Jonathan Carter Family
Jonathan and Julia Carter started their farm with chickens. They soon added one cow to their homestead and began what they call their “mini-micro dairy experience.” The Carters began selling raw, a2/a2 milk, from the farm. Their first cow produced three heifers and they became the Carters’ dairy herd. To use all the milk, Julia began making cheese. After extensive cheesemaking, the Carters began selling their raw, aged cheese, at local farmers markets in Park Rapids and Walker. Julia started offering cheesemaking classes this past winter.
The Carters currently milk three Jersey dairy cows--all half-sisters—producing a2/a2 milk. The family has been making cheese for a decade. They also offer sleigh rides for local residents in the winter.
Jonathan and Julia have five children: Samuel, Maggie Kay, Hazel Mae, Silas, and Gideon. The four youngest kids are homeschooled, and all contribute to the farm’s success. Samuel, the oldest, has a job away from home but is key to keeping the farm’s equipment running and getting the hay crop in.
The Carters are active in their church and their local 4-H horse program. The family’s farm is part of the “Harvest Host” program that welcomes RVers from around the country to stay on the farm, meet the Carters’ cows and experience their cheese.