Dairy Farming

[NH Homesteader]

You found the goat lovers! If you go to the sister site backyardherds.com there are many more of us

 

[lcertuche]

I wished we had a place big enough and fenced in for milk goats, but then I would have to be the one to milk them so I guess there is a pro and cons list going through my head. Clearing brush pro, vet cost con, cheese, yogurt, milk pro, milking con, lol. I guess its good that I don't have to decide but someday... It was a really good article though, very interesting. I always thought milk was milk. I use to get goat milk from a friend and it tasted like milk, no goaty taste. It would be a huge pro if I could feed milk to my chickens and raise some pigs.

 

[SustainableAg]

Another option would be a "mini cow" breed. I have always had an interest in Dexter cattle. I guess that would be a fair compromise.

 

[NH Homesteader]

Dexters are cool. Biggest problem is cost. They're super expensive to buy compared to a full size cow. Then you have to do artificial insemination or find someone with a Dexter bull. If you can figure out how to get around those obstacles then yes, they're cool!

 

[WeAreBornFree]

I would be for goat's milk. Although I have yet to try it. Wonder if Sprouts might have it? Lol I'll look for a farm nearby, perhaps.

I don't drink cows milk but really enjoy almond milk as a substitute. Depending on how many almonds it takes to crush for milk every week, this may not be feasible when the goal is to be self sufficient.

Interesting thread. Now I'll go research what it would take to have a constant supply of almond milk (if possible.) Wish me luck trying out goats milk!

 

[WeAreBornFree]

My goats milk tastes like cow milk pretty much. No goaty taste at all. So sad I'm not milking right now. So long until spring!

Do they not produce milk year round?

 

[SustainableAg]

What heritage breeds do you have?