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Michael Schmidt Clear of Raw Milk Charges

Friday, 22 January 2010 09:29 PaulTN

Justice of the Peace acquits Ontario dairyman in raw milk case

pouring milk In what can be termed as a windfall for Canada's food-rights crusade, a Newmarket court has acquitted the Ontario dairyman Michael Schmidt, dismissing a line up of raw-milk-related charges against him.

The decision by Justice of the Peace Paul Kowarsky astounded even the defendant himself, who was fighting the legal battle for the last 16 years, and facing 19 charges related to distribution of raw milk and cheeses and public health.

Upholding the Health Protection and Promotion Act and the Milk Act, the two legislations under which Schmidt was charged, Justice of the Peace Schmidt said that the verdict the case is based on the “cow-sharing” arrangement - between Schmidt and his raw dairy buffs - which is not a violation of the law.

The verdict said that Schmidt had basically distributed raw dairy products only to the joint-owners of cows – and these people knew very well that the milk they were consuming was raw - and not to the public in general.

Justice Kowarsky also noted that while selling, delivering or distributing un-pasteurized or un-sterilized milk or cream is legal, consuming such products is legal. The Justice further said that there was “no indication that the cows and milk were anything other than clean and hygienic. It is essential to note that no one ever became ill because of the consumption of the milk products.”

HT (TopUsNews)

Beta casein A1 and A2 in milk

Friday, 15 January 2010 00:09 Paul TN

Many have asked about the A2 protein benefits found in the milk of Guernsey cows, and other heritage breed cows. The following quote from the World Guernsey Cattle Federation gives a good overview of the research. Of course the book, The Devil's in the Milk is probably the definitive work on the subject to date. You can find a copy of it here.

"About 25-30% of the protein in cows’ milk is β-casein and it comes in several forms depending on the genetic makeup of the cows. One of the forms is called A1 β-casein and it has been suggested that it might cause or aggravate one type 1 diabetes (which is the type seen most commonly in children), heart disease, schizophrenia, and autism. The other main form of β-casein is called A2 and it has not been not been implicated in these diseases. The evidence to support the hypothesis that the A1/A2 composition of milk is a causative or protective factor in these diseases is reviewed in the report.
The strongest evidence is for type 1 diabetes and heart disease. The main study supporting a relationship with the type of milk consumed was a comparison of 20 countries. Those countries with the highest consumption of A1 β-casein had the highest rates of type 1 diabetes and heart disease. The relationship was very strong indeed, but these types of comparisons between countries can be difficult to interpret. There are many other factors that contribute to these diseases and the information is only averaged for the whole country’s population. There have been a few other human and animal studies which provide some limited support for the hypothesis. Further research, especially involving human trials, is needed before it can be said with confidence that the A1/A2 composition of milk is important in human health.
The evidence in relation to an effect of A1 β-casein on schizophrenia or autism is much less. Some individuals with autism seem to improve on special diets that are free of both casein and gluten.
The A1/A2hypothesis is both intriguing and potentially very important for population health if it is proved correct. It should be taken seriously and further research is needed. In addition, the appropriate government agencies have a responsibility to communicate the current state of evidence to the public, including the uncertainty about the evidence. Further public health actions, such as changing dietary advice or requiring labeling of milk products, are not considered to be warranted at this stage. Monitoring is also required to ensure that any claims made for A2 milk fall within the regulations for food claims.
Changing the dairy herds to more A2 producing cows is an option for the dairy and associated industries and these decisions will undoubtedly be made on a commercial basis. Changing dairy herds to more A2 producing cows may significantly improve public health, if the A1/A2 hypothesis is proved correct, and it is highly unlikely to do harm.
As a matter of individual choice, people may wish to reduce or remove A1 β-casein from their diet (or their children’s diet) as a precautionary measure. This may be particularly relevant for those individuals who have or are at risk of the diseases mentioned (type 1 diabetes, coronary heart disease, autism and schizophrenia). However, they should do so knowing that there is substantial uncertainty about the benefits of such an approach."

Last Updated on Friday, 15 January 2010 00:38

Fall Apple Order

Thursday, 17 September 2009 21:05 BethTN

Fall is rapidly approaching! Along with the cooler air...there's pumpkins, fall leaves and.....apples!

Vaughnshire Farm is one of the Fruit Co-op’s branch coordinators this year for the Fall Fruit Order! So that means if you live in our area, you can get bushels and bushels of yummy apples at a great price.

Here's the website where you can find out all the information about what apples and grapes are available and how to place your order online:

All Natural Foods Co-op Fruit Order

We will have an apple pickup day here on the farm near the end of October. Let me know if you are in the area and want more info about the fruit co-op.

apple2

Last Updated on Thursday, 17 September 2009 21:28

Order Your Winter Oranges and Grapefruit!!

Friday, 20 November 2009 18:54 BethTN

We will be participating in the winter orange and grapefruit order. The deadline for ordering oranges and grapefruits is December 10th, 2009.

Here is what you can choose from:

Rio Red Grapefruit, 48 count: $15

Rio Red Grapefruit, 40 count: $16

Rio Red Grapefruit, 36 count: $18

Oranges (easy peel, with seeds), 88 count: $16

Oranges (easy peel, with seeds), 72 count: $18

Navel Oranges (easy peel, no seeds), 88 count: $17

Navel Oranges (easy peel, no seeds), 72 count: $19

Organic Oranges (maybe seedless?), 72-88 count: $33

Organic Rio Red Grapefruit, 36-48 count: $37

You can order online here. Fruit comes in 40# boxes. The higher the count, the smaller the fruit. The lower count numbers will have larger sized fruit. To pick-up at our farm, you must choose, "Vaughnshire Farm", for the pickup location. All fruit picked up at our farm will be charged an additional $1 per box.