F.A.Q.s
Frequently Asked Questions.
WHAT IS RAW MILK?
It is called "raw" because it has not been homogenized to remove the rich butter fat or pasteurized to sterilize the milk. It is whole and still contains all of the beneficial bacteria and enzymes that help with digestion of overall health. Real milk is milk that comes from pastured cows, that contains all the fat and that has not been processed in any way— it is raw and unhomogenized. Our dairy cattle are raised on 100% organically managed pasture and our own farm raised hay. We do not use antibiotics, hormones, grain, or gmo feed. We also do not pasteurize the milk which studies show can degrade the nutritional benefits of the milk. Our cows are certified A2. Please see www.realmilk.com for more info. We milk daily, bottle fresh milk for our member owners and deliver it to their doorsteps weekly in GLASS JARS.
DO YOU USE GMO's IN YOUR FEED or ANTIBIOTICS ON YOUR ANIMALS?
No. We do not use GMO's in our feed or antibiotics on our animals. Our cattle are grazed on organically managed (not certified) pasture and are supplemented by hay that is raised on property. We do not use antibiotics or mRNA vaccines. Both GMOs and the use of Antibiotics as disease mitigation are concepts that were created as a result of industrial "farming". In the rare event that a cow does get sick, we treat the cow with calcium and herbal compounds.
IS RAW MILK GOOD FOR YOU?
Raw milk can help protect your health by promoting a healthy gastrointestinal biome. Raw milk provides prebiotics, probiotics and nutrients that are more absorbable to the body. Research has shown that many diseases, including Alzheimer’s, begin from poor gut health. So yes, it is our believe that raw milk as well as foods that support gut health are actually good for you and essential for long term well being.
IS RAW MILK DANGEROUS?
There are essentially two types of raw milk. RAW MILK INENDED FOR PASTEURIZATION and RAW MILK INTENDED FOR DIRECT CONSUMPTION. Raw milk that is intended for pasteurization (RMIFP) is not safe to drink. This is primarily why it is being pasteurized. When RMIFP is produced, it is normally produced in a concentrated feeding operation. Cows are confined, have very little room to move and routinely have hides caked with feces. After harvesting, the milk is often comingled with milk from other RMIFP producers which significantly increases the risk of contamination. In these operations, emphases is given to output and not the care and cleanliness of each individual animal. The RMIFP producers approach increases the risk of disease and spreading of bacteria associated with feces such as E.Coli and Listeria. RMIFP Producers know this and pasteurize to make an unsafe product safe. We are a producer of RAW MILK that is intended for direct consumption. Unlike the concentrated feeding operations, our cattle primarly feed in wide open pasture. They have plenty of room and engage in natural behaviors thus avoiding diseases. We also monitor the health and well being of every milking cow, twice daily. Lastly we test our milk to ensure both freshness and PH levels associated with the overgrowth of undesirable bacteria.
IS THERE EVIDENCE THAT RAW MILK PROTECT YOUR HEALTH?
Raw milk contains numerous components that assist in killing pathogens in the milk (lactoperoxidase, lactoferrin, leukocytes, macrophages, neutrophils, antibodies, medium chain fatty acids, lysozyme, B12 binding protein, bifidus factor, beneficial bacteria); Preventing pathogen absorption across the intestinal wall (polysaccharides, oligosaccharides, mucins, fibronectin, glycomacropeptides, bifidus factor, beneficial bacteria); Strengthening the Immune System (lymphocytes, immunoglobulins, antibodies, hormones and growth factors) (Scientific American, December 1995; British J of Nutrition, 2000:84(Suppl. 1):S3-S10, S75-S80, S81-S89). BENEFITS IN EARLY HUMAN STUDIES: In early studies involving humans, raw milk was shown to be superior to pasteurized in protecting against infection, diarrhea, rickets, tooth decay and TB; and children receiving had better growth than those receiving pasteurized milk. ASTHMA & ALLERGIES: Three recent studies in Europe found that drinking “farm” (raw) milk protected against asthma and allergies (Lancet. 2001 Oct 6;358(9288):1129-33; J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2006 Jun;117(6):1374-8; Clinical & Experimental Allergy. 2007 May; 37(5) 627-630). RAW HUMAN MILK: In recent studies, infants on pasteurized human milk did not gain weight as quickly compared to those fed raw human milk (J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 1986 Mar-Apr;5(2):248-53) and premature babies given raw human milk had more rapid weight gain than those given pasteurized human milk. Problems were attributed to pasteurization’s destruction of lipase (J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 1986 Mar-Apr;5(2):242-7). THE MILK CURE: In the early 1900s, the Mayo Clinic administered the “Milk Cure,” which consisted in drinking 4-5 quarts of raw milk per day, obtaining favorable results for a range of illnesses including cancer, weight loss, kidney disease, allergies, skin problems, urinary tract problems, prostate problems and chronic fatigue; these results are not obtained using pasteurized milk. LACTOSE INTOLERANCE: In a survey of raw milk drinkers in the state of Michigan, over 80 percent of those advised by a healthcare professional that they were lactose intolerant were able to consume raw milk without problem. (Pilot Survey of Cow Share Consumer/Owners Lactose Intolerance Section).
