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How Does the Herdshare Work?

How Does the Herdshare Work?

A herdshare is a program in which people join a membership of herd ownership. This allows the members to access the raw milk products that the herd produces. There are a couple locally. As far as I know, they only offer milk. However, we are a full service dairy and creamery. Not only do our herd share members have access to milk, but we also produce cream, butter, ice cream, and cheese. (The bulk of our cheeses are for public sale as they have been aged for 60+ days, but we do have some soft cheeses that are reserved for our herdshare members only.) We also have sour cream and kefir, upon request. Further, our meat  is processed in a USDA certified facility and is available for public sale. So even if herdshare isn’t for you, we have several grass-fed beef products available that might be.

To join our herdshare, there is an initial buy-in fee of $120.00 (we will prorate), and then a monthly boarding fee of $90.00 ($48.00 for a half share). One share is equivalent to one gallon of milk/week. We have two packages: half share (half gallon/week) or a full share (one gallon of milk per week). We deliver to Redmond and Bend every Tuesday, Ashland the second Saturday of the month, and Portland every other Monday. We charge a flat monthly delivery fee, $5.00 for Bend and Redmond, and $10.00 for Portland and Ashland.  

Once you are a member, you will have access to our full range of products.

 

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Are Herdshare Programs Legal?

Are Herdshare Programs Legal?

Yes, they are.  It is not legal in Oregon to sell raw (unpasteurized) milk to the public if you are milking more than three cows.  However, since you own a share in the Windy Acres herd, you may legally use the milk from your share(s) in any way you see fit.  Many cow share / herdshare programs have been implemented in this state and have been functioning with no legal challenges. Windy Acres has consulted with the legal team at the Farm-To-Consumer Legal Defense Fund in setting up its herdshare program. Also, we work closely with the Oregon Department of Agriculture to ensure we are compliant with applicable laws and regulations.