Are cow shares or herd shares legal up there? They were just made legal (really, just affirmed) here in Tennessee last year. Many cow/herd shares are now popping up here. It is possible to make a decent living doing a herd or cow share with 2-10 cows and, perhaps, selling some grass fed beef and a few other farm products. This is exactly what "they" don't want farmers doing. Makes them too independent. No farm aid needed anymore. Aid to farmers = votes. Of course, this works in other industries as well.
If this is too political, say so and I will delete it. I get a bit steamed with local, state, and federal governments that keep us from making a real, decent living. Farming is what made this country great. Without it, the industrial revolution could not have happened.
Just MHO
Kristin