Frequently Asked Questions

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After reviewing the herdshare info page and making sure you understand your responsibilities as a herdshare member, send an email to TheOldWoodBridgeFarm@gmail.com or call 419-541-0604 to get started. 

An appointment time must be made for the first pickup but after that you're able to pick up your milk 7am-7pm  on your designated day. 

Our cows are fed a diet that is typically 70% roughage (alfalfa hay, rye, sudan grass) and 30% ground corn. In the warmer months when there is enough grass in the pastures or we give them fresh cut hay, their grain intake will drop. If a cow has “dried off,” (stopped lactating) her grain intake will also stop. 

The reason we feed ground corn is to provide extra energy for our cows to produce milk. Dairy cattle can survive on "grass" diets alone but they will not have much extra energy to produce milk. (Much like a new mother's increased needs and appetite while nursing!) Corn is a very high-energy food and without it, when lactating, they run the risk of developing health problems like ketosis. 

Feeding ground corn also allows us to mix in vitamins and minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, as well as sodium bicarbonate to balance rumen pH and aid digestion. 

Proessor Keith Woodford, a leading dairy researcher wrote an article on this topic if you’d like more information on grass-fed milk. 

As of now the corn we feed our cows is GM corn. This study of data collected over 21 years shows lower mycotoxin levels in GM corn vs. NON GM corn. It also shows higher yields, meaning we can grow more food per acre.

Raising animals organically the way our ancestors used to might be idyllic, but unfortunately as a society we now have less farmers feeding more people. Using GMO crops allows us to feed all the mouths we currently have to feed with the amount of land we have. 

That being said, agriculture is like any other science, it is always evolving. Our future plans involve more rotational grazing as well as looking into more organic methods of feed production. Transitioning a farm and the land takes many years of planning, preparation and funds, as well as finding a market to maintain income or else everyone loses. We began this herdshare with the intention of providing a healthy, clean, delicious product as well as helping others understand more about where their food comes from. 

If you are looking for strictly NON-GMO milk, I would caution you to ask the right questions because "100% grass fed" does not necessarily equate to NON-GMO. There is now GM Alfalfa available to grow. We do not use it on our farm, but it is available. 

Our milk is free from rBST growth hormones. Providing high-quality feed and comfortable living is all we need to maximize each cow's production potential while supporting her overall health and wellness. 

The cows in our herdshare have been in a closed herd for 30+ years so we have never vaccinated. A closed herd means we have never brought in animals from other farms to introduce new diseases. We are diligent on sanitizing footwear to further diminish the chances of bringing anything foreign in.