How much pasture is adequate?

[tleventer]

We just bought the farm (SQUEE!!) and hope to increase the size of it considerably next fall. In the meantime we have 2.4 acres in a good pasture - grass, clover mostly. We have thought about getting a jersey cow and I'm wondering if this is enough pasture for her and how much we'd have to supplement with cut hay.

I know horses... been a horse person all my life and owned horses for 15 years. I don't know cows. I don't know how much their nutritional and "recreation" (space) requirements differ from horses. Can anyone clue me in a little? I've been doing some research and of course will always be doing more... but would appreciate any and all help in this manner.

FYI, we'd want her on pasture as much as possible but understand that given our acreage restrictions as well as climate (SW Ohio) its not going to be possible all year round.

Thanks!
Tammy
Serenity Valley Farm

 

[aggieterpkatie]

In really depends on your area. I'm not too familiar with OH, but here in MD generally 1.5 acres per cow/calf pair is good. With good management, even 1 acre/cow would work. In general, more is better. I'd say you'll have more than enough pasture for 1 Jersey.

 

[clarmayfarm]

Hi there,

2.5 acres is plenty if you plan on supplemental feeding her, which you should likely do for a milk cow. She will need grain (corn) for energy, soybeans or some protein source when in milk, and good hay in the winter.

Good luck!

 

[Ranch Girl]

We have a Jersey milkcow.
At first she was just in the barn getting fed 3 - 4 times aday, her milk production was a cup of milk everymorning .. then we started letting her roam the pastures all day and she went up to a gallon of milk everymorning. We feed her Alfalfa hay twice a day and sweet feed ( 291 ) in the morning when we milk her and in the evening.