Shatto is a small operation compared to most corporate dairy farms. They have about 350 cattle and provide dairy products to stores within a 100 mile radius of Kansas City. Their milk is unique in that it is sold in returnable glass bottles just like to good old days. They say the glass bottle improves the taste of the milk over other methods and I agree. There is definitely a fresher and more honest taste to their milk.
Shatto also makes butter, cheese, and flavored milk. We got to sample a number of different flavors while on the tour. I really liked the Root Beer Milk. It tastes a lot like a root beer float and I loved those dearly.
The gift shop area.
Everyone gathered around the milk bar for treats.
They weren't making cheese while we were there but this is where it ts done.
They have restored this old milk truck just for display.
Milking goes on nearly 24 hours a day. Each of the cows is milked two or three times per day.
A few of the calves born on the farm. They keep the milk cows and sell the bulls to other farmers.
Everybody got a chance to milk a cow. Some were much better than others.
At the conclusion of the tour, we were treated with a milk tasting. The owner talks about the various flavors and general philosophy on milk production.....what sets Shatto apart from other suppliers.
This is the pasteurizing and bottling area of the farm.
After the tour, we found a nice family restaurant for lunch in Plattsburg, MO. Sigrid and I shared a table with Mike Apprill. Mike and I worked for Aquila for over 35 years before retiring in 2006.
Shatto milk is a little more expensive but if you want good milk, its worth it. We really enjoyed the day.
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