Straus Family Creamery :: Westview Jersey's

Marilyn and Richard with a 1-day old calf in front of their farm sign.

Wesview Jersey's is only 22 miles from our creamery in Marshall!

One of the Hughes' Jersey cows relaxing in the field.

Meet the Hughes (Westview Jersey's)

The Hughes' 100-cow Jersey herd is the newest addition to the Straus family of organic dairies. Richard and Marilyn are owners of Westview Jersey's, in Bodega, California. According to the Jersey Cattle Society, after the Holstein, the Jersey is the second most popular dairy breed worldwide. Jersey milk is noted for its high quality rather than for the quantity each cow produces and it is particularly rich in protein, minerals and trace elements.

History
The Hughes didn't get their start in dairy farming the way most dairy farmers in Sonoma County do. They didn't grow up on their grandparents' ranches, or even their parents' farm. Richard grew up in the San Bruno/ Millbrae area and always considered himself a "city boy." After spending a summer on his aunt and uncle's farm in Nebraska, Richard decided to join the local 4-H program. At the age of 15, Richard raised two lambs. The project wasn't a complete bust for the "city boy", but it wasn't a complete success either. The next year Richard decided to raise a dairy heifer. The heifer that started it all was a Guernsey named Dusty. That 4-H project inspired Richard's parents to move to Petaluma in 1961 to start their own dairy farm. Marilyn was a neighbor to the Hughes in Millbrae and was a close friend with Richard's younger sister. Richard's involvement in 4-H inspired Marilyn, a city girl, to become a farm girl.
Players Now
In 1976, Richard and Marilyn purchased the 182-acre West View Ranch, just outside the town of Bodega. "We came here with a hope and a prayer," said Marilyn. "Our prayers have been answered."

Size
Westview Jersey's is a 182-acre farm milking about 100 Jersey cows.

Conversion to Organic
During an airplane trip Richard saw an information booklet about the principles of organic farming. Richard feels that organic production practices focus on proper animal husbandry, Richards educational focus at Modesto Junior College and California Polytechnic University in San Louis Obispo. Straus Family Creamery was in search of more butterfat when they approached the Hughes. Jerseys are known for their high butterfat production. Butterfat is needed when making rich and creamy yogurt, ice cream and of course, butter. Richard and Marilyn have noticed significant positive differences in the health of their dairy herd since the conversion to organic. "It makes us feel good," said Richard. "We are doing the right thing for the cows and for the environment."

Other Activities
Richard and Marilyn are very involved in church activities and the Boy Scouts of America. They often host activities at their farm. For instance, Richard led a creek conservation project for local Eagle Scouts. The Hughes look forward to opening their farm to school tour groups soon.

Future of the Farm
When asked about plans for the future Marilyn replied, "When we converted to organic, it was like starting the business all over again."


About Us Healthy Farms Products Farm Tales FAQ's Recipes Stores Media Policy Contact Us
William Straus Ellen Straus The Dairy The Creamery Westview Jersey's - The Hughes Deer Valley Dairy - The Tresch Family	Marilyn and Richard with a 1-day old calf in front of their farm sign. Wesview Jersey's is only 22 miles from our creamery in Marshall! One of the Hughes' Jersey cows relaxing in the field. Meet the Hughes (Westview Jersey's) The Hughes' 100-cow Jersey herd is the newest addition to the Straus family of organic dairies. Richard and Marilyn are owners of Westview Jersey's, in Bodega, California. According to the Jersey Cattle Society, after the Holstein, the Jersey is the second most popular dairy breed worldwide. Jersey milk is noted for its high quality rather than for the quantity each cow produces and it is particularly rich in protein, minerals and trace elements. History The Hughes didn't get their start in dairy farming the way most dairy farmers in Sonoma County do. They didn't grow up on their grandparents' ranches, or even their parents' farm. Richard grew up in the San Bruno/ Millbrae area and always considered himself a "city boy." After spending a summer on his aunt and uncle's farm in Nebraska, Richard decided to join the local 4-H program. At the age of 15, Richard raised two lambs. The project wasn't a complete bust for the "city boy", but it wasn't a complete success either. The next year Richard decided to raise a dairy heifer. The heifer that started it all was a Guernsey named Dusty. That 4-H project inspired Richard's parents to move to Petaluma in 1961 to start their own dairy farm. Marilyn was a neighbor to the Hughes in Millbrae and was a close friend with Richard's younger sister. Richard's involvement in 4-H inspired Marilyn, a city girl, to become a farm girl. Players Now In 1976, Richard and Marilyn purchased the 182-acre West View Ranch, just outside the town of Bodega. "We came here with a hope and a prayer," said Marilyn. "Our prayers have been answered." Size Westview Jersey's is a 182-acre farm milking about 100 Jersey cows. Conversion to Organic During an airplane trip Richard saw an information booklet about the principles of organic farming. Richard feels that organic production practices focus on proper animal husbandry, Richards educational focus at Modesto Junior College and California Polytechnic University in San Louis Obispo. Straus Family Creamery was in search of more butterfat when they approached the Hughes. Jerseys are known for their high butterfat production. Butterfat is needed when making rich and creamy yogurt, ice cream and of course, butter. Richard and Marilyn have noticed significant positive differences in the health of their dairy herd since the conversion to organic. "It makes us feel good," said Richard. "We are doing the right thing for the cows and for the environment." Other Activities Richard and Marilyn are very involved in church activities and the Boy Scouts of America. They often host activities at their farm. For instance, Richard led a creek conservation project for local Eagle Scouts. The Hughes look forward to opening their farm to school tour groups soon. Future of the Farm When asked about plans for the future Marilyn replied, "When we converted to organic, it was like starting the business all over again."