Stepladder was originally founded in 1870 as a cattle ranch and part of the Harmony Valley Creamery Association. To this day, most of our 750 acre property is still free range grazing land. The property changed hands several times over the century, before Jack and Beverly Russell of the current operating family acquired it in the 1980s.
Jack and Beverly planted 40 acres of Hass avocados, which are visible from most places close to the creamery and goat pens. We have a unique subtropical microclimate in this valley, which allows us to grow a wide variety of crops. We grow over 200 varieties of citrus and subtropical fruits, including passion fruit, dragon fruit, guavas, bananas, and coffee. We also have one vacation rental which are available for rent.
Jack Russell passed away about 10+ years ago and the property was left to his three daughters and their families. His grandson, Jack Rudolph now operates the ranch with his wife Michelle.
About 6 years ago, Jack and Michelle turned their hobby interest in farmstead cheesemaking into a licensed creamery operation. Starting with a small herd of 10 goats, we began by making a couple types of goat cheese. With each passing season our herd has grown, as has the variety of goat and cow’s milk cheeses we now produce in our creamery.
Stepladder Creamery offers private creamery tours by appointment. On tours, guests get to meet their friendly herd of LaMancha goats, taste some of their delicious cheeses, and peek through the windows to view the inside of their milking parlor and creamery that were both built inside of the ranch's historic 100-year old barn. The private tours are 1.5 hours long and will give you a unique and personalized opportunity to learn what is happening on the farm. If you visit in the Spring and early summer, you will get to meet and snuggle with the baby goats and you may even get to see a live milking during certain times of the year! Starting at $68 per person. Visit the website for more information.
