National Cow Appreciation Day

Happy individuals dressed as cows, smiling and dancing, wearing cow-print attire, surrounded by a joyful and colorful barnyard scene.. — National cow appreciation day illustration

Howdy! Prepare to dust off those cowbells and dig out your favorite bovine-inspired gear, because today we're chatting about National Cow Appreciation Day. A day where the humble cow gets a glimmer in her eye and a skip in her step, knowing the whole nation is celebrating her contribution to our lives. But don't worry, you don’t actually need to moo-ve to a farmhouse (unless, of course, it’s your dream). Just join us in this fun-filled, moo-tastic celebration!

When is Cow Appreciation Day?

It's national cow appreciation day on the 10th July.

The History of National Cow Appreciation Day

A question of udder importance that may be grazing in your mind at this point — when and why did this day even start? Cows just chew cud and say moo, right? All jokes aside, while cows are not wordsmiths, they play a pivotal role in agriculture and dairy industries. Recognizing the vast contribution of our bovine friends, National Cow Appreciation Day was born out of gratitude and a tad bit of consumer cleverness.

The American fast-food chain, Chick-fil-A, is responsible for kick-starting the day back in 2005. The idea moo-ved many hearts and the day quickly gained traction. Being widely recognized for 13 years across the United States, its popularity peaked on July 10th, 2018, with our data showing a whopping 3,593 online mentions on this day alone!

How to Celebrate?

Celebrations range from the wonderfully dignified, like hosting cow-themed parties and serving dairy-rich meals, to the gloriously humorous, like dressing up as a cow for a day (maybe getting yourself some free Chick-fil-A while you're at it!). You can also show your appreciation by learning and sharing facts about cows and farm life, or even adopting and sponsoring a cow if you feel like it!

A Bovine Bow

In the end, whether, with a moo or a costume, National Cow Appreciation Day is a fun reminder to appreciate the species that provides us with so much. From milk to cheese, and from sustaining farmlands to filling our hearts (and stomachs), cows indeed deserve a tip of the hat and a day of their own!

History behind the term 'Cow Appreciation'

1995

Creation of Cow Appreciation Day

In the year 1995, Chick-fil-A, a popular fast-food restaurant chain, introduced the concept of Cow Appreciation Day. It was created as a way to promote their classic chicken sandwich and engage with their customers in a fun and unique way. The idea behind Cow Appreciation Day was to encourage people to dress up as cows and visit Chick-fil-A to receive free food items.

2004

Expansion and National Observance

Over the years, Cow Appreciation Day grew in popularity, attracting more participants and generating significant attention for Chick-fil-A. Recognizing its impact, Chick-fil-A expanded Cow Appreciation Day to a national observance starting in the year 2004. This allowed people from all over the United States to participate in the celebration of cow appreciation.

2013

The Birth of Cow Appreciation Day Tradition

By the year 2013, Cow Appreciation Day had become a well-established tradition among Chick-fil-A enthusiasts. On this day, people of all ages and backgrounds dress up in cow costumes, ranging from simple cow-print t-shirts to elaborate full-body cow suits. The restaurants embrace this tradition and offer free food rewards for those who fully embrace their inner cow.

2020

Virtual Cow Appreciation Day during the COVID-19 Pandemic

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Chick-fil-A adapted its Cow Appreciation Day celebration in the year 2020. Instead of the usual in-person gathering, the event went virtual. Participants were encouraged to share photos and videos of their homemade cow costumes on social media using the hashtag #CowAppreciationDay. Despite the challenging circumstances, the spirit of cow appreciation persevered, allowing people to connect and celebrate together, albeit remotely.

Did you know?

Did you know? Cows have an excellent sense of smell and can detect odors up to six miles away. Yeah, you read it right - six miles! Maybe that explains how they sniff out those delicious hay bales!