This is an exact duplicate of the idea found here

That is a really good idea as long as it sticks to milk. When the cow gets old enough, the share holders can take a vote, and if the majority wins, kill the cow, split the meat, and have it delivered.

So im curious about what happens with the shares. Stocks work because people buy and sell their shares. Who would buy and sell shares in a cow? Most people would just hold onto their shares. It would turn into something like a t-bill, or a savings account because their not gonna touch there assets.

Also, the cow lives with the farmer. If they decided that what the farmer does is immoral to the cow, can they force their will on him, miles and miles away? Will the farmer listen? Whats his incentive to do so? He could kill it, eat it, and the body would be gone while he claims the cow ran away with the spoon. So you'd have to get insurance on your shares. And now it gets expensive. But it might work if an economic minded person could pitch it out there. Create a FNSM. (Farmers National Stock Market)

isn't there a joke about this--where you and I share a cow, you own the front half, the half you have to feed. I own the back half-the half you get milk from?

I'm in agreement with madjay--a farm is a real-time operation. If there's a problem with a pasture, a fence injury, a storm, cows fighting, etc, decisions need to be made right away with no committee.

this reminds me of this dilbert:http://www.dilbert.com/fast/2008-12-13/