Precious Pastures

Precious Pastures was founded by sisters Emily and Claire Plapp in 2014, evolving from a 4-H project into a full-fledged dairy operation. Emily's early health issues led the family to discover the benefits of raw milk, which spurred their passion for dairy farming. The farm has grown from a single Jersey heifer named Precious to a herd of Jersey and Guernsey cows. Emily and Claire, along with their family, have dedicated themselves to providing raw milk to the public, becoming the third raw milk dairy in Illinois to receive a raw milk permit from the IL Dept. of Public Health in December 2016.

The cows at Precious Pastures graze on 6 acres of grassy pasture during the summer months and are fed certified organic hay and oats, supplemented with organic minerals. The farm emphasizes the health and well-being of their cows, ensuring they have access to pasture and water. The cows' diet is sourced from the certified organic Plapp Family Organics, run by their father Adrian. Though the milk itself is not certified organic, the cows' feed is meticulously managed to maintain high standards.

Emily and Claire both have educational backgrounds in dairy production and food science, enhancing their expertise in dairy farming. The farm is a family-operated business with each member playing a vital role, from milking to bookkeeping and media management. Precious Pastures also offers drop-off points in the Chicago area for customer convenience. Visitors are encouraged to contact the farm to schedule visits and learn more about their operations.