Raw Milk Herdshare - Excelsior Dropsite Pickup
What is a Herdshare?
When you join our herdshare, you’re not just signing up for milk — you’re becoming part of the herd itself. We both sign a membership agreement allowing you, the customer, to get raw dairy from your own cows, by making you part owner in the herd of cows.
Matt and I retain all of the control, decision making, and care of the herd. Don’t worry, you don’t have to come out to the farm at 4:30 am and 4:00 pm all year long to help us milk.
You pay a boarding fee for us to take care of your part of the herd. Each share represents a portion of our cows, and you receive your share of milk they produce. It’s a simple, old-fashioned way of connecting you to the farm and the goodness of fresh 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 $9. This is called a “boarding fee.”
What does delivery cost?
There is a $3 delivery fee - per pickup, not per share.
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.
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 at the dropsite.
At the first pickup, you will pay: $15 membership fee, $18 boarding fee, and $3 delivery fee = $36 total.
After that, at each pickup, you will pay: $18 boarding fee, and $3 delivery fee = $21 total.
What is the pickup schedule?
Every other Wednesday morning, from 9:30-10:30 am, and it is self serve. We do not stay there the entire time.
For your first pickup, though, we would like to meet you in person, explain the process, and show you where everything is. Because of that, you will need to arrive right at 9:30 am for your first pickup. After that, come any time in the 1-hour window.
Please bring insulated bags or a cooler for your milk. I also recommend ice packs in the summer time. Raw milk is sensitive to warm temperatures and will sour faster if you do not keep it cold.
Where is the dropsite?
This dropsite is at a home in a residential neighborhood - 26175 Wildrose Lane, Excelsior.
They have a circle driveway, and we want traffic to flow clockwise, because the driveway isn’t wide enough for 2 vehicles.
Look for the small red barn/shed. Your milk will be under the lean-to.
What if I am out of town?
This part of the herd is set aside just for you. If you're going to be out of town or can’t make it to your pickup, you can either find someone to pick up your shares for you, switch to a different pick-up day at the farm, or skip picking up that week, but still pay the boarding fee. Raising dairy cows is a year-round, 24/7 job for us, so picking up your milk is a commitment—one your gut and immune system will thank you for.
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?
A cooler bag will be labeled with your name. Please ONLY take the shares you are signed up for - we do not bring extras.
What do I have to do to join?
Decide how many shares you would like to buy. 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, you can - just let me know a week before your next pickup. Then, text Amy.
If you would like to see our family and see some videos from our farm, please watch this video on YouTube.