Wednesday, March 30, 2011

We're Getting a Cow!

I have some amazing news today.  We're getting a gorgeous Jersey heifer.  For FREE!

How did such an incredible opportunity occur?  Well, back in February, I found out about a dairy farming couple who were holding an essay contest to give away a Jersey calf.  I entered, and ended up being one of the finalists, but I didn't win.

But, surprisingly, that wasn't the end of the story.  Yesterday I got an email from the nice folks who hosted the contest.  They said that they had been thinking about me and my essay, and that they wanted to offer me a different Jersey heifer.  I couldn't believe it!

Of course I accepted their generous offer.  I've been a long time trying to turn this run-down old place back into a farm again.  I have sheep, pigs, and chickens... but somehow a farm just doesn't seem like a "real" farm to me without a nice little family milk cow.  This heifer will make my farm complete.

Her name is Rosie.  She's only a few months old, so I'll have plenty of time to get used to cow ownership before it's time for her to be bred, give birth, and start being milked.  I have lots to learn in the meantime!

Because lambing season is about to start next week, we're going to delay bringing Rosie here until mid-May.  After lambing is over, I'll have much more time to spend getting acquainted with our new girl, and helping her settle into her new home. 

As you can imagine, I'm VERY excited!

Here's a picture of what Rosie looked like a couple of months ago:


You can see what her mom looks like here (first two photos on that page).

Oh... And if you're thinking about cow ownership yourself?  That website has some excellent resources and information for new and prospective dairy cow owners.  Check it out!

15 comments:

V.R. Leavitt said...

Yay, Nancy!!! Congrats! That's wonderful news! She's beautiful.

stace41971 said...

Awesome!! I have to say, I love our cows..of course they are boys and will be our team of oxen..so not quite the same as a family milk cow but there is something about having bovine that makes me smile. They have great personalities :)

Branwenn said...

YEAH NANCY!!! You won the cow anyways!! This is wonderful!!

JenB said...

Congratulations! I loved your essay - especially how you wrote it to the cow, herself. I am glad they found a way for you to win, too.

Kelly said...

Congratulations! Happy Cowing.

Sarah Rachele said...

Yay Nancy! So happy for you! I meant to ask you when we picked up the pigs how the essay went. And the piggies are doing great, they love back rubs. :)

Rosie said...

Congratulations!! That is wonderful to hear and great to see things turn out so well. We're looking for a miniature jersey for our little farm so I'll be glued to your blog to find out more information. Also, I tried your bacon recipes on a hog we just slaughtered so I'm excited to see how they will turn out. Oh, and she has a fabulous name. =)

Purpose said...

WOW! that is awesome. happy cowing!

Anonymous said...

That is fantastic! Rosie is a real beauty! I love the sweet doelike-eyes of a Jersey, not to mention their yummy cream!

odiie said...

Congratulations! Now you can dream of cheeses, yogurt, ice cream and butter. She's a pretty girl.

Kiri Sue said...

Congratulations Nancy! I thought your essay was inspired and deserved to win. I was sad when I found out you didnt so I am So happy you received such a beautiful happy looking cow anyways. Jerseys are such gentle creatures and I prefer their milk over holsteins.

DivaGardener said...

Wow! So glad I found your blog! How awesome! I want to have a farm of my own within the next two to three years, but for now I just grow veggies in my two gardens. I shall live vicariously through you!!

Farmgirl Susan said...

Congratulations! Jersey milk is the best. :)

anne said...

Beautiful!!!
I love your blog, it's so interesting :) thank you so much for sharing

Melanie said...

Thanks, nice blog