Aug. 28, 2023

A local creamery will stop bottling and selling its milk next month.

Stensland Family Farms near Larchwood, Iowa, started the creamery seven years ago with the goal of producing “the best ice cream in the Midwest,” it said in a news release.

That effort led to a surplus of milk, so it began bottling it. Several varieties of milk, including chocolate, and heavy cream were available in Stensland retail stores and at grocers in the area.

“Unfortunately, with the demanding state of the market, including increasing labor and material costs, we’ve decided to eliminate fluid milk from our current line of premium dairy products.”

That also means an end to eggnog, a seasonal favorite for many at Christmastime.

The last day for processing milk is Sept. 6. Any milk available on shelves will have an expiry date of Sept. 22.

“Eliminating milk will allow us to focus heavily on improving our local, premium ice cream options, as well as continue to expand our product offerings,” Stensland said.

The creamery also uses milk from its dairy cows to make cheese. Other branded Stensland products include pizza, breaded cheese curds, beef jerky and meat sticks, and freeze-dried ice cream and other treats.

“We appreciate your understanding as this decision was not an easy one to come to. From our family to yours, thank you for supporting local.”