Good Natured Family Farms - Farm Fresh Milk

(01/16/2009)

Unfortunately our original milk processor in Clarinda, IA had to shut its doors due to financial difficulties. However, our dairy producers wanted to continue to deliver the great tasting, natural farm fresh milk that you have come to love.

Our Dairy producers banded together to purchase a state of the art milk processing facility 10 minutes away from the dairy in Firth, NE. However, during the transition to the new equipment a problem developed with the shelf life of our milk.

The problem was caused by elevated Coliform bacteria levels. The type of coliform bacteria which shortened the self life are harmless bacteria and should not be confused with certain strains of food borne illness bacteria. It is important to understand that the milk was properly pasteurized and properly stored at the appropriate temperatures. Both of these things either kill or keep in check harmful bacteria.

The elevated coliform issue was resolved by a joint discovery effort by the Dairy staff, Nebraska Department of Agriculture, the University of Nebraska, and water specialists. Ultimately the issue was an inadequate soft water treatment system in the processing plant. The previous owners installed a soft water system intended for residential water use, therefore it cannot “keep up” with the water use on processing day.

Three things have been done to resolve this issue. First, a new, larger (commercial) water treatment system has been installed. Secondly, we have recalculated the appropriate amount of soap and sanitizer. Finally, we sanitize the pasteurizer several times on each processing day, a procedure not required by the State, but one which we believe adds another level of redundancy to ensure the highest quality of milk and safety for our customers.

The last process run (dated “sell by 02/03/2009") was tested by the State of Nebraska Department of Agriculture and concluded that we have eliminated the elevated coliform bacteria levels.

We sincerely apologize for any inconvience that may have been caused to you during our transition. Good Natured Family Farms places customer health and safety as our top priority.

If you have any question or concerns please do not hesitate to contact us.

To learn more about state testing click here.