SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) — A couple facing a state lawsuit for distributing raw milk away from their family farm has lost their bid to have the suit dismissed.

The suit seeks to stop Armand and Teddi Bechard of Conway from using a central distribution point to sell raw milk to customers who pay in advance. The case was filed after the Bechard's daughters sold unprocessed milk to two undercover health inspectors in April 2009 in a parking lot.

The Bechard's attorney argued Friday that the law allows the family to sell raw milk from a distribution point. The state claims the law limits the sale of raw milk to directly from the Bechard's farm in western Laclede County.

The Springfield News-Leader reported that Greene County Circuit Judge Michael Cordonnier found there was insufficient evidence to toss the lawsuit.

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Information from: Springfield News-Leader, http://www.news-leader.com