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The Cow's Coop

Farming is more than a job for young couple

By John Fitts

Staff Writer


Chris Lawler and Ashley Deming at Perry's Dairy Farm in Canton Center.

CANTON – For most people, a full-time job at a dairy farm would likely be enough when it comes to work. 

Milking, rotating cows in and out of pasture, birthing, supplemental grain feeding and a thousand other daily chores at Perry’s Dairy Farm in Canton Center keep Ashley Deming and Chris Lawler plenty busy. 

The young couple makes up two thirds of the full-time staff (there are part timers as well) at the farm, which has a milking herd of approximately 33. 

But the dairy is much more than a job in the minds of Deming and Lawler. They are fully committed to keeping the farm going and, like most farmers, have found ways to diversify. 

Notably, the two own and operate The Cow’s Coop at Perry’s Dairy Farm. 

It started in 2018 as a side business out of their house.  


The Cow's Coop at Perry's Dairy Farm.

“We loved cows, and we loved chickens, so we wanted to combine the two,” Deming said. “And then we got pigs and goats later, so who knows what it would be called otherwise.”

One staple of the business has been cold-process soaps, which Ashley initially made using cow’s milk, and later expanded to goat’s milk as well.  

“I wanted to do something else with the milk to get the community involved a little bit,” Deming said. “I have a lot of nervous energy I need to get out sometimes. That was a way for me to relieve that.”

In May of 2021, The Cow’s Coop moved to the farm itself and while it’s a separate business, the two operate hand in hand. Visitors to The Cow’s Coop farm store can shop for items such as the various soaps, beef produced by members of the Perry family, regional farm-produced goods, apparel, eggs, small gifts, and Cabot Creamery products. The latter is a natural as Perry’s Dairy is a member of the Agri-Mark Dairy Farmer Cooperative – which includes Cabot Creamery and McCadam Cheese. 

The Cow’s Coop has gained a following on social media and there’s no shortage of cute calf photos, excitement for seasonal soap releases and other engaging content, mixed in with some education about farming, food labels and more. 

But while the pastoral pictures are authentic, they perhaps don’t fully convey the incredible amount of hours involved in farm work.  

Inside The Cow's Coop farm stand.

Deming, for example, often finds herself milking as early as 3 a.m. and making soap at 8 p.m. In between are a myriad of other tasks physical, mental and technological in nature. 

“I grew up here in Canton and I didn’t know a 100th of all that goes into the farm,” Deming said. “It looks pretty from the side of the road but until you’re inside that barn behind closed doors, the amount of hard work and labor and love and…”

“Sleepless nights,” Lawler added. 

“And crying,” Deming continued, noting that the circle of life – with its joys and sorrows – is ever present on a farm. “Everything happens.”

But the two also love the work. 

Lawler, 31, who grew up in Canton, first came to the farm at age 11. 

“I needed something to do when I was younger” he said. “My parents had a family friend that used to work here when I was younger that said ‘bring him down to the farm.’ I pretty much never left.”

Seasonal soaps are always a favorite. (Submitted photo)

He did, however, take the time to further his education and participated in the agriculture program at Suffield High School, graduating in 2010. He also studied at SUNY Cobleskill in 2010-2011 for a year, majoring in Agriculture Engineering, Power and Machinery program.

Deming, 29, is a 2012 Canton High School graduate who also spent some of her formative years in Avon. An avid athlete, she suffered a concussion in her junior year and that helped push her away from such careers as sports medicine or physical therapy toward another love – animals. 

She worked at a campus dairy in her first year of college. Upon returning to Canton, she was led to the farm.

“When I was working one shift at the Whole Donut, Walter LeGeyt overhead me say ‘I just want to be milking cows’ and he gave me Scott Perry’s number and I came here, worked full time and decided this is what I want to do.”

Inspired by her experience at the farm, she enrolled for the 2014-2015 University of Wisconsin-Madison Farm & Industry Short Course, majoring in Dairy Herd Management. She had started in the same educational system – studying animal science at UW-Platteville for a year in 2012-2013.

Deming also worked for a time for Dairy 1 in New York – being intimately involved in another side of dairy farming – extensive milk testing.  

