You Might Not Know These Secrets About Cows

Cows are full of surprises. Farmers who work with them every day know that beyond producing milk, cows have distinct personalities, a strong ability to adapt, and even an impact on the land around them. While most people see cows as peaceful animals that graze in the fields, farmers see firsthand just how unique these animals really are. Recently, we spoke to real dairy farmers to learn some lesser-known facts about cows.

1. Cows Have Unique Personalities

If you’ve ever spent time around cows, you may have noticed that no two are exactly alike. Farmers who work with them daily can tell you that cows have distinct personalities, just like people.

"Their intuition, and their distinct individualities," said Betsy from Hawthorne Valley. "I love watching a cow grow from her first lactation to her fifth or sixth, and seeing the same silly personality but with a calmer demeanor or more affection for her sisters or people."

2. Cows Can Handle the Cold—But Calves Need Extra Help

Adult cows are well-equipped for winter, growing thick, shaggy coats that insulate them from the cold. But young calves need some extra care in chilly weather.

"We ensure the well-being of our cattle during cold weather by blanketing the calves for warmth; however, the cows do not need to be blanketed," said a farmer from Cedar Knob Farms. According to a farmer from Harpersfield Cheese, "Calves get coats if it’s under 40 degrees.”

3. Cows Play a Key Role in Soil Health

One of the biggest misconceptions about cows is that they are harmful to the environment. In reality, when properly managed, dairy cows help regenerate soil health.

Betsy from Hawthorne Valley explains that in reality, "In the right relationship to the land and their diet, cattle can regenerate soil and sequester carbon with their manure."

4. Cow Manure Is The Dirtiest Job on a Dairy Farm

While most people assume milking is the messiest task, farmers will tell you otherwise.

"Dirtiest job- fixing the manure spreader chain when it breaks," said a farmer from Harpersfield Cheese. Another farmer from Cedar Knob Farms added, "On average cows produce 65-150 lbs of manure a day so this is a very large task!"

5. Cows Eat a Lot More Than You Think

Cows rely on a steady diet to stay healthy and produce milk, and farmers work year-round to ensure they have enough feed, whether that’s hay, baleage, or grain. Unpredictable weather can make it challenging to grow and store enough, making nutrition management a critical part of dairy farming.

"The biggest challenge of dairy farming is getting the summer weather to cooperate to get enough feed in for the rest of the year," said a farmer from Harpersfield Cheese.

"One of the primary challenges is ensuring the cows remain healthy and comfortable throughout unpredictable weather conditions, which is essential for maintaining both the quality and quantity of milk production," added a farmer from Cedar Knob Farms.

The More You Know

Cows are full of surprises, and dairy farmers know them better than anyone. Whether it’s their unique personalities or their role in soil health, these hardworking animals are far more interesting than they might seem at first glance.