Disembarking to Doe’s and Diva’s Dairy

Harvest Hosts is an incredible membership program with a diverse network of available hosts. So far, 4863+ locations have opened their hearts and their homes and/or businesses to members of the Harvest Hosts RV community, allowing them overnight accommodations with no camping fees in beautiful places across North America. In return, members should plan to make a small purchase to support the small business. One of our awesome hosts is Doe’s and Diva’s Dairy in Honey Creek, Iowa. This creamery specializes in making delicious fresh milk products from goat and sheep cheese. Continue on to learn all about the farm’s incredible history, its origins within the Harvest Hosts program, and what visiting guests can expect to find.

The History

Almost twenty-three years ago, Janna Feldman discovered that her daughter was lactose intolerant. She learned that goat milk was an alternative dairy source that worked to help alleviate her daughter’s issues. As a result, she began to milk a goat. Slowly, she began to naturally grow her livestock herd, extra milk supply, and experience. These factors helped her to start her commercial dairy endeavors. 

Nine years ago, she branched out and began including sheep dairy along with other goat dairy products. She found that sheep’s milk is pure white and rich tasting, and since it is higher in fat and protein than cow or goat milk, it has a sweeter taste. Cheese made from sheep’s milk is creamier and ages more mildly than goat’s or cow’s milk cheese. It also has its own special flavor, texture and aroma.

The Business Today

Today, the Feldmans continue to operate their farm in the Loess Hills of Western Iowa with a mixed herd of dairy goats and dairy sheep.  The dairy processing facility is located on the farmstead. Using time-honored techniques, the farm’s products are crafted in small batch formulas. They strive to consistently create products that are natural, free from chemicals and healthy for people and the environment. As farmers, their greatest desire is to maintain farmstead lifestyles and local, sustainable products while creating lasting friendships along the way.

When asked what she loves most about running her business, Janna replied, “The bond of raising livestock from birth and being a major factor in their growth provides a strong link to the cycle of seasons.  Crafting products from the bounty of their milk and wool is rewarding in so many ways.  Using minimal chemicals and natural treatments for the wellbeing of our animals provides less stress and healthy alternatives for our bodies, our products, and the environment.  As there are only eighty sheep dairies in the United States, we enjoy how unique we are.”

Farm visitors can enjoy the experience of meeting the goats and the sheep and learning about the process of turning their dairy into products. Currently, the farm sells fresh milk and a variety of cheese, including curds, chevre, feta, tommes, and farmhouse cheeses. They also craft natural hygiene products, such as lotions, soaps, and lip balms. Be sure to check out their store whenever you visit!

Joining Harvest Hosts

Doe’s and Diva’s Dairy joined the Harvest Hosts program in 2019 after a fellow farmer suggested that they would be a great addition to the program. They enjoy providing educational experiences to visitors, but they also enjoy meeting so many different people. Some personalities have even left a lasting impression. They are always looking to improve their farm and guests’ experience, so they welcome any feedback that visitors provide. Keep in mind that the Missouri River is closeby, with several beautiful state parks and nature centers, as well. They are also located within twenty minutes of downtown Omaha, Nebraska.

This incredible, unique location is an excellent example of the type of off-the-beaten path experiences that Harvest Hosts members tend to find. Be sure to pay Doe’s and Diva’s Dairy a visit and try their incredible products next time you are in the Omaha metro area.

Have you ever tried sheep dairy? How did you like it? Tell us all about it below!