getting the run around about dairy regulations

[Alice In TX/MO]

I started with the local Extension office here in Texas, asking about the regulations for selling milk. They told me to Google it.

I wrote back and told them I'd been there, done that, and I needed help.

After several days, they emailed back with the web page of the Texas Animal Health Commission... the main page. Not what I need. It did, however, have an 800 number. Which I called, and they told me that I needed to contact the Texas Department of Health, and were kind enough to give me a contact person's name and number.

Still working on it.... I'll let you know what happens. I think I'll also let the local Extension office know the info, too.

[BlueHeronFarm]

What regulations are you looking for? They post most of them online - like the Grade A Raw for Retail regultions. There are others available, as well.

http://info.sos.state.tx.us/pls/pub/readtac$ext.ViewTAC?tac_view=5&ti=25&pt=1&ch=217&s ch=B&rl=Y

[Alice In TX/MO]

Thanks, I should have posted here first! That's what I needed.

Still no answer at the Tx Dept of Health phone number.

Edited to add:
I've scanned through sixteen pages so far. Now I understand why there are so few dairies. Whew. I'd have to build a $30,000 building just to get started, and that's not counting the milking equipment.

I think I'll stick to milking for myself and my family. :baby04:

[BlueHeronFarm]

We're going through the process now - have had the inspector out just to chat, have signed off on a building plan...all very exciting. I'd be happy to answer any questions. (Or have my husband do so - he's the one doing all the work)

If you would like to make cheese but not sell milk, it is a different license - commercial kitchen, not dairy. All very crazy, but you might be able to swing it for cheaper by renting a certified kitchen. ...it's just a thought. We are doing both.

[Alice In TX/MO]

I was thinking some vague time in the future after my grandson is healthy again, and I'm not burning up the highway any more. Right now, it's just something to think about.

You know how you wake up at 4:00 AM and can't get back to sleep? I'd rather think about a milkhouse.

[Vicki McGaugh TX Nubians]

Rose it's alot different than what you think, the guys running this are very nice, are not out to get dairy gals, and are very helpful. We have two USDA reps in our area who are dairy goat folks themselves. Local extension agents and other breeders are rarely a good place to get any good information...it's all hearsay. Extension agents in texas don't deal with much livestock at all in reality, certainly not dairy stock, not even breeding stock in our area. You hopefully will never be dealing with the local health department with your dairy Vicki