Raw Milk Herd Share

Heartland Homestead hosts a pick-up spot for a raw cow milk herd share in Oberlin. We provide a fridge and pick-up space to support the farm in Amish Country that provides the milk + grass-fed meat and to create ease in accessing nutrient-dense food + dairy.

We do not sell dairy or raise dairy animals. We simply provide the pick-up spot + connect interested people with the Yoder family farm.

Below is more information on the herd share + how to contact Paul Yoder to set up your herd share.

As you may know, it is illegal to buy or sell raw milk in Ohio. It is legal to drink raw milk if it comes from your own cow. The herd share contract is how Ohioans can legally acquire raw milk for their own use. You buy a share in a herd which is tended to by a farmer and the dividend you receive for your share is equal to one gallon of milk per week per share that you own.

Our herd share, based in Oberlin, gets its raw milk from Paul and Colleen Yoder’s farm in Apple Creek, approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from Oberlin. They have a large herd of cows producing milk; the herd is 100% grass fed and is given no antibiotics or hormones. They also raise and source a variety of other products like eggs, meat, and grains.

To buy into the herd, you pay a one-time buy-in fee of $50/share. This is refundable if you ever leave the program (and you may leave any time you like). Then, you pay a monthly boarding fee of $34 per month per share which entitles you to 1 gallon of milk per week. So, for example, if you have two shares your buy-in fee is $100, and your monthly boarding fee is $68. You would then be entitled to two gallons of milk per week. (Please confirm these numbers with Paul as well when you complete your contract.)

For example, I have two shares. I pay $68 a month and receive 4 gallons of milk at the delivery every other week.

You can also take your herd share allotment in other dairy products: 1 pint of cream equals 1 share; 1 pound of butter equals 3 shares; and 1 quart of yogurt equals .375 shares. You can mix and match these products so long as your monthly total equals your number of shares.

The farm has other products available such as beef, cheese, chicken, grains, animal feed, and much more. All these are available through an on-line ordering form.

The Oberlin herd share has about 6-8 active members at the moment. We take turns doing the pickup for the group. Currently, our pick-up is every other week, meaning that each person has to pick up the order about once every 2 months. The milk is then dropped off in a fridge in the office in the Heartland Homestead barn. It is a lovely drive and a wonderful opportunity to see the farm and talk to the farmer and explore Amish country. You pick up your order from the fridge in my barn (usually within 24 hours). Heartland Homestead is located near Drug Mart in Oberlin.

If this sounds like it might meet your needs or you have questions, please let me know and I will connect you directly with Paul + Colleen Yoder.