Trautman Family Farm

I am so proud of everyone that showed up yesterday at the DATCP board meeting. That took their time -- felt so passionate -- spoke from every possible place in society -- that raw milk is here, we're not going away, and that we need to be heard -- and respected.

Yesterday was Veteran's day. We honor those who's sacrifice is complete: with their lives - for our freedom. We honor them, and ourselves in our pursuit of what is right and good for all. To root out tyranny -- expose those that would hide in the shadows and do evil -- to the weak of all shapes and sizes. That is what we did yesterday -- is spoke of the tyranny at Food Safety -- what they are doing to the weak -- the family dairy farmer in Wisconsin.

We spoke eloquently, we spoke honestly, we gave a complete picture, and I am proud, too -- to say -- that the board members listened and asked good questions. Clearly they care, and we saw an important part of democracy -- and good common sense -- in action. What they will do -- what message they will send Rod Nuelstein - and Food Safety -- we await.

But know with every day our numbers grow; our strength, our confidence, our organization, our ability to talk to real people -- people that wouldn't know raw milk from raw fish -- will know of this war against freedom: our ability to choose for ourselves wholesome food, and of the terrible war that Food Safety has had on our very pride as Wisconsinites--in the form of the weak - the vulnerable -- our family farms and especially our family dairy farms.

I am no Martin Luther King. But I am inspired by him. His love, his wisdom -- his struggles -- his sacrifice - and I take to heart his words. No, like our veterans -- we cannot compare ourselves to the struggles of black people -- they are not (yet) literally killing us -- but there are parallels nonetheless.

The struggles to organize -- to take sensible people treated so poorly as we have been -- and for us to rise above and be sensible, rather than angry and hateful as they are. The struggles in balancing all the ideas that come about, and focusing our energies efficiently -- speak in a unified voice -- make them feel the love we have -- this makes us so very very powerful -- and such a threat to their tyranny.

I dream of the day where farmers everywhere will come together and speak with a unified voice. That we are important. We can get along. We will not stand to be treated badly, we will not be picked off one at a time -- we will not be cannibals to one another, picking on our own weak -- but we will stand strong, we will take back the countryside and we will show the world that we can feed them -- with pride -- forever, to everyone's benefit, and not a few. Farmers will be seen as the heroes -- and not some lower class of people. We will be judged by the content of our character and not by the ...what? How vulnerable we are? How easy it is to destroy us?

There are so many important issues we face today. What I find so ironic -- so telling -- is how many of them come back to peace on our farms, our ability to produce food -- what could be more important -- responsibly, and what that truly means to us. In our health, in our environment -- to our freedom --

Why here? Why now? Why Raw Milk for this battle? Because it is a place to start, a battle that can be won, to start turning back the tide against all of us -- a small battle to most -- but a battle we will win. And then the next, and the next, and the next - for the love of the world we make for our children, and theirs and theirs.

I can only imagine the love that Dr. Martin Luther King had, but I am able to better imagine it every day; as I see the people around me, how they act in love, and not hatred, I am humbled, I am grateful, I am more filled with love -- and how those aligned against us hate these kinds of words -- love, respect, honor, pride -- they don't understand them -- they understand only power, and fear -- terror -- manipulation -- and money and now. How they will wail and grind their teeth against us -- lie, cheat, steal -- who knows how far they will go. And we respond with love. With sense. In unity of purpose, refusing to give into anger and hatred no matter how tempting it is, and it is so tempting -- it is there within us calling.

"It may be true that the law cannot make a man love me, but it can keep him from lynching me, and I think that's pretty important. - Dr. Martin Luther King

No, we cannot compare ourselves to the struggles of black people -- but family farmers have become the underclass -- we can be inspired - and in their own way -- through the lynching - the death of our farms - the terror they have systematically designed for our destruction - Food Safety - Rod Nuelstein and DATCP -- we must push on, we must gain our freedom -- gain our footing -- we must have a good Raw Milk Law NOW in the state of Wisconsin.

in love, and respect

Scott Trautman, Proud Dairyman and Citizen of Wisconsin

Evil is as strong a word as one can use. It is not a word I, or anyone else should use lightly. I have avoided it a long time in this situation -- hoping against hope -- that Steve Ingham, Cheryl Daniels, Tom Lietzke & Jackie Owens would find "better data" -- reconsider their position -- and what it means to Wisconsin -- and find a way to work more sensibly.

