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November 2005 - Article 3
 “VISITING AN ORGANIC CREAMERY” by Jessica Kuzmier With all of the megacorporations that exist in proliferation, it's easy to lament over the death of the small businessman. It seems as though everything is mass produced in factories, even our food. But there is hope. Evans' Farmhouse Creamery, a family owned organic dairy farm, is a sign that organic farmers are still with us. We first heard of the Evans' farm through a monthly newsletter, Three Rivers Project, which is based in Chenango County, New York. They had an article featuring various organic farmers located throughout the county, of which the Evans' Farmhouse Creamery was one. Located in Norwich, New York, the farm boasted of homemade organic cow's milk, cheese and yogurt. Coming from an area where one would associate milk with a grocery store more than a cow, it sounded like a great idea to visit the actual place where we could get fresh milk. We took a tour of the facilities and noticed how efficient and sterile everything was. After visiting the place once and sampling their products, we were hooked.  It is here where we tried unhomogenized milk. This means that the milk contents are not mixed, and are allowed to settle in their natural state. By eliminating the homogenization process, the milk is that much less processed and that much more in the natural state and flavor. To those who are used to homogenized milk, it may seem that eliminating this step in milk production is risky to one's health. But this is not so; unlike pasteurization, homogenization does not eliminate any bacteria. Evans' milk does go through pasteurization and is certified organic. The milk comes from Jersey cows on their farm. In addition to grazing, the animals eat non-GMO certified organic grains. Rotational grazing is practiced. This provides two benefits: it prevents soil erosion, and enables the cows to select the grasses that they feel most optimum for their health needs. In keeping with a more natural practice, the cows are given plenty exercise as they graze, and no growth hormones are injected into the animals. In addition to whole milk, you can buy other types of milk, as well as other dairy products. Evan's milk comes in lowfat and skim varieties. They also have natural organic chocolate milk. There is also a product line for those who prefer the texture of homogenized milk called Sunrise Family Farms. This milk is also organic. The creamery, which has been open since 1999, is where their organic yogurt is produced. It is available in several flavors, and consists of plain yogurt, maple syrup, and other flavorings. Their yogurt has a great custard-like taste and texture. Evans' manufactures their own maple syrup as well. We noticed it has a wonderful flavor when used on pancakes and as a substitution for sugar. Several other farm products are available at the store as well, manufactured by other farmers, including cheese, eggs, and goat milk products.  This may be just a regional story to some. If you live in Phoenix or Vancouver you may not be stopping by Norwich, New York anytime soon. When we go to our grocery store, Evans' products aren't there. It's only when I visit my local health food store that I see them. But that is part of the appeal, a small family farm growing and doing business locally. I prefer going to their farm than going to the health food store for their products. just for the experience of visiting a traditional, small dairy farm. For years now, we have been going back again and again for the best tasting organic milk, cheese and yogurt. And that's what this is all about. While it seems like the food preparation process is getting more and more removed from the consumer, there are still places where you can see your food manufactured, and know who is doing it. If the idea of communal living ever wants to take off, this method of production and consumption will have to usurp the anonymous corporation. In the meantime, it's nice to know that right down the road, some of the best fresh organic milk is waiting.  Evans' Farmhouse Creamery 5037 State Highway 23 Norwich, NY 13815 |