Join the C & K Farms herdshare in Wolverine, Michigan
Buying a share of the C & K Farms herd makes you a part-owner of the cows in Wolverine, Michigan — which is how Michigan law allows people to get raw milk. Each share entitles you to about a gallon of A2/A2 raw milk a week. You then pay per share every four weeks toward feeding, milking and caring for the animals you own. Want two gallons a week? Own two shares.
How do I join the herdshare?
Buy your shares, choose where you collect, and start picking up milk that week.
- 1
Decide how many shares to own
One share entitles you to about a gallon a week. If you want two gallons, you own two shares. Half shares are available if a half gallon suits your household better.
- 2
Buy into the herd
Each share is a one-time $150 purchase, so two shares is $300. That makes you a part-owner of the cows, which is what Michigan law requires before you can take raw milk home.
- 3
Pick where you collect
Our farm on Webb Rd in Wolverine, daily 9am to 9pm, or the Gaylord drop at Bragg Family Farm, Thursday through Sunday.
- 4
Collect your milk each week
We provide the jars. Bring them back washed and dry, and bring a cooler for the drive home. Order cutoff is noon the day before.
Add eggs or bread to your weekly pickup
Farm-Fresh Eggs — $6
Sourdough Focaccia — $10
Bottled Fresh-To-Order
Choose your preferred drop site on page two of sign-up–we'll text and email you a reminder when it's time for pickup!
Looking for options in Petoskey/Harbor Springs? Join the waitlist – we'll be there soon!
The Farm - Free Pickup
Pickup daily (24/7!) at the farm. 3862 Webb Rd, Wolverine MI, 49799.
Note: there is no farm pickup on Thursdays
Gaylord Drop - $1.25/Pickup Fee
Pickup from Thursday at 11am to Sunday. 7037 Hayes Tower Rd, Gaylord, MI 49735.
Common questions about the herdshare
Everything owners ask before they buy in.
What is a herdshare?
A herdshare is where you buy a portion of a dairy herd and then are entitled to a portion of the milk from that herd. You pay a one-time buy-in to own your share of the cows, then a fee every four weeks that covers us feeding, grazing and milking them for you.
By joining the herdshare, you agree to our Herd Owner Terms & Agreement.
Why do I buy a share instead of just buying milk?
In the state of Michigan, the only legal way to obtain raw milk intended for human consumption is to either own a milk cow or be a part of a herdshare program. Buying a share of our herd is what makes the milk yours.
How much does it cost?
Each share is $150, one time — so two shares is $300. After that the care and boarding fee is $50 per share every four weeks if you collect at our farm in Wolverine, or $50 per share plus $1.25 per pickup at our Gaylord drop, which helps cover our fuel.
If you decide to end your share, your buy-in fee will be refunded.
How much milk do I get each week?
One share entitles you to about a gallon a week; a half share, a half gallon. What you receive is a pro-rata share of what the herd actually produces, so it varies. If you want more milk, you own more shares.
What does A2/A2 mean?
A2/A2 is a type of protein found in goats milk, breast milk and many other kinds of hypoallergenic milk. If you find that you cannot digest milk from the store then there is a very good chance raw A2/A2 milk will work for you. Many people who can only drink goats milk can drink ours. Get in touch if you would like to try some first.
How are the cows fed and cared for?
Our cows are out on natural grass pasture as much as possible. When pasture is not available, such as during winter, we feed them a mixture of hay and silage. At milking time the cows get non-GMO grain and are fed free choice minerals regularly.
Where do I pick up my milk?
Two places. At our farm, 3862 Webb Rd in Wolverine, milk is in the refrigerator at the second driveway just past the mailbox, daily, 24/7 (milk is put out fresh at 9am). At our Gaylord drop, 7037 Hayes Tower Rd at Bragg Family Farm, milk arrives Thursday at 11am and you have until Sunday to collect it — go up the driveway to the cabin, which is open around the clock.
What container do I bring, and how should I store it?
We provide the jars. Bring them back washed and dry each week and we sanitize them before refilling. We encourage owners to bring a cooler for the drive home, particularly in the summer.
Does supply change through the year?
No — herdshares run year-round and the cows are milked through the winter. It is our produce that is seasonal, June through September.
Can I pause or skip a week?
We cannot pause or skip a herdshare. The care and boarding fee covers us looking after the cows you own, and that work carries on whether or not you collect your milk that week. If you are away, you are welcome to send someone else to pick up your share.
How do you test and handle your milk?
Keeping your milk safe starts with washing the udder of the cow. We use an iodine solution which is industry standard, let it sit for a minute and then wash it off with paper towels. We squirt off the first few squirts of milk to check for any issues. Our milker is washed in a four-step process, which includes a sanitization and an acid rinse to kill any bacteria and to prevent bacteria from growing. Each of our herd owners returns their jars washed, and we then sanitize them before refilling.
What if I can't make it to pickup one week?
Get in touch as soon as you know. At Gaylord you have from Thursday through Sunday, and at the farm the milk keeps in the refrigerator, so there is some room either way. You are also welcome to send a friend or family member to collect on your behalf.
Join the Herd
Own a share of the herd, then collect a gallon of A2/A2 raw milk every week in Wolverine or Gaylord.