Farming at Churchtown

At the heart of our work at Churchtown Dairy is a passion for health – for the animals, the soils, the plants, and our community. It is a balanced system based on biodynamic principles where the use of poisonous fossil-fuel based fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides are eliminated and instead essential organic nutrients are re-used on the farm. We are dedicated to the highest level of care for our animals who give much in return: increased soil fertility to the pastures and their nutritious milk, cheese, and meat to us. At Churchtown Dairy, we have the opportunity to develop an intimate relationship with our animals and it shows in the trust our cows extend to us.

Located on 250 acres just outside Hudson NY, Churchtown Dairy manages a 25-cow biodynamic dairy herd, with an equal number of young stock and beef cattle.  It is a dual-purpose herd for both dairy and beef, made up of Brown Swiss (favored by cheesemakers), Jersey and Guernsey stock, selected for the quality of their milk, good health, longevity, and easy dispositions (See more about the breeds on The Herd page.) The cows are fed a grass-based diet, in alignment with their natural dietary needs, with only minimal supplementation of grain.  Calves are generally kept with their mothers to promote healthy growth and a herd that embodies a fuller sense of itself in tune with its natural rhythm. 

One thing you will notice when visiting our herd is that our cows have horns, dairy cows included. Horns are part of their natural development but are either removed or bred out in conventional operations as the potential danger horns pose require greater care in handling. We keep horned animals as an important part of our biodynamic practice and to accommodate them, not the other way around. It is another way we seek to build a healthy, trusting and mutually beneficial relationship with the animals in our care.

We emphasize grazing practices that improve soil health, which in turn improves our forage and animal health. Composting is key to achieving these desired outcomes, a time-consuming process but well worth the time and effort because there is no better way to supplant soil and plant health. Composting effectively reduces farm ‘waste’, principally manure, and produces finished compost - a soil amendment rich in organic matter and nutrients essential for vigorous plant growth. Additionally, applying our own organic fertilizer eliminates fossil-fuel based inputs widely used on factory farms. 

We partner with Hudson Carbon to monitor how our grazing and composting practices improve both our own land and the broader ecology that we impact.  

A visit to Churchtown Dairy will open a new way to experience dairy animals that represents something very old and very much worth reviving. Visitors are welcome to see how naturally humans and cows can coexist and thrive in mutual dependence. - you are welcome to drop by and observe the dairy cows during their afternoon milking and learn more about this work from our farmers.

We offer a free weekly farm tour every Saturday at 3:30 pm.