Keeping it local

In rural southwestern Missouri, two farm families shared the same vision: bring fresh, local food to their communities. With support from University of Missouri Extension, their separate ideas quickly intertwined into a collaborative venture that’s strengthening local food access.

MU Extension agriculture business specialist Jennifer Lutes began working with Udderly Divine Creamery two years ago. It designed its business plans alongside Lutes and soon secured funding to build and equip a fully licensed Grade A dairy and manufacturing facility. Today, Udderly Divine is thriving. The business in Everton, Mo., raises and milks goats and has a growing line of products.

At the same time, Lutes was helping Dizzy Donkey Produce and More reimagine a weathered dairy barn in Carthage, Mo., as an affordable community produce store. The two visions aligned perfectly. Lutes made the introductions.

“MU Extension — and Jennifer in particular — made a tremendous impact on our business journey,” said Valentina Houser, owner of Dizzy Donkey Produce and More. “As first-time business owners, there are countless aspects of running a business that are new and often overlooked, so Jennifer’s guidance, support and feedback were incredibly valuable throughout the process.”

Products including milk, ice cream, cheese curds, chevre and drinkable yogurt from Udderly Divine now fill the shelves at Dizzy Donkey, creating a local supply chain rooted entirely in southwestern Missouri.

“This partnership represents more than shared shelf space. It represents a shift in rural entrepreneurship and a shared commitment to strengthening rural Missouri,” said Cortney Matthews, owner of Udderly Divine Creamery.

Behind that shift is strategic planning, trusted guidance and a willingness to collaborate.

“I really enjoy watching people grow and develop new skills and confidence and knowing that I had a hand in their journey to success,” said Lutes. “I get to be the coach and the cheerleader for these businesses, and the best part is celebrating their success with them!”

Connecting people with the right resources and partners can lead to lasting collaborations, allowing businesses to thrive, she said.

“What started as a simple connection quickly grew into a wonderful partnership between two local small businesses, and it has been truly meaningful for us,” Houser said.

“Through collaboration between Udderly Divine Creamery, Dizzy Donkey Produce and More, and MU Extension, we are creating a model where education, entrepreneurship and local agriculture work hand in hand,” Matthews said. “Together, we are helping family farms grow, supporting small businesses, expanding consumer access to local food, and building stronger, more resilient communities for generations to come.”

Through business development support, financial analysis and long-term planning, MU Extension helps producers move from idea to implementation, and from autonomy to alliance.

For rural entrepreneurs with a vision but unsure of the next step, MU Extension is ready to help turn possibility into partnership. To start the process, contact Lutes at lutesjl@missouri.edu or 417-223-4775.

Photos

Partnership. Valentina Houser, left, of Dizzy Donkey Produce and More, with Cortney Matthews of Udderly Divine Creamery.

Dizzy Donkey Produce and More, in Carthage, sells products from Udderly Divine Creamery, another southwestern Missouri business.

Value-added products from Udderly Divine Creamery available for sale at Dizzy Donkey Produce and More.

Cortney Matthews with goats at Udderly Divine Creamery in Everton.

Matthews family. Udderly Divine Creamery’s Cortney Matthews, right, and Nick Matthews, left, with their children Cooper, Colten and Cody.