We FINALLY have HOPE! Our First Jersey Milk Cow. 

I love her start of your video. Your farm, the birds, roosters, so beautiful!! ☺️

Homemade fly spray - 16 oz. Spray Bottle 2 cups Raw Apple Cider Vinegar 1 Tbs. Mineral Oil 1/2 Tbs. Liquid Dish Soap 40 drops of any combination of the following oils: Citronella, Eucalyptus, Lemon Grass, Basil, Peppermint, Cedarwood, Lavender, Tea Tree, Rosemary A friend of mine swears by it.

We lived close to a stables when I was young and had a big problem with flies. My mother tried an old wives remedy which was to plant lavender bushes under the windows and by the front and back doors. It really worked especially when she put lavender oil around the window and door frames. We never used fly spray or any chemical fly repellent in the house. I still use lavender oil - the real oil not synthetic ones - as a fly deterrent in my home. Plus lots of lavender bags with cedar wood balls in wardrobes and drawers as they deter moths. The added bonus, of course is the wonderful smell they have. 😊😊

I’m happy you got Hope, but the ducks still tickle me!

The intro to this video is oustandng! So lovely, and the homestead looks amazing. It's a testimony to the hard work you've done and continue to do.

Is it just me, or are the Living Traditions video quality getting better and better. So professional. Thank you again for your hard and dedication to your channel. Let's all welcome HOPE home. She is receiving a wonderful family.

Congratulations on your new girl! I dont want to sound like a downer because im not but since shes alone be prepared to go hunting for her on your neighbor's land. Speaking from personal experience lol. I can't count how many times my jersey got out because she was lonely and wanted to be with my neighbors cows. I got a baby heifer from her from one of her excursions to the neighbor's bull lol. Even though she had goats and friendly horses she had to be with her own kind so i got her a bull calf to be her friend now i have a Jersey cow, Jersey bull and her jersey/angus heifer calf.

Can't wait for the lessons on making butter buttermilk cream sour cream yogurt I just know you teach so many good things looking forward to them all good luck with HOPE and God bless thanks for sharing

Hope is such a pretty girl. Those scratches feel SO good. Don't forget to check under the fly mask daily to make sure her eyes are okay. Fly masks are great. It was nice of you to get your goats a new jungle gym. I enjoy your videos so much.

I “Hope” she blesses you with LOTS of nutritious raw milk! 😂 Enjoyed the video, thanks so much for the share!

Check with Art and Bri; they have a natural fly spray they use but I'm not sure what it is; they also have a homesteading youtube channel

I was raised on my grand fathers farm and we had jersey cows and I loved them, Mazy was my love she thought she was my mother... these cows if you treat them nicely they will fall in love with you, also they will give milk for years I think Mazy was 16 when she died and that was a real bad day I was about 11 and I thought that was the end of the world. She was the first time I was dealing with death, I am 66 and Mazy is still with me every day

I was just thinking, “where’s our cow,” and then your notification popped up! Yippie!

