Mark McAfee

At a Glance

• Importance of Producing Clean Raw Milk - “We teach how to produce very clean, safe raw milk for human consumption, not raw milk for the processor, which is filled with pathogens.” Emphasizes the focus on quality and safety in raw milk production.

• Challenges Faced in Obtaining Permits - “The hurdles are not easy. They’re not easy. But what you do is you challenge yourself to be excellent.” Highlights the perseverance and commitment required to overcome obstacles in the industry.

• Respect from Regulators - “We’ve earned ourselves deep respect from the CDFA, California Department of Food and Agriculture. They treat us with incredible respect now.” Shows the journey of earning respect through dedication and compliance.

• Grass to Glass Process - “We call that grass to glass. And I teach that. We’ve taught thousands of farmers around the world.” Illustrates the comprehensive approach to raw milk production, emphasizing the importance of every step in the process.

• Impact of Raw Milk on Immune System - “Raw milk is the most powerful immune system builder on planet earth on purpose for mammals because it protects babies from dying.” Highlights the potential health benefits of raw milk consumption.

• Controversy Surrounding Raw Milk - “Raw milk is absolutely dangerous. It’s a marketing campaign by processors and the FDA, the processors are one in the same.” Discusses the misconceptions and challenges faced in promoting raw milk as a safe and beneficial product.

What to Do

• ‘Breast milk is raw milk’ - Breast milk contains bioactives that help build the immune system, decrease asthma, colds, and ear infections. Raw milk, like breast milk, is a powerful immune system builder.

• ‘Constantly tweak practices to produce better milk’ - By continuously testing and improving practices, you can ensure that the milk produced is of high quality and safe for consumption, especially for individuals with compromised immune systems.

• ‘Be local and reduce carbon footprint’ - By sourcing feed locally and reducing the carbon footprint, you can align with sustainable practices and provide high-quality raw milk to consumers.

• ‘Focus on building a sustainable, moderate production cow’ - Prioritize the well-being of cows to ensure they have a long, healthy life and can produce healthy raw milk. Avoid pushing cows to produce excessive amounts of milk, which can lead to health issues.

• ‘Teach and share knowledge with other farmers’ - Collaborate with other farmers and share best practices to ensure that raw milk production is done well and serves the consumers, not just processors. This can help maintain high standards across the industry.

What to Get

• Raw Milk - Used for building a strong immune system and providing essential nutrients.

• Glass Bottles - Amazon - Initially used for packaging milk but later switched to plastic due to convenience and cost.

• Breast Milk - Considered as the original raw milk for infants, providing essential nutrients and building the immune system.

• Electrolyte Drink - Amazon - Used for hydration and replenishing electrolytes after intense workouts or long days.

Summary

In this podcast episode, the conversation revolves around the production and distribution of raw milk, focusing on the importance of quality and safety in the process. The speaker emphasizes the need for sustainable and moderate production practices to ensure the cows are healthy and able to provide high-quality raw milk. They discuss the supplementation of cow diets with additional feed, including certified organic alfalfa, to maintain the health and well-being of the animals.

The speaker also touches on the challenges faced by raw milk producers, such as legal restrictions in certain states like Hawaii and Nevada. They highlight the efforts of the Raw Milk Institute in training farmers worldwide on best practices for producing safe raw milk. The importance of building a strong immune system through raw milk consumption is emphasized, drawing parallels between breast milk and cow’s milk in terms of their immune-boosting properties.

Additionally, the episode delves into the experiences of raw milk producers who have faced legal challenges and raids due to non-compliance with regulations. The speaker shares personal anecdotes of supporting fellow producers in times of need and the importance of complying with regulations while advocating for the benefits of raw milk. Overall, the episode sheds light on the complexities of raw milk production, distribution, and the ongoing efforts to educate farmers and consumers about the benefits of this nutrient-dense food source.