Our Story
Set in Lesmahagow – South Lanarkshire, Cow Care Scotland is an arm of ISKCON Scotland, a community and charity dedicated to
caring for people and the planet.
Fuelled by the dedication of its volunteers, ISKCON Scotland serve two main aims:
- To improve people’s lives physically, emotionally and spiritually.
- Working locally to influence globally towards a sustainable planet.
In line with the community’s goals of sustainable living, ISKCON Scotland runs Krishna Eco Farm, a 2 acre space with gardening, plantations and 2 alpacas!
Cow Care Scotland has started to set up Cow Protection, or Gorakshya in Sanskrit, within these community grounds through the introduction of Scottish Highland Oxen, and eventually Cows and Calves to introduce the community to concepts of Cow Care.
Cow Care Scotland will be the first project of its kind to establish the infrastructure and foundation for cow protection in Scotland. We request you to join us in this inspiring, revolutionary journey and become part of the community of Cow Protectors
Cow Care Scotland Objectives and Vision
Cow Care Scotland was set up with the following objectives in mind:
- To establish a cow-protected (Gorakshya), sustainable, dairy farm as a department of ISKCON Scotland, contributing to expansion of our founder’s global vision.
- To have on offer protected milk for the local and wider community.
- Educate and empower people on the importance of cows and cow protection.
- ISKCON Scotland’s own long stated aspirations to have cows and produce their own milk.
- A model that shows an ancient and sustainable practice of cow protection that is practical for those with a holistic lifestyle.
WHAT ARE THE PHASES OF THE PROJECT
Phase 1: Found a cow protection sanctuary
- Establish the infrastructure and foundation for cow protection in Scotland.
- Demonstrate the value of working oxen in cow protection and sustainability of the planet.
- Encourage the community to form a relationship with cows through membership.
Set-up Cost:
£9,000
[2xHighland Bullocks, Buggy, Barn]
Year 1 Expenses:
£8,000
[Hay, Veterinarian, Labour, Utilities]
Funding Target:
£17,000
[For phase 1]
Phase 2: Establish a protected DAIRY herd
- Opportunity to get involved in cow protection through hands-on experiences.
- Produce cow protected milk.
- Establish more sustainable livelihoods. through employment in rural agriculture.
- Grow a community of cow supporters
Set-up cost:
£18,000
[Milk Processing: Containers, Fridge/Freezers, etc.]
Facilities:
£16,000
[Barn, Gates, utilities, drainage]
Labour-Cost:
£25,000
[For 6 months]
Funding Target:
£63,000
[For Phase 2]
Phase 3: Expand with an additional protected dairy farm nearby
- Scale to provide for growing demand from communities of Scotland and the North of England.
Continue growth to demonstrate the feasibility of the model of cow protection. - Requires long term tenancy / significant investment, funded through supporter base, milk production and experiences.
Farmland, Buildings & Set-Up:
£1,000,000
Our Team
About Cow Protection
The Principles of Cow Protection
- Cows should not be killed.
- Milk is for humans as well as for the calf.
- Bulls are kept for breeding or neutered and trained as working oxen and suitable work developed for them.
- Hand milking is the principal method.
- Calves are given their fair share of the milk and suckle until they are about 6 months old and the surplus is for humans.
- Cows’ lactations are extended, after weaning, for as long as practical without annual re-impregnation.
- Dry cows are encouraged to give milk even without having a calf.
- Only suitable natural foods are given for the cows such as grasses, vegetation and grains.
- Downer cows are properly cared for until their natural departure.
- For those who want to use the body of the cow, just wait until it dies naturally.
How cow protection benefits society
Here are some thoughts on how protecting cows can benefit society.
Milk. There are thousands of products that can be made from milk ranging from the milk on our cereals, butter, cheese, whey, ice cream, Ghee etc. Milk products are nutritious, satisfying, and tasty. Cows are so generous that they produce plenty of milk for their calves and for the human population also. Cow protection means ensuring the calf gets its share and the rest can feed the people.
Manure. Cow dung feeds the soil which in turn feeds us from the bountiful crops produced by healthy and vibrant earth.
Oxen. These majestic animals have been key to sustainable living for centuries. Historically, their role has been replaced by horses and even more recently by tractors. If we want a truly sustainable society we must again consider a place for working oxen in our food production and local transportation.
Cow interaction. There are numerous testimonials of people who have experienced satisfaction and contentment by interacting with cows and oxen. If there were more cows in the lives of people and if society was more localised by using oxen they society would be happier than it is now.
The Cow Care Scotland team is working to establish a small working protected dairy farm to demonstrate how beneficial it is to protect cows and to share those experiences with its visitors and followers.
