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