Hidden Springs Creamery | Producers of Premium A2 Farmstead Sheep Cheeses in Wisconsin

Many people dream of returning to farm life. Amy and Travis Forgues turned that dream into reality when they purchased Hidden Springs Creamery in Westby, WI located in the heart of Wisconsin’s Driftless region. After years working in the organic dairy world and raising their family, the couple saw an opportunity to return to hands-on farming—this time with sheep instead of cows. Hidden Springs is now the only sheep farmstead creamery in the state, producing award winning cheeses with milk from their own flock of LaCaune sheep. With a focus on sustainable practices, high-quality milk, and traditional methods, Amy and Travis are continuing the legacy of Hidden Springs Creamery while leading this small farmstead into the next chapter of premium cheese production.

The Origin Story

Hidden Springs Creamery has its roots in Vermont, where Amy and her husband started out on his family’s dairy farm. They milked cows, ran a blueberry patch and small vineyard, and raised their three kids there. Amy took some cheesemaking classes at the University of Vermont and made small batches for personal use, but building a fully operational farmstead creamery in Vermont wasn’t realistic due to limited dairy infrastructure.

Amy and Travis’ operation was part of Organic Cow of Vermont, which was eventually sold to Dean Foods. Looking for an opportunity to sell their organic milk, they reached out to Organic Valley and were told they’d need to bring on more farmers to join to make a co-op economically feasible. Within a year, they helped bring in 60 Vermont farms, shipping milk to Stonyfield in New Hampshire. That work led to roles within Organic Valley—Amy and her husband both spent several years working for the co-op, doing everything from farmer-owner marketing to executive leadership. When the opportunity came up to take over Hidden Springs, Amy left Organic Valley to get back to farming followed by Travis 6 months later. Both went back to school to earn their cheesemaking licenses and they’ve been fully focused on growing Hidden Springs ever since. “It was like returning home,” Amy said, “working with the seasons and the animals in that rhythm.”

Hidden Springs Creamery Product Excellence

Hidden Springs Creamery has earned recognition for its exceptional cheeses, with several products receiving top awards at competitions. Their Driftless cheese, in particular, has garnered attention, with flavors like Honey Lavender, Garlic & Herb, and Habanero Honey earning first, second, and third place in the U.S. Cheese Championship. The Wischego cheese also swept the cheese category, winning multiple awards. These awards highlight the quality and creativity behind their sheep milk cheeses, which continue to impress both judges and customers.

Pasture grazing is a key practice at Hidden Springs Creamery, where sheep are rotationally grazed to ensure healthy land and high quality milk. The sheep are moved to fresh pasture regularly, which helps maintain the natural balance of the soil and promotes sustainable farming. This method also contributes to the rich, flavorful milk that gives their cheeses a uniquely delicious taste, brought about by the diverse grasses and plants in the Driftless Area.

The Sheep Milk Challenge: Awareness

Sheep’s milk can be a tough sell, as many customers are unfamiliar with it or may assume it’s similar to goat’s milk, which can be an acquired taste. However, once people try it, they’re often surprised by its rich, creamy texture and slightly sweet flavor. Sheep’s milk is actually A2, which means it is more digestible than both goat’s and cow’s milk, making it a great option for those with sensitivities to other dairy. It’s also higher in fat and protein components, which gives the cheeses a smooth, full-bodied taste. Despite the initial challenge of educating customers it often becomes a favorite for those who appreciate quality and flavor.

Future Plans for this Farmstead

Amy says the future of Hidden Springs Creamery is focused on steady, sustainable growth while maintaining their commitment to high-quality, farmstead sheep’s milk cheeses. The creamery plans to introduce new products, including the upcoming Serendipity cheese, Coulee ricotta, and eventually Pecorino, inspired by Amy’s recent visit to Italy. They are also looking at a future venture which would be to produce gelato. With a strong focus on sustainability, they recently installed a solar array to offset a significant portion of their energy use and continue to support local farms. Their goal is not rapid expansion but consistent growth, making sure that every step forward aligns with their values of quality, community, and environmental responsibility.

As Amy and Travis continue to grow Hidden Springs Creamery, they remain focused on their values of quality and sustainability. Their journey from Vermont to Wisconsin has been about returning to what they love—farming and cheesemaking. Looking ahead, they’re excited to introduce new products, continue their commitment to environmental responsibility, and support local farms. With steady growth and a dedication to producing exceptional cheeses, Hidden Springs Creamery is set to keep thriving as a key part of Wisconsin’s farmstead cheese economy.

Their website and online store can be found here!