Do you do home deliveries?
No, Kilgus Farmstead does not directly provide home deliveries, however, we do work with other delivery services that offer home delivery. Please check out our Home Delivery page for a complete list of providers.
Is Kilgus Farmstead Milk A1 or A2?
Here at Kilgus Farmstead we milk Jersey cows which are known to carry the A2 protein. We occasionally have our milk tested for the A1/A2 proteins and the last time we did it came back reporting around 90% of the milk being A2. Generally speaking, our milk is considered mostly A2 however it is not exclusively A2. Consumers should note that there are currently no guidelines or regulation for labeling milk as A2. This means that a product can actually be less than 100% A2 milk and still be labeled as A2.
Do you give rBST or any other growth hormones to any of your animals?
No, we do not give any growth hormones to any of our animals.
Do you use antibiotics?
Very rarely one of our cows will get sick with, for example, mastitis. It is important to us that our cows are healthy and comfortable for their own sake, as well as to provide the highest quality milk for our products. For these reasons, we do occasionally administer antibiotics to a cow, but we DO NOT use her milk while she is on the antibiotic or for a period of time after. By law, every batch of milk that we bottle must be tested for antibiotics. This ensures that no antibiotics are passed into the food chain.
Why does Kilgus Farmstead milk taste different than other milk brands found in the supermarket?
Our milk stands out because (a) it comes from Jersey cows; (b) it comes from pasture-fed cows, and (c) it is non-homogenized. Many people comment that our milk tastes richer than supermarket milk. We think that it tastes amazing, and hope that you will agree!
Is Kilgus Farmstead milk pasteurized?
Yes, Kilgus Farmstead milk that is distributed is pasteurized according to Illinois food safety laws. Using the HTST pasteurization method, our milk is heated to 163°F for 15 seconds which destroys any harmful bacteria that may be present in the milk.
Do you offer raw milk as an option for local purchase?
Kilgus Farmstead has a Raw Milk License through the state of Illinois which allows us to sell raw milk directly to our customers here on our farm. We prefer that you buy our raw milk directly from the Kilgus Farmstead Country Store where it is available in 1/2 gallon and whole gallon jugs. Optionally, you can bring in your own containers and fill them directly from the raw milk tank, however, please contact us before you come because sales are limited to certain days and times.
Does Kilgus Farmstead separate raw milk and sell raw heavy cream?
We do not separate our raw milk. The milk is left in its whole state and therefore considered “full fat” raw milk.
I’m concerned that Kilgus Farmstead products are not organic. Aren’t organic products better for my family than non-organic?
When you drink our milk, you know that it is as wholesome and fresh as milk can be! In the spring, summer, and fall, our cows are free to roam our lush green pastures, grazing on rich green grasses. Our milk is bottled on-site in the Kilgus Farmstead creamery. We do not bring in milk from other dairies. Our all-Jersey milk is non-homogenized and delivered to our retailers within 1-2 days. We invite all consumers, retailers, and restaurateurs to tour our farm, see our farming practices, and judge for themselves how we treat both our land and our animals.
I’ve noticed that the milk and/or heavy cream are sometimes sweeter and more yellowish in color, is that normal?
Kilgus Farmstead only uses milk that our cows produce and because their diets change seasonally, you will notice that themilk gets sweeter and more yellow in color during the spring and summer months. This is due to the cows eating fresh pasture grasses and is true for both our raw and unpasteurized milk. Because larger creameries pool many dairy farm’s milk together from different regions and different herd diets, the seasonal taste and color changes are not noticeable.
What do the milking cows eat in the winter?
Generally, from April until November, our cows graze on lush green pasture. They are also given a supplement during this time of non-GMO corn and corn silage that we grow here on the farm. During the winter months, they are simply given a greater ration of that non-GMO corn and corn silage as well as alfalfa hay and grass hay that we also grow ourselves.
What varieties of meat are available through Kilgus Farmstead?
We raise all of our own Jersey beef, Berkshire pork, and Boer goat meats. We also work with local producers of chicken, Cornish Game hen, turkey, and lamb to distribute their products wholesale. Please contact us for pricing and availability.
What do you feed the animals that are raised for meat?
Our steers are fed non-GMO corn silage grown on Kilgus Farmstead. Our pigs and goats are fed non-GMO corn that we also raise ourselves.
Where is Kilgus Farmstead meat products process?
We process our meat by renting space at a local locker facility that is USDA licensed.