McClung Farm

What is a goat share?

 

It is partial ownership of a dairy goat.  Owning a dairy goat, or portion of a dairy goat, allows you to benefit from what that animal produces.  In Virginia you can drink milk from a goat that you own.  By owning a share in a goat, you have a fresh supply of your own goats’ milk to drink and you are allotted a weekly share of fresh, raw (unpasteurized) milk ready for pickup at a designated time.

 

How does a goat share work?

 

You, and others along with you, own shares in a goat. You benefit from owning the goat by receiving a portion of the milk the goat produces.  As with any animal, goats require care, i.e., feeding, general maintenance and milking. McClung Farm will board your goat, care for it, milk it, and prepare the milk for you to pickup from the farm.  You pay the herdsman for the boarding, care, feeding, and milking of your goat.

 

How much milk can I expect from one goat share?

 

One share will provide approximately one gallon of milk per week for about 30 weeks. Half shares provide approximately a 1/2 gallon per week for about 30 weeks.

The average lactation for our goats is around 8-9 months (March to December).  However, a goat may milk for a shorter or longer period of time.  We plan to milk our does for at least eight months.  This is rough estimate which may vary.

We will not give milk one week in July (vacation), and one week in October (fall breeding)

 

What if I want more milk than one gallon per week?

 

Purchase a second, third, or fourth share. You can purchase as many goat shares as needed as long as shares are available.

How much does it cost?

First You Purchase A Share:

$30 for one FULL share

$20 for one HALF share

Boarding/Maintenance Fee:  Now that you own a goat share you need to board your goat.  Boarding or husbandry costs are $8.00 per week for each full share.  The monthly boarding fee is calculated by multiplying the number of shares by the number of weeks in that month.  For example, if you purchase a full milk share and your pickup day is Saturday and there are 4 Saturdays in that month, then your boarding fee for that month would be $8 x 4 = $32.  (Prices are subject to change, given changes in the price of feed, hay, supplies, labor, etc.) Half shares are $4 per week. 

 

What happens if I go on vacation or business travel and don't pick up milk?  Am I still responsible for the boarding fee?

 

The monthly boarding fee is due whether you pick up your milk, or not, on any given week during the month. I still have to feed, milk, and care for your goat whether you pick up or not. Milk that is not picked up within 24 hours of your designated pick up day will be discarded.

 

How do I pay my boarding fee?

 

To avoid any confusion that you are "buying" raw milk the boarding fee should not be paid at time of milk pick-up.  Boarding fees must be paid on the first of each month. 

 

Where do I get the half gallon Mason Jars?

 

We can sell them to you for $4 each.  If you buy a full share you will need to purchase or provide us with 4 jars.  Basically you return 2 jars when you come to pick up your next week’s milk.  A half share owner would need 2 jars.   You also have the option of providing your own ½  gallon GLASS Jars with lids. 

 

How do I get started?

 

Request and review the purchase and boarding contract when you come to the farm.  Sign the contract and once payment is received you will be the proud owner of a dairy goat share. If you have any further questions feel free to email us.  All contact information is found on the "Contact Us" page.

 

What happens if I can no longer use the goat milk?

 

If you move, buy your own goat or find yourself no longer using goat milk, you may sell your share to the next person on our waiting list, if that opportunity becomes available.  Or you may sell your share back to McClung Farm for $5.  You may not sell your shares to a third party.  Please note: it is illegal to sell milk in Virginia if you are not a licensed and inspected dairy.  Never sell your excess milk.

 

As a goat share owner, will I have a share in the kids?

 

No, the ownership of all kids will remain with McClung Farm.