Raw-milk consumption is rising each year as athletes, nutritionists, the health-conscious and families discover its benefits. Many people who are lactose-intolerant with pasteurized milk are able to drink raw, unheated milk without difficulty. Those with allergies report lessened or no symptoms after drinking raw milk consistently. Many raw-milk enthusiasts claim to be healthier and have better digestion when drinking raw milk daily. Countless families claim their young children are sick less and have stronger bones and teeth from drinking raw milk. While outdated laws regarding milk and pasteurization still exist in many states, much work is being done by the Real Milk Campaign to raise awareness and improve laws in regards to raw milk.
What to Look for
Raw-milk dairies should be grass-based, with dairy cows allowed free access to green pasture, fresh, clean water and shade. They should be fed primary grass and hay, with no grain or the bare minimum of grain. The quality of grass-based milk is vastly greater than milk from grain-fed cows. Cows should be free of antibiotics for one year and given no hormones to provide clean, raw milk. They should be regularly tested for disease and kept in a herd size appropriate to the land. Raw milk dairies should have milking rooms following Grade A dairy regulations. Raw milk needs to be filtered and well-chilled immediately after milking. Make sure your raw-milk dairy farmer where you get your milk is well informed about optimum handling methods for raw milk.
Common Pitfalls
Avoid drinking raw milk labeled as pet food. This milk may not have been properly handled for human consumption. Also, it's important to know the farm where your milk comes from. Even if your milk is delivered to you, visit he raw-milk dairy at least once a year. Make sure to only drink raw milk that was produced according to the Raw Milks USA standards. Commercial dairies that intend their milk for pasteurization are not a viable source of raw milk since they do not handle it correctly.
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