There is a new story from Wisconsin about dairy farmers getting hassled by state agencies. Unfortunately, it’s not an isolated incident, nor is it contained solely in Wisconsin. I recently read Raw Milk Revolution by David Gumpert, and it is filled with similar tales of government intimidation, unfounded fears and small farms scrambling to find ways to replace income, pay legal fees and rebuild confidence in their customers.

I’ve also read Everything I Want To Do Is Illegal by Joel Salatin. Same story. Small farms who find themselves on the wrong side of the law without provocation.

As a farmer and a supporter of farmers, I understand what it takes to produce healthy food. I buy raw milk directly from my neighbors because I trust them. They care about the quality of their milk, the health of their animals and the well-being of their customers. They are my friends, and they have my support. As a matter of fact, I’d like to see the big producers keep their standards as high as our neighbors instead of relying on pasteurization to keep their products “clean.”

Your food choices should not be dictated by the government. If you consider all the chemicals they allow Americans to eat, their track record doesn’t look all that good.

-Brian