Hobby Farm Handbook

BEEF COWS MILK COWS Adding cattle such as a milk cow or a beef steer to fatten is an excellent way to utilize your farm’s resources. Cattle graze land that can’t support crops and they consume roughage that we can’t. A general rule of thumb is that it takes 2.5 acres to support a cow or calf. Depending on your location, five acres should support two animals. Here's the Beef CHOOSING A COW— MEAT OR MILK The two main varieties that would interest a hobby farmer are those that produce good quality beef (ex. Angus, Hereford) or milk (ex. Holstein, Jersey). For beef cattle, buy a weaned calf (or bottle feed). Raise them to 12–22 months of age. For milk, purchase a cow with at least one calving on her resume. Add value to the homestead Simple to contain Friendly and personable Keepweeds trimmed Great 4-H projects Turn grass into meat ormilk COMPLETE YOUR HOMESTEAD WITH A MILK COW A typical milk cow can produce up to 6 gallons of milk a day, some even more! The surplus dairy is a good reason to learn how to make cheese and yogurt. Cows only produce milk after they have given birth. To keep milk flowing, rebreed cows three months after giving birth. Or give the cow a rest and dry her off (stop milking) so she can recharge and get ready for another calf and milking season.  Shiny coat  Bright eyes  Sweet breath Signs of good health  Moist muzzle  Clean nose  Lump-free udders Angus Hereford Holstein Jersey ear tags Sara 16