The first flying cow

We all know that Wilbur and Orville Wright were the first people to successfully fly a plane, but do you know who the first flying cow was.

In February 18, 1930, a cow named Elm Farm Ollie, who was nicknamed Nellie Jay, was the first cow to fly on a plane. Of all the cows dreaming of jumping over the moon, Nellie Jay was the one who came closest when she took flight that February morning.

The event was organized by the International Air Exposition which took place in St. Louis Missouri. Nellie Jay, a Guernsey cow, got to fly 72 miles from her hometown in Bismarck, Missouri to the booming metropolis St. Louis, Missouri.

The first cow milked on a plane

Because of her rigorous milking schedule being milked 3 times per day, Nellie Jay also became the first cow to be milked on a plane. Apparently this was also done so scientist could observe how Nellie Jay would be affected by being milked at high altitudes. It was stated that Nellie Jay, gave 24 quarts of milk on that arduous flight. The milk was then put in cartons and parachuted down to spectators below. Famous people to drink Nellie Jay’s milk included Charles Lindbergh.

The Sky Queen

Because of her accomplishment, Nellie Jay was appropriately renamed Sky Queen

So now you know the awesome story about Nellie Jay aka Sky Queen the first flying cow. You can now impress your friends with your knowledge of bovine aviation. The more you know.

Don’t forget to celebrate bovine aviation day on February 18.