5 RESOURCES ABOUT MILK COWS FOR YOUR LIBRARY

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A FAMILY MILK COW IS DEFINITELY ONE OF THE BEST INVESTMENTS IN YOUR HEALTH AND FOOD SECURITY. SHE IS GAINING IN POPULARITY, THEREFORE MANY BEGINNER MILK COW OWNERS ARE LOOKING FOR RESOURCES ABOUT MILK COWS. KEEPING A MILKING COWS FELL OUT OF FASHION FOR MANY DECADES BUT NOW SHE IS THE NEW LUXURY ITEM. HERE ARE 5 RESOURCES ABOUT MILK COWS THAT WILL HELP GUIDE YOU IN YOUR JOURNEY OF FAMILY COW OWNERSHIP.

When I bought my first milk cow over 17 years old (see above photo, Caren and George) I thought I was a most fortunate woman to own an animal that could harvest solar energy by eating plants and convert that energy into milk. You won’t find many animals as efficient as a milk cow. She gives far more than she takes, but she does requires lots of care.

Dairy cows are not like beef cattle. so you need to understand her feed requirements are different. Your cow needs exceptional nutrition and attention to her happiness. As we know, stress opens the door to disease, and your cow is especially sensitive to stress. I have owned Jersey milk cows for many years and have found they have unique personalities, above average bovine intelligence, and love a routine. Where do you look for information and a community when you have your dream milk cow and are new to milk cow ownership? Today you will find out!

THE FAMILY MILK COW IS THE QUEEN OF THE FARM! Ever since the day my Jersey milk cow “George” arrived at the farm I have been smitten with the family cow. I collect them like other people collect antiques. Once you feel the cow magic you will want more. ♥ Caren

1. “KEEPING THE FAMILY COW” BY JOANN GROHMAN

This was my first book about family cows and I definitely consider it a classic. Even after 15 years, I am constantly looking up topics in this book ranging from why you should keep a cow to everything you need to know to keeping your very own milk cow. The author is very experienced with all things milk cow and offers lots of wisdom. Use this book as a guide, follow her advice, and you will be successful!

IS THERE AN ONLINE COMMUNITY RESOURCE FOR MILK COWS?

2. YES! KEEPING THE FAMILY COW FORUM

This website was created by Joann Grohman in companion with her book as another source of support in the milk cow community. In the early years the author wrote a series of personal mementos called “THE HEIFER DIARIES”. They definitely are worth going back to the beginning and reading through the series.

Over the years this community of experienced milk cow owners has been invaluable in helping me on my journey. The site offers a variety of services, from a “911” section where you can get immediate advice on all things milk cow, to an “Auction Barn” where members can sell their cows. Each post requires the the seller to give which state they are located in so you can see if any milk cow are for sale close by. This website has an extensive library for all things milk cow and will definitely help answer your questions. Reach out and they will welcome you in! I have made several friends here throughout the years and so will you! We milk cow keepers stick together.

Here is the link: KEEPING THE FAMILY COW FORUM

CAN YOU SUGGEST A BOOK THAT GIVES INFORMATION ABOUT EQUIPMENT YOU WILL NEED FOR A FAMILY MILK COW?

3. “MILK COW KITCHEN” BY MARY JANE BUTTERS

Mary Jane Butters is the creator of Mary Jane’s Farm. She offers a vast amount of knowledge to those seeking an old-fashioned, self-reliant lifestyle. You might have seen her magazine “Mary Jane’s Farm”, but if not you should subscribe!

Her passion for family milk cows is evident in this gorgeous book! She covers all the basics from buying a milk cow to making your own cheese. This book is filled with beautiful photography which will entice you to try her simple cheese recipes. The book gives specific details about equipment needed and even includes where to buy it. Mary Jane even offers farm girl fashion recommendations, look below at the jumpsuit suggested in the book. Every topic I can think of is covered in this book, so add it to your wish list. You’ll be so thankful you did!

Mary Jane also has a forum called HERITAGE JERSEYS.ORG where you can register your old-fashioned jerseys or ask questions.

4. “HOLISTIC MANAGEMENT” BY ALLAN SAVORY WITH JODY BUTTERFIELD

If you are involved in agriculture, you will want to add this book to your library. It is important to have an understanding of the ecology of your geographic environment.

Back in 2013 I attended Holistic Management classes and it completely changed my paradigm. A new understanding of my environment and the symbiotic relationship between nature changed the way our family participates in agriculture. I now see decision-making as a process and self-evident from defining my quality of life.

Managing a dairy cow on planned grazing will give the best results. Cows are grazing animals and are healthiest and happiest in a pasture. As a homesteader you will explore and learn, but please let this book guide you.

Please watch the documentary “Kiss the Ground” to learn more about regenerative agriculture. Allan Savory gives tons of incite to how to regenerate our soils and environment!

If you want to see how we are growing organic heirloom wheat using regenerative farming please watch this video!

IS THERE A HEALTH MANUAL RESOURCE FOR DAIRY COWS?

5. YES, “THE BARN GUIDE: TREATING DAIRY COWS NATURALLY” BY HUBERT J. KARREMAN V.M.D.

This is great book for beginners to keep close to the barn. Common ailments are clearly illustrated with suggestions for natural treatment. Caring for dairy cows is completely different than other breeds of cattle, so this handy reference will help you diagnose any problems. In my experience, the faster to attend to a problem the less likely you will need conventional intervention, both for milk cows and us. I suppose in the last 17 years I have spent equal time researching dairy cow health as time spent milking.