Arkansas is a state that has been known for its agriculture industry. The state is home to many small farms that produce a variety of products, including raw milk.
Raw milk is milk that has not been pasteurized or homogenized, meaning that it still contains all the natural enzymes and bacteria that are present in fresh milk.
For those who are interested in purchasing raw milk in Arkansas, there are several options available. One option is to visit a local farm that produces raw milk.
Many farms in Arkansas sell raw milk directly to consumers, either at the farm or at local farmers’ markets.
Another option is to purchase raw milk from a retailer that specializes in natural and organic foods. These retailers often carry a variety of raw milk products, including milk, cheese, and butter.
It is important to note that the sale of raw milk is regulated differently in each state, and Arkansas is no exception.
While raw milk is legal to sell in Arkansas, there are specific regulations that must be followed in order to ensure the safety of the product.
Consumers should always make sure that they are purchasing raw milk from a reputable source that follows all the necessary regulations and safety protocols.
Understanding Raw Milk
What is Raw Milk?
Raw milk is milk that has not undergone pasteurization or homogenization. It comes straight from the cow, goat, sheep, or any other mammal and is filtered, cooled, and bottled for direct consumption.
Raw milk can only be sold directly from the farm where it was produced and is not available for resale.
Arkansas law allows the sale of up to 500 gallons per month of raw milk to be sold at the farm to the end consumer. Raw milk cannot be sold in any store, farmers market, or any location other than the producing farm.
Benefits of Raw Milk
Raw milk is often touted as a healthier alternative to pasteurized milk. Some of the benefits of raw milk include:
- Retains natural enzymes and beneficial bacteria that are destroyed during pasteurization
- Contains more vitamins and minerals than pasteurized milk
- May reduce the risk of allergies and asthma
- May improve digestion and reduce lactose intolerance
However, it is important to note that the FDA and CDC do not recommend consuming raw milk due to the potential for harmful bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria.
These bacteria can cause serious illness and even death, especially in young children, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.
Consumers should be aware of the risks and make an informed decision when choosing to consume raw milk. It is important to purchase raw milk from a reputable source and handle it safely by keeping it refrigerated and consuming it promptly.
In summary, raw milk is milk that has not been pasteurized or homogenized and can only be sold directly from the farm where it was produced.
While it may have some potential health benefits, it also carries a risk of harmful bacteria and should be consumed with caution.
Where to Buy Raw Milk in Arkansas
If you are looking to buy raw milk in Arkansas, there are several options available to you.
Raw milk is not sold in grocery stores, but it can be purchased directly from farms or through direct-to-consumer sales. Here are some options to consider:
Direct-to-Consumer Sales
In Arkansas, raw milk can be sold directly from the farm to the consumer. This means that you can purchase raw milk directly from the farmer, either by visiting the farm or by arranging for delivery.
Some farmers may also sell raw milk through online marketplaces or delivery services.
Farms that Sell Raw Milk
There are several farms in Arkansas that sell raw milk. These farms typically have their own cows and produce their own milk. Some of the farms that sell raw milk in Arkansas include:
| Farm Name | Location | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|
| Circle E Farm | Springdale | |
| Holland Wildflower Farm | Elkins | (479) 601-3589 |
| Our Father’s Farm | Cabot | (501) 605-1168 |
| Rosehill Dairy | Fayetteville | (479) 442-7575 |
It is important to note that not all farms that produce raw milk are licensed to sell it. Be sure to verify that the farm is licensed and that their products are regularly tested for safety.
Grocery Stores that Sell Raw Milk
While raw milk is not sold in most grocery stores, some specialty stores may carry it. It is important to note that these stores may only sell raw milk from licensed farms that meet state safety standards. Some grocery stores that may carry raw milk in Arkansas include:
- Ozark Natural Foods in Fayetteville
- The Green Corner Store in Little Rock
It is important to note that raw milk carries a higher risk of foodborne illness than pasteurized milk. Consumers should be aware of the risks and take appropriate precautions, such as ensuring that the milk is from a licensed farm and has been properly tested for safety.
Legal Considerations
When it comes to buying raw milk in Arkansas, there are some legal considerations to keep in mind. Raw milk sales are legal in Arkansas, but there are some restrictions in place.
Arkansas Law on Raw Milk Sales
According to Arkansas law, on-farm sales of raw milk are legal, but raw milk cannot be sold in any store, farmers market, or any location other than the producing farm. The law allows the sale of up to 500 gallons per month of raw milk to be sold at the farm to the end consumer. It is important to note that incidental sales of goat milk and whole milk that has not been pasteurized are not prohibited.
