Some cows are never forgotten

We don’t try to pick favourites, but most farmers will admit to having at least one cow in their herd that is extra special to them.

For me, that cow was #233, or Annabelle. We said good bye almost 2 years ago, but a part of me still misses her.

Let me tell you about Annabelle. She was the sweetest cow in our herd of 115 milking cows. She loved being cuddled and had the most endearing habit of hugging you with her neck when you stood at her shoulder. She’d turn her head back, wrap her neck around your chest, and rest her chin on your shoulder. A cow hug! Annabelle stayed on our farm for 11 years and she only got more affectionate with age.

As farmers, we hate to see our animals sick or suffering. It’s even harder when that animal is a special one. And one day when she was 9, Annabelle got sick. Off feed for half a day, and then she went down. Not anything any farmer wants to see, especially not unexpectedly in a favourite cow. But even though she was not feeling well, Annabelle still managed to show her love with her sweet hugs as I sat beside her anxiously, telling her I did not want to lose her. Thankfully after an intravenous administration of phosphorous Annabelle made a full recovery and was still as affectionate as always. When hubs sent me a pic of her standing and eating her hay after being down for the better part of two days, I’ll admit that I cried. My girl was going to make it and I was so SO glad.

Farmers enjoy spending time with their animals, caring for them, and yes, showering them with affection. When they suffer, we suffer. It took a long time to write about almost losing Annabelle, that fear and subsequent relief just too sharp and personal to share with the world. But I do know that it is so important for consumers to know how much our cows matter to us. Farming is more than the production of food. We don’t treat our animals like they are dollar signs or walking pieces of meat. We treat them with respect, and affection, and love while they live out their purpose. We provide them with all things necessary for a happy and healthy life, and in turn they provide us with life giving nourishment. It’s a beautifully symbiotic relationship, and it is a blessing and honour to live this life of hard work, passion, and love while caring for these beautiful creatures.

Don’t ever let an animal rights activist or organization convince you that farmers are cruel monsters only in it for the money. This post shows the opposite. Farmers are emotionally invested in their animals and their farms, and we farm BECAUSE we love our cows. Farmers care. Period.

Annabelle died in her sleep 2 years after this health scare. Two years of the sweetest cow hugs, two years of her gentle affection. I’m so glad we had that extra time with her!