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Charles
3 Posts
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Posted - Jul 28 2019 : 2:51:37 PM
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Hello, figured I’d introduce myself. I’m Charles, I’m from Virginia and I’m farming small scale on the side. Goal is to eventually have a fully operating micro dairy that can support the local community with milk. I also raise meet birds, laying hens, beef, and a small orchard. I was researching traditional sized Jerseys when I came across this organization. Seems to be exactly what I was looking for.
I currently have two Jerseys that I’m starting my dairy herd off with.
Millie 43” 1/4 at the withers
Penny 47” 1/8 at the withers
The hamburger gang, bull calves I buy off local dairies to raise for beef.
I’m hoping to breed penny shortly with AI. My goal is to have a herd with cattle that average around 44”.
All the best.
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maryjane
7074 Posts
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Posted - Jul 29 2019 : 04:23:32 AM
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Good morning Charles and welcome! Thank you for sharing a bit about you and your endeavors along with photos of your precious Millie and Penny.
How long have you had your two girls? And how old are they? First-time heifers???
Hopefully, you'll have good luck with AI-ing Penny. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.
We're starting to move into our dry season so your lush green grass sure does look nice. |
MaryJane Butters, author of Milk Cow Kitchen ~ striving for the stoicism of a cow standing in the rain ~ |
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Charles
3 Posts
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Posted - Jul 29 2019 : 10:08:16 AM
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Millie is a 19 month old heifer and penny is going on 3 years and has had one calf, I dried her off this spring. It’s definitely been a good year so far, not too little or too much rain. I’m new to AI so it will be a learning experience. Do you have any suggestions on where to buy seamen straws? I’m hoping to find genetics from smaller bull. Like I previously said. I want my herd to be on average mid 40”s
I’m also building a small dairy barn that will have milking Parlor, milk room, wash room, and hay mow. The goal will be to have it meet grade a standards even if I sell raw milk. As this project progresses I can put up pictures and plans for others that might be interested. So far I’ve dug and poured my foundations.
Hope you get some rain in you’re near future.
Cheers. |
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maryjane
7074 Posts
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Posted - Jul 30 2019 : 06:05:27 AM
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Presently, I don't know of anyone offering semen that I can recommend. Let me nose around and see what's out there. We offered semen for sale (bull named Samson) but sold out. I have a resident bull that I used last month to get three of my girls pregnant. Handy guy to have around.
I have milk customers that come to our little farm store on a set day every week to pick up their allotment (I'm part of Idaho's raw milk program). I truly love providing milk to families--you are smart to have it as a long-term goal and plan around it, getting your parlor built first, etc.
Yes!!! We would love photos of your progress. Such a joy! |
MaryJane Butters, author of Milk Cow Kitchen ~ striving for the stoicism of a cow standing in the rain ~ |
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