Raw Milk vs. Processed Milk -or- Quality vs. Quantity

So you've decided to make raw milk part of your diet, in your quest to live a healthier lifestyle. Sure, coming straight from the cow makes it an all natural product, but are you aware of the many specific health advantages this points to, as compared to the processed milk produced on large, conventional dairies? You are probably aware of some of them or you would not be on the raw milk band wagon. Here's a "quick" rundown on  health advantages that come with consuming raw milk that you may or may not know.   
— It all starts with what the cows are fed. Cows used to produce raw milk are fed a forage-based diet. Most large commercial dairy producers here in the States feed only 50% forage. The rest of the menu is made up of grains, along with concentrates made of corn and soybean, and food waste products, such as whole cottonseeds, citrus pulp, almond hulls or soy hulls. The forage-based diet used in the production of raw milk provides more Omega-3's, which is an important part of a healthy diet.
-- Raw milk is not pasteurized. Therefore, the enzymes/vitamins/minerals present in raw milk that support a healthy gut and immune system are still intact. Not so with the pasteurized milk, which is produced by conventional dairies. Also, the process of pasteurization breaks down the lactase enzyme. This creates lactose intolerance. Most "lactose intolerant" people can drink raw milk with no problem, because the lactase enzyme is there to do its job of breaking down the lactose found in milk.
— Raw milk is not homogenized. This is why the cream rises to the top of raw milk, requiring vigorous shaking before the milk is poured. The homogenization process used by big producers forces milk through a small filter. This breaks down large fat molecules and attaches them to small proteins. Because of this, the human body tends to store the fat, instead of burn it. Therefore, raw milk is less likely to cause weight gain.
​— Though the industry has decreased its use of synthetic hormones, many people have turned to raw milk to avoid consumption of synthetic hormones that may be found in milk produced by large conventional dairies. ​​

​​Sources:
​https://www.usdairy.com/news-articles/do-dairy-cows-eat-food-people-could-eat
https://causematters.com/cow-dietitian-corn-grass/
https://www.redmondfarms.com/real-milk/
https://www.jacoby.com/key-factors-affecting-milk-production-quality/
https://www.rawmilkinstitute.org/about-raw-milk/#nutrition
It's time to put in monthly orders again! Monthly orders for June are due by the 3rd Sunday of the month. (May 22). Be aware that there are two new cheeses on the order site — Colby and Gouda. The Colby will actually be available for orders next week (26th-28th). The Gouda is available for orders starting the third week of June (16th-18th). Get these cheese orders in asap to get the size you want. Thank you! — Linda