New cheese house opens near Watkins Glen

The newest farmstead cheese house in the Finger Lakes is a family owned dairy farm with over three generation of experience. Lorin Hostetler has started separating curds and whey in the Town of Rock Stream, just north of Watkins Glen, and ideally located on the Seneca Wine Trail. His parents, Mark and Mary Ellen Hostetler, run the milking operation with 60 Registered Holsteins.With the current state of milk prices covering less than the cost of owning cows, they have decided to add a cheese house to the operation on Chase Road. Construction began in January to erect the building that has become the production area, tasting room and sales facility for Shtayburne Cheese. They completed the building recently, and have started producing and aging the cheese.The company is called Shtayburne Farm, drawing on the family’s Mennonite heritage, and the established tradition of naming a cheese after the area where it originates. “Shtay” means “rock” in Pennsylvania Dutch language. “Burne” means “river” in feudal English terms. Hence, “Rock Stream” Farm!Lorin will take half of the milk from one days’ milking, about 2,000 Lbs (230 gallons), and turn it into 200 pounds of Cheddar, Curds and Monterey Jack style cheeses. All of the cheeses are made with pasteurized milk. Cheddars are available in Mild, Medium, Sharp, Smoked, Horseradish and Chili Pepper Cheddar. Monterey Jack styles available include Jalapeno Jack, Honey Jack, Italian Herb Jack, Garlic and Basil Jack and Onion Jack. Fresh Curd flavors include Plain, Cajun and Tomato Basil. All cheeses are available separately in blocks or hand wax coated bars, or in attractive gift and sampler packages.The farm store is located at 2909 Chase Road, Rock Stream, NY 14878. The farm sits on lush fields, overlooking Seneca Lake, just 400 yards west of Route 14. They also offer local made products such as Maple Syrup, Honey and Gift Baskets.