Dear Herd Share Members,

We recognize the growing concern surrounding avian flu following Governor Newsom’s recent declaration of a state of emergency. Our goal is to ensure that our actions are guided by accurate information rather than fear or misinformation.

As a private member organization, we operate under the terms of our Herd Share Agreement, which establishes a private contract between Bannister Oak Farms and our herd share members. Consequently, we are not subject to state laws or policies governing public operations. Nonetheless, we remain committed to providing the highest quality milk and are implementing all necessary safety measures to uphold this standard.

Here's What We Know:

It is our understanding that there is no scientific evidence to suggest that humans can contract the virus from drinking the raw milk of an infected animal.
The primary risk of infection is associated with direct contact with dairy animals or poultry birds.
We encourage our members to conduct independent research and stay informed. While we believe this issue has political dimensions, it’s important to approach information critically, as data can be presented to support various narratives.

Additional Resources:

Here are some helpful articles to aid your research: 

Weston A Price Foundation Article

Farm To Consumer Legal Defense Fund Article

Coleman Scientific Consulting Article

Finally, we want to remind you that your membership with Bannister Oak Farms is entirely within your control. Should you choose to pause or cancel your herd share, you can do so easily through your account at any time.

We are grateful for your trust and support as we navigate this situation together.

-Todd & Sherry Kruger

Bannister Oak Farms