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How to Become a Dairy Artisan
Becoming a dairy artisan takes years of experience, training and perseverance. This is the case anywhere, but especially so in Wisconsin, where farmstead and artisan dairy producers, their farms and plant facilities undergo extensive licensing and inspection requirements to ensure high quality products. Wisconsin’s Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection and its Division of Food Safety ensure that Wisconsin’s dairy products meet the highest standards of quality in the country. With so much to learn before making your product, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. This site is an attempt to give some structure to your process and connect you with the resources you need. But we also strongly encourage you to visit with current dairy artisan producers to learn from them, as well as attend conferences, field days and courses to complete your education.
A farmstead producer must not only understand and be skilled in the production of her product, but also in animal health and herd management skills. And this just guarantees that they can make a wonderful product for their own consumption. To make a living as a farmstead producer, one must hold an array of skills and knowledge in the following areas: dairy farming, business start-up, financial planning, market research, marketing, financing and quality assurance.
Dairy Farming
Starting a Business in Wisconsin
Writing a Business Plan
Conducting Market Research
Marketing Your Product
Financing Your Business
Quality Assurance and HACCP