Did you find out if she is pregnant

You guys are just doing everything right! You have such healthy and HAPPY animals! But where are your barn cats? A dog? Do you have predators like coyotes, fox and weasels? Don't be intimidated by your cow, she likes your husband only because he is brushing and talking to her. She needs a soft cotton halter on her so you can catch her easily, should she get out of the pasture. Do natural flyspray because anything that has nasty chemicals will be in your cow and in her milk. Don't spray directly on her but on a cloth then wipe on her. Learn how to hand milk her it is the easiest and fastest way of milking. The suction on a milking machine hurts the cow and breaks down the udders. Machines are not good for a cows udder and teats. The suction breaks fine blood vessles, so you will also have blood in your milk. Scaring in her udder. Hand milking doesn't do that. You probably know this already, but make sure she is stripped of milk totally, so she doesn't start drying up. Hand milking isn't that hard, but will take a bit to get the hang of it. I guess its about the same as milking a goat. We never had a goat so I've never milked one. I have milked a ton of cows and mares. I hope you don't mind me saying anything, just a old ranch girl trying to help you out. The best advice I can give the woman of the house will not be appreciated much by a man. That advice is that milking is a mans job. Its hard on a womans back and shoulders where men have a bigger and better build and muscles in the shoulders to sit and milk. Those milk buckets get mighty heavy on shoulder joints of a woman. Take care of yourself now while you are young and you won't hurt so bad when you get older, like me. Now that's the grandma in me talking from a lifetime of hard work and now, Rheumatism in my joints, shoulder and back from working like a man most my life. He milks, you make the butter and cheeses to feed your family. But you need to know how, in case he has times when he can't. Plus cows, like kids they listen to a mans voice better than a womans. Theres not a cow alive that won't test you by putting a foot in the bucket, knocking it over, hitting you alongside the head with her tail or peeing in your milk bucket and splattering on you, just because shes bored. They just seem to be calmer with a man and they tend to let their milk down easier. If I were you, I'd get another pasture for her so you can plant and alternate your cow every week or so. That way she will have green grass with pretty good root system. Timothy and red clover is a good blend for a pasture. Chokes out weeds too. Just get organic seed, not gmo. If you are feeding grain to her, let your chickens and turkeys spread the cow pies around, freshens your soil but don't make her stand in a muddy or cowpie yard. It rots their feet. Poultry do just fine doing that too. Sorry its so long. You have a fine cow, she'll teach you. Don't forget to use Bag Balm on her udder so it doesn't dry out and get cracked. Good Milk Cows are gentle souls and very kind hearted if they love you. They all have different personalities, just like we do. They love that brushing. Big hugs from GrammyD. You are doing mighty good.

Those ducks are so funny. They are my favorites on your homestead. So glad you finally got a cow. Good luck

I love it , I love it and I love it . Watching all your animals and birds getting a morning feed . You are so blessed . Congratulations on getting your cow . Jersey milk is the best . Just think of all the good things you can make , thanks to Hope . Best wishes , take care and God bless .

I dont know if yall know this but cows dont have upper front teeth and graze by pulling up grass with their lower front teeth and tongue needing longer grass. The goats can crop the grass at ground level the cow can't get to the grass... so u may want to keep them seperate.... so the cow can get some graze. I'm not trying to be a smart ... just a suggestion.

Awesome job you guys! She loves you already! Good luck tomorrow with milking. Praying it goes well! God bless!🙏🙏🙏

I pray all goes well for you with Hope and wishing all the best to you. I enjoy visiting with you on the homestead. Thank you for sharing. God bless you n yours.

I love watching your morning chores! The ducks are my favorite, when they literally run to eat!!

Yay, so glad. The beginning of your video is just gorgeous. That was so peaceful and calming.

Sarah they since your fear so just be yourself around hope

Had to stop watching for just a second- just to say I absolutely enjoy the heck out of seeing those ducks run for their food in the mornings! It’s toooooo adorable!!! Now let me get back to the video cause I can’t wait to see ms hope arrive at her new home!

The question I ALWAYS get when people come to my house and see my horses with fly masks on is "CAN THEY SEE OUT OF THAT THING ON THEIR FACE?" It always makes me laugh. YES, they can see out of it!

Im so excited for you guys im a new subscriber spent yesterday watching your vlogs cant wait to learn more thank you !

Hope,then faith and charity. 3 won't be lonely and looking for friends.

A beautiful opening to this video showing your homestead. You can really see all your hard work to make it this beautiful. So glad you're getting a Jersey, she looks like a good one. You are so sweet to her. Happy! Happy!

Thank you for sharing your oh! So peaceful morning clip! I would absolutely love that every morning!! And to watch your birds coming out for the day is quite amazing, the ducks running, half flying towards the feed, tickles me! I'm super excited that you have Hope, and all the upcoming videos of milking, cheese making etcetera! Love it !! I've made butter, ice cream, yogurt myself, vowing to try to get away from preservatives, and save money. Cheeses are next! Happy Days!

Great video! Such a sweet addition to your family! Thank you for sharing a look at your farm in the opening. So peaceful & tranquil. My 86 year old Mom watches your channel & loves you guys. She grew up on a small farm & enjoys watching you garden & live a farm life. We speak of you often & we both have been so excited to see Hope come to your farm! Love your channel! Blessings to all of you!

I love the way you start your videos of a clip of your homestead and all the animals in the morning 😊 Congratulations on getting Hope!

