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Raw milk sales surge amid health debate

Aug 06, 2024
By Farms.com

Bird flu in cattle stirs raw milk safety concerns

 

The presence of bird flu in cattle has introduced new risks in the dairy sector, particularly for raw milk, which is chilled and sold without pasteurization.

This has not deterred consumers, as seen at Be Whole Again Farm in Missouri, where raw milk continues to be a sought-after product. The farm delivers to numerous locations around Kansas City, maintaining strict testing protocols to ensure safety.

Health authorities like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have heightened monitoring recommendations, particularly with the detection of bird flu in dairy cattle across 13 states.

Despite no direct evidence of transmission through raw milk, the potential remains a concern, leading experts to favor pasteurized milk.

At the heart of the raw milk market are producers who prioritize customer trust through transparency and safety.

Innovations in testing and biosecurity measures on farms help maintain this trust, as noted by producers in Iowa and Nebraska who have adapted to these challenges amidst rising sales figures.

The debate over raw milk involves balancing consumer preferences for natural products with the need for safety in light of new health risks. This ongoing dialogue underscores the resilience of the raw milk market and the commitment of its producers to uphold high standards amidst evolving challenges.


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CEOs of the Industry – Rob Brenneman, CEO of Brenneman Pork

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“From Pork Production to Performance Nutrition: A Candid Conversation with One of the Industry’s Most Unconventional Thinkers”

CEOs of the Industry, we sit down with Rob Brenneman, the visionary behind Brenneman Pork, for an unfiltered, in-depth conversation on leadership, survivability, nutrition, and the future of pig farming.

Rob shares how a deep-rooted commitment to **health—both animal and personal—**drives his philosophy and decision-making. From reshaping pork nutrition and advocating for the return of well-marbled, flavorful pork to confronting the ongoing battle with PRRS and other health threats, Rob’s insights reflect decades of hands-on experience and bold innovation.

Key themes include: Nutrition Reimagined: Why the industry went off course—and how Brenneman Pork is leading change by prioritizing gut health, fat quality, and real performance.

Health & Survivability: Rob’s take on biosecurity, disease management, and the systems and protocols that protect both pigs and profitability.

Well-Marbled Pork as Premium Protein: The science, consumer insights, and culinary feedback behind Rob’s mission to reintroduce pork as a premium, flavorful protein.

Sustainability & Farm Culture: How Brenneman Pork balances environmental responsibility with day-to-day positivity and resilience.

Generational Impact: Strategies to attract, inspire, and retain the next wave of pork producers with pride and purpose.

Plus, a fast-paced finale where Rob shares his top pork pick, leadership lessons, and what he’d change overnight in the industry.

Whether you're a producer, nutritionist, policymaker, or future leader, this episode offers a masterclass in where pork production is headed—and how visionaries like Rob are shaping it.