Our Story From family farm to non-profit organization
1868 Arethusa Farm's beginnings
The Webster family started Arethusa Farm as a dairy farm in 1868, which delivered milk and dairy products locally.
1999 George Malkemus & Anthony Yurgaitis purchase the farm
George and Tony purchase the Webster family farm with the intention of saving open farm land.
2001 The dairy farm begins
George and Tony became interested in establishing their own dairy herd. The first five purebred registered Holsteins were purchased for Arethusa Farm. Jerseys and Brown Swiss would soon follow.
2009 - 2013 Arethusa Farm Dairy begins operations
Arethusa Farm began bottling milk under their new label and selling it in local stores. Two buildings were purchased in Bantam and the construction of Arethusa Farm Dairy began. Arethusa milk and yogurt became available in several stores in Litchfield County and two Whole Foods locations. The new dairy began production in January and a retail store was opened in July. Ice cream and cheese joined the production line. All products are made using only the milk from Arethusa’s cows.
2014-2019 Retail locations expand
Arethusa Farm Dairy opened a new storefront in New Haven. In Bantam, Arethusa a mano opened introducing a new cafe and pastry experience. Customers can now purchase milk, yogurt, ice cream and more, all sourced from the cows on the farm.
2023 Arethusa Farm Foundation is established
While the storefronts and dairy production of the Arethusa brand continue by sourcing milk from local farms, Tony made the decision to gift the farm to a foundation to continue to preserve the farm land and to benefit the community through agricultural education. The majority of the farm will be used to support the soon to be Region 20 school system and its Agricultural Science and Technology Educational program. This will provide unparalleled opportunities for the students of the community.
Additionally, the Arethusa Farm Foundation will provide educational programming to other community members, including adult education in addition to K-12 opportunities.
