B. Kurt Dairy | First-Generation Farmers Crafting Premium A2 Jersey Cheese in Wisconsin

Many people dream of moving out into the rural hills of southwestern Wisconsin to start a homestead and raise a family; through hard work and perseverance, Bryanna Handel and her husband Dylan have made this dream a reality with B. Kurt Dairy. As first generation farmers, they have learned firsthand the challenges, excitement, and benefits of farm-to-table dairy production. The B. Kurt Dairy farm specializes in pasture-raised Jersey cattle producing premium A2 milk to supply their niche of small batch cheddar cheeses. Some of their milk is also used to produce products at Meister Cheese in Muscoda, Wisconsin. Their dairy has expanded over the years to a respectable herd of 65 Jersey cattle, a number they plan to maintain for producing quality high-component A2 milk.

From Dream to Dairy: A Journey to Farm Ownership

Bryanna began purchasing cattle at the age of sixteen in hopes to one day own her own farming operation. In 2014 she moved her herd to a rental barn and continued to grow the herd. The Handels finally purchased their current property in 2016. Their farm encompasses 103 acres in Barneveld, Wisconsin all of which are used for the growing of corn, hay, and rye to sustain their herd of Jersey cattle.

The Jersey Cow Difference

Jerseys are a lesser known breed in Wisconsin; the Handels enjoy the breed because they tend to be docile in larger numbers and because they are smaller in stature and produce premium A2 milk. Similar to Guernsey milk, Jersey milk typically contains 20% more milkfat than Holsteins which leads to a creamier texture and rich flavor. Jersey cattle were originally bred on the Isle of Jersey, offshore from Normandy France, and a stone's throw away from the Isle of Guernsey from which the Guernsey breed originated. Oftentimes, this incredible breed is overlooked due to the lower volume of milk they produce, but what they lack in volume they make up for in milk quality. Jersey cow milk fetches a premium because of its high-component properties, which yields better cheese production per pound of milk. The A2 component is also a great benefit because it can be consumed by the majority of individuals suffering from lactose intolerance.

The B. Kurt Dairy Difference

Many things set aside B. Kurt Dairy from other dairy producers. Bryanna and Dylan believe in the longevity of their milk producing cows. Where many dairies keep their cows for about three years, B. Kurt Dairy keeps their cows for up to eight years. This means they get the benefit of mature cows with consistent milking patterns, improved herd genetics, and better utilization of feed and pasture, which in turn produces a better dairy product for the consumer. Speaking of pasture, the cows on this farm spend most of their time in the field which helps produce more nutritious milk and keep cattle happy by allowing them to graze and roam as they please.

B. Kurt Dairy also provides a unique farm school experience for children ages 4-10 years old. Parents can bring their kids to the B. Kurt Dairy Farm to learn about food preservation, dairy production, animal care, and foster a farm-to-table mentality. For those with farm interests above the age of 10, B. Kurt Dairy also offers an on-farm Farmers market where local producers gather and sell their products on the farm every summer, usually in July.

Handel Family: The Next Generation

Bryanna states that the most rewarding thing for her when it comes to running a successful dairy farm is the ability to pass the knowledge and experiences on to the next generation of Handels. Bryanna and Dylan have a beautiful family with five young children, which only makes their dedication to dairy farming that much more impressive. “Our kids get to see the hard work and dedication and everything that goes into it,” Bryanna says, “the excitement of seeing a new calf being born, that’s why we do what we do.” Since the start of 2025, B. Kurt Dairy has begun selling their cheese out of their farm store in downtown Barneveld. Patrons that visit the store will find an impressive selection of locally produced cheeses, meats, eggs, and other farm products all at extremely competitive prices. Store information can be found here on their website and on the B. Kurt Dairy & Co facebook page.