Discover Our Farm
Our Dairy Herd Share
Milk Production
Welcome to The Churchstead, where we take pride in our dairy farming. Our contented cows graze on lush pastures, producing high-quality A2A2 milk that forms the foundation of our dairy products. We are dedicated to sustainable and ethical farming practices, ensuring the well-being of our cows and the superior quality of our dairy.
What's in the Milk?
The Churchstead believes in the importance of delivering soy-free products to our community. That is why we ardently balance our cows' diets while providing them with their essential daily nutrients without compromise.
Grass/ Hay
Feeding our cows on pasture and giving them access to quality hay is the cornerstone practice of a healthy herd.
In addition, we rotationally graze our cows moving them to new grasses several times a week.
Soy-Free Grains
We feed our cows a grass and hay-heavy diet and give them a daily grain boost to keep their condition.
At the Churchstead we provide our cows with peas, whole oats, and steamed rolled barley mixture fed during milking.
We ensure that all our grains fed are non-GMO and soy-free.
Minerals
Minerals supplements help ensure that our cows are getting all their nutritional needs met.
We give our cows daily in their feed Dimond V Yeast and Apple Cider Vinegar. In addition, we leave out for their leisure Super 10 Cattle Mineral.
What's a Herd Share?
A cow milk herd share is a program that allows individuals to legally obtain raw, unpasteurized milk by purchasing a share of a dairy herd. In this arrangement, participants become partial owners of the cows, entitling them to a portion of the milk produced. This system is often used in areas where direct sales of raw milk are prohibited, as owning part of the herd circumvents restrictions on selling raw milk to the public. The process involves an initial buy-in fee to purchase a share of the herd, followed by regular monthly payments to cover the costs of boarding, feeding, and caring for the animals. This system allows consumers to access raw milk while supporting local farmers and maintaining a direct connection to their food source.
1 Share= $30
When buying a share owners will receive a weekly gallon of Raw A2A2 milk. A monthly fee of $52 covers ongoing costs for your herd to be paid at the beginning of each month. This equals out to be $12 a week.
1/2 Share= $15
When buying a 1/2 share owners will receive a weekly 1/2 gallon of Raw A2A2 milk. A monthly fee of $26 covers ongoing costs for your herd to be paid at the beginning of each month. This equals out to be about $6 a week.
If you have questions on our herd share please contact us for more details.
A2A2
A2A2 milk, derived from cows that produce only the A2 beta-casein protein, offers several potential health benefits. Unlike traditional milk, which contains both A1 and A2 proteins, A2A2 milk may be easier to digest and less likely to cause gastrointestinal discomfort. This is because A1 protein breaks down into a peptide called BCM-7, which has been linked to digestive issues and other health concerns. Additionally, A2A2 milk is rich in essential nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids, which support bone health, immune function, and cardiovascular health.
Disease tested
Our herd is disease tested regularly through the Washington Animal Disease Disgnostic Laboratory, WADDL. As of 5/31/2024 our herd has tested free of BAPA, BLV, Leptospira, Q-Fever, and Johne's Disease, (Results avaible upon request)
Studies have shown that a large number of dairy cows have diseases that can be transfered through milk. Specifically BLV has been linked to certain cancers and Johne's has been linked to Crohns.
Soy-Free
Soy in animal feed poses several risks to both animals and humans who consume animal products. The high phytoestrogen content in soy can disrupt hormonal balance in livestock, potentially affecting their growth, reproduction, and overall health. When animals consume soy-based feed, these compounds can accumulate in their tissues and end up in meat, dairy, and eggs consumed by humans. Additionally, most soy used in animal feed is genetically modified and heavily treated with pesticides, introducing potential toxins into the food chain. The widespread use of soy in feed also contributes to environmental concerns, as soy monocrops deplete soil nutrients and often lead to deforestation.
Pasture Grazed
Pasture-raised dairy cows offer significant benefits for animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and milk quality. Allowing cows to graze on pasture enables them to engage in natural behaviors, reduces stress, and improves their overall health. Grass-based farming promotes soil health, prevents erosion, increases biodiversity, and reduces the need for chemical inputs[3]. Additionally, milk from pasture-raised cows tends to be higher in beneficial nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). By contrast, confinement dairy operations that keep cows indoors year-round can compromise animal welfare and have greater environmental impacts. Overall, pasture-based dairy farming aligns more closely with cows' natural needs while providing ecological and nutritional advantages.