Just love the sounds of the morning, so relaxing and full of life. Hope is such a beautiful addition to your family. I am so happy for you all. May you all be blessed.

Can see that she (the cow) is listening, ...she likes the rubbing on her neck!! Cool!! Have fun!!

Take a little tuck in the crown of that fly mask and it will fit her better. Also... be sure and take it of in the evenings and wash it out and let it dry. That will give her a chance to be mask free at night and keep the mask clean as well. Also Sarah... keep a hand on the animal as you are by her. It will let her know where you are and you can feel her muscles tense up if she gets ready to move or feels afraid. Remember also around large animals close is better. If you are close when an animal kicks even, you will get hurt less if you are close. If you are back away the kick will be at full speed and extension when it hits you and hurt you far more.

The farm is beautiful, you will love your jersey milk cow. We have enjoyed milking and have this kind of asset on our farm. Great addition!

I am so happy for you guys. I love watching the ducks run/fly around the bend lol. Hope is beautiful and wishing y’all the best. Can’t wait to see future videos if hope.

I don't know much about cows,, should you be able to see her bones like that?

What I keep wondering, is about whether Hope has had her milk tested for E.coli, salmonella, campylobacter, and listeria? Especially with neighboring cows, I keep thinking of this issue. Also, with all your fancy milk cow math, did you include a vet? Do you have a local vet who makes house.. I mean homestead calls? I am so happy for you guys!!!!! ♡♡♡♡♡

Pennyroyal, peppermint, eucalyptus are all oils I've had some success with for fly sprays on horses, depending on the fly and season/weather/animal. Try giving her garden clippings to fortify her from the inside and see what she likes best, and also what minerals help keep her hide clean and uninteresting to the bugs in your area? Letting a chicken or two hangout by her will also keep the flies down. We get bot flies here and they lay eggs around the legs and ankles: The only way to get rid of them is to keep those areas groomed daily, and keep stalls/paddocks clean.

WooHoo 🥳 🐄 Thank you for explaining the eye covers, I was wondering. Sarah, I think you did great with your new girl on the first day. I am a city girl 💯 who just recently started wanting a homestead and change of life- so I know nothing about taking care of farm animals. But when I visit my in-laws, the cows there always intimidate me too, and I’ve been going over there for 14 years 😆 They are BIG! But you did great 👍

My cheeks are hurting from smiling so hard at you both making friends with Hope. She was so happy, you could see by how she was interacting with you both. I've never seen a Cow act that way, she all but melted at being scratched and having her neck brushed. I think she will be very happy with you all at your homestead. Wish best wishes from England, U.K. 🌿🏵

Congratulations, enjoy these firsts, such sweet times. Yall have such a wonderful homestead love watching you grow, and the ducks always make me smile.

It would be nice to have your chickens and ducks free-range in the cow and goat pen, to clean up all the fly larve.

Congratulations on having Hope home with you. Looking forward to seeing her eyes when fly season is over. Jersey cows eyes are so beautiful.

So happy for you guys I think she will end up being a big sweetie! That was cute how she liked being scratched under her neck

Flymask top is nearly hanging over het eyes, maybe connect a string from the top between the eyes to the strap behind the ears. Flymasks are a blessing, but they have to fit well (no flies getting under and panicking the animal), and you may need to take it off at night/bad rain due to less visibility. Flyspray is a temporary thing unless you use the chemical pour on stuff. Either the scent dissipates or the flies learn to ignore it, but working time tends to be 2-3 hours or so. Best prevention is access to cool, dark barn/shelter and the animals not smelling of manure, wash with vinegar solution to deoderise them as to the manure smell. Further keep their area dry and sleeping place clean. Check legs/feet daily for manure, because they will walk through it and that stuff will stick.

The ducks make me smile and they are my favorite. I just love to see them run and quack. Thanks for sharing. Hugs❤️

Wonderful morning sounds of the animals. Welcome Home Hope!!! The ducks...oh the ducks...hehe!!

What ever mixture you use for flies spray it on your brush/cloth and apply to the body as needed, especially on back, belly and face against the hair . Art and Bri are using a natural mix but still have trouble applying it where needed. A cloth around the eyes is easy! All the best to you!!!

Congrats on the cow Hope awesome name!!

