From Cows to Cashews: The Decline of American Dairy Farms
Stephen Lewis
Stephen Lewis, a 4th generation dairy farmer located in Medusa, NY has sold his cows and recently retired. He discusses how his childhood and later livelihood revolved around Lewisdale Farm, and the impact of the rising soy and nut milk industries on his life. Stephen’s daughter, Emily Lewis, speaks on her involvement and asks her father questions about the future of the family farm.
From Cows to Cashews: The Decline of American Farms is an investigative podcast series aired on WRHU’s Getting To The Root. I began this project thinking milk was not that complicated, and the introduction of almond, soy and cashew milks just meant that consumers had more to pick from in the dairy aisle. However, I was very uneducated on just how broad the world of dairy and non-dairy milks has become and how they all impact the long-standing dairy industry. In this series, I spoke with Frank Daller; a soy milk consultant and co-founder of a non-profit implementing soy technology in developing nations who talks about all realms of the soy industry. I also have nutritional information from registered dietitian and certified nutritionist for Hofstra and Adelphi campuses Jessica Jaeger who discusses the health impact of these milks and how they have changed the dietary habits of those who are lactose intolerant. To gain further insight on this, I spoke with Kelly Mayberry, a journalist based on Long Island who has spent years struggling with lactose intolerance. Finally, I spoke with recently retired, generational dairy farmer Stephen Lewis from Upstate, NY who was forced to sell his cows due to low milk sales.
Listen to an expert talk about the whirlwind that is the soy industry, a nutritionist/dietitian discuss how different milks benefit you in different ways, the story of fighting lactose intolerance through medical confusion, and the tale of an American farmer’s threatened livelihood in From Cows To Cashews: The Decline of American Farms.
Visit Malnutrition Matters for more information on soya food technology instilled in developing nations by soy consultant and expert Frank Daller.
Listen to Stephen Lewis reminisce
on a gift from his daughter.
Lying in the fields and hills of Greene County in rural Upstate, NY is a plaque dedicated to the longevity of the farm, and its ability to withstand generations.