Des Moines, Iowa -
Big City Cow and Calf

I visited the Anderson Erickson Dairy in Des Moines to see the Big Cow and Calf. They are doing well standing on the corner of E. University and Hubbell. However when approaching from the east the Dairy has a couple of cow heads mounted on the wall. At first I thought this was what I was looking for and took this image. Then when driving out I spotted Annie and Eric right on the corner. [Jim Hejl, 08/03/2011]

Someone hit the little cow [with a car] and it's temporarily not being displayed. They took it down after they hit it. [sheila, 02/21/2008]

[RA: May 2008: Tipster Mike reports "Andy the little calf has been repaired and now is back on display."]

Someone took off with Eric the calf, in the process damaging the cow Annie's leg. Eric has been found, but has been damaged beyond repair. Annie's leg has been bandaged and a memorial cross marks where Eric used to be. According to the Des Moines Register, Eric will have to be put down. [Michael Baker, 10/21/2007]

[RA: Dec 3, 2007: Michael Baker let us know "The Anderson Erickson cow and calf that were knocked over back in October have been repaired."]

Anderson Erickson is a local Dairy. They have two large cow statues in front of the building. I remember them as a kid, so they must be 40+ years old. [Shari Buehler, 12/07/2006]

I can shed more light on the big cow and calf in front of the Anderson Erickson dairy in Des Moines. The bovines go back to the 1960s and are named Annie and Eric, obviously derived from the names of their sponsor. Not surprisingly, they have been used in periodic advertising campaigns for the dairy and its products.

I also can relate a story about a longtime desire to have a picture taken of myself perched atop the calf, the back of which is approximately 10 feet high. With the help of some friends and a borrowed ladder, I almost succeeded in 1982. However, our nighttime escapade was interrupted by the police, who apparently had been alerted by a passing driver. It was only with a great deal of explanation and a solemn promise never to attempt such a stunt again that I managed not to be taken into custody. [Bill Pierce, 05/22/2006]