Vendor Spotlight Razzbourne Farms
When Emily Hall of Razzbourne Farms reflects on her childhood, some of her fondest food memories can be traced back to a sleeve of saltines, and a log of goat cheese. Little did the fourth-generation farmer know that the treat she adored during her youth would later become the focus of her business. In 2013, Hall founded Razzbourne Farms, a dedicated 30-acre micro-goat dairy and creamery outside of Lexington.
“I knew I wanted to do something more than work for someone in a restaurant or any ole' 9-5 job,” says Hall. “The desire to farm didn't hit me until I became a mother, although I come from generations of farming and agriculture.”
The cheesy operation started with Thelma and Ms. Crump, the goat duo arriving to the farm via Hall’s Subaru. Over the years, Hall has added to her tribe, the number now teetering closer to 30.
“So our motto around here is 'join the tribe' because technically a group of goats is called a tribe rather than a herd or flock — pretty neat and unusual, just like them!,” explains Hall. “The goats have pushed me to strive for 'better' and have gotten me through the hardest of times.”
Razzbourne’s growing cheese collection consists of chevre, a spreadable lightly salted crowd favorite, and Kick Ash, a dramatic, bloomy rind selection that won an award in 2019, in addition to a crumbly feta, and Tipsy, a semi-hard cheese that is washed in Rockbridge Vineyard's Tuscarora Red, and more.
“Cheese is a cycle, just like life. It happens a lot faster with cheese sometimes and there are deadlines and temperatures to meet,” shares Hall. “I enjoy watching the process of pasture and browse to beautiful milk by happy creatures that turns into magnificent curd. Then the curd changes once more and is shaped by my own hand into something people really enjoy eating.”
Two years ago, Razzbourne connected with Cavalier Produce and says the relationship has allowed them to help distribute their cheeses regionally, to Richmond, and even West Virginia.
“It has been absolutely essential to have Cavalier take Razzbourne Farms cheese on board and help us distribute,” says Hall. “The relationship with Cavalier has been beneficial in so many ways and I am always amazed (happy tears) to get our cheese tagged on social media from grand hotels and quaint wine shops hours away from the farm.”
