What herd shares and cow shares are
A herd share (sometimes called a cow share) is an arrangement where you buy a share in an animal or a herd, usually a dairy cow, and pay an ongoing fee for its care, agistment and management. In return, members receive a portion of what the herd produces. The model is different from simply buying milk or dairy at a shop or market stall — you become a part-owner of the animal, and the farmer manages it on your behalf.
These arrangements exist for a range of reasons. Some people want a direct relationship with a specific farm and to know exactly how the animals are kept. Others are drawn to the transparency of seeing the herd, the paddocks and the practices firsthand.
An important note on raw milk in Australia
It is worth being clear about the legal position. In Australia, raw (unpasteurised) milk cannot be sold for human consumption. Some suppliers market products such as cosmetic or "bath" milk, and some operate herd-share or cow-share arrangements. This directory describes how suppliers present and market their products and arrangements; it does not advise on consuming raw milk and makes no health claims about it. For the current rules and food safety guidance, refer to Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) and your state health authority.
Because the regulatory framework is strict and can change, always confirm directly with any supplier how their arrangement is structured and what they are legally able to provide.
How suppliers around Melbourne typically operate
Suppliers offering herd-share or cow-share arrangements around Melbourne and the surrounding regions — including the Yarra Valley and outer east — tend to sell and distribute in a few common ways:
- Farm gate: Members collect their share directly from the farm on set days. This is common for share arrangements because it lets you see the operation.
- Market stalls: Some farms also attend farmers markets to sell other produce, even where share arrangements are handled separately.
- Delivery or pick-up points: A number of producers coordinate regular drop-offs at central points around Melbourne to save members the drive.
- Co-op or share structures: The share arrangement itself is a form of membership, often with a joining agreement, an ongoing agistment or care fee, and agreed collection schedules.
The page currently features Organic Empire (Mount Evelyn), listed in this category. As with any supplier, contact them directly to understand exactly what they offer and how their arrangement works.
Typical price ranges
Pricing varies widely depending on the farm, the size of your share and how distribution is handled. As a very general guide, herd-share arrangements in Australia often involve an upfront share purchase (commonly in the low hundreds of dollars) plus an ongoing care or agistment fee charged weekly, fortnightly or monthly. These figures are indicative only and change over time — always confirm current pricing and terms directly with the supplier.
Factors that affect cost include the type of animal, how far you are from the farm, whether delivery or pick-up points are offered, and the size of the share you take on.
How to choose a supplier
A few things help separate a well-run operation from one worth more scrutiny:
- Certification where organic claims are made: If a farm markets itself as organic, look for recognised certification such as ACO (Australian Certified Organic) or NASAA. Certification means an independent body verifies the claim. If a farm says it is "spray-free" or "chemical-free" without certification, ask what that means in practice.
- Transparency about practices: Good suppliers are open about how animals are kept, what they are fed, paddock rotation, and how the operation is managed day to day. A willingness to let you visit is a strong sign.
- Clear agreements: A reputable share arrangement will have a written agreement setting out the share purchase, ongoing fees, collection arrangements and responsibilities on both sides.
- Reviews and word of mouth: Ratings and reviews can be helpful, though newer listings may not have many yet. Community groups, local food co-ops and markets are useful for firsthand accounts.
Questions worth asking
Before joining any herd share or cow share, consider asking:
- How exactly is the share arrangement structured, and what does the agreement cover?
- What are the upfront and ongoing costs, and how often are fees charged?
- How and where do I collect my share, and how often?
- How are the animals kept, fed and cared for? Can I visit the farm?
- If organic or spray-free claims are made, are they certified, and by whom?
- What happens if I need to pause or leave the arrangement?
- How does the supplier handle food safety and comply with current regulations?
Taking the time to ask these questions helps ensure the arrangement suits you and that you understand what you are signing up for. Because rules around dairy in particular are strict, confirming compliance details directly with the supplier — and checking FSANZ guidance — is always sensible.