A Unique Collaboration with the Fryeburg Fair

The partnership between Fryeburg Fair and Pineland Farms Dairy Company began in 2022 as a solution to an unexpected challenge: finding a sustainable way to utilize the 40,000 pounds of milk produced annually at the fair. When the long-time milk collector decided to discontinue service, Dave Richardson, Superintendent of the Dairy Department at Fryeburg Fair, reached out to Pineland Farms Dairy to explore new options. Together, we created a beloved dairy product and turned Fryeburg Fair milk into delicious Fryeburg Fair Sharp Cheddar Cheese. Read the Fair’s story here.

Supporting Maine’s Dairy Community

The Fryeburg Fair is a key event for Maine’s agricultural community, bringing together local dairy farms that supply fresh milk throughout the week-long fair. Dave Richardson and the team at the Fair were determined to prevent this milk from going to waste and found a strong partner in the Pineland Farms Dairy Company. This collaboration not only showcases the quality of Maine dairy but also provides local farmers with an additional opportunity to share their products.

Ensuring the Highest Quality Standards

Maintaining the highest standards of quality is essential. Milk from the Fryeburg Fair is first tested onsite for antibiotics. Once transported to Pineland Farms Dairy Company, the milk undergoes a second round of testing for antibiotics, contamination, temperature, and overall quality. Our advanced MilkoScan FT1 technology is used to analyze butterfat content, lactic acid levels, density, and freeze point, ensuring that every batch of milk meets our stringent quality requirements. This careful process results in the exceptional Fryeburg Fair Sharp Cheddar Cheese that customers have come to love.

Crafting the Fryeburg Fair Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Once the milk passes all quality tests, it is transformed into the exclusive Fryeburg Fair Sharp Cheddar Cheese using our traditional cheese-making methods. The cheese is then aged for one year to develop its rich, sharp flavor profile. All proceeds from the sale of this cheese at the Agricultural Exhibition Center go directly to supporting agricultural education at the Fair, making each purchase meaningful and impactful for the community.

Celebrating Community and Tradition

The Fryeburg Fair Sharp Cheddar has quickly become a favorite among fair attendees. Here’s what a few of our customers have shared:

• “This cheese is delicious!”
• “Bought some last year and it was great!”
• “Pineland Farms products are all awesome. Highly recommend.”

Dave Richardson shared his excitement about the success of this partnership, saying: “The last thing anyone wanted was to see this milk go to waste. We recognized the urgency to find a solution, and given our existing relationship with Pineland, we knew they were the perfect partner for this project.”

Strengthening Relationships with Local Farmers

By partnering with the Fryeburg Fair, Pineland Farms Dairy Company strengthens its relationships with local dairy farmers and contributes to the sustainability of Maine’s agricultural heritage. This collaboration not only helps farmers showcase their milk but also provides fair compensation, reinforcing the value of local agriculture and farm-to-table practices.