A little reason to celebrate
National Farm Animals Day
Animal ยท April 10
A look at the cows, pigs, chickens, goats, sheep and other animals raised on farms, and simple, kind ways to learn about them.
National Farm Animals Day falls on Saturday, April 10, 2027. That is 165 days away.
Farm animals are the creatures people have raised for milk, eggs, wool, work and company for a very long time. Cows, pigs, chickens, goats, sheep, ducks and horses are the familiar cast, though plenty of farms add donkeys, turkeys or a llama keeping watch over the field.
Each one has its own habits. Chickens scratch at the ground looking for seeds and insects, and they settle into a pecking order within the flock. Goats are curious climbers that will investigate almost anything, including your sleeve. Pigs are known for being clever, and they roll in mud to keep cool because they have few sweat glands. Cows spend a good part of the day chewing their cud, bringing food back up to chew it again.
Most of these animals are social and feel more settled with others of their kind nearby. A sheep left alone tends to call out for the flock. That need for company is one reason a quiet pasture usually has a small crowd in it.
A visit to a farm, a petting barn or a county fair is the simplest way to meet them. Many farms welcome visitors and ask that guests follow their rules, such as washing hands and not feeding the animals unless invited. Picture books and farm sounds are a gentle start for children who have never heard a goat up close.
If you stand near a barn long enough, you start to tell the animals apart by voice, from the low moo to the chicken's rolling cluck after laying an egg.
Ways to celebrate
- Visit a local farm or petting barn and follow its animal care rules.
- Read a picture book about farm animals with a child.
- Learn to tell apart three breeds of chicken, cow or sheep.
- Wash your hands after touching animals and ask before offering any food.
- Thank a farmer you know for the daily work of animal care.
Dates
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Friday, April 10 |
| 2027 | Saturday, April 10 |
| 2028 | Monday, April 10 |
| 2029 | Tuesday, April 10 |
| 2030 | Wednesday, April 10 |
Also on April 10
- National Siblings Day
- National Hug Your Dog Day
- National Cinnamon Crescent Day
- Encourage a Young Writer Day
- Golfer's Day
- Safety Pin Day
Categories: Animal days