Herdshare Programs in Maine
Herdshare Legal Status in Maine
Maine has some of the most permissive raw milk laws in the US. Farm-gate, farmers market, and retail sales are all legal.
Herdshare agreements in Maine are governed by the Maine Department of Agriculture. A herdshare contract transfers partial ownership of a dairy animal to the consumer, who then receives milk as an owner rather than as a buyer. In Maine, herdshares are one of several legal options alongside direct farm-gate purchases and retail sales.
Maine Herdshare Listings
We’re building our Maine herdshare directory. Know a herdshare program in Maine? Help us list it for free.
Submit a Herdshare ProgramHow Herdshares Work in Maine
In a herdshare arrangement, you purchase fractional ownership of a dairy animal (typically a cow or goat). You then pay a regular boarding fee to the farmer who cares for and milks your animal. In return, you receive a regular allocation of fresh raw milk proportional to your ownership share.
Because you legally own a portion of the animal, the milk you receive is not a purchased product — it is your milk. This structure makes herdshares legally permissible in Maine under contract law.
Raw Milk Farms in Maine
Browse all raw milk farms and dairies in Maine, including farm-gate sales options.
Raw Milk Laws in Maine
Read the complete legal guide for raw milk and herdshares in Maine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are herdshares legal in Maine?
Yes. Herdshare programs are permitted in Maine. Maine has some of the most permissive raw milk laws in the US. Farm-gate, farmers market, and retail sales are all legal.
How do I find a herdshare in Maine?
Browse our directory above (listings coming soon), ask at local farmers markets, contact Maine Department of Agriculture, or search for local food buying clubs in your area.