Numbers vs. Names

As you meet the rest of our herd, you will notice that most of their ‘names’ are actually numbers. This is for many reasons, the quantity of cows that I have worked with in the past, ease of identification and record keeping are all factors but the most RESOUNDING reason that we know our cows by numbers is that early on in my agricultural career, I was told, “Don’t name them. The ones that get names are always the first to die.” It might be superstitious but that has always stuck with me. It reverberates through me every time the topic of naming livestock comes up. Now, that sounds extreme and it is, but the underlying message was important. Don’t get too emotionally attached to any one animal. They aren’t pets and sometimes we have to make difficult decisions about culling, some animals we care for, knowing that they will ultimately end up on our (and/or others) dinner plates, and sometimes animals DO get sick and despite our best efforts, we can’t always save them.

With that said, every dairy farm has a handful of cows that have earned names. If a farmer tells you otherwise, they are lying. Every farmer and farm worker has a favorite cow. I have one but I’ll never tell you which one it is!

Over time, despite my reservations, those around me have named a few of our critters anyway. Currently, we have an Abby, an AJ, a Jersey (yes, that’s her name) and most recently, a Lily. I am beginning to ease up on my stance because let’s be honest, I get attached to them regardless of the status of their name. However, I don’t know that I will ever fully embrace the practice!

Enjoy,
Brun Ko Farm