Green Dirt Farm is a partnership between Jacqueline Smith and Sarah Hoffman. The two friends raise 100% grass-fed lamb and dairy sheep just north of Kansas City, Missouri. The operation grew out of a combined passion for farming and a talent for breeding high quality sheep. “We breed for high production, good milk quality, good mothering skills, and disease resistance,” says Jacque (pronounced “Jackie”).

“It is important for customers to be able to buy with good conscience.”

This strategy has resulted in a herd that is productive, healthy, socially stable, and gives very tasty milk. The two women have become experts at turning that milk into delicious cheeses, including fresh cheeses and “Bloomy Rind” aged cheeses which come in flavors like Lovage, Firecracker and Bossa Nova.

All cheeses are made on-farm; in fact, Green Dirt Farm was the first licensed farmstead cheesemaking facility in the Kansas City area. In addition to their grass-based diet, sheep at Green Dirt Farm are given the space and environment to behave naturally. “They are able to act like sheep,” says Jacque. “Our animals are running, jumping, playing, sunning themselves – they are happy.” Green Dirt Farm viewed Animal Welfare Approved accreditation as a way to show their farming practices to customers who may not be able to visit the farm.

On deciding to apply for the label, Jacque says, “We are expanding to the point where our customers won”t be able to see our faces all the time. Now more product will be on the shelf (though Jacque and Sarah will still be at their local farmers markets!). It is important for customers to be able to buy with good conscience.”