Raw Milk Herdshare - Dropsite Pickup
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 $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 does the milk come in?
BPA free half gallon milk jugs. You do not return or reuse them.
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 will sour faster if you do not keep it cold. If kept good and cold, it will last at least 10 days and sometimes beyond 14.
Where is the dropsite?
We have two and they alternate. So one week we go to Excelsior, the next week we go to Shakopee.
Excelsior
This dropsite is at a home in a residential neighborhood.
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. We set up under the lean-to usually, but sometimes by the garage.
Shakopee
This dropsite is at a home outside of town.
We set up by the garage.
What if I am out of town?
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). 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.
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 - we do not bring extras.
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.
If you would like to see our family and see some videos from our farm, please watch this video on YouTube.