In the heart of Vermont’s lush green hills, Jasper Hill Farm has become a beacon of sustainable cheesemaking. Known for its award-winning artisan cheeses and environmentally responsible practices, this family-run creamery proves that exceptional cheese and sustainability can go hand in hand.
A Mission Rooted in Regeneration
Founded in 2003 by brothers Andy and Mateo Kehler, Jasper Hill Farm was built with a clear mission: to revitalize Vermont’s rural economy through responsible agriculture. From day one, the team focused on making high-quality cheese while building a sustainable farming model that others could follow.
Their approach? Make great cheese by improving the land, supporting the community, and honoring the animals.
Environmentally Friendly Farming Practices
At Jasper Hill, pasture-based dairy farming is at the core of their operations. The cows are grass-fed and raised in a way that promotes animal welfare and soil health. No growth hormones or routine antibiotics are used.
The farm also implements regenerative agriculture, including rotational grazing and composting. These practices help sequester carbon, enrich the soil, and reduce the farm’s overall environmental impact.
Jasper Hill also works with other small farms, providing them with a sustainable outlet for their milk through partnerships that ensure fair pricing and shared values.
Zero-Waste Cheesemaking Philosophy
Sustainability at Jasper Hill doesn’t stop in the pasture—it continues in the creamery. Their cheesemaking process is designed to minimize waste at every stage.
They:
Recycle whey by converting it into fertilizer
Use renewable energy sources like solar power
Recycle water from cheese production to clean barns and equipment
Age their cheeses in an underground cellar, naturally regulating temperature and reducing energy usage
Even packaging is chosen with sustainability in mind—minimal, recyclable, and designed to protect the cheese without excess material.
Award-Winning Artisan Cheeses
Jasper Hill produces some of the most celebrated artisan cheeses in the U.S., including:
Harbison – a soft-ripened, spruce-wrapped cheese with a creamy, spoonable texture
Bayley Hazen Blue – a balanced and rich blue cheese named after a historic military road
Alpha Tolman – an Alpine-style cheese with nutty, savory notes
Each cheese is a reflection of the land, the animals, and the care taken from pasture to plate.
Conclusion
Jasper Hill Farm is more than a cheesemaker—it’s a leader in sustainable cheesemaking and rural revitalization. By combining traditional craft with cutting-edge sustainability, they show that delicious cheese can also be deeply responsible. Supporting producers like Jasper Hill helps ensure a healthier future—for people, animals, and the planet.
