F.A.Q.s
Frequently Asked Questions.
WHAT IS RAW MILK?
It is called "raw" because it has not been homogenized to remove the rich butter fat or pasteurized to sterilize the milk. It is whole and still contains all of the beneficial bacteria and enzymes that help with digestion of overall health. Real milk is milk that comes from pastured cows, that contains all the fat and that has not been processed in any way— it is raw and unhomogenized. Our dairy cattle are raised on 100% organically managed pasture and our own farm raised hay. We do not use antibiotics, hormones, grain, or gmo feed. We also do not pasteurize the milk which studies show can degrade the nutritional benefits of the milk. Our cows are certified A2. Please see www.realmilk.com for more info. We milk daily, bottle fresh milk for our member owners and deliver it to their doorsteps weekly in GLASS JARS.
DO YOU USE GMO's IN YOUR FEED or ANTIBIOTICS ON YOUR ANIMALS?
No. We do not use GMO's in our feed or antibiotics on our animals. Our cattle are grazed on organically managed (not certified) pasture and are supplemented by hay that is raised on property. We do not use antibiotics or mRNA vaccines. Both GMOs and the use of Antibiotics as disease mitigation are concepts that were created as a result of industrial "farming". In the rare event that a cow does get sick, we treat the cow with calcium and herbal compounds.
IS RAW MILK GOOD FOR YOU?
Raw milk can help protect your health by promoting a healthy gastrointestinal biome. Raw milk provides prebiotics, probiotics and nutrients that are more absorbable to the body. Research has shown that many diseases, including Alzheimer’s, begin from poor gut health. So yes, it is our believe that raw milk as well as foods that support gut health are actually good for you and essential for long term well being.
IS RAW MILK DANGEROUS?
There are essentially two types of raw milk. RAW MILK INENDED FOR PASTEURIZATION and RAW MILK INTENDED FOR DIRECT CONSUMPTION. Raw milk that is intended for pasteurization (RMIFP) is not safe to drink. This is primarily why it is being pasteurized. When RMIFP is produced, it is normally produced in a concentrated feeding operation. Cows are confined, have very little room to move and routinely have hides caked with feces. After harvesting, the milk is often comingled with milk from other RMIFP producers which significantly increases the risk of contamination. In these operations, emphases is given to output and not the care and cleanliness of each individual animal. The RMIFP producers approach increases the risk of disease and spreading of bacteria associated with feces such as E.Coli and Listeria. RMIFP Producers know this and pasteurize to make an unsafe product safe. We are a producer of RAW MILK that is intended for direct consumption. Unlike the concentrated feeding operations, our cattle primarly feed in wide open pasture. They have plenty of room and engage in natural behaviors thus avoiding diseases. We also monitor the health and well being of every milking cow, twice daily. Lastly we test our milk to ensure both freshness and PH levels associated with the overgrowth of undesirable bacteria.
IS THERE EVIDENCE THAT RAW MILK PROTECT YOUR HEALTH?
Raw milk contains numerous components that assist in killing pathogens in the milk (lactoperoxidase, lactoferrin, leukocytes, macrophages, neutrophils, antibodies, medium chain fatty acids, lysozyme, B12 binding protein, bifidus factor, beneficial bacteria); Preventing pathogen absorption across the intestinal wall (polysaccharides, oligosaccharides, mucins, fibronectin, glycomacropeptides, bifidus factor, beneficial bacteria); Strengthening the Immune System (lymphocytes, immunoglobulins, antibodies, hormones and growth factors) (Scientific American, December 1995; British J of Nutrition, 2000:84(Suppl. 1):S3-S10, S75-S80, S81-S89). BENEFITS IN EARLY HUMAN STUDIES: In early studies involving humans, raw milk was shown to be superior to pasteurized in protecting against infection, diarrhea, rickets, tooth decay and TB; and children receiving had better growth than those receiving pasteurized milk. ASTHMA & ALLERGIES: Three recent studies in Europe found that drinking “farm” (raw) milk protected against asthma and allergies (Lancet. 2001 Oct 6;358(9288):1129-33; J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2006 Jun;117(6):1374-8; Clinical & Experimental Allergy. 2007 May; 37(5) 627-630). RAW HUMAN MILK: In recent studies, infants on pasteurized human milk did not gain weight as quickly compared to those fed raw human milk (J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 1986 Mar-Apr;5(2):248-53) and premature babies given raw human milk had more rapid weight gain than those given pasteurized human milk. Problems were attributed to pasteurization’s destruction of lipase (J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 1986 Mar-Apr;5(2):242-7). THE MILK CURE: In the early 1900s, the Mayo Clinic administered the “Milk Cure,” which consisted in drinking 4-5 quarts of raw milk per day, obtaining favorable results for a range of illnesses including cancer, weight loss, kidney disease, allergies, skin problems, urinary tract problems, prostate problems and chronic fatigue; these results are not obtained using pasteurized milk. LACTOSE INTOLERANCE: In a survey of raw milk drinkers in the state of Michigan, over 80 percent of those advised by a healthcare professional that they were lactose intolerant were able to consume raw milk without problem. (Pilot Survey of Cow Share Consumer/Owners Lactose Intolerance Section).
