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Idaho reports steady raw‑milk participation; interstate sales remain restricted
Summary
State officials told the committee Idaho permits a statewide raw‑milk program with more than 160 participating dairies and requires registration and testing; federal law prohibits interstate sale of raw milk.
Dr. Scott Lively and Chanel Tewalt told the House Agricultural Affairs Committee that Idaho maintains a sizable raw‑milk program that the department regulates at the state level while federal law limits interstate commerce of raw milk.
State figures presented to the committee show 82 raw‑milk cattle dairies, 79 raw‑milk goat dairies and one raw‑milk sheep dairy; ISDA staff said the program ranks among the highest in the nation for participation. Tewalt described the program as a choice for consumers and said state rules require registration and some animal testing to reduce known risks.
The committee heard that federal law does not permit raw milk to be sold across state lines, so raw‑milk consumers must travel to Idaho to buy from a licensed in‑state producer. The department requires participating producers to register and to make certain animal‑health tests — Tewalt said producers are tested for tuberculosis and brucellosis when required — and the department conducts oversight.
Why it matters: Raw‑milk sales are a consumer preference issue with public‑health implications. Idaho officials said the program operates under state regulation and that the department takes a relatively light‑touch approach, while maintaining testing and registration requirements to manage disease risk.
Committee discussion: No policy changes were proposed in the meeting. Committee members asked clarifying questions; no motion or action followed the raw‑milk update.
Ending: ISDA staff said they will continue permitting and monitoring raw‑milk dairies and advised legislators to direct constituents to the department for up‑to‑date information on participating farms and safety protocols.
