Moo-ves to improve milk yield
Dairymen and women, tanker drivers and herdsmen from across Shropshire have been striking tai chi poses to get more milk out of their cows.
For years dairy farmers have been dreaming up ways to get more milk out of their cows: Better feed, state-of-the-art milking parlours and the odd burst of classical music.
But these pictures show an altogether more spiritual approach to the situation. Dairymen and women, tanker drivers and herdsmen from across Shropshire have been striking tai chi poses to bring an additional uplift to their cows, fields and farmyards.
Given the state of the fields, you could say it was more dung-fu than kung-fu.
While many stalwarts may frown on the approach, Church Stretton farmer Tristan Dale and Pimhill's Ginny Mayall are both convinced their moves are having a positive effect.
Tristan, 28, who runs a 100-strong herd, said: "Being an organic dairy farmer is hard work and I want to make sure I am as relaxed and focused as possible. By its very nature I am constant contact with the cows and any stress in me can be easily transferred to them."
His routine involves getting up at 5.30am, spending a few minutes relaxing with his tai chi workout before getting the day's first milking under way.
He understands that not everyone will understand it.
"I was a bit sceptical at first so I imagine other people to be," he said.
"It is a great way to relax, though, and helps collect your thoughts before a busy day. As organic farmers we believe happier cows produce better milk."
Tristan and Ginny are shown demonstrating a series of adapted tai chi routines.
Each of the movements has been assigned a series of easy-to-follow instructions created for the agriculturally minded, with names like "up with the lark", "lazily buttoning overalls" and "arms like tractor wheels".
Drawing inspiration from China, where farmers have practised tai chi since the 17th century, the Federation of Organic Milk Groups has enlisted the services of a tai chi master or "Sifu" to help them learn the special moves, renowned for bestowing a mood of wellbeing.
Roger Kerr, chairman of the FOMG, said: "Enjoying organic milk everyday is a great way to enhance your wellbeing.
It's kind to the environment, kind to your body, kind to your wallet and comes from happy and contented cows."
By Rural Affairs Correspondent Nathan Rous
