[Homestead] Homestead Digest, Vol 38, Issue 8

Margaret L. Wilson booldawgs at frontiernet.net
Wed Sep 12 13:26:32 EDT 2007


I found that my Jersey needed supplemental good quality hay and some grain to keep up her body weight and milk production.  I now have Dexters and some Holstein cross cattle.  I am phasing out everything that is not Dexter or a high percentage Dexter.  I loved my Jersey but I like cattle that can produce beef and milk with less expense and work for me.  As the price of land, water, and feed go up I am looking at livestock that will thrive on less of everything.  The more primitive a breed is the more likely it will do well lower quality pasture, hay and housing.  My Dexters are just a sweet and personable as Jerseys.

Margaret SW Oregon

Hey all,
> 
> I'm looking at a Jersey milk cow. I'm wondering if anyone could
> comment on a Jersey's ability to forage. I don't have great pastures,
> yet. In fact they are full of grasses, forbs and browse. (Sounds nicer
> that weeds). My goats of course love this. I can start to work on a
> couple of acres that would be dedicated to the cow but not until next
> spring. She'd eat hay all winter and then have to make do on the
> pastures I have.
> 
> I know that there are other breeds that are better at making do, but
> would like a Jersey.
> 
> What are we talking as a going price on a milk cow (registered)?
> 
> Rob - Va


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