder said. “It was a productive gathering with meaningful conversation about the future of dairy.”

The convention provided a forum for discussion on a wide range of challenges facing the dairy sector — from shifting consumer preferences and rising production costs, to the increasingly slim margins that define modern dairy operations. A recurring concern voiced by attendees: succession planning and the retention of the next generation of farmers.

Nevin Byler of Middlefield, Ohio, who facilitated the event, emphasized the urgency of addressing generational change.

“If the next generation is to stay on the farm, this generation needs to create that opportunity,” Byler said. “We must inspire, educate, and illuminate

“The tours through the plant were well received, and I

our communities — not just for today, but for the generations to come.”

A conversation overheard between farmers from Lancaster, Pennsylvania and Shipshewana, Indiana underscored a common trend: Younger Amish workers are increasingly pursuing higherpaying jobs in construction over traditional farming roles.

“It’s not that they don’t want to work — they do,” one attendee noted. “But they can earn more and have a life outside work. Farming requires you day and night.”

One of the highlights of the event was the introduction of specialty mozzarella curds, crafted for fine-dining restaurants where dishes can command prices of $200 or more. While still in development, the product reflects the Creamery’s continued push toward premium markets.

“The goal is a clean-bite mozzarella — not the stretchy kind you find in fried sticks,” a Creamery spokesperson explained. “The client values the integrity of our production process and is excited to work with our highquality milk.”

Andrew Stoll of Hope Creamery in Aylmer, Ontario shared plans to open a boutique processing facility focusing on cheeses made from sheep and water buffalo milk, a strategic move in response to Canadian cow milk production quotas.

“There’s a growing demand for unique cheeses

with distinct flavor profiles,” Stoll said. “We believe alternative milk sources can help us meet that niche.”

And the Farmer’s Creamery is leading the way.

The 2026 Amish Dairy Board convention is scheduled to be held in Maryland.

Recipe

County Ice Cream

INGREDIENTS

4 eggs

2 c. sugar

5 c. Farmer’s Creamery Milk

4 c. Farmer’s Creamery Whipping Cream

DIRECTIONS

• Beat eggs for 5 minutes, then beat in sugar until thick.

• Add Farmer’s Creamery Milk, Farmer’s Creamery Whipping Cream, vanilla, salt, and pudding.

4 1/2 tsp. vanilla 1/2 tsp. salt 2/3 c. instant vanilla pudding

• Mix thoroughly and chill before freezing in a 6-quart freezer.

• Variation: You may add orange or mint flavoring, or any other flavor you prefer.

Retail Partners

Oleson’s Foods

3850 N. Long Lake Rd. Traverse City, MI 49684 231–947–6510

Oleson’s Foods 112 Antrim Street Charlevoix, MI 49720 231-547-6548

R &J Best Choice Market Place

8982 Old US-27 Houghton Lake, MI 48629 989–422–2312

Tip’n The Mitten 204 Michigan Ave. Grayling, MI 49738 989–745-4571

Northland Food 2377 M-113 Kingsley, MI 49649 231–263–5671

The Mill 5440 West Harbor Highway Glen Arbor, MI 49636

Smoke on the Water 103 Park Ave. Charlevoix, MI 49720 231–237–9604

Neiman‘s Family Market 220 West Lake St. Tawas City, MI 48763 989-362-9180

Serendipity Farms 3471 Grange Hall Road Wolverine, MI 49799 231–357–4001

Neiman’s Family Market 1167 South Carney Dr. Saint Clair, MI 48079 810–329-4535

Steve’s Country Market 3170 N. Claire Ave. Harrison, MI 48625 989–539–3110

Stony Hill 1298 M-32 Gaylord, MI 49735 989-731-5678

Nieman’s Family Market 315 East Main St. Mayville, MI 48744 989–843–6141

Nieman’s Family Market 7121 Dixie Highway Clarkston, MI 48346 248–625–6460

The Bird and the Bear 205 N. 5th St. Roscommon MI 48653 248-840–2038

Our Daily Bread 2380 S. M-65 Prescott, MI 48756 989–756–3663

Norm’s Market 9538 West Saginaw Rd. Richville, MI 48757 989-868-9601

Plane Foods 121 E. Elizabeth Street Stockbridge, MI 49285 517–857–7047

Plum Market 3601 Plymouth Rd. Ann Arbor, MI 48105 734-545-7250

Plum Market 375 North Maple Rd. Ann Arbor, MI 48105 734–827–5000

Grain Train Natural Foods Market is a cooperatively own grocery store in Petoskey. What began in 1971 as a modest buying club Has evolved into a full-service natural foods market. In 2002 the Grain Train moved into its current 4,500 square-foot location at 220 East Mitchell St., expanding its capacity and offerings. In 2013 it open a second location in Boyne City at 104 S. Park St. Guided by the mission “making a difference one bite at a time,“ the Grain Train delivers high quality, local natural and organic products. Its cooperative model emphasizes community ownership, sustainability and nourishing both people and the planet. Pictured are team members (front, l-r) Iris, Meridith, Keri, Mary, (back) Michael, Abbie, Mindy, Sarah S., Chelsea, Logan, Amie and Alana. The Grain Train is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. PM Monday through Saturday, and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Info 231-347-2381

