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First, a note to my readers who have been playing tag on the phone. The process of processing and selling raw milk in Pennsylvania begins with the Department of Agriculture issuing a raw milk permit. Contact the Department’s Food Safety and Inspection Services Office at 717-787-4315.
Ride the butter train again
I recently had the opportunity to speak with Jim Van Bracombe, a member of the Pennsylvania Milk Marketing Commission, about the dairy history of Bradford County. I consulted the Butter Train column and asked if anyone knew of a Butter Train that once traveled from Troy, Pennsylvania, to Annapolis, Maryland. I did a little research and provided the following information, courtesy of Joyce Tice.
In many communities in the Northeast, railroads were a great asset to the development of industries, including dairy. At the turn of the 19th century, butter was not the hot commodity it is today. In Bradford County, Pennsylvania, butter was fetching about 6 pence, or about 10 cents per pound, depending on the source.
Prices improved just before the Civil War, but there was a large increase during the war itself: by 1887, $500,000 worth of butter was shipped from Troy. This was a considerable amount at the time. The farmer used his two shippers, He Redington, Maxell & Leonard in New York and He Newbury & Park in Philadelphia.
The shipper prepared all the butter received, weighed, inspected and labeled with the name of the producer. It is worth noting here that in 1909 Troy’s butter was contracted as his 100% of the butter to be used at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis.
Pennsylvania’s dairy history always amazes me. I intend to further investigate the relationship between Troy and Annapolis. stand by.
About plant-based beverages
Now that we’ve shared a fascinating piece of butter’s history, I’d like to return to a more recent topic. I received an email complaining about the non-dairy drinks being served.
The criticism was not harsh, and they were asked to provide some information to the public when Santa and the Elves utilize treats during their current deliveries. The thing is helpful for the Christmas crew as it makes non-dairy available for lactose intolerant reindeer and elves.
The suggestion was to put a sign by the glass if it wasn’t dairy. That way Santa can legitimately distribute it.
Of course, it was also highlighted that lactose-free milk drinks are readily available at all Pennsylvania retailers.
I have certainly presented this kind of information before. We at the Milk Marketing Commission are not indifferent to those who need or prefer plant-based beverages. Our job is to promote the dairy industry and we believe that milk is nature’s most perfect food. I know I need to add stuff (we’re talking real milk here).
Research on minimum pricing for milk
On a separate note, I shared in a recent column that I will be conducting a research project on minimum pricing for milk. This is a topic that generates a lot of questions.I hope all the necessary and bureaucratic requirements can be met soon to move this project forward. I would like to know the impact of the minimum pricing system for milk and if there are ways to improve it.
I’m mentioning this again because I discussed it with the public at the Pennsylvania Farm Show booth. The conversation relates to the volatility of milk prices and why prices are sometimes so high.
Consumers in Pennsylvania now understand that our system is based on the cost of purchasing milk from farmers, processing and storing it, and transporting it to retailers for display and sale. This is important. Every party in this chain makes an exorbitant profit from milk.
As I’ve pointed out in several columns, someone is losing money if they buy milk cheaper in another state than in Pennsylvania. Perhaps it is the retailer that uses milk as a loss leader to draw consumers to its store. Most retailers have technology to track what milk buyers have purchased besides milk.
We look forward to sharing the results of our research projects with you. The board and staff support high quality research on all aspects of the dairy industry.
PMMB is also available to respond to questions and concerns. I can call 717-210-8244 or email chardBarge@pa.gov.
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