They have not, they will not, and they have to go, period.

They understand what they do -- and they with purpose and malice misrepresent the Raw Milk situation -- while it is in their professional responsibility to understand the situation and make sensible decisions -- if it is for the benefit of the whole of Wisconsin, rather than whatever personal agenda they might have.

In this situation -- and others like it -- most especially as it relates to dairy farmers -- it is about the application of unfettered -- unobserved -- power over good people in order to exterminate their will and desire to survive and grow. Why dairy farmers? Because they can. The bully bullies those they can -- not those that can defend themselves.

Food Safety does not like me one tiny bit and has shown every indication that as I speak out and shine the light on them -- they will find a way to silence me.

Just this last week: When I was apparent to them I wasn't going to take their "deal" -- it was brought up -- how even should I desire to simply ship milk -- that getting my Grade A license back was "going to be a problem" -- that my parlor was unusual and "just so I knew" -- would need to be reinspected and I ought to have a "heads up" that additional work might be needed. This even though the design was approved, my facility inspected now 4 additional times with no complaint.

When asked about that -- why -- their answer about the inspector -- the inspection -- "a training issue". So the inspector has a training issue -- and what an interesting conversation that had to be with that inspector -- that training issue is going to be a job search issue if he didn't find a way to continue to harass us. Interesting conversation the Food Safety goons had with this inspector, Food Safety having never seen our facility. How does the conversation go -- to find this facility problem -- when all inspections were cleared to this point. The question has to be asked -- "how do we get this guy -- what can you think of that we can hold over this guy -- to let him know that continued resistance is going to mean untold pain for him". There is no other logical, reasonable explanation. Yet given Food Safety's comfort with lies and manipulation, somehow -- like this "training issue" -- they will find some way to extract a reason that someone's going to buy.

Multiply this across the state of Wisconsin. Others -- innovators -- that would try and better themselves, to find this incredibly obstructive group of people. Think as an entrepreneur does: these people are going to double the cost of my project and leave it in uncertainty. Do I really want to risk that? How much innovation -- how many jobs -- how much of our dairy future for small farms has been crushed forever by these people, in their power that clearly is not overseen by anyone that really understands? Huge.

Dr. Kenneth Petersen, an assistant administrator with USDA Food Safety -- speaking to his responsibility -- responsibility -- "I have to look at the entire industry, not just what is best for public health". So what was he talking about? This disgusting ground beef situation -- where this terrible situation is created for a probability of large scale food-borne illness, he is looking at the big picture. Including a Wisconsin plant that produces an ammonia treated meat paste found in this disgusting mix.

Yet here we are in Wisconsin -- with our Food Safety surely claiming they are looking out for all interest -- yet somehow manipulating this situation to leave people believing that Raw Milk is a huge threat. It is their JOB to understand the level of threat -- and no objective investigation of raw milk can conclude that there is imminent danger to a massive outbreak. And "the industry" -- in this case besieged family dairy farmers struggling to survive -- they view this only as a strategic time to attack -- to get to the least amount of resistance. Sick is what it is.

Food Safety has manipulated the Zinnicker situation -- a tragedy where it is alleged -- and for purpose of argument say it even was -- the cause of 35 people becoming sick - to leave in your mind -- the public -- that ALL raw milk is UNSAFE at ALL TIMES.

They go out of their way -- irresponsibly -- with malice in mind -- to NOT address just how many people drink raw milk in Wisconsin on a daily basis. Best estimates are about 2% of the population. Then how much news is this story? Is it the same story as Food Safety's press release? Hardly. It becomes what it is -- their propaganda campaign to eradicate family farmers at a time of incredible vulnerability.

