Raw Milk Herd-Share ProgramIn the state of Kentucky, it is illegal to buy or sell raw milk. It is not illegal, however, to drink raw milk from a cow. goat, or animal that you own. Herd-share program allows individuals to buy into a share of the herds of animals available on the farm, pay a monthly fee to the farmer to provide feed and labor in caring for the herd, and in return, the individual gets to drink the creamy, sweet and smooth milk provided from their share of ownership in the herd. Thus you are not buying raw milk, rather you are agreeing to be an share owner who has purchased an undivided interest of the animals available on the farm for the purpose of sharing in a herd share together with others and paying our family to feed and care for them
In short, you are going to purchase a share in the OWNERSHIP of a portion of the herds available on the farm. You have the healthy benefits of eating nutritious products from a herd of farm animals by paying fees to support them, and the our family will do all the work required to care for them. |
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How does this work?
The bottom line is you are not buying raw milk; rather, you are agreeing to "Board and Share Ownership" in an undivided interest of the animals available on our farm for the purpose of consumption of the products produced by those animals and therefore that monthly support allows our family, the farmer, to feed and care for them on your behalf.
Here's how to become a part of our herdshare:
*Remember that we are a small-scale family farm with a small, seasonal dairy herd - this means there will be time that we may not have any raw milk available due to calving or other seasonal changes. Since we do have more than one dairy cow, we try to make sure that you will receive your milk weekly; however, our biodynamic practice includes calf sharing and dry-off period for our cow prior to calving which occasionally reduce our milk availability. The herd share fee as shown is calculated with the possibility of lack of milk in mind. We also accept only small number of share owners to help ensure milk availability as much as possible year-round.
Here's how to become a part of our herdshare:
- Get on our waiting list HERE.
- Once we have a spot open for you, you will receive an email to confirm your interest. Once confirmed, we will send a contract plus an invoice for the initial buy in fee in the amount of $50, $35, or $20 for full, half, or quarter share respectively plus jar deposits. You will also pay a monthly boarding fee that is billed monthly (first month pro-rated amount is due at the time of contract). The initial sign up fee is waived for those that were a herd share owner for a full 12 months in the prior year. This is a 12 months commitment. The current boarding fee is set as follow:
- Full Share Option - $45.00/month | This option entitles you to one full gallon of raw milk per week when available*.
- Half Share Option - $35.00/month | This option entitles you to 1/2 gallon of raw milk per week when available*.
- Quarter Share Option - $19.00/month | This option entitles you to one pint of raw milk per week when available*.
- Additional milk may be arranged FREE OF CHARGE by giving us a call or sending us a message on Facebook or Instagram to inquire about availability.
*Remember that we are a small-scale family farm with a small, seasonal dairy herd - this means there will be time that we may not have any raw milk available due to calving or other seasonal changes. Since we do have more than one dairy cow, we try to make sure that you will receive your milk weekly; however, our biodynamic practice includes calf sharing and dry-off period for our cow prior to calving which occasionally reduce our milk availability. The herd share fee as shown is calculated with the possibility of lack of milk in mind. We also accept only small number of share owners to help ensure milk availability as much as possible year-round.
When will you have any RAW MILK available?
We maintain a very small herd of dairy cow and spend a lot of time with each of them. We have a seasonal dairy herd - this means there will be time that we may not have any raw milk available due to calving or other seasonal changes. Being a part of the herd-share does not guarantee you a certain amount of milk each week. Rather, you will be entitled to available raw milk up to 1/2 gallon or 1 gallon, depending on your ownership level, whenever the herd is producing.
Your share does not guarantee milk from a specific cow; rather, you are obtaining a share of our entire herd. On average, our entire herd produces approximately 20-40 gallons of milk per week, depending on calf's milk intake, weather, and other seasonal changes. To guarantee availability of all share owners, we accept a very limited number of Owner to our herd share program.
Summer 2022 raw milk availability should begin approximately in mid-July 2022.
Your share does not guarantee milk from a specific cow; rather, you are obtaining a share of our entire herd. On average, our entire herd produces approximately 20-40 gallons of milk per week, depending on calf's milk intake, weather, and other seasonal changes. To guarantee availability of all share owners, we accept a very limited number of Owner to our herd share program.
Summer 2022 raw milk availability should begin approximately in mid-July 2022.
How do I get my milk weekly?
Click HERE to see our current pick up locations.
What if I can't pick my milk up that week?
If you cannot pick up your milk at your pre-selected location that week, you must let us know at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled pick up date/time to re-schedule your pick up at one of our other alternate pick up locations. Failure to notify us will result in your milk being forfeited that week. This is because we typically do not return to our farm immediately after each drop off, and your milk will become spoiled if not picked up and refrigerated in a timely manner.
What if I move away or no longer want raw milk?
You may cancel your ownership within the first 30 days without paying a penalty. You will receive a pro-rated refund for the weekly boarding fee for any unused week during that first month. The initial sign up fee is not refundable.
After 30 days notice, you may exit your ownership agreement with a 30 days notice with a termination fee equal to two (2) months of the boarding fees.
Your ownership cannot be transferred to another person.
After 30 days notice, you may exit your ownership agreement with a 30 days notice with a termination fee equal to two (2) months of the boarding fees.
Your ownership cannot be transferred to another person.
Can I do more?
Absolutely! As herd-share owner, you are a part owner of our cows! We hope this will mean you will love and care for them just as much as we do, but with the benefit of never having to get your hands or feet dirty. You can always purchase cow-treats, new halter, extra feed, or contribute extra toward their hay during the winter month. Anything can be dropped off at our farm during our Sunday hours between 3pm - 6pm, or during one of our farmers' market. Our shop also have items you may purchase to contribute toward the health and well-being for your herd as well!
