Flatwater Feature: The Milk House
Just seven miles outside of Gothenburg, The Milk House has become a community staple for fresh, local, and wholesome dairy products. What began in 2019 with one cow and a bucket has grown into a thriving micro dairy, now supplying Central Nebraska with A2/A2 cream-topped raw milk and a variety of homemade dairy goods.
From One Cow to a Community of Support
The inspiration for The Milk House came in a surprising way. Malloree Barnes recalls, “It all started with a nurse cow who wouldn’t take extra calves but would let me milk her. A friend said they’d buy the milk, and so it began!” What began as a simple act has since grown into a business with deep roots in community support.
The Milk House officially opened in November 2021 and has steadily expanded. Today, the team milks up to eight cows and supplies around 150 subscription gallons of raw milk each week—not including walk-in customers. Beyond milk, customers can also enjoy small-batch products like butter, ice cream, yogurt, cheese curds, and heavy cream. And with a new facility on the horizon, exciting changes are ahead.
Raw Milk, Real Care
One thing many people may not know about The Milk House is the process behind their raw milk. The milk is filtered twice, cooled quickly, and bottled—without pasteurization—resulting in a living, whole food that retains its natural benefits. Behind the scenes, the team follows cleaning procedures that go above industry standards to ensure top quality and safety.
But The Milk House isn’t just about what’s in the bottle. The team is also paving the way in agritourism, inviting people to experience life on the ranch and learn more about where their food comes from.
A Day in the Life
Running a micro dairy is no small feat. Each day begins before sunrise with 5:00 a.m. milking, followed by another round at 5:00 p.m. Each milking takes two to three hours, and between customer service, small-batch production, and open hours six days a week, the crew of six is always on the move.
One of their favorite ways to connect with the public is by bringing their “Dairy Queens” into town. From school visits to nursing homes, hand-milking demonstrations give people a chance to interact with the cows and learn firsthand about the dairy process.
Rooted in Community
Since day one, Gothenburg has been a cornerstone of The Milk House’s success. “We’ve had community support from the beginning,” Malloree shares. “Some of our biggest fans are local residents and businesses. We wouldn’t be where we are without them.”
Being part of the community also inspires The Milk House to give back. Supporting other entrepreneurs and shopping local is a value they live by: “I had the support to start out, so I like to support other start-ups as well.”
Lessons in Leadership
Running The Milk House has brought growth both personally and professionally. The business has taught Malloree how to be a leader, strengthened her confidence, and pushed her to grow as a woman, wife, and mom. She continues to embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and improve.
Why Shop Local?
For The Milk House, shopping local is about trust, connection, and sustainability. Customers know exactly where their food comes from, and in return, local dollars help businesses like The Milk House thrive. It’s a cycle of support that strengthens the whole community.
👉 The Milk House is more than a dairy—it’s a community gathering place, a hands-on learning experience, and a testament to what can grow when neighbors support neighbors.
