I'm new to raw milk...

[AFWife]

DH and I had been curious about it for sometime now...and this past weekend we finally went out and tried it. It was THE BEST breakfast and lunch I've ever had. Raw milk products, farm eggs, grass fed beef, homegrown veggies and sprouted wheat...I had been hesitant because my DS is dairy sensitive and we're still BFing. The lady made a good point about NATURAL milk having lactase to break down it's own lactose. So, I figured I'd give it a try (worst that would happen is he'd get a rash and be fussy and gassy for a few days) It's 2 days later and still no reactions! (Not to mention *I* didn't get sick, either. The last time I had cheese at a restaurant we both got ill)
Now I have a couple of questions:

How long do these products last? We've been buying ultra-pasteurized milk for DH (because it lasts longer) and soy milk for me (and it lasts a couple of months) Not to mention the margarine and whatnot because of the dairy issue... So what can I expect from raw milk, butter, etc...?

We slept really hard that night (all three of us) Granted we were exhausted (teething kept us up the night before) but I think it was partly due to all of the natural food we ate that day...What do you think?



I'll be honest, I mostly came just to sing the praises of this amazing food. I honestly didn't know what I was missing. I'm sad that it's 1) An hour away and 2) So damned expensive (I can't afford to pay $10 a gallon each time)

So yeah, another one on your side!

[PeggyinNC]

We started raw dairy three years ago; it is sooo good! Our dairy guy said to get a thermometer and put it in your fridge, until you find the coldest spot, and put the milk there. (For us it is the top shelf.) He said to try to keep the fridge around 38 degrees if possible, because for every hour milk is above 38 degrees, you lose a day off its life. We do keep it at 38, and we buy four gallons at a time, which lasts for 4 weeks, and is still fresh by the end. We have to drive an hour away to get it, so we take a big cooler and make sure it is covered in ice for the trip home. Hope you continue to enjoy real milk!!

[AFWife]

My other question is why is it ILLEGAL in so many states? DH was saying that in some states the mere consumption is illegal. So if you have a cow and it gives you milk you're not allowed to drink it?!? FROM YOUR OWN COW???

[laohaire]

One cool thing about raw milk is that it doesn't sour. It does lose its sweetness after a while, but it's still good for baking, and you aren't going to get sick if you drink it past its prime or anything.

I have not tested the full extent of its longevity, but I regularly drink 2 week old raw milk, and it tastes perfectly fresh to me.

Originally Posted by AFWife

My other question is why is it ILLEGAL in so many states? DH was saying that in some states the mere consumption is illegal. So if you have a cow and it gives you milk you're not allowed to drink it?!? FROM YOUR OWN COW???

I don't know about any states making it illegal to drink from your own personal cow (maybe, I don't know though). Many states do restrict or prohibit its sale, though. In Florida, it can only be bought for consumption by pets (can I just laugh?). In Massachusetts, it can only be sold on premises, so it can't be distributed through a grocery store or even at a farmer's market.

The reason? Industrial farming lobbyists. They want to shut out small farmers. Of course the "reason" is "public safety" - and we ALL want to protect everyone's safety, absolutely. That's why it's so insidious. The politicians who allow this are either clueless to the issues, and just say "sure, we want to protect the public" or they are bought out by special interests.

Industrial farming techniques cannot be done with raw milk. The practices are so bad, the milk MUST be pastuerized. Cows are overcrowded, fed food they were not designed to eat (soy, corn), left to wallow in their own wastes, given hormones to increase production (and the side-effects that go with that... mastitis infections... pus and blood in milk...), antibiotics. They ship great distances. They don't care about their cows, and won't necessarily notice if one is sick.

If people thought that raw milk was better, they'd have to buy from small farmers. Raw milk does not work on an industrial scale. So to attack raw milk is to attack small farmers.

[BeagleMommy]

Very well said, laohaire!