Episode 17

Updates from the Dairy Farm - Highlanders, Heat, and Herd Shares

Summary

Join us on the dairy farm in Minnesota as we provide updates on life during this scorching summer. From the challenges of handling a heatwave without air conditioning to the anticipation of fall calving, we'll share the latest happenings on the farm.

In this episode, we discuss the upcoming fall calving season, with Rose, the first cow, expected to calve soon. Learn about the unique characteristics of Brown Swiss cows and their longer calving periods. We also have exciting news for anyone interested in Highlander-dairy cross calves, as we'll be offering heifers and bull calves for sale. Want to reserve your own? Contact us through the information provided under this podcast.

But it's not just about the calving season; we also dive into the impact of the heat on our milk production. With temperatures soaring, the cows are feeling the discomfort too. Discover how the lack of air conditioning and excessive heat affect milk yields and how we're managing it.

As we eagerly wait for calving to begin, we take a break from making butter due to the challenges the heat brings. But there's hope for our herd, as we've introduced our young bull, String Bean, to the cows, aiming for a well-planned breeding program this year.

And, of course, we'll share some personal stories, including our daughter's absence from the county fair for the first time in years. Farm life may be ever-changing, but the memories of past fairs and the prospect of future generations carrying on the tradition keep us optimistic.

Join us for this episode filled with farm tales, dairy delights, and insights into life as a dedicated farmer. Stay tuned for more updates in the weeks to come!

Contact Carol through her website or Facebook Page, where information is readily available.

#PrairiesEdgeFarmLife #OrganicFarmFresh #HighlanderDairyCrossCalf

Timestamps

  • [00:00:00] Introduction to Prairies Edge Farm and Products
  • [00:00:36] Summer Heat in Minnesota and the Anticipated Cow, Rose
  • [00:02:26] Update on Current Calves and Reduced Yield Due To Heat
  • [00:05:24] The Challenge of Making Butter and Fair Updates

About the Podcast

Show artwork for The Small Dairy Podcast
The Small Dairy Podcast
Learn about the life on a small, raw-milk dairy. If you want to make dairy products at home? We want to help teach you.

About your host

Profile picture for Carol Radtke

Carol Radtke

Podcaster, mother, wife, herdsman & owner of Prairies Edge Dairy, a raw milk micro-dairy in West-central Minnesota.
Also, co-founder of 'The Small Farm & Micro-Dairy Page' on Facebook.