February 18, 2025

Richlands Dairy Farm

Transparency, Care, and Community

Milk is making a comeback! As more people seek out farm-fresh, locally sourced dairy, we’re proud to partner with Richlands Dairy Farm, a family-run farm in Virginia that prioritizes transparency, animal welfare, and sustainable farming.

See the Process, Know Your Farmers

At Richlands Dairy Farm, transparency isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a way of life. Visitors to their creamery in Blackstone, Virginia, can see the entire process firsthand through windows that provide a full view of their facility. From cow to cone, they want customers to understand where their food comes from and feel confident in the quality of their dairy products.

Happy Cows, High-Quality Milk

At Richlands Dairy Farm, cow health and well-being come first. A dedicated nutritionist ensures their diet is balanced, a trained herd manager monitors their well-being, and a veterinarian is on call 24/7 for any medical needs. Their cows live comfortably with cooling fans and misters in the summer, since cows get hot at around 70 degrees and prefer the shade. Every year, they also enjoy a minimum two-month vacation where they rest in open pastures before returning to the milking herd.

Farm-Fresh Taste You Can Trust

When it comes to processing, Richlands Dairy Farm uses High-Temperature Short-Time (HTST) pasteurization, a method that preserves milk’s natural flavor while ensuring safety. Unlike ultra-pasteurized milk, which has a longer shelf life but loses some of its fresh taste, HTST keeps the milk as close to raw milk as possible while still meeting safety standards.

Sustainability & Stewardship

Richlands Dairy Farm isn’t just about great milk—they are also committed to sustainable farming. Their cows are fed a Total Mix Ration (TMR) diet made from a combination of corn silage, haylage, and nutrient-rich byproducts like brewer’s grain and cottonseed. By incorporating these byproducts into their feed, they help reduce food waste while turning what would otherwise be discarded into nutrient-rich milk. This approach benefits both the environment and their cows, reinforcing their commitment to responsible farming.

Why It Matters

At Seasonal Roots, we believe in knowing where your food comes from and supporting local farmers who are open about their practices. Richlands Dairy Farm isn’t just a milk supplier—they are an example of what ethical, sustainable dairy farming should look like.

Want to taste the difference? Order farm-fresh milk from Richlands Dairy Farm available in our market—and if you’re ever in Blackstone, stop by the creamery to see their process firsthand!

About Seasonal Roots

Since 2011, Seasonal Roots’ online farmers market has connected Virginia families with local family farmers who use sustainable, humane practices. Our neighborhood market managers – who believe in living better through scrumptious, healthy eating, being kind to animals, protecting the environment, and spreading joy – home-deliver freshly harvested produce, pastured eggs, grass fed dairy and meat, plus artisan fare. We empower our members to eat better and live better with more nutritious, flavorful food that’s good for us and good for the planet. More info at seasonalroots.com.