Jelly Roll’s Surprising Move: Adopting a Cow from a Shut-Down Dairy Farm Stuns Animal Rights Groups
Nashville, TN – Country music superstar Jelly Roll, born Jason Bradley DeFord, has once again captured headlines with a bold act of compassion that has left fans and animal rights groups reeling. The “Son of a Sinner” singer recently adopted a cow from a shuttered dairy farm in Tennessee, but it’s what he did next that has sparked widespread conversation. Rather than simply adding the cow to his growing 500-acre Nashville farm, Jelly Roll transformed the animal’s rescue into a platform for advocacy, education, and community empowerment, catching even the most vocal animal rights advocates off guard.
The cow, a Holstein named Daisy, was one of dozens left in limbo when a small dairy farm in Wilson County closed in May 2025 due to financial struggles and new environmental regulations. Facing potential slaughter or neglect, Daisy’s fate seemed grim until Jelly Roll stepped in. The singer, already known for his menagerie of mini-cows, donkeys, and a pony on his farm, learned of the farm’s closure through local news and acted swiftly. “I couldn’t let her go down like that,” he posted on Instagram, sharing a photo of Daisy grazing on his property. “Every life matters, and I’ve got the space to give her a home.”
What shocked animal rights groups was not the adoption itself but Jelly Roll’s decision to turn Daisy’s story into a broader initiative. Partnering with the Tennessee-based Animal Welfare League, he launched the “Daisy’s Sanctuary Project,” a program to rehome other displaced animals from the farm and raise awareness about the challenges facing small dairy operations. The project includes a youth mentorship component, where children from his Goodnight Nashville Kitchen—a free cafeteria serving 1,200 orphans—visit the farm to learn about animal care and sustainable farming. “These kids are learning to love and respect animals, just like I wish I had as a kid,” he told The Tennessean.
Animal rights groups, often critical of celebrity gestures as publicity stunts, were initially skeptical. “We expected a photo-op, not a movement,” said Sarah Mitchell of Humane World for Animals Tennessee. “Jelly Roll’s commitment to education and systemic change is unprecedented for someone of his stature.” The singer’s farm now hosts weekly workshops, teaching kids how to care for animals and grow organic produce, with Daisy as the unofficial mascot. He’s also pledged $50,000 to support local farmers transitioning to sustainable practices, addressing the environmental concerns—like methane emissions and water runoff—that led to the farm’s closure.
Jelly Roll’s actions come at a time when dairy farms face increasing scrutiny. In New York, proposed legislation to cap dairy herds at 700 cows has sparked protests, while animal rights activists in New Zealand and the UK have exposed welfare issues in the industry. Daisy’s former home was one of many small farms caught in the crosshairs of economic pressures and regulatory shifts, a reality Jelly Roll acknowledges. “I’m not here to point fingers,” he said at a recent farm event. “Farmers are struggling, animals are suffering, and we need solutions, not blame.”
The move has not been without controversy. Some fans on X questioned whether Jelly Roll’s high-profile adoption overshadows the broader crisis, while others praised his hands-on approach. His wife, Bunnie Xo, has been instrumental, documenting Daisy’s integration into their farm on TikTok, where videos of the cow bonding with their mini-donkey Grizz have gone viral. “Daisy’s family now,” Bunnie said, laughing as she fed the cow carrots.
As Jelly Roll prepares for his 2025 BIG ASS Stadium Tour, Daisy’s Sanctuary Project is gaining momentum. With plans to expand to other counties, the initiative could redefine how celebrities engage with animal welfare. For now, Daisy roams happily, a symbol of second chances and a reminder that even a country star can shake up the status quo.
