Eau Claire Debates Raw Milk Bill

Written By: Travis Buhler  |  Posted: Tuesday, March 16th, 2010

Farmers, scientists, Amish, parents with their small children, rural and city dwellers, old and young, all gathered together at the Chippewa Valley Technical College Wednesday for one thing - raw milk. At issue was the sale of raw (or un-pasteurized) milk. Many farmers across Wisconsin sell their milk directly to the drinkers. Yet the legality of this has been unclear since the pasteurization of milk became required for sale in Wisconsin stores in 1953. This confusion has resulted in some farmers having to stop their selling of raw milk. For some, this was their main livelihood.

Six Assemblymen and five State Senators held this public hearing for input concerning a proposed bill before the Wisconsin legislature. The bill would allow direct-to-consumer sale of raw milk by the farmer with certain regulations. Senator Pat Krietlow and Representative Chris Donau introduced the bill before the packed auditorium. Many local representatives were there, Senator Kathleen Vinehout chaired the event.

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