25 | Why Fencing, Hay, and Winter Prep Matter More Than Breed Choice - Homestead Dairy Part 2

Simply Living Homestead | Rhythms, Organization, Time Management, Routines, SAHM, Homemaker, Simplify, Community, Family, Garden

Your pasture is ready and your fencing is up—now let’s talk shelter, gear, and what your milking space really needs to look like.

In Part 2 of our Homestead Dairy series, we’re digging into the practical setup: shelter, milking areas, must-have gear, and how to choose the right equipment for your setup. Whether you’re planning to hand milk or invest in a system, this episode is all about making your space functional, comfortable, and sustainable for the long haul.

Main Themes/Topics Covered:

• Shelter Needs – 3-sided shelters, milking spaces, and how to prep for storms and winter weather.

• Gear You Actually Need – From buckets and teat dip to strainers and towels.

• Milking Methods – Pros and cons of hand milking vs. mechanical systems (and what we use in a pinch).

• Next Steps – Researching breeds, sourcing healthy animals, and preparing for the right cow for your family are coming in the next episode.

Adding a cow means building systems that work for you. Start small, start smart, and create a setup that honors your capacity and grows with your homestead.

Got questions about milking setups or starting a micro dairy? I’d love to help.
Email me at [email protected] and let’s chat—it’s free.