Hinterland Dairy, Donnellson, member of Access Energy Cooperative, was among the seven recipient of the Iowa Venture Awards in Des Moines this year. The Iowa Area Development Group (IADG), on behalf of Iowa’s rural electric cooperatives, municipal utilities and independent telecommunications companies, honored seven distinguished Iowa companies with the Iowa Venture Award at a luncheon held in conjunction with the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives’ annual meeting.
Hinterland Dairy Nominated by Access Energy Cooperative
Ralph and Colleen Krogmeier’s dairy farm sits on 400 acres near the southeast Iowa town of Donnellson. They are committed to raising healthy cows fed non-GMO crops grown on their farm, caring for the land and producing high-quality, 100% natural milk. In 2019, Hinterland opened a new cheese production facility and an on-farm store. Hinterland Dairy weekly produces cheese, Quark, a low-calorie, high-protein spreadable cheese, cheddar and Happy Jack (a take on Monterey Jack). They direct market cheese products to local grocery stores, markets, the on-farm store, and an online store.
“The Iowa Venture Award Luncheon provides a forum to celebrate the courage, contribution, innovation, responsibility, and vision of Iowa entrepreneurs,” said IADG President Rand Fisher. “Hinterland Dairy is a shining example of a family committed to sustainable agriculture and expanding their operation in creative ways through cheese production and agritourism, benefiting southeast Iowa and beyond.”
Additional Iowa Venture Award recipients include:
Industrial Packaging Corporation – Wilton
ProPulse – Peosta
RiverView Ridge – Rock Valley
Rolinda Acres – Waterville
Sister’s Home Style Entrees – Humboldt
TrinityRail – Shell Rock “Outstanding Business of the Year”
About the Iowa Venture Award
This marks the 32nd year that IADG has presented Iowa Venture Awards to individuals and organizations, both large and small, in recognition of their significant contributions to Iowa’s economy through entrepreneurial leadership, innovation and the creation of job opportunities. History has demonstrated that these are among the most accomplished and successful companies in the state. Together they are helping to sustain and grow Iowa’s economy. The Iowa Venture Award Hall of Fame showcasing these 280 companies can be found at www.IADG.com/HallOfFame.