2008 Woodie Awards
Farmer to debut organic cheese
Eleanor Buechner, Michelle Cady and Elizabeth Kelley
Issue date: 5/8/08 Section: Local News
If you have ever gone on a run down Weybridge Street or cruised the drive up to McCardell Bicentennial Hall, chances are that you have seen the Scholten Family Farm. Its twin silos and silver barn are nestled on the rolling hills just north of the College and are home to 35 Dutch Belt cows, famous for their Oreo-like pattern of a creamy white middle sandwiched between black flanks and shoulders. Currently, the farm's sole product is milk, but in a few short weeks, cheese - made by the friendly and ambitious Patty Scholten - will appear on the local market under the name "Kaas by Cass." The catchy and unusual name requires some explanation. "Kaas" is the Dutch word for cheese - an identity consistent with the Dutch Belt cows on the farm - and "Cass" is Patty Scholten's maiden name. This unique and tasteful soft ripened cheese will make its first public appearance at the Middlebury Farmer's Market in Marble Works in a few short weeks.
Roger and Patty Scholten, who lease their farm from the College, have been dairy farming in Addison County for 13 years. They have raised their 35 Dutch Belts and 45 crossbred cows organically. In May of 2007, their farm became officially certified organic. Patty Scholten explained that organic farmers follow a certain set of technical practices as well as a complementary philosophy. Her cows are pastured for six months of the year and no antibiotics are used on the animals. Additionally, no herbicides or pesticides are used on the farm. By following organic standards, the Scholtens grow healthier animals and cultivate a product that is tastier and more nutritious. The College recently accepted Scholten's request to build a cheese house on the property to pasteurize her cheese.
Scholten originally became interested in making cheese through a cheese course she took with some friends, where she "fell in love with cheese." While she enjoys the process of making cheese, the prospect of extra income from cheese production has enabled her to leave her desk job at the College's Financial Services and return to life on the family farm. Producing her soft-ripened organic cheese is not only pleasurable - it is a way to spend more time with her family. Additionally, her cheese gives nutritional benefit to the community and inspires other family farms to consider adding a sustainable value-added product to their repertoire. Locally sold farm produce cultivates community ties and strengthens the local economy.
Roger and Patty Scholten, who lease their farm from the College, have been dairy farming in Addison County for 13 years. They have raised their 35 Dutch Belts and 45 crossbred cows organically. In May of 2007, their farm became officially certified organic. Patty Scholten explained that organic farmers follow a certain set of technical practices as well as a complementary philosophy. Her cows are pastured for six months of the year and no antibiotics are used on the animals. Additionally, no herbicides or pesticides are used on the farm. By following organic standards, the Scholtens grow healthier animals and cultivate a product that is tastier and more nutritious. The College recently accepted Scholten's request to build a cheese house on the property to pasteurize her cheese.
Scholten originally became interested in making cheese through a cheese course she took with some friends, where she "fell in love with cheese." While she enjoys the process of making cheese, the prospect of extra income from cheese production has enabled her to leave her desk job at the College's Financial Services and return to life on the family farm. Producing her soft-ripened organic cheese is not only pleasurable - it is a way to spend more time with her family. Additionally, her cheese gives nutritional benefit to the community and inspires other family farms to consider adding a sustainable value-added product to their repertoire. Locally sold farm produce cultivates community ties and strengthens the local economy.
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