Episode #193 with Mark McAfee, CEO of Raw Farm Dairy

Informed Dissent

Mark McAfee is a trailblazing leader in the raw dairy industry, celebrated for his decades-long contributions to public health, agriculture, and food safety. A Fresno County, California, resident, Mark is the founder and CEO of Raw Farm Dairy, the world’s largest brand of raw milk, offering a range of raw dairy products sold in over 500 stores in California and internationally. As a fifth-generation farmer, Mark has revolutionized the raw milk industry by pioneering cutting-edge food safety practices, including the Test & Hold program using BAX PCR technology to ensure pathogen-free products.

With a strong educational foundation in pre-medical studies and emergency medical services, Mark served as a paramedic for 16 years, responding to over 15,000 emergency calls and earning recognition as Fresno County Paramedic of the Year in 1994. His aviation expertise includes over 2,000 flight hours as a private pilot and mission pilot for Fresno LIGA’s Flying Doctors, supporting clinics in Mexico.

Mark’s dedication to raw milk advocacy led him to establish the Raw Milk Institute (RAWMI) in 2011, where he has trained and mentored more than 800 dairy farmers globally and certified dozens of dairies in the U.S. and Canada. His work with RAWMI has been documented in peer-reviewed journals and recognized by institutions like the UK Food Standards Agency. A sought-after speaker, Mark has delivered keynote addresses at over 180 conferences worldwide, including universities such as UCLA, Stanford, and Rutgers.

Beyond his professional achievements, Mark serves as Vice President of the California Dairy Campaign and California Farmers Union and is a delegate to the National Farmers Union. He has also been invited by the RFK transition team to advise the FDA on raw milk standards and policies.

Mark and his wife, Blaine, a retired RN with a Master of Science in Nursing, have been married for 43 years and are proud parents to Aaron, Kaleigh, and six grandchildren. Together, they continue to operate Raw Farm as a thriving family business, ensuring its legacy as a cornerstone of the raw dairy movement.
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