Last week I had the opportunity to visit the Topsfield Fair in Topsfield, MA where I met with young students to give them a behind-the-scenes view of the life of cows. The students had great questions about what cows eat, do in their free time, and, of course, why they moo.

Cows are lovable but mysterious creatures for those who do not get to work with them everyday

Prior to the start of the fair, I met with Mark Duffy, the dairy farmer who operates Great Brook Farm in Carlisle, MA. He kindly shared some samples of the feed his cows eat. The students really enjoyed seeing (and sniffing!) hay, corn, and wheat grass up close.

The Topsfield Fair also offered students and other fair visitors an opportunity to see cows and observe a milking demonstration.

Waiting for the next milking demonstration

Cows resting at the Topsfield Fair

            Did you know that cows relax for up to 14 hours each day? I bet most humans would like that lifestyle! Or that the average dairy cow produces anywhere from six to eight gallons of milk per day? Cows are amazing creatures and learning about them is a lot of fun. The best way to learn more is to visit a working dairy farm. To find a farm in your area, visit http://mbtm.launchpaddev.com/your-local-farmers/.