Thomasville’s Sweet Grass Dairy
Georgia > Southwest > Thomas County > Thomasville
Sweet Grass Dairy’s present owners Jeremy and Jessica Little (with sons Aidan, with Jeremy, and Asher, with Jessica) purchased Sweet Grass Dairy from Jessica’s parents and continue the legacy of producing award-winning cheeses.
Sweet Grass Dairy is quickly establishing itself as one of the country’s premier artisan cheese producers. Founded in 2000 by Al and Desiree Wehner on 140 acres of rolling south-Georgia pastureland, the dairy started with a small herd of 11 dairy goats, grass-based jersey cow’s milk from their herd in the neighboring county, and a mission to show people a better way.
A better way for what, you may ask? After years in the conventional dairy business, they decided to change their style of dairying to that of a rotational grazing system in which the animals graze lush pasture in comparison to confinement barns on concrete. This style of dairying lets cows be cows and is healthier for not only the animals themselves, but those fortunate enough to drink the milk they produce. Although it was against the grain, the Wehners were confident in their decision.
It wasn’t long until it was time for a new adventure, so they decided to start a cheese making business. Sweet Grass Dairy first opened its doors in 2000. Demand grew quickly, and they saw the need for help and invited us, their daughter and son-in-law, Jessica and Jeremy Little to join the business in 2002. Jeremy took on the responsibility of making cheese while Jessica managed sales and marketing. Sales quickly grew from only local markets in Georgia and Florida to chefs and retailers all over the southeast while also starting small-scale distribution in major metropolitan areas. Production increased as well using milk from 150 goats and 30 cows.
In 2005, Jessica’s parents gave us the opportunity to purchase Sweet Grass Dairy from them, and very gratefully, we did. Today, the mission remains the same: handcrafting unique old-world style cheeses while maintaining respect for the history, philosophy, and values that started Sweet Grass Dairy. Our commitment to sustainable, earth-friendly farming and the artisanal philosophy of cheese making is as strong as it has ever been. We are fortunate to have the ability to control production from the ground up which allows us to provide flavorful and healthful foods from our family to yours. Thank you for supporting a small family owned and operated dairy.
We are now giving tours of the dairy. Give us a call at (229) 227-0752 to schedule yours! Tours are by appointment only and must be made in at least one week’s notice.
Tours are Friday mornings at 8:30 am and are $5.00 per person with a minimum of 15 people and a maximum of 30 people. If you have less than 15 people in a group, we may need to add you to a larger tour group. When you call to schedule your tour, we will fax or mail you an information packet that needs to get back to the dairy office before your tour date.
While on the farm, guests get the chance to see the milking take place while learning about the milking and cheesemaking process. We also touch on the history of Sweet Grass Dairy and our values and philosophy. Guests also get the opportunity to spend time with the goats, which seems to be the highlight for most groups! Be prepared to make new friends, because our goats get attached very easily!
After the tour, guests usually like to take a trip to Sweet Grass Dairy Marketplace to purchase cheese with the 10% off coupon that is given for use on the day of the tour only. So be sure to not let the coupon go to waste!
For more information and to schedule your tour, call Sweet Grass Dairy at (229) 227-0752. Looking forward to having you!
Links
- Learn more about Sweet Grass Dairy and its tours.
- Read a story in the University of Georgia Magazine about the founding of Sweet Grass Dairy and their production of award-winning cheeses.