Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacob & Elizabeth Coleman.
Hi Jacob & Elizabeth, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
We’ve always been drawn to farming. I (Farmer Jacob) grew up working for a grass-based dairy farmer, selling to local homeschool moms and the ladies at church. In college, I learned all about animal science and modern agriculture, but that way of doing things just didn’t sit right. I dreamed about farming the way I did as a kid.
It was E-Harmony that brought us together. Liz’s family had a dairy in Pennsylvania, and at first, we contributed our efforts there. Eventually, we decided to strike off on our own. We came across 140 acres of certified organic land in Ohio that had been chemical free and a perennial polyculture since 1991. It was the needle in the middle of Ohio’s cornfields! We jumped on the opportunity in 2013 and started with a herd of 50 organic cows. In the years since, we’ve grown leaps and bounds, creating a local food community along the way. Our customers share our passion for healthy, grass-based farming.
Today, we’re proud to offer a range of beyond-organic products from raw milk to grass-fed beef, pork, chicken, eggs, cheeses, and more. We farm to honor God, nurture our family, practice excellence, and share the highest quality food with our community. Come taste the difference!
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Farming historically has not been an easy lifestyle.
Staring a 1st generation farm at 27 years of age is no easy feat.
Liz and I started on a shoestring budget with the goal of growing the farm by small amounts without financially sinking the endeavors.
In 2013, we started with 50 organic dairy cows and a milk production contract to produce milk for Horizon. By working with them, we had the freedom to grow and market other products to local consumers. We could build our real dream of a local food community while have a stable milk check.
Each year, we grew a few more pigs, chickens, beef, and layer hens. The goal was to keep pace with our local market needs without financially taking on operating debt.
In 2018, Horizon was bought out by a larger dairy company, and the more lenient policy for the farmers changed. We either had to sell only to Horizon or leave Horizon as a milk producer. We chose the latter. In 5 years, our little local food community had grown to half of the farm’s revenue. We felt amazed but definitely felt the challenges of leaving Horizon.
Our leap of faith was definitely the right choice. Our local food community continued to grow by leaps and bounds. We partnered with a small creamery to produce cheese.
In 2021, we added our own small creamery and now produce cheeses, gelato, yogurts, and more. Our farmland continues to thrive and grow more resilient year after year. We have an on Farm Store that we stock with all of our grown and locally produced items.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
We are living life with a purpose.
We are raising food, but it’s so much more.
Regenerative farming is management with a purpose to grow a thriving ecosystem on the land. Growing animals that thrive and live a healthy happy life. The end result is that we have grown food that can help our community thrive.
There’s not really an off-switch to what we do. Animals need cared for 365 days a year, and everyone eats just as many days. In short, we are living a life full of passion caring for all of life around us.
In short: We raise and produce nutrient-dense foods that will help nature and families thrive for a lifetime
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Jacob has had several instrumental individuals in his life.
Charlie Carter is the dairy farmer that saw Jake’s passion for farming. Jake had joined a 4-h dairy rental program at Charlie’s farm. A few months into the program, Charlie offered Jake a job on Charlie’s grass-based dairy farm.
Jacob learned grazing management, cattle care, and so much more while working on the Carterlee Dairy Farm.
Charlie remains a mentor and advisor in Jacob’s life to today.
Another farm in Jake’s life was Dick Schrier. Dick employed Jake during a transitional time in Jake and Liz’s life. Dick saw our dream and believed in us. He offered us an interest-free loan to launch Sweet Grass Dairy.
Liz’s cheese mentor, Doug Daniels, graciously allowed us to use his creamery for a few years. He taught Liz all of her cheese-making skills and has been a go-to for advice and wisdom in our creamery endeavors.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sweetgrassdairyofohio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetgrassofohio/
Image Credits
Olivia Chaney
