Farming is a way of life for the whole Sams family. Owners and operators of Full Quiver Farms & Farmstead Cheese, Michael and Debbie Sams and their four kids have made it their business to produce farm fresh organic cheeses and pastured pork. Children Joshua, Levi, Hannah, and Jesse each have a hand in working the farm. From an early age, family members learn the value of teamwork through daily chores like milking the cows, feeding livestock, gathering eggs, and of course, most important to the hungry customer...making the cheese.

When it comes to cheese, the choices are abundant. To name just a few, these farmers offer fresh mozzarella, cheddar, five different cream cheese spreads, as well as several raw milk aged cheeses including gouda, feta, and gruyere. New on the list of cheese choices is Labaneh, a Middle Eastern soft cheese rolled into balls and covered with olive oil and feta. Additionally, they bring us a new feta marinated in olive oil with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and garlic.

Debbie proudly tells us that Full Quiver Farms & Farmstead Cheese is a grass based dairy. "The cows contentedly graze in the sunshine and fresh air. All soil improvements are done organically, and absolutely no hormones are used on the animals." As if this wasn't enough, they also bring pastured eggs, poultry, and lacto-fermented vegetables to the market for their loyal customers.

Oldest son, Joshua Miles, heads up production of the pastured pork. The pigs are well cared for and always in movable pens so that they have a constant supply of fresh grass. Added to their diet is whey from the cheese to give the meat extra flavor. Your purchase of breakfast sausage, pork chops, ribs, roasts, and hams is always a accompanied with a big smile from Joshua.

The Sunset Valley Market, formerly known as the Westlake Farmers Market, is in full swing every Saturday morning at the Toney Burger Center, and Full Quiver Farms & Farmstead Cheese is never lacking for a crowd in front of its booth. While busily taking care of customers and exchanging stories with friends, Michael was beaming with pride as he took a moment to share his products and farming experience with me. I am convinced that this is one family that has definitely found happiness in their work. And it certainly shows through the quality of their products. Debbie shares her thanks with the local community. "When you shop at this market, you are helping small farmers to support themselves and their families. You are keeping the small family farm alive and well."