The cows have arrived

Something has shifted at Kufunda. Something seemingly simple and yet surprisingly impactful.

The cows have arrived!

Recently, we moved the cows from the upper farm down to the heart of the village. They are here to fertilize the fields with our mobile cow boma, where they spend the night before going out to graze during the day. Yet, they have brought a presence that goes far beyond this practical purpose.

In biodynamic farming, the cow is considered the heart of the farm organism — and we are truly experiencing the gifts she brings.

She provides milk for the young (we currently have five calves) and for us, manure to enliven the soil, and — most surprisingly — a warmth and presence that is touching the whole community.

It feels like having the cows in the centre is bringing another level of wholeness to the village.

Since their arrival, we’ve watched children run to check on them before school, helping feed the mothers being milked. Seeing the kids (and many others!) gather during milking time is heartwarming — a highlights the importance of these beautiful animals in our shared community life. The village as a whole is connecting with them, checking on the calves, and learning together.

From Ticha who is overseeing the cows:

Personally, caring for them has been a learning experience, and I've observed their growth and learned new things, such as the difference of milk from each cow and how the new mothers tend to their calves. 

The cows’ arrival marks the beginning of our journey with Holistic Management. We look forward to working more intentionally with them as partners in the healing of the land.

In Biodynamics, the cow is seen as bringing cosmic forces down to Earth. In Allan Savory’s Holistic Management, she is part of a transformational journey of ecological restoration.

Watch this space.