Stepladder Ranch was founded in 1871 and has been family-owned and operated for three generations. In addition to our farmstead creamery, we raise old spot heritage pigs for pork and grow Haas avocados, a wide variety of citrus and rare subtropical fruits. About 100 years ago, our ranch was a part of the Harmony Valley Creamery Association, a network of immigrant Swiss and Italian dairy farmers that grazed cattle on the lush coastal valleys of San Luis Obispo County. This Association was born out of a drought that forced ranchers to rethink how to make a living off of their land; a concept quite similar to the current situation we find ourselves in today. Head Dairyman and Cheesemaker, Jack first discovered his love for goats after visiting a goat dairy in Northern California with his sister. Shortly thereafter, he began procuring fresh goat milk and making his own cheeses at home while working at a tech startup in Palo Alto. Quickly finding himself drawn to cheesemaking more than anything else, Jack decided to purchase his own goats and move to Stepladder Ranch to take over his grandfather’s ranch operations and build a creamery and dairy. Jack’s connection to his goats is greatly apparent, and the cheese he makes is a result of the strong relationship and bond he has built with his herd today. To learn more about our creamery, purchase our cheese, or inquire about a creamery tour, visit www.stepladdercreamery.com. All tours are booked online at: https://stepladdercreamery.tocktix.com/
