History

Gary and Amy Blase each grew up on dairy farms. After they married in 1972, they started their own dairy and raised three children on the farm. When their eldest son, Chad, returned in 2016 to help, milk prices had plummeted—forcing the family to decide whether to sell the farm or create their own products. Chad’s partner, Laura Klock, joined the conversation. With her background in marketing and a passion for keeping the family farm alive, she began researching how to turn their Grade A milk into profitable consumer products rather than selling raw milk at a loss.

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This search led them to Valley Side Farm Cheese in Crooks, South Dakota, where the owner not only had equipment and inventory for sale but was also willing to teach Chad and Laura the art of cheesemaking. Farm Life Creamery was born soon after.

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Today, Chad and Laura own and operate Farm Life Creamery, while Gary and Amy continue their dairy operation. We handcraft small-batch cheese using Grade A milk from our family’s Holstein herd in Ethan, South Dakota. Our fresh, squeaky cheddar cheese curds got our brand to market quickly. Since then, we’ve added more than 40 cheese curd flavors, plus a wide variety of cheeses—cheddar aged a minimum of three weeks, Gruyère, Mozzarella, Colby, Cotswold, and even our signature Chocolate Cheddar.

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Minimally Processed, Exceptionally Fresh Milk
After mastering cheesemaking, Farm Life Creamery became the only small, on-farm, Grade A–licensed bottling plant in South Dakota. We pasteurize our herd’s fresh, Grade A Holstein milk “low and slow,” leaving it as close to its natural state as possible. Because it’s non-homogenized, the cream rises to the top—just give it a shake and enjoy. Our bottled milk is one of the most natural forms of cow’s milk you can find on a store shelf.

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And…PREMIUM Ice Cream!
Because we couldn’t stop at cheese and milk, we started making ice cream too. Come taste the results of our farm-fresh approach and learn what makes premium ice cream premium. 

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A True Farm Experience
At Farm Life Creamery, we offer more than just products. We’re dedicated to preserving a piece of rural America, building community, and teaching people about dairy processing. Our Saint Bernard, Rex, will greet you at the entrance, joined by a colorful cast of farm animals—mini-donkey, ponies, horses, goats, pigs, calves, cats, geese, ducks, chickens, emus, goats, and even a couple of alpacas.

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Beyond the animals, we’ve created plenty of family fun, including an 18-hole mini golf course, the (self-proclaimed) largest tire swing in South Dakota, GellyBall, and a playground made from tractor tires that will keep kids entertained for hours. We welcome company picnics, tourists, birthday parties, family gatherings, school field trips, group tours, and more.

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Visit Us!
Schedule a tour, plan an event, or simply drop by on a Sunday drive to visit our Farm Store for an ice cream cone.

• Email: Laura@FarmLifeCreamery.com

• Phone: 605-999-9824

• Follow us on social media for the latest news and updates.