THE TRUTH YOU WANT TO KNOW ABOUT CAROL THE COW!

A chat between Dion the farmer and Carol the Friesian Holstein Cow

Figure 1: Friesian Holstein Cow

O5 Dion Bruijn

Jeanne Tan 3th year Architecture

November 2022

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Attached interview, is a conversation between Carol the Holsteiner Cow and Dion the new
farmer. Carol currently lives on an intensive livestock farm. And Dion is setting up his new
regenerative nature inclusive farm. He bought Carol over from the intensive factory farm and
is working with the cow to address the nitrogen problem and to find some benefits for both of
them.

D: Hello Carol, thank you for making time for me. Finally I got to actually meet you.

C: Hi Dion! Thanks for having me, yes I also feel like I can finally tell my story now!

D: Let me first ask you, how are you?

C: Thanks for asking! I’m actually a bit tired and feel like I need some time off.

D: Oh.. how did that happened?

C: Well, it’s a big story actually. I didn’t get here by myself. It was a long period ago, when my
ancestors where used for genetic modification to create the cow that I am today.

D: Well, that doesn’t sound great actually. And I know a bit about your history. But could you
explain me more?

C: So, let me bring you back to 1600. I was called an Aurochs. I was a wild cow, living on the
meadows in Europe. I would eat grass, nuts and fruits that I could find along the day. Even
during the winter we would eat herbs, leaves, blackberries, branches and twigs. During my
lifetime back then I would meet up with others and walk through a meadow. But then after a
while my ancestors were brought to the United States. And actually there it all happened.

Figure 2: From Aurochs to Cow: Cattle Domestication

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D: What do you mean by that?

C: Well, humans feed on our milk. For example I give around 27L milk a day!

So what happened…. they saw an opportunity to create a milk machine from us. They
genetically modified us to create a different breed than we actually originally were supposed
to be, as nature has meant.

D: Can you tell me a little more in depth about that?

C: So, when my ancestors were brought to the US, some bio-engineers, they combined the
best cows and the best DNA’s together to create a genetic milk monster.

D: How has this effected you by the life you are living today?

C: Hahaha! What do you see about me that seems a little bit strange?

D: Of course I can see you have huge udders and a relatively small skeleton and muscles!

C: Yes, that’s correct. There are some other aspects going on as well, for example to give the
milk the humans want from me. They inseminate me for every year. Because only when I’m
pregnant I can produce milk. Due to this aggressive behaviour for producing milk I get reduced
fertility, udder infections and claw problems.

D: What happens overtime if the farmers sees all of these problems going on with you?

C: ehm… *gets emotionally sad* we get slaughter early. When I’m sick or having infections it’s
more efficient to get rid of us and use a new cow for milk production.

D: Wow! At what age does these kind of problems occur?

C: Well, that depends. But the average is about 4-6 years!

D: What! But you can become way older than that right?

C: Yes! Without intensive use of my body I can reach an age of 15-25 years actually.

D: I’m so sorry to hear that. How do you feel about your daily life? Are they taking good care of
you?

C: Actually I don’t know… at this moment we only eat the same thing every day, but my
ancestors would eat all different kind of foods. I would like to try that as well! You are not
eating the same thing every day, right?

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Also I can’t walk that far anymore. So I might need the help of the farmers as well. My claws
hurt fast! So I would prefer to lie down instead of always standing or walking.

D: I can imagine that! How about spatial needs then? Do you miss something that you really
want to have?

C: Currently we are all placed on our own spot in the barn. It’s gated and I can not walk freely
in the barn. I always have to go to the matras.

D: What do you mean by matras?

C: Because of our bad skeleton and claw problems we always lie down on the matras in the
barn. It’s an artificial big soft blanket. It actually would be nice if I could lie when and where I
want!

D: Thank you so far for all your insights! So, how does your average day look like?

C: No worries! Erm, that depends actually on the season and the weather. During the summer
I’m outside everyday, even during the nights I like to stay outside. During the winter our care
taker often places us inside. I think because he needs to save the grass!

D: So what do you do then?

C: Mostly I just eat and walk the whole day trough the meadow. I like to eat the different herbs
and the variety of the grass. Sometimes they feed me corn but I feel like my organs and my
stomach don’t like it that much!

D: Please could you tell me a bit more about your sleeping schedule?

C: A lot of people think we can sleep standing up, but we can't. Horses can. They can lock their
legs. A cow cannot and then sleeping standing up takes far too much energy. So during the day
we take different kind of small naps, they vary from 20 minutes to a maximum of 3 hours.
Whenever I feel like I want to take a small nap, I take one.

D: If you can dream of your own paradise, is there any other specific thing that you would like
to have around?

C: Well, what I really like is the constant supply of grass and other foods, and the possibility to
drink water the whole day. Also, sometimes I hear stories from my other friends that they have
a cow brush. It’s an aumotatic machine that can scrub my back! It is good for my muscles and
fur. I would also like to walk where ever I want on the farm, for example I want to explore an

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orchard or a fish pond!

