As we celebrate Earth Day this year, we're marking a significant milestone at Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese: 25 years of sustainable cheesemaking built on a foundation of 66 years of family dairy farming. Our commitment to the land isn't just about producing exceptional artisan cheese—it's about creating a legacy of environmental stewardship that spans generations.
Our Environmental Impact by the Numbers
This Earth Day, we're proud to share a few impressive statistics from our recent impact review:
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- 710 acres of carbon sequestering pasture working daily to improve the environment
- 50% of our power comes from methane-generated renewable energy
- 5500,000 pounds of CO2 removed from the air annually thanks to our solar power and clean energy initiatives
These numbers represent more than just environmental metrics—they're a testament to our belief that sustainable farming and exceptional cheese production go hand in hand.
The Power of Regenerative Farming
Since 1959, when our parents purchased the farm, we've prioritized land management practices and environmental sustainability. Our regenerative approach encompasses rotational grazing, no-till seeding, soil health enhancement, water conservation and recycling, and utilizing our herd's manure as natural fertilizer.
Our cows play a crucial role in this sustainable ecosystem. As they graze on our pastures, they promote the growth of diverse grasses and plants, which capture and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere in the soil. This carbon sequestration process is a true win-win, helping to mitigate climate change while enhancing the flavor profile of our award-winning cheese.
Adapting to California's Seasons
During California's dry summers, when our state truly earns its "Golden State" nickname, we ensure our cows continue to benefit from our land's essence. Each spring, we harvest 160 acres before the heat sets in, creating silage—a fermented grass blend—that forms the backbone of our herd's diet during seasonal periods without rainfall. Twenty-five percent of our cows' food comes directly from our land, making our cheese a true expression of this healthy environment—from coastal rye grasses to our indigenous geography.
Completing the Circle: Our Closed-Loop System
Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond pasture management. We've developed a closed-loop system where our herd's waste becomes a valuable resource. We collect manure from our barns, flushing them multiple times daily with recycled water. This waste travels to our methane digester, where we capture methane gases that are then converted into renewable power through our bio-gas generator. The result: 50% of our farm's energy comes from this renewable source.
The nutrient-rich byproducts don't go to waste either. We apply them back to our fields as both dry compost and liquid fertilizer, nourishing the soil that grows the grass that feeds our cows that produce the milk for our cheese. It's a continuous circle of sustainability that minimizes waste while maximizing resources.
Innovative Methane Reduction
In addition to our closed loop renewable energy program (poop to power!) via the farm’s methane digester, we've taken our commitment to sustainability a step further by incorporating Agolin into our herd's diet. This specialized blend of essential oils serves as an all-natural feed additive that significantly reduces methane emissions (belches per cow) from our dairy cattle during digestion. Certified by the Carbon Trust, Agolin not only decreases greenhouse gas production but also improves feed efficiency—meaning our cows produce more milk with fewer resources, further reducing their overall carbon footprint.
Participating in Carbon Markets
Our sustainable practices allow us to participate in carbon markets, where we receive and sell carbon credits. This participation not only provides economic benefits to our farm but also incentivizes long-term investments in climate-friendly agricultural methods. By engaging with carbon markets, we're demonstrating that environmentally responsible dairy farming can be both ecologically and economically sustainable, leading to improved soil health, reduced reliance on external inputs, and increased resilience to climate change.
Looking Ahead: The Next 25 Years
As we reflect on 25 years of sustainable cheesemaking and 66 years of family farming, we remain committed to innovating and improving our environmental practices. Every wheel of cheese we produce is a testament to our belief that caring for the Earth and creating exceptional food are inseparable pursuits.
This Earth Day, when you enjoy our cheese, know that you're tasting the results of generations of environmental stewardship—and supporting a future where sustainable farming continues to thrive.