Famed Jersey Barnyard Cow Passes Away

The long lived life of a superstar that lived locally in La Grange sadly came to an end after 15 strong years. Peanut, a Jersey cow that resided at the Jersey Barnyard, passed away on July 4. She was an old cow, but it is also thought that she had laid down in a bad spot on the field and could not get back up. The well known cow starred in television commercials for milk and ice cream products for Blue Bell and TxDOT.

Peanut, accompanied by a few of her other Jersey cow friends were hauled to a location close by Red Rock. They played the role of a love interest for a bull that was eyeing them in a humorous ad for TXDOT.

Peanut has also partnered with Blue Bell Creamery for the two most recent commercials that Jersey Barnyard has been a part of. She was a natural choice because she epitomizes what a Jersey cow should look like. The last commercial Peanut was featured in was three years ago and there is now a poster from Blue Bell Creameries with Peanut in the front looking picture perfect. Back in 1991, the first commercial that The Jersey Barnyard did with Blue Bell Creamery was known as “The Singing Cow.” Since then, 11 more commercials have been created and the cows that featured in these commercials were also used for Blue Bell’s introductory film that teaches visitors the history of the Blue Bell Creameries. These cows were able to secure a spot in these commercials because the filming crew knew of The Jersey Barnyard farm and how beautiful the cows were from a previous filming. Most commercials have aired on TV prior to popular social media.

Peanut was a 1,000 pound sweet, patient and silly animal that shared a close bond with those at The Jersey Barnyard and all the visitors. She would be quick to look up and walk over if she heard her name being called or if she heard the tractor on the farm coming. Peanut was Faith and Ralph Frerichs’ late son’s 4-H project and show cow. Peanut traveled to many shows over the years which made her the ideal fit for interacting with families on the farm. Peanut was the Jersey cow used for milking by hand on the farm tours. Peanut would get up and walk right over to the cow milking spot and stand ready for a tour.

Being a loveable and heartwarming character, many families fell in love with her over a decade she was there. Many people flooded with support and shared their photos and memories on a tribute post on the Jersey Barn Facebook page. There is a Hall of Fame wall being built at The Jersey Barnyard that will include a meaningful picture of Peanut along with Doris, the original Blue Bell Creamery spokes-cow. Peanut’s blue halter has been retired and it will hang with a plaque in the farm store. Her daughter, Little Peanut, has a new red halter.

May Peanut’s legacy continue to live on.