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If you're searching for "raw milk near me" or wondering where to buy raw milk in your state, you're not alone. More families are seeking out raw milk for its taste, nutritional benefits, and connection to local farms—but navigating the patchwork of state laws can feel overwhelming.
This guide breaks down the legality of raw milk in every state, helps you find local sources, and shows you what to look for in a quality raw milk producer.
Why Raw Milk?
Raw milk is unpasteurized milk straight from the cow, goat, or sheep. Unlike the ultra-pasteurized milk at most grocery stores, raw milk retains its natural enzymes, beneficial bacteria, and fat-soluble vitamins that heat processing destroys.
People choose raw milk for various reasons:
- Taste and texture: Creamier, richer flavor that varies by season and diet
- Digestibility: Some who struggle with pasteurized milk find raw milk easier to digest
- Nutritional profile: Heat-sensitive nutrients remain intact
- Supporting local farms: Direct relationship with the farmers raising your food
- Real food philosophy: Minimal processing, maximum transparency
That said, raw milk carries a different risk profile than pasteurized milk. The FDA and CDC caution that raw milk can contain harmful bacteria if not produced under strict sanitary conditions. This makes finding a trustworthy source absolutely critical.
Understanding Raw Milk Laws by State
Raw milk legality varies dramatically across the United States. Some states allow retail sales in stores, others permit only on-farm sales, some require herdshare agreements, and a few ban it entirely.
Here's what each category means:
Legal for Retail Sale: You can buy raw milk at farmers markets, health food stores, or through delivery services in addition to farm sales.
Legal for On-Farm Sale Only: You must purchase directly from the farm where the milk is produced. No retail distribution allowed.
Herdshare/Cowshare Only: You technically own a "share" of the herd and receive milk as part of your ownership. This legal workaround allows raw milk access in states that otherwise restrict it.
Illegal for Human Consumption: Raw milk sales are prohibited, though raw milk for pet consumption may be available as a loophole in some cases.
Raw Milk Legality Table by State
| State | Retail Sale | On-Farm Sale | Herdshare Only | Illegal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | ✓ | |||
| Alaska | ✓ | |||
| Arizona | ✓ | |||
| Arkansas | ✓ | |||
| California | ✓ | |||
| Colorado | ✓ | |||
| Connecticut | ✓ | |||
| Delaware | ✓ | |||
| Florida | ✓ | |||
| Georgia | ✓ | |||
| Hawaii | ✓ | |||
| Idaho | ✓ | |||
| Illinois | ✓ | |||
| Indiana | ✓ | |||
| Iowa | ✓ | |||
| Kansas | ✓ | |||
| Kentucky | ✓ | |||
| Louisiana | ✓ | |||
| Maine | ✓ | |||
| Maryland | ✓ | |||
| Massachusetts | ✓ | |||
| Michigan | ✓ | |||
| Minnesota | ✓ | |||
| Mississippi | ✓ | |||
| Missouri | ✓ | |||
| Montana | ✓ | |||
| Nebraska | ✓ | |||
| Nevada | ✓ | |||
| New Hampshire | ✓ | |||
| New Jersey | ✓ | |||
| New Mexico | ✓ | |||
| New York | ✓ | |||
| North Carolina | ✓ | |||
| North Dakota | ✓ | |||
| Ohio | ✓ | |||
| Oklahoma | ✓ | |||
| Oregon | ✓ | |||
| Pennsylvania | ✓ | |||
| Rhode Island | ✓ | |||
| South Carolina | ✓ | |||
| South Dakota | ✓ | |||
| Tennessee | ✓ | |||
| Texas | ✓ | |||
| Utah | ✓ | |||
| Vermont | ✓ | |||
| Virginia | ✓ | |||
| Washington | ✓ | |||
| West Virginia | ✓ | |||
| Wisconsin | ✓ | |||
| Wyoming | ✓ |
Note: Laws change frequently and local ordinances may impose additional restrictions. Always verify current regulations with your state's agriculture department or local health department.
How to Find Raw Milk Near You
1. Check Local Farm Directories
Start with these trusted resources:
- RealMilk.com: The Weston A. Price Foundation maintains the most comprehensive raw milk finder, listing farms by state and county
- LocalHarvest.org: Search for dairy farms and filter by raw milk availability
- Eat Wild: Directory of pasture-based farms, many offering raw dairy
- Your state's department of agriculture: Licensed raw milk dairies are often listed publicly
2. Visit Farmers Markets
Even if your state doesn't allow retail raw milk sales, farmers markets connect you with local dairy farmers who may sell on-farm. Strike up conversations, ask about their practices, and get farm visit information.
3. Join Local Food Communities
- Facebook groups for real food, traditional diets, or homesteading in your area
- Weston A. Price Foundation local chapters
- Food co-ops and buying clubs
- Holistic moms groups
4. Ask at Health Food Stores
In states with retail sales, independent health food stores often carry raw milk. They can also point you to farms even if they can't sell it themselves.
What to Look for in a Raw Milk Source
Not all raw milk is created equal. The difference between safe, high-quality raw milk and risky raw milk comes down to farm practices.
Visit the Farm
Any reputable raw milk dairy will welcome farm visits. In fact, transparency is a red flag test—if they won't show you around, walk away.
During your visit, observe:
Cleanliness: Milking areas should be clean (though remember, it's a farm—spotless isn't realistic). Look for well-maintained equipment, clean udders before milking, and sanitary milk handling.
Animal health: Cows should look healthy, have room to move, access to pasture (weather permitting), and clean water. Overcrowding, sickly animals, or poor living conditions increase contamination risk.
Testing protocols: Ask about regular milk testing for pathogens. Responsible dairies test frequently and can show you results.
