Post by dsimas on Oct 23, 2008 12:35:18 GMT -5
Hello everyone,
I've been doing my research and am finally shopping for my first milk cow. I am on my Grandpa's little 1.4 acre farm, designed in the 1940's after the "Have More Plan". www.grandpas1947farm.shutterfly.com
I have decided on a Dexter because they are small and the milk is only for me, and some friends that would like any extra (and the chickens).
I have a box stall and 25x35' paddock, all with "cow carpet" (felt flooring to prevent mud/dust and allows for drainage). I have 1 acre of good pasture that will feed her March-Oct. And I have a little cow barn with 3 stanchions.
My plan is to have her calve in early spring when the pasture is producing and milking her during the warmer months, and taking 3-4 months off during winter before she delivers her next calf. I will sell her calves after weaning.
I have been lurking ads in CA/OR for a while now and have discovered that it's harder to find an adult cow, broke to milk. I saw the one on the Auction Barn here, and she sounded great, but the timing is wrong. She is in milk now with a 2 month old calf and bred back for a fall calf again.
Many have suggested, even though I am anxious for the milk, that I get a young heifer and raise her up myself. I actually would really enjoy this. I just worry that after waiting a year and a half, that she won't be a good producer or have a problem of some sort. A "proven" cow would be nicer... So, I have a wonderful, recommended, reputable breeder about 2 hours away. He has answered my many questions, sent photos, etc. He has some heifers he has just weaned and is currently halter breaking. He told me the various temperaments and we have it down to a short list.
If I explain the short list and post photos, can you all give me your input???
Thanks for listening!
Dawn
I've been doing my research and am finally shopping for my first milk cow. I am on my Grandpa's little 1.4 acre farm, designed in the 1940's after the "Have More Plan". www.grandpas1947farm.shutterfly.com
I have decided on a Dexter because they are small and the milk is only for me, and some friends that would like any extra (and the chickens).
I have a box stall and 25x35' paddock, all with "cow carpet" (felt flooring to prevent mud/dust and allows for drainage). I have 1 acre of good pasture that will feed her March-Oct. And I have a little cow barn with 3 stanchions.
My plan is to have her calve in early spring when the pasture is producing and milking her during the warmer months, and taking 3-4 months off during winter before she delivers her next calf. I will sell her calves after weaning.
I have been lurking ads in CA/OR for a while now and have discovered that it's harder to find an adult cow, broke to milk. I saw the one on the Auction Barn here, and she sounded great, but the timing is wrong. She is in milk now with a 2 month old calf and bred back for a fall calf again.
Many have suggested, even though I am anxious for the milk, that I get a young heifer and raise her up myself. I actually would really enjoy this. I just worry that after waiting a year and a half, that she won't be a good producer or have a problem of some sort. A "proven" cow would be nicer... So, I have a wonderful, recommended, reputable breeder about 2 hours away. He has answered my many questions, sent photos, etc. He has some heifers he has just weaned and is currently halter breaking. He told me the various temperaments and we have it down to a short list.
If I explain the short list and post photos, can you all give me your input???
Thanks for listening!
Dawn