Frequently Asked Questions about Cow-Shares
1. Why cow-sharing? In North Dakota, it is not legal to sell raw milk or products made from raw milk, unless it is for pet food only. However, it is legal to buy a cow or cow-share and consume the raw milk or products from your own cow.
2. What is a cow-share? A cow-share is the actual ownership of a fraction of a cow.
3. Do I have to do chores? No. Shareholders pay a monthly boarding fee instead of doing the chores.
4. How much milk do I get from one cow-share? 1/50th of its production. Production is about 24-25 gallons per week on average. Therefore, one cow-share provides about ½ gallon of milk per week for the 10 months the cow produces milk each year.
5. How do I get milk when my cow is dry? Buy an additional share in a cow on a different schedule.
6. What kind of a cow will I be buying? Purebred Jersey or perhaps another breed as the farm grows.
7. Why is Jersey milk so good? Jersey cows have the highest butterfat content, and give 60% more cream, protein, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and other minerals and vitamins than Holstein cows. This also explains why Jersey milk is slightly golden in color.
8. Are the cows given antibiotics or hormones? No. They don't need them.
9. Will my cow be pastured on chemical-free grass? Yes. The cows are rotationally grazed on chemical free pasture in the summer, and in winter the cows eat chemical-free hay along with their small grain ration.
10. Where will my cow be kept? At the Bartlett Farm in the Turtle Mountains of North Dakota which is 15 miles north of Bottineau. Our farm is two miles east of Lake Metigoshe and one mile north of scenic Highway 43.
11. How do you collect and store the milk? The cows are milked twice each day. The milk is poured into a large clean stainless steel carrier. That carrier is then brought to the house and your milk is strained into sterilized glass jars, cooled, dated and then stored in a refrigerator. You are welcome to come and inspect how your milk is handled. The milking equipment is thoroughly washed with a strong detergent, rinced with an acid cleaner to remove buildup, and then sanitized before the next use.
12. How does the milk pick-up work? Two ways: (1) Come to the farm and get it on the scheduled day, or (2) Arrange for someone else pick it up for you or for a group of cow-share owners to take turns. You may also have it delivered at an additional cost.
13. How many jars will I need? Owners get a set of jars to accommodate their weekly milk delivery volume: One jar in use in your refrigerator, one at the farm waiting to be filled, one in transit, and one extra held at the farm to replace a broken jar.
14. Do I recycle the glass jars? Yes. We re-use the glass jars since they are easily cleaned and sanitized and will last for many years.
15. How should the jars be washed? After the milk is consumed, wash the jar(s) and lid(s) with hot soapy water and rinse thoroughly or wash in a dishwasher using mild dish washing detergent. Ensure the jars and lids are dry before replacing the lids.
16. May I have my milk delivered? Yes. At this time we deliver along a route that begins at the farm, goes around Lake Metigoshe, down the Town Line road to Bottineau and back up the Lake Road. If you live on or close to this route, we will be able to deliver to your door. If you do not live on or near this route, special arrangements can be made. There are presently host homes where milk is picked up in Minot, Williston and Bismarck.
17. Does my cow-share expire? No, you own the cow-share until you sell the cow-share or the cow dies. A cow-share owner can exit the cow-share agreement by simply notifying us and or discontinuing boarding fee payments.
18. How long does a cow live? We use 10 years for planning purposes. Others report up to 15 years.
19. Will I pay calf boarding? Cow-share owners are not charged for calf boarding because calf ownership is assigned to the farm.
20. What are the costs for 2012? Cow-shares: $50/share, Boarding: $12/month/share
JARS/JUGS
Two quart canning jar with lid: $2.50 each.
See Order Form for Cow-Share Package details and pricing
MILK PICK-UP ON FARM: free
2012 DELIVERY On Route 1: $2/delivery. Special deliveries upon request at additional charge.
2012 OTHER SERVICES Cream, butter, cheese processing:
Although you are not purchasing the milk, after you purchase your cow-share(s), the recurring expenses divided by the gallons of milk produced equals about $6.00 per gallon. The creamline milk includes the thick cream that floats to the top which can be made into butter, whipped cream, cheese and many other healthy products. Based on the nutrient content, this whole milk from your own cow is worth more than the price of the organic milk sold in stores.
21. What is the billing procedure? Boarding fees are collected quarterly. Payments are due four times each year on:
1. March 15 (for April, May, June).
2. June 15 (for July, August, September).
3. September 15 (for October, November, December).
4. December 15 (for January, February, March).
Boarding fees will be prorated when ownership begins between quarters and are updated each year. First month boarding is included in the package rates on the order form.
22. How do I get started? Just call 701-263-4574 or send in an Order Form with a signed Agreement along with a check to cover the order. We will sign the Agreement, give you copy, and call you to schedule pick-up or delivery.
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Cow-share FAQ
