Post by countrymama on Jan 31, 2007 11:50:41 GMT -5
My husband and I are looking to get into cows this year. Initally I would need to either bring in all hay and feed or if possible, tether a cow out in the lawn for some grazing. The fenced in area was used by pigs and well, there is no grass left though we will be seeding it and growing grass back there. I know I will need to supliment either way though because we live do not have many acres. But thats fine.We really want to get a family cow. It just wont be as cost efficent as if we had several acres open for grazing.
Anyways here is my question.
1. Is it more efficent to start with a calf or a bred heifer? Cost wise that is.
The milk will be used to feed my family and also go to any other animals around our little mini farm. A cow that gives 2 gallons a day would be ideal. We are looking towards Jersey, is that a good breed of cow for a family looking for a easy transition into cow ownership?
We live in Michigan. Obviously it means a long period where we would have to bring in all feed. What kind of prices are we looking at for feeding a heifer through the winter? What about year around? My husband just wants a few ideas but they dont have to be exact prices. He raised Hoelstiens growing up but they had about 6 acres of grazing right along a river (grass grew fast) and his dad never exactly told him how much he spent on grain etc. So he isn't really positive of the costs.
So I am open to advice and suggestions. The need for a cow isn't immediate and I would love to learn more about them as soon as I can. I figure the best place to learn about cows is forums where people love their cows instead of encylopedia type websites without someone to tell me their experiences.
So far we have raised chickens, ducks, pygmy goats and pigs. My husband hasn't raised a cow in a few years and I haven't ever raised one so in some ways its a new experience. I would love to hear all stories, advice and wisdom on the subject
Amanda
Anyways here is my question.
1. Is it more efficent to start with a calf or a bred heifer? Cost wise that is.
The milk will be used to feed my family and also go to any other animals around our little mini farm. A cow that gives 2 gallons a day would be ideal. We are looking towards Jersey, is that a good breed of cow for a family looking for a easy transition into cow ownership?
We live in Michigan. Obviously it means a long period where we would have to bring in all feed. What kind of prices are we looking at for feeding a heifer through the winter? What about year around? My husband just wants a few ideas but they dont have to be exact prices. He raised Hoelstiens growing up but they had about 6 acres of grazing right along a river (grass grew fast) and his dad never exactly told him how much he spent on grain etc. So he isn't really positive of the costs.
So I am open to advice and suggestions. The need for a cow isn't immediate and I would love to learn more about them as soon as I can. I figure the best place to learn about cows is forums where people love their cows instead of encylopedia type websites without someone to tell me their experiences.
So far we have raised chickens, ducks, pygmy goats and pigs. My husband hasn't raised a cow in a few years and I haven't ever raised one so in some ways its a new experience. I would love to hear all stories, advice and wisdom on the subject
Amanda