Question 1

What is a Herd Share or Sheepshare?

Accepted Answer

Tennessee law prohibits the direct sale of unpasteurized/raw milk to the consumer. A herd share, also known as a farm share or sheepshare, is where people buy shares of a milking animal or herd, and pay the farmer to care for the animals and milk them. As owners, the shareholders are entitled to the milk from their animals.
 
(Note) - There is a one time purchase of a share of our flock and then a monthly upkeep/care fee. It's basically like a membership, the term used is just herd share. That way we aren't selling any raw milk, you are simply picking up your own milk. For our herd share members, we also have a labor agreement where we can take your milk and turn it into other products. Once again, we can't sell raw milk products. So, the labor agreement is paying the farmer to make the items for you, not paying for the items themselves.

Question 2

How Much Milk Do You Receive in a Herd Share?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the number of shares purchased.
 
1 Share = 1/2 a gallon of sheep milk per week.
 
*as this is often a percentage of the milk produced, if the amount of milk produced that week is more or less, the amount received can change. 
 
*sheep/herd production can vary if stressed, an animal dies or towards the end of their lactation period.

Question 3

What Is the Cost Involved?

Accepted Answer

The cost will depend on the amount of shares purchased.
 
One Time Herd Share Purchase
1 Share = $40
 
Monthly Upkeep Fee
$40 for 1 Share
 
The monthly fee is to feed, milk and take care of your sheep. Remember, we sell the caretaking of the sheep, not the milk. 
 
*The first month will be the herd share purchase and the monthly upkeep fee. Second month and onward will be the monthly upkeep. 
 
Example: You purchase 1 Share, the initial purchase of the herd share will be $40. IN addition to the $40 upkeep fee. The total for that month will be $80. Then a monthly $40 upkeep fee. You would receive roughly 2 gallons of milk a month.

Question 4

How is Our Milk Transported?

Accepted Answer

We use glass jars in half gallons or quarter gallon if half gallons aren't available. It's a $12 downpayment.

Question 5

When Can I Pick Up My Milk?

Accepted Answer

Pickup time will be an agreed upon time between share holder and farmer. We provide weekly, biweekly and monthly pickup. Monthly pickup might include frozen milk since we will be storing at least 2 gallons.
 
We do on farm pickup on Thursdays and Fridays.
 
We will be expanding into drop of locations, but those are yet to be determined. Will update when locations are fixed.
 
If a group of herd share members can connect and agree on a pickup location, we would be willing to drop off closer to your location. However, there is a minimum amount required before delivery.
 
*if there is a change in pickup schedule, day and time can change as long as notice is given in advance.

Question 6

How Should I Handle Milk After I Pick It Up?

Accepted Answer

This article is has a great explanation on how to handle raw milk, especially during transportation.
 
https://www.kitchenstewardship.com/recipes/safe-handling-of-raw-milk-keep-it-fresh/

Question 7

Can I Pasteurize the Milk at Home?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Home pasteurization is easy and we provide a tutorial in our blog for anyone interested in pasteurizing their milk. 
 
Pasteurizing At Home

Question 8

Are the Sheep and Their Milk Tested?

Accepted Answer

We test our sheep for mastitis every month, sometimes more if there are any signs in our ewes. We also test our milk every month. We do a Standardized Plate Count and Coliform test, recommended for raw milk.

Question 9

How Do I Get Started?

Accepted Answer

Email us at eweandmehomestead.creamery@gmail.com for your inquiry. We will send you the contract and answer any further questions. Once contract is signed and received by us, a pickup day and time agreed upon, and the money transfered, you will officially be apart of the Ewe and Me Creamery family and we look forward to your first pickup day. 
 
*all herd share members are given a free tour on their first or a following pickup date. This allows for you to get to know us as your farmer and you get to say hello to your sheep!

Question 10

What Happens If I Can No Longer Use the Sheep Milk?

Accepted Answer

For whatever reason, should you ever need to opt out of the herd share, you provide us 30 day notification at which time Ewe and Me Creamery will buy back the herd shares at the price originally paid.

Question 11

Do You Provide Other Dairy Items Other Than Milk?

Accepted Answer

An additional labor fee and contract is needed signed, but we do provide sheep milk ice cream, cheese, yogurt, soap, and holiday treats (like hot chocolate and egg nog) to our members should they like to try our unique products.

FAQS

RAW SHEEP MILK HERD SHARE

Frequently asked questions