The Zinnicker press release -- was sent to every Organic Valley farmer -- and every NFO producer -- I being a former NFO producer -- cancelled supposedly for suspicion of selling raw milk -- to spread fear amoungst all their dairy farmers. There could be no other purpose.

This is why they have to go. They DO understand what they are doing at Food Safety -- and they do not have the public's interest at heart -- they appear to have big milk processors interests alone in mind -- and to this point they have gotten away with murder -- the murder of untold family farms, an extermination they continue.

So let us talk about Zinnickers: Upon my superficial review, if Food Safety and the state of Wisconsin provided us with sensible guidance, this situation may well have never occurred at all. It wasn't mentioned -- funny that -- from the press release by Food Safety -- and apparently not questioned by any reporter - that they have been providing raw milk for 20 years without a problem. Even, from that day -- 35 people sick if you accept that -- what percent of the people from that day? They serve a large number of people. Also understand that those that choose to drink raw milk would also be likely to make similar other food choices.

Yet understand this clearly: In ANY investigation of food-borne illness, upon reaching the question -- and reply to the affirmative - of "Do you drink raw milk?" -- the investigation for a cause is then over.

Anyone sick is always a tragedy. If there were preventable causes, then we need to look at those causes and look to prevent a future problem. But not with raw milk -- Food Safety keeps repeating the lie over and over again: Do not drink raw milk. This war they have going against family dairy farmers did not start AFTER Zinnickers -- it was started BEFORE -- in April in earnest -- but seriously with the hiring of Steve Ingham.

Jackie Owens is quoted at an interstate milk shippers conference saying "we are glad to have Steve Ingham as head of our department -- so we can finally get aggressive against raw milk producers". That quote is inexact -- funny, Jackie Owens refuses to tell me the exact quote, like so very much more they refuse to answer. They just continue to attack family dairy farmers -- and spread their fear and hatred far and wide. To leave it in the minds of everyone that raw milk is something to be feared. Especially heinous is that "a lot of kids were made sick". Very emotional -- and their RESPONSIBILITY is to be ABOVE emotional and deal with FACTS and the big picture, and be responsible for allocating their time towards the most important issues of public health.

Raw milk is to be respected, like all foods. And it does have its own special circumstances that need to be responsibly looked at. We -- in unity of purpose -- safety for all -- need sensible people at Food Safety, not these people who have their own agenda and will say and do anything to get it done, for whatever sick reasons they do.

I have begged. Others have begged. Others have been crushed and gone away -- looked elsewhere to innovate and grow Wisconsin dairy - beyond Raw milk -- the whole Artisan movement -- that has been artificially squelched, kept smaller than the hearts and will of a creative and energetic force of talented people would have it.

Rod Nuelstein knows what Food Safety is doing. He approves of it. He needs to go. He does not represent the future, or the present of serving people -- he and Food Safety represent tyranny and fear. Governor Doyle, hear us, look into this thoroughly -- do not believe their smiles and condescending words. Understand we need forward thinking -- decent human beings -- that will work WITH us instead of applying power against us, in unity of purpose to have the best in mind for all people, instead of whatever terrible agenda they have.

SEE what happens -- see how we grow Wisconsin family dairy farms -- dairy industry -- innovate -- create jobs -- with a group up there that lives the intent of the law -- and doesn't use the law to express power over the powerless. We need it NOW.

Where I ask for education - Food Safety says trust us, do not look further -- fear. Replace them -- save family dairy farms NOW. It is within our power to start this TODAY. Fire Steve Ingham, Cheryl Daniels, Tom Lietzke and Jackie Owens. Replace Rod Nuelstein. Wisconsin cannot afford their tyranny. When you do -- only then will you start to hear the horror stories of what their regime has meant to Wisconsin. Anyone under their boot lives in fear -- of what they will do -- how they will use their powers against anyone that would dare question them, like me.

Scott Trautman, PROUD Wisconsin Dairyman and Citizen

Anyone wonder what the heck I was saying yesterday? You know what, me too. This is all so complicated -- and it does involve way more than just the farm itself and its survival. How do I see and act in the many roles I serve in. Messy. Complicated. No simple life here I'm afraid. Onwards!

