Strengthening Idaho’s Dairy Industry Through USDA Rural Development Investments
It's National Dairy Month, and supporting Idaho’s dairy farms means more than producing milk. It’s about strengthening families, creating opportunities for our next generation, and helping local producers stay resilient. These investments ensure Idaho's dairy industry thrives for generations to come. Through USDA Rural Development programs, farms across Idaho are upgrading to modern facilities, adopting innovative practices, and accessing resources that keep rural economies strong. Dairy producers know the challenges of hard work. In this newsletter, we are highlighting just a few dairy farm investments that showcase a lasting impact.
"Before milk reaches our tables, it starts with your hard work, early mornings, long days, and a commitment to caring for your herds and your land. You’re not just producing milk; you’re sustaining families, supporting local jobs, and strengthening rural communities across Idaho. From all of us at USDA Rural Development in Idaho, thank you for keeping Idaho proud and our tables full of fresh, nutritious milk every day."
- Rick D. Youngblood
USDA is Putting America’s Farmers First
National Dairy Month is celebrated each June in the United States to honor dairy farmers and highlight the nutritional benefits of dairy products. The observance began in 1937 as National Milk Month to help address a surplus of milk, and it officially became National Dairy Month in 1939. Today, it recognizes the contributions of dairy farmers to the economy and public health. Dairy foods such as milk, cheese, yogurt and butter provide essential nutrients including calcium, potassium, vitamin D and protein that support bone health, heart health, weight management and overall wellness. View the latest. USDA press releases.
From the dedicated farmers and producers who bring fresh milk and a variety of dairy products from farm to table, to the wholesome, nutritious foods enjoyed by families across the nation, dairy is an essential part of our lives. Continue scrolling to explore both past and present investments in rural communities and small businesses that showcase how supporting the farmers, ranchers and producers who contribute so much to Idaho and communities nationwide. Read more on what USDA is doing to support farmers..
Idaho Falls, ID - Idaho State Director Youngblood visits Reed’s Dairy, a long-standing family-owned dairy business with roots dating back to 1955. Founded by Larry Reed along with his brothers LeRoy and Dave, now four Idaho generations of families continue their farm to table operations that extend beyond milk. What began as a small home delivery milk operation has grown into a regional favorite and now has artisanal cheese, handcrafted ice cream, and the iconic potato-flake–infused chocolate milk, and Holiday specialties like eggnog and chocolate nog, with 80+ flavors of ice cream and legendary grilled cheese on homemade bread are also favorites. Over time the business has expanded, and customers can find Reed’s products in grocery stores, through home delivery from Blackfoot to Rexburg, and at retail shops in Idaho Falls, Ammon, Meridian, Boise, and Twin Falls. Direct‑to‑consumer delivery now extends throughout the Treasure Valley, and many products ship nationwide.
USDA Rural Development assisted this rural business to expand with a $199,921 investment through the Value-Added Producer Grant Program (VAPG). The VAPG program helps U.S. agricultural producers turn raw commodities into higher-value products, expand marketing opportunities, and boost farm income. Grants support planning efforts such as feasibility studies and business or marketing plans as well as working capital needs like processing, packaging, advertising, inventory, and salaries. Read their full story.
In the photo below, left to right: Reeds ice cream, one of the legendary Reed members Alan Reed, and USDA Rural Development Idaho State Director stand inside the Reed's dairy production facility.
Buhl, ID — Clover Leaf Creamery in Twin Falls County is a mom and pop dairy shop. Founded by Bill and Donna Stoltzfus who started dairying back in 1973 where. Bill grew up learning the value of small herds, grass‑fed cows, and treating animals with care.
Through the Value-Added Producer Grant Program (VAPG), USDA Rural Development made a $250,000 investment to assist the family owned and operated small business to expand operations, improve distribution, and launch a marketing campaign to promote its products and sales growth. This expansion also created new part-time positions, while Clover Leaf Creamery continues to be a local favorite and a popular stop for travelers passing through town. Clover Leaf Creamery offers a full line of dairy products, including whole milk, chocolate milk, half-and-half, cream, yogurt and butter, all made from milk produced by its own herd with natural flavor. The creamery is also known for their handcrafted ice cream featuring unique flavors such as Cowboy Crunch, a customer favorite. Read their full story.
