While cleaning up the leftover feed today, I have to take a break: Lilli needs some cuddles and blocks my broom. So I stroke her forehead a few times until she turns her head away. As a thank-you, she gives my leg one last lick, then I have to get back to work – those stomachs need refilling! It’s incredible how much a cow can eat! And sometimes I get the impression that when they’re standing side by side, cow next to cow, they have to eat even faster to make sure they get the best hay!

Our Larissa is a real expert at that: she pulls the hay over from her neighbor, pushes it back and forth, picks out the best bits, and then shoves the rest far forward in one big sweep! In no time, she’s got nothing left in front of her and, of course, has to stretch way forward to grab something... not great when you’re sitting back at the udder and the cow keeps stepping forward and back!