Herdshare Programs in Ohio
Herdshare Legal Status in Ohio
Ohio permits on-farm raw milk sales directly to consumers. Herdshare agreements are also legal.
Herdshare agreements in Ohio are governed by the Ohio 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 Ohio, herdshares are one of several legal options alongside direct farm-gate purchases.
Ohio Herdshare Listings
We’re building our Ohio herdshare directory. Know a herdshare program in Ohio? Help us list it for free.
Submit a Herdshare ProgramHow Herdshares Work in Ohio
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 Ohio under contract law.
Raw Milk Farms in Ohio
Browse all raw milk farms and dairies in Ohio, including farm-gate sales options.
Raw Milk Laws in Ohio
Read the complete legal guide for raw milk and herdshares in Ohio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are herdshares legal in Ohio?
Yes. Herdshare programs are permitted in Ohio. Ohio permits on-farm raw milk sales directly to consumers. Herdshare agreements are also legal.
How do I find a herdshare in Ohio?
Browse our directory above (listings coming soon), ask at local farmers markets, contact Ohio Department of Agriculture, or search for local food buying clubs in your area.