PDA Mounts Major Show of Force to Convict Mark Nolt of Selling Raw Milk without a Permit

The Complete Patient ^ | May 5, 2008 | David E. Gumpert

[davidgumpert]

The big surprise today wasn't that Mark Nolt was found guilty on four citations of selling raw milk without a permit, and fined $1,051 on each citation. That was nearly a foregone conclusion, since Mark refused to engage a lawyer.

No, the big surprise was the seriousness with which the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture took the case against Mark, and the resulting show of force it put together.

[davidgumpert]

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture made clear how seriously it takes the raw milk charges against Mennonite farmer Mark Nolt. The state clearly wants to set him up as an example to intimidate other farmers.

[SkyDancer]

Isn’t there a health issue?

[Farmer Dean]

There is a serious health risk,that’s why milk has been pasturized for years.On the other hand if people want to assume the risk,then let them.

[Mind-numbed Robot]

Good tag line.

[bvw]

Is there a Bill Pound involved in this?

[nkycincinnatikid]

Be careful out there amongst those English, Mark Nolt

[#1CTYankee]

http://ftcldf.org/aa-01may2008-rally.htm

[SkyDancer]

Thanks .... It’s my belief ....

[NonValueAdded]

We report, you decide.

http://www.realmilk.com/

[lastchance]

I used to drink raw milk in college. The local food co-op sold it as “pet food”. If the cows are on pasture and sanitary practices are observed along with testing for TB and other pathogens raw milk is not inherently dangerous.

Raw USA has a set of standards for raw milk production. These include stringent testing protocols.

http://www.rawusa.org/index.html

Most food borne illness is not from raw milk. But it is important that if you drink raw milk it comes from a dairy that is certified to produce it.

[traviskicks]

Libertarian ping! To be added or removed from my ping list freepmail me or post a message here.

[philetus]

Isn’t there a health issue?”

Only if you don’t have a permit.

[philetus]

There is a serious health risk,that’s why milk has been pasturized (pasteurized) for years”

Wow, are they prosecuting dairy farmers and ranchers who let calves suckle under the cruelty to animals laws?

[kbennkc]

Excuse my ignorance but is there an issue of some type of religious observance in the production of the milk ?

[SkyDancer]

I guess what I meant was back before pasteurization milk spoiled rapidly ... I don't see how a permit would decrease the risk of disease .....

[Farmer Dean]

There are a lot of diseases(some potentially fatal)that can be present in raw milk.Instead of posing dumb questions why not do some research?

[philetus]

Instead of posing dumb questions why not do some research? “

I did research. When I was a kid, I lived on a farm in Idaho.
The next farm over was a daiy farm. I would help my friend milk the cows in the morning and then his mom would make us scones and ice cold raw milk.

[Farmer Dean]

So you know all about the diseases that can be present in raw milk?