During the winter, we spend much more time indoors. After all, it’s too cold to spend much time outside, and it’s typically unpleasant to have to deal with biting wind and snow.
To keep their animals safe, farmers keep them inside during the cold months of the year. And these cows in the Netherlands are the perfect example of this.
The cows are inside six months of the year. But when the ground thaws and it’s warm enough to go out, the farmers make a big event of it!
It’s called “Koeien in de Wei,” which means cows in the pasture. It’s an annual event held around April.
The cows live on a farm called Oosterhoff located in the town of Drachten in northern Netherlands. Parents and kids gather around a barn where cows are held inside during the winter months, and once they’re let out, cameras fire away. The cows are welcomed by the townspeople who cannot wait to see them run and leap for joy. Freedom!
Have you “herd” the bells ringing? The door is opened and the cows slowly inch their way out, but as soon as the fresh air and the sunlight hit their faces, the beefy Bovidae begin jumping and running out and around the field much to the delight of their spectators. The kids love it!
The hills are alive with the sound of mooosic.
They really are happy! Cattle can survive cold weather, but it’s better if they’re kept warm.
It’s a bit of a challenge seeing as they’re huge beasts and people care for more than one. It’s important for them to stay warm and relaxed for many reasons. What’s important is they are kept in a warm, well-ventilated place where there are no drastic changes in temperature.
Look at the calf! That little one can play around again. It’s sad to have to stay indoors, but if it’s for their own good, then it has to be done.
Most barns do have curtains that can be manually raised or lowered to protect them from colder winds.
There’s also a lot of straw to keep them comfortable and warm.
Cows get their own pens, which are kept clean with hay to keep them happy. Some little ones even have their own jacket!
That’s a Mooo-d.
And you know what? These cows have fans and supporters. Here’s one.
“I loved this for so many reasons. The beautiful cows, the happy people and children, the beautiful farm and day, and the cows frolicking. I’ve never seen cows do this, and we had some when I was a child. Thank you for the chuckle. God bless!”
Another said, “I didn’t know cows jump when they are happy. I learnt something new today.”
Those cows are going to consume a lot of grass after that one that’s for sure! Imagine all the energy they have stored from staying in that barn for months.
It’s a very happy day indeed. Listen to all that mooing! Let’s just hope they make it to next year’s post-winter release event. Annual events are always fun. Give the kids something to look forward to. There’s no udder way!
It’s so wonderful to see cows playing after a long winter. Now, they get to enjoy the lovely spring and summer weather and all the tasty grass that comes with it.
Check out the cows’ release in the video below!
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