Went to the state fair yesterday and was able to see and mess with a Jersey cow first hand. I decided on the Jersey, because they are considerably smaller than the Holstiens(which were there too) and they high fat content.
I have roughly 5 acres of pasture, she would share with two geldings. We have about another acre of wooded land that is full of brush. It is partially fenced, but a good couple hundred feet of it has been torn down over the years and would need to be replaced. Which may or may not be an easy task.
So, I know that I need to research local feed prices and whatnot, but can someone give me a round about idea of what and how much a family milk Jersey would cost?
I've seen people say regularly hay will be fine, others say Alfalfa.
Some people say the bagged cow feed from the feed store, others say that I can get the ingrediants direct from the farmer. I can get an 80# bag of oats from our local farmer for $10 and a 100# bag of corn for $12.
I guess I just need some first hand advice. I'm trying to do all my research.
I have roughly 5 acres of pasture, she would share with two geldings. We have about another acre of wooded land that is full of brush. It is partially fenced, but a good couple hundred feet of it has been torn down over the years and would need to be replaced. Which may or may not be an easy task.
So, I know that I need to research local feed prices and whatnot, but can someone give me a round about idea of what and how much a family milk Jersey would cost?
I've seen people say regularly hay will be fine, others say Alfalfa.
Some people say the bagged cow feed from the feed store, others say that I can get the ingrediants direct from the farmer. I can get an 80# bag of oats from our local farmer for $10 and a 100# bag of corn for $12.
I guess I just need some first hand advice. I'm trying to do all my research.