Is Raw milk safe…
Your biggest concern is feeding your family foods that are safe and nutritious. I hear it frequently “is raw milk really safe?” The truth is… it can be. Although to be clear all foods have risk. You have to choose foods you are comfortable feeding your family.
Safe raw milk depends on a lot of factors, but the two biggest ones are animal health and cleaning protocols.The best way to know if milk is safe is to ask about testing and protocols. I personally test the milk weekly, usually on Sunday, for coliforms and bacteria. I am currently working on being RAWMI verified and producing milk to their standard of <10 coliforms and <5,000 SPC .
* fun fact this standard is higher than it is for pasteurized milk from the store, meaning milk from the store could have more bacteria and coliforms than milk produced to RAWMI standards.
If animals are healthy and fed a proper diet the milk will be delicious. If the animals are lacking minerals, vitamins, and proper feed the milk could possibly taste off. I will add that milk taste is greatly affected by diet.
Cows eating a high corn diet will have a more acidic taste to their milk because corn is high in acid. I say this because our cows eat earlage. I notice a taste difference as soon as they start eating it in the fall when the pastures are not as nutrient dense as the spring and summer.
Cleaning protocols are also a huge factor. If the cows are not cleaned properly more bacteria will be in the milk and cause it age faster. This is also true for equipment cleaning. Taking apart the Milker used for getting the milk out of the cow, the pipes that bring the milk to the tank, cleaning the tank that holds the milk and cools it, and washing the jars and lids that the milk is put in for you to pick up are all super important to be cleaned regularly and well.
There are also some smaller factors. Storage and transport are a very close third on my list. Milk is very perishable. It requires constant temperatures under 40 degrees to prohibit bacteria growth. Even being left out on the table at breakfast for 10 minutes is a no no at my house. Milk belongs in the fridge, unless of course you are culturing it to make yogurt, sour cream, or cheese.
In the end it is ultimately up to you what risks you are comfortable with. Please know though that I take great care of my animals and clean my equipment as best as I can. I will never claim to be perfect, just human. I also care about your family and your health and strive to provide you with the cleanest and safest products I can.
Your farm friend
Krystal Benson
