A family farm in Idaho, the Copper Cow Creamery, saved its business from financial ruin by launching a successful direct-to-consumer enterprise.
Founded on Faith The Family That Saved Its Dairy
(The Copper Cow Creamery)

A personal story of a struggling Idaho family farm that defied dairy economics by building a successful creamery to survive.

In the challenging world of agribusiness, one Idaho family’s story provides a powerful example of perseverance. The article details how Justin and Siska Reece were at a breaking point with their dairy farm. By 2020, they were barely “holding their head above water,” having exhausted their resources, including equity, feed, and even selling off heifers just to stay afloat. They faced the difficult choice of either selling the farm to pay off debt or finding a completely new path forward.

In a pivotal moment, the family turned to a different strategy, born out of faith and community support. The article highlights that after much prayer, friends and neighbors began asking why they didn’t sell their own milk and products directly to the public. While this had been a 20-year dream, the Reeces had always believed it would require a significant upfront investment. However, unexpected opportunities began to surface, from acquiring an affordable building to timely permits, which convinced them that this was the right decision.

Within eight months, the Copper Cow Creamery was a reality. The article details how the new business, producing non-homogenized A2A2 milk, cheese, and ice cream from their Jersey herd, quickly exceeded all expectations. Customer demand was so overwhelming that the small operation, initially planned as a part-time endeavor, rapidly scaled into a full-time business with 15 employees. This success not only saved the farm but also provided a new model for financial sustainability.

The success of the creamery, however, did not eliminate the hard work. The article touches on the daily challenges of balancing the new business with managing the original dairy, homeschooling five sons, and participating in various other family activities. Siska Reece openly discusses the moments of “burnout” and the constant “fires” that need to be put out. This personal narrative provides a rare glimpse into the intense demands of modern agribusiness and the resilience required to succeed.

Ultimately, the Copper Cow Creamery’s story is a compelling case study for the entire dairy industry. It shows how a combination of strategic innovation, faith, and local support can help a small family farm overcome a major financial crisis. The unexpected profitability of their dream business not only secured their future but also created new jobs and a thriving local enterprise, demonstrating a powerful example of how to build a sustainable and values-driven business in a difficult economic climate.

Source: Dairy Herd, “Founded on Faith: The Copper Cow Creamery Fulfills the Dream, Sustains the Dairy

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