Brushing and “cow cuddling” session at Dumble Farm, November 29, 2023 in Arram, in the north-east of England (AFP/Oli SCARFF)
If visitors to Dumble Farm in the north of England come from far and wide, it is not to buy milk or cheese, but to cuddle Morag, an imposing Highland cow, and her companions .
Fiona Wilson and her colleagues at the farm began offering cuddle sessions with their cows in February, when it became clear that their economic woes were not going away any time soon.
“Cow cuddle” session at Dumble Farm, November 29, 2023 in Arram, northeast England (AFP/Oli SCARFF)
“Some people like contact with dogs, cats or horses. Others prefer to be with cows,” Fiona Wilson told AFP. “People come for their well-being. Being in the company of animals relieves anxiety, it’s almost like therapy.”
Selfie and “cow cuddle” session at Dumble Farm, November 29, 2023 in Arram, northeast England (AFP/Oli SCARFF)
Like so many other farmers, the owners of Dumble Farm, near Beverley, east Yorkshire, have been hit hard by the sharp fall in milk prices and, more recently, high inflation.
In just a few decades, tens of thousands of breeders have left the sector.
According to a report from the House of Commons Library, there were 196,000 dairy farms in the UK in 1950. By 1995, there were only 35,700 left.
“Cow cuddle” session at Dumble Farm, November 29, 2023 in Arram, northeast England (AFP/Oli SCARFF)
Falling milk prices and rising costs of energy, fuel, feed and fertilizer since the outbreak of war in Ukraine in February 2022 have sealed the fate of many others.
According to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, which represents farmers, there were only 7,500 dairy farmers left in Britain by October 2023.
– Of “placid and friendly nature” –
Dumble Farm has, in addition, faced flooding six times in seven years, often leaving the farm underwater for months.
“Cow cuddle” session at Dumble Farm, November 29, 2023 in Arram, northeast England (AFP/Oli SCARFF)
Fiona Wilson and her partners, including her husband and brother, worked 14-hour days, all year round, but were losing money.
“It’s not possible to live like this,” she emphasizes. “There was no future. We weren’t going anywhere.”
In January 2022, they decided to diversify their activities and sold their herd, except for five cows which they could not bring themselves to abandon.
“They really were our friends, with their placid and friendly nature,” says Fiona Wilson.
Brushing and “cow cuddling” session at Dumble Farm, November 29, 2023 in Arram, in the north-east of England (AFP/Oli SCARFF)
“So we thought maybe we could try to start some cow cuddling sessions, just to make a little more money, (…) and also to get people interested in what we’re doing here.”
The farm prepared the cows for months before inviting customers to come pet them. The cows seemed happy in their new activity.
“They are curious animals. They are interested in the people who come to see them,” assures Fiona Wilson.
Steven Clews (d) takes part in a ‘cow cuddle’ session at Dumble Farm on November 29, 2023 in Arram, north-east England (AFP/Oli SCARFF)
The experience, which also includes educational activities on sustainable agriculture, attracts couples, families and cow lovers from across the country.
It was a success: slots are reserved months in advance, for a price of 50 pounds sterling (58.30 euros) per person.
Inside the barn, the dozing cows seem delighted to have their chins scratched and their coats brushed by visitors.
Steven Clews treated his wife, who loves Highland cows, to a session. He also benefited from the experience.
“I love all animals, especially cuddly ones. So being able to cuddle a big cow is really cool,” he rejoices.
Emma Clews caresses a young Highland cow during a “cow cuddle” session at Dumble Farm on November 29, 2023 in Arram, northeast England (AFP/Oli SCARFF)
“They are so easy to brush,” enthuses his wife, Emma Clews. “I didn’t think I would find it so relaxing.”
At the end of the session, Morag, with her long caramel-colored hair, raises her head to the sky, looking satisfied, eliciting smiles and purrs of pleasure from her visitors.
© 2023 AFP
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