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Family Cow Farmstand

2386 Shelburne Falls Road
802-482-4440

About Us:

100% grass-fed raw milk from our herd of 10 Guernsey, Jersey and crossbred cows is our main product here at the Family Cow. The nutrient-dense, complex and delicious milk our cows produce is wholly different from the milk many (including us, before we became farmers!) are accustomed to buying in the store. The milk we sell is a completely unadulterated product, straight from the cow- none of the natural flavors are removed. The cows do all the work to make this remarkable product of bovine artistry - all we do is quickly cool down the milk to a safe temperature and get it out to you. 

We believe in producing healthy, delicious food for people in the most responsible way possible, and for us grazing dairy cows and distributing raw milk to our local community is our best answer to that belief. Becoming a shareholder with the Family Cow enables us to farm in a way that respects our animals, our landscape and our community

We milk our cows twice daily, 6am and 6pm.  During the grazing season (may-November) they are rotated to fresh pasture after each milking (sometimes 3 times a day). Our cows consume hay from our farm or nearby farms in the winter months, and are kept clean and comfortable in their winter quarters.

Our milking system was built around the quickest, safest and simplest way to get the milk from the cow to you.  We use two surge bucket milkers, which some people call "belly milkers", as the bucket actually hangs on a strap or belt under the cow's belly.  Surge milkers have few parts, which means the milk flows through minimal equipment, lessening any risk for contamination.  Because the milkers are suspended in the air they have a "tug and pull" motion that occurs, which mimics how a calf would nurse from the cow.  This means our cows let down easier, milk out better and faster, and all in all, are at ease and comfort during the milking process. We also practice stress-free animal handling and managment (both in the parlor and the field) to ensure our ladies don't have any reason to be upset. 

After milking each cow we take that cow's milk directly to our refrigerated bulk tank where it is promptly cooled to 35 degrees Fahrenheit. We then decant the milk into 1/2 gallon glass containers for your consumption. 


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