06/02/2026
Our May milk test results came back, Somatic cell count: 18,000 cells per milliliter.
If that number doesn't mean anything to you yet, here's the context. Somatic cells are cells naturally present in milk. Every dairy herd has them. The state of Minnesota allows up to 750,000 per milliliter for Grade A milk. The industry considers anything under 200,000 to be good quality. Under 100,000 is considered excellent.
We came in at 18,000. That is 2.4% of the allowable limit.
Low somatic cell count tells you a few things. It means the cows are healthy, no udder inflammation, no mastitis. It means the milk is clean at the source. And it means better flavor and longer shelf life, because the enzymes that come with higher counts are what break down milk fat and protein over time.
This is what a micro-dairy looks like in practice. We know these cows by name. We don't need technology to tell us when the cows are off. Fresh air, green grass, and a relationship with the farmer is what our cows need.
Support us on Thursdays Deerwood Farmers Market Co-op or Saturdays Aitkin Farmer’s Market!