 I have had the great pleasure of speaking to David Gumpert. He is a thoughtful person -- well regarded everywhere -- and he has championed and documented our cause with great thoughtfulness.

Solutions to so many problems: EDUCATION. The more we really know -- and throw out reactionary, easy, simple things to think about -- the further we get in society as a whole, right? The world is coming around to all these big issues of sustainability, and it is through education. No, not simple. Messy. As clear as we want to think everything is: It isn't. I have been and continue to try, in my own life, and own message, to strike a balance. One that may end up getting me disliked by...everyone. But there's now -- and there's future -- there's what we can do now, where we can head in the future. EDUCATION, and getting people talking -- to each other -- thoughtfully -- bravely -- is going to be what makes the difference. Not screaming at each other or just meetings of like minds.

SO: I will state my case here now for a simple act of education on your part. Yes you -- dear reader -- you. Today. I do not want your money. Don't believe anything I say. I'd like you to get ahold of -- purchase, borrow, check out -- whatever  -- a book that looks at this RAW MILK situation, and I'd like you to make your own conclusions. It is important in the grand scheme of things.

The Raw Milk Revolution by David Gumpert

Easiest: Buy from Amazon or like. Today.

Better: March into your local bookstore, and ask for this book. No, don't go to the shelf, even if it is pasted to the forehead of the person there, ASK for it SPECIFICALLY. Should a dialog start; GREAT. See what starts here with that?

BEST: Buy that book locally -- read it -- educate yourself -- then pass it on to a friend, and tell them why this is important, and now. Make sure they read it -- and if they aren't starting it, get it back and pass it onto another. Repeat. Ask them what they think. That book sitting on a shelf is only so much potential energy. Make it the most read book.

INCREDIBLE: What if our legislators were each to have a copy of this book? Passed on -- personally -- from a constituent, along with a thoughtful letter. The time for that in Wisconsin is very very soon.

There is nothing simple about anything -- but there are aspects of this whole RAW MILK debate that are -- and can be simply put to at the least get people thinking. My version of that is this:

Milk from the cow: Are we sure nature got it wrong the first time? Maybe we humans got it wrong? That all milk is a biohazard to be fixed by humans makes no sense. Healthy cows, healthy farm, healthy milk.

We need your support of our farm -- we are sure in need -- but we need your help on getting RAW MILK LEGAL in WISCONSIN even more.

This quote -- think about it - and what is said about Raw Milk -- crazy stuff -- think about the bigger picture:

 "Every age, every generation has it's own built in assumptions - that the world is flat, the world is round. There are hundreds of hidden assumptions, things we take for granted that may or may not be true. In the vast majority of cases, these conceptions about reality -- which belong to the prevailing paradigm or worldview - aren't accurate. So if history is any guide, much that we take for granted about the world simply isn't true."

- John Hagelin, PHD, from the wonderful book & movie, "What the (bleep) do we know".

All in love,

Scott Trautman, proud Wisconsin Dairyman and citizen

I (Scott) ended up down at the Dane County Farmers Market after milking Saturday. As I like to say, it's one of those scary sounding things that are just well, obvious, and not scary. So: I was listening to the voices in my head, and doing what they tell me to. That's right. The internal dialog -- which is focused, now -- so intensely on this Raw Milk War -- War on Family Farmers -- war on the Trautmans --- is getting really, really creative -- and is really joyful, playful -- and full of energy to experiment.

 So when I say I'm acting on what the voices in my head are saying: They're coming from love, and enthusiasm, and good, and just bursting out all over the place.

I called our great friends -- my daughter's godfather -- the Andres, Bruce and Cindy, if they'd be up for a little bit of naughty fun down at the Dane County Farmers Market. Of course, when do you want us. That kind of people -- always -- we are the needy ones, the Andre's are there for us time after time.

