You’ve probably noticed…
…we often call for raw milk in our recipes.
Yes, we do. That’s because we prefer it!
We believe it’s healthier than grocery store, factory farmed, homogenized, pasteurized (and often ultra-pasteurized) milk.
It also tastes great and makes us feel like we’re taking part in beautiful, age-old farming, even if we’re not doing the milking ourselves (which we did for many years!).
Anyway, when I talk about raw milk, it often leads to many of you asking… “Where can I find raw milk?”
Ah… there’s the rub.
Often, you have to know someone or look hard to find it. It’s not in a lot of stores. Yet, it can be found.
You may have to go out of your way to get a weekly share of it. When we lived in Indiana, we drove an hour round-trip each week to get ours from Homestead Heritage out of Kokomo, Indiana.
And, you might even have to pay a little more for it. You see, soooo much more goes into the health of the animals and the cleanliness of the milk, and our purchases contribute to the livelihood of a small family business.
Today I’m devoting #AskWardee to giving you resources for finding raw milk and even helping you understand some of the different ways it’s offered (herd share, pet food only, retail sales, etc.)…
Check out the particulars below in print, podcast, or video!
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The Question: Where Can I Find Raw Milk?
This is a question I have received from countless readers over the years. I guess it’s about time I did a post on how to find it, plus explain your options.
My Answer: Where To Find Raw Milk
1. Start your search at the Real Milk Finder at RealMilk.com.
This is a directory of raw milk sources where farms raise dairy animals that are mostly or exclusively pasture-fed. This site also keep track of the laws concerning raw milk sales so you can know at a glance what is legal and what is not where you live.
When you go there, click on your state (if in the U.S.) or click on Other Countries. Then scan the listing for what might work for you. Contact the farm using the contact info provided and start asking your questions about how it works, what the milk is like, what the animals are fed, the breed of animals, etc. (Here are suggested questions to ask your raw milk farmer!)
Unfortunately, the list of raw milk sources is not exhaustive. Some farms are not listed, and sometimes by choice, so the next step I suggest is…
2. Reach out to your local chapter of the Weston A. Price Foundation. Often, chapter leaders keep a directory on hand for just such inquiries.
3. Ask like-minded folks in your area if they know of anyone who sells raw milk. If you don’t know anyone, you could try the health food store or the farm co-op. Word gets around. 🙂
4. Get your own milk cow or dairy goat! Just kidding… sort of. 😉 We actually did this many years ago!
Click here for an interactive map for raw milk laws by state!
(this is a screenshot taken on 10/3/2017 so it may not be up-to-date)
Ways To Buy Raw Milk
You’ll run into various legal ways to buy raw milk — which vary from state to state, and even country, depending on the laws of the land. Some states have multiple legal ways to buy raw milk, some only one, and some non.
Here’s an interactive map that shows you the laws on the books in each state of the U.S.
More common ways to buy raw milk:
- Farm Sales — You show up at the farm or at a meet-up location and buy direct from the farmer.
- Retail Sales — Raw milk is available for sale in stores!
- Herdshare — You buy a “share” of a cow and then pay a set amount weekly/monthly for its feed and upkeep and therefore are entitled to a weekly/bi-weekly/monthly “share” of your dairy animal’s milk.
- Pet Food Only — Where raw milk is not legal to sell for human consumption, and only as pet food for dogs and cats, it is labeled accordingly.
At the time of this writing, you can acquire raw milk legally in 42 out of 50 states. That’s not enough! We want it to be legal in all 50, right? I sure do!
Our Milk Source
Back in Oregon, we first milked our own goats, then a cow. Then we participated in 2 wonderful herd share programs, one of which is run by our friends Joe and Cammie Bray: Wholesome Family Farm.
Then in Indiana, we purchase pet food only raw Jersey cow milk through Homestead Heritage, an Amish family farm in Kokomo, Indiana. They actually provide it in partnership with Grass Point Dairy. We’re so thankful they make it available to raw milk lovers near and far.
They also provide goat milk, pastured chicken, pastured pork, grass-fed beef, and even prepared foods like cheese and broth!
Now in Idaho, our source is Provider Farms out of Mountain Home.
