In the heart of Cottonwood County, a new chapter in local dairy is taking shape. Amo Creamery, located near Heron Lake, will open its doors to the public for the first time on Thursday, November 20th, inviting the community to experience farm-fresh milk and cheese curds made right where the cows are cared for.
Owner Ethan Johnson grew up on his family’s dairy farm and says this project is both a dream realized and a continuation of tradition. “My grandfather started farming here in 1969,” Johnson explains. “Each generation has found a new way to keep it going. For me, the creamery is about carrying those same family values forward while creating something new for our community.”
Johnson studied Dairy Science with an emphasis in manufacturing at South Dakota State University and worked in the dairy industry before returning home in 2023 to begin developing Amo Creamery. The name itself nods to local history, the original Amo Creamery was founded by area farmers in the 1890s to give small dairies a market for their milk. Today, Johnson hopes to do the same, connecting people directly to the source of their food. “Transparency is our business model,” he says. “We have installed viewing windows so visitors can see exactly how their milk and cheese are made.”
Amo Creamery’s products are crafted from A2A2, cream line milk, non-homogenized and rich in natural cream, offering a taste and texture many haven’t experienced since milk came straight from the farm. Johnson says the quality starts with how the cows are fed and cared for. “Our cows are seasonal grazers,” he notes. “Good feed means good milk, and we take pride in producing something truly nutrient-dense and flavorful.”
Amo Creamery is located at 38382 County Road 13 in Heron Lake, and at the grand opening on Thursday November 20th, visitors can sample fresh cheese curds, take a peek inside the production area, and meet the family behind the operation. The ribbon-cutting with the Windom Area Chamber of Commerce begins at 11 a.m., with Open House hours running until about 5:00 p.m. The Grand Opening celebration will continue on Friday the 21st from 1pm-7pm, Saturday the 22nd from 9am-1pm and Sunday the 23rd from 1pm-4pm. The Fresh delicious Cheese Curds are reason enough to stop out but other products such as, bottled milk, and SDSU ice cream will be available for purchase.
Looking ahead, Johnson hopes Amo Creamery inspires others in rural Minnesota. “We want to prove that good things can grow right here,” he says. “If you have a goal and work hard, you can make it happen.” For now, Amo Creamery products are available exclusively at their on-farm store near Heron Lake, with plans to expand into local markets after Thanksgiving. To learn more about Amo Creamery and sign up for their newsletter, you can go to their website at amocreamery.com
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Cottonwood County Sheriff’s Office reported 36 calls in the week of November 9th to November 15th. Deputies conducted 11 Civil Processes, responded to 1 Domestic Assault, 1 Suspicious Activity, 1 Assault, 1 Gun Shots Fired call, conducted 1 Concern for Welfare and conducted 3 Traffic Stops. A full listing of all calls in the Cottonwood County Sheriff’s Office Weekly Citizens Report is available by clicking the link below.
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Windom Police were dispatched to the parking lot of the Phat Pheasant on the 15th at approximately 1:43am for an argument taking place. After investigation, it was determined that the incident stemmed from someone driving home. The parties were waiting for a sober cab. The male parties started to get loud, boisterous and agitated due to officers being present. An arrest was made of a 66-year-old male from Windom for Disruptive Intoxication. He was transported to jail and issued a citation. He was released when he became sober.
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Meetings today include:
- Murray County Board of Commissioners at 8:30am in the Murray County Government Center. If you would like to listen in by calling or view the meeting via zoom you can find the information on the Murray County Homepage.
- Jackson County Board of Commissioners and the Drainage Authority at 9am at the Jackson County Court House Commissioners Board Room
- The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners at 9:00am at the Cottonwood County Courthouse in the Commissioners Room.
- The St James City Council at 5:30pm in James City Hall Council Chambers. Meetings can be viewed live or anytime on the City of St James’s YouTube Channel.
- The Windom City Council at 6:30 pm at Windom City Hall in the City Council Chambers. Meetings can be viewed live or anytime on the City of Windom’s YouTube Channel.
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Red Rock Central Board of Education will be meeting Wednesday November 19th at 5pm in the Red Rock Central School District Media Center.