A Keuka Roots Story of Family Farming, Brown Swiss Cows, and a Holiday Tradition Rooted in Land, Community, and Quiet Magic
Crosswinds Farm & Creamery
is a living portrait of what it means to farm with heart, intention, and deep respect for the land. Owned and operated by Sarah VanOrden Morrow and her husband Charlie, the farm is a true family endeavor—one shaped by shared values, hard work, and a deep-rooted belief in doing things the right way. Farming alongside their children and a small but mighty team, Crosswinds has become an oasis of grass and grazing animals, where livestock transform sunshine into nourishing milk and meat, just as nature intended. What began with a simple love for big brown cows has grown into something far more purposeful.
At its core, Crosswinds Farm & Creamery was built with a clear mission: to feed their community directly through a resilient, diverse farm that can withstand challenges and sustain future generations. The result is a farm that looks surprisingly like those of the past—grounded in tradition, adaptability, and stewardship—while remaining thoughtfully connected to the needs of today. A deep commitment to soil health guides every decision, recognizing that healthy soil supports healthy plants, animals, and people, and that what a cow eats truly shapes the flavor and nourishment of the food it provides.
That philosophy comes to life in the farm’s herd of Brown Swiss cows, a rare breed representing less than two percent of dairy cows in the United States. Chosen for their calm temperaments, rugged Alpine heritage, and milk with the ideal balance of fat and protein for exceptional cheesemaking, these cows are all born and raised on the farm, each known by name and many living well beyond the industry average lifespan. In a practice nearly unheard of in modern dairy farming, Crosswinds allows cows to raise their own calves—a choice rooted in compassion and the belief that healthier animals, stronger calves, and happier farmers are deeply connected. Sarah brings the vision to life as milkmaid, cheesemaker, dreamer, and number cruncher, while Charlie grounds that vision in reality as the builder, haymaker, and fixer of all things, keeping the farm running day after day.
Visitors can experience this philosophy firsthand at the
Crosswinds Farm Store and Scoop Shop, located at 4721 SR 14A, Rock Stream, NY.
Open Monday–Friday from 7am–5pm and Saturday–Sunday from 9am–5pm, the shop offers a true farm-to-table experience—from breakfast and lunch to freshly scooped gelato, shakes, and sundaes. Shelves are stocked with farm-raised cheese, yogurt, gelato, eggs, milk, and meats, alongside a thoughtfully curated selection from local pantry partners. Cheese and gelato flights invite visitors to slow down and savor the craftsmanship behind every bite. Learn more at
https://crosswindsfarmcreamery.com/
.
This weekend, that same sense of care, connection, and tradition will be felt in a uniquely magical way during a special seasonal gathering:
Caroling With the Cows. As winter settles gently over the rolling countryside of Rock Stream, Crosswinds Farm & Creamery will welcome friends, families, and neighbors for an evening that feels timeless. At dusk, as the sky softens into twilight and evening chores wind down, voices will rise together beside the barn, wrapped in coats and scarves, singing familiar carols to the gentle, curious cows who seem to listen just a little closer on this special night.
More than a holiday event, Caroling With the Cows is a reflection of everything Crosswinds stands for. It echoes the age-old symbolism of the manger and reminds us that many of our most cherished traditions were born close to the land, the animals, and one another. It promises to be joyful, reverent, and quietly powerful—an invitation to slow down and remember that the holidays don’t need to be loud or hurried to be meaningful.
π Crosswinds Farm & Creamery | Rock Stream, NY
π―οΈ This Weekend — December 20th | 5:00 pm
πΆ Bring your voices, your instruments, your loved ones—and dress for the weather.
A Keuka Roots Closing Note:
Places like Crosswinds Farm & Creamery remind us why stories matter—because when we pause long enough to listen, we find them everywhere. In the quiet rhythm of evening chores, in the breath of winter air, and in voices lifted together under an open sky. Caroling With the Cows isn’t just a charming tradition; it’s a living reminder of connection—to land, to food, to one another, and to the generations who shaped this place before us.
At Keuka Roots, we believe these are the moments that define our region: simple, grounded, and meaningful. Whether you visit Crosswinds for a scoop of gelato, a wedge of cheese, a winter song, or simply to slow down and feel rooted again, you’re stepping into a story still being written—one nourished by care, community, and a deep love for this land.
Stay rooted. Stay grounded. Stay Keuka. πΏ
