Cross-Posting w/Goats Milk Advertising Question

MrsSurplus · #1 04/04/11, 01:16 PM

You can sell raw milk in Oregon if:
"the person does not advertise the milk for sale
the milk is sold directly to the consumer at the premises where produced; and
no more than two producing dairy cows, nine producing sheep or nine producing goats are located on the premises where the milk is produced."

I see raw milk advertised on CL and on various forums. Does anyone know what constitutes "advertising" in a case like this?

springvalley · #2 04/04/11, 03:57 PM

Any type of advertisment in writting is illeagal, CL is no differant, don`t go there. Now if someone else is saying, " I know where you can get raw milk, call me I will give you their number" that is not you advertising. That is someone else passing on information about you. Hope that helps. > Marc

HomesteadingFam · #3 04/05/11, 05:52 AM

what about if you have goats and cows? I guess 4.5 goats equal one cow?

bknthesdle · #4 04/05/11, 11:40 AM

How do I find out the law in my state? I was told by a lady that raised and milked Nigerian dwarfs that it was ok to sell as long as it was marked for pet use only.

mtnmenagerie · #5 04/05/11, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bknthesdle

How do I find out the law in my state? I was told by a lady that raised and milked Nigerian dwarfs that it was ok to sell as long as it was marked for pet use only.

http://www.realmilk.com/happening.html

bknthesdle · #6 04/05/11, 12:42 PM

Thank you for the link!

Genevie · #7 04/05/11, 12:42 PM

I would avoid CL advertising period. It opens doors and questions and even though pet-grade milk can be sold, there has to be no question about the intent of the ad.

For example, there is a huge difference between marketing bucket calves, colostrum and milk versus saying things like:

"This is unpasteurized, straight from the goat, chilled immediately, milk. By law, I can only sell it as "pet grade," but my family drinks it and makes wonderful yogurt and cheeses with it."
or
"We are taking reservations for people wanting Raw (Pet Grade) goat's milk. We sell it for $6.00 per gallon and we provide the container. We will have milk available in mid April and can accommodate several regular customers."

I know there are folks out there that toe the line, but I personally would not. If you are exploring the option of marketing and selling milk, it may be a good idea to instead design a "herd share" program instead of selling a la carte. I know of a farmer in CO that sells raw milk and could pass along the info if you were interested in talking to him about his experiences. I think I have the name of the ODA food safety specialist for our area rattling around as well. He could tell you exactly what you can and cannot say but then again sometimes that opens up another can of worms...

There is such a limited supply for milk in the area that simple word of mouth spreads your contact info quickly and without a paper advertising trail as springvalley mentioned. Places like natural food stores, herbalists and even feed stores would be a good place to start networking.

springvalley · #8 04/05/11, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtnmenagerie

http://www.realmilk.com/happening.html

Yep, this is what I was going to say, this will tell Laws for each state and where you can get it in each state. I think most states you can sell it as pet milk. > Thanks Marc

springvalley · #9 04/05/11, 12:54 PM

It is a sticky wicket about advertising, we sell alot of milk, and if we could advertise would sell alot more. Word of mouth is not near enough,we need to start talking to our government leaders to get this BS changed, I do think people should be able to do what they want. And you can`t put anything up at health food store either, that is still advertising. I have alot of people in the health food stores and related bussiness get milk from me and I still can`t sell all the milk from 15 cows. > Thanks Marc

francismilker · #10 04/05/11, 01:20 PM

While my family is getting fatter by the minute with all the milk surplus, I still can't sell all the milk I produce from five fresh cows. Location and constant availability has a lot to do with it in my opinion. I've had several regular customers over the years. (Mostly older folks who like the nostalgia of drinking what they had when they were kids.) Most folks in my area are not willing to drive out of their way to get raw milk when they're already at the supermarket. The organic or niche' market hasn't caught on here yet so I can only market it towards people who prefer the taste and cream content it has.

Although cow shares are legal in most states, I'm not sure if I ever tried to really get the business going I wouldn't look into the idea for my own protection and financial reasons. If you're feeding lots of grain to cows and going through the labor of milking and sanitizing equipment, it would be nice to have financial backing when someone decided to not show up and it be hard on your wallet. It makes it easier when the monkey's on their back and they've pre-paid for the product.

Genevie · #11 04/05/11, 01:23 PM

Just to clarify, I didn't mean posting on bulletin boards (which is still advertising) I meant talking with the proprietors. In my experience they are very helpful for networking, especially since Central Oregon is such a small community. With only two cows permitted, word of mouth may not be perfect, but could be a good start.

I do wholeheartedly agree that there is a huge market out there for quality products like raw milk but the producers are unnecessarily stifled to the point that they are unable to capitalize on these markets.

springvalley · #12 04/05/11, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Genevie

I do wholeheartedly agree that there is a huge market out there for quality products like raw milk but the producers are unnecessarily stifled to the point that they are unable to capitalize on these markets.

I agree with you on this one, and networking with like minded people sure can`t hurt. > Thanks Marc

MrsSurplus · #13 04/06/11, 04:16 PM

Thank you all! I defiinitely agree that letting like-minded business proprieters know what we have will be wonderful. I know in some places you probably can't keep up with the demand and in others it might be hard to get it all sold. (And I agree with Marc, we need to be rattling cages! I could sell all of the Cheetos and soda pop I want - but selling healthy raw milk needs to be restricted? What's up with that!)

springvalley · #14 04/06/11, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrsSurplus

(And I agree with Marc, we need to be rattling cages! I could sell all of the Cheetos and soda pop I want - but selling healthy raw milk needs to be restricted? What's up with that!)

Well the reason you can sell all the cheetos and soda pop you want and we can`t advertise that we sell good wholesum raw milk is, no one has their fingers in the pot. And it is good for you, I think it is outragous that we are allmost or maybe are treated the same as drug dealers. But I also think it is growing in popularity and more and more people are looking into eating better foods. > Thanks Marc

duckidaho · #15 04/08/11, 05:20 AM

Idaho changed the law to allow raw milk sales, with or without advertising, but there are some health dept. hoops to jump through. Kind of a mixed bag. I'll probably jump through the hoops when I get a couple more goats or a cow in production. Last year I only had one goat in production.

Also depends on whether I am teaching full, part, or not at all. I got laid off for next fall.

KIT.S · #16 04/08/11, 07:11 PM

Ummm, I know a good milk farmer near Lebanon Oregon! I've purchased from him for a year, and he can take more customers, too. I drive out of my way after work twice a week to pick up, but yes, buying milk from the store is easier for most folks.
Kit