Bacteria In milk…the good, the BAD and the UGLY.
Bacteria In milk…the good, the BAD and the UGLY. Read More »
MilkingDairy
Borrowing a lesson from another Dual-purpose Breed of Cattle
There is a perspective among some cattle breeders that in order to keep breeds marketable in the current market climate we need to lean more heavily on beef traits and worry less about dairy traits. The reason being is that beef pays with less labor involved, so more people are turning to all beef cows. That may be just fine in a beef breed but in a dual-purpose breed it’s the destruction of one of the fundamental aspects of what defines a dual-purpose breed. Maintaining dairy traits in a dual-purpose breed is what keeps them marketable and quite frankly as more breeds go the way of beef, it’s a niche market as there are fewer pure-bred cattle that fit the bill today. That’s a good thing if you’re trying to sell cattle.
The Red Poll breed in these articles were demonstrating that a dual-purpose breed can be productive in both beef and dairy traits and that having dairy traits helped the calves grow speedily. This dual-purpose breed was able to maintain milking traits later in life that dairy cattle. That the current theory in this article is that dairy cattle could not exceed two or three years in milk. From this newspapers perspective it obviously paints the idea that a dual-purpose breed is much more sustainable and long wearing than a straight dairy breed. It should also be noted that these dual-purpose “dairy cows” were able to produce fat stock therefore realizing high market prices.
When this article states “ The argument that it is better to breed cattle separately for beef and milk than to produce animals of the dual-purpose type will go on forever”, it is very well spoken, because nearly 100 years later that debate rages on. One thing that that can be clearly seen, is that as time goes on there are more specialized beef or dairy breeds and less of the original dual-purpose breeds remaining true to their roots. Being a dual-purpose breed makes Dexters shine, if we capitalize on that point alone it sets them apart. That’s worth remembering.
Article taken from Aberdeen Press and Journal 2 June 1931
Arguments may arrise over dual-purpose cattle but Red Poll showed that a breed can balance beef and milk well.
Northampton Mercury 24 December 1937 “Dual-Purpose Breeds”
Borrowing a lesson from another Dual-purpose Breed of Cattle Read More »
Historical
Dexters are a TOP-RANKING DUAL-PURPOSE BREED
Dexters may only rank 5 in this dual-purpose breed list, but when you consider their size, they come out as number one for the small farm. Practical and versatile in being great for beef and milk. Often times people consider Dexters mini cattle, but the whole breed is naturally small with some individuals being extra small. It is interesting to note that Dexters make the list even though they are small in size and no one can discredit them for their diminutive size as though they are nothing more than a toy breed as they hold their own with the big boys.
Click the link below to read the article
Dexters are a TOP-RANKING DUAL-PURPOSE BREED Read More »
Beef
Raw milk…
Improved lung health, both in childhood and adulthood.Submitted by Jody Jess
https://www.rawmilkinstitute.org/updates/raw-milk-asthma-and-lung-health
MILK LET DOWN – HINTS AND TRICKS
For the first time milker or the heifer that is getting milked for the first time, there are some important things to remember for success. The article below goes over some of the basics.
We have, thankfully, only had a few that were very stubborn. We found that putting the calf in front of the cow, so she can see it helps…but when nothing works…we have reverted to letting the calf nurse one side for a short time. I do say short time, as they can drain their moms with amazing speeds.
I have included photos of our calf let down gate to give you some ideas that have worked for us. You can see the calf thru the little gate on the first photo. On the second photo you see the pulley. When we need to use this system…which we thankfully have only had to a few times, we tie a rope the the gate, un hook the bungee, feed the rope thru the pulley and the whole gate goes up and down so we can quickly drop it once mom starts to let down.
MILK LET DOWN – HINTS AND TRICKS Read More »
Milking
One Doctor’s perspective on Raw milk
There are plenty of opinions on raw milk…consider listening to this doctor, who has chosen raw milk for her and her family. I find her perspective on Listeria particularly fascinating.
One Doctor’s perspective on Raw milk Read More »
Milking
Instant Pot Homemade Cottage Cheese Recipe
Cottage cheese made the easy whey….
Instant Pot Homemade Cottage Cheese Recipe Read More »
Milking
New Mastitis detection equipment
MastiPro is an automatic mastitis detection device compatible with milking machines. Thanks to the intelligent system, it detects early stages of mastitis based on increased Na and Cl ions in the milk. There is no need for expensive laboratory methods such as somatic cell counting. It provides information with colored indicator lights on the device and voice notifications via the MilkingCloud App.
https://www.milkingcloud.com/devices/automated-mastitis-test-mastipro
New Mastitis detection equipment Read More »
Technology
How raw dairy can possibly positively affect your weight
Interesting study from The National Library of Medicine
How raw dairy can possibly positively affect your weight Read More »
Milking
Preparing Your Dexter Cow For Milking
A milk journey from Sweet Briar Farm Submitted by Janelle Soja
https://discover.texasrealfood.com/dexter-cattle/preparing-your-dexter-cow-for-milking
Preparing Your Dexter Cow For Milking Read More »
Milking
Mentorship
From Curiosity to Confidence: The Power of Mentorship in Homesteading
When we packed up and moved to a new state, we knew we were signing up for a life of hard work. Beyond that? We were flying blind. With little more than enthusiasm and a Pinterest board full of dreams, we dove headfirst into the world of chickens and ducks. But when it came to dairy animals, I hesitated. I didn’t feel ready. I wasn’t sure I ever would be.
