TN and raw milk

Renae · #1 07/18/11, 11:41 AM

Im hoping some of you know the law about this and a better way to get around it. I live in North East Tn and TN doesnt allow the sale of Raw Milk however you can do a cow share. So technically your not buying milk your drinking your own milk from your own cow. I need 6 gallons a week and they charge $20 a share, 20 shares per cow, and you only get one gallon per share so I would have to buy 6 shares. Now this will cost me $120 up front for share purchase (which is returned to me should I decide to stop getting the milk) and $30 a month per share, $180 per month for my 6 gallons, for housing my share of the cow, plus I need to acquire 12 containers. I hope I explained this clearly. Im fully aware that Im not a genius and I know nothing about cows, will one cow make more than 20 gallons a week?? Does the costs involved seem reasonable when compared to those of you than buy raw milk outright?? Im hoping to get a bit more educated advice.

Parttimefarmer · #2 07/18/11, 12:04 PM

You are getting 30 gallons per month (about) for $180. That is $6 a gallon, not at all ridiculous for raw milk, in fact very reasonable and boardering on cheap.

Cows make varying amounts by breed, age, time in milk from freshening. Cows don't milk all year round. You are probably getting a share that the farmer feels they can continue to average, but why not ask the farmer directly?

Not many legitimate farmers are going try to get around a law to make a couple bucks a week.

Renae · #3 07/18/11, 04:53 PM

Thanks so much... I guess it all just seems kinda odd to me.. the Cow Share program is the only way to sale raw milk in TN.. it was my understanding the lady I spoke with was the owner/farmer. Thanks for you help..

Gabriel · #4 07/19/11, 07:06 AM

As a farmer, who has milked occasionally, I'd say it's reasonable. The costs to produce milk must be amortized out over the entire year, not just when she's in milk.

sammyd · #5 07/19/11, 08:42 AM

Quote:

will one cow make more than 20 gallons a week??

That all depends on what she eats, what breed she is, and where she is in her lactation.
Our cows are totally grass fed (no grain at all at the moment )and are averaging 30 pounds or just under 4 gallons a day. We milk mostly holsteins and normande cows. Smaller breeds such as the dexter will produce less.
6 bucks a gallon is less than organic in the store and not a bad deal at all imo.

hiddensprings · #6 07/19/11, 10:49 AM

The price sounds very reasonable. I am also in TN and in Middle TN, the average cost is around $8.00 - $10.00 a gallon for a milk share program.

Renae · #7 07/20/11, 12:29 AM

I decided to go ahead with it.. I can make our butter, buttermilk and yogurt for the week from one trip.. it will be a great benefit.. Thanks so much for all your help!!

willow_girl · #8 07/20/11, 08:07 AM

At $120 a week, it would be cheaper to just get a cow!

sammyd · #9 07/20/11, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by willow_girl

At $120 a week, it would be cheaper to just get a cow!

$30 a month per share

Renae · #10 07/21/11, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by willow_girl

At $120 a week, it would be cheaper to just get a cow!

its $30 per share up front.. one gallon per share.. we need 6 gallons per week. So we pay $180, one time to get in the program, which is returned when we and if we stop the program. Then its $6.00 per gallon per week. $36.00 each week. Plus I learnt after talking to her yesterday she will buy my jars from me if we decide to quit the program.