AMES — In response to questions from producers and industry surrounding the legislation signed by Gov. Kim Reynolds on May 11, the Dairy Extension Team at Iowa State University in collaboration with the Iowa State Dairy Association will present a webinar, “Raw Milk for Human Consumption: Issues to Consider,” on July 12 from 6 to 9 p.m. CDT.

This free webinar will be geared toward dairy producers and potential producers interested in the new rules surrounding raw milk sales in Iowa. Virtual attendees will learn about the new rules and regulations, hear from experts on how to manage raw milk risk, and discover best practices for sample collection of raw milk.

“There has been quite a bit of uncertainty and questions surrounding these new rules,” said Dr. Gail Carpenter, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Dairy Specialist. “Our goal is to provide producers with the most current information so that they can make informed decisions in light of this legislation.”

The following presenters will share information and answer questions from the audience:

• Sen. Jason Schultz, the District 6 Republican legislator who sponsored the bill, will outline his vision and reason for the legislation.

• Kitt Tovar, attorney and manager of the Beginning Farmer Center, will outline the liability for producers.

• Dr. Pat Gorden, DVM, Ph.D. (College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University), will discuss best practices for sample collection under the new rules.

• Mark McAfee, MaAfee Farms and Organic Pastures, USA’s largest raw milk dairy will share how he handles raw milk.

• Dr. Stephanie Clark, Iowa State University, will discuss the role of sanitation in producing raw milk.

• Dr. Larry Tranel & Fred Hall, ISU Extension and Outreach dairy specialists, will discuss their top three issues in managing a 10-cow dairy.

Interested producers and potential producers are encouraged to attend the free webinar live from 6 to 9 p.m. on July 12 by registering at least on hour prior to the program at https://go.iastate.edu/SIHLB6. For more information, contact the ISU Extension and Outreach Dairy Field Specialist in your area: in Northwest Iowa, Fred M. Hall, 712-737-4230 or [fredhall@iastate.edu]fredhall@iastate.edu; in Northeast Iowa, Jennifer Bentley, 563-382-2949 or [jbentley@iastate.edu]jbentley@iastate.edu; in East Central Iowa, Larry Tranel, 563-583-6496 or tranel@iastate.edu; in Ames, Dr. Gail Carpenter, 515-294-9085 or [ajcarpenter@iastate.edu%20]ajcarpenter@iastate.edu].