We are considering getting a milk cow. This would be a miniature Jersey. She is on the large end of miniature, but still classified as a miniature.
She will be freshened for the first time in March or April.
The deal we are being offered and are considering is $500, plus they take the first three calves with them providing the bull service. All we would have to do is transport her to them about 12 miles away.
We currently purchase farm fresh milk from a family at $2.50, per gallon and use about two gallons a week ($5.00, a week, for about 50 weeks of the years for a total of $250, for the year). So, on our end, she pays for herself (minus food costs) in about 2 years.
We are told her mother gives about two gallons day, so if this one gives a gallon a day (to be conservative), we could use our two and sell the other five and make about $40, a month. Of course, there will be feed costs out of this. We are sure we have people in the area that would purchase from us.
We don't want a full-size milk cow, since the one that we get our milk from gives up to seven gallons a day and we don't eant to deal with that much milk!
Any imput, ideas, thoughts would be appreciated!
She will be freshened for the first time in March or April.
The deal we are being offered and are considering is $500, plus they take the first three calves with them providing the bull service. All we would have to do is transport her to them about 12 miles away.
We currently purchase farm fresh milk from a family at $2.50, per gallon and use about two gallons a week ($5.00, a week, for about 50 weeks of the years for a total of $250, for the year). So, on our end, she pays for herself (minus food costs) in about 2 years.
We are told her mother gives about two gallons day, so if this one gives a gallon a day (to be conservative), we could use our two and sell the other five and make about $40, a month. Of course, there will be feed costs out of this. We are sure we have people in the area that would purchase from us.
We don't want a full-size milk cow, since the one that we get our milk from gives up to seven gallons a day and we don't eant to deal with that much milk!
Any imput, ideas, thoughts would be appreciated!