The rule to be observed in this stable at all times, toward the cattle, young and old, is that of patience and kindness. A man’s usefulness in a herd ceases at once when he loses his temper and bestows rough usage. Men must be patient. Cattle are not reasoning beings. Remember that this is the Home of Mothers. Treat each cow as a Mother should be treated. The giving of milk is a function of Motherhood; rough treatment lessens the flow. That injures me as well as the cow. Always keep these ideas in mind in dealing with my cattle.
—W.D. Hoard, Founder of Hoard’s Dairyman
Richard and I got a copy of this statement when we visited the WV University Experiment Station just north of Wardensville, WV. Richard remembers his father also having a copy in their dairy as he was growing up.
