De la Luna Farm

This is De la Farm and I am Caroline Rosa Kesten. The subject farm and farmer resides in Corydon, Indiana. This farm is primarily a 

 dairy goat farm with aspirations of opening an on-farm cheese facility this year. The parcel is approximately 13 acres with some leased land adjoining the property. It has been a goal to secure funds for the opening and running of aforementioned facility for the last 6 years. The current dairy laws prohibit sales of cheese without proper inspections, a facility current in specifications and certification obtained though Indiana Dairy inspectors. The farmsteads difficultly lie in cultivating a startup product with an item (cheese) and not having the ability to gain a market. The farm maintains a current herd of 49 Lamancha Dairy goats, noteworthy for hardiness, high butter fat ratio and great maternal attributes. In addition to dairy goats, farm also has approximately 60 laying hens and other various poultry breeds. To this, De la Luna Farm also has a wonderful pair of livestock guardians, keeping the balance of wild and domesticated in balance.
This farm has embraced diversification with its supplementary and value-added farm goods. The ongoing drive for sustainability has brought a plethora of products for on farm sales, Harrison County and the Corydon Farm Markets. These items include milk, eggs, organic herbs, vegetables and cut flowers. The farm also specializes in baked goods, preserves and dehydrated items. While it is with great satisfaction that we are building a brand and a source of quality farm products the goal has always to make wonderful artesian cheeses. With that said, Indiana and Harrison County Economic Development, has been petition for loan funding for a 24’x24’ cheese facility to begin construction before 2016.
As a beginning farmer, under 10 years, I brings a variety of experiences and capabilities to the table. As a former civil and environmental engineer, studying at the University of Louisville Speed Scientific and then interning, followed by a position with QORE Sciences, focusing on soil structural dynamics. Testing and making evaluations on soil stability and ultimately, recommending remediation for structural soundness.
Furthermore and more closely related to farming, I have continued to build on existing gardening, greenhouse and animal husbandry experience with programs, outreach groups and remaining active with a number of organizations specializing in farm related topics. i.e. 4-H Dairy goats, Kentuckiana Herb Society, Corydon Farm Market ..Etc.
In addition to programs specializing in farming practices, the art of cheese making and preserving/aging has been a particular interest to this farmstead, the research and practical knowledge has only been gained though time. The volumes of cheese recipes that exist are numerous and it has been with time and practice many have been prepared. The aged raw milk cheeses that are made from the milk of animals that receive the optimum of consideration of their needs, is at best what cheeses where meant to be.

This is a journal will follow the next few months, as this farm transition from hobby to farmstead with eye on sustainable living. The opening and running of De la Luna Creamery will be the primary subject... Hang on it could be a bumpy ride!