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 Reading Room: Farm Library
 Must Have Books for Prospective Cow-Keepers
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StavigsWilderness
Farmgirl at Heart

2 Posts

Liv
Northfield MN
2 Posts

Posted - Nov 08 2021 :  11:46:48 PM  Show Profile
My sister and I are just starting to consider adding a cow to our homestead but we are a little worried it’s too over our heads. We have only raised chickens and quails so we’d like as much information as we can find before talking such a momentous step!
If there are any books that you found to be especially insightful on keeping a family cow, I’d love to check those out!

ddmashayekhi
True Blue Farmgirl

4745 Posts

Dawn
Naperville Illinois
USA
4745 Posts

Posted - Nov 09 2021 :  03:41:49 AM  Show Profile
I'm not a farmer, but I did enjoy reading Rosamund Young's book, "The Secret Lives of Cows". This book was more about the cows she raised during her lifetime as a farmer and how distinct each one of the cows personalities were. People don't realize that cows are very smart and can be quite the characters.

The other farmers who have raised cows, especially my cousin Windy Pines (Michele) can recommend some great books and advice to go long with keeping a family cow. Have fun researching and getting ready for your new family addition!

Dawn in IL



"Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree." Emily Bronte
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sherone_13
True Blue Farmgirl

2460 Posts

Sherone
Evanston WY
USA
2460 Posts

Posted - Nov 09 2021 :  06:13:39 AM  Show Profile
We have used this one in the past for beef cattle. "The Complete Guide to Small Scale Farming Everything You Need to Know About Raising Beef and Dairy Cattle, Rabbits, Ducks, and Other Small Animals" by Melissa Nelson. There is also a "Dummies" book that I've seen around. If you are thinking dairy cows, MaryJane's book, "Milk Cow Kitchen" is amazing!!!

Sherone

Lean on me, when you're not strong, And I'll be your friend, I'll help you carry on, For it won't be long, 'Til I'm gonna need, Somebody to lean on.

Farmgirl Sister #93
FGOTM August 2021

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http://www.tinytaylorhomestead.thrivelife.com

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Brian
Honorary Farmgirl

521 Posts

Brian
Moscow ID
USA
521 Posts

Posted - Nov 09 2021 :  09:36:26 AM  Show Profile
The best place to start would be with the best book on keeping a cow, making cheeses, etc. MaryJane’s Milk Cow Kitchen:
https://shop.maryjanesfarm.org/Milk-Cow-Kitchen

Also, MaryJane has a lovely all-things-cow chatroom packed with years of advice and observations:
https://www.heritagejersey.org/chatroom/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=41420

You can give me a call (888-750-6004) if you have any questions!
Thanks,
Brian
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windypines
True Blue Farmgirl

4269 Posts

Michele
Bruce Wisconsin
USA
4269 Posts

Posted - Nov 09 2021 :  5:25:12 PM  Show Profile
It would also be helpful to find someone local you can watch and learn from. Having cows is a 365 day a year job. It is a commitment for sure. Good luck.

Farming in WI

Michele
FGOTM June2019

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MaryJanesNiece
True Blue Farmgirl

7133 Posts

Krista
Utah
USA
7133 Posts

Posted - Nov 10 2021 :  12:23:07 PM  Show Profile
Definitely agree with Michele. Have people around who can help you out when needed. Also remember they are like kids and there is no one right way to raise them. Do what works best for you and the cow. I’m super excited for you. We love our 2 boys and it’s been the best experience ever.

Krista
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