How to source raw milk shouldn’t be a chore. We built this directory to be the ultimate connection point between you and the entire raw dairy landscape—whether you want to visit a farm, find a local retail shop, or have milk delivered to your doorstep.
This guide will show you how to navigate our directory to identify the best sourcing method for your lifestyle and how to use our specialized tags to filter for the exact quality standards your family requires.
1. Choose Your Connection
There are several traditional ways to obtain raw dairy, depending on your state’s laws and your personal preference. In our directory, you will find locations organized by these five established sourcing methods:
| Location Type | How it Works | Best For… |
|---|---|---|
| On-Farm Store | You visit the farm’s physical storefront or milk room during business hours to purchase freshly bottled milk directly from the source where it was produced. | Beginners who want to see the farm firsthand, meet the animals, and enjoy the most direct farm-to-table experience available. |
| Drop Point | The farm delivers pre-ordered milk to a designated community location—such as a porch, parking lot, or local business—for convenient customer pickup. | Busy families and individuals who live far from the farm but want a consistent, local source of raw milk delivered closer to their neighborhood. |
| Home Delivery | The farm or a dedicated local courier brings fresh raw dairy products directly to your doorstep on a scheduled route, ensuring your milk stays cold and fresh from the farm to your fridge. | Busy professionals, parents with young children, or those with limited mobility who want the highest quality dairy without having to leave the house. |
| Retail | In states where it is legal, select health food stores and independent grocers carry labeled raw milk on their shelves for standard over-the-counter purchase. | Those who prefer the familiarity and convenience of a traditional grocery shopping experience with standard store hours. |
| Herd Share | You purchase an ownership share in the farm’s herd and pay a monthly “boarding fee” to the farmer for the care and milking of your animals, in exchange for your portion of the milk. | Long-term raw milk enthusiasts in states where direct retail is restricted who want a legal, committed relationship with a specific farm and its animals. |
| Farmers Market | Local farms and vendors set up stalls at a recurring community gathering to sell fresh raw milk and dairy products directly to you in person. | Shoppers who enjoy meeting their farmers, exploring a variety of seasonal local goods, and picking up their raw milk in a social, community-focused atmosphere. |
2. How to Source Raw Milk Using the Directory
Ready to start? Use this workflow to find your ideal source among our thousands of locations:
- Select Your Method: Use the search bar to filter by category. Are you looking for a Retail store, Home Delivery, or a Herd Share?
- Define Your Radius: Enter your city, region, or zip to see every available option. Our directory includes everything from hidden On-Farm Stores to suburban Drop Points.
- Filter by Specialized Tags: Don’t settle for just any milk. Use the search bar to type in specific post tags like “A2/A2”, “100% Grass-fed”, or “Glass Bottles” to see which locations meet your specific health goals.
- Verify the Details: Every location profile includes essential data. Check the business hours (formatted for your time zone), browse for safety certifications like RAWMI or Lab Tested, and use the phone or email buttons to contact the provider directly.
✅ Pro Tip: If you choose a Drop Point, be sure to arrive on time! Farmers often have a tight schedule and cannot leave milk unattended.
3. Decoding the Labels
When browsing our locations, look for these specific post tags (on the right) to find exactly what your family needs:
By Animal & Heritage
- Breed Matters: Choose from Jersey, Guernsey, Holstein, Brown Swiss, Ayrshire, Milking Shorthorn, or Dexter.
- A2/A2: Milk containing only the A2 beta-casein protein, which many find easier to digest.
- Heritage Breed: Traditional breeds known for higher fat content and flavor.
By Farming Practice
- 100% Grass-fed: No grain is ever fed to the animals.
- Soy-Free & Non-GMO: Ensuring the cows are fed high-quality, clean diets.
- Organic: Produced without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.
4. The Safety & Quality Checklist
We prioritize transparency. Look for these “Gold Standard” tags to feel confident in your source:
- RAWMI: Listed with the Raw Milk Institute for high safety standards.
- Lab Tested: The farm regularly tests for bacteria counts to ensure cleanliness.
- AWA Certified: Animal Welfare Approved, ensuring the highest level of care for the herd.
- Licensed: The farm meets state-specific regulatory requirements for dairy production.
5. FAQ’s to Ask Your Farmer
When you find a potential location on Findingrawmilk.com, you might want to reach out via the listed phone or email to confirm details. Here are the top questions to help you ensure the milk meets your standards:
🥛 About the Milk & Herd
- “What is the primary diet of the cows?”
- What to look for: Ideally, they are pasture-based. If you have allergies, confirm if they are Soy-Free, Corn-Free or Non-GMO.
- “Is your herd A2/A2 tested?”
- Why it matters: If you have trouble digesting conventional dairy, you’ll want to confirm they’ve tested their cows for the A2 protein.
- “Do you use glass or plastic bottles?”
- Pro Tip: Many of our users prefer Glass Bottles. Ask if there is a “Bottle Deposit” fee (usually $2–$5) for your first purchase.
🛡️ About Safety & Hygiene
- “How often do you perform lab testing?”
- What to look for: Farms tagged as Lab Tested on our site often test for coliforms and bacteria counts monthly or even weekly.
- “Can I see the milking parlor?”
- Why it matters: Transparency is key. A farmer who is proud of their cleanliness will often allow a scheduled tour of their On-Farm Store or milking area.
🚜 About Logistics
- “Is there a waitlist or a subscription required?”
- Note: Some Herd Shares or high-demand farms require a commitment. It’s always best to ask if they have “room in the share” before driving out.
- “Do you have a drop point closer to me?”
- Tip: If the farm is far away, ask if they have a Drop Point or offer Home Delivery in your specific
zipcode.
- Tip: If the farm is far away, ask if they have a Drop Point or offer Home Delivery in your specific