Meet the dairy cows...
Fern
Dolly
Lou
Goldie
2 cows now, and 2 cows later, and 2 cows another day....
We currently have 2 jersey cows in milk, Fern and Dolly.
​
Then! We have 2 jersey heifers, Goldie and Lou, bred for March of 2025 claves.
​
Then! Those calves, will be raised as our next in line dairy stock.
So on and so forth we grow with our cows and our skills.
​
We are aiming and growing into a full registered, A2A2 Jersey herd. But aren't there quite yet. We'll let you know when we get there!
​
Our kids also enjoy showing our jersey cows at the local county fair.
​
Raw Jersey Milk
-
What is raw milk?Raw milk is unaltered milk directly from an animal, and straight into the cooler. There's no additives, alterations, heating processes, or chemicals used in it. Just one of the best super foods money can buy.
-
What does raw milk taste like?It tastes like milk! I'll elaborate. Our raw milk has a clean, crisp, and refreshing taste. Like any dairy farmer, we are diligent in keeping our cows and equipment clean. Then, the milk is put into jars or jugs and cooled straight away!
-
How do you get some our raw milk?Our raw milk here at The Hart Homestead has to be purchased directly from our farm. You can find it in our milk fridge in our farm stand, open daily 8a - 8p There is a few bookkeeping tasks, such as giving your contact information and recording when and how much you purchase. As well as, if you choose to purchase glass jars there is a fee for those, and a pinky promise to return them. They're hard to source.
-
How does the jar thing work?Great question! We use half gallon glass jars to store our milk in. That's what we put our milk into immediately after milking. Then straight into a cold fridge! They're really hard to source here in rural Vermont. There is a $3 jar deposit to basically purchase the jar/jars. That means a $3 deposit per jar. You have to bring the empty jars back and exchange them for full ones. But you don't have to pay another deposit on a full jar if you brought back the empty one to replace it. (Or two, or three, or four!) If you don't bring them back, you have to pay another $3. I know, it's a bummer considering you also have to also purchase milk. But jars have gotten super expensive, and we lose way too many jars without this system. If you ever decide to no longer buy milk from us, then I'll buy your jars back. Hasn't happened yet! But the deal is still there. I need the jars.
How are we allowed to do this?
The details on how we can provide raw milk to our community
Can anyone get a cow and sell raw milk?
Rules and regulations
I mean, technically yes.
​
BUT! You have a long list of rules and regulations from the state of Vermont to start checking off. There's a whole bunch of hoops to jump through and red tape to be aware of.
​
Plus, cows deserve to be well taken care of. They eat a lot, poop a lot, and take up a lot of space. So, there's that.
​
A dairy animal is a commitment. They need vaccines, clean living conditions, and fresh food and water constantly.
They need to be milked every day and monitored closely to make sure they're healthy.
What about the health of the cows?
All about cows
Yes, yes. What about the cows?
​
Cows are regulated to have proper vaccinations. As well as clean tests for TB (tuberculosis) and Brucellosis.
​
All of which get posted for customers to view in the Raw Milk Binder in the farm stand.
​
The state also inspects your milking area and takes a peak at your cows.
​
VT raw milk animal health requirements
​
If it makes you feel better, our cows come by name, like a full body scratch, and are out to pasture when it's nice out. Also known as "spoiled rotten".
Is it legal?
VT State guidelines
Raw milk is prohibited in about 24 states.
​
Vermont isn't one of them.
But we do have strict rules to follow to keep it as safe and sanitary as possible.
​
VT raw milk direct to consumers
​
​
I need more information
Helpful links and handouts
Listed below are a few more links to explore if you still have questions or concerns.
​
VT state standard. Sale of raw milk.
Rural Vermont raw milk resource
​