Comments on: How to help your local dairy farmer

By: Amanda Nicole

Amanda Nicole — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 16:30:32 +0000

I absolutely agree. I simply won't buy dairy products if they aren't local for these exact reasons. I also just finished reading Pollan's "In Defense of Food," another great read for those who want to love their food and live free of guilt or health hazards.

By: El

El — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 04:10:16 +0000

This is an incredibly important issue. I can't imagine going back to the horrible processed milk I grew up with so I always buy fresh, local milk. There's simply no comparison. I've created a list of local dairy farms in New England that have websites here:

Pasteurized Milk: http://www.freshnewengland.com/Pasteurized.html

Raw Milk: http://www.freshnewengland.com/Raw.html

Maps and Directions are included as well.

Let's make a commitment buy local milk.

By: lillie

lillie — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 17:45:37 +0000

very thought-provoking post. milk isn't one of my staple organic/local purchases (like veggies & fruit are)–but i think i might start reconsidering. i'm always interested to learn more about companies, like Horizon, who market themselves as wholesome and sustainable–but who aren't actually running respectable operations. i will seek out some farm-fresh milk this weekend…

By: Matt Glidden

Matt Glidden — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 18:55:51 +0000

Thank you for your thoughtful article on this problem. The URL to sign Farm Aid's petition to USDA Secretary Vilsack is http://farmaid.org/dairyfarmers

Keep up the great work spreading the message about the dairy crisis!

Matt Glidden
Web Marketing Manager
Farm Aid

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 00:35:31 +0000

Do you know about this?

> > Please tell everyone who wants organic foods.....
>
> US House and Senate are about (in a week and a half) to
> vote on bill that will OUTLAW ORGANIC FARMING (bill HR 875).
> There is an enormous rush to get this into law within the
> next 2 weeks before people realize what is happening.
>
> Main backer and lobbyist is Monsanto – chemical and
> genetic engineering giant corporation (and Cargill, ADM, and
> about 35 other related agri-giants). This bill will require
> organic farms to use specific
> fertilizers and poisonous insect sprays dictated by the
> newly formed agency to "make sure there is no danger to
> the public food supply". This will include backyard
> gardens that grow food only for a family and not for sales.
>
> If this passes then NO more heirloom clean seeds but only
> Monsanto genetically altered seeds that are now showing up
> with unexpected diseases in humans.
>
> There is a video on the subject.
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epXNJNjYBvw&feature=related
>
> And another one:
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eeWVkTU1s1E
>
> The name on this outrageous food plan is:
> Food Safety Modernization Act of 2009 (bill HR 875).
> THIS IS REAL, FOLKS! PASS THIS ALONG TO ALL CONCERNED ON
> YOUR MAILING LISTS & CALL YOUR SENATE REPRESENTETIVES
> TODAY!
> Get on that phone and burn up the wires. Get anyone else
> you can to do the same thing. The House and Senate WILL pass
> this if they are not massively threatened with loss of their
> position.... They only fear your voice and your vote.
> The best thing to do is go to www.house.gov/writerep
> all you have to do is put in your zip and it will give you
> your congressperson and how to get in touch with them. When
> you call their office someone will answer the phone, just
> tell them (politely) that you are calling to express your
> views on HR 875.

By: kartho

kartho — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 17:30:27 +0000

I am very lucky to live in an area that is serviced by a local dairy that offers home delivery. I have been getting my milk delivered for 6-7 years, and even in that time there have been several changes. There used to be two competing dairies that delivered - one went out of business. My dairy changed from twice a week deliveries to once a week,and most significantly, a listeria outbreak threatened the whole system. The dairy I use had to switch suppliers, and that dairy farm has never recovered. It was an incredibly unfortunate scenario for them, and is a reminder of how vulnerable the bottom of the food chain is, even in my relatively short chain.
The benefits of dealing with somebody local cannot be overstated. Even during the listeria crisis, I could call my dairy on the phone to ask questions, and I gave my opinions when they were choosing a new milk supplier. (For example, we were adamant that we not switch to a dairy that used plastic bottles.)I certainly pay more for milk than if I bought it at the supermarket, but it is still cheaper than organic milk, and I know exactly where it is coming from and can visit the cows if I'm so inclined.
I'm attaching my order form so you can see the price list.

By: Leah

Leah — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 16:50:59 +0000

Thank you for this thoughtful post. As conscientious omnivores it’s totally on us to find out where are food and milk come. I had no idea things had gotten this bad. Great research!