We asked North Carolina farmer Ashley Bridges McMurry about how she has preserved her family farm’s history while creating a new business model.
Preserving my family’s farm history was the whole reason I started my business. After I lost my grandfather in a horrible farming accident in 1999, I made it my mission to preserve the legacy he worked so hard to create. I fell in love with the Guernsey cow as a child through working with my grandfather and exhibiting at local and state fairs.
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When starting Guernsey Girl Creamery, I wanted to keep some things the same but there were things that needed to change. I’ve kept my herd 100% registered Guernseys, which allowed me to certify my products as “Golden Guernsey.” I also now produce a 100% A2/A2 milk for people who can’t tolerate dairy. But, just as my grandfather before me, I wanted to keep the herd a small niche dairy focused on grazing and using superior genetics.
After 10 years in business, it’s still a work in progress. We grow and do a little more every year while preserving Grandfather’s legacy and love for the Guernsey cow.
About the Farmer: Ashley Bridges McMurry is a third-generation farmer raising her family and Guernsey cows in Cleveland County. Her dairy products can be found in her creamery store and include milk, cheese and fried cheese curds.
