Keeping a cow or two isn't easy for many small farmers. Steve and Brian discuss five small breeds that might just be the right answer! #hobbyfarm #cattle #homestead
@@HobbyFarmGuys I remember back in the 60s my old man telling me the smaller and more nimble a bull is, he is potentially more dangerous than a big one , certainly the case with Ayrshire dairy bulls, those little jersey bulls, will need watching, I bet 🏴✌️
Another great video, guys! One thing I would add is that cows are social animals, meaning they do not like to be alone. It is best to have at least two cows on your homestead, unless they have a horse or a donkey or something to be with at all times. Also, do you guys sell the Hobby Farm Guys shirts? -Dusty
For sure. So many people don't understand the nature of herd animals. We have miniature Nigerian Dwarf goats. They NEED other goats. Atleast 2. They say have them in 3s. Alone they can become depressed and sick. Even die in the end.
First time cattle owner with about 3 acres for them. Got me some Dexters! They have become so tame! And their backs come up to my waist. They just fit. Very hardy
@@HobbyFarmGuysGoing to save this video and have my wife watch it. I have an acre and hoping to add a few more but it will be enough for a couple shorty beefers. So a couple of Highland is the plan. Of course the boss has to approve as usual, come March we will be married for forty years and I got SMRTER as I aged.
You can absolutely milk Highland cows! The quantities will be significantly lower than the Jersey, and the butterfat content is higher (~10%), many people milk Highlands.
One thing to consider is your climate. We are in northern Alberta and I'm sure you've heard of the terrible winters in Canada. Northern Alberta is as cold as the territories. Often as cold as the extreme north on some nights. -50c is not uncommon. A cold hardy breed is what we look for up here. The Highlands are a stronger breed then the Jerseys. Folks in these parts do have some Highlands.
I understand certain types of seaweed will reduce methane emissions, but it is still being tested to see if it is cost effective to harvest and process the seaweed feed additives.
I've thought about miniature cattle on our place in northern Alberta. We have a quarter section or for folks not familiar with the terms quarter section or half section or full section it's a measurement of acres. Not sure if it's used in the states. A quarter is 160 acres. Anyway I've looked at miniature Belted Galloways. One of the Scottish breeds and very winter hardy. There's a few ranches up here running standard size Galloways.
I've heard that Rhode Island Reds have a tendency to become egg bound when they are older 2+ years old. Does anyone know anything about Rhode Island Reds becoming egg bound?
They are more prone to this for two reasons: genetics and because they lay lots of eggs. There are a number of breeds that are more prone to egg binding including the Sussex, Plymouth Rock, New Hampshire Red and the Rhode Island Red to name a few. Luckily it is still not too frequent even in these breeds.
