The Mad Cowboy

Dear Positive Eaters,

I want to introduce you to a man affectionately known as "The Mad Cowboy." His name is Howard Lyman and he was a fourth generation cattle farmer in Montana. He grew up on a small family farm and turned it into a full fledged "agribusiness" in the 1950's. In 1979 after almost thirty years working and running a factory farm he developed a tumor on his spine. This near death experience inspired him to begin practicing sustainable organic farming practices. Soon after this, he became a vegetarian and eventually a full fledged vegan.

He became an outspoken advocate for government regulation of factory farming. Howard earned his initial notoriety when he began to expose the connection between factory farming practices and their contribution the spread of Mad Cow Disease. He appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show in 1996 and after giving Oprah a run down on some of the egregious practices carried out in factory farms across the United States, Oprah exclaimed that she was never eating a hamburger again. Well, lo and behold it is actually a federal offense to speak out against the meat or dairy industry. Howard and Oprah ended up in court battle that lasted six years. They were both cleared of any criminal offenses.

He truly is one of the most incredible personalities I've ever come across. His passion and humor is touching and positive. He speaks with tremendous credence and compassion. Please take a moment to watch a couple of the videos I've embedded below and get to know Howard!





His book is Mad Cowboy and his website is www.madcowboy.com

Stay Positive,

Matthew