Love the music and peaceful beginning....homestead life is the only life! Hope is a very tame cow and that is a blessing for you! Everyday spending time with her, your presence, your voice and good scratches help the bonding process. We have 9 horses and now, one bred beef cow (newly gotten) and yes, you don't want to act nervous, BUT, you always stay aware of where the animal is and look at ears and body language...even if Hope didn't want to hurt you ( she looks very calm and tame), she can mis-step and land on your foot or knock you down if she got spooked...So "aware" not "nervous" is the thing..Very very happy for ya'll and know you will enjoy having another addition to your homestead and yes, all the things you can make from a cow is huge on saving and also continuing your "organic" food source! Congratulations! We are working on taming our new beef cow (Miss Molly)...can't touch her yet...but she will come and eat some cubes from a bucket for us...she's on 27 acres and not penned...so our journey with handling will be a real time thing...

Of all the recipes that I tried those that had raw apple cider were the ones that worked best. They absulutly wreak tho😁. Looks like hope will be a safe cow to be around. We had one that wasn't till we established our place in the pecking order. That was no fun! Looks like hope's a quiet trusting cow. She's showed you that she trust you lots already😊 I was afraid of cows, to then we got our first heifer and she was crazy... I had to learn to make myself boss first and then we could be friends. Since then ,we got ourselves and older cow and she's quiet and sweet. A real darling to be around. I still respect cows because they are so big but I no longer fear them and I love to be around them. Trust will come with time and experience. You'll will get there. blessing☺️

Welcome home Hope. I woke up early to see her homecoming. Congrates and can't wait to see all the wonderful dairy products she'll provide for your homestead.

She will naturally drop in milk production for a short time until she gets use to the new place and you guys. Tempt her with treats and she'll always come to you. She looks like she needs milking, I would not film that until she has time to adjust.

Congratulations! Y’all will do great!🙏❤️🙏

Hope Looks Sooo Happy!!& She is So Mellow!!- Have a Blessed Weekend-🙏🌷🙏

Congratulations on your first cow! It seems that Hope has a nice gentle nature. We always gave our Jersey cows their grain when milking. It gave them a treat and something to occupy themselves with while being milked. Good luck!

Art and Bri use a homemade fly spray. They're homesteaders and have a Utube channel too. Check them out. Congratulations on your new addition. God bless 🙏💕🌻🙏💕🌻

Such a beautiful scene in the morning. ❤ So happy you were able to get Hope. Heart warming.

Hi.... Really enjoy your excitement. For your flies problem, try to use EM (*Effective microorganism) It's organic and very good to control flies in the area. Just google Effective Microorganisms. I hope this would help. 👍👍

Watch Hope when she comes in heat, because she's alone she may try to get to the cows across the street. She is beautiful. Thanks for putting in the ducks ,they're so cute

Hope is one lucky gal to live with your family! No doubt she will have a wonderful life.

So exciting for your family! She’s a beautiful cow

Congratulations! Hope is beautiful! I'm so happy for you guys!

dumb question.......since living the way you do, have you lost weight or just feel better? health wise? btw, she LOVES your human touch! love on her for me!! 🥰

Welcome Hope! Congratulations Sarah and Kevin on your new homestead addition. How wonderful for your family to have your own fresh milk.

Congratulations on you're new adventures ♡

I was so excited when this was posted! I have been waiting on the video. So happy for you all!

Hello Hope, live up to your name and don’t let the family down. Okay. Glad she’s finally here but I love the ducks and how when they’re let out they take off running. Sooo sweet.. All of you have a blessed day and God Bless you! 🙏💕

Congrats on your new family member. She is beautiful! Reading other posts sounds like you may have to get another. Enjoy her and I can not wait to see the milking and the processing of all the goodies yet to come. I am living vicariously through you form suburban California. Love you guys, hope the girls are doing well. God Bless

We've had many cows that will hardly let me touch them but let my hubby rub all over them. But we have a few that like me more lol. Sarah relax lol you'll get used to each other. I completely understand the intimidation! When we started milking I was very nervous. Hope is beautiful! Suggestion on your mineral block, we put ours on an old rim/wheel. It helps it from weathering as easy.also make sure there are no cherry trees in the pasture, dead cherry tree leaves will kill a cow, if you didnt know that., congratulations yall!

