Basics of Micro Dairy-ing (with Lodging)

$500.004 h

4131 Casey Road, Prescott, WA 99348

Basics of Dairying: From Cow to Kitchen

Have you ever dreamed of having your own family milk cow—or wondered what it really takes to produce fresh milk on a small farm?

Come stay in our AirBNB Cowboy Bunkhouse! 

Join us at Renegade Ridge Creamery for a hands-on introduction to the basics of dairying. This class is designed for beginners and anyone curious about the everyday care, equipment, routines, and responsibilities involved in keeping a dairy cow and handling fresh milk.

We’ll walk through the process from cow to kitchen, including choosing and caring for a dairy cow, basic udder health, preparing for milking, milking equipment, cleanliness and sanitation, filtering and rapidly cooling milk, proper storage, and the daily routine that comes with keeping a milk cow.

You’ll also get a look at the equipment and systems we use here at Renegade Ridge Creamery and have plenty of opportunity to ask questions about the practical side of dairying—the things you often don’t learn until you actually own a milk cow!

This is a relaxed, practical farm class rather than a classroom lecture. Come dressed for the barn, bring your questions, and be prepared to get an up-close look at small-scale dairying.

Topics may include:

  • Choosing a family milk cow

  • Basic dairy cow care and feeding

  • Understanding the udder and basic udder health

  • Preparing the cow and equipment for milking

  • Hand milking vs. machine milking

  • Cleaning and sanitizing equipment

  • Filtering, cooling and storing fresh milk

  • Basic milk quality and testing

  • Establishing a manageable milking routine

  • Common beginner mistakes and lessons learned

  • Equipment you really need—and what you probably don’t

Whether you're seriously considering your first milk cow or simply want to learn more about where milk comes from, this class will give you a practical foundation for understanding life with a dairy cow.

Come learn the basics, meet the cows, and experience dairying firsthand at Renegade Ridge Creamery.

From Our Herd to Your Home.

Before You Come

We want your time at the ranch to be comfortable, practical, and focused on learning. Here are a few things to know before your visit:

Meals & What to Bring
Please bring your own food and groceries. The bunkhouse is available for you to prepare your meals during your stay. Bring comfortable work clothes, sturdy boots, and most importantly—a willingness to learn, ask questions, and get your hands dirty!

Families Are Welcome
We’re happy to welcome families. Please let us know in advance how many people will be coming with you so we can prepare accordingly.

Children are welcome at the ranch; however, class time is designed for hands-on instruction and requires your full attention. If you are bringing young children who will need supervision during class, please bring another responsible adult to provide childcare. We are unable to provide childcare during the class.

Pets
For the safety of our livestock and your pets, no pets are permitted in the barns, corrals, milking areas, or other livestock areas. Pets may stay with you at the bunkhouse, provided they are safely contained and supervised.

Cancellation Policy
Plans change—we understand. Cancellations made at least 48 hours before your scheduled class are eligible for a full refund.

Because we reserve this time specifically for you and prepare for your visit in advance, cancellations made within 48 hours of the class are non-refundable.

Come Ready to Learn

This is a working ranch and a hands-on dairying experience. You won't need fancy clothes or special equipment. Bring your boots, your questions, and a good attitude for learning.

Expect some dirt, some cows, plenty of questions and answers, and a firsthand look at what small-scale dairying really involves.