One young Minnesota dairyman is turning his passion for farming and community into a business that both honors the past and provides a future for his family farm at a time when small dairies are disappearing.
Ethan Johnson poses by a stack of milk crates bearing the Amo Creamery logo.
Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo
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Mark Enemark of Tyler, Minn., browses the cooler at the Amo Creamery shop, having stopped on his way to deliver soybeans to the elevator. The shop also sells locally made goods, such as popcorn from a nearby farm and locally roasted coffee.
Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo
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A calf rests in a hutch at the Johnson family dairy farm. The family raises cattle with the A2 gene, which produce milk with an protein enzyme that's easier to digest.
Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo
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Amo Creamery's milk is sold in half gallon bottles.
Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo
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Elizabeth Johnson packages cheese curds at the Amo Creamery. The business offers different flavors including ranch and garlic.
Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo
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Ethan Johnson pets one of the family's dairy cows at their farm near Heron Lake, Minn. This past fall, the family opened an on-farm creamery selling cheddar, cheese curds and creamline milk.
Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo
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Ethan Johnson stands outside the Amo Creamery he opened this past fall. He makes cheese and milk and sells it, along with other local products, in the attached retail shop.
Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo
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Raised in small town South Dakota, Janelle is enjoying her time as editor of Tri-State Neighbor and Midwest Messenger while raising kids, chickens and no till vegetables in central Sioux Falls. Reach her at janelle.atyeo@lee.net .
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