It is also important to understand that the sale of raw milk for human consumption is not regulated by the Arkansas Department of Health. This means that there are no inspections or testing requirements for raw milk sold on the farm. Consumers should be aware of the potential risks associated with consuming raw milk, such as foodborne illness.
Herd Shares
Another option for obtaining raw milk in Arkansas is through a herd share program. In a herd share program, consumers purchase a share of a dairy animal or herd and are entitled to a portion of the milk produced by the animals. This allows consumers to obtain raw milk without purchasing it directly from the farm.
Herd share programs are legal in Arkansas, but they are not regulated by the state. This means that there are no inspections or testing requirements for herd share programs. Consumers should be aware of the potential risks associated with consuming raw milk, even when obtained through a herd share program.
In summary, while raw milk sales are legal in Arkansas, there are restrictions in place. Consumers should be aware of the potential risks associated with consuming raw milk and should take appropriate precautions to ensure the safety of themselves and their families.
Understanding the Risks
Consuming raw milk can pose serious health risks to individuals, especially those with weakened immune systems. Despite the potential health hazards, some people still choose to consume raw milk due to its perceived health benefits. It is important to understand the risks associated with consuming raw milk before making a decision to consume it.
Mislabeling and Contamination
One of the primary risks associated with raw milk consumption is mislabeling and contamination. Raw milk can contain harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria, which can cause serious illness, hospitalization, and even death. According to the FDA, raw milk is 150 times more likely to cause foodborne illness than pasteurized milk.
Mislabeling is also a concern when it comes to raw milk. Some farmers may label their milk as “raw” when it has actually been pasteurized or may not disclose the true source of their milk. This can lead to consumers unknowingly consuming raw milk and putting themselves at risk for foodborne illness.
Raw Milk and Public Health
Raw milk consumption can also have negative impacts on public health. When individuals consume raw milk and become ill, it can lead to outbreaks of foodborne illness. These outbreaks can spread to other individuals, including those who may be more susceptible to serious illness, such as the elderly, pregnant women, and young children.
In order to protect public health, many states have laws regulating the sale of raw milk. In Arkansas, for example, raw milk can only be sold at the farm where it was produced, and only up to 500 gallons per month can be sold to end consumers. Raw milk cannot be sold in stores or at farmers markets.
It is important to understand the risks associated with consuming raw milk and to make an informed decision about whether or not to consume it. Individuals who choose to consume raw milk should take steps to reduce their risk of foodborne illness, such as ensuring that the milk comes from a reputable source and has been properly stored and handled.
Arkansas Raw Milk Farms
Arkansas law allows the sale of up to 500 gallons per month of raw milk to be sold at the farm to the end consumer. There are several raw milk farms in Arkansas that offer fresh milk, cheese, raw milk, yogurt, and other dairy products. Here are some of the notable raw milk farms in Arkansas.
Briarhill Farms
Briarhill Farms is a family-owned and operated farm located in Ozark, Arkansas. They offer raw milk from their grass-fed Jersey cows. They also offer farm-fresh eggs, grass-fed beef, and pasture-raised pork. They have a website where customers can place orders and learn more about their products.
Moon Glow Enterprises
Moon Glow Enterprises is a small family farm located in Dennard, Arkansas. They offer raw milk from their grass-fed Jersey cows. They also offer goat milk, goat cheese, and other dairy products. They have a Facebook page where customers can place orders and learn more about their products.
Schot’s Slopes Farm
Schot’s Slopes Farm is a small family farm located in Yellville, Arkansas. They offer raw milk from their grass-fed Jersey cows. They also offer grass-fed beef, pasture-raised pork, and free-range chicken eggs. They have a website where customers can place orders and learn more about their products.
Qualls Family Farm
Qualls Family Farm is a small family farm located in New Blaine, Arkansas. They offer raw milk from their grass-fed Jersey cows. They also offer free-range chicken eggs and grass-fed beef. They have a Facebook page where customers can place orders and learn more about their products.
Once Upon a Time Farm
Once Upon a Time Farm is a small family farm located in Fayetteville, Arkansas. They offer raw milk from their grass-fed Jersey cows. They also offer goat milk, goat cheese, and other dairy products. They have a website where customers can place orders and learn more about their products.
Bluff Top Goat Dairy
Bluff Top Goat Dairy is a small family farm located in Dover, Arkansas. They offer raw goat milk, goat cheese, and other dairy products. They have a Facebook page where customers can place orders and learn more about their products.