IS RAW MILK REALLY NUTRITIONALLY SUPERIOR TO PASTEURIZED MILK?
Research has shown that nutrients are degraded by pasteurization. Below are some examples: Vitamin C Raw milk but not pasteurized can resolve scurvy. “. . . Without doubt. . . the explosive increase in infantile scurvy during the latter part of the 19th century coincided with the advent of use of heated milks. . .” (Rajakumar, Pediatrics. 2001;108(4):E76). Calcium Longer and denser bones on raw milk (Chapter 14 from History of Randleigh Farm-PDF). Folate Carrier protein inactivated during pasteurization. (Gregory. J. Nutr. 1982, 1329-1338). Vitamin B12 Binding protein inactivated by pasteurization. Vitamin B6 Animal studies indicate B6 poorly absorbed from pasteurized milk (Chapter 14 from History of Randleigh Farm-PDF). Vitamin A Beta-lactoglobulin, a heat-sensitive protein in milk, increases intestinal absorption of vitamin A. Heat degrades vitamin A. Said and others (Am J Clin Nutr. 1989;49:690-694. Runge and Heger. J Agric Food Chem. 2000 Jan;48(1):47-55). Vitamin D Present in milk in protein-bound form, assimilation possibly affected by pasteurization. Hollis and others ( J Nutr. 1981;111:1240-1248). Iron Lactoferrin, which contributes to iron assimilation, destroyed during pasteurization. Iodine Lower in pasteurized milk. Wheeler and others (J Dairy Sci. 1983;66(2):187-95). Minerals Lactobacilli, destroyed by pasteurization, enhance mineral absorption (MacDonald and others. 1985). please visit www.rawmilk.com for more information on raw milk and its benefits. Preventing pathogen absorption across the intestinal wall (polysaccharides, oligosaccharides, mucins, fibronectin, glycomacropeptides, bifidus factor, beneficial bacteria); Strengthening the Immune System (lymphocytes, immunoglobulins, antibodies, hormones and growth factors) (Scientific American, December 1995; British J of Nutrition, 2000:84(Suppl. 1):S3-S10, S75-S80, S81-S89). BENEFITS IN EARLY HUMAN STUDIES: In early studies involving humans, raw milk was shown to be superior to pasteurized in protecting against infection, diarrhea, rickets, tooth decay and TB; and children receiving had better growth than those receiving pasteurized milk. ASTHMA & ALLERGIES: Three recent studies in Europe found that drinking “farm” (raw) milk protected against asthma and allergies (Lancet. 2001 Oct 6;358(9288):1129-33; J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2006 Jun;117(6):1374-8; Clinical & Experimental Allergy. 2007 May; 37(5) 627-630). RAW HUMAN MILK: In recent studies, infants on pasteurized human milk did not gain weight as quickly compared to those fed raw human milk (J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 1986 Mar-Apr;5(2):248-53) and premature babies given raw human milk had more rapid weight gain than those given pasteurized human milk. Problems were attributed to pasteurization’s destruction of lipase (J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 1986 Mar-Apr;5(2):242-7). THE MILK CURE: In the early 1900s, the Mayo Clinic administered the “Milk Cure,” which consisted in drinking 4-5 quarts of raw milk per day, obtaining favorable results for a range of illnesses including cancer, weight loss, kidney disease, allergies, skin problems, urinary tract problems, prostate problems and chronic fatigue; these results are not obtained using pasteurized milk. LACTOSE INTOLERANCE: In a survey of raw milk drinkers in the state of Michigan, over 80 percent of those advised by a healthcare professional that they were lactose intolerant were able to consume raw milk without problem. (Pilot Survey of Cow Share Consumer/Owners Lactose Intolerance Section).
WHAT IS A PRIVATE MEMBERSHIP ASSOCIATION?
A Private Membership Association (PMA) is a contractually formed group of individuals who associate to share or preserve common interests and goals. PMAs can be organized for various reasons, including social, cultural, religious, political purposes or as in our case, to preserve access to natural, nutrient dense foods. Unlike herdshares, which may or may not be legal in your state, Private Membership Associations are protected by the United States Constitution under the 1st, 5th, and 14th Amendment. PMA's activity falls under the first amendment guarantee of Freedom of Association and is legally protected in all 50 states.
WHAT IS A HERDSHARE?
A herdshare is an contractual arrangement between a farmer and an owner of livestock, which in this case, is the shareholder or herd share member. The contract allows the herdshare member access to raw milk, meat and other by-products of the livestock proportionate to the shareholder's interest in the herd. A herdshare agreement along with a Bill of Sale, transfers ownership of the herd to the herdshare member which allows them to legally obtain raw milk and other raw milk products. We do not sell raw milk or engage in any transaction that can be construed as a sale. We agister livestock ( care for beef and dairy cattle on behalf of PMA herdshare owners ) and arrange delivery of byproducts of ownership to members.
