UK Farmer Takes Drastic Action: Breeding Highland Cows to Be "Less Photogenic"
In an unusual response to growing tourist interference, a UK cattle farmer has announced plans to breed his Highland cows to be deliberately less attractive to visitors. Alex Birch, a 39-year-old farmer from Derbyshire, made this difficult decision after years of dealing with persistent tourists and social media influencers who get dangerously close to his animals.
The Problem: Social Media-Driven Tourist Encounters
Birch's Highland cows, which graze on Baslow Edge in the Peak District, have become increasingly popular since the pandemic. However, this popularity has come with significant problems. "My cows don't get any peace," Birch told the BBC. "I've seen the videos, I've seen it in person, I've seen someone filming a yoga video next to them."
The situation has escalated in recent years, with Birch describing finding large groups of people surrounding his animals. "One time I found 30 people with their cameras flashing with the cows cornered at the edge of a field," he recalled. Many visitors fail to understand the risks involved, despite warnings. "People just can't understand it when you tell them not to approach them and that the cows might turn on them," Birch explained.
The Solution: Selective Breeding for Safety
To address this ongoing issue, Birch plans to out-breed the Highland cows by crossing them with another hill breed. The goal is to make them less visually appealing to visitors. "The intention is to make them less photogenic," he said, adding that this was "not a decision I wanted to make."
Birch's grandfather, who introduced the cattle to the family in the 1970s, was reportedly "not particularly happy about it but does understand" the necessity of the measure. The farmer emphasized that this problem has persisted for four years, with people being "so persistent" in their attempts to interact with the animals.
Safety Concerns and Liability Issues
Beyond the disturbance to his animals, Birch has raised serious concerns about liability. He could face legal consequences if someone were injured while interacting with the cows. The Peak District National Park Authority has also issued warnings, stating that hugging cows is "highly dangerous" and carries risks of being trampled, charged, or attacked, especially when cows have calves.
Officials have urged visitors to maintain a safe distance, avoid feeding livestock, and refrain from taking selfies with animals. They stress that these farm animals are not accustomed to close human interaction and can become unpredictable when approached.
This situation highlights the broader impact of social media trends on rural communities and agricultural practices. As visitors seek perfect photos for their social media accounts, farmers like Birch are forced to make difficult decisions to protect both their animals and the public.
