Access is legal but limited. This usually means sales are strictly on-farm only, or consumers must enter into a legal “herdshare” or “cowshare” agreement.
Colorado is a state that values food freedom, but it maintains specific boundaries on how you can fill your glass. Understanding Colorado Raw Milk Laws is the key to moving from a “hopeful seeker” to a confident owner of high-quality dairy.
The Legal Pathways in Colorado
In the Centennial State, you cannot simply walk into a grocery store and buy a gallon of unpasteurized milk. Instead, the law focuses on ownership. If you own the animal, you have the right to its milk.
Retail and On-Farm Sales
What this means for you: You will not find raw milk on retail shelves or for “per-gallon” sale at farm stands due to strict prohibitions on the commercial sale of unpasteurized milk for human consumption (C.R.S. § 25-5.5-117).
While some states allow “farm-gate” sales, Colorado strictly limits the transfer of raw milk to those who have a documented ownership interest in the herd.
Herd Shares: The Ownership Route
What this means for you: This is the primary legal way to obtain raw dairy in Colorado, allowing you to bypass retail bans by becoming a partial owner of a cow or goat (C.R.S. § 25-5.5-117).
Under a herd share agreement, you aren’t “buying milk”—you are paying a farmer a “boarding fee” to care for, feed, and milk an animal that you technically own a piece of. To be legal, you must:
- Sign a written bill of sale for an undivided interest in the herd.
- Enter into a written boarding contract with the farmer.
- Receive the milk directly from the farm where the herd is located (or through a designated co-owner).
Pet Food: The Commercial Feed Pathway
What this means for you: Raw milk can be sold legally if it is clearly labeled and marketed as “pet food” or “not for human consumption” under the state’s commercial feed regulations (C.R.S. § 35-60-101).
Producers using this pathway must register with the Colorado Department of Agriculture. In many cases, the state may require the milk to be de-characterized (often with a food-grade dye) to ensure it is not diverted for human use.
Safety & Standards: What to Look For
Since the state does not inspect herd share milk for “Grade A” retail standards, the responsibility of quality control falls on the consumer and the farmer.
“The acquisition of raw milk from cows or goats by a consumer… shall not constitute the sale of raw milk and shall not be prohibited if… the owner… shall receive raw milk directly from the farm… and the farm is registered [with the CDPHE].” — (C.R.S. § 25-5.5-117)
Findingrawmilk.com Quality Checklist:
- [RAWMI] Listed: Does the farm follow the Raw Milk Institute’s common-sense safety standards?
- [Lab Tested]: Does the farmer share monthly coliform and bacteria counts with shareholders?
- [A2/A2]: Is the herd tested for the A2 beta-casein protein, which many find easier to digest?
- Cleanliness: Is the milking parlor organized, and are the animals’ udders cleaned properly before milking?
Important Consumer Tips for Colorado Residents
- Pack a Cooler: Colorado summers are no joke. Always bring a high-quality cooler with ice packs to the farm; keeping your milk at or below 40°F is essential for freshness and safety.
- The Glass Advantage: Many Colorado herd shares prefer that you bring your own glass jars. Glass is easier to sterilize than plastic and keeps the milk tasting crisp.
- Patience is a Virtue: Because herd shares are the only legal route, the best farms often have waitlists. Get your name on a list early!
Official Government Resources
- Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE): The primary agency for milk safety and producer registration (https://cdphe.colorado.gov/dehs/milk).
- Colorado Department of Agriculture: Oversees commercial feed and “pet food” labeling (https://ag.colorado.gov/).
Colorado Raw Milk FAQ
Can I buy raw milk at a Farmers’ Market in Colorado?
No. Current Colorado Raw Milk Laws prohibit the sale of raw milk at farmers’ markets. You may find farmers there who can sign you up for a herd share, but the actual milk must be picked up at the farm or a designated private drop point.
Is it legal to sell raw cream or butter?
No. The herd share law specifically covers “raw milk.” Processing that milk into butter or cream for sale is generally viewed as “manufacturing,” which triggers much stricter retail food regulations.
Do I have to register with the state as a consumer?
No. Only the producer (the farmer) is required to register their operation with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Your contract is a private agreement between you and the farm.