We are thrilled to announce that Gould Farm’s very own Agnes cheese has taken home the gold at the Big E Gold Medal Cheese Competition this July! This prestigious event showcases the best of New England cheesemakers, and we couldn’t be prouder of our team and community for this incredible achievement.
Winning gold alongside renowned Cabot Creamery and Shelburne Farms is a significant honor and a testament to the quality and care that go into every wheel of Agnes cheese.
Agnes cheese, named after Gould Farm’s co-founder Agnes Gould, is a labor of love that represents the heart of our farm team. While Matthew McMahon, our dedicated farm manager, has been the driving force behind this new addition to our dairy offerings, Natana Roots, our assistant farm team manager, along with the rest of the committed farm team, work tirelessly to ensure the process—from the field to the creamery—is deeply rooted in our values of care for land, animals, and community.
The journey of Agnes cheese begins with the careful management of our pastures and the attentive care of our herd, which includes Guernseys, Jerseys, Dutch Belted, and Holstein cows. Our team’s expertise in pasture management and cow care ensures that the milk we use is of the highest quality. Daily milkings are a collaborative effort, involving both staff and the guests who reside at Gould Farm. While facing mental health challenges, guests are integral to the entire process, contributing their time and energy to every stage of production.
In the creamery, the magic happens as our team transforms this milk into Agnes cheese. This semi-soft, basket-molded cheese has quickly become a local favorite, offering a rich, complex flavor that reflects the unique terroir of Gould Farm. While it can be aged for two months, it truly shines after four, delivering a taste that is both versatile and deeply satisfying.
Winning gold at the Big E is more than just a testament to the quality of Agnes cheese; it’s a celebration of the community that makes it all possible. Matthew, Natana, and the entire farm team understand that the true value of our cheese lies not just in its flavor but in the connections it fosters among those who make and enjoy it.
(Photos in gallery below taken by Natana Roots, assistant farm team manager.)
If you’re eager to try this award-winning cheese, Agnes is available for purchase in the retail fridge at our Roadside Store and Cafe, on the Roadside menu, and at local outlets in the Berkshires. By enjoying Agnes, you’re not just savoring a delicious product; you’re supporting a community dedicated to hope, healing, and radical hospitality.
We are grateful for the support of our community, our guests, and the skilled hands that have made this gold medal win possible!
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