8 minute read
Carmel Farmers Market: Risin’ Creek Creamery Produces
Risin’ Creek Creamery Produces AwardWinning Cheese and Goats
Writer // Janelle Morrison Photography // Jennifer Hershberger
Advertisement
This month, I am happy to feature another one of the Carmel Farmers Market’s vendors: Risin’ Creek Creamery. The Vanzant family — Tim and Sheena — are the third generation of current owners and are proud vendors at the Carmel Farmers Market for the fourth year. They, along with their son Cole and Tim’s parents, Dana and Diann [Vanzant], actively run the generational farm and produce some of the world’s finest products from goat milk that is exclusively produced on their farm from their own herd of goats. No steroids, artificial hormones, preservatives or anti-caking agents are added to their products.
Ispoke with Tim Vanzant about how he got into raising goats, the family’s generational farm and the farm’s expansion into a now world-renowned creamery.
RAISING AND SHOWING AWARD-WINNING GOATS
A BRIEF HISTORY OF RISIN’ CREEK CREAMERY
The Risin’ Creek Creamery is located just outside of Martinsville, Ind., in a picturesque Hoosier river valley. Vanzant’s grandparents, Frank and Iola Nungester, purchased the property when the original Downey Farmstead was dispersed. For decades, the property was primarily used for pig and cattle grazing. Vanzant shared that there are remnants of the tenant farmhouse on the property, and there is a root cellar built into a hill that is behind the family’s goat barn.
“Going back to when I was a child, I lived in this farming community [outside of Martinsville], and I spent a lot of time on one neighbor’s small Jersey dairy cow farm,” Vanzant shared. “I wanted to start showing some type of livestock in 4-H, and I migrated towards goats. I showed goats throughout my childhood, and I never gave it up.”
Running the creamery is a family affair. Vanzant and his wife run the creamery along with the help of their 13-year-old son Cole, and Vanzant’s parents are active in the daily operations as well. Vanzant’s mother creates soap and lotion products, which are made from the goat milk that is produced by their [goat] herd, as well as high quality oils and other natural ingredients.
What started out as a hobby show herd evolved into an award-winning venture for Vanzant and his goats. Vanzant and his family have traveled throughout the country showing their prize-winning goats at national shows.
“I’ve seen more of the country with the trailer and goats behind me than I’ve seen it any other way,” Vanzant said. “Most of our vacation travel was goat related. We’re fivetime national champions — for either Grand Champion or Reserve Grand Champion — at the national shows and have earned Premier Breeder and Reserve Breeder as well.”
Vanzant’s goats have earned Grand Champion at the Indiana State Fair at least 40 times and Premier Breeder and Exhibitor at the state fair 18 times.
“It’s humbling to sit back and talk about it,” Vanzant expressed. “I’ve been doing this for almost 40 years, and at this point, I’ve dedicated my life to raising goats, breeding a better goat and caring for goats. Right now, we’re just north of 200 goats, and we’re milking about 75, making a good amount of milk. We expect our does [female goats] to milk a gallon a day.”
Vanzant shared that 95% of his herd is comprised of registered purebred Nubian goats, and the remainder are Saanen goats. Nubians are known for their long, floppy ears and high, arching nose.
“Saanens are a high production and lower butterfat [breed], and the Nubians don’t produce as much milk but higher butterfat,” Vanzant explained. “There’s also a difference between the [breeds’] personalities, as well as the milk that they produce. The combination of the two [breeds] is a nice balance. The high butterfat is good for cheese-making, and with the higher yield per gallon of milk, I get more cheese from it. We have aspirations of bottling milk, and we’re excited about doing that. It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a couple of years.”
Beating out major manufacturers of goat cheese, Vanzant is proud to have earned the bronze medal in his class at the World Cheese Championship this past February for his plain fresh chèvre goat cheese.
“We produce multiple flavors of our fresh chèvre,” Vanzant stated. “Our roasted garlic is probably our best seller, and it’s won multiple awards on a national level. Our Tuscany blend has placed well, and our strawberry cream has won the ‘sweet’ category. Our cheese placed above all those that you find in Whole Foods and Fresh Thyme Markets, so that was quite the thrill.”
SUPPORTING LOCAL HAS NEVER BEEN MORE IMPORTANT
The Vanzant family appreciates the support of their customers and understands the importance of local supporting local as it pertains to farmers, local farmers markets and local restaurants.
Practicing what they preach, the Vanzants have collaborated with their CFM booth neighbor, Maplewood Farms, and use Maplewood’s maple syrup in Risin’ Creek Creamery’s goat milk caramel sauce.
Be sure to stop by Risin’ Creek Creamery’s booth at the Carmel Farmers Market on Saturdays and stay tuned for the launch of the creamery’s brand-new website that will enable customers to purchase items online.
