RE: It's been 18 years since I milked cows--photos

farmerjohn · Feb 15, 2014

I posted a couple weeks ago that I gave my brother a hand with the chores in milking his 70 cows, and it was the first time in nearly 18 years since I did barnwork. Now the hired man is off for a few weeks with a broken foot so I have become a farmer again going to the barn every day. Of course it's only part time, I put in 3-4 hours in the morning and again in the evening 6 1/2 days a week. I expect to be helping until he moves into the new facility this early spring, or until I get called back to work at my regular job. Took a couple pics the other evening.

hrRoss · Feb 15, 2014

quit almost 3 years ago, haven't missed it yet. it was always warm in the barn tho.

Bob · Feb 15, 2014

I grew up in a family that milked cows. I about PUKE at the sight of "milk" today, knowing where it comes from/what might be in it!

And then, I am required to buy it at the grocery store for SWMBO and the kid who have NO idea of it's origins!

Oh, yeah, they'll be FINE!

BLECH!

farmerwithmutt · Feb 16, 2014

Got one that likes to shake hands how many will know about a kant kick?
When i started milking my hfrs would calve in a boxstall and i could milk without locking them up i had a guy talk me into a i with snother company those cows were nuts i asked the guy about disposition he said dont worry about temper worry about milk production ! As i had to twice a day get under them i switched and they calmed down i sold almost all those cows . i would rather have a calm cow anyday

Bruce from Can. · Feb 16, 2014

Looks fine to me. I have been milking all my life, and I like working with cows , and doing milking.Will be in business for my self 34 years come this April. I can tie 73 cows in the dairy barn. I haven't used my Kow-Kant-Kick since I got rid of my Holsteins 10 years ago. Not that a Jersey won't kick but , they are too darn small for the Kow-Kant-Kick. Once your brother is moved into the new barn, maybe you will want to be the "hired man". Caught a pic of the bride helping out, with her fancy barn hat on too. Bruce

Dachshund · Feb 16, 2014

Jerseys are better all the way around! I/we (wife) am hand milking 3 right now, another is due in a couple weeks. Not a real "dairy" but it keeps me busy. Two of these are actually 1/4 Guernsey - just for a little color!
Nothing better than fresh, homemade butter! The store bought stuff is disgusting.

One of our Amish neighbors is coming over every day to milk one more cow. His cow has stopped producing, and he needs the milk.

larry@stinescorner · Feb 16, 2014

nice pictures! Hey Bruce,,,you need a milk truck!!! Iposted it last week,but it case you missed it,posted it just for you!

GordoSD · Feb 16, 2014

How much for the red one?

Al L. in Wisc. · Feb 16, 2014

Larry@stinescorner"]; gosh that red delivery truck is cute! I gotta' ask, but I'm sure it is $$; what is the asking price? What make are they? Thanks.

rrlund · Feb 16, 2014

That second picture could have easily been taken in my barn before I quit 10 years ago.

larry@stinescorner · Feb 16, 2014

I didnt ask,,dont know

El Toro · Feb 16, 2014

It's been 61 years since I milked any cows. I was drafted into the Army in 1953 and I got married. We were milking about 40 Guernseys. Hal

T in NE · Feb 16, 2014

I like working with cattle, but prefer beef. Haven't milked a cow in 9 years, this June. Never met a mean cow that didn't make a bunch of milk. They weren't so mean when we were milking 3 time a day. Did have some pretty friendly ones that made a ton of milk, too. One line-back in the herd, always averaged over 100#, I could sit on the stall dividers, lay back against her, and fall asleep. Tried crossbreeding her to a top brown swiss, so-called herdsman didn't like crossbreeds so he killed it.
She had one line-back calf, made milk like she did, but didn't have the temper, either.

Frank 41 · Feb 16, 2014

Being around milk cows was the WORST job EVER!!

Thw only way I would even think about milking, is like Greg Sauder in Tremont, IL. ROBOT.

Dick · Feb 16, 2014

It's really simple.. If you don't love and respect animals, you shouldn't be in the business. If you think it's hard work to feed, milk, and clean up after cows, what kind of work do you think the cows have to do to produce that milk? It's a partnership.
It's always easy to spot those who love and respect their cows. they only have the number of cows the can "rightfully" take care of. They're in it for the love of the cows and the work FIRST, and the money second. How many dairymen can say they're in the business because they love working with cows and they love the work? Sure there are days you get disgusted and wonder, why am I doing this, then you stop and think,,,,, these girls are depending on me, as I'm depending on them to be here everyday.

Yes, I'm speaking from experience, I've milked cows for over 50 years and not thousands or even hundreds. I only have the number of cows I can rightfully take care of. If I thought I had to have more and I couldn't do them justice, I'd change and do something else.
Also, the same goes for any livestock.

Dick

RE: It's been 18 years since I milked cows--photos

farmerjohn

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hrRoss

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Bob

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farmerwithmutt

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Bruce from Can.

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Dachshund

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larry@stinescorner

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GordoSD

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Al L. in Wisc.

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rrlund

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larry@stinescorner

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El Toro

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T in NE

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Frank 41

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Dick

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