Cheesemongers at Cypress Grove have announced plans to build a 38-acre goat dairy on Dow’s Prairie road.

Will McKinleyvillians react as Arcatans did?

From Cypress Grove:

 

CYPRESS GROVE CHEVRE LOCATES LAND FOR NEW GOAT DAIRY

Property Located Near Original Dairy Site in McKinleyville

Arcata, CA – (August 10, 2011) – Humboldt County-based Cypress Grove Chevre announced today that it has agreed on terms and entered into escrow on a 38 acre site on Dow’s Prairie Road in nearby McKinleyville, CA. The land is adjacent to other agricultural properties and will be home to Cypress Grove’s new goat dairy, which will supply much needed milk for the growing demand of the company’s line of award-winning goat cheese.

“I’m pleased that we found such a suitable piece of land nearby the creamery,” said Mary Keehn, founder of Cypress Grove Chevre. “The fact that it is so close to our first site makes it a little nostalgic for me,” added Keehn, referencing her original dairy, creamery and home, which was also located on Dow’s Prairie Road when she started Cypress Grove Chevre in 1983. 

Substantial funding provided by Cypress Grove owner Emmi of Switzerland will enable Cypress Grove to build a modern, humane dairy by following proven best management practices. Herds will be maintained within well-ventilated and naturally lit indoor spaces while also enjoying outdoor access. Included in the plan will be efficient manure management that meets all government regulations and allows for productive re-use as fertilizer and soil amendment. 

The goat herd will begin with 200 carefully selected does and is expected to grow to approximately 1200-1400 over the next 5 years. The new dairy will create 12 living-wage, fully-benefited jobs between the McKinleyville and Arcata facilities and will help ensure Cypress Grove’s future in Humboldt County. 

“We are thankful for the great number of property referrals we received from citizens”, commented Pamela Dressler, General Manager of Cypress Grove Chevre. “It’s gratifying to know that we have a lot of friends and supporters out there.” Dressler went on to thank the Arcata City Council, Humboldt County Supervisor Mark Lovelace and the community development directors of the City of Arcata and Humboldt County; Larry Oetkter and Kirk Girard respectively. “Our final decision is pending positive results from further inspections of the parcel, but timely and informative support from local government was a great help to us in refining this property search.”