As advocates of wholesome nutrition, we are thrilled to announce our partnership with Sowers Sustainable Farm, enabling us to add RAW MILK to our lineup of offerings at Amber Oaks Ranch.  Raw milk refers to milk that is obtained directly from the cow without undergoing pasteurization or homogenization processes. Humans have been consuming raw milk for centuries. However, the practice of pasteurizing milk gained popularity in the late 1800s as a means to combat the spread of tuberculosis. It became more widespread in the early 1900s with the rise of industrialization in the United States. As milk production became centralized and transported to growing urban areas, there was a need to extend its shelf life and address hygiene issues associated with factory farming. The solution was to eliminate all bacteria, both beneficial and harmful, through pasteurization. In contrast, raw milk preserves many of the beneficial bacteria and enzymes. If you're interested in delving deeper into this topic, these references out to keep you busy:

“Studies show that children fed raw milk have more resistance to TB than children fed pasteurized milk (Lancet, p 1142, 5/8/37); that raw milk is very effective in preventing scurvy and protecting against flu, diphtheria and pneumonia (Am J Dis Child, Nov 1917); that raw milk prevents tooth decay, even in children who eat a lot of sugar (Lancet, p 1142, 5/8/37); that raw milk is better than pasteurized milk in promoting growth and calcium absorption (Ohio Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin 518, p 8, 1/33); that a substance present in raw cream (but not in pasteurized cream) prevents joint stiffness and the pain of arthritis (Annual Review of Biochemistry, 18:435, 1944); and that children who drink raw milk have fewer allergic skin problems and far less asthma than children who drink pasteurized milk (Lancet 2001 358(9288):1129-33).“

In my personal experience, I have noticed a significant difference when it comes to "lactose intolerance." Whenever I consume store-bought milk, it becomes quite evident to everyone around me 😉. However, with raw milk, I no longer face any discomfort, and Molly can breathe freely. This is likely attributed to the prevalence of A2 proteins in Jersey milk. You can find more information about this in this article. 

Now, it's important to note that we are not making any claims or guarantees regarding the effects of raw milk. We encourage you to conduct your own research and take responsibility for your actions. However, for those who wish to experience the freshness of milk straight from the cow, we are offering Herd Shares from the wonderful miniature Jerseys provided by our partners at Sower's Sustainable Farms. We have a very limited amount available so be sure to act quickly. 

Sunny & Elsie are registered mini-Jersey milk cows, known for producing milk with a higher butterfat content of over 5%, compared to the usual 3.5% found in most other cows. Jerseys also have 20% more protein in their milk compared to other breeds, which is why Josh & Tricia chose this breed to build their dairy herd. The milk the Sowers provide for herd shareholders is whole milk, giving you the option to enjoy it as is or skim the fat off the top to make butter or cream

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Sunny & Elsie are registered mini-Jersey milk cows, known for producing milk with a higher butterfat content of over 5%, compared to the usual 3.5% found in most other cows. Jerseys also have 20% more protein in their milk compared to other breeds, which is why Josh & Tricia Sowers chose this breed to build their dairy herd. 

Sunny and Elsie are rotationally grazed, moving through fresh pastures feasting on grass. They are supplemented with locally sourced, organic grain as goodies from the vegetable garden. Sunny is a sweet girl with a touch of attitude, while Elsie is incredibly laid-back. Since they are also nursing calves, they are milked once a day, producing about 3 gallons of delicious milk. Being mini-Jerseys, they are smaller in size compared to typical dairy cows, which makes them easier to manage. Their milk production varies in both volume and composition, depending on their daily diet in the pasture and the needs of their calves.

 

Sunny gave birth to a bull calf in late March, and she and Elsie co-parent him. Elsie is currently pregnant and expected to give birth in the fall. Although this will be Elsie's first calf at our farm, she is an experienced mother. Over the 3.5 years they have been on our the, Sunny has welcomed three bull calves.

 

Sunny and Elsie are living the dream life, and now you can too, with fresh, raw milk.