Search Results

I had the opportunity to meet and greet 24 friendly and curious dairy goats at Dreamfarm located in Cross Plains. With beautiful scenery and great hospitality, I had a great time visiting with Diana Murphy and learning about her farm, farmstead cheese and passion for Wisconsin agriculture. Dreamfarm was established in August 2002. Diana and Jim Murphy dreamt about starting a farm and worked to bring this faded farm back to life. Barns were squared up and reinforced, then given new roofs and siding. Pastures were fenced and filled with animals, fields were planted with alfalfa. Their milking facility was licensed by the state, and the following year the creamery was licensed. Solar panels were added to the barn in 2014. Dreamfarm is certified organic through MOSA (Midwest Organic Services Association), and have been a member of FairShare CSA Coalition since 2004. Dreamfarm milks 24 goats two times a day. The dairy goats are a mixed breed of Alpine and Nubian. Springtime on the farm is exciting and busy. The does (mother goats) have their babies in March. This is when milk production begins which leads to the seasonal production of their cheese. Diana and her daughter Alicia make many artisan cheeses on their farm including varieties of fresh chevre, feta and aged cheeses. You can find their artisan cheese at Willy Street Co-op, Metcalfe's and L’Etoile. http://www.dreamfarm.biz/

In America’s Dairyland, approximately 44,000 dairy goats call Wisconsin home. This ranks our state at the #1 spot for the number of dairy goats and fluid goat milk production. The goat industry is relatively young in Wisconsin and in the United States, but as demand has steadily increased since the mid-1990s, the number of goats in our state has followed suit. Goat farms can offer a variety of products including cheese, fluid milk, ice cream, butter and soaps. Goat milk quality and safety is carefully regulated. Just as with cow’s milk, goat’s milk quality is defined by low bacterial and somatic cell counts, the absence of antibiotics, and it is cooled to at least 50 degrees or less within two hours of milking. Fluid goat milk sold commercially for consumption is also pasteurized, ensuring a safe and wholesome product. Eight major breeds of dairy goats are found in the United States, with a few being more popular for milk production. Depending upon diet and breed, milk production can range from 6 to 12 pounds, or about 1 to 1 ½ gallons, per day. Saanens originated in Switzerland, and are a popular breed due to the doe’s large udder capacity and high quality milk production. Another common breed found on dairy goat farms is the Nubian. Nubians produce somewhat less milk, but it tends to be higher in components such as protein and butter fat which is desirable for making cheese. The other six breeds are Alpine, Toggenburg, Lamancha, Nigerian Dwarf, Sable and Oberhasli. The key to making exceptional cheese is consistent, quality milk. Currently, more than 70 Master Cheesemakers are certified in Wisconsin who truly make dairy processing into a scientific art form. As a result of the diversity of livestock in Wisconsin, cheesemakers can incorporate milk from many species including cow, goat, sheep and even buffalo. The proteins in goat's milk make for slightly softer curds when compared to cow's milk, which can incorporate a rich, creamy texture into many cheeses. The proteins in goats’ milk are smaller so they break down easier, making the cooling and handling of goat milk extremely important. Additionally, goat’s milk quality will decrease after three days making it very perishable. People are often familiar with the fresh, spreadable version of goat cheese, or chèvre. Brie made from goat’s milk offers a unique flavor profile within a traditional classic. Goat’s milk can also be used for bleu and cheddar varieties and can be combined with sheep and cow's milk to make signature artisan cheeses. There are so many delicious ways that you can enjoy locally produced Wisconsin goat cheese. You can find more information on dairy goats from the Wisconsin Dairy Goat Association at www.wdga.org.

