Lively Run Goat Dairy

Interlaken, NY

Lively Run Dairy, one of the longest operating commercial goat dairies in the country, began production in New York in 1982, pioneering goat cheese in the American marketplace. It is a family-owned and operated creamery located in the Finger Lakes Region of NY, focusing on animal welfare and producing the highest quality goat milk.

The Messmer family took over operations in 1995, after Steve Messmer was discharged from military service and brought his family back from Europe in the early 1990s. Susanne took over herd management and cheese making of the operation in 1995, while Steve did morning milkings and all hay making/purchasing and barn cleaning and maintenance. The sons Pete and Dave helped from the beginning, being 6 and 7 years old. Later the boys took over morning and evening farm chores.

An Apprentice at Lively Run Dairy will work in front-facing retail and tourism service, as well as in the cheesemaking and production area. They will undergo training in office logistics and participate in light farm work and animal care, including goat maintenance such as feeding and health monitoring. Additionally, apprentices will learn the art of goat cheese making, from milk processing to aging, under the guidance of experienced cheese makers. This hands-on experience provides a comprehensive understanding of the dairy production process, contributing to the legacy of artisanal cheese at Lively Run Dairy.