The Regenaissance Podcast Chaz Self: The Raw Milk War in Wisconsin #125
Sep 16, 2026
Chaz Self, a first-generation Wisconsin dairy farmer and co-owner of Grassway Organics, discusses his raw milk legal battle with state regulators. He explores the collapse and consolidation of small dairies, grazing and regenerative agriculture, Farm Bureau politics, and polarization around food. The conversation also turns to AI, wireless cattle collars, farm data, automation, and farming as a spiritual responsibility.
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Create A Clear Legal Path For Raw Milk
- Chaz Self recommends pursuing a clear, common-sense legal pathway for raw milk rather than forcing farmers underground.
- He argues policymakers should distinguish carefully managed human-consumption milk from commodity milk intended for pasteurization.
Dairy Overproduction Keeps Farms On A Treadmill
- Dairy overproduction creates a cycle of excess milk, government subsidies, and farm failures.
- Chaz Self suggests reducing milking frequency before imposing complicated reforms, noting that twice-daily milking could substantially cut output.
More Milk From Fewer Wisconsin Farms
- Wisconsin now has far fewer dairy farms producing more milk, while concentrated manure and feed systems worsen water pollution.
- Chaz Self connects production growth with algae blooms, contaminated wells, and declining rural communities.
