To Bessie Bea, lot 121, Herd 36, USA.1
Hello, I am Annabelle Edwards, Head cow at Shady Acres Farm Inc, in NSW Australia. My human carer read on the internet that an American was trying to better the conditions for all cows. I would like to add my support to such a movement. As the only true beef producers in the world we should be encouraged to work to our full potential. Hail to the beef eating humans who consume our end product, beef, in all its forms.2
Let me state that we are proud to to provide mature, flavoursome steaks, roast dinners, barbeques and other gourmet delights for humans to eat. That is our heritage. Help us to continue to provide a continuous supply of the above.3
Summers in Australia are hot, dry, and thirsty. Our water supply comes from underground bores and those holes in the ground called,'dams'. Underground water is a little repugnant to our delicate taste because of the minerals and salts it contains. The 'dam' water is brown muddy stuff that is barely drinkable at times. I am quite concerned that our humans demand filtered, purified water for themselves,[which they then boil and put that coffee stuff in], but do not at any time consider how much better we could produce if WE had access to clear, clean water. Shame on the selfish beings, they should, at least, share.4
Shelter is the next point. Summers in our part of the country get hot, 40 degrees celsius and upwards. There is virtually no shade. Since the invention of chainsaws the trees have been removed at an alarming rate. They say it has to be done so the farm machinery can work efficiently. Rubbish, those bits of metal take up all the available space in the many magnificent sheds on the farm and only come out to do anything once or twice a year. Those mechanical monsters should be removed so that myself and my family, living beings, can make proper use of those buildings. Can you imagine how miserable it is in winter when you wish to lie down and chew your cud. Wet rain, cold winds and mud everywhere a body wants to lie. If I had the power I would Order the replanting of large trees with spreading branches When the trees grow there would be acceptable places to rest quietly while our digestion processes are working.5
Food is the third cause for concern. Sheds full of hay so sweet smelling is not available to us until:- 1 We have eaten all the rubbish in each paddock in succession, and 2. There is really nothing left to keep us alive. I believe those humans call it 'management'. I suppose we are still better off than those poor creatures who are forced to eat grain at feedlot places. We cows have four stomachs designed by nature to digest grass, not grain. How can we rugurgitate that and chew it again?6
Finally there comes the trip to the place of slaughter. Why do they take away our children as weaners or vealers instead of allowing them to mature? Marbled beef, full of flavor, tasty and tender on the barbeque, or perhaps roasted to perfection with vegetables and gravy. Can't these humans do anything right?7
Respectfully yours, Annabelle.8
Cows can have opinions too, you know.
Comments
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Yay for cows!
I agree with this all the way. It was very well-written and made you think. And when the cow started to talk, it made me feel exactly like her. The ending line and question made me truly think for once. "Can't these humans do anything right?" That was very good!
And, unfortuantely, some of us can't. Meh. =P But some of us do, which makes me proud. I think those who kill cows just for beef should read this! >:3
Very touching. -
I like the cow talking for herself. Makes me want to write a version for a tree! Although, I don't think my tree would be quite as utilitarian as your cow. The pace was good and the voice of the cow was clear. The whole narrative was consistent in word usage and tone. It would be interesting to read a continuance of this idea, a back and forth between cow and human.
. Rewarded 6
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I spent a few years caretaking cattle. Although I spent most of my working life in the building industry I have always had an affinity with animals. Hence my interpretation of what the cows may be concerned about. I appreciate you taking the time to comment and I thank you for your encourageing remarks. I am really a writer of poetry on AP and only dabble elsewhere.
Cheers
Bob
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Oh wow, this was great! You brought up several valid points that I'm quite sure cows would complain about if they could (Click Clack Moo, anyone?
) And I enjoyed the Australian angle; I'm sure cows in Australia have just as valid a beef as any other. 
Very well written, thanks for sharing!
. Rewarded 6
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Cows are cows, no matter where in the world they happen to live. They would all have the same , or at least similar, requests for better breeding conditions. It takes time to read and comment and I thank you for your effort.
Cheers
BOB
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I love this story. The cow had indeed a lot to say that was spot on and i would definately stand by her if she wanted to grab a banner and protest. I have always thought about those poor cattle standing in pastures with no shade. The cow said everything there was to be said about crazy humans and their stupidity. A beautiful story full of warnings and pleadings which should be headed. I love the beginning. It was so good!
The ending was very touching. All in all. I give you top marks for such a wonderful adventure into the thoughts of a cow. God bless them.
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I thank you and so does Annabelle. I was a caretaker for about 250 cows on 2000 acres of dirt and sand for a few years and got to know the cows quite well. They are often poorly treated when one considers the profits that are made from them. This is my second attempt at writing prose. The first one was not worth reading so I filed it for future reference.
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Cow! Ah sorry, Wow!
I will never be able to eat beef again without Annabelle's eyes staring at me from the back of my mind!
Very well written, and well observed from a cow's point of view. Excellent cowit(t)y.
Annabelle, unfortunately humanity (and cowity!) are rare natural phenomenons found in humans. The Masters only care about the bottom line, and those that really care need to make best within the limitations.
I feel your pain though ... All the best.
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Hi Rachel and thank you from the girls in the paddock. There are 40 of them just across the driveway from where I'm sitting. I shall miss them when we move on the 18th April. I shall use Annabelle's Letter to remind me. Thanks again. Bob.
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Wow! This is a really great letter. Yay for Annabelle! That is so sad and incredibly true. I have seen some really bad situations around in my area. Very great write
~Joann
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Hi Joann, I am a caretaker of cattle and they would thank you for your support in their battle for better conditions. Me, I thank you for reading and enjoying my writing. Cheers and best wishes, Bob
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Para 4 you have dilights, should be 'delights'
Para 6 2nd sentence capitalize 'There'
What a wonderful piece. Me being American, I love it.
Keep it up.
Brooke
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Hi Brooke, I've fixed the typo's and thank you for your comments. My first real effort at prose. I will write some more as time goes by. Thank you your encouragement. Cheers, Bob
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I love this letter, but take out WDC and in para 4 spell 'dilights' as 'delights' Otherwise it's fine and I would recommend everyone to send this letter to anyone who knows a farmer. Not us though, we're converted to humane cattle rearing! Pity they're not our girls, but the boss's.
More power to you Annabelle!
Lis
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