As a teen with celiac disease, I have become increasingly conscious of the foods I consume. Not only does this awareness include gluten-free products, but also includes the types of milk we drink. The Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH) is a genetically engineered hormone injected into cows in order to increase milk production. Many companies continue to use rBGH, even though groups have begun to take notice of the adverse effects of the hormone. The Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone has been shown to stimulate increased production of the Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF-I), a hormone in humans that promotes childhood growth and also plays a role in adult metabolism. Date has also emerged that shows correlations between increased levels of the Insulin-like Growth factor and cancers. For example, IFG-I has been shown to serve as a mitogen for prostate cells, and unchecked cell growth results in cancer.
These larger companies not only add unnecessary chemicals to their milk, but mistreat the cows as well. Cows are kept in large facilities with little space and grazing areas. Conditions are often unclean, and it is fairly easy for a sick cow to continue to give milk, even though she should be quarantined.
Local economies are damaged as well. Small dairy farmers lose business and are unable to keep their farms running.
Hudson Valley Fresh is a local, profit-free milk cooperative. The company receives their milk from less than ten dairy families. There is no mixing of the milk, and the company assures its customers that no antibiotics or hormones are added. Furthermore, Hudson Valley Fresh promotes the local economy, as each cow brings $15,000 into the economy each year.
With the help of Arlington High School's principal, Dr. Lyons, I am trying to collaborate with the kitchen management. We hope to institure the sale of Hudson Valley Fresh by next year.
Last Wednesday I visited Plankenhorn Farms, a local dairy farm run by Dr. Sam Simon, one of the founders of Hudson Valley Fresh.
