Herd Share
The consumer purchases a share in a dairy herd, in our case a goat herd. It is illegal in the State of Texas to sell raw milk or even pasteurized milk from a non-Grade A dairy for human consumption. However, it is legal for anyone to drink milk from their own dairy animals.
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We understand that not everyone has the time or facilities to keep their own dairy goats, and so our herd share program allows customers to purchase a share of our herd, and thus receive the milk produced by “their” goats. We feed, house, and milk the animals, and you pay us for producing your milk. You do not buy milk from the farmer; rather, you pay the farmer a monthly fee for the service of keeping the animals and the labor for milking. The monthly fee also covers things like feed and veterinary care.
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Herd share programs share the farmer’s liability since the animals belong to the consumers and the consumers are drinking the milk from their own animals.
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How does a herd share work?
First, you sign our herd share agreement, then pay your buy-in fee and jar deposit. Each month, you pay your monthly fee. You then receive a pre-determined weekly amount of milk based on the type of share purchased. Owning a share in the Phinney Farm goat herd ensures a weekly supply of fresh, raw goat milk for you and your family. This share provides you with ½ gallon of milk per week.
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Our goats are seasonal breeders and do not produce milk year-round. This is because like all mammals, a goat must have a baby to produce milk. After birth we do not milk for 4 weeks, which allows the kid to get 100% of their mother’s milk. At 4 weeks we begin “kid sharing”, when the kids are separated at night. We milk once in the morning, and then mom and kid are reunited during the day. At 12 weeks, the kids are fully weaned, and we begin milking twice a day. They are in full milk production for 7 months, during which we get a ton of surplus milk.
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How long does my herd share last?
Your share is in perpetuity! We will accept new herd share customers at any time of the year provided we have the shares. You are given the option of getting a reduced amount of milk during the dry period or taking several months off.
The herd share contract is for a minimum of three months. (One time charge of 3 month supply) After participating in the program for three months, shareholders will be able to continue on a month-to-month basis.
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If you choose to cancel, you’ll need to provide a 30-day written notice, and then we will buy back your herd share for $5. Once you cancel your shares are now available to others so there is no guarantee that you will be able to buy back into the herd.
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How much are herd shares?
It depends on how much milk you want!
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Each share is $49 per month and ensures 1/2 a gallon of milk per week during the milking season. You ARE able to purchase MORE than one share for your household. There is a ONE TIME buy in fee of $15 per share. You will supply your own 1/2 gallon glass mason jars each week.
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We offer a discount for people who purchase 3 or more shares. Reach out for more information.
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How do I receive my milk?
Milk pick up is by appointment ONLY on weekdays between 5-7pm here at Phinney Farm. Each time you pick up you will bring empty 1/2 gallon mason jars to leave for the week until your next pick up.