Retail and direct on-farm sales are not legal in Ohio, but herd shares are. You purchase an ownership share in the herd from a participating dairy, then pay a monthly boarding fee. The milk you receive is technically your own, not a "sale," and is legal under the state's herd-share rules. Use the live directory to find dairies in Ohio that offer herd shares.
Herd-share only in Ohio. Herd shares are permitted by a 2006 court ruling. Retail sales are illegal and no grandfathered producers remain.
Where can I buy raw milk in Ohio?
In Ohio the legal channels are: herd shares or cow shares. Use the farm-to-door directory filtered to Ohio to find working dairies near you.
Are herd shares legal in Ohio?
Yes. Herd shares are recognized in Ohio. The buyer purchases an ownership interest in the herd, then pays a monthly boarding fee for the milk they receive.
Can I bring raw milk into Ohio from another state?
Federal law prohibits selling raw milk across state lines for human consumption, but does not prohibit possession or personal consumption. You may legally bring raw milk you bought in a legal state into Ohio for your own use. You may not legally resell it.