Farm Fresh Raw Milk
What is a Herdshare?
A herdshare is a contractual arrangement between you, the consumer, and the farmer. You buy a share in the herd and pay for the famers services. By buying into a herd you are essentially buying part of a milking animal and paying for the farmer to milk her and do all the hard work, so you don’t have to. You get to get all the benefits of having a milking cow, fresh raw milk, and all you have to do is come and pick it up.
Herdshare Details
One share entitles the share owner to 1 gallon of milk weekly(1 jar). There is an initial buy in fee of $100 per share, this is for buying jars and any other supplies needed for each share. After the buy in fee, each share holder is charged $60 per month for boarding of your part of the animal and the care that, that animal needs. We also offer 1/2 shares, so you may purchase a share that best meets your milk needs. Whether that be 1/2 gallon or 3 gallons(or more) per week.
How is our milk packaged?
1 gallon mason jars with airtight plastic pour spout lids are provided per share. Jars are to be returned weekly, clean and dry. Jars are sanitized prior to being refilled with milk.
How is Milk picked up?
Share holders pick up their milk on the same day each week. The milk will be ready and waiting for you in the refrigerator in our farm store on your designated day. You are welcome to pick up your milk anytime during store hours on your milk day.
What do the cows Eat?
Our cows have access to pasture 24 hours a day in dry conditions. They are fed total mixed ration (TMR) from the farm that both Alex and Rebecca work on, they have access to this feed 24/7/365. TMR, is kinda like the dog or cat food you buy at the store. It’s a bunch of different ingredients in perfect balance to meet the cows needs and make sure she is happy and healthy.
What testing is done?
On a daily bases we will visually check milk for irregularities and signs of mastitis. weekly we will run a California mastitis test (CMT) to ensure quality of milk and catch any mastitis that isn’t able to be seen by the naked eye. We will also routinely send milk samples into a lab to find out exact numbers for bacteria counts, percent protein, percent fat, and many of counts that will always be shared with our share holders.
Do we use Antibiotics?
We never give daily antibiotics to improve production or growth. Any time an animal has an injury or illness, we first will try to treat in a natural way such as herbs, vitamins, or other forms of natural treatments. If that path does not work, we will use antibiotics to protect the animals quality of life and promote healing. Any cow that is treated will be removed from the milking line until she tests clear of antibiotics, those results will be shared with share holders. Share holders will be notified if any treatment is necessary, and will be updated on the cows status.