Whether it's good or bad, there is a sincere interest in the heath benefits of raw milk. Illegal in 18 states and in 4 others only sold as pet food, what exactly are people afraid of.

Some people say:

• If it's approved by the FDA, then it can't be good for you.
• Why is the government so concerned about the harmful effects of raw milk? People smoke cigarettes and alcohol daily yet the long term damage has been proven.
• Nowadays, everything touched by man is contaminated with something (i.e tomatoes, mad cow, spinach, tomatoes, salad bars, burgers, peanut butter etc.) yet they have not been outlawed.
• My mode of thinking these days is...if the THEY don't want us to have it, then it must be good for you.
• Warning labels are on various foods today because of our weakened immune systems. The American diet is void of living foods. Everything we eat acks beneficial living bacteria.

Here are some precautions to take when buying raw milk:

Find out if it's illegal.

Some states allow the sale of raw milk but have strict guidelines. You can possess it in some states however, by law you can not sell it. They are many sting operations working to uncover underground raw milk-Lords that produce and distribute raw milk. Many milk dealers have been stopped and pulled over by law enforcement and their contents of milk have been seized and investigated. Be informed so you don't end up making a call home. How will you explain that one to the kids? Arrested for possession of milk. (Shouldn't law enforcement be spending their time more wisely...locating the guilty culprits responsible for 911...hunting down child predators...finding Dick Cheney?)

Pathogens

Pathogens are disease causing agents such as microorganisms bacteria and fungus. Pathogens can be found in all milk but most often result from poor sanitation practices, animal stress and sickness. An unnatural diet also is a contributing factor. Today, the mass produced milking cows have yet to get a whiff of the crisp and pungent aroma of fresh pasture and spend most of their lifetime indoors eating field corn and soybeans. The quality of life for a cow directly relates to the quality of milk it produces.

Know your cow

• A stress-free environment should include a comfortable stall. Look for a cow with high quality living conditions.
• Great veterinary care. Health care matters and cows need to have regular check-ups and be removed from the rest of the stock when illness strikes.
• Ample space and protection from weather.
• Clean and hygienic barn and milking stalls.
• Cows should graze on naturally green pastures for optimal health. (Back in my old state of AZ hundreds of cows would be lumped together in the middle of the desert without a stitch of grass in site for munching. Not so happy or healthy cows). Cows should feed on fresh pasture every few days in the summer and hay in the winter months.

Keep and store

Always keep raw milk cold. When buying from a farm, bring a cooler to keep raw milk at cool temperatures at all times.

Try glass jars. Some raw milk drinkers say glass jars help milk keep longer. (Didn't the milkman of old use glass jars?) Glass is less permeable to oxygen than plastic.

Don't throw away raw milk that has turned. Raw milk does not become rancid like pasteurized milk but it does sour. Use for baking breads, pancakes, or desserts.