Pink Elephant Farm produces 100% grass-fed dairy and distributes it through a herdshare membership. The information below is about how I manage the land, the cows and the milk at my farm. I am also a local pickup spot for the only other 100% grass-fed raw milk producer and more information about that option is also below.
I have a small herd of primarily Jersey cows. I was so lucky to find my original two girls, Hershey and Baker, only a few weeks after arriving on this farm and they were lovingly raised as family cows by 14 children. They taught me so much and are fully responsible for my love and devotion to all things bovine. Since starting the farm in 2016, many other wonderful cows have joined the herd and I currently have 9 mamas. Although now a rarity, most homestead farms used to have their own dairy cow who would provide abundantly for the family. Seeking a similar self-reliance and home-made fertility, it didn’t take long to see the enormous benefits of these amazing ruminants. And they are oh, so generous in their butterfat-rich milk production.
What sets apart the milk from Pink Elephant Farm? Happy, healthy cows. (And maybe the glass jars help some too.) Let me explain…
Healthy: These cows are 100% grass-fed and are rotated daily to fresh sections of pasture during the grazing season. The pastures are managed organically and, depending on the season, the cows may get some organic molasses or alfalfa pellets during milking. They also have constant access to a wide range of minerals – a “free-choice system” – as well as salt and kelp. In the winter they get high-quality alfalfa hay.
Bovines have a four-chamber stomach that is a fermentation powerhouse teeming with microbes designed to maximize large amounts of fibrous forage. They are perfectly designed to take this free, abundant resource us humans can’t consume and turn it into gorgeous milk. When I got to open up the stomachs after an on-farm slaughter, I just sat in amazement at what I could see was happening in there. The addition of grain into their diet is kind of like the addition of ultra-processed food into ours – it typically won’t kill us immediately, but certainly ups the inflammation and other markers whose numbers we’d rather stay low. Cows aren’t designed to consume grain and its negative effects on their health and how that passes through to the milk can’t be understated. Especially when consumed as a raw, alive product.
Happy: Unlike a conventional dairy where calves are removed from their mothers at birth and bottle-fed in isolation, my calves are raised by their mothers. It’s beautiful to observe how they bond, with special soft moo-ing, grooming, and of course nursing when desired. These calves get to learn the ways of being a cow from the entire herd, and get to experience the inherent safety of a group. This lowers milk availability, but I feel it’s the absolute best environment for everyone involved – mama cows get to fully live into their purpose and the calves get the best foundation. Following Biodynamic practices, I also let the cows keep their horns, also a rarity in the dairy world.
How do I obtain milk?
The Herdshare: In KY, its illegal to sell raw milk. So the raw milk is offered through what’s called a Herdshare program. Each household must purchase a “share” of the herd for each weekly gallon desired. In short, you then own part of my herd and then pay a monthly fee for the feeding, care and milking of the cows. As an owner, you are thus entitled to her milk (and are not buying it, get it? :). A Herdshare mimics the CSA model – it is a mutual commitment and partnership between farmer and consumer. The farmer brings the experience and labor needed to raise a farm product, and the financial support from members allows a small farm to operate in an economically sustainable manner. My farm can operate with high-quality intentional standards and members receive fresh, local food produced by people they know and trust. It fills me with enormous gratitude to have the support to be able to farm in a way that centers the cows and allows them to thrive. I truly believe you can taste it in the milk.
The Details: This small dairy is being managed by one person (with part-time help from my favorite little sidekick!) and as such relies on the partnership of committed herdshare members to keep this farm thriving. These members share the belief that high-quality raw milk comes from 100% grass-fed cows who get to keep their calf at their side. Here’s the basics of how it works and you can find a link to sign up on the waiting list at the bottom:
- Purchase a share in the herd for $50. This is a one-time fee for one gallon of milk a week. Congrats, you are now part-owner of some beautiful cows!
- Each month, at the beginning of the month, you will be expected to pay $85. You may now obtain up to one gallon of milk each week for each share you own. Your monthly fee pays for the ongoing care, maintenance and milking of your cow. Options also exist for more or less than one gallon a week. (Additional dairy products may also be available, sample prices are provided on the interest form found below.)
- All milk is bottled on Mondays and Fridays. When signing up, you select which on-farm pickup option you want: A) Tues/Wed or B) Fri PM/Sat/Sun.
- All milk comes in half-gallon glass jars that must be washed and returned each week. Unreturned jars and lids incur a $5 per jar charge after 2 weeks.
- Enjoy your delicious milk! But remember that the milk that you obtain from your cow can in no way be sold or distributed under any circumstance.
- Please know that I strive to have milk year round, but I will likely have fluctuations due to calving and seasonal changes. Your understanding, patience and partnership is the foundation of this operation as we all do our best to negotiate with mother nature and our four-legged independently-minded creatures! If your full order of milk is not available one week, I will communicate with as much notice as possible regarding any changes.
This micro-dairy farm milks 5-8 cows. While I wish I could provide this magical milk for everyone who wants it, please be aware that I’m limited by my land. Grass-fed cows require ample grass! If you are interested in joining the waiting list, please fill out the form at the bottom to stay updated.
Common Questions
Will I receive milk year-round? Each cow must get a milking break before giving birth. During this 2-3 month rest (or “dry”) period, I do not milk the cows so their bodies can focus solely on growing a healthy baby calf. Each cow is only in milk production for roughly 9-10 months out of the year. I try to balance the births and maintain a steady supply, but because I am a small operation, fluctuations are likely to occur.
Do I have to pay for milk every month even if I will be out of town? The cows need daily care and milking happens every day, regardless of weather (or my mood, ha). Small dairies now seem to be a thing of the past, and I can only operate as one with the committed monthly support of herdshare members. This allows me to focus my efforts on caring for the cows, not chasing down customers. But I know we all have busy lives and I am happy to help try to accommodate travel needs with adjusted pick up times (since often folks still want to take the milk with them).
*More answers to common questions can be found here.
Sign me up!
Fill out this quick form and I will be in touch when a spot opens! Feel free to contact me with any additional questions.
If I am not the best fit for you (or you want something while you wait for a spot to open in my herdshare!) I am also a drop-off spot for the only other 100% grass-fed dairy farmer in the area. Please email me directly at pinkelephantfarmers@gmail.com to get information about their herdshare membership – they have openings and their weekly membership fee is $14/gallon.
*Note that one picture is from the first year when we hand-milked. A small, but mighty bucket milker is now in use for all milking.