Delivered farm-fresh since 1920

Discover the Smith Brothers Farms difference

We take great pride in our company—our products, our people, our customers and our heritage. We are committed to providing Washington families with the freshest milk and other fine products with an element of personalized service that’s hard to come by in our hurry-up, high-tech world.

We celebrate the milkman and believe in the convenience of home delivery. It offers a level of freshness and quality that is simply unmatched by the neighborhood grocer and literally impossible for a warehouse chain to provide.

“When it comes to milk, it’s all about freshness,” says Smith Brothers Farms’ Todd Behan, a fourth-generation family member who oversees operations. “If you watch people buying milk in the grocery store, they always reach for the milk in the back. At Smith Brothers, you don’t have to reach. We hand deliver the freshest milk you can buy.”

Simple truths about fresh milk and Smith Brothers Farms:

  • We’ve been delivering farm-fresh milk since 1920—more than 90 years!
  • We offer the freshest milk—from the farm to your fridge in 24 to 48 hours.
  • In the ‘90s, dairies began giving their cows artificial hormones (rBST) to spike milk production. We are proud to say our milk has always been rBST free!
  • We impose higher standards on our milk. For example, when milk is received for processing, it should not be warmer than 45 degrees or freshness is compromised. Our milk master only accepts milk at 43 degrees or less.
  • We pasteurize our milk but never ultra-pasteurize. What’s the difference? Ultra-pasteurization involves heating the milk at a higher temperature, which allows the milk to keep 45-60 days longer (gasp!) before it is opened for consumption. It is done simply to eliminate spoilage of milk that must travel great distances to reach store shelves and/or must sit on the shelf for an extended period of time. Ultra-pasteurization gives milk a “cooked” taste.

Our history

Located in the foothills of the Kent Valley, Smith Brothers Farms is a local family-owned and operated dairy farm that has been serving the greater Puget Sound area for more than 90 years. Started in 1920 by Benjamin F. Smith with one cow and a few customers, the farm quickly flourished.

Since then, we have grown to be one of the largest independent retail dairies in the region, producing and delivering the freshest milk and an assortment of select Northwest products. We are one of the largest home delivery dairies in the country, delivering products to more than 45,000 homes every week.

Fun Facts:

  • The Smith family has always had an entrepreneurial spirit. In addition to starting the dairy farm in 1920, the family once owned an airplane landing strip and the Smith Tractor & Equipment Company.
  • Smith Brothers Farms’ headquarters is located in the exact location where the original farm began back in 1920.
  • Founder Ben Smith had five daughters and two sons, Dan and Howard, for whom he named the company “Smith Brothers.”
  • Smith Brothers Farms has been in the same family for four generations, with family members involved at every level of the company today, from the milkman to the CEO.

Timeline:

1911      The first electric refrigerator is sold for in-home use. Before long, Smith Brothers milk will be delivered from the farm to the fridge.

1920      Benjamin F. Smith starts Smith Brothers Farms with just one cow and a few customers.

1950      The refrigerator becomes commonplace in American homes, diminishing the need for daily milk delivery, but Smith Brothers Farms doesn’t miss a beat.

1965      Research indicates that light exposure compromises the taste and freshness of milk, so Smith Brothers Farms switches from translucent glass bottles to cartons.

1970      Smith Brothers Farms celebrates 50 years.

1980      Smith Brothers operates dairy farms in Kent, Snohomish, Monroe and Duvall.

1990s    Many dairy farms across the nation began administering rBST growth hormones to their cattle to increase milk production. Smith Brothers is proud to report that our milk has always been 100% rBST-free.

1992      Smith Brothers processing and bottling plant is updated and expanded. Milk can now be tested, pasteurized and packaged in the same day—ensuring greater freshness and extending the expiration date from 12 to 19 days.

2001      While the company headquarters remain in Kent, all dairy cattle move to one large farm in Eastern Washington’s Royal City.

2006      The Federal Government changes milk producer/handler regulations, resulting in the decision to sell the farm in Royal City. Smith Brother’s begins sourcing milk from select farms in a co-op of Washington dairies.

2010      Smith Brothers Farms celebrates its 90th anniversary. Online ordering features are expanded to help customers manage their accounts and orders.

 

Community sponsorships

We love to give back to the communities we serve. We are proud to support the following organizations throughout the Puget Sound whose spirit and mission embody community, health, and wellness.  See below for more information on these great organizations.

PEPS
Since 1983, PEPS has helped new parents to connect and grow. Parents come together each week to share the joys and challenges of parenthood and develop confidence in their own parenting abilities. For many parents, their PEPS Group becomes part of their extended family, a supportive community that lasts a lifetime. For 2011-2013, we are proudly sponsoring PEPSapalooza, a family music fest to benefit PEPS. This year's mainstage lineup included Caspar Babypants, The Not-Its!, and Recess Monkey. Tons of family fun!

Woodland Park Zoo
For more than 100 years, Woodland Park Zoo has been a cherished community resource and a unique urban oasis. Generations of Puget Sound families have come to the zoo to marvel at the animals and be inspired by the peaceful and beautiful surroundings.

Evergreen State Fair
We're proud to sponsor first-rate fun with this community celebration. Ranked #1 in Washington county fairs, the Evergreen State Fair in Monroe is tons of fun.

Family 4th Fireworks
For the 2nd year in a row, Smith Brothers Farms helped to sponsor and keep the fireworks at Lake Union. It was great to see so many of you at Gasworks Park on the 4th!


Seattle Thunderbirds
We are proud to be the official milk of the Seattle Thunderbirds, our neighbor here in the Kent Valley. Keep an eye out for ticket specials and other fun events at Thunderbirds games.
Subway Washington Games logo


Subway Washington Games
We happily sponsored the 2011 Subway Washington Games, an annual sports festival that includes 29 different sports, all to promote health and fitness among youth. Thanks to all of you who participated in the culminating event, the Milkman 5000, a new 5k road race at Emerald Downs, Puget Sound's premier horse racing track.

Seasonal events

In this high-tech world of ours, we still appreciate a good, old-fashioned handshake and the chance to visit with folks face-to-face. That’s why we attend some 300+ events a year—to meet fellow milk drinkers, hand out product samples, answer questions and share stories about 90+ years of delivering fresh milk to front porches throughout Puget Sound.

We are always adding to the calendar. In the summer months, we attend lots of farmers markets and special events, so check back regularly. To learn more about Smith Brothers Farms’ sightings in the community, visit our Facebook page or sign up for Twitter updates.

If you have an event you’d like for us to attend, get in touch.

January 2012

  • 6-8, Puyallup Home & Garden Show
  • 21, Bellevue College Healthy Kids Healthy Families Fair
  • 25-29, Tacoma Home & Garden Show

February 2012

  • 8-12, Northwest Flower & Garden Show
  • 18-26, Seattle Home Show
  • 24, You Me We

March 2012

  • 3, Kids Art Day
  • 2-4, Northwest Women's Show
  • 9-11, Tacoma Remodeling Expo
  • 16-18, Peninsula Home & Garden
  • 17-18, Crossroads Doll & Teddy Show
  • 23-25, Seattle Remodeling Expo
  • 31-1, Woodinville Craft Fair