From Cream to Curd: The Artisanal Journey of a Cortland Dairy Farm
If you’re lucky enough to live in the land of Wegmans, there is a good chance you have seen Trinity Valley’s Natural Cheese Curds, or even made the wise decision to add it to the shopping cart. Perhaps you’ve encountered their Award-Winning creamline milk in select stores. Whatever your familiarity with their products, there is a rich history behind each gallon, pint and curd. It is that legacy that translates through every mouth-watering experience with Trinity Valley products.
From Cows to Curds: The Farming Legacy
From our perspective, the interaction between picking a product off the grocery store shelf, transaction and consumption is transient and swift – but for those who produce it, each item represents generational dreams, passion and hard work.
During my visit at Trinity Valley, I was introduced to a new family member at every turn. Whether packaging cheese curds, feeding cows or managing paperwork, the Poole & Brown family of Trinity Valley is involved in every aspect of ensuring we have a quality product to enjoy once it reaches our hands.
Over 100 years of Family Tradition – In the early years, the land on which the beloved, fresh cheese curd is now produced was known as Sunset Young Farm. In 1987, the farm was transitioned to the farm’s daughter and son-in-law, Ken and Sue Poole. Today, the farm is run by Ken & Sue’s children – Derek, his sister, Rebekah, her husband, Branden, and their children Landen, Lillian, Tanner and Dariel, all of which are the fifth generation to carry on the family tradition.
There’s no need to go through business school before becoming involved in this family tradition – Branden & Rebekah’s children are often seen on the farm’s social pages hard at work feeding calves, or caring for the needs of the milking herd.
Preserving Freshness: The Cheese Curd Secret
“Farm Fresh” takes on a whole new set of standards once you enjoy your first squeaky bite of Trinity Valley’s artisan cheese curds. With everything made on farm, I was able to hop in on the fun and see for myself the magic that takes place to create such an irresistible, salty treat. With the farm’s milking herd of 70 jersey cows in site of the processing window, I watched as the team transformed the daily fresh milk into what we enjoy in store.
This is done in only a few short steps of heating the herd’s freshly produced milk, adding an enzyme known as rennet to curdle milk, cutting & pressing the curd, and finally slicing & salting the bite-sized pieces that reach us. A natural process that delivers a natural product.
Beyond its extraordinary, made-fresh on farm qualities, you will recognize the natural cheese in store amongst others due to its unique packaging – an elemental factor contributing to the one of a kind freshness experienced when enjoying.
The next time you’re in the cheese aisle, take a moment to observe choice of packaging. You will find most cheese curds available in stores are sold in a plastic bag, whereas Trinity Valley opt’s for a conveniently sized container. This unique offering contributes largely to the overwhelming freshness and quality enjoyed.
A Taste of Tradition and Innovation
Trinity Valley’s beautiful herd of jersey cows produce milk rich in favorable properties that contribute to exceptional artisan cheese – properties such as high protein and butterfat, elements that work in a cheesemaker's favor as it creates more cheese per pound of milk.
Although simply salted curd is a bite into heaven, the flavor odderings don’t stop there. From Tomato Basil, Spicy Buffalo to Garlic Herb & Cheese, the portfolio of farm-fresh cheese appeals to both traditional and adventurous palates.
I was lucky enough to be visiting on a day they were preparing an order of Garlic & Herb curd for Wegmans. After already trying a fresh batch of still-warm natural flavor, I was skeptical I could be convinced of a new favorite – one bite of savory, garlic heaven was enough to change my mind.
Beyond Cheese Curd: A Dairy Wonderland
Amazingly enough, the ways you can enjoy Trinity Valley dairy doesn’t end with cheese curd. Many northeast grocery retailers, including a range of Wegmans locations, offer a selection of their Award Winning Creamline & beyond products.
There is a likely chance that the milk you currently have in your refrigerator at home is homogenized, meaning it’s undergone a processing step that disperses milk fat globules throughout the entirety of the milk. Trinity Valley chooses to maintain the milk produced by their herd in its most natural state, so they opt for non-homogenization. This then results in that beautiful cream found in jersey milk to settle at the top of the gallon, earning the name “creamline”.
From half & half & buttermilk for all of your baking needs, to gallons or pints of whole, cocoa flavored and 2% milks, Trinity Valley truly is a one-stop destination for all dairy needs.
Cultivating a Community: Farming with Care
Our interaction with the food we buy in the store typically doesn’t stretch beyond holding it in our hand and reading the label on the container, so I had to take advantage of the opportunity to be on site where my new favorite snack was being not only processed and packaged, but where & HOW it is produced!
The family’s commitment to quality, sustainability and cow care is overwhelmingly evident when visiting Trinity Valley. Being a multi-generational family farm, the need to pass on healthy, productive acreage to future generations is not only crucial, but an evident commitment to their community.
Individuals both near and far are welcomed to visit Trinity Valley to experience the story of agriculture and the positive role it plays in nourishing our local communities. The farm offers many different educational aspects such as a viewing room for guests to watch their cows be milked by their robotic system (yes, I said robot!) as well as many activities for all ages to enjoy.
The family’s deep-rooted commitment to ethical and sustainable farming practices translates through the excellence of their products today.
When experiencing Trinity Valley through their delicious dairy items in store or visiting their farm where all the magic takes place, the blend of tradition and innovation is evident in the quality of practices and products seen.
The farm's rich history and diverse product offerings is a fantastic showcase of New York’s agriculture diversity and business owner tenacity.
With the exciting news of their new farm store opening in 2024, there is plenty of time to plan your trip to the farm to experience the joy of NY dairy and a family tradition. If native to the northeastern region, find Trinity Valley’s artisan cheese curd available at all Wegmans locations. With the holidays fast approaching, I am so excited to include the zesty flavors of trinity valley natural cheese in all of my charcuterie boards for family to enjoy.
My experience at Trinity Valley is a great reminder to support and engage with local agricultural businesses alike. Choosing their products and supporting them in our community is a great way to ensure sustainability and viability to future generations on the farm.
For more information on Trinity Valley & where to find their products, visit their website HERE & find them on Instagram and Facebook!
