1868-1999

The Webster Family owned a dairy farm south of Litchfield. They named the farm Arethusa for the small pink orchid that grew in a swamp on the land. Arethusa Farm originally started as a dairy farm which delivered milk and dairy products locally.

1999

The farm on Webster Road was purchased by George Malkemus and Anthony Yurgaitis with the goal of saving open farmland. They made an agreement with Webster descendants to return the name “Arethusa” to the farm.

2001

George and Tony became interested in establishing their own dairy herd. The first five purebred registered Holsteins were purchased for Arethusa Farm. Jerseys and Brown Swiss would soon follow.

2004

The Holsteins and Jerseys from Arethusa bring home top honors from the most prestigious world dairy show in the world. Their Holstein, Melanie was named Supreme Champion of World Dairy Expo in Wisconsin. Her Jersey herd mate, Veronica was Reserve Supreme Champion.

2005

Three new barns were completed. Veronica returned to World Dairy Expo to claim the Supreme Champion honors for herself!

2009-2013

Arethusa Farm began bottling milk under their new label at a rented creamery in Bolton in June and selling it in local stores. The herd grew to over 350 total head. Arethusa Farm won the prestigious honor of Premiere Holstein Breeder at World Dairy Expo. Two buildings were purchased in Bantam and the construction of Arethusa Farm Dairy began. Arethusa milk and yogurt became available in several stores in Litchfield County and two Whole Foods locations. The new dairy began production in January and a retail store was opened in July. Ice cream and cheese joined the production line. All products are made using only the milk from Arethusa’s cows. Arethusa is Premiere Jersey Breeder at World Dairy Expo for the second year in a row.

2014-2019

Arethusa Farm Dairy opened their new storefront on 1020 Chapel Street, New Haven. Back in Bantam, Arethusa a mano just opened introducing a new cafe and pastry experience. Arethusa al tavolo has been named a Top 100 Restaurant in America by OpenTable. Once again Arethusa Farm travels across country for another year of dairy competitions winning titles such as Intermediate & Grand Champion.

In 2016 our beloved Queen Veronica passes  just one week after her 17th birthday. Her outstanding reputation in the dairy community set the standards to the Jersey Breed. Her legacy will live on. Legends are forever.

2020-Present

At the beginning of 2020 as Arethusa Farm Dairy continued to grow, we made the decision to begin partnering with other local Connecticut family farms to help supply milk for our dairy.