MEDIA ADVISORY
Victory Celebration August 17 Ice Cream provided by Castle Rock Organic Farms |
Jurors Who Acquitted Dairyman in Criminal Trial to Join in Ice Cream Social
What: Farmer Vernon Hershberger of Wisconsin, recently acquitted on 3 of 4 criminal charges for food distribution, will host a press conference on his farm regarding his appeal of the 4th charge. Members of the press are invited to attend. Jurors from his trial and members of the Grazin’ Acres farm club will attend.
When: Saturday, August 17, 2013 Press Conference 10:20-11:45 a.m. followed by ice cream social 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Grazin’ Acres Farm, South 6145 Highway 23, Loganville, WI 53943 [directions]
Who: Vernon Hershberger, Farmer; David Gumpert, author and blogger; Max Kane, founder of FarmMatch.com; Elizabeth Rich, attorney and FTCLDF vice president
Visuals: Raw milk ice cream, children with cones, farm scenery, dairy cows, jurors, Mothers and children, attorneys from the trial
Background: In January 2012 Vernon Hershberger was arraigned at the Sauk County Courthouse on four criminal misdemeanor charges for violations of the state food and dairy code. During his trial from May 20 to 25, 2013, the judge forbade mention of the term “raw milk,” he redacted many documents in Hershberger’s defense and even banned the defense from using the term “liberty.” At the conclusion of the trial, Hershberger was found not guilty on 3 of the 4 counts with a guilty verdict on the fourth count of violating a holding order. After the verdict, when the jury had a chance to read some of the articles about the trial, they sent letters to the judge asking for leniency on the sentencing. Several of the jurors have since become friends with Hershberger, including going to his farm and signing up for his buying club.
The Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund (FTCLDF) is defending Hershberger and filed an appeal on his one guilty verdict.
Background on the case: Vernon Hershberger or VernonHershberger.com
Previous Press Release about this case: Farmer Faces Jail for Feeding Community
For additional information on raw milk: realmilk.com and farmtoconsumer.org/map
CONTACT – Pete Kennedy, Esq., President, Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund
703-208-3276, [email protected]
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Outside the Al Ringling Theatre in Baraboo are Amy Salberg, Vernon Hershberger, Elizabeth Rich and Glenn Reynolds
Photo Credit: Cathy Raymond |
Vernon Hershberger has been a member of the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund almost since its inception. With the contentious nature of the case and the endless pre-trial hearings, the Fund’s expenses have been greater than first anticipated.
Attorneys Elizabeth Rich and Glenn Reynolds have worked long hours preparing Vernon’s defense. Thanks also to Attorneys Amy Salberg and Ajna Wilson who have provided many volunteer hours helping with the case. The Fund is not an insurance company and cannot guarantee representation on all legal matters; possible representation is just one of the benefits of membership.
Anyone wanting to make a contribution towards legal expenses can make a donation online or send a check to:
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FTCLDF
8116 Arlington Blvd, # 263
Falls Church, VA 22042
Prefer to make a tax-deductible donation? For details,
go to farmtoconsumer.org/PIL
Thanks for your support!
PRESS CONFERENCE – AUGUST 17, 2013
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