In 1991, Laurel and I left professional jobs in the city for a move to the picturesque hills of western Wisconsin . We purchased a dilapidated 160 acre farm and named it Dream Valley Farm. Along with our three children, Cassie, Missy, and David, who were very young at the time, we began to renovate the farm and establish what was to eventually become our sheep dairy. Throughout this project, we have worked to pursue some important goals, including: local and regional marketing of farm production; teaching the kids values of persistence, hard work and closeness to the earth; and working toward maintaining the health of local rural communities. In addition, we designed and built a passive solar, earth sheltered, super insulated home, which is also wired for off-grid electricity if desired.

Since owning the farm, we have used no chemical herbicides, pesticides or hormones. We avoid animal byproducts in our feed rations. We maintain animal health through close management and prevention, with minimal usage of antibiotics only when other methods were not successful.

Early on, we created and have continued a business planning process for the farm with the main objective being to operate a sustainable, environmentally friendly small family farm. By 1993 it appeared that sheep dairying could offer that opportunity, and the process of dairy breeding and setup was undertaken.

Our first milking was in the summer of 1997, with 172 ewes of various breeds. We went on to focus our flock around East-Friesian crossbreds. We use a selection process based on monthly production and component testing, as well as health, conformation and demeanor. In 2003, we milked 210 ewes in a double 16 low line parlor.

As we want our farm to be diversified and profitable, we are interested in direct marketing of other products as well. Over the years we set up to produce lean market lambs, some of which are sold direct as cuts. We also pasture raise poultry—chickens and occasionally, turkeys. Every year, breeding stock which are the result of our years of selection are also sold to other sheep producers.

In summary, we thoroughly enjoy living at and operating Dream Valley Farm, LLC. We are very pleased to be members of Wisconsin Sheep Dairy Cooperative, and we expect to find success serving our clients in this small family farm business.

Tom Kieffer