08/10/2026
🐄 BEFORE YOU JOIN A HERD SHARE, ASK QUESTIONS. 🥛
Herd shares are becoming more and more common, and that can be a wonderful way to connect families with local farms and the animals producing their food.
But before you choose a herd share, do your homework. Especially when you see a bunch of ‘herd shares’ coming to your area.❤️
A good herd share should be about much more than the price of a gallon of milk.
🐮 ASK TO SEE THE ANIMALS
A reputable farm should be willing to let you learn about the herd. Look at the cows, their living conditions, cleanliness, body condition, water, pasture, and overall care.
🌾 ASK WHAT THE COWS EAT
Is the herd on pasture? What kind of hay do they receive? Is grain fed? Are supplements used? Where does the feed come from?
Don’t be afraid to ask for specifics.
🧼 ASK ABOUT MILKING & MILK HANDLING
Ask how the cows are milked, how equipment is cleaned and sanitized, how quickly the milk is cooled, and how it is stored.
🩺 ASK ABOUT ANIMAL HEALTH
How are sick cows handled? What happens when an animal requires medication? Are there routine herd-health practices and testing?
📄 UNDERSTAND YOUR HERD-SHARE AGREEMENT
Know exactly what you’re purchasing, what your ownership represents, how milk is distributed, what happens if you cancel, and what happens to your share if an animal leaves the herd.
⚖️ KNOW THE RULES
Most importantly, make sure you understand the laws and regulations that apply to the type of dairy arrangement you’re joining. Requirements can vary depending on where you live and how the milk is produced and distributed.
❤️ AND DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK QUESTIONS.
You aren’t being difficult.
You aren’t being nosy.
You’re being an informed customer.
At the end of the day, you’re choosing who you trust with the food you bring home to your family.
There are wonderful farmers working incredibly hard to care for their animals and provide quality products to their customers. My goal isn’t to criticize another farm or tell you who to choose.
My goal is to encourage you to LOOK, ASK, LEARN, and KNOW.
Visit the farm. Meet the cows. Ask about the feed. Ask about the care. Ask how everything works.
Know your farmer. Know your herd. Know your share. 🐄❤️
