On a dairy farm run on Hindu principles, cow ‘friends’ yield milk and higher consciousness

In a serene setting on rural Pennsylvania farmland, Dhruva and his beloved cow, Tabby, come together at dawn. While one chants a mantra to Lord Krishna using prayer beads, the other listens to religious hymns while being milked. They both share a spiritually pure vegetarian meal of organic produce sanctified by God before consumption.

At Gita Valley dairy farm, cows outnumber humans by a ratio of about 5 to 1, a preference for the 20 human residents. The cows are seen as friends and living entities deserving respect, providing emotional support and fresh milk to their human companions.

The farm, following the principles of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), refrains from violence against the cows, allowing them to roam freely without being dehorned, prodded, or confined. The cows are not sent to slaughter after they stop producing milk, as is the practice in most U.S. dairy farms.

The farm, modeled after a traditional Indian cow sanctuary and the only one of its kind in the U.S., is dedicated to rescuing cows from exploitation. The dairy products from Gita Valley cater to a growing demand from ethical vegans who seek non-exploitative sources. The farm’s revenue comes from various sources, including weekend retreats, milk subscriptions, and work-study programs.

Living on the farm is viewed as a spiritual journey by its residents, who emphasize the importance of caring for animals and living in harmony with nature. The farm’s mission is to create awareness about the treatment of animals and promote a conscious, plant-based lifestyle.