In the coastal town of Point Reyes Station, California, Cowgirl Creamery stands out as a pioneer in sustainable cheesemaking. Founded in 1997 by Sue Conley and Peggy Smith, this beloved creamery is known not only for its award-winning cheeses but also for its dedication to organic farming and environmental responsibility.
A Mission Rooted in Sustainability
From the start, Cowgirl Creamery was built with a clear mission: to create exceptional cheese using organic milk from local farms. Their founding philosophy centers on the idea that great cheese starts with great milk—and that means healthy cows, clean pastures, and responsible farming.
Today, Cowgirl Creamery continues to honor that mission, sourcing milk exclusively from Straus Family Creamery, a certified organic and climate-conscious dairy also based in Marin County.
Environmentally Friendly Practices
Cowgirl Creamery operates with sustainability woven into every step of the process:
Organic Milk Sourcing: Their dairy partner, Straus Family Creamery, uses pasture-based farming and is a leader in carbon-neutral dairy production.
Waste Reduction: Whey byproducts from cheese production are either composted or upcycled, reducing landfill waste.
Renewable Energy: Their facilities use solar energy to reduce their carbon footprint.
Minimal Packaging: They focus on recyclable and compostable materials for packaging their cheeses.
These choices make Cowgirl Creamery a model for how artisan food production can coexist with environmental care.
Celebrated Cheeses With a Conscience
Cowgirl Creamery’s cheeses have earned national acclaim. Their most well-known varieties include:
Mt. Tam – A triple-cream, soft-ripened cheese made from organic cow’s milk. It’s rich, buttery, and has become a West Coast classic.
Red Hawk – A bold, washed-rind cheese aged at the coast, known for its pungent aroma and deep flavor.
Wagon Wheel – A semi-firm, Alpine-style cheese perfect for melting, especially loved by chefs.
Each cheese reflects the terroir of Northern California and the care taken at every step—from pasture to plate.
Supporting Local and Educating Consumers
Cowgirl Creamery doesn’t just make cheese—they build community. They support small, sustainable farms by creating a reliable market for their milk. They also engage in consumer education, offering tours and workshops to raise awareness about the importance of sustainability in dairy farming.
By showing how organic and local can also mean delicious and profitable, Cowgirl Creamery helps inspire the next generation of eco-conscious food producers.
Conclusion
Cowgirl Creamery proves that sustainable cheesemaking is not only possible but delicious. Their dedication to organic farming, renewable energy, and environmental care makes them a shining example in the artisan cheese world. Supporting brands like Cowgirl Creamery means supporting a healthier planet—one bite at a time.
