Have you ever wondered what it’s like to live life on a dairy… surrounded by hundreds of 1,200 pound, doe eyed dairy cows? For University of California, Davis, Animal Science- Livestock and Dairy major, Stacy Williams; there are few greater pleasures.

“My passion takes me to ‘where the grass is greener,’ literally. I love the cows. I love working with them everyday, learning to understand their ways, what they like and what they don’t.”

“I’ve always had a soft spot for cows and thought they were really cute. It was’n until I got to UC Davis that I realized just how unique and special cows… happy cows, really are.”

“Spending freezing cold, raining mornings in muck up to your knees , or having hands so chapped they bleed, it doesn’t really matter because when you see just how much the cows actually recognize how much you love them and they care for you, that’s what it’s all about.”

“After so many years learning from these cows and experiencing their fun and quirky personalities… yes, cows have personalities, I couldn’t imagine doing anything else for the rest of my life.”

“I’ve been all over the state and Pacific Northwest, learning from other dairies and farmers. I love hearing the other dairy men talk about their passions of caring for the cows, too. Everyone I talk to has the same sparkle in their eye and talks with the same smile. They all know just how special these animals are. They are like great big extended families.”

Did you know, a Holstein cow’s black and white spots are like finger prints? No two cows are the same! Also, cows drink 35 gallons of water a day!

“I actually think these cows, our UC Davis cows, are pretty spoiled. They get bathed and brushed and petted daily. Some of our beauties even get used in graduation pictures and on Parent’s Weekend. The parents and Freshmen love getting their pictures taken with the cows.”

“But, when the cows are happy, and healthy, I’m happy. And that’s all that matters! That’s my passion- happy cows!

So it’s true… happy cows really do come from California… or at least from UC Davis!

Good luck and happy cow caring Stacy!

Do you have a particular passion you love and would like me to share? Snorkeling, cliff diving, wiener dog racing? Leave a note in the comments below or send me an e-mail toKelly@Xpalpower.com. I’d love to hear from you!