How to Buy Raw Milk Without Getting Arrested

A reader writes:

I’m looking to buy raw milk in Southwest Louisiana, and so far have not found anything on the web. Can you please give me a push in the right direction?

Also, I’ve never tried raw milk, but have read up on it a bit - what are the differences in storage needs between it & the store-bought crud I’m used to?

One of the reasons you may be having trouble finding sources for raw milk on the Web is because in most states it is illegal for farmers to sell out of their tanks for human consumption. Here in Wisconsin, DATCP has been known to show up with the sheriff to enforce it. So, check your state laws. If it’s illegal for a farmer to sell you raw milk for human consumption, you will have to say you want it for a pet or livestock. That’s how people here get around it. If you tell me you’re going to drink it, I won’t sell it to you.

To find a farmer willing to sell raw milk, check out your local food co-op and farmer’s markets. Just ask around. It might take awhile. Remember, if it’s illegal in Louisiana and you start asking for raw milk for human consumption, you won’t get anywhere.

Raw milk should be put in a container that has been washed with hot soapy water and some bleach. If kept refrigerated, a gallon will keep a week. If you’re used to drinking store-bought milk, you might notice how thick raw milk is, even if you skim the cream off. (We never do. The wife loves her morning tea with fresh cream. We just let it float to the top and when we pour it, the cream comes first.)

Depending on the type of cow the milk comes from, you may notice a difference in color. Holsteins give white milk, but Jerseys give a milk that has a vanilla hue to it. Milk from Jerseys and other smaller breeds is also higher in fat and protein than that of Holsteins. Once you get used to it, the thought of drinking skim milk is revolting. The wife says if she wanted to drink rinse water, she’d get it from the tank!

Thanks for the question. Good luck.

Wayne
The Dairy Dude

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