Many homesteading self-reliant families make the decision to invest in livestock that will help support their lifestyle. Having chickens, goats, and other livestock animals on the homestead will provide a food source and also can be a source of income (or bartering) to help with ongoing expenses.
Many homesteaders find great value in getting a dairy cow for their property. This will provide plenty of milk for your family – and possibly extra for your pigs, if you’re raising those.
You can drink the milk, or create yogurt, ice cream and other items from her milk. Each type of cow and size will produce a variable amount of milk, so you may want to find a smaller option (like a goat) if your family doesn’t use much milk.
Get a Free Subscription to PREPARE Magazine
Or, if you live in a self-reliant or “Prepper” community, you could share the milk with another family – along with the responsibilities of raising it. You need to milk it at the same time each and every day, so scheduling is important.
Some people wonder about the safety of drinking raw milk, but you can also buy a pasteurizer for your family to use. They’re not expensive and it will provide you with the same safety that you get off the grocery shelves.
It can get expensive to raise a dairy cow if you’re having to buy all of your hay, but many prepper families grow their own, so that cuts down on the cost of raising your dairy cow enormously.
You can sometimes go to a dairy farm and ask if they have any lower production cows they want to get rid of. If the volume isn’t enough for a dairy farm, they’ll often sell off the cows to a family that requires a much lower volume of milk.
Most families recommend that you get a Jersey dairy cow, but there are many options. You want one that’s gentle and won’t be hostile to you or your little ones in a farming situation.
You have to make sure that your property has room for her to graze and roam around. If you get a Brown Swiss or Dexter cow, then you can allow for more grass grazing than hay feed, which saves you money in the long run.
Your dairy cow will provide milk twice a day for almost a year. After about 10 months, give her a break for a few months and then let her produce another calf to begin milk production again.
Keep in mind that your water supply has to be significant to provide for a dairy cow’s needs. They can drink anywhere from 25-40 gallons of water each day. Make sure you have enough water for her and your own family’s needs.
Your dairy cow might produce anywhere from 2-8 gallons of milk per day, so make sure you don’t over-invest in something that’s going to make all of the milk production go to waste.
Popular Questions
What breed is best for raising a homesteading dairy cow?
Choose a breed based on your climate, pasture, available feed, and household milk needs. Jerseys and Dexters are often manageable for small homesteads, while larger breeds such as Holsteins need more space and feed. Select a healthy, calm cow from a reputable breeder, and ask about her milking history, temperament, and vaccination records.
How much space and feed does raising a homesteading dairy cow require?
A dairy cow needs secure pasture, shade, clean water, and shelter from severe weather. Pasture quality determines how much hay or other supplemental feed she needs, especially during winter or drought. Plan for a dependable hay supply and provide a balanced mineral supplement recommended for dairy cattle.
How do you milk a cow when raising a homesteading dairy cow?
Milk at consistent times each day in a clean, quiet milking area. Wash the udder, use a separate clean towel for drying, and inspect the milk for clumps, discoloration, or unusual odor. Filter and chill the milk promptly, then wash and sanitize the milking equipment after every session.
What daily care is needed when raising a homesteading dairy cow?
Check the cow every day for normal appetite, alertness, movement, manure, and udder condition. Keep water containers clean, remove hazards from fencing and shelter areas, and monitor body condition so feed can be adjusted as needed. Schedule hoof trimming, vaccinations, parasite control, and veterinary care according to local conditions and professional advice.