The Grey Barn and Farm will be pausing its business at the end of the summer season. Owners Molly and Eric Glasgow announced the decision on Thursday, saying the business can’t keep up with the rising cost of farming and cheesemaking.

“Increased costs and changing market dynamics since the pandemic have made it clear to us that our current business model is no longer viable,” the Glasgows wrote in a letter to the community.

The popular Chilmark farmstand was founded by the Glasgows in 2009, having purchased what was then known as Rainbow Farm from David Douglas.

The operation began as a dairy farm, selling raw milk. Award-winning cheeses soon followed, and in 2019 a thriving bakery was introduced. Each summer sees long lines of hungry Vineyarders and visitors looking to purchase a variety of breads and pastries before they sell out.

Award-winning cheeses have been a big draw. — Ray Ewing

Starting with three cows in 2009, the herd of Dutch Belted cows soon blossomed to 25, producing the milk for a variety of cheeses, including Prufrock and Eidolon, named for T.S. Eliot and Walt Whitman poems, respectively.

The farmstand remained open year-round, offering meat and produce in addition to its dairy and bread products.

“The costs of farming and cheese-making have risen dramatically over the past few years and raising prices again to our customers is simply untenable,” the Glasgows wrote.

Operations will continue through the summer, along with tours and tastings.

“We have looked out our kitchen windows at the pasture every morning, deep green with summer grass or covered in a deep bed of snow, nothing but silence across the expanse,” the couple wrote. “We love it here. It has been an unbelievable privilege that we are incredibly grateful for and we are so deeply appreciative of everyone who has supported us, especially all of the amazing employees we have had the opportunity to work side by side with over the years.”