for more information. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and prevention offers the following link with raw milk information. Raw Milk Questions and Answer
Do I need a license to sell raw milk or cream from a “small dairy”
No. The MLFCA does not require a license for a “small dairy” to sell raw milk or cream. There are, however, testing requirements for both your lactating animals and the milk itself as noted below.
What animal tests are required for my milking herd/flock?
Per 50-49-203 (8) MCA, every lactating cow, lactating goat, or lactating sheep on the "small dairy" shall be tested every year for brucellosis and the records maintained for two (2) years.
Who will test my milking animals for brucellosis?
Contact your herd/flock veterinarian to schedule an official brucellosis test.
What quality tests are required for a small dairy's raw milk?
Per 50-49-203 (8) MCA, tests for standard plate count, coliform count, and somatic cell count shall be conducted every six (6) months and the records maintained for two (2) years.
Where do I send my milk sample to be tested for quality?
The Montana Veterinary Diagnostic Milk Lab (MVDL), per the Board of Livestock, is not accepting raw milk samples from “small dairies” selling raw milk or cream. However, samples from private parties wishing to test their milk for their own personal consumption will continue to be accepted. The department may not endorse or recommend private third-party laboratories, but an internet search will provide several independent certified labs.
How do I collect a milk sample for bacterial and quality testing?
Your herd/flock veterinarian may be a resource for best collection practices or, the lab you choose to test your samples will provide a protocol for sampling and shipping. There are also good sample collection videos available on YouTube. Be sure to check with your chosen lab before freezing your milk samples as the lab may not be able to test frozen samples.
Are there other tests recommended?
Yes! I though not required by the MLFCA, the department highly recommends all milking animals be tested for tuberculosis (TB). TB is a zoonotic disease, meaning it is easily transmissible between animals and humans, and raw milk can be a source of TB infection in humans. In addition, we would encourage raw milk producers to test their milk and cream.