Just starting to work it out.... first cow questions

[Baymule]

That’s a great idea! Raise 2 calves!

 

[Mini Horses]

Good thoughts from a first timer owner, now an experienced owner. I still love the face, big eyes and idea of a milk cow. But some of the things a cow presents are eliminated with my goats -- still providing the milk. So I'll stay there for now.

This is a good read for those contemplating home milk

 

[canesisters]

@canesisters one suggestion... get a 2nd calf to put on the cow when she freshens... She will produce a little more being nursed regularly, you will have a 2nd calf for extra beef.... INCOME... even if you just sell it for straight income from a stockyard. You can still separate the calves from the cow in the morning, milk what you want for you in the evening and turn the calves back in with the cow. She will learn to let her milk down... if you completely milk out one quarter, you will get the cream that is produced towards the end of the milking...

I just realized I was reading this thread from the start 7+ years ago.... so, you have had several years and experience.
Have you ever gone online to "Real Milk.com" and FTCLDF websites???? (Farm to consumer legal defense fund)....

I've considered the 2nd calf, several times.
But for me, it's not a good idea. I keep the calf until it's about a year old. Which would mean I would need pasture to support THREE cows. Currently I'm supplementing with hay more months than I would like. I did a major re-seed of the back field last fall ... so MAYBE it could be a consideration after I see how this spring/summer grows?

Also, my fences were originally planned to hold 2 elderly horses and have proven to be untrustworthy with young, rambunctious calves/cows (except Eva). I don't think my nerves could stand having TWO getting out on a regular basis.

 

[farmerjan]

I've considered the 2nd calf, several times.
But for me, it's not a good idea. I keep the calf until it's about a year old. Which would mean I would need pasture to support THREE cows. Currently I'm supplementing with hay more months than I would like. I did a major re-seed of the back field last fall ... so MAYBE it could be a consideration after I see how this spring/summer grows?

Also, my fences were originally planned to hold 2 elderly horses and have proven to be untrustworthy with young, rambunctious calves/cows (except Eva). I don't think my nerves could stand having TWO getting out on a regular basis.

yeah, got that.... But no reason to keep the 2nd one to a year either... But you have to go with the market to make it worth while. We pull calves at 5-8 months and wean and sell; but for years we pulled and sent directly to market. 4-500 lb calves are the best weight for selling around here.
And yep, fences.... oh what I could write about them and cattle.... like all the recent escapees due to trees falling on fences etc....