Wisconsin Ag Connection - Loganville Dairy Producer: I Refuse to Stop Selling Raw Milk

Wisconsin Ag News Headlines

Loganville Dairy Producer: I Refuse to Stop Selling Raw Milk
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 06/04/2010

Now that efforts to legalize the public sales of unpasteurized milk in Wisconsin have officially come to an end this year, state regulators are apparently cracking down on the practice. On Wednesday, a group of inspectors and sheriff's deputies have asked Vernon Hershberger, a Sauk County dairy producer, to stop selling raw milk on his farm near Loganville. That was after officials with the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection were granted a warrant to search his property, which includes a walk-in store that sells raw dairy products.

According to reports, Hershberger surrendered his state dairy permit in February and began selling his milk directly to 'private members' of his business, called Grazin' Farm. He claims he has the constitutional right to sell the products to people as long as they know the risks and if they are in a private agreement.

But state health officials say a permit or license of some kind is always necessary in cases were consumable products are sold from one party to another. About 100 families are believed to be purchasing the milk from the store.

Meanwhile, Hershberger has told a local television station that he vows to fight for his right to continue selling milk under privately made deals; and said he's 'willing to face the consequences' for his actions. Authorities say he could face criminal charges if he continues to disobey orders to shutdown.

State lawmakers drafted a bill this spring that would allow sales of unpasteurized dairy products under certain guidelines, but Governor Jim Doyle vetoed the measure on May 19.