In Search of a Steward: Bobolink Dairy & Bakehouse
When Jonathan and Nina White purchased Stamets Farm in Milford in 2010, they knew they were taking over stewardship of an agricultural legacy. The property had only been farmed by two families since the American Revolution and was designated as preserved farmland.
The Whites, who had been leasing farmland in Vernon, had already built a devoted following for their full-flavored raw milk cheeses, 100% grass-fed meats and artisan breads. Their new Hunterdon County property soon became home to an expanded grass-fed cattle operation, creamery, and woodburning oven for breadmaking.
Fast forward to 2023, and Bobolink Dairy & Bakehouse is one of the region’s most respected and award-winning cheese and bread makers. Along the way, the Whites have also become known for their commitment to regenerative farming, the humane treatment of animals, and use of heritage grain.
They see their work as strengthening the healthy intersection of food and environment.
“We set out to add value to high-quality milk by turning it into cheese. Our animal husbandry creates a better environment for the cows and supports a better [overall] environment,” says Nina, citing open grassland, erosion controls, and a focus on soil health as just a few examples of the farm’s practices. The approach earned the couple a prestigious Slow Food Snail of Approval award last fall.
JONATHAN AND NINA WHITE OF BOBOLINK DAIRY & BAKEHOUSE. PHOTO COURTESY OF KARIN BELGRAVE
Now, the Whites are ready to move on. Their 186-acre preserved farm and food business is for sale. It features approximately 150 acres of pasture and 35 acres of forest as well as an 1820s stone farmhouse, a ranch-style home and three barns.
The couple hopes to spend more time writing, teaching, and traveling, but if the new owners need help transitioning, they’re happy to provide it—and more.
“One reason why we’re selling now is that we want to partner and mentor with the next stewards of our environment while we’re still young and healthy,” says Nina.
“It’s hard to find time to write and advocate when you’re in the trenches,” she continues. “We want to be able to contribute to the [larger] agenda we see: creating systems where productive agriculture can be a part of environmental and wildlife conservation.”
The property and business are exclusively listed with Marie Newell of Weichert Realtors in New Vernon. The Whites, again, have made a thoughtful choice. Before going into real estate last year, Marie Newell worked for more than two decades with the New Jersey Conservation Foundation to preserve open space and farmland.
While the hope is that the next owner will keep the permanent pasture and cheesemaking, “that’s their choice,” says Nina. She notes the preserved property has many untapped possibilities, including maple syrup production, beekeeping and “even space for a cooking school.”
For information, contact:
Marie K. Newell, Weichert Realtors
908.310.8211
mknewellrealtor@gmail.com
