Cow Cuddling in Utah: How Agritourism at Fold of Liberty Farms Supports Family Agriculture and Rural Education
In Utah's Spanish Fork area, a family farm is turning cuddly Highland cows into an unlikely bridge between tourism and agriculture. At Fold of Liberty Farms, cow-cuddling sessions aren't just heartwarming-they're also helping preserve multigenerational farming in a changing economic landscape.
In the pastoral town of Lakeshore, Utah, the Stout family's 25 Highland cows graze peacefully against the Wasatch Mountains. But what makes Fold of Liberty Farms unique is what happens next: for just over $17, visitors are invited to brush, cuddle, and connect with these majestic, shaggy bovines.
It began unexpectedly. "We were just out brushing the cows, and neighbors started asking if they could take pictures," says Vernon Stout, who co-runs the 50-acre regenerative farm with his wife, sons, and daughter-in-law. What started as curiosity soon evolved into a full-fledged agritourism attraction.
The Salt Lake Tribune) Wade Stout gets a curious nudge from Rufus, a Highland cow at Fold of Liberty Farms in Spanish Fork, on Friday,
The cows-each with names and personalities like Nan, Finn, and Oatmeal-respond affectionately to human contact. Some nuzzle for pets, others seek combs to rake their thick coats. And for many visitors, it's the first time they've touched a farm animal, creating unforgettable moments.
Tourism That Feeds the Cows-Literally
While the cows are undoubtedly the stars, the cuddling income is serious business. It helps the Stouts cover winter feed costs, support daily farm operations, and make agriculture economically viable for a younger generation.
"If we couldn't do agritourism here," says Wade Stout, "we'd be limited to how much beef or eggs we could sell." For the Stouts-and many across Utah-diversifying income is the key to preserving family farms.
Recognizing this, Utah passed a 2024 law establishing a voluntary agritourism registry and offering liability protections for farm tourism operations. Officials like Rep. Carl Albrecht believe agritourism helps young farmers sustain operations while educating the public on where their food comes from.
Education Meets Ethics on the Farm
Fold of Liberty doesn't hide the realities of farming. "Yes, we cuddle cows. Yes, we produce food," Vernon says. Some cows, when no longer healthy, are humanely harvested to avoid suffering.
The Salt Lake Tribune) A never ending supply of hair is brushed off a Highland cow at Fold of Liberty Farms in Spanish Fork on Friday,
"It's important people understand the full life cycle of food," adds Caroline Hargraves from the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food. Agritourism offers a rare chance for people to witness how food is produced, from calf to cow to consumer.
Even as the cuddles draw crowds, the farm remains a working operation, grounded in transparency and respect for the animals it raises. And visitors leave with more than selfies-they gain a renewed connection to agriculture.
