Post by Laura G in Idaho on Oct 22, 2007 21:42:12 GMT -5
I've nearly sold all the shares in my herd that I intended to sell. The demand for raw milk is overwhelming. Calls and emails continue to stream in, and the only milk I have left is for my family.
I've thought it over, and I could make a nice second income with this. If I expanded (gradually... as demand necessitates) to a maximum of six cows, I could bring in a net income of $1800 a month. This would really help our family to make ends meet. All the food we could grow on our place would only cost us our labor. When talking about feeding seven children, and maybe eventually more, that's a lot!
I'm already committed to 2x per day milking with just two cows and an upcoming heifer, so the time commitment wouldn't really change, would it? Anyone here have experience with more than just one or two family cows?
The last few shares that I have available are spoken for. The people are going to come over next Monday to sign up. This Thursday is the dairy auction. I was thinking of going and taking a look. The only thing that is hanging me up is that I would need a loan to get another cow right now. If I wait and save up my money to get an additional cow, it'll be spring or summer. The heifer, if she's pregnant, will calve in July. Faith is going to dry up at Christmas time and is due February 26th. An additional cow would be very beneficial for this winter, otherwise Fancy (my 12 yr old cow, not yet bred back) will be the only one carrying us through the winter. I want the milk supply to be steadier, for my benefit and that of my shareholders.
Should I apply for a loan and get another cow, on the speculation that demand for raw milk will continue to be as strong as it is now? Is there any reason that I should think that I won't make the money back? My credit is good. My herdshare arrangement is bringing new people every week. Is this a good idea?
~Laura
I've thought it over, and I could make a nice second income with this. If I expanded (gradually... as demand necessitates) to a maximum of six cows, I could bring in a net income of $1800 a month. This would really help our family to make ends meet. All the food we could grow on our place would only cost us our labor. When talking about feeding seven children, and maybe eventually more, that's a lot!
I'm already committed to 2x per day milking with just two cows and an upcoming heifer, so the time commitment wouldn't really change, would it? Anyone here have experience with more than just one or two family cows?
The last few shares that I have available are spoken for. The people are going to come over next Monday to sign up. This Thursday is the dairy auction. I was thinking of going and taking a look. The only thing that is hanging me up is that I would need a loan to get another cow right now. If I wait and save up my money to get an additional cow, it'll be spring or summer. The heifer, if she's pregnant, will calve in July. Faith is going to dry up at Christmas time and is due February 26th. An additional cow would be very beneficial for this winter, otherwise Fancy (my 12 yr old cow, not yet bred back) will be the only one carrying us through the winter. I want the milk supply to be steadier, for my benefit and that of my shareholders.
Should I apply for a loan and get another cow, on the speculation that demand for raw milk will continue to be as strong as it is now? Is there any reason that I should think that I won't make the money back? My credit is good. My herdshare arrangement is bringing new people every week. Is this a good idea?
~Laura