Disembarking to Doe's and Diva's Dairy
TL;DR: Discover the history and operations of Doe's and Diva's Dairy in Honey Creek, Iowa, offering fresh milk and cheese from their mixed herd of dairy goats and sheep. As a Harvest Hosts member, enjoy educational experiences and try their unique products while supporting local, sustainable farming.
Harvest Hosts is an incredible membership program with a diverse network of available hosts. So far, 6000 locations have opened their hearts and their homes and/or businesses to members of the Harvest Hosts RV community, allowing them overnight accommodations with no camping fees in beautiful places across North America. In return, members should plan to make a small purchase to support the small business. One of our awesome hosts is Doe’s and Diva’s Dairy in Honey Creek, Iowa. This creamery specializes in making delicious fresh milk products from goat and sheep cheese. Continue on to learn all about the farm’s incredible history, its origins within the Harvest Hosts program, and what visiting guests can expect to find.
The History
Almost twenty-three years ago, Janna Feldman discovered that her daughter was lactose intolerant. She learned that goat milk was an alternative dairy source that worked to help alleviate her daughter’s issues. As a result, she began to milk a goat. Slowly, she began to naturally grow her livestock herd, extra milk supply, and experience. These factors helped her to start her commercial dairy endeavors.
Nine years ago, she branched out and began including sheep dairy along with other goat dairy products. She found that sheep’s milk is pure white and rich tasting, and since it is higher in fat and protein than cow or goat milk, it has a sweeter taste. Cheese made from sheep’s milk is creamier and ages more mildly than goat’s or cow’s milk cheese. It also has its own special flavor, texture and aroma.
The Business Today
Today, the Feldmans continue to operate their farm in the Loess Hills of Western Iowa with a mixed herd of dairy goats and dairy sheep. The dairy processing facility is located on the farmstead. Using time-honored techniques, the farm’s products are crafted in small batch formulas. They strive to consistently create products that are natural, free from chemicals and healthy for people and the environment. As farmers, their greatest desire is to maintain farmstead lifestyles and local, sustainable products while creating lasting friendships along the way.