Reichert's Dairy Air
Products
Dairy/Eggs
Breeds + Varieties
Goats
About the Farm
Background
Reichert's Dairy Air, the smallest dairy in Iowa, has carved a niche in the artisanal cheese market with its award-winning products. Located in rural Knoxville, Iowa, the dairy is known for its high-quality, handmade farmstead cheeses. Lois, the owner, milks about 15-20 LaMancha goats and transforms their milk into various cheeses, ensuring freshness by making them in small batches daily. The dairy participates in the Marion County Farm Crawl, inviting visitors to explore small family farms and buy local products.
Practices
The goats at Reichert's Dairy Air are allowed free access to pasture and are taken on walks through the woods several times a week. To meet their high energy needs for milk production, they are fed high-quality alfalfa hay year-round, which is either certified organic or certified chemical-free. Although their grain concentrate is not organic, it is of the highest quality. The cheese is made by hand in small batches to ensure the freshness of both the milk and the final product.
The Rest
Reichert's Dairy Air cheese is sold fresh and never frozen, with availability affected by the goats' 'dry' season in January, February, and March. The cheese can be found at the Des Moines Downtown Farmer's Market from May through October, as well as at various markets and co-ops in Iowa. The dairy offers a range of cheeses, including classic and flavored fresh chevre, fresh feta, and several surface-ripened European-style cheeses. The dairy does not sell fresh milk due to legal restrictions in Iowa.
Features
Growing Practices
Other
Ownership
Livestock Practices
Farmers' Markets
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