I had one more sheet of puff pastry to use so I found another great recipe. This is a savory appetizer that uses fresh ingredients and Wisconsin goat cheese. A perfect addition to any meal! Ingredients: 1 sheet frozen puff pastry sheets (thawed) 8 ounces cherry tomatoes 7 ounces Montchevre goat cheese (sliced) 3 tablespoons tarragon leaves (fresh) 3 tablespoons olive oil Directions: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Unroll the puff pastry on a work surface lightly dusted with flour; cut into 4 squares. Roll lightly into 2-inch squares. Arrange the tomatoes, cheese and tarragon in the center of each pastry square. Fold in the corners of the pastry and press with a fork around the edges. Place on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 15 minutes until golden and puffed up. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Hats, mittens, scarves, toe warmers, and a dose of Vitamin C are just a few things you may have on hand for the upcoming winter. It takes a great deal of effort just to keep ourselves warm and healthy during our Wisconsin winters. Now imagine caring for hundreds of animals in this deep freeze. With the temperatures dropping, Wisconsin dairy farmers are caring for their animals and making sure they are comfortable throughout the next few cold months. Farmers on our state’s nearly 9,000 dairy farms take extra measures to ensure warmth, safety and comfort for the animals that are their livelihood. Even though Wisconsin faces frigid temps, our climate is relatively ideal for dairy cows. When cows are lactating, they naturally produce excess amounts of heat. Therefore, they are most comfortable at lower temperatures. The ideal temperature for a dairy cow is between 40-50 degrees. When the temperature drops below that 40 degree mark, farmers step in to make necessary adjustments to their facilities, feed and daily routines. The first thing you might notice during winter months are closed curtain walls on dairy barns. These curtains are opened in the spring and remain open until temperatures drop to assure proper ventilation and air flow in a barn. When the cold weather sets in, these curtains will be closed and secured to serve as a windbreak and prevent drafts and moisture from entering the barn. Extra care is also put into formulating feed rations for dairy cows to guarantee additional energy is available for warmth during the winter months. These feed rations are monitored throughout the winter and are analyzed by a herd’s nutritionist. Automatic heated waterers in barns are also checked daily to ensure cows have plenty of access to water as cows, on average, drink a bathtub a day! Young calves are especially vulnerable to freezing temperatures. Extra measures are taken to keep calves warm and growing. Caretakers will increase the amount and number of feedings to these young animals each day to assure enough energy for warmth in addition to growth. This could mean upwards of three to four feedings a day during the coldest parts of the winter. Farmers also provide dry, deep bedding for calves to bed in and may even outfit calves with custom jackets that ensure extra warmth. At my family’s farm we even have adorable ear muffs for calves to mitigate the chance of frostbite. Wisconsin’s dairy farmers work tirelessly year round to provide the best possible environment for their cows and will be working even harder during these months to keep cows comfortable and producing wholesome milk. The next time you enjoy a delicious dairy product, make sure to thank our hardworking dairy farmers who face the frigid Wisconsin weather to care for the cows who brought it to you. From my family’s farm to your family’s table, enjoy all that America’s Dairyland has to offer.

I recently discovered the ease and magic of puff pastries. This simple recipe took hardly any time and was fun to watch in the oven. This is a perfect appetizer that looks just as great as it tastes! Goat Cheese and Honey Puff Pastry 1 package puff pastry 6-8 oz. Montchevre goat cheese 1/4 cup honey 4 springs thyme Follow the package instructions for thawing the puff pastry sheets. Roll out the dough a little to flatten it. Using a 2-inch circle cookie cutter or the rim of a small glass, cut rounds out of the dough. Transfer the pastry rounds to parchment lined baking sheets (or a well greased pan) and then press your thumb into the center of each round. This is important because if you don't make a deep enough indentation you will lose your goat cheese once the puff pastry "puffs!" Place 1 teaspoon of goat cheese in the indentation of each round. Bake at 400F until the pastry is flaky and lightly browned. (8-10 minutes) When the baking sheet comes out of the oven, wait 2 minutes, then drizzle each piece with honey and garnish with a pinch of chopped fresh thyme. Enjoy!