Cost of Ownership
Membership fees and assessments are not payment for food products, but contributions toward administrative, processing, and logistical services.
Membership fees and assessments are not payment for food products, but contributions toward administrative, processing, and logistical services. We are a community of owners, not consumers. That said, The Local Meat Club has one of the lowest costs to access raw milk in the country. Our members can access their first gallon of milk for as little as $32. You can have that gallon of milk delivered to your door for $40.75. Here is a break down of our fees: 1. Join the Club. $15/month OR $135/annually. 2. Bottle Fee. $7 One-time fee charged when you join. This fee is to cover the cost of providing glass jars. 3. Order whatever you want (also in whatever quantity that you want). See prices under the Shop page. 4. Delivery Fee/ Shipping Fee. We charge $7.85 - $8.75 to deliver your order to your door. If you live outside of our home delivery area, we can ship your order and shipping costs will be calculated for you at the "checkout" page. IF YOU PICK UP YOUR ORDER AT OUR GROVE CITY PICK UP LOCATION, THERE IS NO CHARGE FOR DELIVERY. Yes, if you pick up your order, you will not be charged for delivery. LEGAL DISCLAIMER IN CASE YOU MISSED IT EARLIER: We do not sell raw milk or engage in any transaction that can be construed as a sale. We agister livestock ( care for beef and dairy cattle on behalf of herdshare owners ) and arrange delivery of byproducts of ownership to members.
How Does Delivery/ Pick Up/ Shipping Work?
🚨 The Most Important Thing to Know All orders must be placed by *Sunday at 9pm EST* to be delivered or shipped the following week. If you remember nothing else, remember this. (Think of it as the sacred rhythm of the Local Meat Club universe.) --- How Delivery & Shipping Works Once your order is in before **Sunday at 9pm EST**, here are your three ways to receive it: --- 1. Home Delivery (Greater Columbus Area + Surrounding Counties) If you’re local, we’ll bring your order right to your door. Delivery cost: $6.75 **Important:** If you place *two orders in the same week*, select **“PICK UP”** on the second order so you aren’t charged twice. Delivery Timing * Orders placed **before Sunday 9pm EST** are delivered Tuesday–Thursday of that same week. * You’ll receive a text on Monday with your delivery day and window. * Orders are packed with dry ice/ice bricks and stay cold for up to 6 hours. Frozen Raw Milk If you request frozen raw milk, it will be delivered on Thursday. We’ll call or text you with the delivery window. --- 2. Free Local Pick-Up (Grove City) If you want to skip the delivery fee, you can pick up your order in Grove City. Just choose **“PICK UP”** when checking out. Cost: Free Timing: Orders placed before **Sunday 9pm EST** are ready for pick up on Thursdays. --- 3. Shipping (Outside Columbus / Outside Ohio) Yes — we do ship nationwide. But let’s be honest… It’s not our preferred option. It’s very expensive, and we don’t control shipping delays. We offer it primarily for members who don’t have any other way to access clean, real food. How Shipping Works * Shipping cost is calculated at checkout. * Orders placed this week are shipped the week AFTER they’re ordered. (Example: Order this week → ships next Mon/Tues → arrives later that same week.) * Most deliveries arrive by **Saturday**. * You’ll receive an email with tracking information once it ships. If you can choose between **local delivery** or **pickup**, absolutely do it — it’s more reliable, far more affordable, and better for the food. --- One Last Reminder Because it matters this much: 🕘 Get your order in by Sunday at 9pm EST.** Everything — delivery, pick-up, or shipping — begins with that deadline. And if, for some reason, you forget and miss the deadline, reach out to us and let us know - we may be able to help.
Why We Deliver - No On-Farm PickUp Required
Although we are a farm and PMA that raises our own A2/A2 cows, we do not offer on-site pickups. Instead, we deliver raw milk and other fresh goods weekly to your home in Greater Columbus and surrounding counties. This ensures: Convenience: No travel time Safety: Cold‑chain maintained from farm to fridge Consistency: You receive exactly what you order—when you want it We understand the concern about transparency—and we operate as a member‑owned farm with full traceability. Learn more about our process and how joining gives you both access and ownership.
WE ARE A COMMUNITY GATHERING AROUND WHOLE, NUTRIENT DENSE FOOD.
WHETHER YOU ARE JUST BEGINNING YOUR FOOD JOURNEY OR LOOKING TO GET TIPS ON KEEPING YOUR SOURDOUGH STARTER ALIVE, OUR COMMUNITY IS THERE FOR YOU. WE PROVIDE FOOD, RECIPES, MEETUPS, SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT. WHY? BECAUSE WE ARE ALL ON THE JOURNEY TO BETTER FOOD, BETTER HEALTH AND A BETTER, FULLER LIFE. WE'D LOVE TO HAVE YOU JOIN US.