Minerva Dairy is not just a business; it is a legacy, a testament to over a century of hard work, innovation, and community commitment. Founded in 1894 by Max P. Radloff in Hustisford, Wisconsin, Minerva Dairy has since grown into the oldest family-owned creamery in the United States.
This move marked an important milestone not only for Minerva Dairy but also for the broader dairy industry of the time. By relocating to Minerva, Ohio, the creamery positioned itself to take advantage of new transportation and refrigeration advancements, which allowed it to consolidate operations and improve efficiency. The shift also exemplified the changing dynamics within the dairy sector, where technological innovation was beginning to redefine how and where businesses operated. This strategic decision set the stage for Minerva Dairy’s enduring success, showcasing its ability to adapt and thrive amid an evolving industry landscape.
The creamery’s move from Wisconsin to Minerva, Ohio, is a significant chapter in its history. By the mid-1920s, Minerva Dairy operated over 20 locations. However, advancements in transportation and refrigeration eventually allowed the business to consolidate operations. In 1935, the company moved into its current facility in Minerva, which had been vacant since 1928 due to the stock market crash.
“When we came to Minerva, the local milk farmers were stranded without a place to send their milk. Our arrival revitalized the area,” explains Adam Mueller, co-owner of Minerva Dairy. “We rebuilt the milk farming ecosystem here, creating a sustainable network that continues to thrive today.”
This relocation wasn’t just about business; it was about building a community. Minerva Dairy became a vital economic driver in the region, offering stability to local farmers and creating jobs. Over the decades, the company has become a beloved fixture in Minerva, contributing to local events and charities and forming lasting bonds with the community.
From its humble beginnings, Minerva Dairy has always been a family affair. The company’s history spans five generations, with each generation bringing its own unique contributions to the business. “Every single generation has had their own impact on the organization—some more than others, but all significant,” says Mueller.
The business’s commitment to family values is reflected in its leadership structure, which has consistently included women. “I’m not the first woman to have ownership in the company,” Venae Watts, sister of Mueller and co-owner, notes proudly. “Unlike most businesses that pass down leadership to male descendants, ours has always been shared among both male and female family members.”
The commitment to family values is also evident in the way Minerva Dairy fosters relationships across the entire supply chain. From the farmers who supply the milk to the team members who craft the artisanal products, every stakeholder feels like part of the extended Minerva Dairy family. This sense of inclusion and collaboration has been a cornerstone of the company’s longstanding success.
In terms of product, Minerva Dairy is renowned for its artisanal butter and cheese, which stand out for their exceptional quality and traditional craftsmanship. Unlike mass-produced alternatives, the company’s products are made in small batches, ensuring that every piece carries the richness of its heritage and the attention to detail that comes from generations of experience. The butter’s distinct creaminess and the cheese’s nuanced flavors are a direct result of the family’s commitment to using high-quality ingredients and time-honored methods. This dedication to authenticity not only elevates the taste but also creates a deeper connection to the agricultural roots of the craft.
Despite butter being the company’s most recognizable retail product, it’s Minerva Dairy’s cheese that accounts for the majority of production. “Our cheese is primarily a B2B product,” says Watts. “You won’t see our cheese on grocery store shelves under our name. Instead, it’s used as an ingredient in food manufacturing or served in food service applications.”
The creamery specializes in 40-pound blocks of direct-salted cheese with customizable moisture levels, catering to a variety of client needs. These cheeses find their way into everything from soups and baked goods to military rations. On the butter side, Minerva Dairy offers premium products, including an 85 percent fat butter, one of the few in the nation capable of producing this at scale. “Our butter is pasture-raised, which we believe is the best,” says Watts. “When cows are allowed to graze freely on lush, nutrient-rich pastures, it not only ensures their well-being but also enhances the flavor and quality of the butter. The milk they produce has a higher content of omega-3 fatty acids and a more robust nutrient profile, which translates into butter that’s richer, creamier, and more vibrant in taste. This process embodies our dedication to premium quality and is a testament to our commitment to animal welfare and sustainable farming practices.”
