Dairy herd share FAQ

[[Image:Carol milking double squirt.jpg|thumb|right|400px|Our first milking, in 2009.]]EcoReality Co-op has established a [[dairy herd share]] operation, by which, individuals can purchase a portion of a managed herd of dairy goats (on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, Canada), along with the associated infrastructure used in managing and operating the dairy herd.

'''As of January 2020, we are now accepting applications for new herd share holders.'''

==Quick Sign-up==
''For those who don't want the boring details... but please find some time to read below at a later date!''

# Review and understand the current '''[[dairy herd share fees]].'''
# (optional) Check out our [[dairy production]] statistics.
# Review the formal [[Coop_rules#Authorized_share_structure|share structure]] in our [[coop rules]]. (Rule 21.5, Class D Shares.)
# Fill out a '''[[dairy herd share application]].'''
# We will then either put you on a wait list if the [[agister]] determines that the herd shares are fully subscribed, or send you an invoice for your shares, which must be paid before your herd share becomes active.
# We will then have you sign a '''[[dairy herd share agreement]],''' detailing your rights and responsibilities.
# Come pick up your milk!
# Want out? 90 days after receiving written notice that you want to redeem your shares, we'll send you a full redemption, minus any debt for non-returned containers, electronic funds transfer fees, etc.

==Why have dairy herd shares?==
Throughout Canada, it is illegal to "distribute raw milk" to people other than the owner of the animal giving the milk. Thus, raw milk cannot be sold in stores, nor even given away.

However, you ''are'' allowed to drink the raw milk of an animal you own, and thus the concept of ''herd sharing'' arose, in which a number of individuals pool their resources in order to collectively own dairy animals that they might not otherwise be able to keep and properly maintain.

The [[Wikipedia:Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms|Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms]] guarantees our [[Wikipedia:Freedom of association|Freedom of association]], or the right to collectively do whatever is legal for us to do individually. Thus, it is legal to join in the shared ownership of a resource in order to share that resource. This is currently working its way through the BC court system and legislature.

==How does it work at EcoReality?==
We have established a class of investment shares under the [http://www.qp.gov.bc.ca/statreg/stat/C/99028_01.htm BC Cooperative Associations Act], Class D Investment Shares (let's just call them "dairy shares" in this document), which are solely devoted to the funding of dairy operations at EcoReality.

An individual purchases dairy shares, and is then legally able to receive raw milk from the dairy animals that EcoReality Co-op maintains for its dairy shareholders, the owner of the animals.

The general [[member]]s of EcoReality Co-op have elected an [[agister]], who is responsible for maintaining the dairy herd on behalf of dairy shareholders. The [[agister]] has authority to make day-to-day decisions about the health, well-being, and productivity of EcoReality's goat herd.

Subscribing to a certain number of dairy shares allows an individual to receive a certain portion of the output of raw goat milk and other dairy products from the EcoReality dairy operation.

When an individual "receives" a portion of the output from the dairy operation, they will pay an additional fee, which directly pays for the labour and other operational costs that the co-op incurs in providing dairy products. In consultation with EcoReality's [[finance steward]] and other involved parties, the [[agister]] sets the [[dairy herd share fees|fees]] associated with dairy products from the herd.

==How much will it cost?==
The [[agister]] is responsible for setting a [[dairy herd share fees|dairy share subscription level]] in keeping with the actual capital value of the EcoReality dairy herd and associated infrastructure. In other words, your dairy share investment reflects, as well as can be determined, the actual value of the animals and equipment.

This doesn't mean you are guaranteed a certain amount of milk, rather, you are entitled to a certain share of the total milk produced, proportional to the total value of the dairy operation.

The [[agister]] is required to follow this priority when making decisions:
# Maintain the health and well-being of the EcoReality site and greater ecosystem,
# treat the dairy herd animals in a manner that gives them long, happy lives,
# produce a mix of dairy products as desired by the dairy share owners, and
# consider long-term herd health ahead of milk productivity.

So the amount of milk a dairy share holder may receive will vary with number of animals in lactation and their stage of lactation, health of the EcoReality land and pasture areas, weather, and other considerations.

The EcoReality [[agister]] has established the following share costs:
* $10 (ten shares): '''''Taster:''''' one who desires significantly less than one litre of milk per week,
* $50 (fifty shares) per litre per week (nominal) in other cases.
* ''See [[dairy herd share fees]] for fee updates, or for fees for other dairy products.''

This cost is an estimate, based upon the actual number of goats owned by herd shareholders and the market value of those goats and associated equipment. For example: $2,400 for eight Nubian dairy goats, and $400 for associated infrastructure, for a total of $2,800. Half the goats can be expected to be in production at any given time, and each will optimally produce two litres per day, for a total capital  cost of $350 per litre per day, or $50 per litre per week.

This example is subject to change, based upon the number of animals kept, number of animals in lactation, cost of feed, and many other factors. The [[agister]] will strive to keep the number of outstanding shares commensurate with the value of the herd and infrastructure.

==What if I don't use my weekly share of milk?==
Because milk has a limited shelf-life, your share is on a "use it or lose it" basis. If you do not pick up the amount specified by the number of shares you've subscribed, the [[agister]] may allow other herd shareholders to take it, or may turn it into cheese or other preserved dairy product.

