Is it possible that the farm fresh dairy you are buying is not healthy? Yes, this is very possible and this week’s vlog tells you why and shows you how to discern the best one for your family. Â I also go over the difference between A1 and A2 raw milk which refers to the different type of casein (protein) in milk from different breeds of cows. Â Â What type of cow your fresh milk comes from is CRITICAL to your health.
It is important to know that nearly ALL the dairy from the store is from the WRONG kind of cow, just another reason to not buy products from companies like Organic Valley and instead seek out dairy from a small farm that uses old fashioned cows.
Dr. Tom Cowan MD wrote an excellent article published by The Bovine a few months back that explains the A1, A2 beta casein issue in depth.
A1 and A2 Explained
Sarah, The Healthy Home Economist
More Information
I am planning on buying a farm on land contract. I want to sell herdshares of Raw A2-A2 Jersey milk in Ohio . I plan on testing cows for the gene and breeding with only A-2 bulls . I want to be milking within a year from now. Eventually I’m going to want to be up to 500+ herdshares which guarantees a gallon a week to make the whole Farm pencils out.
What is the best way to start getting customers before I start ? I have to revamp some barns . If I could get committed customers this would be a great dream of mine.
Thank you!
From what I have learned, Jerseys are not always 100% A2
I would be interested to know this 100% A2 milk company.
Hi Sarah,
Thanks for this information. I have a question and would really appreciate your feedback!
My farm co-op offers regular A1 milk for a reasonable price. They also offer A2 milk, but it is much more expensive. And they offer goat milk, for a price comparable to the A2 milk.
If I’m going to pay a premium, is it better to go for the A2 cow’s milk or the goat’s milk?
Please let me know what you think! I really appreciate your advice.
Drink whatever you digest better … even if it might be the A1 milk.
I know one company that produces A2 only whey drinks and cheese.
The Facts on Guernsey Milk
1) Guernsey milk contains 3 times as much omega 3 as other milks.
2) Beta Casein A2 – When tested in the UK Guernsey milk tested had more than 95% A2 which compares with 40% A2 in Jersey milk and 15% in ‘ordinary milk’.
3) Beta Carotene – This is not digested by Guernsey cows so it passes into the milk and produces the wonderful golden colour. Beta Carotene is found in green vegetable matter i.e. grass and is thought to give protection against certain cancers. It is known that the consumption of vegetables is good for you. Therefore drinking Guernsey milk should provide the same health advantages.
4) Guernsey milk contains 12% more protein, 30% more cream, 33% more vitamin D, 25% more vitamin A and 15% more calcium than average milk. On average they produce milk of: 4.65% Butterfat and 3.55% Protein. The fat and protein content of Guernsey milk is higher than that of ‘ordinary’ milk, meaning it has a better balance then Jersey milk and is therefore 95% fat free.
Hi Sarah,
I have been researching getting a dairy cow so that we can have are own farm fresh milk, Dutch Belted are high on my list at the moment. One thing that I have learned is that Dutch Belted produce smaller fat gobules, kind of like goats, that account for the smaller cream line. It’s kind of a naturally homogenized cows milk from what I have read. Hope this helps.
I have hit a wall of trouble we are a military family and we are in the process of moving to Jacksonville North Carolina and I have learned that Raw milk has become illegal to sell in NC. Crazy right! I know I can drive out of state to get some but if I do that I would want to buy large amounts at a time. Would it be okay for me to buy large amounts of Raw milk and freeze it till I need it, or is that not a good idea? The last time I was around Raw milk was when I was a kid but I have been waning a switch back to Raw milk and traditional healthy cooking. The past 5 years I have had a lot of health problems and weight issues and I am done I want to feel better and live healthier.
For those of you wondering about the Dutch Belted cows for a quality source since you are getting less cream. I would ask your providing farmer if he also sells cream. Chances are he is skimming of some of the cream to sell so you are getting less.