Dairy Farm
Farm in Litchfield, CT | Dairy | Restaurant & Cafe
Cattle
Cattle: Brown Swiss, Cattle: Holstein, Cattle: Jersey
In 1999, we took a leap of faith and bought the historic Arethusa Farm, first established by the Webster family in 1868. The family had long since sold the property and over the years it had fallen into disrepair and was slated for development. We didn’t know yet how we would use it, but couldn’t bear the thought of Litchfield losing that open space. Since that fateful day it seems each day has been a new beginning. Before long, it became apparent that the farm should once again be a dairy, as it had been for over a hundred years. Our first foray into dairying was simple enough, just five cows roaming the hilly pastures. But one thing led to another and soon the old barns were renovated and new ones added, until we had dedicated housing and pasture for the more than 300 cows that reside there today. From the beginning we’ve been committed to providing an outstanding level of care to our herd and it didn’t take long for these high standards to pay off in the form of exquisitely clean, rich milk. It was this exceptional milk that ultimately led us to build a small dairy plant in the historic Bantam firehouse; it seemed only fitting that we use a building steeped in history to create “milk like it used to taste”. Following the dairy’s success, we opened the award-winning restaurant Arethusa al tavolo in 2013 and, then the bakery Arethusa a mano in 2016. Finally, just when we thought we were done, the opportunity arose to add a second dairy store in downtown New Haven. As our family of businesses continues to grow, each new endeavor is driven by our desire to share the quality of Arethusa products with our friends and neighbors. Thank you for all of your support, At our dairy plant in Bantam, CT we produce and package each and every Arethusa Farm Dairy product. From milk to ice cream to butter, our dairy plant uses specific processing techniques to ensure the uttermost quality resides within our products. Arethusa al tavolo is a completedairy-to-tableexperience which showcases products from the dairy as well as the best Executive Chef Dan Magill has to offer. Conveniently located next to the dairy processing plant in Bantam, CT - we hope you can come experience Open Table's "Top 100 in America"restaurant for two years in a row. Using Arethusa products, we strive to highlight the freshness of our dairy, with how fresh we can make our baked goods. Seeking a coffee with parallel standards, we looked to Stumptown Coffee Roasters, where harvesting by hand and carefully selecting the fruit is their highest standard. Stumptown roasts the beans on demand every week giving us a cup of coffee unlike any other. Together, our standards create an experience that is truly by hand. a mano. Whether its an afternoon ice cream adventure, or a romantic evening at al tavolo, we hope you can enjoy all that Arethusa has to offer.
The Webster Family owned a dairy farm south of Litchfield. They named the farm Arethusa for the small pink orchid that grew in a swamp on the land. Arethusa Farm originally started as a dairy farm which delivered milk and dairy products locally. The farm on Webster Road was purchased by George Malkemus and Anthony Yurgaitis with the goal of saving open farmland. They made an agreement with Webster descendants to return the name “Arethusa” to the farm. George and Tony became interested in establishing their own dairy herd. The first five purebred registered Holsteins were purchased for Arethusa Farm. Jerseys and Brown Swiss would soon follow. The Holsteins and Jerseys from Arethusa bring home top honors from the most prestigious world dairy show in the world. Their Holstein, Melanie was named Supreme Champion of World Dairy Expo in Wisconsin. Her Jersey herd mate, Veronica was Reserve Supreme Champion. Three new barns were completed. Veronica returned to World Dairy Expo to claim the Supreme Champion honors for herself! Arethusa Farm began bottling milk under their new label at a rented creamery in Bolton in June and selling it in local stores. The herd grew to over 350 total head. Arethusa Farm won the prestigious honor of Premiere Holstein Breeder at World Dairy Expo. Two buildings were purchased in Bantam and the construction of Arethusa Farm Dairy began. Arethusa milk and yogurt became available in several stores in Litchfield County and two Whole Foods locations. The new dairy began production in January and a retail store was opened in July. Ice cream and cheese joined the production line. All products are made using only the milk from Arethusa’s cows. Arethusa is Premiere Jersey Breeder at World Dairy Expo for the second year in a row. Arethusa Farm Dairy opened their new storefront on 1020 Chapel Street, New Haven. Back in Bantam, Arethusa a mano just opened introducing a new cafe and pastry experience. Arethusa al tavolo has been named a Top 100 Restaurant in America by Open Table. Once again Arethusa Farm travels across country for another year of dairy competitions winning titles such as Intermediate & Grand Champion. In 2016 our beloved Queen Veronica passes just one week after her 17th birthday. Her outstanding reputation in the dairy community set the standards to the Jersey Breed. Her legacy will live on. Legends are forever. At the beginning of 2020 as Arethusa Farm Dairy continued to grow, we made the decision to begin partnering with other local Connecticut family farms to help supply milk for our dairy.
Meet null
Farm Owner · Since 2020
Every practice listed here means something specific. Tap any practice to learn what it requires and why it matters.
Beef
Dairy
Poultry & Eggs
Not verified by Bhumi. This farm's practices have not been independently verified. Product claims (grass-fed, pasture-raised, organic, etc.) are based on publicly available information and have not been confirmed.
Practices