What is a dairy goat or dairy cow share?
A share is part ownership of a dairy cow or a dairy goat. Owning a dairy goat or cow, or a portion of a dairy goat or cow, entitles you a certain percentage of what that animal produces.

Each State has different laws regarding milk. In the State of Michigan, you may drink milk from a goat or cow that you own. By owning a share in a dairy goat or cow, you have a fresh supply of your own milk to drink; you are generally allotted a weekly share of fresh, usually raw (unpasteurized) milk ready for pickup at a designated time. Plus, you are also allotted a share of manure (great for gardening compost) from your goat or cow.

How does a goat or cow share work?
You share, along with others, own a percentage of a dairy goat or a cow. This entitles you to receive a portion of the milk and the manure which that animal produces during the time of your share contract. Cows and goats require care such as maintenance, feeding, housing, milking and more. A farm would board your goat or cow, care for it, milk it, and prepare the milk for you to pickup from the farm. You pay the herdsman for the boarding, care, feeding, and milking of your goat or cow.

How much milk can I expect from a cow or goat share?
One share might provide approximately one gallon of milk for about thirty three weeks or so, depending on the individual farm and depending on the individual animal. Each breed of dairy goat milks a different amount, and the same is true of individual breeds of dairy cows. The farm you work with will know what these amounts are.

For instance, the average lactation for dairy goats at Quaker Farm is around 8 months (April to December). However, a goat or a cow elsewhere might milk for a shorter or longer period of time. Many dairy goat farmers milk their does for at least eight months, but sometimes more. This is rough and general estimate which will likely vary farm to farm.

What if I would like more milk than one gallon a week?
Purchase a second, third, or fourth share. You can usually purchase as many goat or cow shares as needed, although, some farms have a waiting list.

How much does a dairy goat share cost?
When we offered shares at Quaker Farm, you first purchased a goat share(s) for $45.00 per share, per year. Then, once you owned a dairy goat share, you needed to board your goat. Boarding or husbandry costs were $40.00 per month. This entitled you to approximately 1 gallon of milk per week, however, since milk production fluctuates, this amount was subject to change slightly throughout any given season. Remember, cow or goat, you are purchasing a share of ownership of a particular animal and the amount of milk that animal produces will likely vary.

How do I pay my boarding fee?
To avoid any confusion that a person might be "buying" raw milk, we did not accept payment of the boarding fee at the time of milk pick-up. For example, boarding fees might be be paid on the first of each month.

How do I get started?
Thoroughly review the information provided about dairy cow or dairy goat shares from the farm you will purchase a share from. Then, request and review the purchase and boarding contract from that farm. Sign the contract (if they provide one) and once payment is received you will be the proud owner of a dairy goat or dairy cow share.

What happens if I can no longer use the milk?
If you move, buy your own milking goat or milking cow, or otherwise find yourself no longer using milk, you might be able to sell your share to the next person on the waiting list at the farm you purchased the share from - if that opportunity is available. You usually may not sell your shares to a third party. Please note: it is illegal to sell milk in Michigan if you are not a licensed and inspected dairy. If you live in Michigan, never sell your excess milk, it is against the law in the state of Michigan unless you are licensed to do so.

As a share owner, would I have a share in the kids or calves?
Generally, no. The ownership of kids or calves is usually retained by the farm you purchased your share from.

About raw goat milk
The proteins in goat milk are different from cow milk protein, making them easier for humans to digest. Goat milk is also naturally homogenized. The cream stays suspended in the milk. Raw milk contains many natural enzymes that are destroyed in the pasteurization process that commercial milk undergoes. There are many reasons for wanting to drink raw goat milk. The best may be that it tastes good!

Are goat shares legal?
It is not legal in the State of Michigan to sell raw (unpasteurized) milk to the public. If you own a share in a dairy cow or dairy goat herd, it is our understanding that you may legally use the milk from your share of that cow or goat in any way you see fit. Please research this information for yourself and seek legal counsel as needed. We do not presume to interpret the law for anyone.

Generally speaking, you should expect to purchase a share of a dairy cow or goat from a herd at a farm and then pay a monthly boarding fee for your share. You will generally be asked to sign a contract for your cow or goat share at the time of purchase. You will likely receive a Bill of Sale for your share and a copy of the written boarding agreement for your cow or goat.

General Milk Handling Instructions
The following is information we provided for dairy goat share customers. It does not constitute legal advice.