Looking for an easy appetizer that takes less than 15 minutes? Look no further than Caramelized Pear and Goat Cheese. Here, the tangy-sweet balance of goat cheese and pear is delicious warm or cooled. Aside from how easy it is to make, my favorite part of making this recipe is the fragrance of the honey and balsamic as it hits the hot dish. Caramelized Pear and Goat Cheese Appetizer 2 firm red pears (Red Anjou, Red Bartlett, or Starkrimson) 2 firm green pears 6 ounces Montchevre goat cheese 3/4 cup walnut pieces honey and aged balsamic Heat oven to 375 F. Slice pear and arrange on an oven-safe platter or plate. Dot with goat cheese. Sprinkle walnut pieces over the pear and goat cheese. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until cheese is lightly browned in spots. Remove from the oven and drizzle with honey and balsamic, as desired.

The next few days many of us will be putting on many miles travelling to different holiday parties. Products from Something Special from Wisconsin™ will make hosting or giving gifts easier. Visit www.somethingspecialwi.com for more ideas on how to make the season Something Special. Colonel Pabst The main ingredient in their sauce is Riverwest Stein Lager from Lakefront Brewer in Milwaukee. To that we add 20 other all natural ingredients. A fun fact about this product is that it received two blue ribbons at the Wisconsin State Fair for best condiment and best packaging. Make this delicious dip that pairs perfectly with almost anything… from vegetables to on top of a burger! Colonel Pabst Worcestershire Aioli Dip 1/8 cup sesame oil 1/8 cup olive oil 1 ½ tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 teaspoon seasoning salt 2 ounce Worcestershire sauce ½ cup mayonnaise Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese Made in Waterloo right across from their family’s dairy farm – Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese has incredible award-winning cheese. Try this delicious pairing using their mascarpone with Porubcans LLC Bourbon Fruitcake, dried apricots, dried cranberries, apples, pomegranates, dehydrated oranges and rosemary. CJ’s Premium Spices They provide some of the highest quality USDA Organic "spice blends" on the market. No added fillers, additives, or preservatives. All of their products through their unique process of blending organic, kosher, gluten-free spice blends make them the best out there! A quick and easy dip for the holidays. LoVino Sangria Nothing says party like Sangria! LoVino Sangria is the best bottles sangria on the market because it is made in WI with California frown cabernet and blended with ripe juicy berries and infused with a hint of orange and coconut. It also has an incredible cork that you don’t need a wine opener for. Marieke Gouda – Hollands Family Cheese With over 600 varieties, types and styles of cheese – there are endless options for everyone! Marieke Gouda is a fantastic place to get delicious and award-winning Gouda and also stop to shop at their gift store and viewing center. Try their Foenegreek with dried apricots, dried figs, pomegranate seeds, dried Wisconsin cranberries, macadamia nuts and Wisconsin honey. Martha’s Pimento Cheese A taste of the South in the North! As a born and bred Southern girl, Martha brings an authentic Southern icon to the Midwest. Using exceptionally fine Aged WI Cheddar and homemade mayo to produce a pimento cheese that truly tastes like homemade. Here’s an incredible 70’s style cheeseball using Martha’s Pimento Jalapeno Cheese candied pecans paired with cornichons and rye chips. Wisconsinmade.com Wisconsin made represents over 200 artisans in the State of Wisconsin. They bring them together in effort to broaden the availability of their quality products to the wider reach of the internet. Wisconsinmade.com provides the customer service and marketing for their artisans so that they can focus on making and shipping their products to the customers. Key Benefits of Wiscosninmade.com 1 - Products are shipped direct from the artisan to guarantee freshness. 2 - The entire Wisconsin made website is secure for ordering and processing 3 - Can ship to overseas military addresses.

