Following the acquittal of dairy farmer Vernon Hershberger on charges of selling raw milk from an unlicensed dairy farm, the state Department of Agriculture finds itself in a grey area. Ag Secretary Ben Brancel says it is too early to determine how this will affect activities at his department. “Internally we are going to start our process of reviewing our rules and regulations.”
Brancel says his office remains committed to food safety and to making sure the public receives wholesome products; and with that in mind, he has told inspectors to proceed as usual. He says they’ll “continue to follow the rules and regulations that we have on the books.”
As to whether the state pursues further action in the case, Brancel says that is up to the Attorney General. “This was a case that the Attorney General’s office handled in the courts and they’re the ones who will make a determination on what and if there are any further steps to it.”
Regarding the possibility of challenges for his inspectors as a result of this verdict, Brancel says, “I have no idea.” He says we have a great product in the state of Wisconsin and “we will continue to do our work.”
AUDIO: Jackie Johnson report 1:10
Thanks to Bob Meyer, Brownfield