Jersey Girl

Yes, she's a milk cow.


I'm sure you aren't surprised that we got one with our recent realization that raw milk was so much better. Actually, we've been keeping our eye out for a family cow for about 6 months.  But with purchasing raw milk from Stewart Dairy in Blanchard, we were not in a hurry.  I was supposed to check back with a lady at a small dairy in mid June though.  So I casually gave her a call and 
she had just what we wanted ~


a registered black Jersey that is small in size and in milk as a first freshener.  She's not producing enough to stay on a dairy farm but she will provide plenty as a family cow.  
Halter broken, stanchion broken 
and sweet as can be, she was perfect for us.


We named her Cocoa.
And she had to have a pink halter!


The last couple of weeks have been filled with transforming the little shed into a milking parlour complete with a NuPulse mini milker and an automatic cleaner.  As we fall into a routine, we will figure out what improvements to make and then I'll give you the grand tour.

Is this where you are going to milk me?
  Cocoa came home yesterday and although she was very calm, the first milking was not very productive.  We were all nervous though.  This morning was much better.  We've been assured that it will take time to get used to each other and then it will be sweet as cream.


Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation.
1 Peter 2:2



Comments

  1. Oh, my! You are so lucky (as well as hard-working) because the high fat content of Jersey milk makes fantastic yogurt and ice cream! Enjoy!

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  2. How much milk a day will she produce? That is so awesome!

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    1. She gave us 1 1/2 gallons today which will be plenty but the lady that we bought her from said that amount would probably go up a little when she feels at home.

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  3. Cocoa is gorgeous! Lucky you, having fresh milk! x
    Love your milking parlour too! x

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  4. Kim, how exciting to have your own milk cow. I grew up with a milk cow and you're right - that raw milk cannot be beat. And the cream? Oh my word. My mother ALWAYS made home-made ice cream on Sunday's! That was just a given. And there was nothing like home-made ice cream with that fresh cream. My husband and I have been talking about a milk cow.... but I just remember how hard it was to go anywhere because we always had a cow to milk. So I've been reluctant to take that plunge just yet! Anyway, Cocoa sure is pretty and can't wait to get a tour of the milking parlour! ~ Dori ~

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    1. I've been making ice cream with the raw milk from the dairy. It's sooo good. Making it every week might have to become a tradition here too. ;) I think you should get one too, Dori!

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  5. Congratulations! You cant beat fresh, raw milk. And yogurt. Or cheese. Or ice cream. Or whipped cream......yum! We love our cows. Yes, the being there to milk gets old, but here's a tip - when she calves, let the calf stay on her and after the first couple months, if you have to be gone, the calf will milk her out!
    Cant wait for the picture tour!

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  6. Dear Cocoa does not know that SHE has landed in a tub of butter! Lucky lady to be a family milk cow instead of a production animal. On Monday I saw a gorgeous blond Jersey where my husband stopped to treat another cow; oh, I wanted her. I could never use that much milk, though; a small goat would probably provide more than enough for our family of three – IF my husband was willing for us to be tied down with a dairy animal.

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    1. "landed in a tub of butter"
      You are funny, Michelle!

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  7. So excited for you guys...!! Cocoa is so pretty!

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  8. Kim, we are so happy for you and your new cow. I know it's something you have wanted for a long time. We wish you the best of luck. You know we are here if you need us. It has been wonderful getting to know you and your family. We will cherish the friendship. You are a special family and we are lucky to have met you all. God Bless.

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  9. Congratulations on your new addition - she's absolutely beautiful. Can't wait to hear about all the yummy stuff you'll be making from her milk.

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  10. Wonderful news! Some of my fondest memories were made many, many years ago as I observed my grandpa's relationship with his small herd of dairy cows--they all had a name & lived out their lives in peace. Enjoy!

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  11. What a perfect name ... Cocoa

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  12. She's darling! Once both of you settle in there will be milk a plenty :) You'll love it! All the wonderful things you can make :)

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  13. When I was a kid I would follow Mom down to milk Bossy. I would swing the milk pail and sing 'Old McDonald had a farm' every time.

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