First Light Farms Herdshare Program
Fresh, local, raw milk from our happy cows. Legally shared, not sold.
At First Light Farms, we believe in transparency, quality, and real relationships with our customers. Because Illinois law does not allow the sale of raw milk without a license, we offer milk through a legal herdshare agreement. This means you're not buying milk from us. Instead, you’re becoming part-owner of the cow that produces your milk. Pretty cool, huh.
What Is a Herdshare?
A herdshare is a private agreement between our farm and individuals like you, where:
You purchase a share of our herd (one-time fee each year)
You pay a monthly boarding fee that covers the care, feed, and milking of your cow
In return, you receive a portion of the milk your cow produces—fresh, raw, and full of nutrients
This arrangement is fully legal in Illinois and allows you to enjoy raw milk while staying within state regulations.
Why a Contract?
We require all members to sign a legally binding herdshare agreement before receiving milk. This contract protects both you and us and ensures we are following Illinois Department of Public Health guidelines. It outlines:
Your ownership of a cow share
Your agreement to the risks and benefits of raw milk
Our responsibilities in caring for the animals and producing safe, high-quality milk
If you're ready to get started, you can review a sample contract here or contact us with your questions or to set up an appointment.
What You Receive
When you become a herdshare member at First Light Farms, you get:
🥛 A regular allotment of raw milk (typically 1 gallon per share, per week)
🐄 A direct connection to the cows and farmers who produce your food
📅 Regular milk pickup days (usually once per week, scheduled in advance)
🧼 Confidence in ethical farming practices and safe milk handling
💡 The chance to own part of a cow, which will impress your friends!
We currently raise Jersey cows, known for their rich, creamy milk with high butterfat content and A2 beta-casein protein. Our animals are rotationally grazed on pasture and supplemented with alfalfa in the winter. We never use hormones, routine antibiotics, or pesticides.
First Light Farms Herdshare Program
Fresh, local, raw milk from our happy cows. Legally shared, not sold.
At First Light Farms, we believe in transparency, quality, and real relationships with our customers. Because Illinois law does not allow the sale of raw milk without a license, we offer milk through a legal herdshare agreement. This means you're not buying milk from us. Instead, you’re becoming part-owner of the cow that produces your milk. Pretty cool, huh.
What Is a Herdshare?
A herdshare is a private agreement between our farm and individuals like you, where:
You purchase a share of our herd (one-time fee each year)
You pay a monthly boarding fee that covers the care, feed, and milking of your cow
In return, you receive a portion of the milk your cow produces—fresh, raw, and full of nutrients
This arrangement is fully legal in Illinois and allows you to enjoy raw milk while staying within state regulations.
What You Receive
When you become a herdshare member at First Light Farms, you get:
🥛 A regular allotment of raw milk (typically 1 gallon per share, per week)
🐄 A direct connection to the cows and farmers who produce your food
📅 Regular milk pickup days (usually once per week, scheduled in advance)
🧼 Confidence in ethical farming practices and safe milk handling
💡 The chance to own part of a cow, which will impress your friends!
We currently raise Jersey cows, known for their rich, creamy milk with high butterfat content and A2 beta-casein protein. Our animals are rotationally grazed on pasture and supplemented with alfalfa in the winter. We never use hormones, routine antibiotics, or pesticides.
Why a Contract?
We require all members to sign a legally binding herdshare agreement before receiving milk. This contract protects both you and us and ensures we are following Illinois Department of Public Health guidelines. It outlines:
Your ownership of a cow share
Your agreement to the risks and benefits of raw milk
Our responsibilities in caring for the animals and producing safe, high-quality milk
If you're ready to get started, you can review a sample contract here or contact us with your questions or to set up an appointment.