The Oregon Raw Milk Producers Association held an epic event on Monday, July 23rd,  where Mark McAfee of the Raw Milk Institutepresented a training for 50 raw milk producers from all around the state.  This gathering was unprecedented in Oregon – it’s rare to find two raw milk producers in the same room, let alone 50!

Almost everyone here milked their cows that morning before heading over for the training.

Leah Rodgers of Friends of Family Farmers participated in the day’s gathering and commented, “I think one of the most profound take-aways of the day was the networking and camaraderie that was established between producers. Not to mention the encouragement/inspiration/push from Mark (McAfee) to get folks engaged politically – and bring their customers along.  It truly was a success.”

The Raw Milk Institute (RAWMI) has developed common standards of raw milk production that apply to all  dairies – large or small – across the nation.  “When followed diligently, these guidelines will dramatically reduce the risk of illness from consumption of raw milk and improve the safety of raw milk.”  These common standards were presented by McAfee for the first time to Oregon producers who are working diligently to self-regulate their industry.

• Oregon Raw Milk Producers works to preserve and expand the rights and freedoms of Oregon residents to produce and consume Raw Milk. 
• We seek to reduce the risk of food-borne illness associated with raw milk in Oregon by creating a network of producers & consumers who will be able to respond to the needs of the Oregon Raw Milk Community by:
• Recommending basic practices for the production and distribution of Raw Milk in Oregon, providing training opportunities and mentorship to farmers, education of consumers, and providing outreach to new Oregon Raw Milk Producers, consumers, regulators, universities, the media etc.

Marc and Charlotte welcomed all!!

Charlotte explaining her intense rotational grazing practices here.  The cows are on each paddock for 24 hours, eating the tall, lush green grass, and not returning to the same paddock for at least 21 days, allowing it to naturally sanitize and revive.

Lunchtime was spent meeting new friends and building a supportive community.

Mark McAfee presents the RAWMI common standards – always an engaging and dynamic personality to have in the room!  We had so many great comments about the learning that went on that day!  Thanks Raw Milk Institute!!

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This entry was posted on Thursday, July 26th, 2012 at 12:42 am and is filed under Champoeg Creamery, Charlotte Smith, Mark McAfee, Oregon Raw Milk Producers, raw milk, Raw Milk Institute, RAWMI, RAWMI Common Standards. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.