I began my dairy farming adventure with A2/A2 Guernsey and Jersey cattle. However, the financial viability of my small family farm was challenged by the low value and difficulty in […]
Author: Sabrina Pack Massie, PMJS Board of Directors, Oak Spring Meadows Farm, NC
With strict Raw Milk laws in NC, Sabrina decided she needed a dairy cow. She researched and Guernsey cows were the best marketed for A2/A2 with yellow colored milk from high beta carotene. She had never owned a cow, or milked, but got her first Guernsey on Mother’s Day. She was the sweetest old cow and let Sabrina learn to milk without any fuss. Sabrina was selling raw pet milk. In a few years, she wanted to expand but was held back by her acreage. She happened onto Mini Jerseys and learned she could have twice as many calves each year with the same amount of acreage. And, they convert to grass-based much better than larger dairy cows. Plus, their size made them easier to work with. She was sold! It’s been a few years since the switch to all Mini Jerseys. Her herd-share program continues to grow as she expands her herd of hardy, purebred, A2/A2 Mini Jerseys for homesteaders.
To Start with a Cow or Heifer; Which is Right for You?
I’m often asked, “Should I buy a proven cow in milk and bred back or a young heifer calf?” In my experience, there isn’t a correct answer to this question. […]
How A2 and Polled Genetics Work in Breeding Mini Jerseys
I’ve been a member of many Facebook Mini Jersey and cattle groups over the last few years. I’ve seen a lot of questions from new breeders asking how to breed […]