February 7, 2020
On February 18, 1930, a cow known as Elm Farm Ollie won the unique distinction of becoming the first cow ever to be milked while flying in an airplane, ushering in the first Cow Milked While Flying in an Airplane Day. The circumstances of the flight are well-recorded, as Elm Farm Ollie was part of the International Air Exposition in St. Louis, Missouri. Researchers were apparently eager to observe the effects of flight on livestock. Elm Farm Ollie was an unusually productive guernsey. She needed milking three times a day. During her flight, she produced 24 quarts of milk. Wisconsin native Elsworth Bunce had the honor of milking her, consequently becoming the first man to ever milk a cow in an airplane. The milk was sealed in paper cartons and parachuted to the crowds below, where it is said that Charles Lindbergh took a drink.