Not every chapter of a cow’s life is fast-paced.
In fact, some of the most important growth happens in the quieter seasons, the long stretch between calfhood and motherhood. And that’s where our farms in Big Creek comes in.
Just five miles up the road and around the corner from our home dairy, Big Creek is where our heifers, the young female cows who haven’t calved yet, head to stretch out, grow up, and ease into their roles as future milk cows.
It’s a peaceful place. On purpose.
Why Big Creek Matters
Our heifers are grouped by age and breeding stage. No rush, no crowding, no stress. They get the time and space they need to mature slowly, safely, and soundly.
Big Creek isn’t a high-traffic, high-stress place. It’s the opposite. It's all about building a strong, healthy foundation so that when these girls come back to the home farm (about three weeks before they calve), they're ready. Physically. Mentally. Even socially.
We like to think of it as cow prep school, a slower pace, but no less important.
Meet Big Nate
When we started renting one of the Big Creek farms over a decade ago, it came with something special: Nate.
Or, as my kids call him, Big Nate, partly because he’s tall, and partly because of the beloved book series they are constantly reading. The name stuck.
Nate has worked at Big Creek for 24 years, it was his first job! He worked for the farmer that still owns it, and milked cows there when it operated as a dairy farm. He knows that farm like the back of his hand. He’s the kind of person who remembers where every underground waterline runs, where every bin shutoff is, and how to navigate each gravel drive without kicking up a single stone too many.
More importantly, he’s been steady. Dependable. Kind.
And as he heads off to a new job this month, we’re both proud of him and grateful for the time we’ve shared.
Big Creek won’t be quite the same without him, but we’re excited for what’s ahead. For him, and for us.
We’re Hiring at Big Creek
Yes, that means we’ve got a job opening at the Big Creek Farms.
If you’re someone who appreciates a constant, but slower pace, who understands animal care, who isn’t afraid of a little (okay, sometimes a lot) of mud and fresh air, we’d love to talk.
Big Creek is a special part of Creamery Creek. And we’re looking for someone who’s ready to help shape the next generation of our herd.