Overlooking a picturesque view of the farmstead-dotted countryside, Battenkill Valley Creamery continues to reign supreme as one of this area’s most popular dairy producers.
This family-owned and operated creamery produces milk and ice cream of exceptional quality, using time-honored techniques and a commitment to sustainable farming practices. Within their creamery store, you’ll find their award-winning milk and dairy products, as well as a wide selection of other tasty locally-sourced treats! Plus, their wide selection of delicious ice cream flavors allow visitors to enjoy the true taste of Washington County.
So, let’s explore Battenkill Valley Creamery, from raising cows to producing award-winning milk & ice cream!
From Cow to Cone: The Full Dairy Experience
Did you know? Battenkill Valley Creamery has won several awards, recognizing the incredibly high quality of their milk and dairy products. In fact, in 2010, BVC became the first Farmer/Producer/Bottler to ever win the Highest Quality Milk in New York State award from the Cornell University Department of Food Science!
These awards are a testament to the care and attention that defines Battenkill Valley Creamery. Much of which you can see when you visit their creamery store and ice cream parlor near Salem, NY!
A Commitment to Farm-Fresh Milk
Coming from a line of dairy farmers stretching back several generations, the McEachrons of Battenkill Valley Creamery are well-versed in keeping their cows happy & healthy! Their herds are raised on lush pastures, fed a well-rounded, home-grown diet,
To keep up with demand, Battenkill Valley Creamery typically collects and processes around 50,000 gallons of milk per week! The cows choose when to go in themselves, and get milked right in the barn. Then, the milk goes right into a tank to cool. From there, it goes to the creamery, where it’s separated to fulfill the plant’s variety of purposes. First, it’s used to make their low-fat products, which are blended with whole milk to create variations – 2%, 1%Â and more. After, the cream from the skim is used for Battenkill Valley Creamery’s heavy cream. Once that’s done, the milk gets pasteurized and bottled for delivery – sometimes on the same day!
Naturally, whole milk remains BVC’s number one seller, but that’s just one of the many dairy products they produce! Battenkill Valley Creamery also makes half-and-half, heavy cream and skim milk, as well as seasonal or specialty products like eggnog or cold brew lattes made in partnership with Kru Coffee. And, these products can be found in many general stores, grocers, restaurants and coffee shops throughout the Hudson Valley, all the way down to New York City and beyond.
Of course, one can’t-miss product is Battenkill Valley Creamery’s chocolate milk! Many visitors are surprised by how delicious their full-fat whole milk is, flavored only with the highest-quality natural ingredients.
High-Quality, Handcrafted Ice Cream
Naturally, it doesn’t stop at just milk! If you love smooth, creamy ice cream bursting with flavor, you’ll love getting a sweet treat from Battenkill Valley Creamery.
From start to finish, Battenkill Valley Creamery’s milk and ice cream products are produced entirely on their farm. This includes everything from growing the crops to feed the cows to scooping their own ice cream for visitors to enjoy. In fact, you can sometimes spot their cows right from the parlor’s parking lot!
Generational Roots: A Washington County Farm Family Through & Through
For over a century, the McEachrons have remained a cornerstone of the farming community in the Battenkill Valley. A family farm to the core, each member of the family oversees a different portion of the business.
Born and raised in Washington County, co-founder Seth McEachron is proud to be a fifth-generation farmer, now managing Battenkill Valley’s creamery operations. His parents remain heavily involved with the business, doing the bookwork and overseeing the farms, herd and feed.
While the family didn’t settle into their current location until 1945, their cow-raising legacy stretches back as far as 1902! Steadily their herd has grown, from just 12 cows in 1945 to its current size of around 700 Holstein, Jersey and Holstein-Jersey crossbreeds. In 2008, the family began bottling their own milk, taking pride in providing customers with the freshest possible milk. In fact, their milk goes from cow to bottle in less than eight hours!
Today, many residents and businesses within the area also take advantage of Battenkill Valley Creamery’s home delivery service, which distributes throughout the Saratoga Springs area.
Want to follow along with Battenkill Valley Creamery?
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Visiting Battenkill Valley Creamery: Open Year-Round
Battenkill Valley Creamery is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Washington County, New York. Luckily, no matter what season you visit, you’ll be able to stock up at their ice cream shop. BVC is open nearly every day of the year, save for major holidays. With options ranging from single scoops and milkshakes to banana splits, you’re sure to find something to love from the ice cream parlor’s 12-15 flavors. Plus, most of their flavors are also available in larger sizes to take home and enjoy with your loved ones!
Within the creamery’s store, you’ll find not only a range of dairy products from Battenkill Valley Creamery, but also several locally-made goods! These include maple syrup and confections from Wild Hill Maple, delicious roasted beans from Lucy Jo’s Coffee, yogurt and cheese products from Argyle Cheese Farmer, and meat from Giese Beef Farm and Evergreen Ridge Farm.
Additionally, large windows within the shop allow visitors the chance to peek behind-the-scenes into BVC’s processing plant. What a great way to gain insight into how the products we love get made!
Find more to explore in Washington County, NY!
Of course, that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the many unique experiences you’ll find within our county!
Just up the road from Battenkill Valley Creamery, you’ll also find Gardenworks Farm. And nearby in Salem, NY, you’ll find great local businesses including Fort Salem Theater, Jacko’s Corner, the Rooted in Salem gallery, Fiber Kingdom and events at the Historic Salem Courthouse.