FAQ

🥛 Dairy FAQs

Do you do home deliveries?

No, Kilgus Farmstead does not directly provide home deliveries. Please check our Home Delivery page for a list of available providers or use our Retail Product Locator to find a store near you.

Is Kilgus Farmstead Milk A1 or A2?

Our milk comes from Jersey cows, known to carry the A2 protein. While not exclusively A2, testing shows our milk is mostly A2 at around 90%. Consumers should note that no regulations exist for labeling milk as A2, allowing products to be labeled as such even if they are less than 100% A2 milk.

Is Kilgus Farmstead milk pasteurized?

Yes, our milk undergoes pasteurization to comply with Illinois food safety laws. Using the HTST method, it is heated to 163°F for 15 seconds, effectively eliminating any harmful bacteria.

Is Kilgus Farmstead milk homogenized?

Our milk is non-homogenized, causing cream separation over time. Before consuming, shake the container to redistribute the cream, ensuring a rich and even consistency throughout.

Do you give rBST or any other growth hormones to any of your animals?

No, we do not give any growth hormones to our animals.

Do you use antibiotics?

Rarely, cows may receive antibiotics for health reasons, but their milk is not used during and after treatment. By law, every batch of milk is tested for antibiotics before it is bottled to ensure public safety.

Do you offer raw milk?

Yes, we have a Raw Milk license, allowing direct sales from our Kilgus Farmstead Country Store in one-gallon and half-gallon jugs. 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?

No, we do not separate raw milk; it remains in its whole state.

Are Kilgus Farmstead products organic?

Although we are not certified organic, we sincerely believe in the quality of our milk products. Our All-Jersey® milk, sourced from cows grazing on lush summer pastures, is bottled on-site in our creamery. It’s non-homogenized, exclusively Kilgus Farmstead milk, ensuring purity with no mixing from other farms. Delivered to retailers within 1-2 days of production, you can enjoy it at its freshest. Explore our operation firsthand with a farm tour to see and learn more about our practices!

What are milking cows fed?

Typically, between April and November, our cows enjoy grazing on vibrant green pastures. Additionally, during this period, they receive a supplement of non-GMO corn and corn silage grown on our farm. In the winter months, their diet consists of an increased ration of non-GMO corn, corn silage, alfalfa hay, and grass hay—all produced on our farm.

Why does Kilgus Farmstead milk taste different than other supermarket milk?

Our milk stands out due to being made by Jersey cows that are pasture-fed and because it is non-homogenized. Many customers comment on the rich taste. We find it truly amazing and hope you share the same sentiment!

Why does your milk and heavy cream sometimes vary in sweetness and color?

Seasonal changes in cow diets affect taste and color, especially noticeable in spring and summer when the cattle are grazing on pasture grasses. Other creameries pool milk from various dairy farms with different regional origins and herd diets, therefore, the seasonal taste and color changes often go unnoticed.

How can I make sure my milk stays fresh at home?

Freshness comes first by purchasing a quality product like Kilgus Farmstead milk and making sure to keep it refrigerated. We compiled a bunch of other tip to help you get the most out of your purchase which you can find here.

Learn more on our Dairy Products page or check out our blog series Milk 101.

🥩 Meat FAQs

What varieties of meat are available through Kilgus Farmstead?

We offer Jersey beef, Berkshire pork, and Boer goat meats. We distribute chicken, Cornish Game hen, turkey, and lamb from local producers. Please contact us for pricing and availability.

What do you feed the animals raised for meat?

Steers are fed non-GMO corn silage, while pigs and goats are fed non-GMO corn. All crops are grown on Kilgus Farmstead.

Where is Kilgus Farmstead meat products processed?

We process our meat by renting space at a local USDA-licensed locker facility.

Is Kilgus Farmstead meat fresh or frozen?

Our meat is both fresh and frozen, ensuring top quality! Here’s why: When meat is refrigerated but not frozen, like what you find at the butcher or in grocery store meat department, it’s considered fresh but has a limited shelf life. However, freezing meat immediately after butchering keeps it fresher for longer by locking in flavors and preventing the growth of harmful bacteria.

Therefore, frozen meat is generally safer and stays fresher compared to refrigerated meat, particularly as the refrigerated meat nears its sell-by date. Opting for frozen meat is a reliable way to guarantee freshness and safety in your product.

Learn more on our Meat Products page or check out our blog series Meat 101.

Couldn’t find what you were looking for?

Contact us if you have more questions.