▶ Continued from Pg. 5

Retail Partners Recipe

Plum Market

6565 Orchard Lake Rd. West Bloomfield, MI 48322

248–626–7000

Plum Market 3675 West Maple Rd. Bloomfield Township, MI 48301

248–594–2555

Pineview Grocery 3277 West River Rd. Sanford, MI 48657 989–687–5267

Raven Oaks Farm 15155 29 Mile Road Washington Township, MI 48095 586–453–7932

Wilson’s Cheese Shoppe 132 North Mable Rd. Pinconning, MI 48650 989–879–2002

Wittbeck’s Family Foods 1026 North McEwen St., Clare, MI 48617 989-386-7591

Ruggles Ranch 6401 White Lake Rd. White Lake, MI 48383 810–252–7143

Polly’s Country Market 201 Park Avenue Jackson, MI 49203 517–783–4226

Polly’s Country Market 1925 Spring Arbor Rd. Jackson, MI 49203 517–787–5228

Belgian Waffles

INGREDIENTS

8 eggs, separated 1 tsp. vanilla

6 T. butter, melted 2 c. flour

DIRECTIONS

• Beat egg yolks until very light. Add vanilla and melted butter.

• Combine flour and salt, then add to the Farmer’s Creamery Milk and egg mixture. Beat well.

1 tsp. salt

2 c. Farmer’s Creamery Milk

• Beat egg whites until stiff and fold into the batter.

• Bake in a waffle iron for about 2 1/2 minutes per side.

Ken’s Village Market has been a cornerstone of the Indian River community since its founding in 1969. It has consistently provided residents and visitors with fresh produce, quality meats, a full-service deli, and a wide selection of local products. Over the years, the market has expanded its offerings to include a bakery known for its scratchmade donuts, Farmer’s Creamery products, a pharmacy, and liquor section featuring beer and wine. Its commitment to quality and community service are unmatched. Ken’s Village Market is located at 6433 Barbara Avenue in Indian River. They can be reached at 231-238-9342. Pictured (l-r) are Todd Hopp, Rick Jurewicz, Owner Jeff Swadling, Allen Maves, Jeffrey Lozon and Todd Boldenow.

Retail Partners

Polly’s Country Market

1255 South Main St. Chelsea MI 48118 734–433–0130

Polly’s Country Market 2119 Ferguson Road Jackson, MI 49203 517–787–6096

Polly’s Country Market 1210 W. Parnell Jackson, MI 49201 517–796–4606

Polly’s Country Market 1535 W. Maumee Adrian, MI 49221 517–265–4190

Polly’s Country Market 11301 Brooklyn Road Brooklyn, MI 49230 517–592–4040

Better Health Market

3500 Washington, Suite L Ann Arbor, MI 48104 734–975–6613

Better Health Market 3344 Secor Rd. Toledo, OH 43606 419–219–4390

Better Health Market

17696 W. 13 Mile Rd. Beverly Hills, MI 48025 248–645–5500

Better Health Market 2053 S. Telegraph Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302 248–334–9500

Better Health Market 22250 Michigan Ave. Dearborn, Michigan 48124 313–724–6000

Better Health Market

305 North Clippert St. Lansing Michigan, 48912 517–332–6892

Better Health Market 19221 Mac Ave. Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236 313–885–5000

Better Health Market 20432 Farmington Rd. Livonia, MI 48152 248–471–9600

Better Health Market

42875 Grand River Ave., Suite 100 Novi, MI 48375 248–735–8100

Better Health Market

44427 W. Ann Arbor Rd., Suite E Plymouth, MI 48170 734–455–1440

Recipe

Strawberry Shortcake

INGREDIENTS

3/4 c. sugar

1/4 c. vegetable oil

1 egg

1/2 c. Farmer’s

Creamery Milk

1 1/2 c. flour

DIRECTIONS

• Mix sugar and shortening. Stir in Farmer’s Creamery milk and egg. Add dry ingredients.

• Pour mixture into an 8x8- or 9x9-inch pan, then sprinkle crumbs on top.

