Ralph Krogmeier
Owner
Ralph leads the farm side operation with pride. He helped perfect our cheese recipe, always dreaming up ways to make it even better. He doesn’t mind stepping away from the farm, (but just for a little bit) to patiently step in to help with cheese or ice cream, and he shines when giving presentations at meetings and events. He’s also our unofficial PR ambassador- at events he’ll talk to anybody about anything, making sure everyone leaves knowing a little more about us, our cheese, and of course farming.
Colleen Krogmeier
Owner
Colleen keeps the business running with a mix of big ideas, quick thinking, and a healthy dose of practicality. Patient and hands- on, she’s not afraid to roll up her sleeves to help on the farm, from milking cows to tackling any task that comes her way. She’s also the one who brought ice cream to the farm, turning a sweet idea into a reality by researching and attending classes to perfect it. Always organized and intentional in the way she guides the team, she serves as both a mentor and a friend, helping everyone do their best work while keeping spirits high. She never misses a chance to greet everyone with joy and a personal touch. She also makes sure the team stays fueled, literally, with lunches delivered to the field and coffees delivered to the cheese- shop.
Shannon Wellman
Owner
Shannon somehow manages to be everywhere at once- helping run the farm side of things, keeping production on track, taking an active role in her husband’s company, and chasing four kids- all while staying calm, professional, and somehow remembering EVERYTHING. She has a passion for both the farm and cheese and ice cream side of things. She’s always right there when a question comes up (and magically always seems to know the answer.) Whether it’s troubleshooting a production issue or sharing a coffee and a conversation, Shannon keeps things running smoothly- and somehow makes it look effortless- like a superhero in boots and farm gloves, or whites and a hairnet.
Ralph, Colleen, and Shannon help make the dairy a place where yummy products, happy cows, and great teamwork, happen every day.
Andrea Benner
Operations Coordinator
Andrea is our go-to person in the creamery and someone we’re lucky to have on our team. As our Operations Coordinator, she keeps everything and everyone running smoothly day in and day out. From assisting with marketing and dreaming up new ways to connect with customers, to working with retailers, taking orders, making cheese, ice cream and deliveries, Andrea does it all with a smile. Andrea also stays on top of meetings and classes to make sure we’re always learning and improving!
Outside of the dairy, Andrea coaches softball, hunts, adores her family and volunteers endlessly in her community. She has a passion for small-town Iowa. We’re so proud of the work she does, and to have her in our dairy family!
Dawna McKillip
Packaging and Production Specialist
Dawna leads our ice cream operation and is always dreaming up new cheese and ice cream ideas. She brings creativity and precision to everything she does, from perfecting packaging details to making sure every batch is something she’s proud of. Known for her high standards (and arriving about an hour early), Dawna makes sure every product is just right before it leaves our creamery. In her free time and on breaks, she doesn’t stop using her brain. She is learning Italian and Spanish, and perfecting knitting. She grows flowers and vegetables in her garden and she paints a little. She takes great care of chickens, rabbits, and bees, and collects vintage Christmas décor. She enjoys hiking, identifying plants, and foraging for mushrooms and berries. We’re not sure if she ever sits down.
Sandy J., Megan, Sandy B., Gariann, and Shelia
Packaging, Retail & Quality Control
From packaging and retail to keeping our products looking great and tasting even better, this team does it all- including serving as our unofficial (but highly qualified) professional taste testers and providing the laughs that keep us going.
Caitlin
Herd Manager
Our dedicated herd manager, Caitlin has a spot for every four-legged animal on the farm in her heart. She shows up six mornings a week to milk cows and care for the littlest babies on the farm. Knowing every cow by name, she keeps the records up to date with birthdays, pedigrees, breeding records, milk quality and more. Working with our nutritionist and veterinarian, Caitlin helps keep our animals healthy and happy. We are glad to have her on our team!
Wyatt, Frankie, Marvin, Mylan, and Kayden
The Milking Crew
These guys may take the cake for one of the most important jobs on the farm-milking the cows twice a day, 365 days a year. The ladies appreciate their gentle herdsman-ship, dedication and care at every milking. They always roll up their sleeves to help with many other jobs around the farm, from cleaning barns, bottle feeding calves and heifers to bailing hay and fixing fence. The chicks dig their farm scented cologne, and we dig their work ethic!
Sadie
Farm Greeter
Sadie is always ready to work and usually glued to Ralph's side- unless a new visitor arrives. Then she's first to greet them with a full-body tail wag and a smile that says she's very happy you stopped by.