Our mission is to defend the rights and viability of independent farmers and their consumers. Today, that mission compels us to speak out about Keely Farms Dairy, a licensed Florida family farm, which is being devastated by allegations from the Florida Department of Health (DOH). 

On August 4, 2025, the DOH issued a press release suggesting that local illnesses were “linked to” milk from Keely Farms Dairy’s livestock feed operations.  

However, the DOH has not served the farm with any notice of violation, conducted a site visit, collected or tested milk samples from the farm, or initiated any formal investigation. No evidence has been made public indicating that Keely Farms Dairy is responsible for these illnesses. To the knowledge of Keely Farms Dairy, the DOH has not investigated other potential causes of the recent illnesses. It does not appear that the DOH has conducted a thorough investigation and analysis. 

Despite this lack of due process, many have echoed the DOH’s allegations, damaging the farm’s reputation and business.  

Keely Farms Dairy operates legally, producing raw milk as livestock feed under licensure from the Florida Department of Agriculture. Its labeling is clear and approved, and at no point has the Florida Department of Agriculture raised concerns about the farm’s compliance with its license or practices. 

The importance of this case cannot be understated. Both FTCLDF and Keely Farms Dairy take reports of illness very seriously. But public health decisions must be based on evidence, investigation, and procedure.  

If the DOH truly believed there was a public health threat, it would act with urgency to test, investigate, and, if necessary, take lawful measures. That has not happened. Instead, the DOH made what appears to be unfounded allegations, and the circulation of these allegations is destroying the farm. 

We stand with Keely Farms Dairy in calling for fairness, due process, and a proper investigation. Independent farmers, ranchers, and food producers deserve nothing less.