Yes, raw milk sales are permitted in Wisconsin under strict conditions.
Raw milk is legal in Wisconsin but only through licensed herd-share agreements or on-farm sales, with Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) oversight. Recent 2026 compliance shifts require additional pathogen testing and labeling disclosures for herd-share programs, reflecting heightened public health scrutiny.
Key Regulations for Raw Milk in Wisconsin
- Herd-Share Exemption: Raw milk may only be distributed via herd-share agreements where consumers own a share of the dairy herd, as defined under Wis. Stat. § 97.24(3). Shares must be documented, and milk distribution is restricted to shareholders only.
- On-Farm Sales: Direct sales from licensed farms are permitted, but must occur at the farm site; off-site delivery or retail distribution is prohibited. DATCP conducts unannounced inspections to verify compliance with sanitation and cooling standards.
- Testing & Labeling: Raw milk must undergo quarterly bacterial and pathogen testing (e.g., E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria). Labels must include the statement: “This product has not been pasteurized and may contain harmful bacteria,” along with the producer’s name and license number.