IS RAW MILK REALLY NUTRITIONALLY SUPERIOR TO PASTEURIZED MILK?
Research has shown that nutrients are degraded by pasteurization. Below are some examples: Vitamin C Raw milk but not pasteurized can resolve scurvy. “. . . Without doubt. . . the explosive increase in infantile scurvy during the latter part of the 19th century coincided with the advent of use of heated milks. . .” (Rajakumar, Pediatrics. 2001;108(4):E76). Calcium Longer and denser bones on raw milk (Chapter 14 from History of Randleigh Farm-PDF). Folate Carrier protein inactivated during pasteurization. (Gregory. J. Nutr. 1982, 1329-1338). Vitamin B12 Binding protein inactivated by pasteurization. Vitamin B6 Animal studies indicate B6 poorly absorbed from pasteurized milk (Chapter 14 from History of Randleigh Farm-PDF). Vitamin A Beta-lactoglobulin, a heat-sensitive protein in milk, increases intestinal absorption of vitamin A. Heat degrades vitamin A. Said and others (Am J Clin Nutr. 1989;49:690-694. Runge and Heger. J Agric Food Chem. 2000 Jan;48(1):47-55). Vitamin D Present in milk in protein-bound form, assimilation possibly affected by pasteurization. Hollis and others ( J Nutr. 1981;111:1240-1248). Iron Lactoferrin, which contributes to iron assimilation, destroyed during pasteurization. Iodine Lower in pasteurized milk. Wheeler and others (J Dairy Sci. 1983;66(2):187-95). Minerals Lactobacilli, destroyed by pasteurization, enhance mineral absorption (MacDonald and others. 1985). please visit www.rawmilk.com for more information on raw milk and its benefits. Preventing pathogen absorption across the intestinal wall (polysaccharides, oligosaccharides, mucins, fibronectin, glycomacropeptides, bifidus factor, beneficial bacteria); Strengthening the Immune System (lymphocytes, immunoglobulins, antibodies, hormones and growth factors) (Scientific American, December 1995; British J of Nutrition, 2000:84(Suppl. 1):S3-S10, S75-S80, S81-S89). BENEFITS IN EARLY HUMAN STUDIES: In early studies involving humans, raw milk was shown to be superior to pasteurized in protecting against infection, diarrhea, rickets, tooth decay and TB; and children receiving had better growth than those receiving pasteurized milk. ASTHMA & ALLERGIES: Three recent studies in Europe found that drinking “farm” (raw) milk protected against asthma and allergies (Lancet. 2001 Oct 6;358(9288):1129-33; J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2006 Jun;117(6):1374-8; Clinical & Experimental Allergy. 2007 May; 37(5) 627-630). RAW HUMAN MILK: In recent studies, infants on pasteurized human milk did not gain weight as quickly compared to those fed raw human milk (J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 1986 Mar-Apr;5(2):248-53) and premature babies given raw human milk had more rapid weight gain than those given pasteurized human milk. Problems were attributed to pasteurization’s destruction of lipase (J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 1986 Mar-Apr;5(2):242-7). THE MILK CURE: In the early 1900s, the Mayo Clinic administered the “Milk Cure,” which consisted in drinking 4-5 quarts of raw milk per day, obtaining favorable results for a range of illnesses including cancer, weight loss, kidney disease, allergies, skin problems, urinary tract problems, prostate problems and chronic fatigue; these results are not obtained using pasteurized milk. LACTOSE INTOLERANCE: In a survey of raw milk drinkers in the state of Michigan, over 80 percent of those advised by a healthcare professional that they were lactose intolerant were able to consume raw milk without problem. (Pilot Survey of Cow Share Consumer/Owners Lactose Intolerance Section).
WHAT IS A PRIVATE MEMBERSHIP ASSOCIATION?
