In Alaska, as in many other states across the continental US, consumers cannot legally buy raw milk as a product from farmers – but they can drink raw milk that is produced by an animal that they own. As such, some Alaskans are using goat-sharing programs as a loophole to source raw milk for themselves and their families to drink.

“It’s like Zipcar for goats, as long as you keep an incredibly liberal understanding of how Zipcar works!” writes Nosowitz.

Though not a commonly used metaphor in the raw milk debate, Nosowitz makes a point that could help those who are not as familiar with the raw milk debate better understand it. Car sharing allows people to make use of a car when they need it, without the cost or headache of the upkeep. Likewise, goat sharing allows people to reap the benefits of having a milk-producing farm animal without the responsibility of taking care of it or living and working on a farm. Herdsharing programs not only provide a loophole for raw milk drinkers, but also contribute to a sharing economy that boost sales for local producers and allow “farm to table” consumers to truly eat locally and sustainably.

Realmilk.com is a consumer education project of the Weston A. Price Foundation, a nutrition education nonprofit based in Washington, D.C. Visit their website, westonaprice.org.

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In May 2014, the US Department of Agriculture filed a request for weapons including submachine guns and semi-automatic or 2 shot burst trigger guns. This request has many, including the Farm to Consumer Legal Defense Fund, questioning what need the USDA could possibly have for such heavy arms.

According to a USDA spokesperson, the weapons are necessary for self-defense during undercover operations and surveillance. As Modern Farmer points out, this sounds like a legitimate reason when, in actuality, most of their enforcement operations relate to white-collar fraud of government programs like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Nor would such heavy arms be necessary in on-ground investigations into small farms and producers – for example, investigations and raids surrounding whether small farms are selling raw milk.

“Do we really want to have our federal regulatory agencies bring submachine guns onto these family farms with children?” asks Liz Reitzig, co-founder of the Farm Food Freedom Coalition.

The Campaign for Real Milk is a project of the Weston A. Price Foundation, a nutrition education non-profit based in Washington, D.C. To learn more about raw milk and other nutrient dense foods, attend one of the upcoming Wise Traditions conferences.

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