The Hartzler Family Dairy

Hartzler Family Dairy is a family-owned and operated dairy producer based in Wooster, Ohio, with roots going back to the early 1950s when Harold and Patricia Hartzler began farming in Wayne County. The business was formally established in 1990 and opened its storefront and milk processing plant on April 15, 1996. Today, the company remains in family hands under the leadership of Joe Hartzler and his son Jace Hartzler, representing multiple generations of dairy expertise and commitment to quality. The company operates under the founding philosophy of 'As Nature Intended,' which guides every aspect of its production process and product development. Hartzler Family Dairy produces a comprehensive range of dairy products including fluid milk in whole, 2%, and skim varieties, chocolate milk, seasonal flavor quarts, single-serving naturally flavored milk minis, artisan hand-scooped ice cream, cheese, and both salted and unsalted butter. All half-gallon milk products and cheeses are NON-GMO Project Verified, reflecting the company's dedication to minimal processing and wholesome ingredients. A key differentiator in the market is the dairy's use of Low-Temperature Vat Pasteurization, a method that heats milk to 145 degrees Fahrenheit and holds it there for 30 minutes. This slower, gentler process preserves a greater proportion of the milk's natural enzymes compared to conventional high-temperature pasteurization methods, resulting in a product that is easier to digest and closer to its natural state. The company also eschews homogenization for its half-gallon products, allowing the cream to rise naturally to the top of the bottle and keeping fat molecules intact to retain important nutrients. Hartzler Family Dairy packages its milk in returnable glass bottles, which are sanitized and reused at the Wooster processing facility. The company's herd is pasture-fed during warm months and given silage and hay in colder months, with no artificial hormones administered to the animals. Sustainable farming practices are employed in crop production on the farm. Products are distributed through retail locations across the region, with a store locator available to help consumers find local stockists. The company also operates a direct-to-consumer dairy shop at its Wooster facility. Hartzler Family Dairy targets health-conscious consumers, families, and natural food retail channels seeking minimally processed, hormone-free, non-GMO dairy products produced with traditional methods and regional integrity.