Better Health Market 14105 Hall Road Shelby Township, MI 48315 586–884–6160

Better Health Market 17825 Eureka Rd. Southgate, MI 48195 734–374–1973

Better Health Market 33452 Van Dyke Sterling Heights, MI 48312 586–498–0525

Better Health Market 6235 W. Saginaw Lansing, MI 48917 517–323–9186

Country View Bulk Foods 177 N. Germania Rd., Snover, MI 48472 989-635-3764

Recipe

Tracy’s Cauliflower Soup

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup salted butter, divided

1medium onion, finely chopped

1 carrot, finely chopped

1 celery stalk, finely chopped

1 head cauliflower, cut into 1-inch pieces

2 Tbsp. chopped parsley (fresh or dried)

DIRECTIONS

1/2 tsp. salt

2 tsp. baking powder

Crumbs:

1/2 c. brown sugar

2 T. flour

2 T. butter

• Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.

• Serve with strawberries and milk. This shortcake has a cake-like texture and pairs deliciously with any fruit, milk, or ice cream.

• In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until it starts to turn brown, 4 to 5 minutes.

• Add the carrots and celery and cook about 2 minutes more. Add the cauliflower and parsley and stir to combine. Cover and cook over low heat for 15 minutes.

• Pour in the chicken stock or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and allow to simmer for about 10 minutes.

• In a medium saucepan, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons butter over medium-low heat. In a medium bowl, whisk to combine the flour and

1 qt. low-sodium chicken broth or stock

6 Tbsp. all-purpose flour

2 cups Farmer’s Creamery Whole Milk

1 cup half-and-half

1 to 2 bay leaves

1 tsp. kosher salt, plus more to taste

1/2 tsp. black pepper, add more for taste

1 cup sour cream, to serve

milk. Slowly add the mixture to the butter, whisking constantly. Let it cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.

• Remove from the heat and stir in the half-andhalf. Add the mixture to the simmering soup. Drop in a bay leaf or 2. Allow to simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Taste for seasonings and add more salt or pepper, if you like.

• Just before serving, place the sour cream in a serving bowl or soup tureen. Add 2 to 3 ladles of hot soup into the tureen and stir to combine with the sour cream

• Pour in the remaining soup and stir. Or, serve in bowls and top each with sour cream. Serve immediately.

Mio's Kittle Road

A re A S hopping 2025

A SAMPLE OF OSCODA COUNTY AMISH BUSINESSES

1. Country Corners Bulk Food - Cheese, bulk food, baking supplies, candy, home remedies, discount items, burn and wound supplies, Now Foods supplements and essential oils.

• 1284 W Kittle Rd. ~ 989-826-6063

2. Nature's Beauty Rustic Furniture - Handcrafted custommade home furnishings, large and small. "True beauty in wood!"

• 860 E. Kneeland Rd. ~ 989-848-2806

3. Country Feed Supply - Full line of feeds, popular brands of pet food and supplies, Dairy Doo potting mixes, raised garden boxes, large selection of bird seed and feeders, food plot seeds and supplies.

• 389 W. Kittle Rd. ~ 989-826-2305

4. Paddle Inn - Made-to-order, daily specials, homemade pies and a full beverage selection. Open all week 7am to 7pm, except Friday open until 8pm. • 253 S. Mt. Tom Rd. ~ 989-826-6373

5. North Star Storage Barns - Portable garages and storage to custom buildings. Many to choose from. • 398 N. Mount Tom Rd. ~ 989-826-1000

6. Echo Ridge Fabrics - Fabrics, notions, Amish clothing (infant to adult), toys and games, arts and crafts supplies, home decor.

• 1734 N. Galbraith Rd. ~ 989-826-1913

7. Sweet Success Sugarbush - Home of 'Liquid Gold!' Maple syrup goods. • 1442 N. Galbraith Rd. ~ 989-826-3160

8. Pioneer General Store - Not just your average hardware and home store. Now has 'convenience lumber in stock'

• 432 N. Mt Tom Rd. ~ 989-826-3580

9. Shady Lane Footwear & Oak Hill Furniture - Footwear for the entire family, handcrafted solid wood furniture, with full line of weather resistant wood, and poly resin outdoor furniture.

• 68 E. Kneeland Rd. ~ 989-848-8265

10. The Farmer's Creamery - Full-line of quality fresh dairy products including ice cream, baked goods, deli, Sandwiches, 100% grass-fed meat and you can even watch our production process through our observation. • 50 W. Kittle Rd. ~ 989-826-8368

11. Maple Ridge Metal Supply - Specializing in pole barn supplies, residential metal roofing, siding, doors/windows. Commercial & Residential. Hours: Mon.-Fri. 7am-4pm, Sat. 8am-11am

• 748 N. Gerber Rd. ~ 989-826-5752

12. Crosscut Meats - Come check out our meat selection, steak and more. You can bring us your animal for process, or we can connect you with farmers to help fill your freezer.

• 134 N. Mount Tom Rd. ~ 989-889-5769

13. Loopie Lu Sweets - Full-service scratch dessert bakery with specialty espresso coffees of Michigan. Come enjoy our famous '49' different cheesecakes! Like us on Facebook. • 463 S. Mount Tom Rd. ~ 989-826-1956

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