Cows become part of the family when you name them. Then they return that kindness and attention with more milk.

An award-winning research team  from Newcastle, England, Drs. Catherine Douglas and Peter Rowlinson, have shown that farmers who give a cow a name and treat her as an individual can increase annual milk production by almost 500 pints.

It was a breakthrough that was picked up by Harvard’s annual Ig Nobel Prizes, which honor achievements that first make people laugh, and then think.

A former dairy farmer I know called all his heifers “his ladies.” And, yes, they all had names.  Turns out he was not only treating them with natural kindness but it was increasing his business too. (Years later when he visited the herd, they recognized him.)

In fact, farmers interacting with their animals is straightforward rather than sentimental. There’s a clear connection and caring between the farmer and the animals (and plants) in his care.  Think about it: These are living, breathing creatures that you come in contact with every day.

Of course, in a factory setting it would be damn hard to care for one animal over another. But a small farm is different.

On a small farm you’re constantly engaging with your herd, flock or gaggle.  When I have been in the middle of herd of cows taking photos for Friend of the Farmer, I’ve been surrounded by dozens of cows weighing from 200 to 1,000 pounds. These are big animals and yet the experience is a remarkably peaceful. Some cows may run away initially while others wander over to get their heads scratched. The one constant is the sound of grass being cropped.

In approaching his herd of beef cattle, Allen Cockerline of Whippoorwill Farm suggested that I initially keep a low profile, avoid direct contact, and talk to the cows. He may have even suggested that I sing a song.

“Just as people respond better to the personal touch, cows also feel happier and more relaxed if they are given a bit more one-to-one attention,” explained Dr. Douglas of Newcastle University.  “What our study shows is what many good, caring farmers have long since believed. By placing more importance on the individual, such as calling a cow by her name or interacting with the animal more as it grows up, we can not only improve the animal’s welfare and her perception of humans, but also increase milk production.”