Milk handling: Milk should be chilled immediately after milking and kept cold. Ask about their cooling process and storage.
Questions to Ask Your Dairy Farmer
- What do the animals eat? (Pasture and hay is ideal; heavy grain feeding is less desirable)
- How do you ensure cleanliness during milking?
- How often do you test the milk for pathogens?
- How quickly is milk chilled after milking?
- Have you ever had a positive pathogen test? (If yes, how did you handle it?)
- Can I see your milking facility?
- Do you have references from long-term customers?
Breed and Diet Matter
While any dairy animal can produce quality raw milk, certain breeds and feeding practices affect the final product:
A2 Beta-Casein: Some people digest A2 milk protein better than the more common A1 protein. Certain breeds (Guernsey, Jersey, Brown Swiss) naturally produce more A2 milk. Ask your farmer about A2 genetics if this interests you.
100% Grass-Fed: Cows eating primarily grass and hay (rather than grain) produce milk with a better omega-3 to omega-6 ratio and higher levels of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and fat-soluble vitamins.
Seasonal Variation: Pasture-based dairies produce richer, yellower milk when cows are on fresh grass (spring/summer) and lighter milk in winter. This is normal and reflects the cows' natural diet.
Raw Milk Brands That Ship (Where Legal)
A few larger raw milk dairies ship to customers in states that allow retail sales or have worked out delivery networks.
Miller's Organic Farm
Based in Pennsylvania, Miller's Organic Farm is one of the most well-known raw milk dairies in the country. They offer 100% grass-fed raw dairy from their herd of grass-fed cows, along with other pasture-raised meats and farm products.
- Ships to: Limited areas via private buying clubs (check their website for current delivery areas)
- Products: Raw cow milk, raw cream, raw cheese, raw butter
- What sets them apart: Fully pasture-based, no grain feeding, long-standing reputation
Organic Pastures
California's largest raw milk dairy, Organic Pastures has been producing raw dairy products since 1999. They're certified organic and pioneered many of the safety testing protocols now considered standard in the raw milk industry.
- Available: California retail stores, some farmers markets, delivery in CA
- Products: Raw milk, cream, butter, cheese, kefir, colostrum
- What sets them apart: Extensive testing (every batch), certified organic, transparent lab results published online
Raw Farm USA
Another California-based dairy, Raw Farm produces raw milk, cheese, kefir, and other dairy products from their grass-fed herd.
- Available: California stores and delivery
- Products: Raw milk, cream, cheese, kefir, butter
- What sets them apart: 100% grass-fed, certified organic, family-owned
Note: Availability and shipping options change based on regulations. Check each farm's website for current information about ordering and delivery to your area.
Starting with Raw Milk: Practical Tips
Start Small
If you're new to raw milk, start with a half-gallon rather than committing to a full gallon or more. Give your digestive system time to adjust, and make sure you enjoy the taste.
Storage and Handling
- Keep raw milk refrigerated at 38-40°F at all times
- Use clean containers and utensils
- Consume within 7-10 days (though it often stays fresh longer)
- If milk starts to sour, it can be used for baking, smoothies, or fed to pets
- Never leave raw milk at room temperature for extended periods
Know Your Tolerance
Some people experience digestive upset when first switching to raw milk, while others notice immediate improvement. Pay attention to how your body responds. If you have a compromised immune system, are pregnant, or have young children, discuss raw milk consumption with your healthcare provider.
Build a Relationship
Raw milk purchasing is often about more than the transaction—it's about knowing where your food comes from. Many raw milk customers build long-term relationships with their dairy farmers, visit regularly, and become part of a community of like-minded families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is raw milk safe?
Raw milk carries different risks than pasteurized milk. When produced under strict sanitary conditions by knowledgeable farmers who test regularly, raw milk has an excellent safety record. However, there is no such thing as zero risk. Choose your source carefully and make an informed decision for your family.
Why is raw milk illegal in some states?
State laws vary based on historical decisions, lobbying by dairy industry groups, and differing views on food freedom versus food safety regulation. Some states prioritize consumer choice and farm access, while others take a more restrictive approach.
How much does raw milk cost?
Expect to pay $8-15 per gallon depending on your location, the farm's practices (100% grass-fed, organic, A2, etc.), and local market conditions. This is significantly more than conventional grocery store milk, but reflects the true cost of small-scale, pasture-based dairy farming.
Can I freeze raw milk?
Yes, though freezing changes the texture slightly. The cream may separate more readily after thawing. Freeze in smaller portions (pint or quart jars with room for expansion) and thaw in the refrigerator.
What if I can't find raw milk locally?
If raw milk is illegal or unavailable in your area, consider:
- Low-temperature pasteurized, non-homogenized milk from pasture-based farms
- Grass-fed dairy products (butter, cheese, yogurt)
- Exploring herdshare options if legal in your state
- Advocating for food freedom laws in your state
Do I need a herdshare agreement?
Only if you live in a herdshare-only state. The farmer will walk you through the process, which typically involves signing an agreement and paying a one-time fee for your "share" of the herd, plus ongoing payments for boarding, feed, and care (which translates to your weekly milk).
The Bottom Line
Finding where to buy raw milk near you requires understanding your state's laws, locating farms through directories and local networks, and carefully vetting potential sources. The extra effort pays off in fresher, more nutritious milk and a direct connection to the farmers producing your food.
Start with the raw milk finder at RealMilk.com, reach out to farms in your area, and schedule a visit to see their operation firsthand. Trust your instincts—a clean, transparent, well-run dairy will be obvious when you visit.
Looking for other real food dairy products? Explore our directory of independently owned farms and creameries producing traditional, pasture-based dairy.