Herd Share FAQS and Info.
WHAT IS A HERD SHARE?
It is partial ownership of a dairy goat. Owning a dairy goat, or portion of a dairy goat, allows you to benefit from what that animal produces. In Colorado you can drink milk from a goat that you own. By owning a share in a goat, you have a fresh supply of your own goats’ milk to drink and you are allotted a weekly share of fresh, raw (unpasteurized) milk ready for pickup at a designated time.
HOW DOES A HERD SHARE WORK?
You, and others along with you, own shares in a goat. You benefit from owning the goat by receiving a portion of the milk the goat produces. As with any animal, goats require care, i.e., feeding, general maintenance and milking. FARM NAMEwill board your goat, care for it, milk it, and prepare the milk for you to pickup from the farm. You pay the herdsman for the boarding, care, feeding, and milking of your goat.
HOW MUCH MILK CAN I EXPECT FROM ONE GOAT SHARE?
One share will provide approximately one half gallon of milk for about 33 weeks. Half shares provide approximately a quart for about 33 weeks.
The average lactation for our goats is around 8-10 months (February to November). However, a goat may milk for a shorter or longer period of time. We plan to milk our does for at least nine months. This is rough estimate which may vary.
WHAT IF I WANT MORE MILK THAN ONE GALLON PER WEEK?
Purchase a second, third, or fourth share. You can purchase as many goat shares as needed as long as shares are available.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
First You Purchase A Share:
$10 for a FULL share
$10 for a HALF share
$10 initial bottle fee
When you no longer want your share(s) you will sell it/them back to Natural Days Farm for the amount you paid. You will also be refunded for your bottle fee provided all bottles are returned in condition they were sent out in.
Boarding/Maintenance Fee: Now that you own a goat share you need to board your goat. Boarding or husbandry costs are $7.50 per week for each full share $3.75 a week for each half share. The monthly boarding fee is calculated by multiplying the number of shares by the number of weeks in that month. For example, if you purchase a full milk share and your pickup day is Saturday and there are 4 Saturdays in that month, then your boarding fee for that month would be $7.50 x 4 = $30.
(Prices are subject to change, given changes in the price of feed, hay, supplies, labor, etc.) Half shares are $3.75 per week.
Farm share members are requested to return the milk vessels (Old Fashioned milk Jars with lids and carriers) each week rinsed in cold water. The Farm will clean and properly sterilize them – you need not do so.
If your vessel breaks or is lost, a replacement will be provided for a fee of $5.00.
WHAT DO I GET FOR MY SHARE?
AS A GOAT SHARE OWNER, WILL I HAVE A SHARE IN THE KIDS?
No, the ownership of all kids will remain with Natural Days Farm.
I’M READY! HOW DO I GET STARTED?
Thoroughly review the information provided about Goat Shares on this page. Request and review the purchase and boarding contract when you come to the farm. Sign the contract and once payment is received you will be the proud owner of a dairy goat share.
We invite all potential shareholders to visit, meet the animals, and observe our feeding, milk handling and care practices. This also provides time to ask questions and complete the necessary contracts. You can also help with chores and milking if you desire.
All shareholders will receive a discount on our farm fresh eggs. Chicken eggs will be $3/dz and duck eggs will be $4/dz. This is subject to availability of eggs.
This entitles you to approximately one half gallon of milk per week; however, since production fluctuates this amount may change slightly throughout the season. Remember, you are purchasing a share of ownership of a particular animal and the amount of milk that animal produces can vary. Half shares will entitle you to approximately a quart per week.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I GO ON VACATION OR BUSINESS TRAVEL AND DON’T PICK UP MILK? AM I STILL RESPONSIBLE FOR THE BOARDING FEE?DO YOU ACCEPT RETURNS?
The monthly boarding fee is due whether you pick up your milk, or not, on any given week during the month. I still have to feed, milk, and care for your goat whether you pick up or not. Milk that is not picked up within 24 hours of your designated pick up day will be discarded. Please let me know about any vacation ASAP and I will try to work with you on a different pickup date if possible.
HOW DO I PAY MY BOARDING FEE?
To avoid any confusion that you are “buying” raw milk the boarding fee should not be paid at time of milk pick-up. Boarding fees must be paid on the first of each month either by check, cash, or paypal (sent to friends and family only).
WHAT HAPPENS IF I CAN NO LONGER USE THE GOAT MILK?
If you move, buy your own goat or find yourself no longer using goat milk, you may sell your share back to Natural Days Farm for the original price paid for the share ($10). You may not sell your shares to a third party!
Please note: it is illegal to sell raw milk in Colorado if you are not a licensed and inspected dairy. Never sell your excess milk.