Cuddle Calves, Decompress At Howard County Farm

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — A Maryland farm offers a fun way for people to relax and unwind - by cuddling cows.

At Mary's Land Farm in Ellicott City, the "Krispie Crew" Snap, Crackle and Pop are available by appointment for 45-minute sessions where people can brush, feed, cuddle and connect with the 7-month-old Jersey calves. Guests are invited to explore the 160-acre farm that also has chickens, ducks and a full herd of cattle, along with horses, pigs, goats and emus.

One of the farm's employees, Cori Wilson, launched the program in March after learning about cow cuddling programs in other parts of the country.

“We want to train them for cow hug therapy, and that’s when you lay with a full sized cow and you lay on their belly and they wrap their heads around you,” Wilson told WTOP. “Their heart rates lower our heart rate when we spend the time that we do with them and we release oxytocin when we’re with them, which is a stress hormone."

Sessions are being booked through November, but cow cuddling will be offered year-round. The Krispie Crew also will be adding a Highland cow and an Ayrshire cow to their selection of cuddlers.