“I’m watching everybody farm, but I wasn’t doing it,” she said. 

She found her way back to the dairy, also working part-time as a vet tech before eventually committing to farming full time. The farm is where her heart truly lies. 

“When you come here, no matter what, you belong,” she said. “Loving cows and animals in Canton isn’t really a common thing but when you come here – We’re kind of like the land of misfits. Everybody here didn’t fit in out there, so you come here and you kind of join the herd.”

Ashley Deming and Chris Lawler with Scott Perry (center) of Perry’s Dairy Farm.

Scott Perry said his parents bought the Barbourtown Road property in 1946. His late mother “Peg” raised the last Ancon Sheep – now an extinct breed – on the land. 

The dairy farm came a little later. 

Although their mother had said no cows, Scott’s late brother Robert brought home a calf from a nearby farmer – Carl Dewey – sometime in the mid to late 1960s. 

One thing led to another and Scott Perry, who graduated high school in 1969, said he started dairy farming around the Spring of 1972. 

“Some people in the family knew you needed money. I didn’t know that. I just thought you needed to do what you wanted to do so I wanted to build a barn. My father figured out somebody had to pay for it. Between him and my mother’s sister, they put up all the money, but I did all the work.”

In the ensuing years, the farm continued to grow and is a multi-faceted operation that involves several family members in different capacities. The farm sits on 170 acres – and benefits from numerous hay fields and pastures owned by the family. Currently there are approximately 33 milking cows, with approximately 16 heifers, 20 dairy calves in addition to 17 or so beef cows. 



Ashley Deming milks a cow at Perry’s Dairy Farm.

Dairy breeds include Jerseys, Holsteins, and Guernsey crosses. Beef varieties include Angus, Hereford, Limousine, Simmental, Wagyu and Akaushi.

Lawler and Deming are putting in their share of hard work, particularly with their own business and on the dairy side. The two are soaking up all the information Scott Perry is passing along from his years of experience running the farm’s dairy operations. 

“You can’t really call Scott a boss,” Deming said. “He’s a mentor, because he’s just very special.”

“That’s been my gift to try and get them going,” Perry said. “It’s difficult just walking into this business without someone trying to help you.” 

And Deming and Lawler hope to keep at it - and keep things going - as long as possible.  

“The Cow’s Coop and Perry’s Dairy are working together to keep the dairy operating,” Deming said. “Perry’s Dairy will always be Perry’s Dairy; we are just here to keep cows in the fields as long as we can.” VL


The Cow’s Coop at Perry’s Dairy Farm 

• 24 Barbourtown Road, Canton Center, CT 06019

• Instagram: thecowscoop

• Products are also featured at many other local and regional stores and markets. See updates at https://thecowscoop.com/pages/where-to-find-us



Another view inside The Cow's Coop.
Ashley Deming at Perry’s Dairy with Tapioca, a Holstein/Guernsey cross.

Chris Lawler puts out grain for some of the dairy cows. While the cows are rotationally pasture raised, the starch in grain gives them extra protein and energy.

– Perry’s Dairy Farm recently took 2nd Place Regional Milk Quality Award for 2023 at the AgriMark meeting. In the photo are Ashley Deming and Chris Lawler. (submitted photo)

Chris Lawler among some of the numerous calves born on the farm in the fall of 2023.

Ashley Deming milks a cow at Perry’s Dairy Farm.

Ashley Deming hooks a milking hose into the DeLaval pipeline system in the tie-stall barn at Perry’s Dairy. In background is Chris Lawler.

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Valley Happenings

Fighting Cancer Pasta Dinner:

Benefit for Avon Volunteer Fire Department

Deputy Chief Dave Theriault

Saturday, February 22, 2025, 3:00-7:00 p.m. 

Avon Senior Center, 635 West Avon Road, Avon

AVFD Deputy Chief of Administration Dave Theriault is facing a tough battle against Stage 4 cancer. The AVFD, along with Tunxis Hose Co. No. 1 and the Farmington Fire Department, is holding a pasta dinner to help raise money for Chief Theriault’s medical expenses. In addition to delicious food, drinks, and camaraderie, the event will feature dozens of raffle prizes. Event tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for seniors and children under 10 years old. They can be purchased at the door or in advance at AVFD Headquarters, 25 Darling Drive, Avon (Mondays, 8:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. and Tuesdays-Fridays, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.). Contributions can be made via Venmo @supportDave or by mail to the AVFD at 25 Darling Drive, Avon, CT 06001. 

