WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and SportsA crowd comes out to support raw milk dairy farmer

A crowd comes out to support raw milk dairy farmer

MADISON (WKOW) -- He came off as a hero on the courthouse steps, but dairy farmer Vernon Hershberger was on his own when he represented himself in court.

"There is no proof of validity of the complaint so far," Herschberger said.

The state is prosecuting him for selling and producing milk and food without a licence, and continuing to do so after authorities told him to stop. His supporters say that he's being attacked for distributing raw, unpasteurized milk. They served the drink before Hershberger's Wednesday court appearance.

"Stand back. Be careful. Be careful if it gets on you," said Bruce Ridout, a supporter of Hershberger, as he drank some raw milk.

"It shouldn't be a crime to drink raw milk. For instance, I grew up drinking raw milk," said John Peck, the executive director of Family Farm Defenders. "I drink it everyday."

"When the government starts telling you what to eat what to drink, when they start trying to control that aspect of your life, they can expect pushback," said Margo Redmond, a Madison resident.

"It feels just overwhelming, overwhelming," said Hershberger. "That people would drive over three hours just to get here for me."

Selling raw milk to the general public is illegal in the state of Wisconsin, but Hershberger says he gives it away to paying members of his co-op. The state's case is about Hershberger running his businesses illegally.

"I wouldn't have anything against getting a license if they would have one for me but they haven't come up with one for me," said Hershberger.

The court allowed Hershberger to go home on a $500 dollar bond, but he had to go through the jail booking process.

"I object your honor," Herschberger said in court. 

He's also required to abide by the law.

"No sale of food without a food establishment license," said Assistant Attorney General Eric Defort. 

His supporters hope Hershberger continues his business as usual.

Hershberger faces four criminal counts, 2.5 years in prison and more than $13,000 dollars in fines.

He's due back in court on January 30. The court reminded him of his right to an attorney.