Farmstead Dairy:

Goats and Cows, An

IntroductionPresentation by Tinia CreamerLucas Farm in West Virginia

Meet Tinia (Tuh-Knee-Uh)

I have raised goats since 2008, cows since 2009While I know many folks who have raised livestock longer than I have, I have found everyone doesn’t put the same time in to husbandry, unfortunately.

I am a raw milk advocate and recently saw legislation passed in WV to make herdshares legalI have unique experience in having a father born in Appalachia in 1923.I like to call him an OH: Original Homesteader.

I currently raise registered Nubians, Saanens and haved started a British Guernesey program.I raise Blue Laced Red and Silver Laced Wyandottes, Lavendar Orpingtons and Miniature Jersey Cattle.During my farmsteading journey, I have raised Dexter cattle, Silver Fox rabbits and Guinea Hogs, as well.

I am the mother of 3 homeschooled boys, ages 6 to 14. I am one of 16 children and the founder of West Virginia’s largest equine rescue organization. I endeavor into photography when and if I have the time, as well. I’m the wife of a former Marine SGT.

ENOUGH ABOUT ME!

Onto GOATS AND COWS!

Dairy Animals Should be the Last Addition to your Homestead

Why?

1. Space

2. Time and Money

3. Long Term Goals

4. Organic milk

5. Cheese, Soap and Sales

6. Family needs

The hardest adventure you will ever undertake on a farm is Dairy

Conformation

Longevity

Long term Value

Conformation, Registration, Testing

Look at breeding stock as a serious Investment in your Homestead becauseThat is what they are;

Buy the best you can once you understandWhat the “BEST” means

1. Cows or Goats, folks?

Raise of Hands:

Who thinks Goats?

Who thinks cows?

Who is nuts and thinks

both?

“Harpoon a Cow, she will live on for years. . .

A Goat gets wet, she dies within the hour. . .

If you’re hoping for butter, going organic and easier fence

installation, maybe a grass fed breed of cow is best for you

▸ 1. Land▸ 2. Handling▸ 3. Disease ▸ 4. Organic?▸ 5. Investment▸ 6. Milking Time▸ 7. Breeding▸ 8. Milk Outlets▸ 9. Bulls

So many breeds, so many pros and cons for each

The Fine Details of Keeping a Cow

Goats Are not What You’ve been told

They will certainly NOT eat Anything. . .

Especially not grass, but man they are loveable

Goat considerations

1. Parasites2. Quality3. Minerals4. Diet5. Hardiness6. Breeding7. Fence8. Milk Quality9. Disease10. Bucks

Goats: $400 for a quality doe

Easier to Hand Milk

Easier to “milk less”

Cheese Making

Milk Digestion

Less Land Required

Less Soil Erosion

More personable

1 gallon a day

Requires Grain

Easier to settle does

Compare / Contrast

Cows:

$1,500 for a quality cow

Gives far more milk

More broadly enjoyed milk

BUTTER!!!!

Easier to contain

Hardier

Easier to raise organically

4-10 gallons a day

Some can be grassfed

Bulls are a concern

Items you need, regardless

Time

Quality

Market

Management The Long Term

Cows or Goats

THANKS!

Any questions?You can find me at Lucasfarmwv.comOn Facebook as: Lucas FarmOr email tinia@live.com