Known as "the foster mother of the human race," cows can serve both as beloved pets and a source of rich abundance for their owners. For this reason and more, family cows are gaining popularity in the Driftless Region, but they can represent a challenging learning curve for those without livestock experience.

This class will provide you with a first-hand introduction to cows and the world they live in. You will get to try your hand at halter training a calf; learn how to interact with a cow and read its body language; consider fencing, feeding and sheltering your cow; look at milking and milk-handling equipment (including how to cool milk quickly to preserve quality); and last but not least, we will milk a cow by hand and (if you like) taste the fresh, still-warm milk. This class is designed to equip prospective family cow owners with real-world skills and knowledge, but will also be an enjoyable experience for the strictly curious.

Instructions: This class will be outdoors; please dress for the weather. Muck boots are highly recommended.
You may also wish to bring a notebook and a water bottle.

Date: Saturday, June 15
Time: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Lunch will be provided.
Ages: 12+
Location: Ferryville, WI

Sliding Scale Course Fee Guidelines:

Supporter Level Ticket: $115
If you move through the world with financial ease and the means to fulfill many of your wants as well as your needs – you are able to eat out when you want, abundantly meet your needs through employment or can comfortably not work, have access to family wealth, own property, etc. – consider paying at this level, which will help us ensure the long term sustainability of our programs while keeping our offerings accessible to those with access to fewer resources.

Sustainer Level Ticket: $90
If you are able to meet your needs with relative ease while budgeting your educational and entertainment spending – for instance, you are able to take classes and eat out occasionally as long as you are mindful – consider paying at this level, which will help sustain the work of the Folk School at a modest level.

Supported Level Ticket: $65
If you struggle to fund your basic needs and have limited access to resources in your family and community, or if you would not be able to access this offering without a discounted payment option, consider paying at this level. We value your presence and contributions to our community and do not want any economic circumstances to be a barrier to attendance!

Instructor Bio - Anneka Baird

Anneka Baird is a master craftswoman based in Wisconsin's driftless region. Baird maintains a practical curiosity about the technological foundations of life as we know it-- foundations which have often been obscured in layer upon layer of successive technologies. Baird is an MFA graduate of the University of Iowa Center for the Book, a sitting board member of the Midwest Ox Drovers Association and a persistent student in the school of experience.