Gregory Berns, a psychology professor turned accidental farmer at Emory University, shares his fascinating journey into the world of cows. He reveals surprising insights about cow personalities and the emotional connections they form, likening them to human relationships. Berns discusses his innovative 'bud box' techniques for stress-free handling and how music can influence cow behavior. The conversation emphasizes bridging the gap between urban folks and farm life, encouraging deeper appreciation for livestock and ethical consumption.
Gregory Berns highlights how understanding cow psychology reveals their unique personalities, challenging traditional views of cows as emotionless animals.
The podcast emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with livestock and our food sources to foster more ethical and compassionate consumer habits.
Deep dives
The Unexpected Journey into Cattle Psychology
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a personal transformation for Gregory Burns, leading him to reconsider his lifestyle. After being confined to online interactions as a university professor, he fantasized about living on a farm and eventually took the leap, purchasing a property in Georgia. Initially, his intentions centered around growing vegetables, but he soon found himself needing animals to maintain the property. This realization led him to acquire miniature cows, which sparked his exploration into their behavior and psychological interactions.
Discovering Individuality in Cows
As Gregory immersed himself in life with his cows, he uncovered their distinct personalities and behaviors, challenging common assumptions about these animals. Unlike the common perception of cows as static and unresponsive creatures, he observed that they exhibit individual traits, much like household pets. His background in psychology provided him with tools to analyze and distinguish their behaviors, leading him to identify specific personality traits among his cows. This understanding transformed his relationship with them, as he realized they were capable of forming bonds akin to those seen between humans and dogs.
The Psychological Benefits of Human-Animal Connections
Research indicates that interactions with animals can have significant psychological benefits for humans, potentially reducing stress and enhancing overall well-being. Gregory emphasized that while having animal companions can be beneficial, the quality of the relationship matters immensely; mismatched connections can lead to stress rather than relief. He explained that his cows, especially after being socialized, offered a calming presence, allowing him to lean against them and share affectionate moments. Such interactions highlight the emotional depth of these animals, reinforcing the notion that cows can be therapeutic companions.
Rethinking Our Relationship with Livestock
The shift from an agriculturally centered society to urbanization has resulted in many people losing touch with livestock and their significance in food production. Gregory advocated for greater awareness of where food comes from and the treatment of animals, asserting that consumers often lack a connection to the origin of their food. He suggested that understanding livestock's lives can foster a more respectful and ethical approach towards food consumption. In essence, re-establishing this connection could enrich lives, enhance compassion towards animals, and promote more humane treatment within the agricultural sector.
Get ready for a moo-ving conversation! This week, Kurt and Tim sit down with Gregory Berns, a psychology professor at Emory University, to explore the secret world of cows. Gregory shares his journey from academic to accidental farmer during the COVID-19 pandemic and how a group of miniature cows changed his life.
There’s moo-re to cows than meets the eye, and Gregory reveals how his farming adventure turned into a real-life exploration of cow psychology, unveiling behaviors that challenge common assumptions. In today’s world, there’s often a disconnect between urban dwellers and livestock, and the trio discusses how we can reconnect with farm life and our food sources to become more conscious consumers.
But that’s not all—tune in to hear how Gregory’s innovative “bud box” techniques show how understanding cow psychology can lead to stress-free handling and trust-building on the farm and beyond. Whether you’re a city slicker or a country dweller, this episode will expand your perspective and leave you with a newfound appreciation for the complex inner lives of the animals around us.