Bellwether Farms is an American artisanal dairy company based in Sonoma County, California, specializing in the production of farmstead cheeses and cultured dairy products. Founded in 1986 by Cindy Callahan and later joined by her son Liam Callahan, Bellwether Farms began as a small family farm raising East Friesian sheep, becoming one of the first sheep dairies in the United States.
The company is renowned for its handcrafted cheeses and yogurts made from sheep’s milk, cow’s milk, and blends of both. Its product range includes award-winning cheeses such as San Andreas, Carmody, Pepato, Ricotta, and a line of sheep milk yogurts. Bellwether Farms is particularly recognized for its commitment to traditional, small-batch production methods and the use of high-quality milk sourced from its own sheep and local family farms.
Sustainability, animal welfare, and preserving the integrity of the Sonoma coastal agricultural community are central to the company’s philosophy. Bellwether Farms products are distributed in specialty food stores, natural grocers, and high-end retailers throughout the United States.
The brand has received multiple awards from organizations such as the American Cheese Society and is celebrated for its role in advancing the American artisan cheese movement.
