What is a Cow Share?

You own a share of a cow. A Jersey cow can produce up to 28 gallons of milk a week. We sell shares based on the milk production of a given cow. One cow share receives about one gallon of milk per week. Share numbers are adjusted at freshening time as the cow's production changes.

Why a Cow Share Program?
 

In Colorado it is illegal to buy orsell raw milk, but it is not illegal to drink fresh milk from a cow that you own. We provide a service for you by feeding, caring, and milking your cow. You may bring paperwork to the farm, mail it, or fax it. Please call ahead of time for fax transmissions.

What is the cost?
 

You can purchase a share for $30.00 (undivided interest) in a cow. It is a one time cost. When you leave the cow share, you sell your share back to us and get your $30 back (less any outstanding balances owed). One cow share entitles you to about 1 gallon of milk a week. If you need more than one gallon a week ,then you will need to buy more shares. The boarding fee pays for labor and the expenses involved in feeding and caring for your share of the cow. Costs may be subject to increase. The boarding fee cost is currently $32 per month per share. The first monthly boarding fee will be prorated depending on when you purchase your share(s). Billing is the 20th if each month.

How do I get started?
 

Read and sign the Cow Share Boarding Agreement which can be obtained by contacting Isle Farms . As soon as we receive your signed agreement and payment you will own a share of a cow.


What kind of cow am I buying?

We have Jerseys and 1 Brown Swiss, both of which give very rich milk, high in butterfat content.

What are the cows fed?

The cows always have access to grass pasture on our40 acres. Their primary feed source is premium alfalfa hay, with a minimum amount of grain at milking time. The grain ration is our own special mix, which contains no soy or cottonseed.

Why do you feed grain? Ive heard grass-only is better...

We have researched this topic quite thoroughly. Although the cows don't produce huge quantities of milk, they truly need the grain for the extra energy necessary for milk production. Period. Without it, they become quite skinny, even with free access to hay/grass. This leads to stress on their bodies, which in turn leads to lowered immune systems. And all of this leads to...multiple issues. Cows with lowered immune systems are more susceptible to mastitis (infection of the udder), respiratory infections , and hoof problems. I await someone that can show me a strong, healthy cow that is completely grain free.

Do you ever use hormones?

Absolutely NOT.

Are Antibiotics used?

Antibiotics will be used as a last resort and never given as a preventative measure. The milk will not be used if antibiotics are given, until the hold off period is over. Our preferred method of treatment is homeopathic/herbal treatment.

That said, the norm at the farm is happy, healthy, low stressed cows. Perfect.

Is the milk tested?

Yes. In accordance with RMAC standards, we test our milk on a monthly basis. You can look under "Testing" on our site for results.

Are the cows tested for Bovine Tuberculosis, Brucellosis, and Johnes?

Yes. Colorado is certified free for Bovine TB and Brucellosis. Cows will be tested when added to the herd, and in accordance with RMAC standards.

How is the milk collected and stored?

This is really just a brief description-we have designed a facility for milking/processing the milk which is easier to explain in person, during a tour. RMAC has set standards for each farm; Isle Farms meets or exceeds all standards set in place for producing milk.

The cow is milked twice a day by machine, closed system. Before each milking, all equipment is sanitized . After a thorough washing of the udder and teats, the area is dried with a clean cloth. The milker is attached, and milk extracted. The milk is then taken to the milk room (completely separate facility from the barn/milking area) where it is jarred. The jars are placed in an ice bath for rapid cooling and then stored at 35 degrees. Finally, all milking equipment is cleaned with a dairy detergent in dishwashers, and readied for sanitization next milking.

How do I get my milk?

We have quite a few options for receiving milk. Among them are driving co-ops, in town delivery/pickup from fellow shareholders, and coming to the farm. You will be assigned a mutually acceptable day (depending on availability)-this will be the day you receive your milk, regardless of the means. If you cannot pickup your milk that day (weather conditions, etc.), please email the farm with the day workable for pickup. We will hold your milk for you!

What about the jars?

The cost is $10.00 for four 1/2 gallon glass jars and lids (two for you to take home and two for your next milk pickup). We ask that you do a general cleaning of the jar before trading out each week, though we will wash /sanitize each jar also. Please do not return jars smelling of sour milk.

How long does a cow produce milk?

A cow beings to produce milk after birthing. She is normally milked for 300 days and then dried up for 65 days prior to giving birth again. This coming year (2007 into 2008) we are trying for a 'no dry' period. Our hope is that by breeding each cow in a different month, the process will be something like "one cow goes dry, another comes online for milking". There may be a short time between cows dry/birthing that milk is not available. Please remember-you are not buying milk, but rather paying for feed/care of your share of your cow, so boarding is still due, notwithstanding milk availability.

How long will my milk stay fresh?

If kept properly at 35 degrees F, your milk should be good for 2 weeks. Any time spent above 35 degrees F, the quality of the milk will decrease. Our milk room has an ice machine for shareholders use- please utilize it!

Will I get cream with my milk?

Goodness, Yes! For each half gallon, there's typically a 2-3 inch cream line. This can be skimmed off quite easily and made into butter, sour cream, etc. Did you know you can make your own butter in a blender in less than 8 minutes?! Since we do not sell cream separately, we also do not skim any cream, therefore, YOU get a wonderful amount for use at home. But I will say...the cream shaken right into the milk makes for absolutely out of this world milk taste...

What if I need extra milk from time to time-say, any given week I want to work on recipes or making cheese...do I need to buy another share?

No. We do not sell every share available, due to production changes in lactation. Because of this, shareholders are always welcome to any extra milk that we have on hand! WE DO NOT SELL THE MILK-CONSIDER THIS A PERK OF OWNING A COW :O)

Can I sample the milk first, before I buy a share?

Unfortunately, in Colorado it is illegal to even 'give away' raw milk. We have done two things; 1. If you purchase a share, and pay your boarding, then within that week (i.e. when you get home and taste it), you decide that owning a cow and getting her milk is not for you, we will pro-rate back to you any boarding not utilized AND buy back the share. Hence, you are out only boarding for that week. 2. We have set up a "Testimonials" page on our website. This is a page from our shareholders point of view, their experience with the milk, how it tastes, the farm, etc. This will at least give you an idea of what shareholders say, and you can decide from there whether or not to give it a try.

What are my payment options?

We accept cash and checks. We also have Automatic Billing, which is the preferred method of payment. We do not accept credit cards.

Anything else?

Yes, now that you mention it :0)

We want all our shareholders to feel that they have a connection with the farm. You are always welcome to come out, see the cows, feed calves, haul manure (ok, seriously though...it is available for your garden, just ask!), etc. Its good to know where your food comes from! Our hope is that you fall in love with the cows as much as we have :0)

Tours:

Tours are generally given on Saturdays, by appointment. Other days of the week are available, if necessary. However, time is limited during the week, so the tour may be shortened a bit. No tours on Sundays- no exceptions. Tours usually last an hour, including paperwork time in signing up.

Ready to sign up?