Cow Milked While Flying in an Airplane Day

Cow Milked While Flying in an Airplane Day

Cow Milked While Flying in an Airplane Day is a quirky celebration commemorating the historic event when Elm Farm Ollie, also known as Nellie Jay, became the first cow to fly in an airplane and be milked mid-flight. This unique day blends aviation and agriculture, highlighting innovation and fun.

Quick Facts

When is it? February 18 (annually)
Tagged as: Agriculture, Food & Drink, Pets & Animals, Weird & Obscure
What’s the hashtag? #CowMilkedWhileFlyingDay
When was it founded? February 18, 1930
Who founded it? Inspired by the International Air Exposition event in St. Louis

History of Cow Milked While Flying in an Airplane Day

On February 18, 1930, Elm Farm Ollie, a Guernsey cow known for her high milk production and calm nature, took flight on a Ford Trimotor airplane from Bismarck, Missouri, to St. Louis. The event was part of the International Air Exposition and aimed to study how altitude affected milk production. During the flight, farmer Elsworth W. Bunce milked Ollie, producing 24 quarts of milk that were parachuted down to spectators below. This extraordinary feat earned Ollie the title “Queen of the Sky.”

Timeline

1930: Elm Farm Ollie becomes the first cow to fly and be milked mid-flight.
1931: Publicity surrounding Ollie’s flight continues to grow.
1950s: Aviation advancements overshadow the novelty of animal flights.
2000s: The story resurfaces as a fun historical anecdote.
2025: The day remains a humorous reminder of innovation blending agriculture and aviation.

Cow Milked While Flying in an Airplane Day Dates

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	February 18	Tuesday
2026	February 18	Wednesday
2027	February 18	Thursday
2028	February 18	Friday
2029	February 18	Sunday
2030	February 18	Monday

Observed: Cow Milked While Flying in an Airplane Day

This day is celebrated with creativity and humor:

Host Cow-Themed Events: Organize parties with cow-inspired decorations, milk-based snacks, and farm-themed games.
Virtual Reality Simulations: Experience milking a cow while “flying” through VR technology.
Educational Activities: Share stories about Elm Farm Ollie or watch documentaries on aviation history.

Fun Facts About Cow Milked While Flying in an Airplane Day

Elm Farm Ollie produced 24 quarts of milk during her flight.
Charles Lindbergh is rumored to have received one of the quarts.
Nellie Jay’s flight was a publicity stunt but also provided scientific data on altitude effects.

Quiz

What type of cow was Elm Farm Ollie?
(Answer: Guernsey)
How many quarts of milk did Ollie produce mid-flight?
(Answer: 24 quarts)
What was the name of the plane used for her flight?
(Answer: Ford Trimotor)
Who was the first person to milk a cow mid-flight?
(Answer: Elsworth W. Bunce)
What title was given to Elm Farm Ollie after her flight?
(Answer: Queen of the Sky)

FAQs

Why is this day celebrated?
It commemorates a unique blend of aviation and agriculture history.
Who was Elm Farm Ollie?
She was a Guernsey cow known for her high milk production.
What happened during her flight?
She produced milk mid-flight that was parachuted to spectators below.
Is this day widely observed?
It’s celebrated humorously by enthusiasts of history and innovation.
Can I celebrate without flying or milking a cow?
Yes! You can enjoy milk-based snacks or learn about aviation history.

Importance of Cow Milked While Flying in an Airplane Day

Celebrating Innovation: The day highlights how curiosity drives progress in both farming and aviation.
Honoring Dairy Farming: It underscores the importance of cows and their contributions to human nutrition.
Blending Humor with History: This quirky holiday reminds us that history can be both educational and entertaining.