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.
4. How do I get my milk each week? A doorstep delivery service is available for $.25 per mile from the farm to your home, as determined by Mapquest. We also have pick-up sites located in Brandermill at Rt. 288 and 360, at Ellwood Thompson's parking lot, in Powhatan on Rt. 60, in Montpelier at One Earth Natural Marketplace, on River Road in Dinwiddie, and at the South River Compounding Pharmacy on the West End. There is a $2.50 weekly fee to have your milk delivered to a pick-up site. For those who wish to come to the farm to pick up their milk, a mutually agreed upon day and time will be assigned.
5. What is the milk stored in?
The shareholder pays a one-time fee of $15 for the purchase of gallon jars and plastic lids, which will be labeled. For our NC shareholders, as well as any of our VA shareholders who so desire, plastic, disposable dairy jugs (#2 high density, quality grade) are being used at a cost of $.55 per gallon jug. The shareholder is responsible for cleaning, sanitizing, and returning their jars for refilling.
6. How should the jars be cleaned?
It is essential that both jar and lid be scrupulously clean and thoroughly dry. Whenever cleaning containers for milk, start by rinsing away the old milk with water that is lukewarm. (Either hot or cold water can cause a deposit of milk solids--"milkstone"--to remain on the surface of the container.) Then wash thoroughly with soap and hot water, rinse well, and dry completely before putting on the lid.
7. 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, and Sunshine spend their days together out on a large pasture with plenty of excellent grazing.
8. What do the cows eat?
The most important part of their diet is the pasture grass on which they graze themselves 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 sludge or any chemical fertilizer. While being milked, the cows eat a little all natural grain supplement. They also receive mineral supplement free choice (available at all times).
9. 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.
10. Will the births of the calves have an impact on milk supply available to cowshare owners?
Yes, they might; and you should keep this in mind as we approach the winter. 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. Also, after the birth, the calf will be nursing its mother until it is weaned. 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.
