About the Grassway Family Dairy Farm
We followed a dream and purchased a 247 acre farm on the East side of Wisconsin almost 10 years ago. After working in agribusiness for more than 11 years, we wanted to go back to our roots and farm like our parents and grandparents did before us.
But, farming styles and economics had changed . . . a lot.
We didn’t like the idea of confining cows and never letting them see the light of day. So we read and studied and talked to a lot of people.
We found a way of farming that is kind to the cows and kind to the land. It allows our children to join in farm chores again without the fear of being injured (or killed).
This kind of farming is called "managed rotational grazing". It involves getting the cows out of the barn and out on to the green pastures, in the fresh air and sunshine.
We try to mimic natural systems as much as possible, which promotes good health by enhancing the animal’s immune system. Our cows walk out to eat fresh pasture after every milking. This pasture of mixed grasses and legumes is supplemented with a small amount of grain and mineral to help the cows maintain body condition and health.
We milk about 100 cows and graze all of their calves on pasture, from little on. Because we value diversity, we also pasture-raise chickens for eggs and meat, dairy steers for meat, and use hogs to aerate bedded packs.
The power and benefits of fresh air, sunshine and exercise cannot be dismissed lightly. Healthy, happy animals are our goal, so that we can ultimately produce milk, cheese and meats that are natural and clean.
We want our children and yours to grow up to be strong healthy adults. Eat "close to the land" and enjoy.
~ Kay & Wayne Craig.