My family started drinking raw milk over 5 years ago. Personally, it has been a benefit for us. My daughter has less migraines and my husband’s GI issues have dramatically decreased. Raw milk helps reduce childhood asthma, allergies, ear infections and so much more. Have you had trouble sourcing this nutrient-rich food? This is how to find fresh, local raw milk now.
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What is Raw Milk?
Raw milk is simply milk in its natural state, unpasteurized, meaning it has not been heated to a high enough temperature to eliminate bacteria and microorganisms. In fact, raw milk is not heated at all. Instead, it is chilled quickly to preserve freshness and decrease bacterial growth. Raw milk was consumed by our ancestors before the development of modern pasteurization, and it remains common in many countries.
Louis Pasteur invented the pasteurization process in the 1860’s to decrease the spoilage occurring from microorganisms in wine and beer.
While Pasteurization extends the shelf life of the liquids by killing harmful bacteria, it also kills off the beneficial bacteria in milk and alters some of the milk’s natural enzymes and proteins. Due to this, many people suffering from lactose intolerance can no longer consume pasteurized dairy without ill side effects. My family attests to this. However, raw milk and raw cheese do not effect my family negatively (but this may not be the case for all people).
Understanding the history of pasteurization can provide context to the debate surrounding raw milk. The book, The Untold Story of Raw Milk, by Ron Schmid is a very interesting read discussing the history of dairy in our modern world.
Important Health and Legal Warning
Raw milk products can contain harmful bacteria, such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria, which can cause foodborne illnesses, hospitalization, or even death. The quality of unpasteurized dairy products varies significantly, and consuming raw milk from sources that do not adhere to strict hygiene and testing protocols poses a significant health risk.
The sales and consumption of raw milk vary by state lines. The Food and Drug Administration regulates the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO). The PMO requires pasteurization of dairy products for interstate commerce.
Mark McAfee’s Raw Farms, in California, is unable to sell milk to raw milk customers in neighboring states as these rules are regulated differently by different state laws. It is your responsibility to know and follow your local laws. The Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund is a great resource for staying informed on different laws in your state.
This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. You are solely responsible for any health consequences resulting from your decision to consume raw milk. By reading this blog post, you acknowledge that you understand and accept these risks.
Ways to Purchase Raw Milk
Access to raw milk varies significantly across the United States due to differing state regulations.
Direct Sales
- In states such as Idaho, Wyoming, and California, raw milk can be purchased directly from grocery stores and the on-farm store. However, the specific regulations governing raw milk farmers vary between these states. It is important to research each state’s current laws.
- At the time of publishing this post, the states allowing sales of raw milk at retail stores include Alaska, California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Utah, Arizona, Wyoming, New Mexico, Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina.
Herdshare Agreements
Herd shares allow consumers to “buy into” a dairy herd, entitling them to a portion of the milk. State regulations and individual farm agreements dictate what products are available (e.g., whole milk, raw cream, yogurt, raw cheese, etc). It is very important to read all herdshare contracts carefully.
“Pet Food” Sales
Some states, like Indiana, allow the sale of raw milk labeled for pet consumption. This is a legal grey area, and may not be legal in all areas. Consumers should proceed with caution and verify the legality in their area.
Restricted Areas
- In states like Rhode Island, Nevada, and the District of Columbia, raw milk sales for human consumption are heavily restricted or prohibited.
- Rhode Island allows sales for pets or with a prescription, but availability is limited.
- Nevada allows pet milk sales but requires a toxic dye to be added. This is to discourage human consumption.
Know Your Farmer
As much as I love raw milk, I have to admit that there are health risks associated with it. If you’re going to consume raw milk, I would highly encourage you to know your dairy farmer. You’ll want to ask them questions regarding their practices to reduce the risk of any foodborne illnesses.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Raw Milk
Farm Hygiene and Sanitation
Maintaining impeccable hygiene and sanitation is absolutely critical for raw dairy producers to minimize the risk of serious bacterial contamination, such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria.
If possible, visit local farms and observe the milking process. Pay close attention to the cleanliness of the facilities and equipment. The cow’s udder should be thoroughly cleaned, with no visible debris or manure near the teats. The milking equipment must be kept meticulously clean. However, remember that even a visually clean farm can still harbor dangerous pathogens, so testing is also imperative.
After milking, the equipment should undergo a rigorous cleaning process, including a cold water rinse, a hot, soapy wash, and a sanitizing rinse.
Animal Health and Feed
When assessing dairy animals at the raw farm, look for animals with clear eyes and nostrils, a normal gait, and no signs of lameness or injury. Their coats should be shiny and they should appear to be in good condition. Remember that dairy cows may look different from beef cattle. If you have concerns about a cow’s condition, research and utilize a bovine body condition scoring chart to help you evaluate their health. It is important to remember that both under and over weight cows can have health problems.
Dairy cows require access to high-quality hay and forage to maintain healthy digestive systems. Ask the farmer about the quality of their hay and if it is tested for mold or other contaminates. Ideally, the animals should have access to this feed 24/7. While grass-fed dairy can be higher in vitamins, CLA, and Omega-3s, the nutrient content can vary. It is also common for dairy farmers to use supplemental feed, so it is important to ask what, and why, supplemental feed is used.
It is also very important to ask the farmer about their veterinary care. How often are the cows seen by a vet? What are the vaccination protocols? These questions, and the answers to them, can help you to determine the health of the herd.
Testing and Safety Measures
To ensure the safety and raw milk quality, producers should conduct regular testing and make the results available to consumers. Key tests include:
- Somatic Cell Count (SCC): This measures white blood cells, indicating udder health. High SCC can suggest infection.