A Private Membership Association (PMA) is a contractually formed group of individuals who associate to share or preserve common interests and goals. PMAs can be organized for various reasons, including social, cultural, religious, political purposes or as in our case, to preserve access to natural, nutrient dense foods. Unlike herdshares, which may or may not be legal in your state, Private Membership Associations are protected by the United States Constitution under the 1st, 5th, and 14th Amendment. PMA's activity falls under the first amendment guarantee of Freedom of Association and is legally protected in all 50 states.
WHAT IS A HERDSHARE?
A herdshare is an contractual arrangement between a farmer and an owner of livestock, which in this case, is the shareholder or herd share member. The contract allows the herdshare member access to raw milk, meat and other by-products of the livestock proportionate to the shareholder's interest in the herd. A herdshare agreement along with a Bill of Sale, transfers ownership of the herd to the herdshare member which allows them to legally obtain raw milk and other raw milk products. We do not sell raw milk or engage in any transaction that can be construed as a sale. We agister livestock ( care for beef and dairy cattle on behalf of PMA herdshare owners ) and arrange delivery of byproducts of ownership to members.
Cost of Ownership
The Local Meat Club has one of the lowest costs to access raw milk in the country. Our members can access their first gallon of milk for as little as $32. You can have that gallon of milk delivered to your door for $38.09. Here is a break down of our fees: 1. Join the Club. $15/month OR $135/annually. 2. Bottle Fee. $7 One-time fee charged when you join. This fee is to cover the cost of providing glass jars. 3. Order whatever you want (also in whatever quantity that you want). See prices under the Shop page. 4. Delivery Fee/ Shipping Fee. We charge $6.09 to deliver your order to your door. This fee covers deliveries in Columbus, Ohio and surrounding counties. If you live outside of this area, we can ship your order and shipping costs will be calculated for you at the "checkout" page. IF YOU PICK UP YOUR ORDER AT OUR GROVE CITY PICK UP LOCATION, THERE IS NO CHARGE FOR DELIVERY. Yes, if you pick up your order, you will not be charged for delivery. LEGAL DISCLAIMER IN CASE YOU MISSED IT EARLIER: We do not sell raw milk or engage in any transaction that can be construed as a sale. We agister livestock ( care for beef and dairy cattle on behalf of herdshare owners ) and arrange delivery of byproducts of ownership to members.
How Does Delivery/ Pick Up/ Shipping Work?
Currently, there are three ways to receive your order. 1. If you live in the Greater Columbus area (and surrounding counties), we will deliver your order to your door. The cost for Delivery is $6.09. ***IF YOU MAKE TWO ORDERS DURING THE SAME WEEK, BE SURE TO CHOOSE "PICK UP" FOR THE SECOND DELIVERY so you will not be charged twice for delivery. 2. If you live in the Greater Columbus area and would prefer to pick up your order, we have a pick-up option in Grove City. Simply place your order and select "PICK UP" on the checkout page. THERE IS NO CHARGE TO PICK UP YOUR ORDER. 3. If you live outside of the Greater Columbus are or outside of Ohio, we will ship your order to you. Shipping is calculated on the check out page. FOR LOCAL DELIVERIES AND LOCAL PICK UPS: We deliver products to our local members weekly. If you place your order BEFORE SUNDAY AT 9PM, your order will be delivered to your door that week. Our local delivery days are Tuesday - Thurs. We will send you a text message on Monday with a delivery day and delivery window. All orders are packed with dry ice/ice brick to keep the products cold. Products should remain cold for up to 6 hours after delivery. *** PLEASE NOTE, If you would like your raw milk frozen, it will be delivered on THURSDAY. You will be notified by call or text with an expected delivery window. ALL ORDERS MUST BE PLACED BY 9PM SUNDAY TO BE DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING WEEK. Orders received after SUNDAY at 9pm EST, will be delivered the week following the next Sunday. Out of City/State Deliveries: We have many members that live outside of Ohio. We happily ship their orders directly to their doors. Out of city or state orders usually ship out on the Mon/Tues following the order and usually arrive by Sat. Customers are notified by email when the product is shipped and they are provided a tracking number.
WE ARE A COMMUNITY GATHERING AROUND WHOLE, NUTRIENT DENSE FOOD.
WHETHER YOU ARE JUST BEGINNING YOUR FOOD JOURNEY OR LOOKING TO GET TIPS ON KEEPING YOUR SOURDOUGH STARTER ALIVE, OUR COMMUNITY IS THERE FOR YOU. WE PROVIDE FOOD, RECIPES, MEETUPS, SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT. WHY? BECAUSE WE ARE ALL ON THE JOURNEY TO BETTER FOOD, BETTER HEALTH AND A BETTER, FULLER LIFE. WE'D LOVE TO HAVE YOU JOIN US.