Small Dairy Exemption Bill

[bantams]

Here in Washington state we are trying to pass a new bill that would exempt small dairy farms selling raw milk from the usual regulations, as long as the farm sells only a small amount of raw milk, on-site and with no advertising.

In WA right now, farms can sell raw milk as long as they are Grade A raw dairies. This entails lots of testing, strict building regulations (milking parlor, milk handling room), and permits. Grade A raw milk can be sold in stores. I think it is great that our state allows these sales, and I believe that if raw milk is being sold in stores to non-informed consumers, then yes, it should be rigorously tested.

But for the small farm who is not in it for the money, who has dairy animals for home use that produce a bit too much milk, then we should be able to sell it on-site without licensing.

I know there are states already that have exemptions like this, but I would like to hear opinions on several aspects.

(1) Which makes more sense: set limits on the number of "producing" cows/goats/sheep, or the amount of milk sold per day/month?

(2) What about the definition of "producing" dairy cows/goats/sheep? Already I can see several issues - what about animals whose milk is used only for feeding calves/pigs/etc?

If you were to pick "limits" for your state, what would you choose for (A) animal numbers, and (B) milk volume?

Any other thoughts?

Thank you!

Kelsey

[springvalley]

I really don`t know what to tell ya on this one. I sell raw milk, while I do think we ought to be able to do what we want when we want, I do also think we have to have some guide lines to follow. What I think we need to do is offer for those that are selling raw milk testing on their cows, most peole have no idea if their cows are safe or not. I have seen cows milked in some pretty slip shod operations that I wouldn`t let my dogs drink milk from. I do think we should have some standards to go by, not that we all need a grade A dairy barn and milk house. But we need something better than a SS bucket and clean hands. I personaly don`t think hand milked cows should be sold off the farm, my oinion, I know I will take flack for that one, but so be it. Anyway hope you get my idea, I`m not sure if the states or Government could come with anything better on this one. > Thanks Marc

[bantams]

I'm leaning towards less regulation on this one, since people who want the assurance of certified and tested raw milk can already buy Grade A raw milk from the store. But the small farmer who is selling a limited quantity on-site (where customers can see the operation) tend to sell to more educated people anyway. I would ask about testing, diet, cleanliness, etc, if I were buying raw milk from someone else, and decide for myself.

Besides, I've seen some pretty frightening Grade A raw dairies, as well as some pristine facilities that are not licensed. So you never know. By the way, in WA state, handmilking is legal for Grade A.

[Callieslamb]

It seems to me that the govt is there to inspect facilities when we can't do it ourselves. So if we can do it, they should step out of it. But...to answer the question, I'd go for amount sold rather than number of animals. It's easier for govt inspectors to count animals than to check your paperwork on how much milk sold.

Now, it won't happen, but perhaps the govt could publish some guidelines on how to safely buy raw milk? They could list to inspect the facilities for cleanliness; check for a current milk test, etc. That would make them partially liable if however, so it won't happen. The dairy industry is BIG money and they have a lot of influence in the govt. They will protect their industry at all costs. I can't say that I blame them - but it bites sometimes.

[sammyd]

in WI the big deal is to "protect" our dairy industry.
Somehow if one person gets a tummy ache from raw milk our entire dairy industry might collapse....

[springvalley]

And Sam once again I say if someone would get sick drinking store bought milk(Which could happen) it will destroy the milk industry also. > Marc

[sammyd]

I agree with that but not the raw milk so much.
Chances are (unless everyone is way off in their estimation) raw milk people want to buy from smaller dairies so any problem would be very localized and small. Chances are good as well that the general populace would pass it off as "those crazy hippies" anyway.

[springvalley]

I agree with you on that Sam, Those crazy Hippies anayway. If they only knew, my crazy hippies are Chiropractors,lawyers,Vets.,Wellnes people,State police,House wives,Enginers,Teachers,Factory workers,and a couple farmers , just to name a few. The government has done a very good job of brain washing people into believing that raw milk will kill ya. Enough said. > Marc

[Callieslamb]

Originally Posted by springvalley

.............. The government has done a very good job of brain washing people into believing that raw milk will kill ya. Enough said. > Marc

Amen....except I think it's the big dairy via govt rather than just the govt.

[duckidaho]

Idaho has passed a similar law and from what I can tell it seems to be a decent deal. There is some regulation, vaccines, potential inspection... But all in all it would be reasonable if you had a few cows or goats. The exemption is something like 9 cows and/or 14 goats. Raw milk OK. I plan on making use of it if/when I get more dairy than I need. Good luck.