For the inaugural episode of the 100 Farms in 100 Weeks series, Vaksana Farms founder Kiruba Shankar hosted an insightful conversation with Jesse and Lisa Vivian, the owners of Lane’s End Farm Creamery in western Pennsylvania. This discussion offers a rare, in-depth look at how a small 20-acre farm has built a profitable, community-focused microdairy while staying committed to traditional, humane, and sustainable practices.

The episode sets the tone for the entire series and provides compelling reasons for listeners to explore the full conversation.

🌿 A Farm Designed with Purpose

Lane’s End Farm Creamery stands out for its intentionality. While many dairies rely on large herds and mechanized systems, Jesse and Lisa have chosen a model rooted in simplicity and craftsmanship:

• A herd of 10 Jersey cows
• Once-a-day milking
• Vat pasteurization, a slower, gentler method
• Non-homogenized milk, allowing the natural cream line to rise

During the podcast, Kiruba Shankar explores their philosophy of “farming on purpose.” Jesse explains how smaller operations, when designed thoughtfully, can become more sustainable and financially resilient than larger farms. This perspective is especially fascinating for farmers, entrepreneurs, and agricultural students.

Their clarity of purpose is one of the first major reasons this episode is worth listening to.

🥛 Traditional Methods That Make a Difference

One of the most interesting segments of the podcast centers around Lane’s End’s dairy processing techniques. Jesse describes why they still use vat pasteurization, a method that heats milk slowly at lower temperatures, preserving its natural flavor and integrity.

Kiruba’s questions reveal genuine curiosity about why such a traditional method is not more widely used. The explanation touches on:

• Flavor preservation
• Enzyme integrity
• Consumer demand for minimally processed foods
• The importance of retaining the “natural character” of milk

For listeners unfamiliar with dairy science, this portion of the conversation is particularly eye-opening.

🍨 A Diversified Dairy Approach

Beyond fresh milk, Lane’s End Farm Creamery produces:

• House-made gelato
• Yogurt
• Flavored milk pints
• Seasonal dairy items

Their gelato, made using cream from their own cows, is also sold through a small local scoop shop. Lisa explains how this shop has strengthened community relationships and expanded their visibility.

The podcast highlights how product diversification has helped them maintain economic stability—another valuable insight for small-scale farmers.

A Microdairy That Is Both Small and Profitable

Perhaps the most compelling part of the discussion is Jesse’s deep dive into how Lane’s End has built a financially viable business model using a very small herd.

They have structured their farm around multiple revenue streams, including:

• Direct-to-consumer dairy sales
• Beef production from Jersey × Angus cross calves
• Their scoop shop
• Educational resources, including online courses and guides

This section of the podcast is particularly informative and is likely to interest listeners who want to understand the economics of small-scale dairying. The clarity with which Jesse explains their business model makes the episode worthy of attention even for non-farmers.

Why This Episode Deserves Your Attention

This conversation stands out for several reasons:

• It provides a transparent look at real-world microdairy economics
• It showcases a successful model that challenges conventional wisdom
• It highlights the importance of intentional farming practices
• It bridges agricultural perspectives from two different countries
• It offers practical knowledge, not just storytelling

The interaction between Kiruba Shankar, Jesse, and Lisa is respectful, informative, and grounded in shared values of sustainability, community, and quality.

This makes the episode an excellent resource for:

• Aspiring farmers
• Students of agriculture
• Sustainability enthusiasts
• Families interested in local food systems

Anyone curious about how small farms survive and thrive today

🌾 A Strong Beginning to the “100 Farms in 100 Weeks” Journey

Featuring Lane’s End Farm Creamery as Week 1 reflects Vaksana Farms’ commitment to showcasing thoughtful, innovative, and inspiring farms from around the world.

Watch the complete podcast episode with Kiruba Shankar, Mary, and Zach here:
👉 YouTube Link: Click Here

Explore more farms featured in our 100-week journey:
👉 www.vaksanafarms.in/100