029: Homestead Cheesemaking with Robyn Jackson

As my family heads into our second year on our homestead, the idea of having a milk cow has fallen in and out of favor as we plan and dream of the future.  There’s no doubt the allure of having fresh milk, butter, sour cream and (most importantly) homemade cheese on our homestead, but so far, we have made no plans to add any dairy animals to our land.  We love the idea, as I’m sure many of you do, but are cautious to move forward with such a large commitment and have concerns over what it would take to work that system into our current lifestyle.

Well, today’s guest is, in my opinion, one of the very best resources for those who are interested in diving into the world of homestead level dairy production.  Her name is Robyn Jackson, and through her online business “Cheese from Scratch” she teaches, inspires and connects cheesemakers and milkmaids from all over the world.  

TOPICS OF DISCUSSION:

* The differences between beef and dairy breeds and her plans to cross a Jersey and beef breed in the future for hybrid vigor

* Starting to make cheese from purchased milk as a great fundamental homestead practice

* The difference between pasteurized and ultra-pasteurized milk in regards to cheesemaking

* The fermentation process of cheesemaking using lactic bacteria

* There’s a cheese for everybody and the basic gear and ingredients needed to get started

* Taking steps to close loops of supply by developing a ‘clabber culture’

* The value of feta, brie, mozzarella and ricotta as beginner cheese recipes

* The stigma around owning a dairy animal and the reality of planning life around a milking schedule

* You don’t have to make a large variety of cheeses but should find what fits your lifestyle and location to determine your ‘homestead cheese’

* How to manage a schedule for the year and fit the extra work of cheesemaking into your life

* How children can become a fun component of the dairy lifestyle

ROBYN'S CHEESEMAKING 101 COURSE:

https://cheesefromscratch.com/course/homestead-cheesemaking-101-course/

THE MILKMAID SOCIETY:

https://cheesefromscratch.com/milk-maid-society/

ROBYN'S INSTAGRAM:

https://www.instagram.com/cheese_from_scratch_/

THE CHEESE FROM SCRATCH WEBSITE:

https://cheesefromscratch.com/

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