Harvest Acres, LLC

Improperly handled milk can make you sick, regardless of whether it was pasteurized or un-pasteurized. Pasteurization is the process of heating a liquid to kill harmful bacteria, which may mask inferior quality and allows milk and other foods to be shipped across the nation and stored for longer periods of time without perceptible spoilage. Pasteurization also destroys the beneficial bacteria (probiotics), enzymes and changes the nutrient value of milk. Healthy animals and sanitary procedures for the collection and storage of raw milk are essential. Our animals and milk are tested in accordance with the Raw Milk Association of Colorado standards .

No, we’re sorry, it is illegal in Colorado to sell raw  (un-pasteurized) milk. Legislation does allow individuals to purchase a share in a herd of dairy animals, which entitles them to a portion of the milk produced by that herd. A monthly boarding fee is paid to the farmer to care for, feed and milk the animals.

Properly handled and stored goats’ milk tastes like milk. A bit richer and creamier than the cows’ milk you may be used to. Goats’ milk is naturally homogenized, meaning the fat particles (cream) stay mixed into the milk and don’t separate the way cows' milk does.

We agree. You may be able to get similar foods from a conglomerate grocer for less money. However, it is likely that those foods were produced on large factory farms without regard for preventing animal cruelty, environmental destruction and resource depletion. This food must then be transported across the nation, and sometimes around the world, before it ends up on the grocery store shelves. It is also likely that those foods are hybridized or genetically modified and contain the residues of herbicides, pesticides, chemical fertilizers, antibiotics and added hormones. We raise our animals naturally and choose rare and ancient breeds to protect genetic diversity. We also believe that the animals that provide us with food merit humane treatment.  This requires additional time, resources and expense, but we feel that the benefit to the environment, our health and humanity are priceless.

No, we do not feel that these certifications ensure quality or humane treatment, but instead have become marketing tools that replace consumer education. We feed locally grown hay and organic grains, and with prevention, appropriate nutrition and cleanliness we are able to avoid most illness and disease. Antibiotics, commercial wormers and medications are used under the guidance of our veterinarian and only if the health of an animal is threatened. Our animals have spacious, clean living quarters and access to pasture at all times. Farm visits for potential customers are encouraged.