How can I find raw milk near me?
Whether and how you can buy raw milk depends on your state: some allow retail sales, some allow sales only on the farm, some prohibit sales but allow cow or herd shares, and some prohibit it. Check your state department of agriculture first. Federal law prohibits selling unpasteurized milk across state lines. The CDC and FDA advise pasteurized milk because raw milk can carry harmful germs.
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In this article
How do you find raw milk near you?
Start with the law, not a map of farms. The rules differ by state. Search for your state’s department of agriculture and its raw milk or dairy licensing page, which may list licensed producers where sales are allowed.
What are the types of state rules?
A CDC-hosted legal map sorts state laws on unpasteurized cow’s milk into three groups: allowed in retail stores, on the farm only, or prohibited. It also flags states that prohibit sales but allow people to get milk through cow or herd shares. That data covers laws from 2012 to 2019, so laws may have changed since.
| Type | What it means |
|---|---|
| Retail sale | Can be sold in stores |
| Farm sale only | You buy at the farm |
| Herd or cow share | Sales prohibited, but you own a share and receive the milk |
| Prohibited | Sale to consumers is not allowed |
What about across state lines?
The CDC map page states that federal law prohibits the sale of unpasteurized milk across state lines, while state laws govern sales within each state. So raw milk cannot be shipped to you from another state.
What should you ask a farm?
- Is the farm licensed or permitted by the state, where that is required?
- Is the milk tested, and can they show you the results? The FDA says testing cannot replace pasteurization, but a license is still worth asking about.
- How is it chilled and delivered?
Be careful with sellers who make health claims. We found no official source that supports special health benefits from raw milk.
What do health agencies say?
The FDA says raw milk can contain pathogens such as E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella, Listeria and Campylobacter, with no visual or sensory sign. The CDC says children under 5, adults over 65, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are at greater risk. Pasteurized milk offers the same nutritional benefits without these risks.
Safer options
If you want a farm-fresh taste, look for local pasteurized milk from a dairy or farm store. This is general information, not legal or medical advice.
People also ask
Is raw milk legal in my state?
It depends. Rules range from retail sale to farm-only sales, herd shares or a ban. Ask your state department of agriculture.
Can I order raw milk online?
Federal law prohibits selling unpasteurized milk across state lines, so it cannot be shipped from another state.
What is a herd share?
A way to get raw milk in some states where sale is barred: you own part of a cow or herd and receive a portion of its milk.
Sources
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