Best Herd Shares & Cow Shares in Hobart
Herd-share and cow-share arrangements let members hold a stake in an animal or herd rather than buying products off the shelf. We're still indexing producers around Hobart, so this guide explains how these arrangements generally work and what to look for while our directory grows.
Raw (unpasteurised) milk is generally not permitted to be sold for human consumption in Australia, with narrow licensed exceptions (e.g. NSW-licensed raw goat's milk and certain aged raw-milk cheeses). Listings describe how each supplier markets their products (e.g. cosmetic/bath milk, herd shares, licensed exemptions) — verify a supplier's licensing directly with them and always follow FSANZ guidance.
We're still indexing producers offering herd shares & cow shares in Hobart. Meanwhile, browse all Hobart producers.
What herd shares and cow shares are
A herd share or cow share is a legal arrangement where you buy a share in an animal or a herd and pay an ongoing fee for the care, agistment and management of that animal. In return, members receive a portion of what the herd produces. These arrangements exist because owning livestock and consuming produce from your own animal is treated differently from buying and selling farm products commercially.
It's worth being clear on one point up front: in Australia, raw (unpasteurised) milk is not permitted to be sold for human consumption. Some operators market products such as cosmetic or "bath" milk, and some describe herd-share arrangements as a way for members to access produce from animals they part-own. This guide does not advise drinking raw milk, makes no health claims about it, and does not explain any way around the law. For the current rules and food safety information, refer to Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ).
How suppliers around Hobart typically operate
Across Tasmania, small-scale dairy and mixed farms tend to sell and distribute in a few common ways:
- Farm gate: members collect their share directly from the property, often on set days. This suits people happy to drive out of Hobart to the Derwent Valley, Huon, Coal River or Channel districts.
- Market stalls: some farms attend markets such as the Hobart Twilight Market, Salamanca, or regional weekend markets, where you can meet the producer and arrange a share.
- Delivery or drop-off points: a number of small producers run delivery runs into Hobart suburbs or use central pick-up hubs to save members the drive.
- Co-ops and buying groups: local food co-ops and online buying groups sometimes coordinate collection for members, which can lower the individual effort involved.
Because herd-share arrangements are membership-based rather than retail, you'll usually need to sign an agreement and pay both an upfront share purchase and an ongoing boarding or care fee.
Typical price ranges
Prices vary widely depending on the farm, herd size, breed and how much produce your share entitles you to. As a rough guide only — always confirm current figures directly with the producer:
- Share purchase (one-off): often somewhere from $30 to $150 for a share in the herd.
- Ongoing care/agistment fee: commonly billed weekly or monthly, frequently in the range of $10 to $40 per week depending on your entitlement.
- Collection or delivery surcharges: some farms add a small fee for delivery runs or drop-off points.
These ranges are indicative and change with feed costs, herd numbers and demand. Treat any figure you see here as a starting point for your own enquiries.
How to choose a supplier
Check organic and other certifications. If a farm claims to be organic, look for certification from a recognised body such as Australian Certified Organic (ACO) or NASAA. Certification means the claim has been independently audited. "Spray-free" or "chemical-free" claims are not the same as certification, so ask what the producer means by the term.
Look for transparency. Good operators are open about their breeds, how the animals are fed and housed, their milking or handling routine, and their cleaning and hygiene practices. A willingness to show you around the property is a strong sign.
Read reviews and talk to existing members. Word of mouth is valuable for small producers. Ask the farm if you can speak to current members, and check local food community groups for feedback.
Understand the agreement. Read the share contract carefully. Know what your share entitles you to, how fees are set, notice periods, and what happens if the animal is unwell or the herd changes.
Questions to ask before you join
- What exactly does my share entitle me to, and how often?
- What are the upfront and ongoing costs, and how are fees reviewed?
- How and where do I collect my share, and are delivery options available into Hobart?
- What breeds do you run, and how are the animals fed and cared for?
- What are your hygiene and handling practices?
- Are you certified organic (ACO/NASAA), or how would you describe your practices?
- What products are covered by the arrangement, and how are they described and labelled?
- What's the notice period if I want to leave, and can I transfer my share?
A note on staying informed
Regulations around dairy and herd-share arrangements can change, and enforcement is a state matter. Before entering any agreement, check the current position with FSANZ and Tasmanian food authorities so you understand what is and isn't permitted. Reputable producers will be comfortable discussing compliance openly.
We're actively indexing herd-share and cow-share producers around Hobart. If you run one or know a farm we should list, check back as this directory expands.
Other categories in Hobart
Or read the full herd shares & cow shares guide, or browse all Hobart producers.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a herd share and a cow share?
A cow share means you hold a stake in a single named animal, while a herd share means you own a portion of the whole herd. In both cases you pay an ongoing fee for the animals' care and receive a share of what's produced.
Is it legal to buy raw milk in Hobart?
In Australia, raw (unpasteurised) milk cannot be sold for human consumption. Some operators market products such as cosmetic or bath milk, or run herd-share arrangements. For the current rules, refer to FSANZ and Tasmanian food authorities.
How much do herd shares cost around Hobart?
As a rough guide only, a one-off share can range from about $30 to $150, with ongoing care fees often between $10 and $40 per week. Prices vary by farm and change over time, so always confirm current figures directly with the producer.
How do I collect my share?
Collection methods vary. Many Hobart-area producers offer farm-gate pick-up on set days, some attend local markets, and others run delivery or drop-off points into the suburbs. Ask each farm what options they offer.
How do I know if a producer is genuinely organic?
Look for certification from a recognised body such as Australian Certified Organic (ACO) or NASAA, which means the claim has been independently audited. Terms like 'spray-free' are not the same as certification, so ask the producer to explain what they mean.