A farmer in Derbyshire is contemplating breeding “less photogenic” cows due to the increasing intrusion by social media influencers and walkers seeking selfies, videos, and even yoga sessions with his herd. Alex Birch, a cattle farmer, expressed his frustration over visitors getting too close to his Highland cows at Baslow Edge in the Peak District, turning them into a social media sensation.
Despite warnings from the Peak District National Park Authority against approaching or taking pictures with the cows, Birch noted that the advice has been disregarded. He recounted an incident where a crowd of people surrounded the cows, causing distress to the animals. Birch emphasized the risks involved as many visitors fail to comprehend the potential dangers of interacting with livestock.
The farmer, whose family has raised Highland cattle for decades, highlighted a significant rise in disruptive behavior, especially during the pandemic. To address the issue, Birch intends to out-breed the cows by crossing them with another hill breed to make them less attractive to visitors. While acknowledging the difficulty of this decision, Birch stressed the importance of ensuring the safety of both visitors and the cattle.
Moreover, Birch pointed out the potential liabilities farmers face if visitors are injured due to their interactions with the cows. The Peak District National Park Authority echoed the danger, cautioning against hugging cows, particularly when they have calves, as it could lead to accidents like trampling or attacks. Birch underscored that the influx of influencers on platforms like TikTok has exacerbated the ongoing challenges faced by farmers.
In a related context, conflicts between locals and social media users have been reported in various places, including a town in Vermont where residents closed a road to deter influencers seeking picturesque backgrounds. Birch’s concerns align with a broader trend of tensions arising from the impact of relentless social media use on local communities.
