E8: How to Get Started with Your Family Milk Cow | Shawn & Beth Dougherty

Homesteaders of America

The family milk cow is quickly becoming the new backyard flock of chickens. More and more people are realizing the amazing benefits of adding a dairy cow to their homestead.

This month on the podcast, we are focusing on all things dairy cow. Shawn and Beth Dougherty are the perfect couple to lend their voice to this conversation as they have over four decades of experience farming and perfecting the art of grass conversion through dairy ruminants.

If you are considering adding a family milk cow to your homestead or are new to the world of home dairy, this discussion is for you. We dive into the most commonly asked questions when it comes to getting started with dairy cows: breed, acreage, feed, health, and more. If a dairy cow is in your future, start here!

In this episode, we cover:

• Making the switch from dairy goats to dairy cows
• What breeds make the best dairy cows
• Other factors that may be more important than breed
• What’s the big deal about A2A2?
• Is your land appropriate for a milk cow?
• The practicals of feeding a 100% grass-fed cow
• Top features to look for when purchasing a dairy cow
• What makes a perfect milk cow for a first-time owner
• How important is disease testing?

View full show notes and transcript on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube.

RESOURCES MENTIONED

The Independent Farmstead by Shawn & Beth Dougherty

Independent Farmstead Field Guides to Inputs-Free Farming and Homesteading by Shawn & Beth Dougherty

How to Raise a Dairy Cow on Pasture by Beth Dougherty

CONNECT

Shawn & Beth Dougherty | Website | The Healing Land Conference

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Join us at the Homesteaders of America Conference in October 2023!