Canton Community Health Fund Applications

Canton Community Health Fund, Inc. Opens 2025 Application Season, on March 1, 2025, for Canton Community Partner Grants & Canton Scholars Pursuing Careers in Healthcare or Public Safety Canton Community Health Fund, Inc. (CCHF), opens its grant and scholarship application season March 1. CCHF encourages State of CT certified non-profits serving the Canton community to apply for Community Partner grants. In addition, graduating high school seniors seeking higher education in healthcare or public safety are invited to apply for either a Dr. Diters Legacy Scholarship or a Pay It Forward Scholarship. Applications and informative Fact Sheets are available online at www.cantoncommunityhealthfund.org.  Community Partner Grant and Scholarship awards will be announced in June/2025.

 

Avon Library events

AVON –The following events are scheduled at Avon Free Public Library. The library is at Avon Library, 281 Country Club Road, Avon. All programs are in person except where noted. For more information on adult programs, contact Adult Services Reference Desk via avonref@avonctlibrary.info 860-673-9712 x 7203

• Antique Map Collecting 101, Saturday, Feb. 1 at 1 p.m. Registration is required: https://www.avonctlibrary.info/event/antique-map-collecting/

• Morning Book Club. Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 10:30 a.m., The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose, Registration is required: https://www.avonctlibrary.info/events/tag/morning-book-club/

• Meditation for Balance and Inner Contentment. (Virtual Event) Thursday, Feb. 6 at 7 pm.

• Eastern Coyotes in Connecticut (Virtual Event) Thursday, Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m.

• Fashion and the First Lady (Virtual Event). Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 2 p.m.

• Hoop Skirts to Flappers: Eighty Years of Connecticut Fashion. Monday, Feb. 24 at 2 p.m.

• The Golden Age of Hollywood. (Virtual Event) Tuesday, March 4 at 2 pm.

 

Simsbury Lions Club

The Simsbury Lions Club is looking for people interested in volunteering and contributing to better our town. Our motto is “We serve,” and we do so by volunteering at local events and donating our proceeds to serving interests in our community.

If interested, please feel free to contact Sandy Kremer at Tprkremer@gmail.com or Philip Painchaud at painchaudp@gmail.com.”

 

Winter sowing workshop

The Farmington Land trust is hosting a winter sowing workshop focused on raising native plants. Make your own up-cycled greenhouse from a milk jug and prep some beneficial native plants for the coming growing season. Sunday, Feb 2 from 11a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Farmington Senior Center. RSVP here: https://www.farmingtonlandtrust.org/event-details/winter-sowing-seminar-native-seed-planting

 

Wild Flowers from Spring to Fall

CANTON – The Cherry Brook Garden Club is hosting a lecture on “Following Our Wild Flowers from Spring to Fall” on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 11 a.m. at the Canton Community Center, lower level, 40 Dyer Avenue. Steve Messier, Lichenologist and former Science teacher at Canton High School will discuss the topic. The lecture is open to the public. There is a $5 guest fee for non-members. Email questions to cherrybrookgardenclub@gmail.com.

 

‘Five Wishes’ at McLean

SIMSBURY – Join Kevin Baran, M.D., medical director, and the McLean Hospice Team for a special “McLean & Me Educational Series” presentation to learn how to talk about and record your wishes for care through the end of life, so those wishes can be understood and respected. The presentation will be held at McLean’s Garmany Performing Arts Center, 50 Sarah Lane, Simsbury, on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 6 p.m. The presentation is free but an RSVP by Feb. 4 is required as seating is limited. A light dinner will be provided.

To register, visit McLeanCare.org/Events, email Margaret.Clark@McLeanCare.org, or call 860-658-3718.

