Dr Lisa Harper: Chill out down on the farm with herd

Cows . . . could they benefit from aromatherapy?

A city cousin asked me lately if stressed farm animals would benefit from aromatherapy.

The cousin in question is educated and intelligent. He's been to stay at the farm and I assumed he knew a bit about rural life.

Although, in retrospect, I never really talked to him about it.

So he blindsided me when he innocently commented that perhaps this new aromatherapy technique would help stressed livestock. There was a long pause as I tried to think of something constructive to say.

Leaving aside the aromatherapy question (which may work for all I know) I explained why I didn't think farm animals were chronically stressed. Something he'd just assumed.

I told him farm animals are generally out in the paddock minding their own business and that stress was most likely when they're handled.

But not all handling is stressful and the more you do it, the more used to it they become. Sheep become old hands at being shifted to new pasture, lining up by the gate or moving by known routes.

Lambs not yet familiar with farm routines can be settled by putting some experienced ewes with them to show them the ropes.

I explained how cows let their milk down voluntarily, so have to be relaxed. Some of my small herd shut their eyes and gave every impression of dozing off during milking.

There are undoubtedly some stressful periods for livestock, like weaning. But mostly, I told him, my animals lived a pretty chilled life.

And I want that. Calm, contented animals are satisfying to watch and more likely to put on weight and produce well. Whereas stressed animals are unpredictable and potentially dangerous.

Was this an example of the urban-rural divide? On reflection, I don't think so. Yes, there's a lot of ignorance about farming in some quarters, but it's mutual.

Ask me to explain what my cousin does for a living (even though he's tried to tell me) and I'll struggle. The lesson for me was never to assume knowledge and if someone's curious, help them out. That way we all learn something.

- Lisa Harper is a Federated Farmers Regional Policy Advisor