Demand for Raw Milk Exploding

According to David E. Gumpert , the demand for raw milk is exploding. As a result, he says, the government is changing its tactics. "For many years, the federal and local authorities relied on stoking the public's fear of disease to keep people away from raw milk putting a damper on the demand side of the equation. "

"But as increasing numbers of people learn how remote the risks associated with drinking raw milk really are in today's world, consumers are ignoring the authorities. Indeed, the government warnings seem only to stimulate further demand." He quotes an attorney for the Weston Price Foundation, Pete Kennedy, as saying "So instead of trying to control the demand, the government is trying to control the supply by harassing farmers so they'll hopefully become discouraged and go back to the pasteurization routine."

Another Study Showing Organic is Better

I just read about another study, this one done by a professor in the UK using products he and his students grew on their own 725 acre farm. The products included grain, vegetables, meat and milk. This was not a study of items bought at Wal-Mart and just labeled "organic". It was a study of what most people think about when they think of "organic". Check it out here.

Is "Organic" Milk Good Enough?

There is considerable and mounting evidence that the key to good milk is that it comes from a cow eating grass. Just look at this well-written post for some additional evidence.

"Caution! Simply buying "organic" milk does not guarantee the cows that produce it have been subsisting on the green stuff all their life."

USDA Issues a "Grassfed" Standard -- Is it Weak?

The problem with the certified organic label is it allows for lots of loopholes. Consumers can't be sure they're getting what they imagine. It's best to know exactly where your food comes from. Now the USDA has issued some new guidelines on what can be called "grassfed". The American Grassfed Association is against the new grassfed standards. I'm a member of the American Grassfed Association and I'm sure I support them in this. We raise our animals to the highest possible standard, so we're in favor of enforcing only the highest standards. I don't want there to be any loopholes in this. When consumers buy something called "grassfed" they should get exactly what they expect. Here's a link to the press release.

Go Organic but Go Grassfed Too

This is what they say at the Indianapolis Star. Check it out here. By the way I agree, go with the free-range, grassfed beef that was raised on grass free from chemicals and pesticides and raised with no hormones.

Grassfed is better than grainfed, even if the grain is certified organic

Good blog entry here about the health benefits of grass fed beef.