Jersey Cow...

[intlgrrl]

How do I go about picking one out and purchasing one?

Thanks, Paige

 

[cassie]

Before you get a cow, get a book on cows. There is probably a Storey book available on backyard cows. If there are Jersey dairies in your area, that would be a good place to start. I once got a very nice first calf heifer. She was too small for the dairy but she was just perfect for me.

 

[Folly's place]

x2! She will need a friend, too; maybe not another bovine, but somebody. She needs to come from a TB/ brucellosis clear farm, also clear of Johnnes disease. with a sweet personality, and already good being milked. Are you ready to commit to the milking schedule, every day twice or three times, and to cope with managing all that milk, or raising calves to sell? Sorry if I'm being way too basic here! We've done well talking to our local large animal veterinary clinic to get recommendations to nearby well run farms. You could also get on the breed club website for leads. Buying at auction is generally the least safe way to get cattle of any sort, as we found out years ago! Mary

 

[intlgrrl]

No, you guys aren't being too basic. I have a been researching online and have a few books in mind to purchase. But I also want feedback from actual people. The other problem I'm having as far as even considering purchasing a Jersey, is that I can't seem to locate anyone that sells a standard size, everyone is selling minis! I guess that comes with the research part

 

[cassie]

No, you guys aren't being too basic. I have a been researching online and have a few books in mind to purchase. But I also want feedback from actual people. The other problem I'm having as far as even considering purchasing a Jersey, is that I can't seem to locate anyone that sells a standard size, everyone is selling minis! I guess that comes with the research part

 

[cassie]

Where are you located?

 

[intlgrrl]

I'm located in Cleveland Ohio. I'm still in the planning process of my farm. I hope to purchase land sometime at the end of next year.

 

[Folly's place]

All the best! If you have no experience with cattle, ask to visit some dairy farms, or travel with a LA veterinarian (might be too scary!) before committing to a thousand pound animal! Mary

 

[intlgrrl]

All the best! If you have no experience with cattle, ask to visit some dairy farms, or travel with a LA veterinarian (might be too scary!) before committing to a thousand pound animal! Mary

I agree, so I've applied for a few farm apprenticeships and I have been around cattle before, so I'm not afraid. I just want to make sure I know what I'm doing. I've had positive experiences around cattle before. I think the best experience was when I was in Scotland, and I spotted a heard of Highland cattle.. I was just being non-nonchalant by the fence, and several, including a bull just came up to me and gently butted me. So I scratched them behind the ears. They just wanted some attention.

 

[Folly's place]

That could be you best and only safe experience with a bull of any breed!!! One of our oxen (a steer, 2800 lbs.) threatened me once in pasture, and fortunately backed off when I threatened him back. Or I wouldn't still be here! Mary