It’s a tradition that dates back to the 10th Alice in Dairyland- a visit with the legendary voice of agriculture, Orion Samuelson. Each holiday season, Alice makes the trip to Illinois to meet with Orion to share Something Special from Wisconsin™ holiday gift ideas with his national audience. Orion Samuelson is a Wisconsin native, born and raised on a small dairy farm in the small town of Ontario, near La Crosse. During the early years of his broadcasting career, he worked with WKLJ in Sparta, WHBY in Appleton, and WBAY in Green Bay before stepping into his role as Agri-Business Director at WGN radio in Chicago, a position he has now held for 54 years. During this time, he has become one of the most widely known agriculture broadcasters not only for his work in Chicago, but also for hosting the National Farm Report, his syndicated “Samuelson Sez” commentary programs, and This Week in Agribusiness as seen on RFD-TV. It was such an honor and a privilege to sit down with this agriculture icon and share stories both on and off air. We chatted about our upbringings on family farms in Wisconsin and I shared with him my future dreams to connect the gap between the food industry and the agriculture industry. Orion was eager to hear about my goals and encouraged me to take all the knowledge and experience I gain during my year as Alice and utilize it to promote our agriculture industry. He also left me with a signed copy of his book “You Can’t Dream Big Enough” that I can’t wait to read over the holidays. On air I shared products from Orion’s home state that are “Something Special from Wisconsin.™” From sharing our love for Wisconsin cheese to even sharing unique gifts like wine and bird seed, we spent a lot of time talking about our love for America’s Dairyland. Orion had so many interesting stories to share including meeting with U.S. Senator John F. Kennedy to discuss the dairy industry to even meeting Marshal Matt Dillion, Doc and Kitty from the hit television Western drama series. It was a unique opportunity to take the message of Wisconsin agriculture beyond our state borders and share its diversity and importance on a national level. Meeting with Orion has definitely been a highlight of my year as Alice in Dairyland and is a memory I will cherish far into the future. You can catch Orion Samuelson on "This Week in Agribusiness" and on-air during his Farm Report on WGN radio.

Oftentimes people ask me what my favorite part of my job as Alice in Dairyland is. My answer is always the same: meeting incredible people who love Wisconsin agriculture just as much as I do. After this year I know that I will be able to walk away with many new friends. Recently I visited Four T Acres and the Gruenert family. I met Jean and Richard Gruenert at the 2017 Farm Technology Days. Our friendship started when I asked to interview them about their Scottish Highlands. We shared a lot of laughs and stayed in touch throughout the last few months. Finally, I was able to visit them at their farm in Burlington, Wisconsin. I've always had a special place in my heart for these shaggy cows. In 2003, Four T Acres introduced nine animals to their land and fell in love with this gentle, docile and very manageable breed. Today they now own close to 80 purebred Scottish Highlands. They show at the local, state and national level. Touring their farm was an incredible experience. Their cattle live on beautiful pastureland on the edges of Racine, Kenosha and Walworth County. We stood outside for hours talking, laughing and interacting with their cattle. Their passion for the breed and their cattle is incredible. They love what they do and the cattle that they raise. They help feed their community as they also sell their beef in quarters, halves, or whole steers. Four T Acres and the Gruenert family are another example of Wisconsin farmers and agriculturists who care about feeding the world and human progress. #HumansofWIAG