For more information about Risin’ Creek Creamery, visit risincreek.com. And for an entire list of Carmel Farmers Market vendors and additional information, visit carmelfarmersmarket.com.
TAKE A NEW LOOK:
Rose Senior Living Carmel
At Rose Senior Living Carmel our name ensures higher hospitality and genuine caring where you, our resident, come first.
Rose Senior Living Carmel is backed by Life Care Services ® , an LCS® Company, leading the way in senior living with over 40 years of proven experience.
We invite you to take a new look at us. Call (317) 779-3028
Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care in a lovely setting ready to welcome you.
1285 Fairfax Manor Drive Carmel, IN 46032 Carmel.RoseSeniorLiving.com
Creating the finest lawns and Creating the finest lawns and landscapes in Hamilton County landscapes in Hamilton County
Lawn Care Services Landscape Maintenance & Install Outdoor Living Space
• Seasonal Cleanup • Lawn Mowing • Landscaping • Aeration • Fertilization and Weed Control • Insect and Grub Control • Perimeter Pest Control • Tree and Shrub Care • Hardscape LANDSCAPING PROMOTION AERATION SPECIAL
SAVE 5% New Landscaping Project Discount! 20% OFF
ANY PROJECT OVER $5000
Receive 10% Off Single Aeration
Ready to get your landscaping project started? & Overseeding 2.5lbs per 1000 sqft.
DOUBLE AERATION & OVERSEEDING
Contact us today to schedule a free estimate for your next landscaping project. This offer is valid on new landscaping projects only. Other restrictions may apply. *Offer valid for fall seeding only. You must be signed up before September 5th.
Owners Royce & Catherine Simpkins
World Class Cabaret at Carmel City Center
August 18
ATI LIVE! PRESENTS: SUMMER OF ‘78 FEATURING TONY HUMRICHOUSER & STEPHEN WALLEM
They will take you on a musical parade from Barry Manilow to Kansas to Dolly Parton. The year was 1978, an eclectic year of AM radio classics, disco, movie soundtrack sensations and country crossovers. Real-life couple Tony Humrichouser (Ragtime, Fun Home) and Stephen Wallem (Nurse Jackie, Marry Me) bring an evening of retro duets and solos to a nostalgic Indiana summer night.
August 24
DON FARRELL: ALL THE WAY - A FRANK SINATRA TRIBUTE
Join Don Farrell and the Terry Woods Jazz Quartet for a swinging, seductive, and handsomely produced show as they pay homage to the “Chairman of the Board” with a tasteful celebration of Sinatra’s life and work. What you won’t get is a crass impersonation of Sinatra. Instead, you will be crooned to with song after stylish song like “Summerwind”, “One For My Baby”, In The Wee Small Hours of the Morning”, Fly Me To The Moon, and many others.
August 19-20
CAROLE J. BUFFORD:
One of the most sought after performers on the American vintage pop and cabaret scene. Her shows, including "speak easy." (featuring the Grammy Award-winning Vince Giordano & The Nighthawks), "Come Together," and "You Don’t Own Me," earned her rave reviews from The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Times (UK). She currently tours with her solo shows as well as with symphonies all over the country. Carole is also the recipient of BroadwayWorld's Vocalist of the Year and the recent Gold Medal winner of the American Traditions Vocal
August 25
DECEPTION IS A MAGIC & MIND READING SHOW, HOSTED BY MAGICIAN DAVID RANALLI.
David creates an unforgettable evening by combining worldclass sleight of hand, witty banter, and mysteries of the mind. Guests are invited into an intimate space where surprises lurk in every corner. Perfect as a date night, group event, and for the hardcore magic fan.
August 26-27
FRANC D’AMBROSIO:
Spend an evening with the incomparable Franc D'Ambrosio as he takes you on a journey to revisit some of his favorite songs from the Broadway stage. In addition to the unforgettable tunes that made him one of the world's most beloved Phantoms, Franc invites his audience to a celebration spanning Broadway's golden age to today’s hit sensations. Franc’s powerful medley from the celebrated musical Hamilton will leave you absolutely breathless. This promises to be an entertainment experience you won’t soon forget!
August 31
JUDY FITZGERALD: WALKIN’ AFTER MIDNIGHT: THE MUSIC OF PATSY CLINE
The music of one of the most legendary Country singers comes to Feinstein’s as Judy Fitzgerald charms you with her tribute to the great Patsy Cline. A mix of song and stories of Patsy’s life, the evening flows its way to the hearts of those who remember her and new fans alike. I’m Back in Baby’s Arms, San Antonio Rose, Sweet Dreams, She’s Got You, Crazy… and of course, Walkin’ After Midnight, the hits are all here, and then some!