Then came a turning point—what began as a simple search for local raw milk turned into something far more valuable: I found a mentor.
And not just any mentor—the perfect one. Local, experienced, generous with her time and wisdom. I had originally envisioned a milk cow (because let’s be honest, that’s what all the idyllic homestead photos show, right?). But after countless visits to her farm and long, thoughtful conversations about what would actually work for our lifestyle, I started with dairy goats instead.
It’s been a whirlwind ever since.
From panicked texts about what to feed, to late-night worries over a listless goat, she’s been there—steady, supportive, and full of insight. Her guidance has been nothing short of a godsend.
If I could offer one piece of advice to anyone considering this lifestyle, it would be this: find a mentor. Not just someone who knows their stuff, but someone who cares deeply about what they do—and about helping others succeed.
And here’s the secret: when you invest in quality animals, you often find that mentor built right in. Breeders who truly care about their stock want to see them thrive, even after they leave the farm. That’s where the real relationships begin.
In just four years, I’ve grown more than I ever imagined—not just in skill, but in confidence. Sure, I could have learned it all the hard way. But would I have come this far, this fast? I doubt it.
Mentorship isn’t just helpful in homesteading—it’s essential. It’s the bridge between dreaming and doing.
Foot note….. Lisa and her husband Matt are members of the Irish Dexter Cattlemen and anxiously awaiting the arrival of their first Dexters next month.
Lab Created Dairy….
Are you a fan of the new lab grown milk and milk products? If not, here is a list of brands of milk that may contain lab grown milk, that a friend provided. I guess it’s time to read the labels ore closely. Or stick to milk from our Dexters!
Bored Cow: Maker of fluid animal-free dairy milk in various flavors (Original, Chocolate, Strawberry, Vanilla).
Brave Robot: A prominent pioneer in animal-free pint ice creams and frozen desserts.
Strive FREEMILK: A line of protein-enriched milks and nutritional beverages utilizing molecularly identical whey.
Modern Kitchen: A brand specializing in animal-free cream cheese and spreads.
The New Milk: A retail fluid milk line launched in collaborative partnerships with heritage dairy processors like Gad Dairies.
Graeter’s (Perfect Day Collaboration): A legacy ice cream brand that introduced a dedicated “Perfect Indulgence” line featuring lab-grown whey.
Nick’s Ice Cream: A popular light-ice-cream brand that utilizes animal-free dairy bases for several of its varieties.
Orgain Better Whey: A precision-fermented whey protein isolate powder developed under the Nestlé portfolio.
Lab Created Dairy…. Read More »
Milking
Who knew ricotta could be this good?
I use my instant pot to make ricotta. A little vinegar and it is one of the easiest cheeses I make. We really liked this with any fresh herbs and of course garlic!
https://www.forkinthekitchen.com/whipped-ricotta-with-herbs-and-honey
Who knew ricotta could be this good? Read More »
Milking
Healthiest Cheeses
In keeping with June is Dairy Month, here is a chart of the healthiest cheeses. We can make all of these from our Dexter milk!
Healthiest Cheeses Read More »
Milking
June is National Dairy Month
The link below provides so many links from fun things for kids to do …to resources …to fact sheets and even some history. Enjoy! Hope you are milking your Dexters! If you need some encouragement or help please reach out to our team, we would love to help you.
June is National Dairy Month Read More »
Milking
Liquid Gold Trend!
Make sure you’re collecting it!
Submitted by Katie Sears
https://www.cnn.com/2024/08/27/health/colostrum-supplements-pros-cons-wellness/index.html
Liquid Gold Trend! Read More »
Milking
Udder differences in goat and cow
Many of us raise more than one species of livestock on our homesteads. There are many benefits to both the pastures and the livestock worm loads with either running them together or rotationally one after the other.
But there are many differences in them including the udder. Here is a article and graphic explaining the differences in the goat and cow.
https://extension.msstate.edu/publications/educational-tips-for-farmers-dairy-goat-versus-dairy-cow
Udder differences in goat and cow Read More »
Homesteading
Raw Milk Gaining Popularity
More and ore states are approving the sale of raw milk. It is not for everyone, but the push is real.
Raw Milk Gaining Popularity Read More »
Milking
Great homestead dessert
This impossible pie whips up in minutes and uses some of the eggs and milk that are abundant this time of year…pro tip…try it with duck eggs for a fluffier result!
Great homestead dessert Read More »
Homesteading