For people who don't want to get beefed up on growth hormones, there's going to be an alternative soon: locally produced organic milk, cheese and dairy products.

The Cooperstown Cheese Company hasn't officially opened yet, but a steady stream of visitors are showing up to sample and purchase some of the products, including cheddar cheese in 32 flavors, such as horseradish, tomato basil and bacon peppercorn.

Karen Morris from Oklahoma joked that she drove out just for the opening of the store.

Deanna Pellegrini, manning the samples stand, said the company has every reason to be optimistic about their grand opening slated for next month.

"People have been very enthusiastic about organic, local products," Pellegrini said. "They're so anxious for us to be open, we decided to put out some samples."

Products will include ice cream, cream cheese, milk in various flavors containing full to little fat, butter, flavored cheeses, mozzarella, ricotta and cheese curds. There will be a deli area with soup, sandwiches and salads. A green mural of rolling hills and cows is already painted on the wall.

Co-owner Robert Myers said that it takes three years to cultivate ground for grazing organic cows because pesticides and chemical fertilizers can't be used on the grass. The animals are not treated with hormones, he said, and this is popular with consumers these days. His primary motivation for opening the business was to resurrect some hope and profit for local dairy farmers who have been crushed by the changing times.

"I have two boys and I want to help make the future more positive for them," said Myers.

The facilities also include a processing plant. Both owners, Allan Babcock and Myers, have farms of their own and will be using milk from their own certified organic cows to create their products. Students from BOCES will take advantage of the premises to learn how to make dairy products.