F&Q's about Goat Shares

 

You called?

  IT HAS COME TO MY ATTENTION THAT GOAT SHARES MAY BE “ILLEGAL” IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK.  SOME WOULD BELIEVE THAT IT IS MY (AND YOUR) CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO SELL OR PURCHASE A SHARE IN A GOAT.  IT IS UP TO YOU TO MAKE YOUR OWN DECISION.

  

What is a goat share and how does it work?

 

Basically the consumer (you) purchases a share in a goat.  The farmer and the consumer enter into a contract in which the farmer feeds and boards the animal and provides the labor to milk the animal and store the consumer’s milk until pick up.  Such contracts are legal and valid, as guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States of America.  The consumer does not buy milk from the farmer.  Rather, they pay the farmer for the service of keeping the goat and his labor for milking and processing the milk into value added products such as butter, cream, cheese, etc.  However, they may directly purchase other products from the farm, such as eggs, vegetables and meat.      

Goat share programs protect the farmer from liability since the animal belongs to the consumer and the consumer is drinking the milk from their own animal.      

Are goat shares legal?

Yes, they are.  It is not legal in New York to sell raw (unpasteurized) milk to the public.  Since you own a share in Mountain View Farm’s dairy goat-herd, you may legally use the milk from your share of the goats in any way you see fit.  In following the law, you must purchase a share of the dairy goat herd at Mountain View Farm and then pay a monthly boarding fee for your goat share.  You will be asked to sign a contract for your goat share at the time of its purchase.  You will receive a Bill of Sale for  your share and a copy of the written boarding agreement for your goat.      

How much does it cost?

Here on Mountain View Farm we will try to keep costs as reasonable as possible.  You first purchase the goat share for a 25.00 per share.  This is a one-time cost.  Now that you own a goat share you need to board your goat.  Boarding or husbandry costs are 5.00 per week.  This entitles you to approximately 1 gallon of milk per week, however, since production fluctuates this amount may change slightly throughout the season.  Remember, you are purchasing a share of ownership of a particular animal and the amount of milk that animal produces can vary.      

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 in advance, on or before the twentieth (20th) day of each month.      

How do I get started?

Thoroughly review the information provided about Goat Shares.  Call us at 315-855-9969 to schedule a tour of our farm.  While there request and review the purchase and boarding contract.  Sign the contract and once payment is received you will be the proud owner of a dairy goat share.      

What happens if I no longer wish to “own” a goat share?

You may terminate your agreement with a thirty (30) day written notice with no penalties except under the special terms listed in the contract.  We will always try to work with your circumstances.  You may not sell your shares to a third-party.  Please note:  it is illegal to sell milk in New York 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, Ownership of all kids will remain with Mountain View Farm.    

 

Why raw goat’s milk?

Goat’s milk is higher in many nutrients needed by the human body.  It is easier to digest and naturally homogenized.  Raw milk contains many natural enzymes that are destroyed in the pasteurization process that commerical milk undergoes.   These enzymes are excellent for the digestive process! 

And besides all that… BECAUSE IT TASTES GREAT!