Consumers invited to see, understand how the operation works

By MATTHEW WEAVER
Capital Press

Customers who buy Mike and Trish Vieira's milk get more than a refreshing drink.

"When people come here, they don't come here just to buy milk," Mike Vieira said. "They come here to get hands-on. They want to see the baby calves, how the cows are milked, where the milk goes into the jug, learn, watch and be part of it."

"They want the story," Trish Vieira said. "More times than not, they come back with their family to see where milk actually comes from."

The couple produce milk on their boutique dairy farm, Spokane's Family Farm. With 30 cows on 150 acres, the farm can produce 250 gallons a day. The operation pasteurizes and bottles milk every other day.

The Vieiras began bottling in mid-April 2009, after moving to Spokane from Walla Walla, Wash.

While organic operations may focus primarily on not using hormones and antibiotics, the Vieiras say they focus on the milk and healthy cows. Everything they do, from sanitation to the pasteurization process, employs environmentally friendly methods, they said.

The Vieiras have an all-natural label, but they reserve the right to use antibiotics, Mike Vieira said, as in the case of one cow who contracted a uterine infection last summer. Her milk was pulled from the processing system while she was being treated.

As part of its federal licensing to sell milk across state lines, the operation installed a testing laboratory on site to confirm every batch of milk is antibiotic-free.

A longtime dairyman, Mike Vieira aspired to develop such an operation for roughly 20 years.

"I knew I wanted to stay small and focus on quality milk, quality cows," he said.

To do that, he believed he needed to direct market his milk.

Cooperatives set the price, and farmers keep costs as low as possible to make the most money they can, he said.

"Here, it's just the opposite philosophy," he said. "We're going to do everything the best we can and then determine at the end what (price) we need for our milk. Now, we don't cut any corner. Everything we do is top-notch."

Mike Vieira said he receives just more than $35 per hundredweight, with the milk retailing for about $5 per gallon, he said.

"Being able to set my own milk price ensures that I am able to make a fair return over cost of production," he said.

Trish was the perfect match for him, because she had a similar vision. She loves having the ability to provide something she believes in so fervently to the public, she said.

The couple teamed up with local independent produce distributor Spokane Produce and sells milk in roughly 75 Washington, Idaho and Oregon grocery stores and high-end restaurants.

"The people I talk to that drink their milk say it is very good," said Barry Lauderdale, general manager of Spokane Produce. "We seem to be selling out of it, so they're doing a good job. We're very satisfied, and trying to do our best for them."

The farm has no employees, but Mike said he definitely intends to add several part-time workers by the end of two years of operating.

The Vieiras want to milk 60 cows, which would put their operation at capacity and require bottling every day.

"The farm is a family venture, something to pass on, not just a lifestyle," Trish said. "The farmer's dream is to be able to produce something someone appreciates. And we are."

Mike Vieira

Age: 38

Birthplace: Zillah, Wash.

Education: Zillah High School

Trish Vieira

Age: 47

Birthplace: Glenwood, Minn.

Education: Glenwood High School

Family: Married for two years, the couple has seven children between them.

Web site: http://spokanefamilyfarm.com