Figure 3: A cow's paradise by Emmy Janssen, Academy of Architecture, building in landscape 2019-2020.

D: Do you have any youngsters?

C: At this moment I’m pregnant again…

D: What would you like to tell the youngster when it’s older?
C: First of all, I want to explain him how bad we had it before, and now that we live on a
paradise farm that is called WijLand. It’s a exciting time for us because I heard it’s almost like a
paradise for cows!!

D: Hahaha good!! Yes it’s my farm! Do you already know where it is?

C: Yes, you are our neighbour here in Stroe!

D: Correct! But why are you so excited about that farm?

C: So we are not the only ones there, I heard… There are sheeps, pigs, ducks, chickens, birds
and friendly humans! They have a more nature inclusive approach to their farming concept. I
think it also suits us more than the intensive livestock farm.

D: What do you hope to see there?

C: As a parent I hope the best for my youngster! So I hope it’s a happy place where we, as
cows, can have a different connection with the humans. I believe in human kind and their new
ideas of farming. I also hope that my youngster can walk around and enjoy her days just like I
do.

D: Do your youngster need anything else?

C: They are more fragile than us, so therefore I believe it’s good that the humans and cows can
have a direct relationship. We can take care of each other in that way!

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D: I can image, I’m also looking forward of seeing you there!

C: Yeah! How nice would it be if there are small playgrounds, small barns, and diversity of food
that we can eat!

D: You told me that you want a different connection with the humans? Why so?

C: Well, that’s hard to explain actually. I know my current farmer loves me but it doesn’t feel
that way. He gives me the same food… I sleep in a narrow space.. And I know he’s doing all the
best, but it’s actually not good enough for us.

D: Does the current farmer treat you gentle? For example when you are milked?

C: He doesn’t milk us! It’s all done with a milking robot, and I can go there whenever I want!
It’s located in the barn!

D: How does that work?

C: So whenever I feel my belly is too full.. and I need to get rid of the milk, I just place myself in
the standing platform, it looks like a box. This robot was invented in the 80s and 90s. This
machine no longer includes a farmer.

Figure 4: Milk robot with a double box, SAC.

D: How do you feel like when going to your new farm, and hearing about all the different
pastures?

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C: First of all I’m so happy that I don’t need to eat the same English Raaigrass the whole day! I
heard that they have 25 different grass typologies in one meadow!

D: Do you know why and how that comes?

C: Noo.. I think it’s something with my poop, right?

D: Yes it’s your poop and pee. And actually that can play a huge roll in bringing back the nature
and restoring the Nitrogen balance, do you know how it works?

C: Ehm, no not really. But what I eat, also comes out of me right?

D: Yes! yes indeed, what you put in comes out. Even in your cows! That means eating nitrogen-
fixing plants, herbs and diverse grass is a better balanced diet than you get now. Your
monotonous diet creates a monotonous output. If the farmer also acidifies and salinizes the
soil in the process, it creates impossible opportunities for biodiversity to grow.

C: Aahhh.. so without nature, the problem of your current Nitrogen can be reduced in that way
then?

D: Yes, definitely. Nitrogen is not the problem, not having nature is the problem. On your new
farm, you get to poop and pee wherever you want! That also means we won't have to spray
the pasture with nutrients as much. After all, the nutrients are all contained in your poop.
Small insects, and worms, and small plants take advantage of this opportunity. Different
opportunities for microorganisms are now created on the meadow. The new insects and
worms love to feed on the poo; this attracts other wildlife like birds that feed on the insects!

Figure 5: Infographics gemaakt door Information Designer Sharon Coone, De Correspondent.

Figure 6: Infographics gemaakt door Information Designer Sharon Coone, De Correspondent

C: Wow, so cool that being just myself means I can contribute to the nature and the nitrogen
problem! But what’s up with the current agricultural land/ soil?

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D: The last 20 years the amount of organic matter in the ground has declined. And during this
period the ability of the soil to retain CO2 and water is also reduced. Which makes the land
harder to grow food on, and creates a problem for the climate change that we need!

C: So, what is the main reason that the soil quality has been declined over the years?

D: It is because of the intensive agriculture, but there are also other reasons.

C: How can we improve the soil quality and what are the benefits? So how can a regenerative
farm create less nitrogen emission?

D: I believe the livestock can add a great value in restoring the soil. If we stop plowing we
would have a great start. because when you stop plowing and stop pesticides, you give the soil
a chance to recover. Right now this soil is almost dead. That is the reason plowing is done
every period. If you leave the soil alone, nature will emerge, small microorganisms will come
back and nitrogenous organisms will also come back into the soil. Residues that fall on the
pasture, which contain nitrogen are eaten by these organisms and processed into a soil
nutrient. For example, there are even tiny worms that eat the nitrogen and defecate it into a
nutrient.

