Thoughts from a Farmer: Cows We Love

As the winter heads to a close, the farmers in the Maple Hill milk shed are spending the month tending to their herds, spending time with their families, and reflecting on the season while preparing for the next.  

‘Tis the season for favorite things. Of course, at Maple Hill that includes all things dairy– from the recipes we can make with our 100% grass fed products, to the gentle cows who make it all possible, to the rich, beautiful soil that makes our milk taste like no other. In anticipation of the upcoming spring, we asked one of our farmers to share some thoughts about her favorite cows– what they’re like, and what it’s like to raise them on open fields on the farm. We’re proud to share a little glimpse of the bonds between a farmer family and the animals they raise.

“Everyone has a favorite cow. Each cow has their own special personality, they are born that way. Many times we love a cow because she has a wonderful sassy personality as a calf, and we “adopt” that calf when she’s born, and spend extra time with her giving scratches and pets. That calf then loves getting extra attention. 

One benefit of making calves friendly is that when you move the groups of animals, if they decide not to really listen, at least you know that your friendly heifer will come over to you and the group will likely follow. 

One cow I remember specifically is named Fruit. She is one of my husband’s absolute favorite cows. We call her Fruit Loop. One of the aspects of her personality that caught my husband’s attention was the fact that she would come back to the parlor after being milked and just hang out and want attention. She was such a small sprightly jersey heifer and had a sweet open face and would walk right up to you and ask to be pet. She still is sweet and gentle and is just fun to have around.  

We name our cows based on the first letter of the dam’s name. Sometimes with a theme but often just by the first letter. So if we have a cow named Francine, we named her daughter Fruit. Our cow Star, we named her daughter Sun.”

With that, we close out 2024. Another year filled with delicious dairy, happy animals, devoted farmers, and a greener, healthier pasture. Thank you to our Maple Hill family, friends, and fans for making this all possible, and all worthwhile.