Loleta Farms makes a simple promise to their customers, “If we won’t feed it to our family, we won’t feed it to yours”. This family-owned farm in Rathdrum, Idaho proudly provides fresh, creamy, raw, Guernsey cow milk full of natural enzymes and beneficial bacteria, the way nature intended.
Owners Justin and Keeley Ritter did not always have intentions of owning a raw dairy farm. In fact, Justin grew up on a dairy and worked in the commercial milk industry for years and did not think he would ever be milking cows again! What Justin and Keeley did know was that they shared a strong desire for both of them to be at home on the farm to raise and homeschool their four children together. Then, along came an opportunity to buy a Guernsey cow, named Georgia. Keeley jumped at the chance to have a milk cow for their family. She had always been interested in animal husbandry and knew, with Justin’s help and expertise, it would be a great experience for their family.
Many consider Guernsey milk to be a superfood. Its impressive nutritional profile contains 12% more protein, 33% more vitamin D, and 15% more calcium than average milk. Guernsey cows cannot digest carotene so it converts into beta-carotene and passes directly into the milk giving it that unique golden color. The milk also has three times more Omega 3 than any other milk and a high butterfat content that adds incomparable flavor to everything! Guernsey cows are more than ninety percent A2A2 milk, which means their milk contains 100% A2 beta-casein protein, and research suggests it is easier to digest than A1 milk. Sounds like a superfood to me!
Justin and Keeley were thrilled with how their family was thriving from consuming raw milk and caring for Georgia. Friends and family also enjoyed the rich taste and health benefits of the milk. When the opportunity arose to acquire more Guernsey cows, Justin and Keeley decided to take a leap of faith into the dairy business. They needed a name for their dairy farm and without hesitation, the children suggested Loleta Farms. Loleta Denson was Keeley’s grandmother and although the children have never met her, they have grown up listening to stories about this inspirational woman and how much Keeley loved her. In Keeley’s words, “Loleta’s greatest influence in my life was her love for God and her sweet spirit”.
Loleta Farms applies an all-inclusive approach to raw milk production for direct human consumption. The herd is primarily grass-fed and is otherwise fed certified organic, corn and soy-free grain at milking. Justin and Keeley take cleanliness very seriously and implement strict standards of rigorous testing to ensure the herd is healthy and the raw milk is produced safely. The children are part of the team with age-appropriate tasks that support their education and strengthen their values. Each family member has a favorite cow and according to this group, Guernsey cows have the best personalities and make the cutest calves!
What’s next for Loleta Farms? Justin and Keeley are purchasing a 150- acre farm around 30 minutes outside of Coeur d Alene, where they will continue to raise their family and produce Loleta Farms raw milk for the community. After that, they are content to honor Loleta’s legacy and place their trust in God to see what the future unfolds. You can find Loleta Farms raw milk at Pilgrims in our Chill Department. Thank you for shopping local!
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