Does anyone have a dairy cow?

[FannyMay]

My husband and I already have beef cattle, but we are looking into getting a dairy heifer or two for family milk consumption and maybe even to sell. We have our choice right now of a 4 week old heifer or a two year old that is 6-7 months bred. We are trying to make up our mind which one to get.

Also, does anybody know where to buy a good milking machine for a GOOD price. We are poor folk here and need a good deal. Can someone tell me what other kinds of equipment we will be needing so I can start my list of things to start purchasing. We can use plenty of advice

[willow_girl]

I'd take the bred heifer, myself.

The only milking equipment you REALLY need is at the end of each arm ... oh, and a bucket, of course!

[Shagbarkmtcatle]

Ditto what Willow Girl said. However, my dh did buy a used bucket milker on ebay. That's what he likes to use. We bought a Jersey heifer that was a 3 teater off an organic dairy farm. Works for us. It's the best milk I ever drank

[michiganfarmer]

Originally Posted by willow_girl

The only milking equipment you REALLY need is at the end of each arm ... oh, and a bucket, of course!

there ya go judy!

[Jay]

Buy the bred cow. Not as a long of a wait for milk, and you aren't guaranteed the younger one doesn't have breeding issues.

Cheapest "milking machine" I have is an extra calf. If my cow is producing more than I need or can sell, I buy a another calf and put on her along with her calf. No electricity needed! (And yes, I still get plenty of milk for the house and other critters!)

[6ncounting]

get the bred cow, milking machines aren't cheap to buy though they can be built (but it's not a cheap exercise either).

[farmergirl]

Get the bred cow. You don't need a milking machine to milk one cow.