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