Judge declines to punish raw milk farmer

Published 10:21 am Thursday, June 12, 2014

WORTHINGTON — A Minnesota judge won’t punish a farmer for selling raw milk and violating his parole.

Michael Hartmann pleaded guilty to selling unpasteurized milk in 2012 and was given probation. But he admitted in court that he continued to illegally sell raw milk.

Sibley County Assistant Attorney Don Lannoye prosecuted the case and is frustrated Hartmann won’t be penalized. Lannoye said it takes away all the meaning from the original plea agreement.

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State agriculture officials said other enforcement actions are pending against Hartmann but declined to give specifics.

The Minnesota Department of Health in 2010 found that Hartmann’s raw milk products sickened more than a dozen people.