I posted an ad on my local craigslist for a farmer that might supply me with raw and/or non-homogenized milk.
With the responses I got, you'd thought i was looking to score some heroin.
I had no idea that the sale or distribution of raw milk was against the law.
I know now.
jeez.
Sorry you found out the hard way. Still baffles the logic that raw milk is viewed with such over caution as a health hazzard, but some commercial products that are actually allowed to be sold as food.
I think this is the law only in the USA, if you search this Forum on Raw Milk you'll find some other threads on this topic.
www.rawmilk.com (http://www.realmilk.com/) is a US website that has some info as does US based www.rawmilkcheese.org (http://www.rawmilkcheese.org/index.htm) Association.
Actually, this is a State law. Not a US law. It is illegal in the state of Ohio to sell or distribute raw milk. However, I can get raw milk from the state of New York.
There is, however, increasing pressure to change this law. We shall see.
Thanks for correction, I see several poeple saying it is, so I incorrectly assumed it was a national law.
Gee sorry to hear that Wayne. Is it okay to buy it elsewhere and bring it home?
New York will sell it to me. Seem like most of the Ohio laws are on the distributor side. So I would imagine that I can get it if I wanted. There is also a thriving blackmarket here. I get calls ever so often from those that want to meet me. No thanks.
Besides, my cheesemaking skills and flaws that I am currently trying to improve, would not be helped with raw milk. I need to concentrate on imporving my processes, and recipe. My basic skills need work. So, I will continue to use the cheap milk, until I get everything else perfected. And when I get to a point when only the expensive raw milk will improve my cheese, then I will splurge for the the more expensive stuff.
Yeah I hear ya! I just had to try it. I sure can't afford to do this on a regular basis. Back to WalMart for me if I can't find a cheap source. I was quite amazed at the sweetness and creaminess of my yogurt today though. I wonder if adding cream would do that - I never tried it.