I love that as I was reading The Omnivore’s Dilemma I managed to find a local farm selling fresh food straight to the buyer. One of those things being raw milk.
On a rainy afternoon we drove up the long drive, past a couple cows happily grazing on grass and wild flowers. At their feet a handful of chickens scratched at the cow patties, pecking out the bugs and helping it break down into fertilizer. The farmer led us out to the cows, giving us a chance to meet the very cow who had made the milk we were about to drink. We got to pet her on the head, scratch at an itch right behind her ear, and be nuzzled on the shoulder when we turned to walk away before she was ready for us to go.
We raise all our products without any added hormones, antibiotics, etc. Although we are not certified organic, we do use primarily organic principles, and use no chemicals, pesticides, etc on our vegetable crops. All animals are raised in humane, natural conditions. We specialize in “happy animals” and “healthy humans”.
The farmer promised on her website that I would find happy cows, and that is what I did find.
I expected the taste to be vastly different, somehow better than the milk we normally buy. There was a marginal difference, the raw being creamier and sweeter. But for the most part It wasn’t a huge change. The boys drank it down quickly, and what was left was mixed in with the farm fresh eggs the next morning. A breakfast that made me spend an hour searching online for farm land for sale. I could get used to a fresh egg and milk omelet each morning.
I’m thrilled to have a local farmer that I know I can go to now. I’ll be even happier when I can grow my own little garden and feed my family myself.
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Tags: cows, farm living, milk, raw milk