C: But what is needed?

D: You can't see it with the naked eye, but the soil is full of life. Tiny creatures and organisms
live in a system underground. This soil is in direct contact with the plants above the ground.
For instance, the organisms under the soil give nutrients to the plant so that the plant can
grow. And so, for example, the plant gives sugar to the soil, which in return is good for life
underground.

C: But who are all these earth friends?

D: A small scoop of soil contains many organisms, such as bacteria and fungi and worms. It
even contains organisms whose names are not even known yet. These organisms eat plant
debris and other organisms. They then defecate that out again. In turn, they have converted
the nitrogen and waste products into minerals. These loose minerals can be used by plants and
grass. Some organisms can even extract nitrogen from the air. Thus, good quality soil is
essential for dairy farming. The grass the cow eats determines the quality of the milk and meat
we eventually eat. So this process is a big part in my regenerative farm.

C: What do you mean by regenerative, could you define that a bit more?

D: I would say, we leave it better than we find it. It’s a constant improvement or ongoing
process to regrow and renew the situation. This can be done in social, financial and
environmental aspects. The regenerative term is more applicable when something (a system)
is damaged or broken.

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Figure 8: A hand full of soil with English ryegrass and Figure 7: A hand full of herb-rich grassland, with dock
sorre, De Correspondent. mostly red clover. A difference in soil structure is
readily apparent, De Correspondent.

C: Hahah, it almost looks like the interview has switched around!

D: Hehehe, yes I know, but maybe it’s also good for you to know what happens, and the role
you play in it?

C: Yes thanks!

D: So how do you feel now?

C: I’m actually relieved that it isn’t my fault! It’s just the way of farming that is not sustainable!

D: Yes indeed, do you believe in this farming concept, called regenerative nature inclusive
farming?

C: Yes totally!

D: So, for my final question.. I want to ask you the big final question.. Because you will be a
cow that lived both on a intensive factory farm and a regenerative nature inclusive farm. Do
you believe that we still need factory farms?

Could we have a farm that is regenerative and so large, that supplies so much foods that you
can feed the way people are living right now, or do we need to have the intensive industrial
farm?

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C: The real question is, what farming method will carry the earth the furthest to its capacity? If
acres of land is the first thing we run out of, than factory farms are probably a better system.
You can feed more people with this type of farm. But what if it is not land that we run out of?
What if it is oil? Or water? The regenerative farm doesn’t use so much oil and water. The
regenerative farm is less destructive to the planet and will carry more people on the planet
than the linear factory farmers.

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Sources
(2021, Juli). Opgehaald van Wijland: https://wij.land/wat-is-regeneratieve-landbouw/

AGROFORESTRY IN DE AKKERBOUW, ondernemers en hun zoektocht naar een passend

ontwerp. (2022). Wageningen University and Research.

bodemkwaliteit., R. l. (2020, May). Regeneratieve landbouw in de VS in opmars. Opgehaald van

Agro berichten buitenland:
https://www.agroberichtenbuitenland.nl/landeninformatie/verenigde-
staten/achtergrond/bodemverbetering_sp#:~:text=Regeneratieve%20landbouw%20is
%20een%20productiemethode,op%20verbetering%20van%20de%20bodemkwaliteit.

Harris, W. (2022, November). White Oak Pastures - The Joe Rogan Experience Podcast. (J.
Rogan, Interviewer) Amerika.

Oudman, T. (2022, Oktober 5). De Correspondent. Opgehaald van De Correspondent:

https://decorrespondent.nl/13824/het-kan-de-stikstofcrisis-oplossen-en-de-
landbouw-perspectief-geven/1107570309120-c61c154c

Permacultuur: ook in je darmen. (2019, januari). Opgehaald van Maaike Soetermans:

https://maaikesoetermans.com/permacultuur-ook-in-de-darmen/

Wat is regeneratieve landbouw? . (2021, Mei). Opgehaald van Voor de wereld van morgen:
https://www.voordewereldvanmorgen.nl/artikelen/wat-is-regeneratieve-landbouw

Figure 1: Friesian Holstein Cow ..................................................................................................... 1

Figure 2: From Aurochs to Cow: Cattle Domestication................................................................. 2
Figure 3: A cow's paradise by Emmy Janssen, Academy of Architecture, building in landscape
2019-2020. .................................................................................................................................... 5
Figure 4: Milk robot with a double box, SAC................................................................................. 6
Figure 5: Infographics gemaakt door Information Designer Sharon Coone, De Correspondent.. 7
Figure 6: Infographics gemaakt door Information Designer Sharon Coone, De Correspondent.. 7
Figure 7: A hand full of herb-rich grassland, with mostly red clover. A difference in soil
structure is readily apparent, De Correspondent. ........................................................................ 9
Figure 8: A hand full of soil with English ryegrass and dock sorre, De Correspondent. ............... 9

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