Raw Milk Herdshare
What is a Herdshare?
A herdshare means you own a portion of our herd of Jersey cows. We both sign a membership agreement. You pay for us to take care of your part of the herd, and you receive your share of milk they produce. The ONLY thing you have to do is show up on time to pick up your milk.
The more milk you want, the more shares you buy.
Why can’t we just “buy milk” from you?
Raw milk laws in our state are a bit ambiguous and can be interpreted in different ways. To make sure we’re operating with clarity and protecting both the farm and our members, we use a herdshare model.
It might sound complicated at first, but in practice it’s very simple. Own a share of the herd → receive your share of the milk it produces.
How much milk is in a share?
One share typically provides you with ½ gallon of milk.
What does a share cost?
One share costs $8. This is called a “boarding fee.”
What does membership cost?
Membership cost depends on how many shares you get. The first share is $10, each additional share after that is $5. You only pay this fee once, at your first pickup.
What does my milk come in?
Plastic or glass - you choose. Plastic jugs are 25¢ each, and not reusable. You pay for new jugs each time. Glass bottles are a $7 deposit the first time, and as long as you bring them back clean, you won’t pay that again. If one gets broken, you’ll just put a deposit on a replacement.
Can you give me an example?
Let’s say you want to join the Herdshare and pick up one gallon of milk every other week, in glass bottles.
At the first pickup, you will pay: $15 (membership fee), $16 (boarding fee), and $14 (bottle deposits). After that, at each pickup, you will return clean bottles and pay: $16 (boarding fee only).
Let’s say you want to join the Herdshare and pick up one gallon of milk every other week, in plastic jugs.
At the first pickup, you will pay: $15 (membership fee), $16 (boarding fee), and $0.50 (for plastic jugs). After that, at each pickup, you will pay: $16 (boarding fee), and $0.50 (for plastic jugs).
What is the pickup schedule?
Pick up is at our farm - 2506 90th St, Plato. You can put “Humble Beginnings Dairy” into Google Maps.
It is from 8 am to 8 pm Monday through Saturday and 8 am to 3 pm on Sunday. You can pick up every other week (most common) or every week.
You do not have to be here on the same day every time, but rather, you have a block of days when you can pick up and you must show up during that block. Blocks are Monday/Tuesday, Wednesday/Thursday, and Friday/Saturday/Sunday.
What if I am out of town?
Milking dairy cows is a year-round, twice a day commitment for us, so your part of the herd is still being milked and cared for every day, even if life takes you out of town.
You can either find someone to pick up your shares for you, switch to a different pick-up day, or skip picking up that week (but still pay the boarding fee).
What methods of payment do you accept?
Cash. Cash = freedom, and we’re all about that!
How do I pay?
Leave your cash in the designated box at pickup (we’ll show you where that is).
What if I come late?
Milk is only available during the pickup window.
How do I know what to take?
There is a printed order sheet listing what you are signed up for. Please ONLY take the shares you are signed up for.
What should I bring to the pickup?
Cash, and an insulated bag or cooler. I also recommend ice packs in the summer, because raw milk that isn’t kept cold will sour quicker.
What does pickup look like?
It’s simple. You will collect your milk, return any clean glass bottles if you are using them, and be on your way. We will walk you through everything at your first pickup so you know exactly what to expect.
What do I have to do to join?
Decide how many shares you would like to buy, and text Amy at 507-621-1356.
This is not designed to fluctuate every single time you pick up. But if you find you need to adjust at first to get the right amount, just let me know at least 5 days before your next pickup.
Can I try the milk first?
Yes, you can make a one time purchase without joining. Just make an appointment with Amy 24-48 hours ahead of time, come to the farm, bring your own container(s) and cash
If you would like to see our family and some videos from our farm, please watch this video on YouTube.