Wisconsin Raw Milk Farmer Charged Criminally...
And his 5-day trial
A few years back, I was at a neighborhood kid’s birthday party. At some point in the conversation, knowing about my activism around raw milk, he asked about it. So I shared in some specificity about the government’s raids against small farms just for providing raw milk to people.
The gentleman who posed the questions, a government worker himself, had many more questions and he was appalled by the answers, wondering how he didn’t know these things were happening.
Frankly, all Americans could be rightfully outraged at the policies harming our farmers. But first, you need to know.
Most Americans don’t realize what’s happened to our dairy farms and farmers over the past 50-80 years, but most especially the past 20 years.
Yes, it gets….complicated.
Sure, at this point, many Americans realize that the FDA has a ludicrous position on raw milk, but far too few Americans know details or the actual history of how we got here. Including details about the armed raids against farmers, or the criminal charges brought against good, honest, hardworking farmers for the totally peaceful, normal act of providing raw milk to their community.
It was 12 years ago this week that many of us were preparing for Vernon Hershberger’s trial, on May 20, 2013.
The court allocated 5 whole days for the criminal trial of a peaceful farmer in the small, Baraboo, WI courthouse.
For any thinking American, the charges were laughable, including the charge of milking cows without a license.
But what unfolded that week in the WI courthouse was an incredible example of very ordinary Americans, acting in extraordinary ways.
The mindset changes that occurred as an outcome of that trial, are important to this day.
But what was the legal outcome?
Here’s the story. Audio version available for those who prefer audio. It’s a long one, but it says a lot about where we were and what we can do when we come together!
Vernon Hershberger: The 2013 Case of a Peaceful Farmer and a Wisconsin Court
A Courtroom or a Circus?
Liz, this was one of the most interesting stories I have read all year. No farmer should ever go through this type of ordeal ever again.
I had no idea of your total involvement and commitment you had for this cause. The sacrifices you undertook being at the trial must have taken a toll on you and your young children at the time.
Because of your previous experience and involvement in the farmer’s plight, the concerned citizens in Baraboo, Wisconsin, could not have been blessed with a better advocate for this trial.
When a community is informed and gets involved in their own welfare and their way of life, miracles can happen.
This was also a strong faith based community. Prayers and daily meditation were sustaining factors for the jury’s positive decision for this case..
Once again, I want to thank you for all you do helping others, and for your daily message that awakens the mind of those willing to accept the wisdom and knowledge you offer to all.
Raw Milk Mana, stay strong.
Sincerely,
Bob Gaines
Yes; I just commented in haste, sorry. I meant that what happened to Vernon Hershberger was despicable; "fresh food crimes," as one report puts it, jeez. He should never have been in that situation at all.