Recent content by burnt_umber

Hi Folks- Got our first family milk cow this spring- she was milking when we got her but didn't know for how long she'd been milking. She increased production soon after we acquired her and peaked at 3 gal. per day up til recently. We put a calf on her about 3 months ago. He's loose with...

Thanks for your input, all. Seems to be consensus here toward dehorning/breeding for no horns. I was thinking a few might chime in on the purported benefits of keeping horns. I know there are some folks out there who really advocate for keeping horns. If there's a second injury, I'm afraid...

I've heard two different stories: 1.) Dehorning a cow is essential to making a cow safe to handle. 2.) Leaving horns on a cow means she'll be overall healthier, give more milk for longer periods, and will live longer. I got jabbed in the face by my Jersey cow the other morning. Actually...

Very helpful posts- thanks. Can you tell me, other than horsepower (it seems 1/2 hp pump will run one of these milking machines), what's the difference between these two pumps...

Please can someone explain to me the kind of pump needed for one of these Surge milking machines... like this: http://www.familymilkcow.com/servlet/the-175/FAMILY-COW-SURGE-MILKER/Detail Can I use any kind of vacuum pump? Like a sump pump, for instance? Or do I have to get a specific kind...

We just got a beautiful 3 year old Jersey, currently milking, for $300. She's a total sweetheart and in gorgeous condition. I'm in northern New England.