THE VILLAGE CHEESE CO. "OUR DAIRY FARMERS"
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Aarista Lands' dairy lies in the cool high Okanagan valley of Deep Creek. This valley is approximately 25 km south of Salmon Arm and 20Km north of Vernon. The farm is owned and operated by the second generation Dutch family, Van Den Tillaart. Although most of the original farms structures have been removed or reconstructed to optimize the use of latest technology, some aspects of the farm have not changed such as excellent quality milk.

Aarista FarmsToday the people responsible for this quality milk production include Tony Van Den Tillaart (the son of the original family), two milker/herdpersons along with both full time and contracted field equipment workers. Tony's son Devon assists with feeding calves, general cleaning and yard maintenance. Tony works closely with community professionals such as their veterinarian, a homeopathic practitioner and local agriculturalists to seek out and employ the latest techniques in preventative herd health and sustainable farming practices.

Each day while the 150 - 170 cows are milked their custom blended feed is mixed and fed. Different groups of animals require special diets. For example pregnant animals are given specific supplements and special forages. Baby calves are fed colostrum for the first feedings followed by whole milk until they are weened. Careful attention is paid to the selection of grains and mineral supplements (no animal by-products or medicated feeds are added). The forages, hay and silage, are produced on the farm and surrounding land. This helps with quality control and supply so the farm can assure a quality milk product.

Sustainable farming practices include returning the manure to the land to promote soil and plant growth. Tillage equipment such as plowing and crop rotation are used as much as possible to replace chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides.

Young stock and dry cows are pastured out spring summer and fall. The pasture land has access to plenty of clean fresh pasture and water. The milking herd and home based animals are watered from a mountain spring that also supplies the family home. Milking equipment is carefully sanitized in the same water and more than meets the Health Canada standards.

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