Hideaway Farms
Hideaway Farms is a small family farm located in Saint Joe, Arkansas. They offer raw milk from their grass-fed Jersey cows. They also offer grass-fed beef, pasture-raised pork, and free-range chicken eggs. They have a website where customers can place orders and learn more about their products.
Hidden Valley Farm
Hidden Valley Farm is a small family farm located in London, Arkansas. They offer raw milk from their grass-fed Jersey cows. They also offer free-range chicken eggs and grass-fed beef. They have a Facebook page where customers can place orders and learn more about their products.
Lois’s Rockin A’s Farms
Lois’s Rockin A’s Farms is a small family farm located in Valley Springs, Arkansas. They offer raw milk from their grass-fed Jersey cows. They also offer free-range chicken eggs and grass-fed beef. They have a Facebook page where customers can place orders and learn more about their products.
These are just a few of the raw milk farms in Arkansas. Customers can find more raw milk farms and retailers added to the map on the Get Raw Milk website. It is important to “know your farmer” when purchasing raw milk and other natural foods for yourself and your family to ensure that you are getting safe and healthy products.
Contacting Raw Milk Farms
When looking for raw milk farms in Arkansas, it’s important to know how to contact them. Here are some ways to get in touch with these farms:
Phone and Email Contact Information
Most raw milk farms have phone and email contact information listed on their website. Some may also have a contact form that you can fill out. When contacting a raw milk farm, be sure to ask about their hours of operation, pricing, and availability.
Here are some examples of raw milk farms in Arkansas and their contact information:
| Farm Name | Phone Number | Email Address |
|---|---|---|
| Bismarck Raw Milk | (501) 865-4822 | bismarckrawmilk@gmail.com |
| Casscoe Dairy | (870) 830-2900 | casscoedairy@gmail.com |
| Ozark Natural Foods | (479) 521-7558 | info@onf.coop |
Social Media Pages
Some raw milk farms may also have social media pages where you can contact them. This can be a great way to get a quick response and stay up-to-date on any changes or updates from the farm.
Here are some examples of raw milk farms in Arkansas and their social media pages:
When contacting raw milk farms, be sure to ask about their policies and procedures for purchasing raw milk. It’s important to ensure that you are buying from a reputable source and following all safety guidelines.
Other Raw Milk Products
When it comes to raw milk products, there are a variety of options beyond just raw cow and goat milk. Here are some other raw milk products that can be found in Arkansas:
Raw Cow Milk
Raw cow milk is a popular choice for those who prefer the taste and nutritional benefits of raw milk. However, it is important to note that raw cow milk can only be sold directly from the farm in Arkansas, and is not available for resale. Dairy farmers are also limited to selling 500 gallons of raw cow milk each month.
Raw Goat Milk
Raw goat milk is another popular option for those who enjoy the taste and health benefits of raw milk. Like raw cow milk, raw goat milk can only be sold directly from the farm in Arkansas and is not available for resale. Dairy farmers are also limited to selling 500 gallons of raw goat milk each month.
Bath Milk
Bath milk is a type of raw milk that is not intended for human consumption, but rather for use in baths and other cosmetic applications. In Arkansas, raw milk can only be sold as bath milk if it is labeled as such and not intended for human consumption.
Cheese
Raw milk cheese is a delicious and nutritious option for those who enjoy raw milk products. However, it is important to note that not all raw milk cheese is legal in Arkansas. According to Arkansas law, raw milk cheese must be aged for at least 60 days before it can be sold, and must also meet certain safety and labeling requirements.
Overall, there are a variety of raw milk products available in Arkansas for those who are interested in trying them. However, it is important to do your research and make sure you are purchasing from a reputable source that follows all safety and legal requirements.
Conclusion
In conclusion, raw milk can be purchased in Arkansas, but only directly from the farm where it was produced. It cannot be sold in stores, farmers markets, or any other location except for the farm. The sale of raw milk is limited to 500 gallons per month, and it is not available for resale.
Consumers should be aware that raw milk has not been pasteurized or inspected by the state, and therefore may pose a higher risk of bacterial contamination. It is important to purchase raw milk from a reputable source and handle it safely to minimize the risk of illness.
For those interested in purchasing raw milk in Arkansas, there are several farms and retailers listed on the GetRawMilk.com website. Pine Bluff, Roland, Ozark, Redfield, and Saint Joe are some of the locations where raw milk is available for purchase. Consumers should contact the farm or retailer directly for more information on pricing and availability.
Overall, while the sale of raw milk is legal in Arkansas, it is important to exercise caution and make informed decisions when purchasing and consuming raw milk.