Matthew Evans is a chef, farmer, author, food advocate and founder of Australia's Grounded Festival (coming up in April - tickets available at groundedaustralia.com.au).

Soils for Life is kicking off a new national program working with dairy farmers around the country (join our launch event in March, details via https://events.humanitix.com/dairy-profitability-and-resilience-through-diversity-and-soil-health), and we thought it was the perfect time to talk to Matthew about his most recent book, ‘Milk: The truth, the lies and the unbelievable story of the original superfood’.

We discuss some of the debates around dairy, including lactose intolerance, nutrition, and sustainability and how regenerative practices on farms can improve both soil and milk quality.

You’ll hear about:

• The biology of milk, and how evolution has designed milk to be the perfect food source for nourishing and protecting the young

• The history of humans drinking milk from other animals, and why it became so central to many cultures

• Health benefits of milk, from complex proteins to compounds that support immunity and brain health

• How plant diversity and soil health influence milk quality, including omega-3 / omega-6 ratios

• Comparing dairy versus milk alternatives

Links and resources:

• Grounded Festival 2026 described by Matthew

• Matthew’s book 'Milk The truth, the lies and the unbelievable story of the original superfood'

• The study on Regenerative farming enhances human health benefits of milk and yoghurt in New Zealand dairy systems, mentioned by Matthew

• Find our more about the Soils for Life Dairy Resilience Project