Why farmer Naomi Jaeschke plans to open cow cuddling cafe Galloway Rise at Clare, SA

It’s a cafe unlike any other in the state – get a coffee and chill out with a huge beast. But no, this farmer’s “babies” aren’t the ones on the menu.

Naomi Jaeschke cuddling a cow. Picture: Supplied

A planned cafe at Clare wants to provide “cow-cuddling” therapy along with a latte and maybe even a beef sandwich.

But first, farmers Naomi and Simon Jaeschke, 45 and 44, need planning approval from a council panel for the business, to be named Galloway Rise.

Ms Jaeschke said the enterprise would offer “affection therapy” sessions where customers could relieve their stress by cuddling, rubbing, brushing and washing cows.

Cows at Naomi Jaeschke's farm. Picture: Supplied

Cuddle me: a cow at the Jaeschke farm. Picture: Supplied

“The therapy is spending that quality time with the cow,” she said.

“When people are anxious or stressed from daily challenges, it gives them a mindfulness time of just taking a breath and brushing and cuddling – that affection time with a cow.

“They sense your tension and mimic your heart rate, so they can have a calming effect.

“It’s an amazing experience, because it’s such a big and heavy animal that you can stand with … and you put your arms around them, and they do let you cuddle them.

“The cows don’t judge you, they just love a good scratch and a good rub.”

Asked if Galloway Rise would serve beef, Ms Jaeschke said the menu would include meat, but not from “my babies” at her paddock.

The licensed cafe, fitted in a Bedford bus near a “therapy garden”, would be on the peaceful Hill River farm where Ms Jaeschke lives with her husband and four children.

The therapy garden at Naomi Jaeschke's farm. Picture: Supplied

She said the business would offer a selection of cow packages, ranging from shorter cuddle sessions to a longer “day in the life of a cow” experience.

Ms Jaeschke, who is studying animal-assisted therapy, would be a session facilitator.

She said her interest in animal-assisted therapy was sparked by seeing the benefits of being with animals for her eldest daughter, who has epilepsy and ADHD.

“My daughter’s passion for animals has helped her along her journey so much; just that affection and calmingness, being around an animal,” she said.

Ms Jaeschke said she hoped Galloway Rise would become an NDIS-approved provider.

She said she could see the business attracting people of all ages, including families, tourists and Clare locals wanting a Friday night glass of wine.

Originally published as Why farmer Naomi Jaeschke plans to open cow cuddling cafe Galloway Rise at Clare, SA