For years, Hawthorne Valley volunteers have groomed members of our dairy herd each winter. This simple yet important practice removes mud and manure and supports coat health. It also lets us notice each cow’s needs and creates space for relationships between cows and people that aren’t centered on production.

Now we’re extending the practice into the fall months and calling it the Cow Care Commons.

The Cow Care Commons is a participatory practice of collective attention. The cows themselves always guide grooming: they can (and do) move away, ask for more, or decide they’ve had enough. No previous cow experience is necessary, though comfort around large animals helps. We’ll introduce you to the herd, show you how and where cows like to be brushed, and help you begin paying attention to what they communicate.

Public grooming begins on October 15 and will take place at Hawthorne Valley Farm on the third Thursday of each month, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Space is limited to eight people per session, so register in advance with the form below and then complete this waiver. Afterward, we’ll have hot tea and time to talk together about what we noticed and experienced!

Questions? Contact Stacy.