STORY: After decades of producing dairy, this British farm now charges visitors to cuddle cows instead.
Yorkshire’s Dumble Farm, which had produced milk since the 1970s, made the switch after seeing too many years of floods washing out crops and killing off the cows’ food.
As well as milk prices coming in lower than production costs.
And its co-owner Fiona Wilson said the pressures were “unsustainable.”
“Most farmers are definitely now having to diversify and do something else. There just really isn’t any money in farming.”
So in 2022, the farm began offering “cow cuddling” experiences to fund a wildlife conservation scheme.
For around $127, visitors can cuddle, brush and stroke these cows – and go on a safari to see Highland cattle.
Emma Hutton took an almost five hour drive to do just that.
“It’s been so worth it, just to get so close to the cows and they are so loving and gentle and that has been the most incredible experience.”
Farmer James McCune said it took over a year to train the cows to feel comfortable with cuddling – but now they’re fully adjusted.
“They like being pampered. They’re like big dogs, really, they like the attention. We call it a cow cuddling, it’s more of a spa day for the cows.”
Agriculture is one of the sectors worst affected by climate change…
…with European farmers seeing increased heat, drought and floods.
And after being hit too many times, this farm uses proceeds from its new business to protect wildlife and support declining species like lapwing birds.
This, Wilson said, is their way of looking at the bigger picture.
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