The Perks to Milking

[randiliana]

Our nurse cow has turned up dry this fall. After raising 6 calves in 2 years I am not terribly upset, plus it will give us a chance to move her up to calve early in the calving season, rather the end of it. Anyways, I have been milking her, figure she is in good shape, she can earn her keep a bit longer.

She is a Holstein, and I am only milking her once a day, most days I get a gallon out of her. About a third of that will be cream, not the thickest stuff I have ever seen, but it is good enough for me. Perfect for hot chocolate ;-) . Last night we made Ice Cream :heart: . And was that ever good. Plus the milk is much better than the store bought stuff is either. And with all this good cream, just imagine the Christmas baking :shock: . And lastly, the extra milk is getting frozen, so hopefully, I won't have to buy any milk replacer if we end up with an orphan this spring.

 

[angie2]

Holy smokes! Was at the store yesterday and milk was $4.27 for a gallon! I couldn't believe it. I feel like rationing at home. Milk cow would be a good idea, but I grew up milking by hand, don't want to do anymore.

 

[I luv herfrds]

Oh Randiliana,
You are so lucky. I dried up my little Jersey early to give her a chance to grow a bit more since she was bred prematurely.
I agree nothing beats fresh milk. My bread just seems to taste better when I use her milk in my baking.
I saved about 3 bags with about a pint of colostrum in them, just in case.

 

[Susie David]

You gals are starting to make me hungry....
Arteries to clogged to use fresh milk and cream anymore...but do miss the butter and cream.
Its the low fat/no fat these days.
Thanks for sharing
DMc