Post by campfarmerangie on Mar 3, 2010 21:55:07 GMT -5
Well, of course the answer is YES! But I would like the sage advice of those who have experience. Here's the low down:
I'm currently milking two. I recently started up a herd share program. It is going well. So well, in fact, that I could justify adding another cow to the herd. (The largest herd share operator in our area just sold out. I got five new shares holders the same night he sent out an email letting his share holders know.) Now the question is do I want to?
I am first a wife and mother, then farmer. I co-own a pastured poultry business with a girlfriend. We will raise, process and sell 1500 broilers and 50 turkeys this season. Chicken chores don't take an especially long time each day. Say, maybe 30 minutes on days when I don't have to move chicks to tractors or process. It now takes me about 3 hours total for milk related stuff daily. This includes milking, washing up equipment, bottling, cleaning jars, etc. I'd think adding an additional cow would add about 20 more minutes per milking, maybe?
And last point and I'll shut up: I do most of this by myself. My boys are too small yet to be of significant help, although I think they will be more helpful than ever this summer. My husband supports me in all ways except the physical day to day stuff. He'll help on occasion when I really need it, but I've long ago reached the conclusion that a farmer he is not. Plus-he works hard at his day job (which allows me to farm) and when he gets home, he wants to relax, play with the kids. And that's what I want for him. All that to say I solely would be the one taking on the 3 cow responsibility.
Now, the idea excites me greatly. But before I begin drooling over cows in the Auction Barn (Okay...too late for that....)I want to make sure I won't be spreading myself too thin. And here's another thing: the extra money is needed. With the shares I have currently, I'm getting the feed bill paid (for all our animals) and all our milk for free. A third cow could possibly mean a little bit over that, and that would really help. It's a hard time for small Christian Camps.
Thanks so much! I look forward to hearing your thoughts,
Angie
I'm currently milking two. I recently started up a herd share program. It is going well. So well, in fact, that I could justify adding another cow to the herd. (The largest herd share operator in our area just sold out. I got five new shares holders the same night he sent out an email letting his share holders know.) Now the question is do I want to?
I am first a wife and mother, then farmer. I co-own a pastured poultry business with a girlfriend. We will raise, process and sell 1500 broilers and 50 turkeys this season. Chicken chores don't take an especially long time each day. Say, maybe 30 minutes on days when I don't have to move chicks to tractors or process. It now takes me about 3 hours total for milk related stuff daily. This includes milking, washing up equipment, bottling, cleaning jars, etc. I'd think adding an additional cow would add about 20 more minutes per milking, maybe?
And last point and I'll shut up: I do most of this by myself. My boys are too small yet to be of significant help, although I think they will be more helpful than ever this summer. My husband supports me in all ways except the physical day to day stuff. He'll help on occasion when I really need it, but I've long ago reached the conclusion that a farmer he is not. Plus-he works hard at his day job (which allows me to farm) and when he gets home, he wants to relax, play with the kids. And that's what I want for him. All that to say I solely would be the one taking on the 3 cow responsibility.
Now, the idea excites me greatly. But before I begin drooling over cows in the Auction Barn (Okay...too late for that....)I want to make sure I won't be spreading myself too thin. And here's another thing: the extra money is needed. With the shares I have currently, I'm getting the feed bill paid (for all our animals) and all our milk for free. A third cow could possibly mean a little bit over that, and that would really help. It's a hard time for small Christian Camps.
Thanks so much! I look forward to hearing your thoughts,
Angie