Cows Take a Spring Fling at Ypko Suvel Farm: A Day of Dancing and Delights
YPKO SUVEL, Netherlands – Spring has sprung, and at Ypko Suvel farm, that means one thing: the annual “koeien naar buiten” (cows out) celebration. This year’s event, marked by frolicking cows and family fun, proved to be a resounding success, despite a touch of rain.
A Festive Farm Market
The farmyard buzzed with activity as local producers showcased their goods at the Fanboerneiminsken markt. Stalls overflowed with regional delicacies sourced directly from neighboring farms and apiaries.Two curious llamas kept a watchful eye on the festivities, while cheerful music and colorful banners added to the celebratory atmosphere. Even the calf pens sported playful flags announcing er is een baby geboren
(a baby is born), a whimsical touch that delighted visitors.
Barefoot Adventures and Animal Encounters
For the adventurous, a small barefoot path was set up in the youngstock stable, leading to bins filled with play equipment from Groei Romte, where children could revel in tactile exploration. Gentle horses were available for petting, and chickens and a rooster roamed freely in the barn, adding to the authentic farm experience.
Culinary Delights
No celebration is complete without food, and ypko Suvel farm delivered. Guests enjoyed coffee, tea, eel sandwiches, and treats from a local food truck, ensuring everyone’s appetite was satisfied.
The main Event: Cows to Pasture
At noon,anticipation reached its peak as visitors gathered behind the barn. Romke, one of the farm’s owners, provided a brief introduction to the farm and expressed gratitude to those who helped with the preparations. Then, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived: Romke’s two daughters, each accompanied by a friend, opened the barn door, and the cows eagerly stampeded into the pasture. This tradition is known in Dutch as ‘koeiendans’ (cows dancing), which is the frolic jumping, twirling, and running of cows let out in the meadows [[1]].
While most of the cows bounded joyfully into the open field, some of the younger animals, experiencing the outdoors for the first time, hesitated, finding the barn more secure. Romke explained that the cows are free to choose when they go outside, as the barn door remains open. the older cows, he noted, know to return to the barn for the milking robot.
The cows start jumping all around the field, and it is indeed really damn cute to see!
The event highlighted the farmers’ dedication to their animals’ well-being,marking a lovely start to the spring season.
FAQ: Cows Out!
- What is “koeien naar buiten”?
- It’s a Dutch tradition where farmers release their cows into the pasture for the first time in the spring.
- Why do the cows jump and dance?
- It’s a natural expression of joy and excitement after being confined indoors during the winter months.
- Are the cows forced outside?
- No, the cows are free to choose when they go outside, and the barn door remains open.
