Being a cow on a dairy farm has its perks – never having to clean my room or worry about dinner are a couple. But, just what do we do all day? Here’s an entry from my diary of a recent day to give you an inside peek.

5 a.m. – the farmer is whistling our wake-up call. I stand up slowly, and stretch my legs. It’s early, yawn! But, it’s time to get milked, so off I go with my sisters.

5:30 a.m. – the parlor is bright and warm! After washing my teats with a cleaning solution, the farmer puts the milker on me. The milk flows out quickly, and a few minutes later, the milker comes off and the farmer sanitizes me to keep me safe.

5:45 a.m. – I’m back in my area with the other cows. Our stalls are clean, and there’s fresh bedding. Oh look! Our breakfast has been delivered! I amble up to the bunk to eat. I’m hungry after milking.

6 a.m. – Ahh. Time to catch a snooze. I lay down and close my eyes as I chew my cud. Perfect. Time to digest my breakfast.

8:30 a.m. – I hear the farmer calling. He’s back to check on us and make sure everyone is comfortable and content. I’m doing quite well!

9:25 a.m. – I stand up. My back itches. I walk over to the back scratcher and stand under it and sigh in relief.

10:30 a.m. – I’m hungry again. I walk back over to the feed bunk and eat more. Then I go over to the water tank and drink fresh water. Time to take another snooze!

11:30 a.m. – I wake up and decide to go exploring. I stand up and walk over to the gate. I sniff at the farm cat. She rubs her head against me. It’s going to be hot today! I’m glad the fans and misters are on.

Noon – I decide to take a lick at the mineral cube. Oh! It’s so salty! But, I like it. I lick it for awhile and wander back to my stall.

2:30 p.m. – Time to eat again! The farmer has brought fresh food. Yum. I eat a lot and get another drink of water.

3:45 p.m. – Is it milking time yet? No, it’s still a few hours away. I stand next to one of my sisters, and we chew our cuds together.

4 p.m. – The farmer comes by again to check on us. He walks up to me and pats me on the head. I head butt him. Ha!

5:15 p.m. – There’s the farmer whistling again. Time to get milked – yahoo!

6 p.m. – I’m back after milking and ready to have my dinner. And, then I’m going to sleep. It’s been a great day, and I get to do it all again tomorrow!