canesisters
Herd Master
Hi All!
I've been lurking on here a while but since I lost my last (ancient) horse a year ago, I didn't have much to add to the heard discussions.
Conversations with some friends over the weekend have got me thinking about getting some tenants in my empty barn again.
I know NOTHING about cows... but several friends are interested in starting a coop. We're just trying to gather info right now. With the possibility of getting a calf or heifer in the spring.
SO.....
Where to start?
In VA it's against the law to sell raw milk, but you can consume milk from your own cow - or from a cow that you own a share in.
I have a large barn. 30x48. There is power and water. There are 4 10x12 stalls and 2 open storage areas (also 10x12) plus a small room (feed/tack) that has a fridge. There is about 5 acres of electric-wire fenced pasture - able to be divided into 3 separate areas for rotation grazing. It's not the perfect pasture, kinda weedy, but getting better each year as we keep it mowed and overseed it.
I've had horses all my life so being around a large animal is not a problem and 'barn chores' are actually something that I've been missing for a while.
OK all you dairy experts...
What's my next step for info gathering???
I'm looking at Jersey or mini Jersey - just because I really like the look of them and because I'm just as interested in the butter/cheese aspect as the milk. I've been told that Jerseys have a higher cream content.
How do I figure out the annual cost so that it can be split up among the 'share holders'?
What is this 'horse mama' likely to be shocked about when I find it out about cows?
Are there any special 'cow' medical things that I would not be used to from years with horses? Worming, vaccs, teeth, hooves, etc?
Also... please, let’s keep this kind. I'm not looking to start any arguments. Everyone has their own opinions of what is 'the best'. I'm just looking for general info (there will be TONS of specific questions once we get going, I'm sure).
Thanks SO much,
Debbie
I've been lurking on here a while but since I lost my last (ancient) horse a year ago, I didn't have much to add to the heard discussions.
Conversations with some friends over the weekend have got me thinking about getting some tenants in my empty barn again.
I know NOTHING about cows... but several friends are interested in starting a coop. We're just trying to gather info right now. With the possibility of getting a calf or heifer in the spring.
SO.....
Where to start?
In VA it's against the law to sell raw milk, but you can consume milk from your own cow - or from a cow that you own a share in.
I have a large barn. 30x48. There is power and water. There are 4 10x12 stalls and 2 open storage areas (also 10x12) plus a small room (feed/tack) that has a fridge. There is about 5 acres of electric-wire fenced pasture - able to be divided into 3 separate areas for rotation grazing. It's not the perfect pasture, kinda weedy, but getting better each year as we keep it mowed and overseed it.
I've had horses all my life so being around a large animal is not a problem and 'barn chores' are actually something that I've been missing for a while.
OK all you dairy experts...
What's my next step for info gathering???
I'm looking at Jersey or mini Jersey - just because I really like the look of them and because I'm just as interested in the butter/cheese aspect as the milk. I've been told that Jerseys have a higher cream content.
How do I figure out the annual cost so that it can be split up among the 'share holders'?
What is this 'horse mama' likely to be shocked about when I find it out about cows?
Are there any special 'cow' medical things that I would not be used to from years with horses? Worming, vaccs, teeth, hooves, etc?
Also... please, let’s keep this kind. I'm not looking to start any arguments. Everyone has their own opinions of what is 'the best'. I'm just looking for general info (there will be TONS of specific questions once we get going, I'm sure).
Thanks SO much,
Debbie