North Sky Farm ‘Meadowland’ Organic Artisan Camembert, Illinois

Rich, earthy, and distinctly mushroomy, North Sky Farm ‘Meadowland’ Organic Artisan Camembert, Illinois is a small-batch, soft-ripened cheese made from certified organic cow's milk in North Sky Farm's on-farm creamery. Farmers and cheesemakers Mariah and Travis Hurt give Meadowland careful affinage to develop its thin bloomy rind and full, savory character. A 2026 Illinois State Fair 1st Place Blue Ribbon winner, it is the bolder counterpart to the farm's mellow Tallgrass Brie, combining a creamy interior with the earthy depth that defines classic Camembert.

Product Details:

• Producer: North Sky Farm
• Owners & Cheesemakers: Mariah Hurt and Travis Hurt
• Style: Camembert, soft-ripened bloomy rind
• Milk: Certified organic pasteurized cow's milk
• Rennet: Vegetable-based rennet
• Ingredients: Organic pasteurized cow's milk, vegetable-based rennet, salt, cultures
• Rind: Thin bloomy rind
• Production: Small-batch, on-farm creamery
• Farming: Grass-fed dairy production
• Dietary: Vegetarian
• Storage: Refrigerated

Sensory Description:

Meadowland has a rich, earthy flavor profile marked by distinctive mushroomy undertones. Its thin bloomy rind, developed through careful affinage, contributes additional savory depth while surrounding a creamy interior. The result is a fuller and bolder expression within North Sky Farm's soft-ripened range, balancing luxurious texture with the woodland character associated with Camembert.

Awards & Accolades:

• 2026 Illinois State Fair: 1st Place Blue Ribbon

Producer’s Background:

Mariah and Travis Hurt are the farmers and cheesemakers behind North Sky Farm, a Certified Organic micro-dairy with an on-farm creamery in Northern Illinois. After farming on leased land in Virginia, the Hurts moved their operation to a 60-acre Illinois dairy farm in 2022 and developed the cheesemaking program that now includes Meadowland, Tallgrass, and Halo. Their small-batch approach connects pasture-based dairy farming with traditional cheesemaking, while organic agriculture, environmental stewardship, and care for the surrounding community remain central to the farm's philosophy. Meadowland brings that approach into a richer, earthier style of soft-ripened cheese.

Serving Suggestions:

Meadowland is well suited to cheese and charcuterie boards, baked preparations, grilled cheese, and warm appetizers. For a simple centerpiece, score the top of the wheel and bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes until soft and molten, then drizzle with honey, scatter with fresh thyme, and serve with crusty baguette. For a savory-sweet grilled cheese, layer Meadowland with thinly sliced apple and crisp bacon between buttered slices of sourdough and grill until golden and fully melted.