Hey Reader,

I just came in from a job that was a bit slobbery and messy—but also very sweet: bottle-feeding our first calf of 2025. One of our Brown Swiss cows, Peggy, calved over the weekend, so we’ll have more milk to share soon!

She had a little heifer calf—mousey gray like her mama and already a fan of chin scratches. It’s been a long time since I’ve had a bottle calf - you can bet this little one is going to get plenty of attention from the kids & I.

Did you know June is National Dairy Month? Back when I served as dairy princess, we spent this month handing out ice cream at local banks or tossing cheese sticks at parades. I’ve always loved dairy so having a full month to celebrate it is pretty cool.

There’s an old saying I once heard: “When you have a cow, you have it all.” Historically, owning even one cow meant food security, economic stability, and daily nourishment.

In the book Old Fence Rails by the Minnesota Historical Society (give it a read!), I was fascinated to learn how early settlers in our state went to great lengths to bring—and keep—a family milk cow.

In 1800s America, a milk cow was often the first thing homesteaders purchased. And for good reason! A cow gives:

• Milk for drinking, cooking, cheese, yogurt, and more
• Cream for butter, ice cream, and luxurious treats
• Manure to fertilize gardens and fields
• Calves to grow the herd or trade/sell
• Meat (eventually)
• Daily rhythm and security

It’s still true today—cows are incredible creatures, and I'm so happy they play a vital role on our farm.

I’m actually giving a talk on Keeping a Family Milk Cow this Thursday, June 26 from 6–8 pm. It’s hosted by the Sustainable Farming Association, and it sounds like we have a good-sized group coming!

My daughter Marion got a kick out of it: “Wait… people are coming to watch you do a chore? Milk a cow?” Yep. I am, haha! And it is my favorite chore around here.

The event is free, and you’re of course invited. Details here: Managing a Family Milk Cow – SFA-MN Event Info​

Wishing you a peaceful start to the week,
Leah
Great Heritage Farm
​greatheritagefarm.com​

Farm Fresh Sheet

Here's what's available on the farm this week!

Retail Pastured Pork Cuts – I’m currently waiting on a call from our butcher to confirm whether our retail bacon (and several other cuts) will be ready this week. If all goes well, I’ll send out a follow-up email mid-week with some pork bundle options—perfect timing for our first Eden Prairie pickup on Saturday, June 28!

A2 Raw Milk – $10/gallon or $5/half
Farm pick-up only. Bring your own container.
*** Note: Supply is increasing! If you are new contact me to schedule a farm tour and first pick up.

Eggs – Chicken $5/dozen (duck eggs currently out of stock, they are free-ranging and I can't find their eggs)​
Limit 2 dozen per family.

Grass-Fed Beef - Our first steers of 2025 go in on July 1, so we’ll be restocking with fresh beef mid July—just in time for peak grilling season.

Pick-Up Options:

• On-Farm Pickup: Tuesday, Thursday & Friday – by appointment
• New: Eden Prairie Drop-Site: THIS SATURDAY, June 28 @ 10:30 AM
  ​Address shared after order is placed. View summer drop dates here. ​

To order:​
Reply to this email or text Leah at 507-232-9902​
You can pay in person (cash/check) or order online.​

Thank you for being part of our farm family! I’m so grateful to be doing life with you—and can’t wait to see what this summer brings.