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!