Herdshare Programs in Michigan
Herdshare Legal Status in Michigan
Herdshare agreements are the primary legal method. Direct sales are restricted.
Herdshare agreements in Michigan are governed by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. 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 Michigan, herdshares are the primary legal method of obtaining raw milk, as direct sales are not permitted.
Michigan Herdshare Listings
We’re building our Michigan herdshare directory. Know a herdshare program in Michigan? Help us list it for free.
Submit a Herdshare ProgramHow Herdshares Work in Michigan
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 Michigan under contract law.
Raw Milk Farms in Michigan
Browse all raw milk farms and dairies in Michigan, including farm-gate sales options.
Raw Milk Laws in Michigan
Read the complete legal guide for raw milk and herdshares in Michigan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are herdshares legal in Michigan?
Yes. Herdshare programs are permitted in Michigan. Herdshare agreements are the primary legal method. Direct sales are restricted.
How do I find a herdshare in Michigan?
Browse our directory above (listings coming soon), ask at local farmers markets, contact Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, or search for local food buying clubs in your area.