Indeed, quality is at the heart of everything Minerva Dairy produces. The team employs traditional methods, ensuring that each batch of butter and cheese is crafted with care and precision. This dedication to quality has earned the company numerous awards and accolades, further solidifying its reputation as a leader in the dairy industry.
One of Minerva Dairy’s standout qualities is its ability to adapt to customer needs. “What sets us apart is our ability to adjust recipes and processes to meet specific requirements,” says Mueller. “We’re small enough to be flexible but large enough to handle national distribution.” This adaptability extends to private label manufacturing and co-packing services, allowing the creamery to cater to a wide range of clients, from high-end restaurants to retail chains.
The company is also prepared for growth. “We’re not at full production capacity,” says Watts. “We have room to grow, both on the cheese and butter sides, which allows us to take on new clients and projects without compromising quality.”
Innovation is another driving force behind Minerva Dairy’s success. The creamery continually invests in new technologies and processes to enhance efficiency and sustainability. Whether it’s implementing eco-friendly packaging or exploring new product lines, the company remains at the forefront of industry trends.
At the heart of Minerva Dairy’s success is its dedicated team. With approximately 85 employees, the creamery prides itself on fostering a supportive, family-oriented culture. “Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress, and working together is success,” quotes Watts, emphasizing the company’s collaborative spirit. “Our team is truly passionate about their craft, whether they’re cheese makers, butter makers, or part of our QA and warehouse staff.”
This commitment to teamwork extends beyond the walls of the creamery. “We’re deeply connected to the agricultural community,” says Mueller. “Our responsibility is not just to our consumers but also to the family farms that supply us. By providing a reliable market for their milk, we help ensure their survival in an industry that’s increasingly challenging.”
Employee retention is a testament to the company’s positive culture. Many team members have been with Minerva Dairy for decades, a rarity in today’s workforce, and this loyalty speaks volumes about the respect and appreciation employees feel within the organization.
Minerva Dairy’s role as a balancing plant is another crucial aspect of its operation. By stepping in to process surplus milk, the creamery ensures that local farmers have a consistent and reliable outlet for their products. For example, during times of fluctuating demand, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, Minerva Dairy’s ability to absorb excess supply helped stabilize the livelihoods of numerous small-scale dairy farmers. This role not only prevents wastage but also strengthens the broader supply chain, creating a ripple effect that supports both agricultural communities and food security on a larger scale.
“We ensure that no milk goes to waste,” Watts explains. “If other manufacturers have surplus milk, we step in to process it, preventing wastage and supporting the supply chain.” This flexibility proved invaluable during the pandemic, highlighting the importance of a secure and robust food supply chain.
The creamery’s commitment to sustainability is also evident in its certifications. Minerva Dairy is SQF-certified and USDA organic certified, as well as kosher and halal certified. These credentials reflect the company’s dedication to producing high-quality, ethically sourced products.
Beyond environmental sustainability, the company is deeply invested in social sustainability. Minerva Dairy actively supports local schools, charities, and community events, reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of the Minerva community. “We’re not just a business; we’re a neighbor,” says Watts.
And the impact on the broader dairy industry cannot be overstated. By maintaining strong relationships with small family farms, Minerva Dairy ensures these businesses continue to thrive despite the dominance of larger industrial producers. The company’s advocacy for small-scale farming helps preserve biodiversity, protect rural economies, and maintain ethical farming practices that prioritize animal welfare.
With a new website launch, Minerva Dairy is poised to share more of its story with the world. The updated site will feature videos showcasing the butter-making process and a glimpse into the company’s cheese production. “We want to give people a holistic picture of who we are and what we do,” says Watts.
As Minerva Dairy continues to grow, its commitment to quality, community, and sustainability remains steadfast. “We’re not just making butter and cheese,” concludes Mueller. “We’re supporting a way of life, preserving traditions, and ensuring a future for small family farms. That’s what makes this work so meaningful.”
