NORTHPORT, Mich. — Idyll Farms, a sustainable, pasture-based farmstead goat creamery located in Northport, Michigan and owned by Amy and Mark Spitznagel, was awarded two ribbons on July 31 at the American Cheese Society (ACS) National Competition in Sacramento, California for its chevres (French-style goat cheeses).
Idyll Farms chevres
The farm's Idyllweiss cheese was awarded second place in the 'American Originals – Original Recipe' category for cheeses made from mixed or other milks. Additionally, the farm's Idyll Gris with Tapenade cheese was awarded third place in the very broad category of 'Soft-Ripened' for all milks.
The competition featured 248 producers and 1,685 cheeses from around North America according to ACS, a leader in supporting and promoting American cheeses. Idyll Farms also participated in the ACS competition last year, the farm's first year of production, when it took home third place in the 'Soft-Ripened' cheese category, also for Idyllweiss.
Mark and Amy built Idyll Farms after acquiring the farm's approximately 200 acres in northern Michigan in 2010. Mark, who is founder and Chief Investment Officer of Universa Investments, also grew up in Northport. Idyll Farms is growing its milking herd into 200 certified-humane, pasture-fed Alpine goats.
"We are honored to have won these two ribbons," said Mark, "the second year in a row for our Idyllweiss. We hope to show that our farm can be ecologically sustainable and as a result produce some of the best chevre in the world, and these awards tell us that we're on the right track—our pastures, goat herd, herdsmen, farmers, and cheesemakers."
About Idyll Farms
Idyll Farms is an Alpine goat farm and creamery located in Northport, Michigan specializing in producing French-style goat cheese. Idyll Farms is the vision of its founders and owners Amy and Mark Spitznagel to create a sustainable, pasture-based goat farm and make world-class farmstead chevre.
Source: Idyll Farms