“I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream”
National Dairy Month isn’t just about ice cream, even though the old saying “I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream” still rings true any time of year. The month also highlights the hardworking dairy producers who keep milk, cheese and yogurt on our tables every day. National Dairy Month celebrates the full story behind the dairy case not just the sweet stuff.
Loleta Farms
Rathdrum, ID - Loleta Farms, LLC, founded in May 2021 began when owners Justin and Keeley Ritter brought home their first Guernsey cow, Georgia, to provide fresh milk for their family. Soon, friends and neighbors began asking for milk of their own. What started as a small idea has grown into a thriving family farm with a full Guernsey herd producing raw, hormone‑free milk, along with pasture‑raised poultry, pork, and grass‑fed beef serving Kootenai and Bonner counties. The Ritters follow organic, soy‑ and corn‑free feeding practices and avoid antibiotics whenever possible, reflecting their commitment to providing wholesome, locally sourced food for their community.
A USDA Rural Development VAPG investment of $250,000 is helping this family-owned farm expand its reach. The grant provides working capital to purchase supplies, hire labor, and ship their locally produced, bottled Guernsey milk to an expanded market, including nine additional retail stores across North Idaho.
Gooding, ID - Just 100 miles east of Boise you'll come across Ballard Cheese, LLC, a family-owned and operated business that has been a staple in Idaho’s Magic Valley since 1995. Owners Stacie and Steve Ballard began their venture as a 35-acre dairy farm, supplying milk to large cheese operations across the state. In 2004, Ballard's expanded into cheesemaking to add value to their dairy operation. With a “can-do” spirit and a willingness to learn, the family started with cheese curds and soon grew into a full line of cheeses, including cheddar, gouda, Swiss and their signature huckleberry cheddar. Today, Ballard Cheese is known for producing award-winning cheeses throughout the region.
A $250,000 VAPG investment helped cover processing costs such as labor, packaging and supplies, as well as marketing and distribution. The project helped create two new jobs in Gooding and preserved seven existing positions, while supporting “Made in America” agricultural production. Additionally, a $19,846 investment through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) program helped Ballard Cheese install a solar energy system that boosted efficiency and reduced their operating costs. This improvement produced enough electricity to support the farm’s long‑term sustainability. From its humble beginnings to its success as a thriving cheesemaker, Ballard Cheese showcases the innovation and resilience of Idaho’s rural businesses.
Shoshone, ID - Blue Sage Farm is known for it's handcrafted sheep cheese and grass‑fed lamb. The 80‑acre family farm raises a Polypay/East Friesian flock on rotating pastures of grasses and legumes, with winter feeding done the old‑fashioned way: alfalfa hay delivered by a team of Belgian horses. Owners Laura and Jill craft rich, creamy sheep‑milk cheeses using traditional methods. Their East Friesian ewes known for high milk production, provide a steady supply of milk with naturally high butterfat and protein, ideal for cheesemaking. Blue Sage Farm sells artisanal cheeses and USDA inspected lamb by appointment and at local markets, including Boise’s Capital City Public Market (April–December) and the Wood River Farmers Markets in Hailey and Ketchum (June–October).
Through a USDA Rural Development Value-Added Producer Grant award, an $83,431 investment helped provide working capital to increase processing and launching of a marketing campaign to establish brand recognition for Blue Sage Farm’s value-added sheep’s milk-based products.
USDA Rural Development operates over fifty financial assistance programs for a variety of rural applications. You can browse our full list of all programson our website.
This year’s Independence Day is particularly special as we celebrate 250 years of American freedom, spirit, and resilience on July 4, 2026. It’s a one of of a kind milestone that reminds us of where we've been, and as we reflect on our journeys, may we look ahead with gratitude, hope and unity. We wish you a fun, memorable, and safe holiday as you celebrate with family, friends, loved ones and your communities.
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