Week 3: Cuddling Cows

On a cold Saturday, I went to a dairy farm in Ravels (Belgium) that offers special cow cuddling sessions. The farm is still active and produces milk, but alongside this main activity, the farmer and his wife want to bridge the gap between farm-life and everyday people.

Upon arrival, we were given overalls and boots to put on. When in the stables, we heard all about numbers, legislation, and the hard work involved. I learned a lot, even though I am an engineer in biosciences and am not a complete layperson.

Afterwards, we were allowed to go into the stable to cuddle with the cows. How much fun that was for little Freia! Feeling the warmth of their bodies, and how calm they were. I could touch them, and even lean on them. However, some cows didn’t seem to feel like cuddling, as they just walked away.

The joy I felt from that experience lasted for more than a week.

The farmers are perfectly willing to give the tour in English, although their website is in Dutch:

https://www.koeknuffel.be/