Howard F. Lyman American farmer Date of Birth: 17.09.1938 Country: USA

1. Howard Lyman's Early Life and Education
2. A Life-Changing Experience
3. Transition to Organic Farming
4. Health Transformation and Animal Advocacy
5. Rise to Prominence on Oprah
6. Lawsuits and Legacy

Howard Lyman's Early Life and Education

Howard Lyman, a fourth-generation American farmer, was born into a dairy and cattle operation. He graduated from Montana State University in 1961 with a BS degree in general agriculture. After serving two years in the U.S. Army, he returned to farming, actively raising crops, cattle, and poultry.

A Life-Changing Experience

In 1979, Lyman was diagnosed with a spinal cord tumor, resulting in neurological impairments. Before surgery, neurosurgeons warned him of possible paralysis and a life confined to a wheelchair. This prompted Lyman to reflect on the meaning of life and make a promise: if his surgery was successful, he would return to traditional farming methods, free from chemicals.

Transition to Organic Farming

After a successful surgery, Lyman began transforming his land into an organic farm, defying the chemical-dependent U.S. agricultural establishment. He sold a portion of his farm and moved to Washington, D.C., in 1986 to pursue political and lobbying work for farmer cooperatives.

Health Transformation and Animal Advocacy

Around 1988, due to health reasons, Lyman became a vegetarian and noticed significant improvements in his well-being. A year prior, he became involved in the "mad cow disease" (BSE) crisis in the United Kingdom and Europe. In 1991, he adopted a vegan lifestyle.

Rise to Prominence on Oprah

Lyman gained widespread recognition in April 1996 when he appeared on Oprah Winfrey's popular talk show, where he discussed concerns about the use of cattle feed containing animal byproducts. His comments caused Oprah to give up hamburgers, leading to a decline in beef prices and losses for cattle ranchers and businesses.

Lawsuits and Legacy

The National Cattleman's Beef Association filed a lawsuit against Winfrey and Lyman, claiming their statements constituted defamation without scientific evidence. However, the court ruled in favor of the defendants, stating that Lyman's "inflammatory statements were based on accepted, verifiable facts and are not actionable under the First Amendment."

Lyman co-authored the book "Mad Cowboy" and served as President of EarthSave. He is currently President of Voice for a Viable Future, continuing his advocacy for sustainable agriculture, animal welfare, and human health.