I once came from 425lbs to 235 in Eight months on a VLCD that revolved around Milk a lot. Also, Casein and Whey.

a few years later I was injured and spent some time in a wheelchair, eventually had surgeries and had to come from a state of atrophy and eventually to lifting incredible amounts of weight and running long distance, as well this time I was using Milk also Casien and Whey I went from 380 to 245 in about 9 months.

Now, I of course have used a lot of training regimens, strict observance of my nutritional and caloric restrictions and have consumed fish, veggies, vitamins and others BUT

BUT,

I tried and failed a lot of ideas before I used logic to return to a Milk filled diet. At one point I drank roughly a gallon a day and I found my bowels, mental state, physical condition all in prime shape. At this time people thought I was crazy and I was actually talked away from my own intuition and discoveries because of the false information I received regarding Milk and the dairy industry. I spent many years after dairy, while still being very healthy and overall happy, sensing that something was off. I even assumed I just aged through a physical part of my life. Too old to be so strong. Well. Eventually I decided to try milk again (maybe leaving that hippy girl helped And I will never leave it out again.

My muscles are firmer, my ability to control my weight is easier, my stomache is running smooth. Everything is a +1 with Milk.

Thanks again for the farmer and initial poster for taking the time to discuss these things. I personally by Conventionally Labeled Milk, from a local source due to the high costs of the Organics in store. I have never seen any appreciable difference other than taste. Often the taste of certain “Country” labeled brands seem off to me, but I have used them in a pinch with no ill effect.

Theodore

“It forces the cows to produce more milk, but that is not healthy for cows. When they are kept producing beyond their natural levels and cycles, their milk is less nutritious”
The cow naturally produces BST. BST only works when extra nutrients are available, being a protein hormone, it will only take nutrients that are being unused and allow for milk synthesis to occur. By giving rBST shots, cows are provided with supplemental bovine somatotropin (BST), and can thus utilize more nutrients for milk production rather than excrete them. So in fact, the milk will have the same nutrient content. If a cow is too skinny, giving her rBST will not have a negative effect on her as rBST only works when the nutrients are available. Yes, they are producing beyond their natural levels, but it does not adversely affect the cow or milk.

“They are more prone to infections, so the use of antibiotics increases.”
Incidence of illness is the same as non-BST herds. The Morrisville State College farm uses rBST and has lower sick rates than many of the non-rBST farms I know of (and I live in dairy country!). If we have a cow that freshens with a high body condition score (overweight), giving her a double dose of rBST will actually reduce incidence of antibiotic use as she will be able to get rid of the unused nutrients and not have problems such as ketosis or other illnesses.

“The cows’ lifespan is shortened by the use of this genetically engineered hormone, created by Monsanto.”
Cows treated with rBST live just as long as non-rBST cows. In the end, they all walk onto the beef truck just fine. Monsanto did not create rBST, the effects of rBST injections was discovered by scientists in the USSR in the 50′s. Cornell University began doing extensive testing on it in the 80′s, and Monsanto made it available on the market. rBST is the single most tested drug in the FDA, and has withstood such tests because it is safe for both cows and people.

“Enforcement of existing rules for organic pasture has increased, so some big factory farms pretending to produce organic milk are being forced to comply or lose their organic certification. This is good news for family farms who are taking care of their cows and their land the right way.”
I do like the pasture requirements for organic farms. But I know lots of conventional farms with pasture as well. 99% of farms are family farms, but that does not mean they aren’t “factory” farms as some call them. Just because they have a lot of animals, doesn’t mean we don’t take care of them. With large farms, we can have people who specialize in certain areas, which can have great benefits in caring for our cows. Nutritionists, feeders, herdsmen, milkers, crop managers, veterinarians, barn cleaners, calf raisers, mechanics, breeders, and many more are all devoted to animal care and do a great job at it. Many will hear of farms milking 3,000 cows. But remember, those farms are also working very hard to care for 3,000 milking cows plus 3,000 young stock and dry cows, with many employees to make it happen.

In the end, the choice is yours as the consumer. As a farmer, it’s my job to put cow care first. I am glad that so many of you are active in finding out how your milk is being produced, but remember, the people who devote their whole lives to farm work have learned from much experience and education. I myself am an animal science student. We spend many weeks in classes learning about dairy science, nutrition, breeding, calf raising, soil science, field crops, economics, and much more. We invite your input, but please value ours as well. Most cooperatives, even the big ones, are voting to abandon BST because of consumer input. Education is crucial, but remember to get both sides of the story. Documentaries can only cover so much in an hour or two. Talk to your farmers, they know a lot!

Enforcement of existing rules for organic pasture has increased, so some big factory farms pretending to produce organic milk are being forced to comply or lose their organic certification. This is good news for family farms who are taking care of their cows and their land the right way.

Thank you for caring where your milk comes from. I wish more people did!