Is Raw Milk Sales Legal in Minnesota? (2026)

RESTRICTED
Confidence: High

Partially — Raw Milk Sales are legal with restrictions in Minnesota as of 2026.

Key Restriction
Possession allowed if obtained through herd-share agreements
Penalty
Misdemeanor
Last Updated
2026-03-25
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Quick Answer

Minnesota permits the sale of raw milk only through herd-share programs and prohibits retail sales. Minnesota Statutes Section 31.845 prohibits the sale of raw milk for direct human consumption but allows herd-share agreements.

What the Law Says

Minnesota law restricts the sale of raw milk for human consumption to on-farm sales where the customer brings their own container. The law also allows for herd share agreements.

Minnesota Statutes § 31.845
Category Details
Personal Consumption Possession allowed if obtained through herd-share agreements.
Retail & Farm Sale Retail sale of raw milk is illegal; herd-share sales are allowed.
Penalties Violations can result in fines and misdemeanor charges under Minn. Stat. § 31.845.
Age Restriction None
Pending Legislation None known
Recent Changes

No significant changes since the on-farm sales law was passed in 1949.

Enforcement Reality

Minnesota allows for the on-farm sale of raw milk. Enforcement is focused on ensuring that sales are direct to the consumer and not in retail stores.

Charge Level
Misdemeanor
Enforcement Likelihood
Low for on-farm sales, high for retail sales
Common Triggers
Retail sale of raw milk
Common Mistakes

A common mistake is assuming that raw milk can be purchased anywhere. It is only legal to purchase it directly from the farm where it was produced.

Local Exceptions

None identified. State law applies uniformly across Minnesota. Local ordinances may still vary — check with your city or county government for any additional rules.

Bottom Line

Raw Milk Sales are legal with restrictions in Minnesota. This product is permitted, but specific conditions apply. Violating those conditions can result in fines or criminal charges. Read the rules carefully and consult an attorney if unsure.

Minnesota vs. the Rest of the US

Across the US, buying raw milk is fully legal in 2 states, restricted in 26, and illegal in 22. Minnesota falls in the RESTRICTED category.

View the full 50-state map →

Neighboring States

Laws change at state lines. Here is how bordering states compare on Raw Milk Sales:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to buy Raw Milk Sales in Minnesota?
Partially — Raw Milk Sales are legal with restrictions in Minnesota as of 2026. Minnesota permits the sale of raw milk only through herd-share programs and prohibits retail sales. Minnesota Statutes Section 31.845 prohibits the sale of raw milk for direct human consumption but allows herd-share agreements.
What are the restrictions on buying raw milk in Minnesota?
Possession allowed if obtained through herd-share agreements.. Retail sale of raw milk is illegal; herd-share sales are allowed.
What mistakes do people make with buying raw milk in Minnesota?
A common mistake is assuming that raw milk can be purchased anywhere. It is only legal to purchase it directly from the farm where it was produced.

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EH
Ethan Harper Independent Legal Researcher

Reviewed by cross-referencing the cited state statute against current legislative databases and regulatory publications.

Last reviewed: 2026-03-25 Method: Statute cross-reference

Sources & Verification

1.
Primary Citation
2.
Statute Summary
Minnesota law restricts the sale of raw milk for human consumption to on-farm sales where the customer brings their own container. The law also allows for herd share agreements.
Verified: 2026-03-25 Reviewed by: Ethan Harper Method: Statute cross-reference Confidence: High

This page was reviewed by Ethan Harper by comparing the legal status against the cited state statute. AllowedHere is an informational resource and does not provide legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.

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