Congrats on your new cow! Beautiful morning footage - thanks!

So happy for you congratulations!!🥰🥰

Yippee! Congratulations on your new addition to the homestead! I can’t wait to learn about milking her and to see all the great products you make from her milk!

The first of the video, was just beautiful.

Congratulations guys! Can't wait to see how the milking goes!

I’m so happy for you. I know Hope will be loved, she sure got my heart

Congrats Kevin and Sarah on your Jersey! Hope is just beautiful.

So peaceful there in the morning just love it. Great job with Hope, if you treat your animals with kindness they will always trust you. Thanks for another great video and God bless.

Congratulations! I can't wait to see Hope making herself at home when she relaxes a little.

Hope really loves that neck scratchin! ❤️

I can't wait to see her being playful & content. She'll settle right in, I just know it. I think we're going to to be in for an old fashioned winter - coming up real soon. Fall & winter is a good time for her to get cozy at her new home. I would wash her down & remove past smells. Create new memories. She'll love the kids. Can't wait to see their reactions. I'd love to try her milk. I'm happy you finally have your own A2 producer. Watch for mastitis. Having a test pan ready is handy. .... Can't wait to see more of Hope & her care & your recipes. Love from Iowa.

Congrats! I'm glad she's home :)

HELLO HOPE.What a sweet looking cow TFS

I've been waiting up for you guys.. so happy to see hope is finally home..🤗

Hello Sarah and Kevin, is that the way jersey cows look almost under-nurited (sp?)

Congratulations on your amazing addition to your homestead with hope. I love her name by the way. The opening shot to this presentation was a glimpse I can imagine only a glimpse of The Slice of Heaven on Earth that you live on. Kudos to whichever one of you that was running the camera that was a great capture. Continued success and God's blessings on you both and your wonderful girls, and your homestead.

I’m so proud Hope is settling in well. You guys will get the hang of things in a few days. God bless y’all.

You are going to love having a jersey cow i just started raising cows last year i love it she looks a bit thin i guess motherhood has taken a bit out of her im sure being the only cow she will put on the weight pretty quick not sure if you done it yet but a mineral block would be great for her give her time she wont leave you alone and will follow you everywhere cows are a funny creature once the trust is there she will be extremely affectionate all the best guys you wont regret owning a cow they are awesome

My husband and I enjoy your videos! I have a natural fly spray that I use as I have very sensitive skin also. It works for almost all the flying insects we have in New Jersey. In a medium size plastic spray bottle pour the following ingredients: 1/2 Cup of boiled water (cooled) 1/2 teaspoon Witch Hazel 15 drops Tea Tree Oil 15 drops of lavender oil or any other scented oil you like (I use Sandalwood sometimes) Put lid on spray bottle and shake ingredients together. Shake bottle before use. Spray on skin or clothes. It works on our black flies, mosquitos and gnats. (Cover eyes when spraying face and hair). I hope this recipe works for you!

Welcome home, Hope! I love the intro.

So glad you have her! She looks like she needs love, kindness and FOOD! Poor thing...all her bones showing:( I just know she's where God wants her to be. She will be loved, cared for and give your the best milk anyone could Hope for!

the ducks do make their presence known. Lol

You should consider having the hay analyzed for protein and total digestive nutrient. Missouri Extension should do that for you, so you know how much feed she needs, especially lactating. I work for Oklahoma State University Extension and send those samples out constantly for the ranchers. It's only $14 and it will help you so much. I see samples from as low as 7 percent to 20 or better for Alfalfa.

Congratulations! Hope is beautiful! What a lovely family you are growing! Cows love music , you can play some to help her relax. We play it to our rescue cows/calves it really works, they seem to be mesmerized by it.

Awesome to see Hope is with y'all. So heart warming watching her allow you guys to brush and pet her. 👍😊

Tomorrow will be fine. She will let you milk her and I know that both of you can do it. Loves and hugs from Alamogordo New Mexico USA. May God bless you and your family

It's so nice to see how much you care about making Hope comfortable.❤

Try a dab of Vicks Vaporub around your facial area. The flying insects seem to hate the menthol smell. also put some on your skin around your feet. The crawling insects don't like it either. Plus it's cheap.

She's a beauty!