Farmer goes to court over raw milk

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A southern Wisconsin farmer is free on a signature bond after he appeared in court for not having state licenses at the dairy where he sells raw milk.

State agriculture officials have tried for some time to get Vernon Hershberger of Loganville to stop selling unpasteurized milk. He faces four misdemeanor charges in Sauk County of not being licensed for a dairy plant, a milk producer, and a retail eatery. He's also charged with violating state food holding orders.

He says no licenses exist to let him sell raw milk, and that's why he doesn't have them. In 2010, former Governor Jim Doyle vetoed a bill that would have legalized raw milk sales.

Supporters say raw milk is healthier than the pasteurized product. But opponents say drinking raw milk increases the risk of getting salmonella or E-coli bacteria -- and just one case could threaten Wisconsin's worldwide reputation as America's Dairyland.

Hershberger has not entered pleas to his new charges. He's due back in court January 30th.

Tags: agriculture, business, wisconsin