On the other hand, if you want more than your weekly share for some reason, give the [[agister]] as much notice as possible, and we will try to accommodate your needs. If you find you regularly need more than your weekly share, you should subscribe to more dairy shares, if they are available.

'''''If you do not receive your share over a long period of time, you may be placed on "standby" status to allow others who consistently receive their share to continue doing so.''''' When on "standby" status, you can receive raw dairy products on an "as available" basis. We strive to be understanding about travel, changing life situations, etc., but please understand that to provide herd shareholders the best value, we strive to match current demand with current supply.

==What if you cannot supply me with my weekly share of milk?==
Milk production will vary considerably, and herd share amounts are based upon ''average'' milk production over a two-year lactation cycle. Sometimes there will be plenty of milk; at other times, there may be very little, or even none at all for periods of up to 90 days or so. The [[agister]] will strive to stagger breedings to keep a steady supply of milk, but this might not always be possible.

As a bona-fide part-owner of a herd of milk goats, you should be prepared to "take the good with the bad" over time. We expect to have a waiting list, so keep in mind that you can always "cash out" your share with 90 days notice if you feel you are not receiving good value for your investment.

==What if I want out?==
Dairy shares are redeemable with a 90-day written notice. Let us know in writing (email will do) that you want some or all of your shares redeemed, and 90 days later, you'll get the full amount of your dairy shares back, less any outstanding debt, including any charges for milk bottles, etc. If you want an electronic transfer, we will also deduct the Interac fee from your payment.

Please note that as of the date you request redemption, you are no longer a dairy shareholder, and cannot receive dairy products while waiting 90 days for your money back.

==What about liability?==
EcoReality Co-op has commercial farm liability insurance, but it is ultimately up to the individual to determine the risks associated with owning a share of a dairy herd and consuming raw dairy products. Canada's stance is that raw milk is a "hazardous food substance," and that it can cause many ailments, possibly leading to serious injury or death.

As part of your dairy share agreement, you will be required to acknowledge that you understand Canada considers raw milk a significant health risk, and that you accept the risk and bear all responsibility for that risk.

==How do I know it is safe?==
All milking and dairy product handling is performed under the supervision of a [http://www.foodsafe.ca Canada Food Safe] trained and certified food handler. All people handling the dairy products also consume those products, and they don't want to make themselves sick!

Currently, we use hand-milking in our documented [[milking procedure]], which is actually more clean and sensitive to the animal than machine milking. We are intimately involved with the animal, and are quickly alerted to problems such as subclinical mastitis.

The animals are generally within sight of someone for most of the day, so we keep close tabs on their health and well-being, and thus the safety of the final product.

You are free to come examine the health and well-being of your herd, but we ask that you make an appointment at our convenience, so your visit does not impact your fellow dairy share holders.

==Where do I get it?==
You can pick it up on the farm. ([[How to get to EcoReality]].) For best results, call or email first to let us know you're coming, because we don't have sales people sitting around waiting for you, and we have to run errands. We ''may'' be able to train you in self-service, but only for packaged products that don't require handling. (In other words, if you want a 1-litre bottle, and all we have are 4-litre jugs, we won't let you pour your own 1-litre bottle.)

==I'm in Ganges, and don't get to the Fulford Valley much. Can you deliver?==
We bring milk to Ganges weekly, on a reservation basis.

When you are a herd shareholder, we'll send you email each week, telling you what is available. You can then reply with your order for delivery. We then bring the milk to Country Grocer or to some other convenient central location.

You can also commit to a "standing order," and we will bring your milk to the meeting place each week, but if you do not pick it up, you will be liable for half the product's value.

==Can you supply dairy products to Victoria or Vancouver?==
We are not currently planning routine supply to Victoria or Vancouver.

By prior arrangement, we may be able to meet you on foot at Fulford Harbour, in time for you to take the next ferry back to Swartz Bay.

==Can you ship milk to me at [some far away place]==
Sorry, due to the uncertainties of shipping time and environment, and due to the legal complications of Canada's raw milk distribution ban, and due to our concern for the carbon footprint of shipping food long distances, we will not ship milk.

'''All milk must be personally received by a herd shareholder.'''

==Okay, I want in. What's the next step?==
# Review and understand the current [[dairy herd share fees]].
# (optional) Check out our [[dairy production]] statistics.
# Review the formal [[Coop_rules#Authorized_share_structure|share structure]] in our [[coop rules]]. (Rule 21.5, Class D Shares.)
# Fill out a [[dairy herd share application]].
# We will then either put you on a wait list if the [[agister]] determines that the herd shares are fully subscribed, or send you an invoice for your shares, which must be paid before your herd share becomes active.
# We will then have you sign a [[dairy herd share agreement]], and we will give you a card that must be presented when you pick up your milk.
# Come pick up your milk!

==I have a question that isn't on this list!==
[http://www.EcoReality.org/Email.php?Subject=I%20have%20a%20question%20about%20herd%20shares Send us your question], and we'll add it to this list!

[[Category:Dairy]]
[[Category:Administration]]