Boondockers Farm Cow Share Intro
and FAQ
Due to the overwhelming response to customers wanting to purchase single gallons we will be offering the milk by the gallon without the cow share program until further notice. Contact us to buy starting in March-April, thanks!
Our cow Sundae is from a wonderful organic,
grain-free (grass-fed only) dairy which specializes in Dutch Belted cows.
Like our other breeds, she is critically endangered with a global
population of under 20,000 and far fewer breeding cows… and Sundae is due to
calf in the beginning of March! This means we she will be at her “peak
lactation” and are beginning to sell “cow-shares” to families who would like to
obtain portions of her milk and/or other products like butter, crème fraiche,
sour cream, yogurt, and Neufchatel cheese. Dutch Belted's milk is rich in
butterfat and high in protein; it has very small globules of fat making it
easier to digest, it is said to be the ideal drinking milk.
Dutch Belteds have rich history (and milk!)
which is the result of the breeding of the Dutch Nobility:
A description from the American Livestock
Breeds Conservancy:
“The Dutch Belted is a dairy cattle breed
named for its country of origin and its striking color pattern: black with a
bright white belt around its middle. In the Netherlands, it is also known as
the Lakenvelder. The term
laken means a sheet or blanket
around the body. The Dutch Belted has been known in the Netherlands as a
standardized breed since the 1700s. It was selected as a specialized dairy cow
able to convert lush pastures and little grain supplementation into
12,000-15,000 pounds of rich milk per lactation period. For centuries, the
Lakenvelder was bred and kept by the Dutch who were not fond of selling their
prized cattle. Never a widely popular breed, the Dutch Belted suffered a large
decrease in their European population during and after World War II. By 1950
only four or five herds were known to exist in Holland. In the 1970's semen
from American bulls was imported back into Holland to try to revive the breed
in its native home. As of 2007, numbers in Holland are on the increase but the
breed is still considered extremely rare with a population of less than 1000
worldwide.”
Oklahoma State University has this to say
about the breed:
“Kings and noblemen sought after them,
everyone from cultured artists to ordinary farmers have admired them for their
peculiar and striking marking. They graced the estates of seventeenth century
nobility, and their descendants and other cattle carrying their influence on
farms in North America still inspire awe and curiosity among passersby, while
many stockmen aspire to own some of these fascinating cattle.
The Dutch Belted breed is, according to
records, the only belted breed of cattle tracing back directly to the original
belted or "canvassed" cattle which were described in Switzerland and
Austria. These "Gurtenvieh" were evidently moved by Dutch nobility
from the mountain farms of Canton Appenzell and Tyrol Mountains during or soon
after the feudal period. The Dutch were very protective of their belted cattle
and would generally not part with them. They were highly prized for their
milking and fattening abilities. The breed began to flourish in Holland around
1750. (This historical account is found in Professor Raymond Becker's book, Dairy
Cattle Breeds: Origin and Development.) “
"Dutch Belted cattle are natives of
Holland, and originated in that country during the seventeenth century, when
the cattle interests of Holland were in the most thrifty condition; in fact, it
was the chief industry of the country. At that time, breeding had been
developed into a science, and cattle of remarkable contrast and color were
bred… Wonderful and remarkable as it may appear, a feat was accomplished during
that period that would defy our modern breeders and can be safely classified as
a lost art. Dutch Belted cattle became a recognized breed and were bred
to a remarkably high standard. For centuries they were owned and
controlled by the nobility, keeping them pure and limiting number of their
ownership. The American Association have adopted as their standard a pure
black, with a continuous white belt around their body, beginning behind the
shoulders and extending to the hips, this sharp contrast of colors makes a
beautiful and imposing contrast and a beautiful sight; when seen in number
grazing on the green they are admired by all, even if not interested in
cattle or farming. Their form is a strong characterized dairy type, and possessing
all the qualifications of an ideal dairy animal. They are strictly a
dairy breed and are large and persistent milkers, strong constitutions,
peaceable and quiet dispositions of a very compact animal."
