Supplies For Calving I get asked all the time about what supplies are needed to keep on hand for when a family milk cow calves. So much so, that it warranted a blog post. I’m not saying that you shouldn’t raid your local tractor supply and prepare a plentiful medicine cabinet, because you should, But…
How To Milk A Cow Once A Day
How to milk a cow once a day Sometimes there becomes a point on the homestead or farm were milking once a day becomes a necessity. Be it for too much milk for the family to consume or needing to find a better balance between farm and family. Milking a cow twice a day sometimes…
Finally! A Homesteaders cheesemaking book
As a raw dairy owner and milk cow connoisseur, I must own a dozen cheesemaking books, at least. All of them are excellent and I use them frequently, however, this one is extraordinaire and I’ll tell you why. Cheese making is a difficult art. Truth! It’s a science that takes trial and error and lots…
Dairy Animal Mistakes; My Epic Failures
Early last year, in the prime of calving season, a dear friend of mine lost her beloved dairy cow. She had just calved a beautiful Jersey bull (one of Tanks babies) and within 12 hours of calving, the cow was down with 4th stage milk fever. It took another 12 hours for the vet to…
The Day In The Life Of A Homesteader
While many people peg the homestead life as a ideal lifestyle, however, very few truly know what goes into just one day. Sunup to sundown. Every day. No breaks. No sleeping in. No “I’m too tired”. Chores have to be done. Living breathing animals entrust that you are going to get your butt up at…
Homemade Livestock Fly Spray
Homemade Livestock Fly Spray Have you ever read the back of a livestock fly spray bottle? It’s terrifying. I don’t even want it in my barn, let alone on my cows that produce food for my family and I. However, having pesky, annoying flies on animals, especially when your sitting half way under them to…
Homesteading. Is the juice worth the squeeze?
Did I lock up the chickens? I really hope that cow doesn’t calve before morning.. What if the wolves get to the calf before I do? I should have locked momma in the barn for the night. Did I turn off the hose? If I flood the pasture one more time, its going to be…
Milking Machine. Pros and Cons
I often get asked whether I hand milk or use a machine to milk out my dairy cows. The answer is, both. There is definitely a much admired simplicity in hand milking. Not only are you gaining a one on one relationship with the cows but also being up close and personal with your dairy…
Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta with Huckleberry Preserves
Its not easy getting up at the crack of dawn every single day to milk a cow. Nor is it exceptionally fun to be milking in the heat of summer or the dead of winter when everyone else is curled up with a blanket and a cocktail next to the fire place. But man is…
Saving Tank
I just want some babies!! That’s all!. Just a few sweet little calves to run around and lick my face. That’s all I want. Ok need! I NEED me some baby calves to lick my face. After four failed attempts to artificial insemination my two dairy cows, at $150.00 each time, I threw in the towel and rented a bull. …
