Family Milk Cows/Goats
We love our family milk cows & goats. They provide our family of 7 with all the milk we need to make our own butter, buttermilk, yogurt, cheese, and baked goods. Nothing goes to waste, and their milk also help us with bottle lambs, calves, and of course, keeping our dog and barn cat happy. They are also docile and sweet creatures who we grow close bond with.
A dairy animal is both a big commitment and a valuable investment in your family farm or homestead. Choosing the right cow & support network is crucial to ensure a positive experience for years to come.
Our cows
At this time we do not have any family milk cows available. That said, each year we will have a few dairy calves become available, and hope to retain and train any heifer calves for potential family milk cows.
We raise Brown Swiss and Brown Swiss-cross cows. All our dairy cows are tested and produce A2/A2 milk. Our calves are raised on real milk, pasture, grass hay, and alfalfa to set them up for a long and productive life. For safety, all calves are disbudded humanely in their first week so they will not grow horns. Heifer calves are handled daily from birth, halter trained, and raised to be a gentle, easy-going milk cow.
Brown Swiss cows are known to be the oldest of all dairy breeds. These beautiful, soulful cows were developed in the Switzerland as a dual-purpose dairy and beef breed. They adapt well to both hot and cold climates and are exceptionally hardy, which is important to us in Minnesota. Brown Swiss are notable for their dairy strength, well-attached udders, correct feet and legs, and their longevity.
They produce large volumes of rich milk with an ideal fat-to-protein ratio for cheese making. Brown Swiss are also very good-natured and have been called the most docile of all dairy breeds.
They make excellent, low-maintenance family cows.
Our goats
All of our Alpine goats are registered with the American Dairy Goat Association (ADGA). We also test our herd for CAE and Johne's.
Our goats are also raised on real milk, pasture, grass hay, and alfalfa, which makes for a healthier and more productive grass-fed dairy goat.
Alpine goats are considered multi-purpose animals. They are well known for producing a high volume of milk, but they also grow large enough to be used for meat or as pack goats. Alpines are cold-hardy, too, which is important for us in the cold climate of Minnesota. Specifically, we raise American Alpines.
Known for its milk, the Alpine goat is famous for its rich dairy production. Alpine goats are extremely popular in the dairy industry for their docile temperament, high quality milk output and long lactation. The milk can be made into butter, cheese, soap, ice cream or any other dairy product normally made from cow's milk.
Alpine goats are friendly and highly curious, however they can be independent and strong-willed. They have erect ears and a straight profile, and are described as being "alertly graceful" with the ability to adapt to any climate thanks to their hardy nature. They are the only breed with erect ears that comes in all colors and combinations of colors.
Alpine goats are one of the top milk producers.
Available Animals For Sale
Update 2023: Most of our available animals are sold to our waiting list before they are posted here. To be placed on the waiting list so you will be notified when we have any livestock available, please send us an email, tell us about yourself and what you are looking for in a family milk cow.