Cow Shares

In Virginia, it is illegal to buy and sell raw milk (as in unpasteurized, fresh-from-the-cow milk). But it is not illegal to drink fresh milk from the cow that you own! Think of it - owning your own cow and boarding it at a local farm. You may visit your cow at any time. The farmer performs a service for you by feeding, caring for, and milking your cow. And you benefit by being able to utilize the milk. This is called cowboarding.

Here are some frequently asked questions about cowshares:

1. How is the cowshare program with Avery's Branch Farms set up?

You make a one-time payment of $100 to buy a share in one of Avery's Branch Farms' Jersey cows for the lifetime of the cow. From that point on you actually own a share of that cow. In addition, you pay a $35 boarding fee each month for the feeding and care of your cow. Your share entitles you to one gallon of milk each week. You may buy as many shares as you would like. We also offer half shares, which entitle you to a half gallon of milk each week. They are half the price of a full share.

2. Are cowshares legal?

Yes, they are. It is not legal in this state to sell raw (unpasteurized) milk to the public. However, you may use as much raw milk as you wish from your own cow. Since you own a share in one of Avery's Branch Farms' cows, you may legally use the milk from your share in any way you see fit.

3. How should I handle the milk that is supplied to me?

The milk supplied will be raw--that is, it is not heat-treated or pasteurized. It will be chilled; and you should take care that it remains so until you can get it home and into your refrigerator. If you have some distance to drive or stops to make before you arrive home, it is imperative that you make provision with insulated containers and ice or chillers to keep the milk at refrigerator temperature until you return home. Milk should be kept in a refrigerator set at 35 degrees. It should not be left out for long periods at meal times.

4. How do I get my milk each week?

For those who wish to come to the farm to pick up their milk, a mutually agreed upon day and time will be assigned. We also have a variety of drop sites. There is a $2.50 weekly fee to have your milk (and any other farm products) delivered to a drop site.

5. What is the milk stored in?

The shareholder pays a one-time fee of $15 for the purchase of jars and plastic lids. The shareholder is responsible for cleaning, sanitizing, and returning their jars for refilling. For our Charlottesville and Williamsburg shareholders, as well as any other shareholders who so desire, plastic, disposable dairy jugs (#2 high density, quality grade) are being used at a cost of $.55 per jug.

6. How do I buy a share?

Simply email or call to let us know how many shares you need, which drop site you'd like to have your milk delivered to, and when you'd like to get started. Please provide a credit card number so you can be billed for your boarding automatically each month.

7. How should the jars be cleaned?

It is essential that both jar and lid be scrupulously clean and thoroughly dry.

~ We recommend washing jars and lids in the dishwasher.

~ Inspect your jar before returning it to the drop site. If it has any smell other than clean, it needs rewashing.

8. Tell us more about the cows at Avery's Branch Farms!

All of our cows are Jerseys, a breed known for excellent milk with high butterfat content. Apple, Satin, Lemon, Gertrude, Althea, Sophie, Dottie, Daisy, May, Holly, and Sunshine spend their days together out on a large pasture with plenty of excellent grazing.

9. What do the cows eat?

The most important part of their diet is the pasture grass on which they graze all day (and, in the winter, high quality hay). High quality forage produces the very best milk. Note that the pastures here are not fertilized with any chemical fertilizer. While being milked, the cows are given a small amount of organic, non-gmo grain supplement (for starch requirements). They also receive mineral supplement free choice (available at all times). Our cows never receive antibiotics or growth hormones in their feed.

10. How much milk do the cows give?

In contrast to more typical dairy breeds, Jersey cows give a smaller amount of milk which is higher in butterfat. Our cows are giving about three gallons each, per day. Please note that milk production varies with the season, the weather, the quality of the forage available; and the normal curve of the cow's lactation cycle.

11. Will the births of the calves have an impact on milk supply available to cowshare owners?

Yes, they might. During the final 6-8 weeks of a cow's pregnancy, she should be allowed to be "dry" (not being milked) because she is putting so much of her body's resources into growing the calf. During the calving season, there may well be times when we cannot supply you with milk in the normal amounts or on the usual schedule. We will do our very best to supply you then; and ask your understanding and cooperation.

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Raw Milk Cow Shares