Barbara and her husband have been raising and judging Cashmere and Angora goats for over 15 years (Caprette Cashmere). They also have a few Nubians, which is why Barbara makes cheese. The Nubians are her big producers – more than a gallon a day. However, they are currently dried off until January. Barbara has 5 Nubians right now, but she only needs 3, so 2
Cheesemakers Sharing About the Pandemic – A Series/4
Many of you have given us blog interviews in the last 10 years (since we started this blog) and many of you will be interviewed in the future (when we hear from you). We reached out to a few of our interviewees (randomly) to ask if they would share their experiences during this pandemic. We thought it would be best to ask folks we have
Kim Mack in Sacramento, California
You can’t keep a good woman down! Kim Mack works full time as a Contracts Analyst for the County of Sacramento Department of Human Assistance. She has a son, 35, two stepdaughters 27 and 29, a grandson 6 and a granddaughter 3. You’d think that would be enough, but in her “spare” time, Kim runs a business called Scratch Made Life, where she teaches classes
Sarah Berweger in West Point, California
Double Raven Farm I live on a 20 acre mountain farm above West Point, California in the lower Sierras at 3800 ft. elevation, surrounded by forest and river canyons. I have always loved cheese and cows for as long as I can remember. I was born in Switzerland, so, I believe a love of cheese is in my blood. My mom moved my brother and
Lynn Keay in Sacramento, CA
We often say that cheesemakers are the most interesting people in the world. We don’t know exactly why that is, but it holds true in every interview we do. Lynn Keay is an inveterate “do-it-herselfer,” an artist in just about everything she does, and an exemplary role model for her young grandson (although she would never describe herself in such glowing terms!). She is also,
Linda Pannill-Smith in Ramona, California
Lindy Haven Farm Linda has been raising dairy and fiber goats since 2007. She calls it a hobby farm because she only has 1.14 acres but she has a large herd of mixed breed goats. Linda had always wanted goats and in 2007, she talked her husband into getting 2 Nigerian dwarf does. Linda still has one of them, Mocha who is 13 now. She
Doniga Markegard in Half Moon Bay, California
A few months ago, we interviewed Susan Bates and asked her where she got her raw milk. She told us about Markegard Family Grass-fed in Half Moon Bay, California (south of San Francisco) and the amazing woman whose family operates it – Doniga Markegard. She recommended that we interview her. Susan wrote: Doniga is well connected and dedicated to teaching others about carbon sequestration, mob grazing, and
Haley Anthonisen in Sacramento, California
Haley started making cheese less than a year ago but she’s made at least 20 different kinds, ranging from chèvre to more complicated cheeses like parmesan and gruyere. She told us she has had a lot of fails but also a lot of success and cheese making has become one of her favorite hobbies. Haley’s Story: I started making cheese less than a year ago!