Below is basic information about each lab. Please contact the individual labs to see what other tests they may offer, to ask questions, & confirm prices, before submitting samples.

Colorado State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory

As of September 23, 2019, CSU discontinued human health related tests on raw milk, which included the RMAC panel tests. They still offer animal health tests.

Microbial Research Inc. 2649 E. Mulberry #15 Ft. Collins, CO 80524 Contact: Don Bade 970-221-4695 970-221-0916 Fax lab@microbialresearch.com www.microbialresearch.com E-Coli O157:H7 $10 Salmonella $10 Listeria $25

Other testing is available. Discounted rates are available if at least 10 samples are received on the same day. For more info contact Alicia Perez 303-574-1274.

Warren Analytical Laboratory 650 “O” Street Greeley, Colorado 80631 970-475-0252 970-351-6648 FAX 1-800-945-6669 kates@warrenlab.com www.warrenlab.com Extensive testing available

Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) Bring samples to: 9775 E. 97th Pl. Milk Test Sample Shipping Kit at Cratek Supply

On-Farm Testing

In general, on-farm tests are reliable and accurate. RMAC supports the use of on-farm testing except for pathogen tests – we do not think it is a good idea to culture pathogens on the farm. But if you prefer to do your own tests or extra tests, you’ll need to purchase an incubator and bio-films. Results can be subjective from one farmer to the next, so RMAC would rather not use these in their comparative database but we would be happy to log your data each month.

Strategic Diagnostic has test systems that use a rapid reacting reagent test strip, which gives a plus (yes) or minus (no) result.

Litmus has a “Rapid B” test system that takes only 15 minutes to detect a group of pathogens.

RMAC Recommendations for Testing

RMAC has chosen to use Microbial Research Lab for its monthly tests. We are interested in collecting raw milk test data from the same lab because we want our data to hold up to scientific scrutiny, and to be reported from an independent source. All RMAC members will receive a substantial discount if they send their samples in on the same day.

We test SPC, Coliform, and the pathogens salmonella and e.coli 0157:H7. You can request other tests as well. Call for a current lab price list or if you have any questions or email us at info@rawmilkcolorado.org

The “Raw Milk Production Handbook”, by Tim Wightman, has a good overview of dairy herd management and milk testing. You will receive this free when you join as a producer, or you can order your own copy from RMAC ($6). We also provide /sell a consumer’s guide called “Safe Handling” by Peggy Beals, RN for $3.

Mail your request and a check, plus $1.50 for postage to:

RMAC Administrator 7960 W. 105th Pl. Westminster, CO 80021

Dr. Meg Cattell, DVM, has agreed to be RMAC’s “Herd Health and Milk Safety Advisor”.

Email Mcattell@aol.com or call 970-690-0571.

Dr. Page Dinsmore, DVM and Professor at CSU, also will do free one-on-one phone consultations if you have problems diagnosing test results.

If you have any questions, please call us at or email info@rawmilkcolorado.org.

LIABILITY WAIVER FOR ANALYSIS OF RAW MILK

The client understands that the tests were not designed to comply with the Standard Methods for the Examination of Milk Products, but were designed based upon standard microbiological techniques that are disclosed on the sample reporting form.

Microbial Research Incorporated expressly states that it makes no representation or warranty regarding the adequacy of the samples submitted for testing for any specific use or application, that being the determined responsibility of the sponsoring client. The client assumes liability of any people to whom the milk is distributed or sold.

Microbial Research Incorporated’s liability for any loss or damage resulting from its actions or failure to act shall not exceed the cost of the testing performed, and Microbial Research Incorporated shall not be liable for any incidental or consequential damages.

AGREED to by:________________________________ Date:__________________

Representative of ________________________________________

Unlike some states, raw milk shares in Colorado are legal, provided you go through the necessary steps.

Here is what you need to know.

If you are a new producer at RMAC please read the new producer info.

1). Read the statute below so that you know the requirements for raw milk shares.

2). Download the Dairy Registration to send to CDPHE Form, fill it out and send it in.

3). Contact RMAC so that we know you are good to go.

4). Download Herd Health and Farm Management Standards, Herd Health and Production Standards and the Microbial Research Liability waiver

We have made these easily available because you will need them on a regular basis.

Colorado Statute for Raw Milk Shares

Ch. 105 Health and Environment 365

Capital letters indicate new material added to existing statutes; dashes through words indicate deletions from existing statutes and such material not part of act. CHAPTER 105 _______________ HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT _______________

SENATE BILL 05-055 BY SENATOR(S) Johnson, Isgar, Entz, Hanna, Shaffer, Spence, Teck, Tupa, Williams, and Windels; also REPRESENTATIVE(S) Hodge, Larson, Lundberg, Plant, Coleman, Frangas, Madden, Penry, Schultheis, and Stafford.

