LaClare Farms in Pipe Wisconsin is home to a unique operation, Larry Henrich and his team that includes much of his family own and operate a dairy goat farm and processing plant that produces award winning cheese varieties as well as retail shop, cafe and the family gives tours of the operation everyday.
Bryant recently traveled to visit the operation and Larry showed him around.The first thing Larry shared was the fact that what today is LaClare Farms is actually the results of decades of planning. The whole complex is busy with a milking operation side by side to a processing facility and a cafe that serves goat and goat cheese entrees. The family milks about 800 goats year round, so they have mastered the ability to have goats freshen year round which is still not too common with dairy goat production. Once inside everyone is welcome to sit in a viewing room and actually watch the goats being milked and in the adjacent room you can actually see cheese and yogurt being produced and packaged.
Larry explains how the family really feels the need to educate customers and farm goers about the dairy goat industry, and letting people see and experience all aspects of the farm is crucial to the success of the farm. Clara, Larry’s “better half” is a career Ag teacher and takes on the lion’s share of the tours as she is a natural born educator and is great with kids as well as adults. Meanwhile the Henrich’s children play pivotal roles in the operation with Katie heading up the cheese processing and Greg stepping into the business manager role, still Jessica too joined the family business as the Retail & Cafe Manager and Anna manages the livestock as well as farm help.
LaClare Farms are not just making run of the mill cheese either as they have been awarded top prize in multiple national and international competitions, something they are proud of but nobody takes for granite.
When asked “whats next” Larry explained that they want to maximize efficiency in there operation, and continue to grow markets as well as provide a place where people can come and learn about where their food comes from, watch some being made and then finally enjoy it. While setting in the cafe you will probably have the opportunity to catch up with one of the Henrichs and their passion for what they do is obvious and the final product which is great tasting foods and happy educated customers is proof.
Listen to Bryant and Larry’s conversation by clicking link below