Ten miles down River Road in Sidney, nestled in rolling hills and winding along the Kennebec River, is farm country. There are barn and quilt sales and farm stands, alpaca farms, poultry farms and pastures of feed crops as far as the eye can see. It’s also home to Rainbow Valley Farms, the multi-generational dairy operation of the Bragg family since 1772, and the site of Stonyfield Organics’ Cow Spa.

The Cow Spa describes itself as an invitation for consumers to experience organic first-hand, bringing the brand's philosophy from the pasture to people, and a look at organic farming standards while inviting people to slow down, unplug and enjoy a day of "udder" relaxation.

Spa-goers have access to most of the farm, including a meditation trail to the river and a relaxation meadow, and are encouraged to stroll through the calf barn. Spa treatments are modeled after cow care: Full body and scalp massages use peppermint oil, an oil commonly applied to udders to prevent irritation from milking, and a foot reflexology treatment not unlike the cows’ twice-a-year hoof trimming and footbaths. The mechanical brushes are reserved for the cows. A yogurt truck offers a variety of parfaits, and guests are welcome to take home spa kits with organic products from New Hampshire-based beauty brand W.S Badger Company. A bunch of calico kittens, bellies full of cream, exemplify the farm’s diverse life.

Entry to the spa feels like climbing to a nice barn loft where smells of barnwood, hay, flowers and essential oils out-compete unwelcome farm aromas. Lining the walls of the stairs are photos of the farm’s cows. Soft lighting and calming music accompany. Though just below the treatment rooms, cows are shuffled around, fed, milked and brushed. Workers are busy cleaning stalls, maintaining equipment and tractoring supplies. When asked if the cows have a different routine on spa days, the team said not really. The cows stick to their normal routine. Their well-being comes first, so they continue with their regular pasture time, feeding, milking, rest and care, but with some extra snuggles, too. 

A recent study by New York University (NYU) and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point shows that cattle-assisted mental health therapy offers emotional benefits for humans while also being enriching for the animals. According to the study, the practice of "koe knuffelen" (cow hugging) originated in the Netherlands before spreading globally. It states that after 45 minutes of cow cuddling, the animals showed reduced levels of stress, higher levels of affection, and exhibited enhanced trust behaviors such as lying down, accepting food from humans, and licking participants. Humans also showed reduced stress, higher trust behaviors, and a sense of calmness.

The farm said the cows, who all have names, are always the priority, so interactions happen on their terms and with their comfort and safety in mind; many love to be snuggled and pet; and cows have individual personalities, some naturally more curious and social. 

Rainbow Valley Farm and the Bragg family have won awards and recognitions for their continual dedication to greener pastures. They are a Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) certified organic dairy farm, and are innovators in organic compost.