Access is technically legal but heavily restricted—for example, only allowing goat/sheep milk, requiring a doctor’s note, or being sold only as “Pet Food.” (On-farm only, low volume limits)
2026 Federal Legal Update: While Arkansas law permits on-farm sales and delivery, the Interstate Milk Freedom Act of 2026 (H.R. 7880) was recently introduced in Congress. If passed, this federal bill would protect the transport of raw milk between Arkansas and other “legal” states, potentially expanding your access to regional producers. Read our full deep-dive on H.R. 7880 here.
Arkansas is one of the most friendly states in the South for raw dairy enthusiasts, offering broad legal access to fresh milk and cream. Whether you are looking for a local farm or a natural food store, understanding the Arkansas Raw Milk Laws is the first step toward filling your fridge with high-quality, unprocessed dairy.
The Legal Pathways in Arkansas
Navigating the landscape of Arkansas Raw Milk Laws has become significantly easier thanks to recent legislative expansions that opened up more ways for consumers to reach producers.
Retail and Natural Food Stores
What this means for you: You can now find raw milk and raw milk products on the shelves of “natural food stores” across the state, provided the milk was produced on an Arkansas farm (Arkansas Code § 20-59-248).
While many states restrict raw dairy to the farm gate, Arkansas allows “natural food stores” to carry these products. This bridge between the farm and the city makes it much easier for busy families to access raw dairy during their weekly grocery runs.
On-Farm, Farmers Markets, and Delivery
What this means for you: You have the legal right to purchase raw milk directly from the farmer at the farm, at local farmers markets, or even have it delivered directly to your door (Arkansas Code § 20-59-248).
Previously, sales were restricted to the farm location itself. The law now recognizes that convenience is key, allowing farmers to bring their Jersey or Goat milk to town or drop it off at your home.
Raw Milk Products (Butter, Kefir, and More)
What this means for you: In addition to plain milk, you can legally buy raw milk products including raw butter, buttermilk, kefir, yogurt, and cottage cheese (Arkansas Code § 20-59-248).
Arkansas is unique in that it specifically defines and allows the sale of “raw milk products.” When purchasing these processed items at a farmers market or store, you will likely be asked to sign a simple “acknowledgment of risk” form, which is a standard requirement under the current Arkansas Raw Milk Laws.
Safety & Standards: What to Look For
Arkansas does not require state inspection or licensing for “incidental” raw milk sales, which puts the responsibility of quality control on the relationship between the farmer and the consumer.
The Official Word (Arkansas Code § 20-59-248): “This product, sold for personal use and not for resale, is fresh whole milk that has NOT been pasteurized. Neither this farm nor the milk sold by this farm has been inspected by the State of Arkansas. The consumer assumes all liability for health issues that may result from the consumption of this product.”
Findingrawmilk.com Quality Checklist
Since the state doesn’t inspect these farms, you should! Use this checklist when visiting an Arkansas dairy:
- RAWMI Listed: Check if the farm follows the Raw Milk Institute’s Common Standards.
- Lab Tested: Ask the farmer if they perform regular somatic cell counts or coliform tests.
- A2/A2: Many Arkansas producers focus on heritage breeds like Jersey cows for their A2/A2 protein profiles.
- Barn Inspection: Under Arkansas law, farmers must permit you to inspect their cows and barns upon your request.
Important Consumer Tips for Arkansas Residents
- Pack a Cooler: Arkansas summers are no joke. Always bring a high-quality cooler with ice packs to keep your milk at a steady 40°F during the drive home.
- Ask About the Bottles: Some farms use Glass Bottles and require a bottle deposit, while others use BPA-free plastic. It’s always a good idea to ask if you should “Bring your own jar.”
- Check the Signage: Look for the mandatory 18″ x 24″ warning sign at the point of sale; it should clearly list the farm’s contact information.
Official Government Resources
- Arkansas Department of Agriculture: The primary agency overseeing livestock and dairy in the state (https://agriculture.arkansas.gov/).
- Arkansas Code § 20-59-248: The full text of the statutes governing unpasteurized milk sales (https://arkleg.state.ar.us/).
Arkansas Raw Milk FAQ
Can I buy raw milk in a regular grocery store?
No. While “natural food stores” are permitted to sell it, mainstream supermarket chains typically do not carry raw dairy due to internal corporate policies and the specific labeling requirements of Arkansas Raw Milk Laws.
Is there a limit on how much I can buy?
No. Recent updates to the law removed the previous 500-gallon monthly sales cap for farmers, meaning you can buy as much as you need for your household.
Are herd shares necessary in Arkansas?
Generally, no. Because direct sales, delivery, and even some retail sales are legal, most consumers find they don’t need to enter a herd share agreement to get milk in Arkansas.