Yes, believe it or not, today is Cow Appreciation Day.  And unless you’re in a business that involves cows, it’s probably a safe bet you don’t spend your free time thinking about cows. However, on this special day, let’s pause and give thanks to our bovine friends because as you’ll soon know, they do a lot for us humans.

Cows and the Economy

Did you know cows are good for the economy? They are.  In fact, one single dairy cow creates 4 full-time jobs in its local community. 

Got Milk?

Do they ever! There are almost 100,000 dairy cows in Virginia and milk is the state’s third largest commodity generating an estimated $960 million in economic activity in 2011. On average, a dairy cow produces the 5.6 – 8 gallons of milk in a single day. That’s enough to make 2 pounds of creamy butter and 4.9 pounds of cheese. 

Cows are like People

It’s true! It seems we have a lot in common with the cow.  First, we are both social creatures.  Cows and people make friends and like to run in the same ‘herd’.  Cows also make a point to avoid other cows when necessary.  Cows, just like human moms, carry their babies for 9 months before giving birth.  And one breed of cow, the Holstein, has spots that are the equivalent of human finger prints; no two are alike.

So today, let’s bow to the cow, pass a plate of warm cookies and pour ourselves a cold glass of milk!