susan’s corner
A lot of interesting things happen with or in relation to Our Ground Up. It’s my job to make sure that information gets shared with the public, and so, this will be the place where personal letters from the owner, herdshare testimonials, and more information will be posted. Check back every month for what’s new, what’s going on, or to revisit past details.
SEPTEMBER 12 2025- the owner
Dear Members:
I am living through my worst nightmare. 3 cows are producing 14 jars of milk per day.
Two cows will deliver at the end of September which get us back in business. And Cocoa will be due the first week in November.
This is not a “business”! This is a labor of love and a passionate commitment teaching and witnessing the health benefits of real raw milk.
My priority milk commitment is to the volunteers who work in the fodder room everyday harvesting fodder and preparing the cow’s fodder/mineral rations. After the fodder is harvested they also clean and reseed the trays. They also wash lids and relocate the clean jars to the milk room.
I will not have milk available until one week after the cows freshen (give birth).
When all three cows begin producing, I will be in able to compensate this inconvenience with extra jars of milk.
I would appreciate your continued financial support and understanding at this time.
With Gratitude,
SUSAN
AUGUST 12, 2025- herdshare member testimonial
Dear Herdshare Members,
I’d like to introduce myself and share a bit of my story. My name is Debbie, and I’ve been a part of this herdshare for about 12 years. Before that, I was involved in two other herdshares.
Let’s start at the beginning. My friend Lori (also a herdshare member) introduced me to Weston A. Price and Organic Pastures. It was at a Weston A. Price meeting that I met Susan and her son Marcus — back when Susan didn’t even have cows yet!
Some time later, Lori and I joined a herdshare up past Pioneer, more than an hour from our homes. Every Saturday, we took turns driving to drop off our jars and pick up our milk. We did that for a couple of years, and eventually thought we had learned enough to start our own herdshare. Along with two other families, we began one on a property in Galt.
What were we thinking?!
We bought a heifer and a bull (scary!), and the four families took turns hand-milking. We shared nearly everything — the cost of feed, vet bills, milking chores, and the bounty of milk. Most months we had more milk than we knew what to do with. Together we made mozzarella, butter, and ice cream.
But there were also months with no milk at all, even though the costs and chores continued. Those were hard months.
We laughed together, we cried together, we prayed together, and we worked hard. It never should have ended badly, but it did. We each began to prioritize our own interests over the group’s. That led to unmet expectations, dissatisfaction, ungracious words, and a painful end to what had been a beautiful experience.
Yes, it was unsustainable — in terms of cost, labor, and time. And there were the added stresses of milk fever, high vet bills, and the juggle of children and full-time jobs. But still, it was a true herdshare, where everything was shared.
That experience gave me a unique perspective and a deep appreciation for the herdshare I’ve been part of these past 12 years.
Lori and I joined Susan’s herdshare when it was still in its infancy. Our family worked Saturdays to give Susan a bit of a reprieve. I still work Saturdays, and over the years I’ve watched Susan accomplish what I could not.
Her passion, resilience, and problem-solving skills — supported by her husband Art’s financial subsidy and the tireless efforts of many working members — have made it possible to bless so many families with amazing milk.
But what I most appreciate — and what I hope you all do too — is that this is not a true herdshare. Not everything is equally shared.
We don’t all muck stalls, compost, lay down bedding, wash the cows, milk them, pour the milk, clean the equipment, sanitize jars, harvest fodder, plant seed, mix minerals, deliver calves, pick up Azure orders, or handle emergency vet calls.
When a cow gets milk fever, it’s Susan and Art who pay the bill — not the members. And to be honest, I don’t think the herdshare income has ever fully covered the cost of operating it.
Many times, Susan has come close to throwing in the towel. Somehow, she always pulls through — often by bringing in even more help. These days she is incredibly blessed by some strong young men who do the heavy lifting, some lovely young ladies who handle the milking and related chores, and a team in the fodder room.
Susan is so grateful, and I am too.
As Nicole and Lizzie said today, “We’re like a family. It’s better than any other work I’ve done.”
And according to her mom, sweet young Grace would work at the farm every day if she could.
For Grace’s mom, Madeline and me, it’s one of our happy places. We so enjoy our Saturdays, working alongside these dedicated young people. We’re all doing our best to keep the fridge stocked with the best milk possible — and we all feel the pressure when supply falls short of demand.
Today, I told Susan that I’m reducing my milk to one jar until supply increases, and I know others will join me in doing the same. Luna is due 9/23, Patty on 10/4, and Cocoa on 11/5. The supply will increase.
But there are still three cows not yet pregnant, so supply could dip again.
Despite everyone’s best efforts, so much is out of our control. Any flexibility and grace you can give during this time is deeply appreciated.
In my 12 years here, the supply has never been so good — and yet I’ve gone without milk more times than I can count. Still, I feel like I’ve received more than I’ve ever given.
Susan and Art are incredibly generous. I wouldn’t have access to this amazing milk if it weren’t for them — and for all of you, too.
I’m so very grateful for this herdshare — not just the milk, but the friendships that come with it.
Maybe one day Susan will throw in the towel and join a cozy little herdshare (perhaps one run by one of her young milkers!). And if that happens, I know she’ll be the most appreciative herdshare member there ever was — and the first to reduce her milk when supply is low.
I write all this not because Susan asked me to, or to guilt anyone into doing anything. I just wanted to share my perspective as someone who’s lived the highs and lows of a true herdshare.
If it's on your heart to reduce your milk for a time, please let Susan know. If not, that’s perfectly okay too. After all — if everyone reduces, we’ll end up with a surplus! 😊
With warm regards,
Debbie Coppola