Farmers in England are practicing Tai Chi in front of their Cows. They say it makes the cows happy, peaceful and quiet. And that's good.

Tai Chi is a martial arts and exercise system from China practiced by millions of people for health, relaxation and peace of mind.

The cows like it too.

'It's important to have a happy herd of cows. This year compared to last year the cows are producing something like 10% more milk' says Robert Tevener, an organic farmer from the UK, who practices Tai Chi in his field every morning in his cow-proof Wellingtons.

'It could be a lot of factors but with organic farming it's not always about quantity. I mean this year it seems to be quantity, but it's also the quality in that milk as well.'

And he's not the only farmer in the field.

Tevener's sentiments are echoed by Miles Saunders who practices Tai Chi in front of his 300 cow herd. 'I go out when I get the chance, about three or four times a week. I do a series of slow moves in the field and the cows find it interesting.'

Both discovered Tai Chi through the organic milk producers' website love-om.comcorr. where Tai Chi master Ben Milton offers a special sequence of 7 tai chi moves, each of which is named for a common farmyard action. Students are encouraged to practice Tai Chi in their fields to 'bring an additional spiritual uplift to their, herds, fields and farmyards'.

Mr. Saunders has taken these instructions to heart. He begins his routine by imagining he is stroking his cows as he move his arms up and down. Next he preforms a move like cradling a baby; pretending he is holding a calf in his arms before he opens them to part the hay.

'It's hard to say at this stage if it's beneficial or not but the interest the cows show you, shows they enjoy it. They look very inquisitive too, which is a sign of healthy cows. They like to come up to me and have a good look.'

Mr. Saunders, who believes he is the longest-standing organic milk producer in the UK, said: 'The bottom line is we're trying to produce really good quality organic milk and with the benefits of Tai Chi, this will filter through to the consumer.' That's the most important thing.

'Tai Chi has many benefits for me. It gives me a chance to have quiet time and be among the cows. It also gives me a chance to have a really good look at the cows and make sure they're all healthy.

Ten years ago, people dismissed tai chi, but now a lot of people are realizing it works.'

To read the original articles, please see, Tai Chi moo-ves mean more milk BBC News April 14, 2008. Chilled Milk from Martial Art by Emily Allen, Oxford Mail. May 10, 2008. Love OM and Master Ben Milton.