 

‘Art Throb!’ Exhibit

Gallery on the Green presents “Art Throb!” Exhibit plus a Solo Exhibit by Kathi Packer Friday, Feb. 14 through Saturday, March 15. An opening reception is on Saturday, Feb. 15 from 6-8 p.m. and will include refreshments. The show and reception are free.

“Art Throb!” is a heartfelt Valentine’s Day celebration presented by the membership of Canton Artists’ Guild. The artists use a wide range of media including painting, prints, drawing, photography, sculpture, ceramics and mixed media to represent the emotional intensity, joy and complexity of love.

In the upstairs Gallery, Kathi Packer has a solo show, “Another Tale.”  Packer notes that a friend’s casual invitation to go on safari in 2008 substantially changed the direction of her artistic journey.The gallery is located near the intersection of Dowd Avenue and Route 44 at 5 Canton Green Road in Canton. Hours are Friday – Sunday, 1-5 pm. The main floor gallery is handicapped accessible.

Website: http://www.galleryonthegreen.org; Phone:  860-693-4102

 

TABLESCAPES fundraiser returns to benefit the new

Avon History Museum

AVON – The Avon Historical Society invites the public to its sixth TABLESCAPES event showcasing up to 30 creative and original table settings on Friday, March 14 and Saturday, March 15 at the historic North House, 1 Nod Road, Avon.

This event will feature themed table settings from local professional designers, florists, businesses, individuals, artists and others featuring fresh floral arrangements, centerpieces and accessories. Proceeds will benefit the installation of professionally curated exhibits in the new Avon History Museum scheduled to open on Friday, July 4, 2025.

Back by popular demand will be a “Table and Barware Tag Sale” on both days. Admission to TABLESCAPES includes the tag sale. Tickets are $20 each pre-sale and at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at www.avonhistoricalsociety.org or by calling Mary Harrop at 860-670-3225 before March 8.

Those interested in sponsorship opportunities can also call Harrop.

 

Alzheimer’s Support Group

FARMINGTON – Hearts, Hugs & Hope: An Alzheimer’s Support Group takes place Feb. 20, 2025, 6 p.m. at Farmington Station Assisted Living and Memory Care Community, 111 Scott Swamp Road, Farmington. Dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia isn’t easy, so it is helpful to share your concerns and personal experiences with others who completely understand what you’re going through. You will also learn about proven strategies to help you better care for your family member. This group is being offered both in person and via Zoom on the third Thursday of each month. If you plan to attend, contact Director of Compass Programming Katherine Jedynasty at kjedynasty@farmingtonslr.com.

 

Used book sale

AVON - A huge book sale will be held Feb. 28 and March 1 in St. Ann’s Church Hall, 289 Arch Road at Route 167.  Hours are Friday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. ($5 adult admission) and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (no admission fee).

Thousands of books will be organized in separate sections, including Fiction, History, Biography, Politics, Children, Music, Cooking, Sports, Art, Vintage, and more!  A large selection of Children’s books will be available.  Fiction books will be divided by hardcover, paperback, and trade paperback and sorted alphabetically by author.  DVDs, CDs, books on CDs, Vinyl records, and puzzles will be available, also.  Most books will be $3 or less with vintage and specialty books priced higher.

 

Daisy Days: All-Girls Summer Day Camp Experience

FARMINGTON – Miss Porter’s School, a renowned institution with a legacy of empowering young women, is excited to announce the launch of Daisy Days, an all-new day camp for girls entering grades 3-5 this fall. Starting this summer, Daisy Days will offer a unique, joy-filled experience designed to spark creativity, build confidence, and inspire self-discovery in an empowering all-girls environment.

For additional details, visit pcgl.porters.org/daisy-days.

 

Artist demonstration

Avon Arts Association will hold a guest artist demonstration featuring  Granby artist Laura Eden on Tuesday, February 18 at  Avon Town Hall, 60 W. Main St., lower level, at 6:30 p.m. Ms. Eden will demonstrate egg tempera painting.

The demo is free and open to the public ($5 suggested donation). A workshop with Ms. Eden will be held at the same location in the Avon Room on Saturday, Feb. 22, 10-2 with  set up at 9:30. Fee: $45 for members, $55 for nonmembers). www.AvonArts.org

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