History

Barbara Jenness has a degree in biology from Grand Valley State University, as well as a degree in Veterinary Technology.  She has over 25 years experience in animal care. After moving to the farm in June of 2000, Barbara earned certification as an Advanced Master Gardener through Michigan State University Extension and began converting DogWood Farm to organic.  Barbara will be seeking organic certification in the near future. Barbara acquired two goats in the summer of 2002, which became the foundation for the growing herd of registered Alpine dairy goats at Dogwood.  A soapmaker since 1996, acquitisition of the goats allowed her to begin making goat’s milk soap.  A milk surplus started the cheesemaking.  Barbara attended cheesemaking workshops at Glengarry Cheesemaking and Supply in Montreal, Canada and at Pure Luck Goat Farm in Austin, Texas.  In November of 2006 she completed the North Carolina State University Short Course in Cheese making.

Barbara attended a business class at Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women (GROW) to increase her knowledge and understanding of owning and operating a business before officially opening Udderly Wonderful Soap and Dancing Goat Creamery.  She also received help and recommendations from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Michigan State University Product Development Center.

After learning the process of cheese and soap making, Barbara has shared the knowledge by teaching classes in cheesemaking and soapmaking at Meijer Gardens, Tiller’s International and at DogWood Farm.