How It Works

  • 1. Buy a Herd Share

    $50 one-time buy-in You become a partial owner

  • 2. Sign the Digital Agreement

    Email link for easy online signing

  • 3. Order When You Need

    Pay per jar ($10 / ½ gal) via online store

  • 4. Pickup at the Farm Store

    Mon–Fri | 8am–4pm at 4286 Cave Springs Rd

FAQs

A herd share allows you to become a part-owner of a cow (or herd), giving you legal access to the raw milk it produces. This model is how we legally provide raw, unpasteurized milk in Tennessee.

Joining our Cow Share Program is simple.

First, you purchase a one-time herd share for $50. This makes you a fractional owner of our A2/A2 Jersey herd and gives you access to our milk program.

After joining, you'll receive two emails:

  • A welcome email explaining how everything works
  • A secure link to digitally sign your herd share agreement

Once that's complete, you can begin ordering milk through our online store whenever you need it.

You place your order, we prepare it in glass jars, and you pick it up at our farm store during business hours.

Your membership includes:

  • Fractional ownership in our herd
  • Access to order raw milk through our online store
  • Use of our glass jar and pour-lid system
  • Pickup at the farm store
  • Access to add-ons when available, including butter, yogurt, crème fraîche, and heavy cream
  • Ongoing care and management of the cows

There are no monthly fees and no required minimum orders.

The one-time $50 herd share purchase secures your spot in the herd.

It serves as your legal 'buy-in' as a co-owner and is required to participate in the program. This establishes the private herd share relationship between you and our farm.

We do not charge monthly fees.

There are no subscriptions, maintenance fees, or minimum commitments. You simply order and pay for milk when you need it.

We operate an on-farm lab and regularly run two key tests on our milk.

1. Coliform Count
This test measures the number of coliform colonies in one milliliter of milk, if any. It helps us monitor sanitation and handling practices.

If coliform levels are above standard, it indicates an issue that needs to be addressed.

2. APC (Aerobic Plate Count)
This test measures the overall bacterial load and indicates the cleanliness of our equipment and processes. It also helps predict shelf life.

If APC is high, it means the milk has a greater capacity to grow bacteria (good or bad) and may sour more quickly.

These tests do not identify specific bacterial strains like E. coli or Listeria. However, elevated counts alert us to potential problems so they can be corrected immediately.

We have voluntarily chosen to follow the same standards as RAWMI (The Raw Milk Institute), the global leader in raw milk production, education, and safety.

Under these standards, raw milk must test as clean as pasteurized milk.

For more than three years, our test results have consistently been well below the standard limits.

We take this responsibility seriously.

Our cows live and graze on our regenerative farm in Columbia, Tennessee.

They are rotationally grazed on fresh pasture and milked right out in the pasture. We believe that keeping them in their natural environment helps them remain calm, healthy, and productive.

During dry seasons, they may be supplemented with non-GMO alfalfa.

And yes, we occasionally play music for them during milking. Happy cows matter.

No, we are not currently certified organic.

However, our practices exceed most organic standards. Our cows are:

  • 100% pasture raised
  • Rotationally grazed
  • Milked on pasture
  • Raised in a calf-friendly operation
  • Fed organic, non-GMO supplements when needed

We focus on real stewardship and transparency rather than certification labels.

All payments are processed online through our store.

This includes:

  • The initial herd share purchase
  • All ongoing milk and add-on orders

We use Shopify for secure, reliable payment processing.

Milk is immediately chilled after milking and placed in refrigeration.

We do not sell milk that is more than 72 hours old.

Milk is stored cold until pickup. Members are responsible for bringing a cooler and ice packs to transport milk home safely and maintaining proper refrigeration.

Yes. We do not operate on a subscription model, and there are no recurring charges.

You may order as often or as little as you like. If you need to pause for a season, take a break, or stop ordering altogether, there are no penalties or ongoing fees.

That said, we always appreciate a quick heads-up if you plan to pause for a while. It helps us manage herd production responsibly and serve our members well.

You’re never locked in. We simply ask for good communication and mutual respect.

The initial herd share purchase is non-refundable, as it represents your legal investment in the herd.

Because milk is a perishable product prepared for individual orders, milk purchases are generally non-refundable once fulfilled.

If there is ever an issue with your order, please contact us and we will do our best to help.

We work closely with a trusted veterinarian and always start with natural remedies whenever possible.

Antibiotics are used very rarely and only when necessary to save an animal's life after other treatments have not worked.

If a cow is treated with antibiotics:

  • Her milk is immediately separated
  • It is not included in herd share milk
  • It is discarded for the full withdrawal period

It never enters the program until it is completely safe.

Animal health and member safety always come first.

Our Jersey cows live outdoors on pasture 365 days a year.

During the growing season, they enjoy fresh grass daily.
During winter, they are fed stored grass (hay).

All supplemental feed is:

  • Organic
  • 100% non-GMO
  • Corn-free
  • Soy-free
  • Free from seed oils

Grass is at the center of everything we do.

It gives our milk its unique flavor, exceptional nutrition, and beautiful creaminess.

No problem at all.

We do not require you to order a certain amount each week. There are no subscriptions and no minimums.

If you're traveling, you simply don't place an order while you're gone.

When you're back, you order again.

It's that simple.

When handled and stored properly, our raw milk stays sweet and fresh for at least 7–10 days and often up to 14 days.

Unlike pasteurized milk, raw milk doesn't typically "go bad" or become rancid. Instead, it naturally ages and begins to sour.

When this happens, it's still incredibly useful. Many members use slightly soured raw milk for baking or as a substitute for buttermilk. It's one of the beautiful things about real, living food.

Proper refrigeration and clean handling at home play a big role in shelf life.

What Our Members Are Saying

  • ★★★★★

    "5 stars isn't enough for The Ridge. This is more than just a farm to get produce, poultry and dairy (farm fresh and natural, the way God intends it to be). It's a community of incredible people.

    As someone who struggled with gut issues for over 20 years, let me tell you that the milk from their A2A2 cows is MIRACLE milk! I can't go a day without. I've finally found true, holistic gut healing.

    Chris and Heather are the real deal - great people following their calling and provide both physical and spiritual nourishment. Dakota and Catherine work their tails off and provide excellent customer service (and baking tips!)

    The beautiful drive through Leipers Fork is an extra bonus. Run my friends, don't walk. You want all that they have to offer in your life!"

    — BH

  • ★★★★★

    "Our family absolutely loves all the amazing products offered here. You can truly see the care, quality, and dedication that goes into everything they grow and raise. We highly recommend them and will definitely remain loyal customers!"

    — Mathews Ramos