Hannah and Daniel Neeleman Address ‘Red-Hot, Controversial Topic’ of Raw Milk After Ballerina Farm Halts Sales

**Ballerina Farm Couple Clarifies Raw Milk Sales Suspension Amid Bacteria Concerns**

Hannah and Daniel Neeleman, the owners of Ballerina Farm, have recently addressed public speculation regarding their decision to halt sales of raw milk products. The couple, parents to eight children, emphasised that their choice was driven by business considerations rather than safety issues.

In a YouTube video released on February 22, the Neelemans aimed to clarify misunderstandings surrounding their raw milk operations. Their remarks come in the wake of a KPCW report that revealed health inspectors had identified two violations during routine testing of their milk in the summer months. According to records from the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF), elevated levels of coliform bacteria, which can include harmful strains such as E. coli, were detected in the raw milk from Ballerina Farm.

The couple refrained from attributing the suspension of raw milk sales to these testing results. In response to recent media coverage, Hannah took to social media earlier in February, asserting that their raw milk wasn’t “shut down” or “recalled.” She clarified that the decision to pause sales was purely a “business decision,” citing economic factors that made the raw milk operation less sustainable compared to other products offered by their farm.

As part of their business model, Ballerina Farm also provides frozen meat, pantry items, kitchenware, and baking goods through both online sales and physical stores. Hannah articulated that the logistics and extensive regulations surrounding raw milk require a focused approach that their current team could not sustain alongside their other product lines.

In the video, which has garnered significant attention, Hannah stated, “With our small team, we realised that we needed to focus either on pasteurised milk products or raw milk, given the intense legwork associated with the regulations surrounding raw milk.” She communicated their intention to concentrate on pasteurised products for the time being, while still expressing interest in eventually reintroducing raw milk sales.

The couple firmly maintained that their raw milk had never posed a safety risk to consumers, reiterating that there have been no reports of illness linked to their products. Daniel made it clear that while farming inherently comes with the possibility of imperfect batches, rigorous testing ensures that only safe products reach customers. “Every farmer has batches that are not fit for human consumption, but due to testing, customers are protected,” he explained.

In a follow-up statement, Daniel acknowledged the need for a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in producing unpasteurised dairy products. He shared insights about the infrastructure and careful planning required, expressing that their current facility was better suited for pasteurised dairy. “We do plan in the future to build a second dairy specifically for raw milk products,” he noted, adding that all raw milk sold from their stand undergoes stringent daily testing.

Concerns about his earlier comments were also addressed by Daniel, who clarified allegations that they had only recently realised the proper requirements for raw milk dairy setups. He stressed that the dairy they constructed is exemplary for pasteurised milk, but acknowledged that raw milk necessitates a distinct configuration.

The couple noted that the subject of raw milk evokes substantial debate and attention, particularly considering Hannah’s significant online following. Daniel commented on the sensational nature of discussions surrounding raw milk, stating, “I think raw milk is a super red-hot, controversial topic.” The synergy of their business’s online presence with this contentious subject matter seems to have magnified public interest.

Hannah concluded the video by expressing surprise at the extensive media coverage regarding their suspended raw milk sales, particularly since the decision had been made months prior to the reports. Both she and Daniel admitted that they are gradually acclimating to the public scrutiny that comes with their growing online presence and business operations, whether or not it accurately reflects their reality.

As the dialogue around Ballerina Farm and its raw milk products continues, the Neelemans remain focused on their broader business objectives while navigating the complexities of dairy production and consumer safety.