Herdshare or Goat Boarding FAQ'S * How is the goatshare program with Glenberry Farms set up? You make a one-time payment of $75 to buy a share in one of Glenberry Farms' dairy goats for the lifetime of the goat. From that point on you actually own a share of that goat. In addition, you pay a $25 boarding fee each month for the feeding and care of your goat. Your share entitles you to 3 quarts of milk each week (3 gallons/month). You may buy as many shares as you would like. * Are herdshares legal? Yes, they are. It is not legal in the state of Ohio state to sell raw (unpasteurized) milk to the public. However, you may use or consume as much raw milk as you wish from your own goat. Since you own a share in one of Glenberry Farms' goats, you may legally use the milk from your share in any way you see fit. * How should I handle the milk that is supplied to me? The milk supplied will be raw--that is, it is not heat-treated or pasteurized. It will be chilled; and you should take care that it remains so until you can get it home and into your refrigerator. If you have some distance to drive or stops to make before you arrive home, it is imperative that you make provision with insulated containers and ice or chillers to keep the milk at refrigerator temperature until you return home. Milk should be kept in a refrigerator set at 35 degrees. It should not be left out for long periods at meal times.  * How do I get my milk each week? Shareholders will have an agreed upon day to pick up their milk. * What is the milk stored in? The shareholder pays a one-time fee of $15 for the purchase of jars and plastic lids. The shareholder is responsible for cleaning, sanitizing, and returning their jars for refilling. * How should the jars be cleaned? It is essential that both jar and lid be scrupulously clean and thoroughly dry. 1. First, rinse out old milk with lukewarm water. Water that is too hot or too cold can cause a deposit of milk solids (milkstone) to remain on the surface of the container. 2. Wash thoroughly with soap and hot water. A cap full of bleach in the sink water is recommended. 3. Rinse well - really well. 4. Dry completely - real completely. If the jar develops condensation, it is not dry. 5. Put lid on. Don't leave lids off assuming it aids in drying as jars collect dust, hair, and yuck! 6. Inspect your jar before returning it to the drop site. If it has any smell other than clean, it needs rewashing. * What do the goats eat? The most important part of their diet is the pasture grass on which they graze themselves all day (and, in the winter, high quality hay). High quality forage produces the very best milk. Note that the pastures here are not fertilized with sludge or any chemical fertilizer. While being milked, the goats eat a little all natural grain supplement. They also receive mineral supplement free choice (available at all times). * Will the births of the kids (babies) have an impact on milk supply available to goatshare owners? Yes, they might; and you should keep this in mind as we approach the winter. During the final 6-8 weeks of a goat's pregnancy, she should be allowed to be "dry" (not being milked) because she is putting so much of her body's resources into growing the kids. Also, after the birth, the kids will be fed their mother's milk until weaned . During the kidding season, there may well be times when we cannot supply you with milk in the normal amounts or on the usual schedule. We will do our very best to supply you then; and ask your understanding and cooperation.