By The Way…
If you’re interested in how to make thick yogurt while preserving the benefits of raw milk —instead of pasteurizing it like many yogurt recipes do — check out my FREE thick raw milk yogurt recipe. You can make it in your Instant Pot, dehydrator, or a cooler… Enjoy!
So There You Have It…
…how to find yourself a raw milk source!
If you’re in a state where it’s not legal, I am so sorry. Some things are just not right. 🙁
Interested In A Handmade Life?
Raw milk is just one part of a hand made life. If you’re striving to live a more hand made life, be sure to check out my friend Melissa Norris’ new book: Hand Made: The Modern Guide to Made-from-Scratch Living.
She’s even throwing in 3 Masterclass Videos as a bonus with your purchase!
One is how to make a sourdough starter from scratch along with 8 sourdough recipes including Fry Bread, Pie Crust, Tortillas, and yes, bread!
How to get your bonuses:
- Use this link to purchase your copy of Hand Made.
- Go here to fill out the form to claim your bonuses: http://handmadethebook.com/#claimbonuses
Hurry — these bonuses won’t last long!
Helpful Links
- FREE Thick Raw Milk Yogurt Recipe
- Hand Made: The Modern Guide to Made-from-Scratch Living
- Claim bonuses after purchasing Handmade
- Interactive U.S. Raw Milk Law Map
- Weston A. Price Foundation — Chapter Finder
- Questions To Ask Your Raw Milk Farmer
- Real Milk Finder at RealMilk.com
Have you been able to find and buy raw milk where you live? Tell us more!
...without giving up the foods you love or spending all day in the kitchen!
2 free books:
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I live in western Massachusetts. Fortunately, there are a number of raw milk dairy farms in the area. I go directly to the farm to bring home my “white gold”.
Wonderful episode, Wardeh. Milking our little herd of Jersey cows is one of life’s sweetest blessings. Thank you for encouraging your audience to support small farmers like us. Only by doing so and rallying for more lenient raw milk legislation can we make progress toward food freedom.
When I lived in upstate NY many years ago I was able to get raw milk at a nearby farm. At that time it cost $1 per gallon! Now that I live in the L.A. area I can no longer find raw milk. Any ideas on where I can go?
Hi Michael,
Your best bet is to check http://www.eatwild.com/ and http://realmilk.com/ for local sources.
~Danielle, TCS Customer Success Team
I live in Iowa…..we are one of the seven states…:-(
If you’re in a state where it’s legal to sell, be sure to check craigslist. We, in Idaho, advertise on there.
Where can I find stainless steel milk cans with thick wood or plastic handles as you show in the picture? Wire handles might be hard on sensitive hands.
Hi Linda,
This is a picture we have permission to use. Wardee doesn’t own this can.
Here are the milk totes/jugs we recommend:
https://www.homesteadersupply.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=73_302
We think you could wrap foam or thick cloth around the handles for comfort, and replace as needed.
Hope this helps! ~ Millie, TCS Customer Success Team
this is a real problem. I started my own french alpine dairy goat herd simply to be able to have raw milk..then I got old and cripled and can no longer milk – does that have to mean I can no longer have it? shame! Neither can I afford outrageous prices or long distancess.
so I’m just so distressed but can see there is no other way. I could say my animals may die if they don’t have raw milk??? I live within 2 miles of McArthur Dairy, but I don’t have really good vibes about what they feed their cows. Can you help me?
Hi Marianne,
I’m sorry you aren’t able to milk your goats anymore.
Raw milk is best but if you can’t afford the prices or find a reputable dairy close by I recommend finding a local diary you do trust, even if they pasteurize their milk. A small, local, reputable dairy you can visit is still a wise choice (for the cows and the consumer).
~Danielle, TCS Customer Success Team
I do know that you say raw milk is what is needed to make yogurt. Is there anyway to make it and have it turn out wonderful with Almond milk lets say?
Hi Cease,
We don’t have a recipe for almond milk yogurt but we have had a member share their recipe in the Members Only Facebook Group.
Basically she took almond milk, raw cashews and honey and blended until smooth. Then she added xanthum gum, agar powder and vegan yogurt starter and mixed.
She placed in a glass container inside the Instant Pot on the yogurt setting for 8-12 hours.
~ Vicki, TCS Customer Success Team