Dairy Education Initiative

Twisted Oak Farm is a non-profit micro-dairy farm dedicated to teaching individuals about sourcing food locally, sustainable farming, animal husbandry, nutrition, and the historical traditions of homesteading.

OUR PURPOSE

Learn where your food begins.

The Dairy Education Initiative connects hands-on farm experiences with the bigger story of food: where it comes from, how it is produced, and how farming practices affect health, animals, people, and community.

Our approach centers on sustainable, holistic farming and animal husbandry practices while helping the next generation rediscover practical homesteading traditions focused on dairy education, the importance of sanitation, and cheese making.

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPLORE

Farm & Animal Husbandry

Explore the relationship between animals, responsible care, sustainable practices, and the food system.

Cheesemaking

Discover cheesemaking as a science, an art, and a craft through an educational, hands-on experience.

Agriculture in the Classroom

Cheesemaking curriculum and vocabulary are supported by educational materials from National Agriculture in the Classroom.

Food & Nutrition

Learn about sourcing food locally and consider the connection between what we eat, nutrition, and health.

Homesteading Traditions

Reconnect with historical practices and skills that shaped self-sufficient households and communities.

Community Learning

Create meaningful opportunities for families, homeschoolers, 4-H groups, and learners to engage directly with agriculture.

For Homeschool Groups
Hands-on learning at Twisted Oak Farm

Part of the Dairy Education Initiative, the homeschool farm tour and cheesemaking experience is designed to make agricultural education tangible for homeschool-aged groups. Due to the farm operators’ work schedule, experiences must be planned in advance and are focused on multi-family experiences. Groups are limited to 20 participants at a time, and the experience takes 90 minutes to complete. Individual or single-family experiences are not available due to a busy work and farm schedule.

Participants should expect an active farm setting, animal interaction, uneven terrain, and hands-on food preparation.

A farm tour waiver and media release form is required for all participants.

For Individuals Wanting to Volunteer
Bring your curiosity. Give your time. Grow your knowledge.

Interested in learning more about dairy farming by getting your hands dirty? Twisted Oak Farm welcomes individuals who want to contribute their time and energy while learning practical skills and gaining a deeper understanding of sustainable farming, animal care, food production, and homesteading.

Volunteer opportunities may include helping with farm projects, animal care, daily barn activities, food preparation, maintenance, or educational activities. In return, volunteers can learn directly from the people and practices that make the farm work.

You don’t have to know everything before you arrive. A willingness to work, learn, ask questions, and respect the farm is what matters most.