Looking for something to do with the family that may be a bit out of the box? Plan a trip to Marcoot Jersey Creamery for a full lesson on how cheese is made. Enjoy a complete farm to table experience as visitors see what it takes to raise jersey cows and produce their amazing products.

Meet the Marcoots

Located in Greenville, Illinois, Marcoot is a 7 generation family farm. When the Marcoot sisters got wind that their dad was planning on selling the farm they immediately stepped into action. Each of them quit their full-time jobs in fields they had studied in school to come back to the farm and prove they had what it takes to run a farm. Since entirely taking it over in 2010, the Marcoot sisters have made a name for themselves by starting the creamery and making cheese. This simple idea may be what has sustained their business and landed them national recognition in the farming community.

The Products

The Marcoots have found a way to use every ounce of milk their jersey cows produce. The cheese is made from the milk of their Registered Jersey, primarily grass-fed cattle with no hormones added. Their cheeses are aged in the underground cave designed similar to the man-made cheese caves in Switzerland (where their family originally came from). Some of the cheeses they offer include White Cheddar, Tipsy Cheddar (made with Schlafly products), Hatch Pepper Cheese, Smoked Gouda, and Fresh Mozzarella to name a few. An example of these sisters taking their business to the next level is their problem-solving skills. Whey protein is a byproduct during the cheese making process. They give some of it to their cows but still had so much excess that they didn't know what to do with it. Instead of throwing it out or selling it to a third party to create protein powder, they created Whey Ice from it. By combining the sweet cream whey and fresh fruit, they were able to develop a frozen, sherbert-like treat. Each pint contains 3 servings of fruit, 20% of daily protein and 20% of daily calcium. It's practical for the farm, healthy alternative for consumers, and it's absolutely delicious!

Visiting the Farm

Guests are invited to come to the farm to learn more about their processes, meet their jersey cows, and taste some of their products. Visitors can also take some to go. They are open Monday through Saturday. If you are wanting to participate in a full tour, they are available April 1st - December 31st. This tour covers the milking parlor, calf barn, and creamery and lasts around 1 hour. The price is $5 per person. If you have a large group of 10 or more, you can also schedule a private tour. For more information about tours, you can email Laura at [email protected] or call the Creamery at 618-664-1110.