One of the last farmers in Alamance County, North Carolina (between Greensboro and Durham), Randy Lewis has been farming his family’s fifth-generation dairy farm his entire life. The Ran-Lew Diary is known for allowing milk drinkers to enjoy milk “the way it used to be” — with cream on top.
Lewis’ work came to an abrupt halt on Sunday when he was attacked by a bull in his pasture. Suffering broken ribs, punctures in both lungs, and broken bones in his face, back, and collarbone, he was life-flighted to UNC Hospital.
But even when Lewis can’t work, the dairy still needs workers. Taylor Hayes, Ran-Lew Dairy’s milk plant operator, started a GoFundMe account to help ease the worry of expenses and labor needed to run Ran-Lew Dairy for one of the community’s cornerstones.
“We are reeling from the shock and worry for our friend. Not only are we impacted, but so is the farm,” wrote Hayes. “We are pulling together resources to cover Randy’s indefinite absence.”
On Tuesday, Christy Shi Day posted an update to the fundraiser saying that Lewis is still awaiting a five to six-hour surgery, but his body needs more time to settle.
The GoFundMe account has raised $118,456 of the $115,000 goal in just two days. It’s easy to see why.
Lewis hasn’t ever been afraid to share his dairy story
A few short years ago, Lewis took part in a documentary named The Last Barn Dance, which shares the story of the farm, small dairy farmers, and a community barn dance hosted by Lewis.
The community isn’t slowing down in sharing their support for Lewis
Tidewater Grain Company in Oriental, North Carolina, posted to its Facebook saying, “If you’ve ever talked to Randy about his farming philosophy or tasted RanLew’s real cream top milk or cooked with the dairy’s buttermilk, or enjoyed Randy’s chocolate milk, eggnog or soft serve ice cream or yogurt — you know how important Randy and RanLew Dairy are to N.C.’s local food, local farming landscape.”
Commissioner Pamela Tyler Thompson shared a video of Lewis to their campaign Facebook page saying, “The world desperately needs the Randy Lewis’ and their work ethic and integrity.”
“Farmer Randy Lewis was attacked by a bull in his pasture in Snow Camp Sunday morning. Such a sweet man who would do anything for anyone,” wrote Heather Guffee Burgiss.
“We love Randy and think the world of him. Please help however you can, thank you all,” shared Kitty Kinnin on Facebook.
The event, “With a Little Help from my Friends,” benefitting Randy Lewis will be held on May 12, 2023, at Maple View Farm Ice Cream. In the meantime, “Support your Local Farmer” shirts are also being sold, with all proceeds benefitting Randy and 10 percent of all sales.
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