Growing up on dairy farms, Amanda Klein and Lisa Buccieri discovered just how calming being around cows could be. So they began offering cuddling sessions with the animals to bring joy to others. Here, they share their story.
Amanda Klein
After yet another stressful day carrying an endless workload at her corporate job, 43-year-old Lisa Buccieri let out a sigh of frustration.
“There has to be something better out there for me,” she blurted out loud in exasperation.
Suddenly, memories of her past growing up on a dairy farm filled her mind. She had always gone to her cows when life got her down. Just a simple hug, their sweet grassy smell, the calm in their loving brown eyes as she just sat with them in the quiet, was all it took to give her just the therapy she needed.
What if there was a way to start a cow cuddling business where others could feel that same comfort, too? she asked herself. For the last few years, she had been pitching in part-time at Klein Farms Dairy and Creamery in Easton, Pennsylvania, with Amanda Klein, a friend she had met through 4-H when they were younger. The two often shared stories of growing up on dairy farms and their passion for the animals.
Excited, Lisa couldn’t shake her wacky idea and ran it by Amanda, who was immediately on board. It was something the two loved to talk about, thinking someday it could be worth a try.
Then, out of the blue, Lisa was laid off due to a site closure. This is fate taking the wheel and steering me in a very different direction, Lisa realized. “The time is now,” she told Amanda, finally sure of what to do. “Let’s get this cow cuddling venture off the ground!”
Following a new calling
By June 2024, Lisa and Amanda had launched La Farm Girls, and cow cuddling sessions were open to the public. After getting permission from Klein Farm’s owners and working out the legalities, they revamped a portion of the hay shed, giving it a rustic, homey feel to make it inviting for cuddling sessions. They decided to offer 15-minute, 30-minute and 45-minute sessions on weekends for $15 to $25 per person, with the money going toward caring for the cows and keeping the farm running.
Once Lisa and Amanda got the word out on social media and posted a booking link on their website, not only did they attract an array of new clients, but the media caught on and covered the story, bringing in even more business. Before they knew it, they were fully booked for the summer months.
Cow cuddling offers hugs and happiness
As each session took place, the outcome was even better than Amanda or Lisa could have imagined. People traveled from hours away just to experience one-on-one time with the cows, often leaving in tears and feeling profoundly changed by the miraculously soothing experience.
One man, who came to the farm with his family from Reading, Pennsylvania, grew emotional. He had grown up on a dairy farm, but after the livestock was sold, he never thought he’d have the chance to lie down with a big cow like he did when he was a boy. “I never thought I would have this opportunity to feel this comfort again,” he said, choking up.
Another woman and her boyfriend brought her grandparents to cuddle a cow. Her grandmother’s health had been deteriorating, but because of her love of cows, she booked a session as a special gift. The grandmother made her way into the cuddling pen, sat down on a bale of hay and joyfully cradled the cow’s head in her lap with a big smile on her face—bringing tears of joy to everyone’s eyes.
Yet another young woman booked a session and broke down crying after the heartwarming experience. She had been going through a difficult divorce and found solace and healing by petting and hugging the calves—something she couldn’t do anywhere else.
Amanda Klein
Making a dream come true
To date, La Farm Girls has held more than 300 cuddling sessions and plans to keep going strong, with hopes of hosting events for birthday parties, weddings and other big celebrations. They also dream of offering educational classes on the farm, as well as visiting schools to teach students about the dairy and agricultural industries.
Most of all, Lisa and Amanda plan to continue giving everyone a chance to find solace and happiness by cuddling calves and cows—a sense of peace they’ve always been grateful for.
“Cuddling cows can literally take all of your stress away and help keep your focus on positive things,” says Amanda.
Lisa nods with a bright smile. “Many people looked at us like we were crazy when we had this idea,” she says. “It just goes to show, don’t give up on what you’re passionate about. It can be life-changing!”