What is the cow share program at The Boondockers Farm?
A share in your own cow! You own your own cow and board it at our
farm. You may visit your cow at any time.
We will perform a service for you by feeding, caring for, and milking
your cow. And you benefit by being able to utilize the milk from your
share. You are not buying raw milk,
rather you are buying a share in a cow and paying us to feed and care for her.
What is a cows Share?
A young cow can produce about 20 gallons of milk per week. We divide a young
cow into 20 shares. One share is one gallon per week. Later, when the cow
matures and has had 3 calves she can produce more and additional shares in the
cow may be made available.
My family drinks more than one gallon of milk per week. Can I buy
more than one share?
You may buy as many shares as you need.
How does cow-sharing work?
The Farmer is responsible for:
• Refrigeration of milk awaiting share holder pickup.
• Daily care, feeding, milking etc. of the share cow at the owners
request.
The Share owner provides:
• Transportation to pick up milk, or payment for delivery.
• Containers (share owners clean their own bought containers and
leave a clean container at the dairy to be sanitized each time they pick up
milk to be filled for next time).
Why Dutch
Belteds?
Intelligence and friendly disposition make
Dutch Belted cattle an excellent choice for family farms, rotational grazing,
and other systems where ease of handling is valued. Their milk tests 3.5
to 5.5 per cent butter fat making it an ideal drinking milk. It is
logical to believe that the same knowledge of breeding that produced the
world's most beautiful cow also was used in producing easily digested milk with
fat globules that are exceptionally small.
Dutch Belteds are a hardy breed capable of producing milk and healthy
calves on grass only. Heifers (young
female cows) breed early and produce a calf every year, having an optimum
calving interval is an important trait for seasonal dairy production. Conception rate far exceeds the average 2.7
services required for Holsteins. Their
calves are small boned with an average birth weight of 70 pounds which assures
calving ease and less postpartum stress; offspring are highly predictable and
uniform. They rarely need veterinarians
and problems which are common in other dairies are absent with these cows. Their hooves take care of themselves
naturally.
Will my cow live on pasture and eat grass?
Yes! Our Dutch Belts will be pastured on
untreated grass at least 3/4 of the year (no pesticides or other treatments). If the grass is green, she’s eating it! In the winter and at milking time your cow is
supplemented with dry hay purchased from a neighboring farmer. Dutch Belted cows are extremely hardy and
typically choose to stay out on pasture all year round, rain, snow, or shine! While
we are not certified organic, we maintain dairy quality pasture through the use
of legumes and with parasite sanitation/fertilizer from our poultry. The
pasture is the cow’s primary source of nutrition, saving on fuel and labor
costs. She receives only salt and kelp
as a mineral supplement. Sundae will be milked only once per day which makes
for an extra concentrated milk that is very high in butter fat and protein.
Where will my cow be kept?
Your cow will be boarded at The Boondockers Farm in Creswell OR which is
located at the old Rory Dari. The farm
has beautiful pastoral views and the original red milking barn. It is approximately five minutes south of
Eugene on the 5, one exit past Lane Community College. Shareholders pay a monthly boarding fee which
covers our rent of the land and barn, hay/feed, and care for your cow and her
milk. You will be asked to read and sign
the boarding agreement with The Boondockers Farm when you purchase your
cowshare(s).
What happens
if my cow gets injured or sick?
Shareholders are required to make a deposit
of $50 to the “Cow Emergency Fund” to be used towards veterinary care in case
of a major illness/accident. This
deposit is refundable if not needed. In
case of an emergency where veterinary care or medication is necessary, funds
will be taken evenly from each shareholders deposits and fees will be issued so
that each shareholder once again has a $50 deposit. The Boondockers Farm is responsible
for minor and routine situations, however.
How long is my share good for?
Your share is good for the life of the cow. Basically, you own the cow until it
dies. Then you make other arrangements. Of
course, since you own the share you may sell it at any time.
If I ever need to sell my shares,
am I responsible for boarding fees until my shares are sold?
Yes.
How long does a cow live?
