How learning the true raw milk history can restore our health and help end government harassment against small farms
I recently did a short video series on raw milk history in America. In this series, I explain how raw milk got its negative reputation and why some regulatory agencies actively oppose people drinking raw milk. Looking into raw milk history offers us a glimpse into the past and the conditions of raw milk production in the cities.
Maybe you have heard of raw milk and you want to learn more. Perhaps you know about it already, maybe even drink it. In addition, maybe you have heard that it is illegal in some places and you wonder why that is.
I learned everything I could about raw milk history
When I started exploring raw milk for my family, I thought the FDA had reasons for making it unavailable. As I began reading about raw milk history, I learned things that would change my perspective. Furthermore, I learned that the reason raw milk caused illnesses in the 1800s was because of how it was produced. I learned about other countries and cultures and how much they relied on milk–all raw. As I learned and explored the politics here, I learned that current policy is based on old problems.
However, proponents of raw milk often point to the fact that raw milk for human consumption is produced differently than raw milk intended for pastuerization. This is an important distinction as we explore the building of our country. Raw milk played a vital role in that history.
In this series, I address some of the problems with raw milk history as well as how fake news worked to push the drink into a negative space.
Today, we have solutions. We can address the farming practices in many ways to offer people what they need. The politics is a different story. But we have a plan and strategy to address that as well. Together, we can make a difference and make good food available to all. Some states have legal sales for raw milk. If you are in one of those states and want to find source, check out this website to find local farms.
What you need to know–Raw Milk History
Part 1: The History of Raw Milk in America
Part 2: Where We Are Now
Part 3: The Solution
Do you have a story to share about the history of raw milk? Or perhaps a story about how raw is in your life now? We want to hear your stories.
Liz Reitzig
Wherever you are in your personal journey toward clean living and local food, thank you for joining me in mine. I look forward to sharing it with you.
Latest posts by Liz Reitzig (see all)
- Leah Chase: “Leave Things Be Special” - December 14, 2018
- How Buying Clubs Can Transform Our Food System - December 5, 2018
- Urban Agriculture–10 reasons it is great for YOUR community - November 28, 2018
This interests me, as a dairy farmer’s wife. I haven’t watched the videos yet, but intend to. Just one note on the article (not the videos) – we are a conventional dairy (not organic, not anything special, just a run-of-the-mill-dying-breed-family farm). We are NOT a large farm (we have 110 milking cows). We are in the size bracket where most farmers quit (not small enough to be “niche”, not large enough to use huge machinery and make a big profit.) Anyway — my comment: as dairy farmers, we don’t have a say in how our milk gets used…..So, we care… Read more »
Hi! Thank you for sharing your experience! That is similar to many dairy farms I have visited in similar circumstances to you. I know the vast majority of dairy farmers are family owned and run and are producing a clean and carefully produced product. I admire you for that! If I were a dairy farmer, I would not like to have another entity set the prices or control the relationship I had with my customers. I know that relationship works for many families who do not want to do their own marketing. But either way, most of the processes in… Read more »
We’ve been drinking raw milk for years. The 15mo grandbaby drinks the WAPF formula, for almost a year now. We are thriving.
Sally,
That is the same story I have heard from hundreds of other raw milk families! And, I have not heard of a single case of asthma in raw milk families. There probably are some, but I don’t know them. However, I have talked to may individuals who experience a dramatic relief from asthma or allergies when they switch from pastuerized to raw milk. Glad to hear your grandchild does well on the raw milk.
how cani get a copy of the petition?
Hi Mike,
Please look here for the petition.
Thanks for your interest.
Hi Mike,
Here is the link to see the petition and all actions taken. https://realfoodcc.com/
Thank you!
Thank you for this informative three part series regarding the history and consumption of raw milk. My family has been consuming delicious raw milk directly from a small farm twenty miles from our home. I am in total agreement with you that large corporations have “bought” erroneous media coverage to increase their profits at the expense of destroying the careers and credibility of scientists, doctors, farmers, and anyone else who will get in their way. However, your usage of the phrase ” fake news” may play well with Trump’s base but does the opposite to those of us wanting credible… Read more »