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weet Grass Dairy is quickly establishing itself as one of the country’s premier artisan cheese producers. Founded in 2000 by Al and Desiree Wehner on 140 acres of rolling south-Georgia pastureland, the dairy started with a small herd of 11 dairy goats, grass-based jersey cow’s milk from their herd in the neighboring county, and a mission to show people a better way.
A better way for what, you may ask? After years in the conventional dairy business, they decided to change their style of dairying to that of a rotational grazing system in which the animals graze lush pasture in comparison to confinement barns on concrete. This style of dairying lets cows be cows and is healthier for not only the animals themselves, but those fortunate enough to drink the milk they produce. Although it was against the grain, the Wehners were confident in their decision.
It wasn’t long until it was time for a new adventure, so they decided to start a cheese making business. Sweet Grass Dairy first opened its doors in 2000. Demand grew quickly, and they saw the need for help and invited us, their daughter and son-in-law, Jessica and Jeremy Little to join the business in 2002. Jeremy took on the responsibility of making cheese while Jessica managed sales and marketing. Sales quickly grew from only local markets in Georgia and Florida to chefs and retailers all over the southeast while also starting small-scale distribution in major metropolitan areas. Production increased as well using milk from 150 goats and 30 cows.
In 2005, Jessica’s parents gave us the opportunity to purchase Sweet Grass Dairy from them, and very gratefully, we did. Today, the mission remains the same: handcrafting unique old-world style cheeses while maintaining respect for the history, philosophy, and values that started Sweet Grass Dairy. Our commitment to sustainable, earth-friendly farming and the artisanal philosophy of cheese making is as strong as it has ever been. We are fortunate to have the ability to control production from the ground up which allows us to provide flavorful and healthful foods from our family to yours. Thank you for supporting a small family owned and operated dairy.
Jessica, Jeremy, Aidan, Asher, and Finn Little and the rest of the Sweet Grass Dairy family.
Through their twenty-five years in the dairy business, the Wehners found out what it was like to dairy in a conventional system. Having been in a dairy partnership with 1100 milking Holsteins on concrete, the Wehners became disillusioned by the conventional model for dairying and decided it was time for a change. In 1993, the Wehners created Green Hill Dairy, a 340 acre, New Zealand style rotational-grazing dairy that has proven to be a catalyst for the world-class cheeses currently produced by Sweet Grass Dairy. Sweet Grass, 140 acres that is home to the cheesemaking facility and the goat herd, follows the same dairying philosophy as her sister, Green Hill.
Both Green Hill and Sweet Grass practice biologically sustainable, grass-based farming. The Jersey based cow and multi-breed goat herds are rotationally grazed and live their entire lives outside, roaming lush pastures and browsing the South Georgia woods. The pastures are precisely managed beginning with the gentle nurturing of the biological life in the soil. The high standard of operation at both farms provides the animals with healthy and clean lifestyles as well as an enjoyable work environment for ourselves and our employees.
The bottom line is this: Our animals are happy. Happy animals produce valuable, luscious milk, and rich milk makes the best cheese. We know that you will taste the difference.

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