We spent today at Garfield Farm Museum's Annual Rare Breed Show. In the past we've taken sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, and turkeys. This year, we took our two lovely heifers, Molly and Bridget. As suspected, they were a huge hit because of their charming personalities and adorable faces. We heard, "How can you eat them?" more than once. And people were quite relieved when we told them that Molly and Bridget were going to be our milk cows. A few people did, however, say, "Well, aren't they a beef breed?" So, I explained that the definition of a milk cow in this country is a bit absurd. All cows give milk, and these little girls will give a gallon or two a day, which is plenty for most families. What family would want a cow that gives seven or eight gallons per milking?
We were in the 1842 barn, and in addition to showing off the girls, we also sold our goat milk soap. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to hit the hay myself, because I'm exhausted, and tomorrow is another busy day.
5 comments:
Congrats! Sounds like a fabulous day. I love goats milk soap [I make my own] I like your response to the girls, perfect. I wouldn't know what to do with 7 gallons of milk..lol...
and they are so sweet. aren't they?
Hope you had a good night's sleep.
I wanted to go to that this weekend but we had so much to do at the farm, we couldn't. We live close by but have never been to Garfield Farm. Now that we have our own farm in WI, we don't have time to Garfield Farm.
Barb
I'm very surprised to read that comment about milk here.
WE DO!!! That's how much milk my Jersey gives. We only take 5-7 gallons for us (the house), and leave the rest for the calves (she usually nurses 2-3 at a time).
When she's not in milk, we use the goats' milk (we get 5-6 gallons per day from them also).
You must make a lot of cheese! We struggle to keep up with a couple gallons per day, but it's enough to provide us with all of our dairy products. None of us are milk drinkers, so that might make a difference. I know someone called me about goats once and said her family drinks two gallons a day.
Yup, we, too, have a Jersey who gives a lot (I do also have 4 sons....case dismissed!). We have left her baby with her, so we milk her, then he "gets" his share for a few hours, then they are separated. Repeat in the evening. It is a lot of milk, but, we have made all kinds of cheese, butter, yogurt and anything else dairy you can think of!
Good luck with your girls!
Jodi in SW WI
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