Howard's professional trajectory has been forever intertwined with a particular television appearance that has garnered significant attention and notoriety, specifically his appearance on the esteemed and widely popular program "The Oprah Winfrey Show".
It was during this program that Howard made certain comments regarding the topic of mad cow disease, which subsequently sparked a lawsuit from an irate cattle rancher. This legal action, which was undoubtedly a significant and dramatic development, ultimately resulted in a judicial determination in favor of Oprah Winfrey, thereby cementing Howard's connection to this memorable and controversy-laden episode in his career.
Howard's unwavering dedication to transforming the American food production system and redefining the connection between food, the environment, and humanity's well-being has been a longstanding and unrelenting crusade.
This profound commitment stems from a pivotal moment in Howard's life, when he converted his family farm into an intensive factory farm, heavily reliant on chemical pesticides and fertilizers, only to be struck by a tumor on his spine that left him paralyzed.
Following a successful surgical intervention, Howard made a solemn vow to dedicate his life to promoting environmentally sustainable agricultural policies and practices that would safeguard the delicate balance of our ecosystem, stimulate the economy, and prioritize human health.
Howard's tireless efforts to promote the welfare of family farmers have been a hallmark of his illustrious career, which has spanned numerous years of dedication to this noble cause. His association with the Montana Farmers Union has been a significant factor in his pursuit of this goal, as has his work as a lobbyist for the National Farmers Union, a role that has allowed him to utilize his exceptional communication skills to advocate on behalf of the organization's members.
During his five-year tenure on Capitol Hill, Howard was a formidable advocate for the interests of America's family farmers, employing his impressive knowledge of agricultural policy to shape the legislative agenda and ultimately contribute to the passage of the National Organic Standards Act, a landmark piece of legislation that has had a profound impact on the industry.
In addition to his impressive lobbying efforts, Howard has also ventured into electoral politics, running for Congress in Montana in 1982. Although he ultimately fell short of victory, narrowly losing to a six-term incumbent by less than 4%, his valiant effort serves as a testament to his unwavering commitment to public service and his unshakeable faith in the power of the democratic process to effect meaningful change.
Howard, a renowned figure in the realm of environmental activism, held the esteemed position of executive director for the International Beyond Beef Campaign, a groundbreaking initiative that galvanized an astonishing 2,400 teams comprising more than 10,000 individuals to disperse over 1,000,000 pieces of informative materials to consumers, thereby raising awareness about the significant impact of their dietary decisions.
Throughout his career, Howard has had the privilege of sharing his poignant message with a diverse array of audiences, ranging from small, intimate gatherings to massive crowds of over 25,000 people, as exemplified by his stirring presentation at the Earth Day celebration in Oakland, California, where he captivated the attention of thousands of individuals with his powerful words.
Howard has also co-authored a comprehensive book, titled "Mad Cowboy", alongside Glen Merzer, in which he passionately conveys his unshakeable conviction that a radiant and prosperous future for our children and grandchildren can only be secured by fostering a culture of consumer awareness and responsibility, where individuals deliberately choose to support and patronize producers who adopt harmonious and symbiotic relationships with nature, by embracing organic, sustainable, and humane farming practices that prioritize the well-being of the environment, animals, and human health.
