Page 1 - Declining profit margins have put farms in jeopardy recently in a state with more than 75% of gross agricultural revenues coming from the dairy industry. The nation's least-diversified agricultural state has a vested interest in its farm economy. Not only is a large source of revenue threatened, but also the open space farming affords.  Vermonters embrace and cling to the rural lifestyle that's also a selling point for tourism, a growing industry statewide.

Many eyes are trained on this water buffalo farm and a herd of gentle strangers who, it turns out, are able to survive the cold Vermont winters (water buffalo are  natives of India and Southeast Asia).

For those who have driven by or visited large cattle lots, the smell and appearance can be sickening. In contrast, The Water Buffalo Co. farm is so clean, the floors are nearly spotless, thanks to a solid composting system that helps keep the farm fresh and inviting.

Not only is the farm a great place to visit, employees enjoy the surroundings, working as a tightly-knit team that's more like a family.  They talk about the "girls" (water buffalo) as if they're the family pets, treating them with great care and respect.  The gentle giants, massive animals that can weigh over 2500 pounds, have docile temperaments and are given tons of TLC. Maybe that's why the happy animals produce such tasty cheese.

The yogurt, which comes in flavors such as berry, maple, vanilla and cappuccino, plus mozzarella cheese fresher than any produced and shipped from Italy, are the mainstay that keep the buffalo herd busy. Imported buffalo cheese sold in the U.S. is usually discarded as a dated product in Italy. While Americans have only had opportunity to buy the aged Mozzarella di Bufala until recently, they now have access to the creamier, softer cheese Italians adore. Purchased along with a loaf of fresh bread, it's out of this world!

To assure authenticity, mozzarella maker Vincenzo Ferraro from the Campania region of southern Italy, came to the farm to launch the cheese making process. When the perfect orbs of rich white cheese are shipped, they arrive at stores commanding similar prices to imported mozzarella.

While The Woodstock Water Buffalo Co. is not set up for tours, guests can visit the farm by calling to make arrangements.

The Woodstock Water Buffalo Co.
2749-I Church Hill Road
South Woodstock, VT 05071
Phone: (802) 457-4540
www.woodstockwaterbuffalo.com