ABAC’s “Pumpkin” the cow passes away at 22
TIFTON, Ga. – Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) announced on their Facebook page that their beloved Cow 300 known as “Pumpkin” has passed away at 22 years old.
We are saddened to announce the passing of Cow 300, fondly known as Pumpkin by the ABAC community. Many students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, industry partners, friends of ABAC, and more have thought of her as an unofficial mascot for many, many years.
She was born on March 3, 2003, as a F1 Brahman with beautiful orange tiger striping, which was the source of her name. Quickly, she began breaking barriers and perceptions of what a Brahman cross could be. As a breeding cow, her genes produced many desirable characteristics that led her to be known as the “matriarch” of our beef teaching herd, with more than 400 descendants tracing back to her. But she was so much more.
Brahman cross cattle have a reputation for mean temperament, but not Pumpkin. Pumpkin was gentle and patient. During her 22 years, she was a very important part of ABAC’s agriculture program by allowing students up close and hands-on learning opportunities. Whether you were participating in a lab or getting close to cattle for the first time, she would always greet you with floppy ears, a lick, and a gentle nudge for a scratch on the head or back, especially if a treat was close by.
Though she lived at the Beef Unit, her reputation was widely known across campus, the Southeast, and even throughout the US. A photo with Pumpkin became a staple on social media, and her big, floppy ears were always available when peace and comfort were needed. On good days and bad, Pumpkin was always up for visitors of all ages and backgrounds.
“Pumpkin worked for ABAC and the ABAC Beef Unit 24 hours a day, 7 days of every week for twenty-two and a half years,” said Dr. Mary Ellen Hicks, professor of animal science and the veterinarian for the ABAC beef herd, and Doug Hicks, ABAC beef herd manager. “She was part of the recruitment team, academic instructional team, and fundraising team. She made the beef industry “real” for prospective students, current students, donors and dignitaries. As one person said, she welcomed people with patience and dignity. She will be greatly missed.”
There will never be another quite like her, but the future of ABAC’s beef herd is bright with her legacy in place.
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