1. Give back Giving to others gives you a feeling of satisfaction. It’s truly better to give rather than receive. There is also the benefit of living in the community that is strengthened by the work of quality non-profits. Whether it is as a gift or just for everyday use you can feel great about purchasing Porchlight Products. These products help staff at Porchlight learn new skills to combat difficult circumstances. Try their delectable dilly beans, rhubarb jam or even their multi-grain pancake mix. www.porchlightproducts.org 2. Don’t sweat the small stuff From stressing about the main course to worrying about which gift to give, remember to take time to enjoy this special time with loved ones. Need a quick and easy way to flavor meats? Look no further than K&L Foods, LLC Uncle Louie's BBQ sauce. For over 50 years Uncle Louie has made this secret family recipe in his home in Mayville, Wis. It’s delicious and Wisconsin made! www.unclelouiesbbq.com 3. Make your daily life as simple as possible Patrick Cudahy understand how crazy life can be. They have delicious lunch packs in ham and turkey and also thick sliced snacks like pepperoni and hard salami. Make a simple ham pickle roll-up or add the salami to your cheeseboard. Either way – by making your daily life easier the holiday season will also seem easier too! www.patrickcudahy.com 4. Plan a vacation I get so much joy out of planning a vacation. Whether it’s perusing online for recommendations on the best place to eat or searching for unique things to do – it’s half the fun! I’m pretty biased – but I love to visit Door County. There are so many things to do…and eat! Start your weekend get-away off right with Wienke’s Market. They have delicious homemade goods including Door County cherry pie filling, pickled mushrooms and dill spears with onion and garlic. YUM! www.atasteofdoorcounty.com 5. Get plenty of rest During the holidays it can feel like a never ending marathon. It’s a lot of fun to visit friends and family, but it can also get to be quite exhausting. Keep up your energy during the next few weeks by taking time to relax and kick your feet up. Enjoy the little moments that make the holidays so special. Heil Ginseng Capsules may help if you need a little extra energy. www.heilharvest.com 6. Try something new Whether it’s a new hobby or a new food, don’t be afraid to try something new! One item from the Something Special from Wisconsin™ program that has a lot of people talking is Timber Hill Winery’s Jalapeno Wine. A great addition to a Bloody Mary or a Margarita… or sip it by itself for a unique bold flavor! www.timberhillwinery.com A new hobby that I started over Thanksgiving was feeding birds with a little help from The Bird Seeder. Based out of Madison, they have a monthly subscription that sends a different bird seed to you or your loved ones every month. My dad and I picked up a bird feeder from our local Fleet Farm in Plymouth, Wis. It’s been fun to receive different pictures with different birds enjoying this delicious treat! www.birdseedofthemonth.com 5% off with the code: ALICE 7. Take the time to celebrate Wisconsin agriculture Each and every day I am reminded how incredibly blessed I am to be able to live in this great state. The diversity of Wisconsin’s agriculture industry is our greatest strength. When you look around your dinner table or marvel at your real Christmas tree, take a little extra time to give thanks to our Wisconsin farmers, agriculturists and agribusiness. Their efforts 365 days a year are truly moving our state forward. Merry Christmas Wisconsin!

On May 13, 2017, a new chapter in my life began when I was selected as Wisconsin’s 70th Alice in Dairyland in Brown County. As I reflect back on that moment when my name was announced as the new “Alice," words cannot express the excitement and emotion that I was feeling to be selected so close to home surrounded by a multitude of family and friends. Just a few weeks later on June 5, 2017, I hit the ground running setting out to help share the story of Wisconsin agriculture to create a better understanding between producers and consumers. This job is unlike any other. From waking up at 2:30 am for a TV interview, calling many grocery stores in order to make sure they had the perfect type of cheese to use in a presentation, touring incredible farms and agribusinesses, to eating pizza in hotel rooms for three days in a row, I’ve had an incredible journey so far as Wisconsin’s Agriculture Ambassador. Along the way I have had endless opportunities to explore Wisconsin agriculture in an entirely new way. With 18,000 miles of windshield time under my belt at the six-month mark of serving as the 70th Alice in Dairyland, zero accidents, lots of car karaoke and many stops at Starbucks drive-through stops with a lot of laughs and thousands of meaningful conversations, I’m humbled to have this important job of promoting the agriculture industry that continues to move our state forward. Even though I grew up as sixth generation dairy girl, I’ve learned that there were many segments of Wisconsin agriculture I was unaware of that drive our state’s economy. Over these last few months, my eyes were opened up to the diversity of Wisconsin’s agriculture community. It has been an absolute joy to tell this story no matter where my travels take me and sharing the many ways that our daily lives are impacted by Wisconsin agriculture, from the food on our kitchen tables, fuel in our vehicles and clothes in our closets. When you’re passionate about something, it’s easy to be outgoing and enthusiastic. Talking about Wisconsin and especially Wisconsin agriculture is something that comes naturally. Alice in Dairyland has such a unique opportunity to incorporate the importance of agriculture into conversations each and every day. For me, that’s the perfect job description that fits my personality and passion. Thank you to each and every one of you who have made these last six months the best six months of my life. Looking forward to the next six months continuing to share the stories of Wisconsin agriculturists and farmers.

