Big ideas don’t grow in isolation.
In rural Southwest Missouri, two farm families shared the same bold vision: bring fresh, local food to their communities. With support from MU Extension, their once-independent ideas quickly intertwined, leading them to a collaborative venture that’s strengthening local food access and their futures.
MU Extension agriculture business specialist Jennifer Lutes began working with Udderly Divine Creamery two years ago. At that time, they were selling raw goat milk and dreaming about opening a licensed Grade A dairy and manufacturing facility.
As the family-owned business designed its business plans alongside Lutes, it also pursued additional financing. Soon, Udderly Divine secured funding to build and equip the fully licensed Grade A dairy and manufacturing facility of their dreams.
Today, Udderly Divine is thriving. They house and milk goats, raise kids and develop a growing line of products, working on recipe creation, production and marketing.
At the same time, Lutes was helping Dizzy Donkey Produce and More reimagine a weathered dairy barn as an affordable community produce store focused on local partnerships. The two visions aligned perfectly; Lutes made the introductions.
“MU Extension — and Jennifer in particular — made a tremendous impact on our business journey,” said Valentina Houser, owner of Dizzy Donkey Produce and More. “As first-time business owners, there are countless aspects of running a business that are new and often overlooked, so Jennifer’s guidance, support and feedback were incredibly valuable throughout the process.”
Now, products including milk, ice cream, cheese curds, chevre and drinkable yogurt from Udderly Divine fill the shelves at Dizzy Donkey Produce and More, creating a local supply chain rooted entirely in Southwest Missouri.
“This partnership represents more than shared shelf space — it represents a shift in rural entrepreneurship and a shared commitment to strengthening rural Missouri,” said Cortney Matthews, owner of Udderly Divine Creamery.
Behind that shift is strategic planning, trusted guidance and a willingness to collaborate.
“I really enjoy watching people grow and develop new skills and confidence and knowing that I had a hand in their journey to success,” said Lutes. “I get to be the coach and the cheerleader for these businesses and best part is celebrating their success with them!”
Lutes’ ability to connect people with the right resources and partners has led to lasting collaborations, allowing businesses to thrive.
“We will always be grateful for her introduction to Udderly Divine Creamery,” Houser said. “What started as a simple connection quickly grew into a wonderful partnership between two local small businesses, and it has been truly meaningful for us.”
“Through collaboration between Udderly Divine Creamery, Dizzy Donkey Produce and More and MU Extension, we are creating a model where education, entrepreneurship and local agriculture work hand in hand,” Matthews said. “Together, we are helping family farms grow, supporting small businesses, expanding consumer access to local food and building stronger, more resilient communities for generations to come.”
Through business development support, financial analysis and long-term planning, MU Extension helps producers move from idea to implementation, and from autonomy to alliance.
For rural entrepreneurs with a vision but unsure of the next step, MU Extension is ready to help turn possibility into partnership. To start the process, contact Lutes at lutesjl@missouri.edu or 417-223-4775.