Hotline Blotter & Legal Roundup: April 2026

Q1 was a busy one for the FTCLDF legal hotline. Our team assisted members across the country facing inspections, regulatory pressure, and questions about herd share agreements. Here is a summary of matters handled by our legal team between January 1 and March 31, 2026.

Idaho: Both Idaho and California raised concerns about the vaccination status of a cow a member had moved across state lines to their new home in Idaho. The member understood that all necessary requirements had been met in advance and sought guidance in resolving the matter.

Virginia: In advance of a town zoning meeting, a member asked for help interpreting the decision issued on her appeal of a zoning citation related to livestock density rules, her plan to construct a commercial kitchen, and other concerns raised by her town. We reviewed the decision with her and helped her prepare for the meeting.

Kentucky: Several members contacted us about visits from the department of health regarding raw milk for pet food sales. Officials indicated they were enforcing a “new interpretation” of existing requirements that prevented those sales in retail settings. We are working with the members and the state to make sure the law is being properly applied.

North Dakota: A member called immediately after an inspector visited and raised concerns about non-USDA inspected meat sales. Guidance was provided and we offered to prepare animal share agreements for any non-USDA meat the member planned to distribute going forward.

California: Members called about a letter they received from the state raising concerns about raw milk sales. However, the members are operating a herd share and not selling milk. We are helping them make sure their herd share agreements are in order before addressing the state’s concerns.

Tennessee: A member was contacted by the department of health about reports of illnesses potentially associated with milk from her dairy. After going through the process of inspections and testing, she was able to re-open after receiving clear test results.

Alabama: A member called seeking advice on how to handle a possible upcoming inspection relative to her raw milk operations. We provided guidance on how best to handle the visit.

Mississippi: A member for whom we prepared a raw milk herd share agreement reported that she received a courtesy visit from a health department inspector who advised her that herd shares are illegal in the state and advised her to stop. We offered guidance should he return and shared our belief that herd shares are not prohibited.

Kansas: A member received an email from the department of health raising questions about raw milk herd shares available for pick up by herd share customers at a local health store. After guidance from our team, it turned out that drop offs are allowed under certain conditions and the state’s only real concern was whether the milk was properly labeled. The matter was resolved satisfactorily.