- Coliform Count: This measures coliform bacteria, indicating potential fecal contamination.
- Standard Plate Count (SPC): This measures the overall bacterial load.
- Pathogen Testing: Tests for harmful bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria are crucial.
- Disease Testing: Testing for diseases such as Brucellosis, Tuberculosis, and Johne’s Disease should also occur.
Testing should be conducted regularly, and performed by accredited laboratories. Remember, testing helps to mitigate risk but does not remove all risk.For more detailed information on raw milk testing, please refer to Helpful Reasons Why You Need to Test Raw Milk.
Transportation and Storage
To ensure safety and maintain quality, fresh milk must be chilled rapidly after milking. Ideally, it should reach 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius) or lower within one hour, but faster cooling is even better to minimize bacterial growth.
Store raw milk in clean, food-grade containers (glass or stainless steel are ideal) in the refrigerator, preferably at the back, where temperatures are most stable. Avoid temperature fluctuations, as even brief periods of warmth can significantly increase bacterial growth. While raw milk can last up to 21 days under ideal conditions, it is best to consume it as soon as possible.
During transport, keep the milk in a clean cooler with ice packs to maintain its temperature. Ensure the cooler and ice packs are clean to prevent contamination. Remember, maintaining proper temperature is very important for safety.
Finding Reputable Raw Milk Sources
Finding unpasteurized milk can be a challenge. Here are some ways I suggest searching for a raw milk source.
Farmers Markets
In states that allow raw milk sales, Raw Milk vendors may be at the local farmer’s markets, depending on the area’s legalities and the farmer’s market’s rules. Some Farmer’s Markets may not allow raw milk at their location, but the people behind the booths could be a great resource. Vendors who sell other farm products, such as eggs or meat, may have connections to raw milk producers.
Directly From the Farm
If you know dairy farmers in your area, they may be a valuable resource for obtaining raw milk or information about herd-share programs. Reach out to them to inquire about their practices and availability. They may even offer delivery services! However, it is very important to remember that not all farms operate in the same way.
Many larger dairies are under contract with processors, which may restrict their ability to sell raw milk directly. However, these farmers may be able to refer you to smaller hobby farms or raw milk producers in your area.
There are two types of raw milk. It’s important to know that raw milk intended for human consumption is handled differently than raw milk intended for pasteurization. Due to the high heat of the pasteurization process, many, if not all, microorganisms in milk are killed during pasteurization, as we’ve discussed. This means that cleaning and sanitation practices may not be as meticulous in the milk intended for pasteurization scenario. I would suggest finding a raw milk source that specifically provides a product intended for human consumption.
Online Directories and Resources
What online resources are available on your quest for unpasteurized dairy? This is how to find fresh, local raw milk now.
RAWMI
The Raw Milk Insistitute (RAWMI) is my go-to recommendation for finding clean raw milk near you. This organization trains dairy farmers in providing raw milk that mitigates the risk associated with it. Farmers listed with RAWMI are trained in proper sanitation practices, udder preparation, lab testing, and more. On a regular basis, listed farmers keep test and keep track of their Standard Plate Counts and Coliform counts. They must have standard operating procedures in place to provide their customers with a nutritional product. As of today, there are 55 Listed Farmers with the Raw Milk Institute.
Real Milk
The Weston A. Price Foundation has put together a great map and resource for consumers in the hunt for Raw Milk. Their Real Milk Finder page allows you to search for raw milk by state. It’s a great way to find raw milk close to home.
Get Raw Milk
Search by your zipcode on Get Raw Milk’s website to find local dairy producers. The world map feature shows sources throughout the globe and the laws tab helps break down the rules and regulations in your state.
Social Media
If you’re on social media, be sure to ask in some of your community groups if anyone knows of raw milk in your various areas. While social media has its downfalls, it can be an asset at times.
Questions to Ask Your Raw Milk Provider
Want to feel confident and informed when sourcing your raw milk? While a farm visit can be invaluable, asking the right questions is essential, even if you can’t make the trip. Get our FREE Raw Milk Interview Suggestions PDF and learn exactly what to ask your provider to ensure you’re getting the safest, highest-quality raw milk for your family, whether you visit in person or conduct a thorough phone or video interview.
Our Personal Experience
While living in the Midwest, we had access to many dairies, and the health benefits of raw milk were convincing. However, I wanted to provide my family with raw dairy products that I was confident in, and not just milk from an unknown bulk tank, where information about sanitation and testing might be limited. I wanted dairy that would help my family, not something that would cause foodborne illnesses. Honestly, my mother-in-law, a food scientist, had concerns that led me to research raw milk in depth to ensure it was something I felt safe providing to my family.
That’s when I discovered RAWMI, but we didn’t have any Listed Farmers nearby. So, I took it upon myself to learn how to properly test milk samples from our own dairy cows. I’m grateful for the experience and knowledge I gained, which allowed me to provide milk, yogurt, cheeses, and other dairy products to my family without fear of becoming sick.
It is very important to remember that not everyone can test their own milk, and that the best way for most consumers to be safe, is to ask the farmer the correct questions. Always remember that safety is the most important factor when dealing with raw milk.
Find Fresh, Local Raw Milk Now
Finding a responsible source for your raw milk is paramount. Always do your own due diligence when researching and making an informed decision, and remember that safety is your top priority. Laws regarding raw milk vary greatly, so always check your local regulations. This is how to find fresh, local raw milk now: By following the guidelines and using the resources provided, you can confidently navigate the process. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below or send us a message! We’re happy to help and offer advice. Be sure to download our FREE Raw Milk Interview Suggestions PDF to further assist you in your research and sourcing of raw dairy options. With the right information, you can confidently find a raw milk source that meets your needs.
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