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47. Grass, It’s What Cows Want to Eat, Good for Cattle, Better for Environment, Healthier Us

Leslie Cox, Hampshire College Farm Center Manager, talks with Rob about cow and grass management for happier cows, healthier consumers and a greener nation.  The Farm, created by Prof. Ray Coppinger, is a place where college students and faculty integrate science and alternative technology for testing sustainable farming methods.

The cows are Dutch Belted, a very rare and highly esteemed breed, developed in the Netherlands in the 1600s. With an excellent grazing ability and forage efficiency, these cows produce as much milk as larger, grain-fed cows.  Known for intelligence and friendly disposition, except for Bethany who is short on the friendly but not intelligence, the cows handle easily and are “barn-trained” to do their business outside. Emitting less methane, grass-fed cows and cattle are good for the environment. An attractive alternative to the carbon footprint created by the production and transport corn.