I researched that during the covid milk shortages. Stores couldn’t get milk in stock, while farmers were being ordered to dump their milk.
In Wisconsin, the ban on selling raw milk has 3 loopholes.
Loophole 1. Employees of the farm, as claimed on the farm’s tax documents, are permitted to buy raw milk from the farm at which they are employed.
Loophole 2. Anyone with an ownership interest in the farm and/or animal itself, is permitted to buy raw milk from that farm.
Loophole 3. Raw milk sales are allowed if the sale is considered incidental. In order to legally be considered “incidental”, the sale must meet all three of the following criteria:
a. The sale cannot be part of the farm’s normal business practice.
b. The exchange must take place on the farm itself.
c. The farmer cannot advertise that they are willing to sell raw milk.
The shortage was over before we found a farm willing to sell to us. But as you can see, I’ve been keeping that info in mind.
Mo. allows us to buy directly from the farmer. Some have farm stores and advertise on several different websites. We would likely have to drive to the next town over where there are several places that sell raw milk, eggs, pastured beef, pork, chicken etc.
“Loophole 2. Anyone with an ownership interest in the farm and/or animal itself, is permitted to buy raw milk from that farm.”
I planned on using that one when I gear up to make milk soap. We rent crop land to the local dairy, so in my mind (Officer!) we qualify. Soap making is another skill I want to add to my ‘skill set.’ I’ve mastered melt and pour candles, so far - soap can’t be that much harder. ;)
And, if, you know, that milk ‘spoils’ on me and ends up as cheese - who’ll be the wiser? Only you guys, LOL! :)