Sundae
is just over 2yrs old. Dutch Belteds are known for their longevity so is
typical that they calf until or beyond 16yrs of age and can produce into their
late twenties. I once read of a man’s Dutch Belted cow who died happily
in her pasture at 36yrs old! A typical Holstein in a commercial dairy
only lives until 4yrs old, and then they are as good as hamburger.
When do cows produce milk?
A cow produces milk only after it's had a calf. The Boondockers Farm will make
sure your cow is "refreshed “every
year to ensure a constant supply of milk. The cow will produce milk on about a
305-day cycle, then is "dried up" for 60 days prior to the birth of
the calf. This means for 60 days of the year your cow will not be producing any
milk
How does a seasonal, grass-based dairy work?
A seasonal dairy dries up
all the cows at the same time. So there
is a period from approximately January – March where your cow will not give
milk. There are many advantages to this type of dairy. Cows live a very low-stress life, receive no
hormones, are given antibiotics only in cases of extreme necessity (and we
withhold the milk longer than the medicine requires). In the spring when the grass is most lush,
she will free to graze at her leisure, in a year round dairy cows may be forced
to dry up at this time and peak in lactation when there is no grass to be eaten
outside. We believe it is more healthy
for the animal and ourselves to follow the patterns of nature, so we calf when
the deer are fawning.
If my cow
has a calf every year what will happen to the calf?
Since I will be responsible for regularly breeding the buyer’s cow in order to
ensure that cows continue to produce milk, absorbing all costs associated with
this service, the buyer will grant to seller all offspring of the cows as
payment for the breeding services. These
calves will either be sold or will be raised here at the farm with their mama
to be used in our milking/breeding program.
Can you give me some cow
terminology?
- Bull - male bovine;
- Steer - castrated bull;
- Heifer - female cow that has not yet had a calf;
- First Calf Heifer - a cow who is milking successfully, having
had one calf;
- Second Calf Heifer - a cow that is in her second year of
producing milk;
- Cow - female that is at least three years old;
- Aged Cow - a cow that is 6 years or older;
- "Fresh" Cow - one that has recently had her calf
and is producing milk.
How will the milk be collected and stored?
The cows are milked by a manual machine. The milk is pumped directly from the
cow(s) into clean, gallon-sized glass jars. The date is written on the jar and
then the jars lids are screwed on tight. The milk is stored in the glass jars
in a cooler where the temperature is maintained at an approximate temperature
of 35 - 38 degrees F where it remains until the milk is picked up. Our equipment is cleaned after each milking
and sanitized before each milking to ensure a quality, wholesome product.
How does the milk pick-up work?
We'll try to group you by general location. If you live near Creswell, you can
pick up milk directly from the farm. If you do not live close to the farm, we
co-op the milk pick-up and/or provide drop off location/s. Each co-op group would pick up milk once per
week. For example, if there are 4 people
in your pick-up group, you rotate picking up the milk. You would pick up milk
once a month. You travel to The
Boondockers Farm in Creswell. There you pick up the milk by placing the
milk-filled glass jars in a large cooler packed with ice. You bring the milk
back to a designated home that is centrally located within your group. It is also suggested that, especially if you
are going to be a part of a pick up group, you purchase a cooler to transport
the milk. You may wish to split this cost with other members of your group, or
you may want to purchase one per family.
May I have my milk delivered?
Yes, you may! NEW! The Boondockers Farm will
be offering delivery to your Eugene home, we offer delivery to the Eugene area
only. Call or e-mail for rates to your area. The Boondockers Farm will also be offering a
variety of other fresh and local farm products for delivery such as eggs from
our endangered Ancona ducks and Delaware chickens and whole broiler birds both
chicken and duck for your table. We grow
rare heirloom produce and specialize in tomatoes with over 50 varieties to
choose from! You may soon be able to
order directly from our website! A
cooler along with ice needs to be put out on the morning of delivery so there
is someplace for the delivery driver to put the milk.
Payment is due monthly on the 14th. Each Cow
Boarding member is the employer of the driver, not The Boondockers Farm. We
just facilitate the check for the driver.
www.BoondockersNaturals.com.
