Have additional questions about our farm that aren’t covered here? Feel free to give us a call at 541-613-5239 or email us at windyacresdairy93@gmail.com.
Are herdshares legal?
Yes, they are. In fact, herdshares are the only legal way for consumers to receive raw (unpasteurized) milk in Oregon. Windy Acres has consulted with the legal team at the Farm to Consumer Legal Defense Fund in establishing its herdshare program and has also received approval and licensing from the Oregon Department of Agriculture in operating its herdshare program. For more information on our herdshare program, please click here.
What are the cows fed?
When the grass is growing, our cows are grazing in the farm’s field. When winter is upon us and the grass is dormant, we feed grass / alfalfa hay. Currently we are working on growing our own “fodder.” This consists of sprouting barley and other seeds to provide a nutrient rich, rapidly growing green “sprout” to supplement the cows diet when the pasture is dormant. During milking in the parlor the cows eat a small amount of rolled barley. Soy is never fed to the animals at Windy Acres.
What kinds of cows are at Windy Acres?
Our dairy herd consists of Jersey, Guernsey and Holstein cows, and the milk produced is A2/A2.
How are the cows milked?
Our cows are milked 6 at a time, in herringbone stanchions, inside a milking parlor every morning. Milk is drawn from the cow’s udder using a suction device and set of tubes that empty the milk into a sealed stainless steel refrigerated container. Since there is no exposure to air at any point, the most scrupulous level of sanitation is assured. The system has a sanitation cycle before and after each milking.
Is the milk ever tested for E. coli or other bacteria?
Yes, all milk is tested on a monthly basis by the Oregon Department of Agriculture as required for our Grade A dairy certificate. We also have a licensed cheese making room, and the milk for each cheese batch is tested for antibiotics as required by federal and state regulations.
How should I handle and store raw milk?
Windy Acres provides its herdshare members with raw milk, meaning it is not heat-treated (pasteurized), nor is it homogenized. We deliver our milk chilled, and you should take care that it remains so until you get it home and in to your refrigerator. The milk is supplied in new (unused) plastic milk jugs. We never reuse containers. It is best to shake the jug a few times before opening and consuming to mix the cream (that will be on top) with the milk.
How long will raw milk keep?
When stored properly, milk will easily keep a week with no change at all in quality. We have kept raw milk in the refrigerator for as long as fifteen days, and it was still sweet and good. It is very good practice to date your milk as soon as it is received.
Are there any other products available from the farm?
Yes! In addition to the raw dairy products offered through our herdshare program, Windy Acres also offers pastured-based and milk-fed pork, lamb, beef, young beef (“rose veal” meaning grass and milk-fed weighing less than 400 lbs.), chicken and duck. We also offer chicken and duck eggs, raw and unpasteurized honey and sourdough breads and pies. We’re always coming up with new ways to use farm product, and specialty products like pepper jellies, infused honeys, infused butters and more are offered at various times throughout the year. Contact us for pricing and availability.
Can we visit the farm?
Yes! We love having visitors, and warmly welcome all those curious about our farm, its practices and our herdshare program to come to the farm and see what we’re all about. Please call our owner, Billie Johnson, at (541) 613-5239 to set up a time to come see us.