Arcata, CA – Humboldt County based Cypress Grove Chevre announced updates on two construction projects today. To meet the challenge of a continued increase in demand for their award-winning cheeses, construction of a new goat dairy on Dows Prairie Road in McKinleyville, CA is under way while preliminary plans for an expansion of their Arcata, CA creamery have been submitted to the City of Arcata.
“We enjoyed nearly 20 percent growth in sales in 2011,” stated Cypress Grove’s General Manager Pamela Dressler. We need to increase our production capacity as well as establish additional sources of high quality milk.”
In August of 2011, Cypress Grove Chevre purchased a 37-acre parcel and began construction
of a modern dairy that will incorporate proven innovations and long-accepted best practices. Goats will be housed in well-ventilated and naturally lit indoor spaces while also enjoying outdoor access. Included in the dairy plan will be efficient management of manure that will allow for re-use as fertilizer and soil amendments, while meeting or exceeding all government regulations.
“The nucleus of our herd is in place and the building of barns and breeding of goats begins this week,” said Sonny Simonian, Dairy Operations Manager for Cypress Grove. “This is an exciting time – kids will begin to arrive in mid-May and shortly thereafter we’ll have a new source of milk for our creamery. We’re looking forward to having more milk produced here in Humboldt County.”
Cypress Grove’s goat herd currently numbers just under 200 and consists of Saanen, Toggenburg and Alpine breeds. In order to maintain optimal health of the animals, the company plans to slowly increase the size of the herd using only kids from the original does. Cypress Grove anticipates that the dairy will act as a working model for other existing and potential new local goat dairies. As the dairy grows to full size, several new living-wage jobs will be created. Once completed, the company plans to offer scheduled tours of the dairy to the public.
In addition to establishing the new dairy, Cypress Grove recently presented their draft Initial Study to the City of Arcata to modernize and expand their creamery, which is located on 18 acres on Q Street in Arcata, CA. The new addition would add over 24,000 square feet to the current creamery and allow for additional capacity to meet demand for their cheeses in coming years. The new facilities will incorporate advanced food safety controls and offer energy savings by updating aging coolers and installing a more efficient pasteurization system.
“Emmi is making a huge commitment to Cypress Grove and the community of Arcata with this project,” stated Mary Keehn, founder of Cypress Grove. “We could not have afforded both a new dairy and additional creamery space without their strong financial backing and expertise. This is exactly the type of support they promised when I sold the company and it is very satisfying to see it come to fruition. Both these projects will serve to cement Cypress Grove’s future in our community.”
The proposed creamery plan is currently being reviewed by the City of Arcata and is available to the public on the city’s website. Neighbors that have questions or comments are encouraged to call Cypress Grove at 825-1100.
About Cypress Grove Chevre
Cypress Grove Chevre is the leading producer of fine American goat cheese, including thetop-selling American artisanal classic, Humboldt Fog. Founded in 1983 by Mary Keehn, Cypress Grove continues a tradition of innovation by introducing original American cheeses to the marketplace, such as Truffle Tremor and Herbs de Humboldt. Located in Humboldt County, CA, where the Redwoods meet the Pacific, Cypress Grove’s award-winning family of products can be found at fine retail outlets and restaurants across the country. Cypress Grove’s mission is to provide its customers with an innovative and unique selection of cheeses while taking care of its employees, community and dairies, as well as being good stewards of the environment.
www.cypressgrovechevre.com
Source: Cypress Grove Chevre