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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS COWSHARING PROJECT
WHY COWSHARING?
In Virginia, it is illegal to buy and sell raw milk (as in unpasteurized, fresh-from-the-cow milk). But it is not illegal to drink fresh milk from the cow that you own. Until the laws are changed in Virginia, this is the best way to obtain delicious, fresh milk. In addition, you have the security of knowing your milk will be available regularly, and the opportunity to enjoy other products (with service fees for production).
WHAT IS A COWSHARE?
Your own share in a cow. One share is equivalent to one gallon of milk per week.
WHAT KIND OF COW WILL I BE BUYING?
The cow in which you’re buying a share is a family milk cow from Pine Grove Farm, located in Clearbrook, Virginia. We like the Jersey breed because they tend to have the richest milk, containing the highest butterfat content compared to any other breed.
ARE THESE COWS GIVEN HORMONES?
No! Also, antibiotics are only used in times of definite need and never given as a preventative measure for any illness.
WILL MY COW BE PASTURED?
Yes. The cows are pastured on untreated (no pesticides or other treatments) grass all year. They are fed hay as a supplement when necessary.
IS MY COW TESTED FOR TUBERCULOSIS (TB) AND BRUCELLOSIS?
Yes! These cows are free from TB and Brucellosis. Any new additions to the herd are quarantined until clean test results are received.
WHERE WILL MY COW BE KEPT?
Your cow will be boarded at Pine Grove Farm located in Clearbrook, Virginia. Shareholders pay a monthly maintenance fee to the farm.
HOW DOES THE MILK PICK-UP WORK?
The shareholder is expected to arrange a day and approximate time of pick-up with Pine Grove Farm. If unable to pick up please notify by phone or email, so other arrangements can be made.
DELIVERY SERVICE?
Currently we do provide delivery to the Middletown/Front Royal, VA area. Delivery Fees do apply.
WHAT ARE THE COSTS?
To purchase one share (equivalent to one gallon of milk per week), you pay a one-time fee, which is good for 5 years or the life of the cow within that 5 years, of $85.00 per share.
In addition, there is also a one-time consumables fee of 15.00 per share, unless you provide your own.
It is also suggested that you purchase an appropriate sized cooler to transport your milk.
After the above one-time costs, there is as boarding fee that is paid to Pine Grove Farm in the amount of $25.00 per share per month, which continues for as long as you own your share.
SO WHAT IF I WANT TO PURCHASE 2 SHARES? MY FAMILY DRINKS ABOUT 2 GALLONS OF MILK PER WEEK. HOW MUCH WILL THIS COST ME?
You may be able to receive extra milk from shares that are not active. However, there is no guarantee. If you want to be guaranteed a certain amount of milk per week, you should plan on purchasing additional shares.
Example: Cost for 2 shares
One-time Fees:
Purchase of 2 shares x $85.00 per share = $170.00
Consumables (jars @ $15 per share) fee = $30.00
Total one-time fees = $200.00
Monthly Boarding Fee:
2 shares x $25.00/month = $50.00
HOW IS THE MONEY COLLECTED?
The boarding fees are collected at the first of each month. Payments are due promptly, without notice from Pine Grove Farm. The monthly boarding fee(s) will be prorated, depending on when you purchase your shares. Preference is to begin the first of the month. Fee(s) are subject to increase.
HOW DO I GET STARTED?
You must promise never to buy or sell raw milk. You must read and sign the Cow Share Agreement with Pine Grove Farm, and then make your purchase. As soon as all your share(s) in a cow are purchased, you own a piece of the cow and you may begin picking up your delicious, Cow Share Owner nutritious, fresh milk.
HOW CAN I OBTAIN MORE INFORMATION?
Contact Teresa Wisecarver by phone at 540-722-3842, www.pinegrovefarm.com, or by email at info@pinegrovefarm.com |
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