Cud you believe it — fluffy cows
The cows come straight from an Iowa farm where they are genetically bred to compete in cattle shows across the country.
The breed is well-known in the livestock and agricultural communities, but became a viral hit after photos of show cattle from Lautner Farms were posted on Reddit.
“We just redid our website and believe a photo was picked up through a search and then by somebody saying, ‘Hey, look at these’, and the domino effect occurred,” Stephanie Steck, Lautner Farms spokeswoman said of how the cows became a viral sensation.
The cows, a cross between high-quality breeds, may be cute, but their beauty does not come easy, she said.
“It’s a lot of hard work to get the cows to be as beautiful as they appear in the pictures.
“Exhibitors have to break them and train them and feed them and blow-dry them and put sheen in their hair. It’s similar to humans waking up and taking a shower and getting ready for the day.”
The task of maintaining the show cattle usually falls on students involved in after-school programmes and also becomes a family affair, she said.
“It’s a really neat deal because it takes a whole family to show cattle — to care for the animal — and then you get to go to show as a family and have one person present the cattle. It’s a sport that teaches you how to respect life and the land.”
Ms Steck compared the process of showing the cattle to events like the famous Westminster Dog Show held annually in New York City. The competition is just as fierce and the grooming is just as precise.
“Just on show day there’s a two-hour preparation time before hitting the ring.
“The cows get oils in their hair to make them shine and adhesive hair spray on their legs to keep their hair in place.”
