I was listening to a podcast once; a farmer was being interviewed and he made a statement regarding dairy cattle. “Beef cattle are like your farm trucks; they are tough and dependable & your everyday driver. Dairy cows are like the sports car you keep in the garage, that requires expensive fuel, and you only drive when it’s 75 & sunny”. He really hit the nail on the head!
My personal background
My husband and I are not generational farmers, let alone generational dairy farmers. I like to say we are generational workers. We learned to farm and raise beef cattle separately and then together. Our land has primarily been a hay operation, with a couple acres dedicated to produce and farmers markets each summer. We talked about bringing cattle back to the farm off and on, and I expressed my desire to raise cows for our own dairy consumption.
How I became a dairy farmer
Fast forward, a couple years of talking about it, turned into research, turned into internet stalking for-sale adds, to even buying equipment when I found a “good deal”. I had seen some local adds, but had yet pulled the trigger, and then my husband and I were involved in a bad car accident. Hours after the accident, sitting in the University Hospital waiting on more testing, he looked at me and said but the damn cow. Stop talking about it and buy the damn cow.
So I did. I should also point out, it becomes like “chicken math”. One leads to two, which leads to three and actually a fourth we will welcome home at the end of the year.
You can do as much research as you want, but there is nothing like hands on, hard knocks style of learning. We had good days and bad. Rebuilding their milk parlor multiple times, with a new parlor in the works as we speak. Trial and error with milking, diet, breeding, husbandry … you name it.
My daily life on the farm
You develop a very close, intimate like relationship with these animals, and as a raw milk producer on top of it, I am constantly double and triple checking to make sure everything is above par. Their feed is fresh and weighed to the last pebble. Access to grazing pasture and top-quality hay available to them at all times. Bedding down their favorite spot in a fence line where they will spend the majority of a summer day trying to stay cool, and re-bedding those spots to keep them clean and their udders feces free. Cleaning protocols, towels, my hands, fly control … keeping it as natural as possible while serving the intended purpose. They are very much like little vintage mustangs I wouldn’t let just anyone drive!
My favorite breed for raw milk production
Jerseys are our breed of choice, and let me tell you they do not lack in the personality department. Do not discredit them simply because they are livestock, they very much have big personalities and quirks no different than the 4 dogs that call me mom. While this breed does not produce as much as a Holstein or larger style of dairy cow, they do not disappoint in either quantity or quality. I believe this breed is an excellent choice especially from a raw milk standpoint, think name brand quality vs great value!
One thing I think is very important to point out is, you don’t get to cut corners when you only have 3 versus 30 or 300. The work, the standard, the mishaps, the benefits, all the same. I milk my girls twice a day, every twelve hours, seven days a week. There are no sick (human) days with dairy cows! I am very fortunate that my husband helps, but he would not know how to milk these girls from start to finish if I was not able to be there. I think we see a lot of people showing such a romantic side of a “family milk cow” (or goats) and while I do agree, its pretty amazing, its not for the faint of heart. Protocols for cleaning equipment, the girls care, testing, milk storage … no short cuts. Truthfully, I feel as a “raw milk” producer, I carry the extra burden of doing it right. If there is anything wrong with my girls or the milk, the fault lies with me, not them.
Why I am passionate about dairy farming
I feel honored to call myself a Dairy Farmer, even if my herd is small. These ladies work extremely hard for us, and being their steward is a reward like no other. The families that now rely on us as part of their weekly grocery haul, continue to impress me with their stories of improved health. My favorite comment; probably when I hear about kids getting excited over “cows milk”. There is such a disconnect in our world as to where our food comes from and what it takes to put it in your grocery store and refrigerator. The work it takes to produce it is a dedication not many people can relate to anymore, and being apart of it is a badge of honor. I have met some fantastic people through my milk cows, made new friends, bartered goods, educated & learned. Its not always an easy role to step into but one that is equally hard to walk away from!
If you would like to learn more about me, my life as a dairy farmer or see my wonderful jersey cows, head over to instagram and give me a follow @ky_farmgal.