I’m going to get real with you guys, picking out gifts is not my forte. Shopping for loved ones in my life is hard. I’m always trying to make sure that my gifts are thoughtful and meaningful, while also not spending an arm and a leg for them. Even the best, most thoughtful gift-givers among us occasionally have trouble picking out gifts. Whether it’s that eclectic friend with too many interests to count, the grouchy uncle who doesn’t seem to like anything or the infamous Mother In-Law, some people are just tough to shop for! Fortunately, everyone loves to receive gifts that capture their personalities and cater to their interests. Here are a few of those tough situations where Something Special from Wisconsin™ products will save the day! The Frazzled Friend – We all have one friend who just needs a little help. “Adulting” is hard. Whether it’s remembering to fill up your car with gas or trying to eat healthier, the holidays can sometimes get the best of us. Simply Snackin’ meat snacks are the perfect answer for this type of friend. They have ten amazing flavors of all natural chicken, beef and venison meat snacks. From Orchard Venison with Apples to Teriyaki Beef with Pineapples, these are perfect for a handy snack that your frazzled friend can even leave in their vehicle too! www.simplysnackin.com Simply Snackin' "Chicken Snacks - 4 flavors, Beef Snacks - 4 flavors, Venison Snacks - 2 flavors, $1.89 average retail price" The Mother In-Law – Shopping for your mother in-law is rarely easy. You want her to like you and your gifts. Impress her with a fabulous gift-basket from Northleaf Winery. This gift basket has it all and is packed with unique Wisconsin products that will definitely impress her. www.northleafwinery.com Northleaf Winery, "Cranberry Shiraz - $15, Bright Spirits Cranberry - $14, Wine Jellies - $5.95, Slushie Mix - $9.95, Mulled Wine Spice $9.95 , Chocolate for wine pairings 6-8 $5.95" Friends Who Have it All - During most holidays and for most loved ones, gift-giving tends to be an exchange of equally valuable things. But what do you get for the friends who seems to already have it all? An experience! Plan a trip to go to Door County and attach a bottle of Door Peninsula Winery’s Mulled Christmas. It has hints of cinnamon and nutmeg in it and is best served at room temperature. www.store.dcwine.com Door Peninsula Winery - "Red Christmas Wine, White Christmas Wine and Mulled Christmas Wine $10 - $12" Grumpy Family Members – Every family has a grump or two, and it can seem all but impossible to shop for someone who hardly cracks a smile. The answer – Wisconsin Cheese. I don’t care how crabby you are or how many times the Packers lose this year. Wisconsin Cheese always gets people to smile. Give smiles this year with Widmer’s Cheese Cellars gift boxes. They have incredible cheeses that will cheer anyone up. Varieties include Pepper Cheddar, Mild Brick, Aged Crick, Colby, and delicious summer sausage. www.widmerscheese.com For the Grandma who only accepts homemade cards and gifts with love – Does anyone have a person in your life that gets super sappy on you when you present them with a homemade card and still has your 6th grade pictures on a wall? It’s okay if you’ve traded in your craft paper and scissors for KitchenAid blenders and Tupperware containers. Keep your sentimental people in your life happy with gifts from HANmade Milwaukee. They are all about two cousins creating playful artwork. These fun beverage trays, coaster six-packs and kitchen towels are beautiful and fun too! HANmade Milwaukee "Beverage Trays - $36, Coasters - $8, Towel - $14" hanmademilwaukee@wi.rr.com For the person that doesn’t purchase anything they can’t pronounce – Maple Hill Farm stands by their belief that what you put on your body is just as important as what you put in your body. They have various animals on their farm with a beautiful flock of sheep. They milk their sheep twice a day and some of that valuable milk is put into various products. All Maple Hill Farm products are made into small batches and use quality ingredients without artificial fragrances or dyes. Essential oils and botanicals make these products smell amazing. www.maplehillfarmwi.com Maple Hill Farm, "Sheep Milk Soap -$5, Sheep Milk Lotion - $10.50, Sheep Milk Lotion Travel - $5, Sheep Milk foaming hand soap - $6.50, Lip Balm with Lanolin - $3.25" Something Special from Wisconsin™ truly lives up to its name. Take a moment to peruse www.somethingspecialwi.com for exceptional companies and products for everyone on your Wisconsin Wish List.