1912 Committed to Local Economy

If you’ve been wondering where you’re going to buy your next half gallon of raw milk, look no further. DeSmet raw milk is back on the shelves at 1912 Market in Grants. Though there has been no end to the controversy surrounding the sale and consumption of raw milk, it is legal in the state of New Mexico except in Bernalillo County where health conscious consumers are forced to travel to the village of Los Ranchos de Albuquerque or out to the DeSmet dairy in Bosque Farms. Kevin Branum, the owner/operator of 1912 Market has a close relationship with the DeSmet Farm. “In my previous life I was an agronomist with the USDA,” Branum said. He had the good fortune to work on the DeSmet farm and build a relationship with Mike DeSmet. “We’ve known each other on a personal level since 2015.” He was able to witness a clean and healthy dairy operation up close.

In an attempt to survive the competitive dairy business including feed, and water issues, DeSmet Farm now has a 50 half gallon minimum per order for retailers. That amount can be prohibitive to small, local stores like 1912, so Branum picks up milk when he’s in the area and even has some loyal customers who can do pickups for him. “When we get milk on the shelves, it’s only here for three to four days,” Branum said. “We have a local following.”

Though the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) state that there are no benefits from drinking raw milk that cannot be obtained from drinking pasteurized milk that is free from germs, many advocates like the Raw Milk Institute would argue that the biggest nutritional benefit to consuming raw milk is that it contains “essential nutrients, fats, proteins, anti-inflammatory and digestive enzymes, bioavailable vitamins and minerals. In addition, raw milk facilitates the production of lactase enzymes in the intestinal tract, allowing many people who are lactose intolerant, to digest raw milk with no problems.” Branum added: “Milk the way God intended it to be.” Branum believes in the product that he and his family consume. “The more we as humans alter anything, the further it gets from its purpose.” The heating process of pasteurization that is meant to kill bacteria in conventional milk products can also have the effect of killing everything else- the good and the bad.

“We really believe in local, high quality products. Ninety-five percent of our money stays local,” Branum said. Along with raw milk, 1912 also carries eggs and produce (in the summer) from Branum’s own farm and other local operations as well as pork from the South Valley of Albuquerque and local cattle. 1912 has also become the only spot in Cibola County for UPS drop offs. The former agronomist turned insurance salesman, farmer, and store owner believes in supporting the local economy. 1912 Market is located at 705 W. Santa Fe Avenue and shares space with Mt. Taylor Coffee Company.