AN ACT CONCERNING LIMITED DISTRIBUTION OF RAW MILK TO CONSUMERS WHO HAVE A CONSENSUAL OR CONTRACTUAL RELATIONSHIP WITH PRODUCERS.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Colorado: SECTION 1. Part 1 of article 5.5 of title 25, Colorado Revised Statutes, is amended BY THE ADDITION OF A NEW SECTION to read:

25-5.5-117. Raw milk. (1) THE ACQUISITION OF RAW MILK FROM COWS OR GOATS BY A CONSUMER FOR USE OR CONSUMPTION BY THE CONSUMER SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE THE SALE OF RAW MILK AND SHALL NOT BE PROHIBITED IF ALL OF THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS ARE MET:

(a) THE OWNER OF A COW, GOAT, COW SHARES, OR GOAT SHARES SHALL RECEIVE RAW MILK DIRECTLY FROM THE FARM OR DAIRY WHERE THE COW, GOAT, OR DAIRY HERD IS LOCATED AND THE FARM OR DAIRY IS REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION

(2) OF THIS SECTION. A PERSON WHO IS THE OWNER OF A COW SHARE OR GOAT SHARE IN A COW, GOAT, OR DAIRY HERD MAY RECEIVE RAW MILK ON BEHALF OF ANOTHER OWNER OF THE SAME COW, GOAT, OR DAIRY HERD. A PERSON WHO IS NOT AN OWNER OF A COW SHARE OR GOAT SHARE IN THE SAME COW, GOAT, OR DAIRY HERD SHALL NOT RECEIVE RAW MILK ON BEHALF OF THE OWNER OF A COW SHARE OR GOAT SHARE.

(b) THE MILK IS OBTAINED PURSUANT TO A COW SHARE OR A GOAT SHARE. A COW SHARE OR A GOAT SHARE IS AN UNDIVIDED INTEREST IN A COW, GOAT, OR HERD OF COWS OR GOATS, CREATED BY A WRITTEN CONTRACTUAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN A CONSUMER AND A FARMER THAT INCLUDES A LEGAL BILL OF SALE TO THE CONSUMER FOR AN INTEREST IN THE COW, GOAT, OR DAIRY HERD AND A BOARDING CONTRACT UNDER WHICH THE CONSUMER BOARDS THE COW, GOAT, OR DAIRY HERD IN WHICH THE CONSUMER HAS AN INTEREST WITH THE FARMER FOR CARE AND MILKING, AND

366 Health and Environment Ch. 105 UNDER WHICH THE CONSUMER IS ENTITLED TO RECEIVE A SHARE OF MILK FROM THE COW, GOAT, OR DAIRY HERD.

(c) A PROMINENT WARNING STATEMENT THAT THE MILK IS NOT PASTEURIZED IS DELIVERED TO THE CONSUMER WITH THE MILK OR IS DISPLAYED ON A LABEL AFFIXED TO THE MILK CONTAINER; AND

(d) INFORMATION DESCRIBING THE STANDARDS USED BY THE FARM OR DAIRY WITH RESPECT TO HERD HEALTH, AND IN THE PRODUCTION OF MILK FROM THE HERD, IS PROVIDED TO THE CONSUMER BY THE FARMER TOGETHER WITH RESULTS OF TESTS PERFORMED ON THE COWS OR GOATS THAT PRODUCED THE MILK, TESTS PERFORMED ON THE MILK, AND AN EXPLANATION OF THE TESTS AND TEST RESULTS.

(2) REGISTRATION OF A FARM OR DAIRY AS REQUIRED BY PARAGRAPH (a) OF SUBSECTION (1) OF THIS SECTION SHALL BE ACCOMPLISHED BY DELIVERING TO THE COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT A WRITTEN STATEMENT CONTAINING: (a) THE NAME OF THE FARMER, FARM, OR DAIRY; (b) A VALID, CURRENT ADDRESS OF THE FARMER, FARM, OR DAIRY; AND (c) A STATEMENT THAT RAW MILK IS BEING PRODUCED AT THE FARM OR DAIRY.

(3) RETAIL SALES OF RAW, UNPASTEURIZED MILK SHALL NOT BE ALLOWED. RESALE OF RAW MILK OBTAINED FROM A COW SHARE OR GOAT SHARE IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. RAW MILK THAT IS NOT INTENDED FOR PASTEURIZATION SHALL NOT BE SOLD TO, OR OFFERED FOR SALE AT, FARMERS’ MARKETS, EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS, HEALTH CARE FACILITIES, NURSING HOMES, GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS, OR ANY FOOD ESTABLISHMENT.

(4) NO PERSON WHO, AS A CONSUMER, OBTAINS RAW MILK IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS SECTION SHALL BE ENTITLED TO SELL OR REDISTRIBUTE THE MILK.

(5) NO PRODUCER OF RAW MILK SHALL PUBLISH ANY STATEMENT THAT IMPLIES APPROVAL OR ENDORSEMENT BY THE COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT.

SECTION 2. Safety clause. The general assembly hereby finds, determines, and declares that this act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety.

Approved: April 22, 2005