Need help figuring out acreage

[Phoenix]

HI

I am completely new to the idea of keeping cows. We're moving from city to country as I'm writting this. I would like to get a few cows for milk. I would like them to graze as much as they would like - how many acres will a cow need to be well-nourished? I am looking at some dexters - I like that they're smaller and read that they are efficient for their size. However, I would gladly take recomendations for other dairy breeds. Please do comment on how many acres they would need. We're in Virginia.

Thank You so much.
Phoenix

 

[Farmer Kitty]

Phoenix-

Generally it is recommended 1.5 acres per cow. It does depend on your weather as to how the forage grows. I'm not familar with the Dexters so I don't know how much they eat but, would still recommend the 1.5 acres-it is better to have more than needed rather than not enough. Plus, if you do end up with extra you can add more head or just mow it off once or twice a year. Harder to add acrerage.

 

[wynedot55]

welcome as said 1 to 1.5acs is good for grazing cows.so if you had 15acs you might could run 10 cows on it.but youd be haying them during the winter.

 

[miss_thenorth]

http://www.motherearthnews.com/Sust...eal-Small-Farm-Cows-Dexter-Cattle.aspx?page=2

this article says that a Dexter can get by on 1/2 an acre of good forage.

 

[wynedot55]

yes some cows can get by on very little land.

 

[jhm47]

Hi: New to this board. Have rased cattle for over 50 years. Presently have around 60 head of mostly Simmental/Angus crosses. Here in NE South Dakota, we need between 3 and 4 acres to pasture a cow/calf unit for a summer. We also need enough hay or silage to provide them 3.5% (dry matter) of their body weight per head per day. If we feed a high concentrate ration (grains like corn or distillers grains or some other nutrient dense grain), we can get by with a little less.

Of course, in climates with a longer growing season and with higher rainfall, you can get by with less acres of pasture and less winter feed. It all depends on your location and climate. The type of grass also is a variable. Some fast growing grasses that contain a lot of water will pass through the cattle rapidly, and provide little nourishment. Other slower growing grasses will not look as nice in a pasture, but will provide a lot more nutrients to the cattle. Just be sure to provide plenty of clean water and salt, minerals and vitamins as needed. Good luck!

 

[wynedot55]

welcome glad to have you here.

 

[Farmer Kitty]

jhm47-

 

[kstaven]

Hi: New to this board. Have rased cattle for over 50 years. Presently have around 60 head of mostly Simmental/Angus crosses. Here in NE South Dakota, we need between 3 and 4 acres to pasture a cow/calf unit for a summer. We also need enough hay or silage to provide them 3.5% (dry matter) of their body weight per head per day. If we feed a high concentrate ration (grains like corn or distillers grains or some other nutrient dense grain), we can get by with a little less.

Of course, in climates with a longer growing season and with higher rainfall, you can get by with less acres of pasture and less winter feed. It all depends on your location and climate. The type of grass also is a variable. Some fast growing grasses that contain a lot of water will pass through the cattle rapidly, and provide little nourishment. Other slower growing grasses will not look as nice in a pasture, but will provide a lot more nutrients to the cattle. Just be sure to provide plenty of clean water and salt, minerals and vitamins as needed. Good luck!

Well said! Welcome to BYCOW