Jumping the Moon Dairy - the next chapter

[CntryBoy777]

Wow!!....I'm worn out just thinking about it after reading that....it does reaffirm just how Amazing ya really are Babs...........

 

[lkmartin1230]

This update is for @lkmartin1230. Don't do it...Just kidding (don't do that either...)

Things I wish I had known or things I knew but didn't want to accept.

• There is money in volume. The more goats you have the less per gallon the milk will cost you.
  
• You need to be a mad scientist.
• The lab setup for testing milk for antibiotic residue is expensive and it will cost you money every single time you test..about 10 a day. (FDA requirement)
  
• Electricity is EXPENSIVE. (400-600 a month just for the dairy)
• Insurance is hard to find and will cost a bundle.
  
• Supplies will cost you more than you realize.
  
• Labels and packaging are expensive
  
• Build a bigger dairy than you think you will need.
• Figure out how to milk 40 goats when the equipment doesn't work
  
• Things break and you better know how to fix them
• Have a way to dispose of milk when the bulk tank doesn't work and the milk is above legal temperature
  
• Figure out how to raise 80-100 kids every year and how to feed them
  
• Have an outlet for your product
• People don't like goat's milk, it has a bad reputation as being "stinky"
• Plan a way to get product to market while keeping it cold
• You need to like to do dishes.
• You will work harder than you ever dreamed possible.
• Cheese has its own schedule and may need to be drained or put into molds at 1 AM.
  
• Plan on no vacations, not even a one day trip out of town

Good luck and start by asking for State codes regarding dairy construction. Also the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance is followed by almost every State so if the State code doesn't address something the PMO will.

Thanks @babsbag I appreciate this very much. Sounds like something I would love!! Even with all the work.

 

[Bruce]

Going in eyes wide open!

 

[babsbag]

@Bruce Pretty much. I am looking at adding more solar but having a hard time finding a clear roof or ground area that gets enough sun. I hate cutting down trees. Also trying to stay out of the "line of fire" of our county inspectors. They figure that I need another 6 Kw array.

 

[Devonviolet]

Thanks @babsbag I appreciate this very much. Sounds like something I would love!! Even with all the work.

You must be under 60! Just reading that list made me want to go take a nap!!!

 

[Mike CHS]

@babsbag was my inspiration that kept me going every time I felt like slowing down. I just had to get caught up on her journal and it was obvious I didn't have that much going on.

 

[Mini Horses]

Really guys -- she only mentions a few things that you should know/sort out UP FRONT. NO WHERE did I read about the actual daily work of feeding, milking, processing, cleaning (both dairy & barns/grounds) .

What I want to know is -- when does superwoman get her cape laundered? I don't believe she eats, just a squirt of milk will do. And HOW does she even get to a market to sample?? No time to spare!

Dump an entire tank of milk? (Feed pigs? )

Hope you have some employees, Babs.

 

[lkmartin1230]

You must be under 60! Just reading that list made me want to go take a nap!!!

Way under 60

 

[OneFineAcre]

Really good to here from.you Babs
You hang in there
I know GW pretty well
I know she would enjoy the trip to your place
Contact local bagel/delis
They can upcharge a bagel with chevre over plain cream cheese
And when If gets older and more crumbly they can put on a salad

 

[Devonviolet]

Way under 60

Ah, to be young again!!!!!

There are so many things I would do differently. I wish I had started my farm in my 40’s instead of my 60’s. Although, I can’t complain. As many on here have told me. We have accomplished a LOT since we moved here in January of 2015.