A Day in the Life of a Fairmont Cow

As you wake up and get ready for your day, drinking your morning coffee, the cows at Fairmont Farm are already well into theirs. Our farm's routine runs on a precise, round-the-clock schedule, with our cows milked 3 times a day. Cows are ultimate creatures of habit, and they thrive on this predictable, gentle rhythm. While the milking parlor is always buzzing, summer brings a completely different routine for a very special group of our herd.

Pasture Princesses

Once the morning routines are set, the barn gates swing open, and the excitement is palpable. But if you look out at our green pastures, you aren't seeing our active milking herd. Instead, our summer pastures are reserved exclusively for our dry cows and heifers. Dry cows are on a well-deserved vacation from milking before having their next calf. We work hard to ensure our heifers and dry cows have access to the sweetest, most nutrient-dense forage Vermont has to offer.

By the afternoon, as the summer sun reaches its peak, the farm truly comes alive. Cows are deeply social animals with their own best friends and established routines. They gather under the shade of the mature maples to chew their cud, which is a vital part of their digestive process that keeps them happy and healthy. 

Summer Camps

On special days, this peaceful scene gets a wonderful boost of energy. The usual sounds of the farm are joined by the laughter of our summer camp attendees. Our girls will often wander over to the pasture fence lines, ears perked, watching curiously as the young campers explore the farm, learn about dairy life, and wave hello to their favorite cows. It is a beautiful bridge between the daily work of our farm and the next generation of agricultural supporters.

Comfort 365 Days a Year

Dairy cows actually prefer much cooler weather, so for our active milking herd, the absolute best place for them during the summer is inside the barn.

By keeping our milking cows inside, we can carefully control and monitor their feed intake to ensure they are getting the exact, balanced nutrition they need to stay healthy. Plus, the barns keep them beautifully cool and out of the heat. Heavy-duty fans keep the air breezy and constantly moving, and plenty of fresh, cold water is always waiting for them.

Alongside clean, dry bedding and the attentive care of our dedicated farm team, we focus on cow comfort 365 days a year. It is this exceptional standard of care that allows our cows to live happy, low-stress lives and produce the high-quality, wholesome milk that goes directly into the dairy products you love.

Want to learn more about our dairy practices? Click here! Remember our cows the next time you grab your milk for your daily cup of coffee, and feel confident knowing that it came from happy cows from your neighbors.