Modern Farmer Article Likens Goat-Sharing to Zipcar

In an interesting, playful and unique take on how to procure raw milk through herdsharding programs, Modern Farmer author Dan Nosowitz likens goat-sharing to Zipcar.

In Alaska, as in many other states across the continental US, consumers cannot legally buy raw milk as a product from farmers – but they can drink raw milk that is produced by an animal that they own. As such, some Alaskans are using goat-sharing programs as a loophole to source raw milk for themselves and their families to drink.

“It’s like Zipcar for goats, as long as you keep an incredibly liberal understanding of how Zipcar works!” writes Nosowitz.

Though not a commonly used metaphor in the raw milk debate, Nosowitz makes a point that could help those who are not as familiar with the raw milk debate better understand it. Car sharing allows people to make use of a car when they need it, without the cost or headache of the upkeep. Likewise, goat sharing allows people to reap the benefits of having a milk-producing farm animal without the responsibility of taking care of it or living and working on a farm. Herdsharing programs not only provide a loophole for raw milk drinkers, but also contribute to a sharing economy that boost sales for local producers and allow “farm to table” consumers to truly eat locally and sustainably.

Realmilk.com is a consumer education project of the Weston A. Price Foundation, a nutrition education nonprofit based in Washington, D.C. Visit their website, westonaprice.org.