Fall has arrived here at Cortez Creamery, and with it comes a season of reflection and preparation. As farmers, this time of year feels like both a winding down and a gearing up, as we wrap up the work of summer while planning for winter’s challenges. At the heart of it all is our dairy herd, the beautiful who give so much to us and our community.
This season, we're facing a few unexpected hurdles. Clair is due with her calf in November, so she’s been taken off the milking line to rest and prepare. Then there’s Holly. After noticing she was looking a little rounder than usual, we had her checked, and sure enough—she’s pregnant, too! Her exact due date remains a mystery, but for her and her calf’s health, we’ve also taken her off the milk line. Holly has been acting like she’s in heat on and off, likely responding to the other cows’ hormones, which has added to the confusion.
Between taking Clair and Holly off the line, we’ve found ourselves short on milk yet again, especially when it comes to butter and cream production. Thankfully, Pixie is back to help. She’s doing her best to cover the milk supply for one cow, but with her own calf still nursing, she can’t quite make up for two. These fluctuations in supply are always a balancing act for us—trying to ensure we have enough milk for our community without producing so much that we end up with waste and higher production costs. We truly appreciate your patience and understanding during these times when nature has other plans.
When the Power Goes Out
This past Sunday, we faced another challenge: a power outage that lasted several hours. We couldn’t milk on time, process cream, or make butter without power, and it was a humbling reminder of how dependent we are on electricity to keep everything running. We’re seriously considering investing in a backup generator that would allow us to power our milkers, coolers, and other essential dairy equipment during outages, but the cost is significant. It’s one of those big decisions we’re weighing carefully because we want to ensure we can continue to serve you without interruption, but we also have to be mindful of our farm’s budget.
Regenerating Pastures and Securing Winter Hay
As we navigate these day-to-day challenges, we’re also thinking long-term about our farm’s health. This fall, we’re incorporating cover crops into our milk cow pastures. Cover crops are an essential part of our regenerative farming practices—they nourish the soil, improve water retention, and support a diverse ecosystem. In the spring, we’ll plant another annual crop before transitioning back to a diverse perennial pasture mix. This rotational approach ensures that our pastures remain vibrant and productive for years to come, while also improving the overall health of our land.
In addition to pasture work, we’re securing nearly 48 tons of premium hay for winter—enough to keep our cows well-fed during the colder months. That’s nearly two semi-loads of hay! It’s a significant investment, but providing high-quality feed for our cows is essential to keeping them healthy, happy, and productive through the winter. We believe that happy, well-fed cows produce the best milk, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
What Are Your Fall Plans?
As we prepare the farm for the colder months, we’d love to hear how you’re getting ready for fall. Are you planning for the upcoming holidays? Are you busy decorating, preparing seasonal meals, or gathering with loved ones? Whether you’re enjoying the crisp mornings, sipping hot cider, or baking pumpkin treats, we’d love to know what fall looks like for you. This is such a special season, and we’re grateful to be able to share it with our community.
To celebrate the season, we wanted to share one of our favorite fall treats with you: a creamy, rich Pumpkin Spice Fresh Milk Smoothie. It’s the perfect blend of fall flavors and the creamy goodness of our fresh milk. Here’s the recipe for you to enjoy at home:
Pumpkin Spice Raw Milk Smoothie Recipe
*Ingredients:*
- 1 cup fresh Cortez Creamery Milk
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or banana for creaminess
- A handful of ice
*Instructions:*
1. Blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy.
2. Adjust sweetness and spice to taste.
3. Pour into a glass, top with a sprinkle of cinnamon, and enjoy!
At Cortez Creamery, farming is more than just work—it’s a way of life. The challenges, the surprises, the joys—they all remind us why we do what we do. Farming teaches patience, resilience, and the importance of being in tune with the rhythms of nature. It’s not always easy, but knowing that we have such a wonderful community supporting us makes every hurdle feel surmountable.
Thank you for being a part of our journey. We’re grateful for your continued support and look forward to serving you through this beautiful fall season and beyond.
Comments