Head to De Vor Dairy Farm & Creamery in Kalkaska, where the only rule is: Please, cuddle the cows. Here’s how to get up close and personal with these sociable and curious creatures.
This article first appeared in Traverse Northern Michigan. Find this story and more when you explore our magazine library. Want Traverse delivered to your door or inbox monthly? View our print subscription and digital subscription options.
De Vor Dairy Farm & Creamery owners Henk and Jackie De Vor were taking a break in their Kalkaska pasture, chilling with their herd and a picnic—their favorite way to de-stress—when Jackie said, “I wish everybody could have a day in our life.” Thus, the inspiration to offer “cow cuddling” was born.
Here among the red barns and pastures of the former Shetler Family Farms, the De Vors raise and milk their grass-fed herd and make Old World farmstead gouda as well as several varieties of ice cream. Their Jersey girls love soaking up attention; as Jackie likes to say, “Happy cows make the best milk.”
Photo by De Vor Dairy Farm & Creamery
The De Vors started offering hour-long cuddling sessions with the herd in 2022. Cow cuddling isn’t a foreign concept to Henk, who grew up in the Netherlands and studied agriculture and cheesemaking. Cow hugging (koe knuffelen) is a common therapy there for children with disabilities, and some farms offer it as a wellness practice.
Still, the couple was surprised when the concept took off so quickly here in Northern Michigan. More than 100 people came to the farm last year to hang out and snuggle the gals—parents with children, couples, work friends, people seeking healing and those coming just for the joy of it. The De Vors even helped one man surprise his wife on their wedding anniversary, crafting a table atop a giant milk can, setting it with a charcuterie tray and champagne, then hiding it all behind a tractor.
Photo by De Vor Dairy Farm & Creamery
Like this friendly farm couple, Jersey cows are sociable and curious. The De Vors say they’re never worried when they lead visitors into the pasture, where 100 cows might circle around. People tend to bond with a single cow or a few from the group. Chewy, a favorite, has been known to (gently) take a guest’s arm or coat in her mouth, leading to hilarious photos. Cashmere and Chickadee are “pure love,” says Jackie, while Honeybee is the class clown who’s always licking guests or mischievously stealing their hats. Last fall, two notoriously shy cows went right up to a new guest, lying protectively at her feet to everyone’s surprise. “Do you think they can sense that I’m pregnant?” the woman asked. “We just found out this morning.”
Sessions run $50 an hour for up to two people, with a $100 family rate for up to four (call to ask about groups of up to 10 people). Head to the De Vor Farm & Creamery website for more information and to book your cuddle session.