Frequently Asked Questions

Does Shatto Milk Company use growth hormones?

Nope. Shatto Milk comes from cows NOT treated with rBST or rBGH. Instead, we treat them with respect and dignity. And the finest alfalfa.

How long has the dairy farm been active?

272.73 cow years. As for human years, 75.

How many acres do you have?

Nearly 400 acres smack dab in the land of milk and honey.

How are the cows cared for?

The cows are milked daily and receive personal attention to make sure that their health is maintained. We keep personal records on each cow and calf to assure growth and development proceed as normal. A local veterinarian provides all the required preventative health measures, as well as any unexpected situations. They have covered shelter to rest or sleep and are provided a grazing area for their pleasure and comfort.

How many cows do you have?

More than you can shake a stick at. Although, we’d never shake a stick at any of our 350 dairy cows. It annoys them.

How much milk does an average cow produce in a day?

An average cow produces 6 to 7 gallons of milk per day.

What breed of cows do you have?

We have Holstein cows. Those are the black and white cows. Holsteins tend to give more milk, less cream and just the right amount of attitude.

Do your cows find the phrase “having a cow” offensive?

Here’s the thing. Our cows are a pretty mellow bunch. They eat, sleep, graze. Sometimes they just stare off into space daydreaming. So to have their identity associated with a total freak-out is a little insulting to them. OK, it’s extremely insulting. On the farm, if someone’s losing it, we like to use the phrase “having a Stephen.” It’s fitting because that guy is a lunatic.

What do you feed your cows?

Our cows are fed a smorgasbord of the finest alfalfa hay, silage and, of course, grass while they graze in the pasture and enjoy the countryside. They wash it down with fresh, clean water (about 35-50 gallons a day) to quench their thirst and help them produce the freshest, tastiest milk.

Can I visit the processing plant where Shatto Milk Company products are processed?

Absolutely. This land is your land. Check out the details and schedule a visit.

How is Shatto Milk Company different from other milk companies?

The primary difference between Shatto Milk Company and many of the other dairy companies is that we are also the farmers. We began as farmers, still are farmers, and make our products with milk from our own family farm. We have a small creamery, and, unlike other companies, only process our own products in our plant and do not process any milk outside of our own. The milk we use in our creamery is from cows that are born and raised on our farm.
Most of the forage (silage) is grown on our farm along with many acres of pasture from which the cattle graze. Other dairy companies may only be acting as marketing companies or processing plants (just putting the milk in packages and not actually doing the farming). Often, milk travels across many states before it is processed into its final product.Thus, the shelf life of other bottlers’ products is less than that of Shatto Milk Company’s products, which can be from the cow to your home in as little as 24 hours. At Shatto Milk Company, we are always re-evaluating and improving our environmental practices. We work hard to ensure that our product is the best on the market.

Can I borrow a shovel?

Of course you can! Before you bring it back, please remember to rinse off any mud and soil, and let it dry while you finish your chores.

What products are sold by Shatto Milk Company?

Look over yonder on our Products page.

Where can I buy Shatto Milk Company products?

Looking for Shatto Milk Company products in your neck of the woods? Check out our handy-dandy map!

Where can I return the glass bottles?

Our glass bottles can be returned to any of the stores that carry our products. Or stop by the farm, open 6 days a week, and return your bottles there. We’d love to see ya.

How do I get my friend to stop saying “melk” instead of “milk?”

Have your friend stop by the farm, walk up to a cow and ask “Can I ‘melk’ you?” Once your friend sees the look on the cow’s face, well, they’ll think twice before they say “melk” again.

Why did you decide to use glass bottles instead of plastic?

Many people ask and are excited about our packaging methods.The reasons for providing our milk primarily in glass bottles are very simple. First, the glass bottle tends to keep milk colder, and colder milk is more desirable. Second, glass bottles are much more environmentally friendly than plastic or paper. Our glass bottles can be washed and reused as many times as they are returned. Thus, recycling and reusing our bottles lowers the amount of material dumped in area landfills on a daily basis. Third, unlike paper cartons or plastic, glass imparts no foreign odor or flavor. Glass is not porous and does not breathe like plastic and paper. Unlike plastic, glass is not made from petrochemicals (ethylene glycol, polyvinyl chloride, styrene and linear low-density polyethylene). Fourth, glass bottles are most notable in history for containing farm-fresh milk from the local family farm, and that is exactly what you are getting from us. We want there to be no confusion — our product is different. It is handled with the utmost care and packaged in the best container available – glass.