Lovin' and learnin' your cows

Back to Billings Farm folks, yes the working farm in Woodstock, Vt., that began humbly in 1871, and still flourishes today. Saturday July 26 celebrates the 23d Annual Cow Appreciation Day because, yes, even cows need some lovin'.

Ask yourself, what do you really know about cows? Exactly, so they give us milk and speak what is often a child's first word, "Moo." Billings Farm has come up with interesting ways to teach all of us why cows rock. The "Cowledge Bowl" is a competition for families featuring question and answer sessions, with prizes being awarded to those cow-inclined. Learn even more visiting the working dairy farm, make and taste homemade butter and hand-cranked ice cream, and wander through the farm house from a cow's perspective [what exactly a cow would think of a house is beyond me]. "Judge Jerseys" with Billings Farm manager and help him select the best Jersey in the herd, make cow pizza, and visit the calf nursery to help name a newborn calf. The simple things bring us balance I am told. I figure many of us might want to consider making this trip!

Admission: adults $11; age 62 and over $10; children: 5-15 yrs $6; 3-4 yrs $3 and includes all activities and programs, plus the working dairy farm, museum exhibits, and the 1890 Farm House, plus a viewing of "A Place in the Land", an Academy Award nominee film.