Price per pound of dairy cull cow

Look at the cow in question's picture versus the cows lying in stall in behind her. She's the poorest one of them all. Yes, I have seen skinnier but I think you've got a huge uphill battle trying to get weight on her. I'd say the only way to get it done would be to dry her up early and let her have an off period. IMHO, I'd pass on her unless you've got some time and patience.

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Francismilker

"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" James 5:16

Whoa Cliff. I know she looks bad. I agree she's too thin and it's one of the reasons I posted here to get others opinions. I haven't committed to anything with this farm yet. I won't get suckered, trust me on that one.

My cow looked like that when I went to see her. She got her foot clipped by the tractor when the farmer was bringing in feed and went down right after calving. She is low in the herd order and was always pushed away from the food. I agreed to take her on the condition that she stay a month longer where she was to gain some weight, and I had her tested for Johnes. The test came back zero, meaning she's never even been exposed to it. She's doing great here and is due to calve Aug 6.

I need to see this cow in person and find out why she's so thin when all the other cows there are in good condition. I could be a simple reason or it could be reason enough not to consider her. She also has another cow for me to consider and if I can't find a cow in milk, I might look at the weaned heifers they have. They deal with 2500 cows. It's a large dairy and I wouldn't be surprised if this particular cow is on BST/Poslilac and it's too much for her to handle. It's a question I need to ask, but I don't want to start stepping on toes if I don't have to. I want this to go well for both of us.

Having said that, I won't get suckered into anything I'm not completely comfortable with.

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~Carla~

Let's keep things in perspective here folks. This cow is going for cull cow price. The farmer isn't asking retail. You get what you pay for. Heather

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Faye Farms Website
Faye Farms Soap

I'm planning a trip to the dairy this week, so I should have a much better idea of what to do after that. I inquired about prices for weaned Jersey heifer calves from the dairy the other day. I'm thinking about raising a few cows and selling them as family milkers.

The dairy is now offering to trade me a weaned Jersey heifer calf instead of the cull cow(s).

I sort of like this idea, but am having a hard time deciding. Right now I'm leaning toward the bred cow in milk. Not sure I want to wait a year and a half for milk.

What would you do if this option presented itself to you? Bred cow making 5 gals a day that needs taming down to be a family milker or weaned heifer, raise as you want?

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~Carla~

The heifer is clearly worth more.

Patience is a virtue, or they say.

Dont decide until you get a look at the animals.

Good luck!

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Cows may not be smarter than People, but some cows are smarter than some people.