Check our website for updates!
Do I recycle the jars?
Yes! After the milk in each jar is
consumed, each shareholder washes the jar (and any metal lids) in the
dishwasher with a mild dishwashing detergent (like those that are eco-friendly
and can be purchased at a place like Fresh Fields). Cascade and other leading
brands are very harsh and the residue can get into the milk. Check lids and
jars to be sure they are dry. If not, take a clean dishtowel and wipe out any
remaining drops of water. The dry lid is then replaced and the shareholder
brings the clean jars with lids back to the designated milk drop-off point for
his/her pick-up group or to the farm. The person who goes to pick up milk the
following week will also bring the clean jars for the group when they head out
to the farm. The jars are returned to the farm and then you may pick up your
group's milk for that week. This procedure is repeated each week to keep the
jars in circulation.
There is an initial charge of $20 per share
to purchase new one-gallon glass jars and plastic lids. This will buy four jars
and lids per share-one in your refrigerator with milk in it, one at the farm
waiting to be filled, one in transit, and an extra jar in case of breakage.
There will be a $2.50 for returned jars which need to be washed and a breakage
fee of $6.50. Jars can be sold back to The Boondockers Farm
if you decide to sell you share of the cow.
What does a
Cow-Share cost?a
The initial share (to purchase 5% of the cow) is $95. Shares can be sold back to us or to someone
else at any time. After the above one-time costs, there is a boarding fee
that goes to The Boondockers Farm of $40 per share per month; that continues
for as long as you own your share except no boarding fees will be required for
the two months that Sundae will dry up since we will get a bit of a break
without milking. This is
equivalent to 1 gallon per week at 10$/gal, but eventually may be spent among any of our dairy
products. Prices for our dairy products (or fees associated
with dairy products) tentative prices are as follows:
Milk/ per gallon
|
$10
|
|
*Heavy cream
|
$5pt $8.00qt
|
|
*Butter
|
$7
|
|
*Sour Cream
|
$4pt $6qt
|
|
*Creme Fraiche
|
$7pt $12qt
|
*Products are limited, we may only have them
in smaller quantities and at certain times, processed dairy products will not
be available until around the end of the summer of 2010.
EXAMPLE -- COST FOR 1 SHARE FOR A FAMILY OF 4...
One-time Fees
- Purchase of 1 share x $95 = $ 95
- Consumables (jars) fee, 1 share x $20/share = $20
- Emergency Veterinary deposit, 1 share x $50/share= $50
- Cost to get started $ 165
- Monthly Boarding Fees 1 share x $40/month = $ 40
What if I want to purchase 3
shares? My family drinks about 3 gallons
per week, what would this cost me?
EXAMPLE -- COST FOR 3 SHARES FOR A LARGE FAMILY...
- One-time Fees Purchase of 3 Shares x $95 per share =$285.00
- Consumables (jars) fee, 3 shares x $20 per share = $60.00
- Emergency Veterinary deposit, 3 shares x $50/share= $150
- Cost to get started - 3 Shares $495.00
- Monthly Boarding Fees 3 Shares x $40/month = $120.00
How is the money collected?
Boarding fees are due on the 1st
or the 15th of every month.
Payment or checks can be sent/brought to The Boondockers Farm. The monthly boarding fee(s) will be prorated,
depending on when you purchase your share(s). Costs may be subject to increase
depending on prices of rent or hay.
How can I get started?
You must promise never to buy or sell raw milk. You can trade or barter, but
never sell it. Read and sign the boarding agreement with The Boondockers Farm,
and then write us a check or come by the farm to drop it off and meet us and
Sundae. As soon as we receive your signed agreement and your check/payment, you
own the cow and you may begin picking up your delicious, nutritious, fresh
milk!
Cow share Agreement PDF,
How can I obtain more information? Or Fill out the form in the Signup Tab up top
Call Rachel or Evan at 541-689-0881, or the cell, 775-544-7722.
Or fill out the form below and we will return you message!