So we go down, park just off West Wash. Bruce on Camera. Or Cindy. Doesn't matter. You got my back? Yeah. Alright then, let's do this thing.

I've got a gallon of my milk under my arm. Freshly poured from the bulk tank into a gallon jar. Having been from the cows I just finished milking an hour ago. (don't look at me like that when you figure that out to be milking at 10am. We milk once a day). And a glass.

 We get out of the car, walk across the street, walk 50 feet, and who do we run into -- a guy with a placard tied on front and back -- "RAW MILK INTERVIEWS HERE". Guy with a video camera, like us.

We both yell out and run and hug, just like that. People are definitely looking at us now -- so it's MAX KANE, another common criminal like ourselves, raw milk criminal -- and he came up with this idea on his own, so did I, Kosmic Karma with a Kapital K.

So the Raw Pack here starts wandering around, you know, bustin' heads an' stuff, gettin' all rowdy you know. Wait, that didn't happen, although Max  can sure express himself on his feelings about, well, people, organizations he, like us, are having a way rough time with.

THIS is a TEASER folks -- we have VIDEO -- with what I promise to be world premier of the most simple explanation of the  raw milk law in Wisconsin ever. You will be shocked; you will be amazed; laugh, cry, etc. etc. etc.

C'mon people -- reach out to us -- help us defend ourselves in this war that DATCP is waging on us -- bring in your friends -- tell them this is important, they need to know about this ---

 See you back here soon -- with video from my morning on the square!

Hello everyone --

The real war - against family farms - has been going on for years. In not so, and in subtle ways. A completely antagonistic Food Safety group -- to helping family farmers, and dead set on KILLING our family farms in their Jihad against RAW MILK.

 Right now -- WE ARE SHUT DOWN and DUMPING our precious beautiful milk 100% on the ground -- because DATCP - Department of Ag, Trade & Consumer Protection -- wants us DEAD.

Here's a public accounting of that -- boy do I have more details for you, though.

http://www.thecountrytoday.com/story-news.asp?id=BLJ2AUV707U 

But not just our farm -- any upstart farm that would dare have their own customers -- dare to succeed -- and not be a servent - a slave -- to the dairy processors of Wisconsin. That's what it's REALLY all about.

28 other states have SOME kind of SENSIBILITY when it comes to raw milk.

Ask yourself this question -- if you doubt whether raw milk can be safe -- straight from the cow to you by a safe and professional farm family--

Are you sure nature got it wrong the first time? Mothers? Can you chime in here -- formula maybe instead?

Can you believe that man and science are better than nature --

-- or that our cows to a one MUST BE SICK, to warrent that all milk everywhere needs to be pasteurized?

-- their war cannot be about SAFETY -- ask 100,000 present and PAST dairymen that have drank from their bulk tanks for 100 years -- and their families, too--and the millions across our nation that drink raw milk every day safely. Really! FACT: It is not illegal to consume raw milk: it is only illegal to PROFIT from it! How can you hate farmers that much, DATCP, Food Safety, Steve Ingham?

**** TELL YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS you are sick of DATCP abusing family farms. HELP FAMILY FARMS survive NOW -- we need the help NOW - with Safe Raw Milk NOW.

 **** BE your "groups" Family Farm Defender -- get your group of friends this information -- and start the conversation with them. They don't care yet, because they don't know what's at stake -- for Wisconsin -- for all of us -- and most importantly for our children.

**** EDUCATE YOURSELF! Raw Milk needs to be really known -- not just the fear that Food Safety people everywhere scream at you. Facts. google 'raw milk' -- but get the FACTS and not the FEAR.

___ LOOK FOR AND SUPPORT A GREAT RAW MILK BILL. It is COMING SOON.  

 --- FIND ME on Facebook, Please! Fans and Supporters of Trautman Family Farm for up to the minute thoughts and -- to just get to know what kind of human I am. I'd like that a lot -- to get to know you.
 

 **** STAY TUNED HERE -- ACTION -- SOON

 Scott, Julie Ian, Quinn & Lilly Trautman: PROUD Dairymen in Wisconsin