Meet Nathan Hemme of Hemme Brothers Creamery

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nathan Hemme.

Hi Nathan, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
In 2011, we started researching several options to add value to our milk. After 4 years of research, we made the decision that the answer to saving our family dairy farm was CHEESE! In addition to the funding of our bank, we also received a USDA Rural development cost-share grant. We broke ground in the summer of 2015.

To keep construction costs to a minimum 60% of the labor was family labor. We made our first batch of cheddar on August 9th, 2016. To start, we did 100% self-distribution. Delivering to small specialty shops, grocery stores, and restaurants. The two biggest marketing tools we’ve used over the last 5 years are two farmers’ markets. The Columbia Farmers Market, and Overland Park Farmers Market. We’ve been able to get face-to-face with customers.

Tell them our story of four brothers working along with their dad. Describe how we plant the seed, take care of the cows, milk the cows, and lastly make delicious cheese. After building a respectable brand we’ve been able to connect with several distribution companies to deliver our products across the Midwest. In 2017, we processed 336,155# of milk into cheese. Last year, we processed 927,000# of milk into cheese.

In 2022, we are adding our second cheese vat and will be able to double our production. The last five years have been life-changing for our family. We know if we keep working hard that this vertically integrated business could change our family for generations to come.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Our original business plan did not have us active in any farmer’s market. About 5 months into cheesemaking we knew we had to switch gears. Attending farmer’s markets in highly populated areas created a lot of connections with customers, retailers, and chefs. The road is never truly smooth.

This business is constantly evolving and we have to learn to switch gears as opportunities present themselves to us. Covid has most recently opened our eyes to many opportunities. We realized the need to be even more vertically integrated. We are currently adding several other direct-market products to our brand. Such as whey-fed pork, beef, and honey. We’ve also realized that we need a stronger retail presence.

So within the next 3 years, we will be adding a destination store. Located on a farm near Interstate-70 Exit 62. This timber-framed building will be used as an e-commerce fulfillment center, café, and retail store. We will also use a part of this building to be an advocate for agriculture.

As you know, we’re big fans of Hemme Brothers Creamery. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Our theme here is “Better from the Beginning” meaning we do it all. With four brothers and our dad. Every one manages a step along the way. Jon grows the crops, to feed the cows that Michael, and Aaron milk and take care of.

Nathan and his team make the cheese, David (Dad) sells and distributes the cheese. From crop to cream to curd. We do it all.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Dave Ramsey. After borrowing every dollar to start this value-added business. As we grow our small family farm it is our goal to pay with cash from here on out. Listening to Dave’s podcasts reminds and reaffirms that goal.

Contact Info:

• Email: nathan@hemmebrothers.com
• Website: www.hemmebrothers.com
• Facebook: @HemmeBrothersCreamery