Difference between revisions of "Jacob Springs raw milk program"

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	[[File:Andre_with_cows.jpg|thumb|Andre in the milking parlor]]		[[File:Andre_with_cows.jpg|thumb|Andre in the milking parlor]]
−	==From the flier==	+	[[Jacob Springs Farm]] has a '''raw milk program''' practicing [[Once a day milking]] with [[Grass fed]] Jersey Cows.
−	Our herd share is designed to provide our community with great milk. In May of 2005 the Colorado state legislature recognized that people should have the freedom to consume raw milk. Despite the fact that it is now legal to drink fresh milk from a cow that you own, there are still relatively few raw milk dairies in operation in our area. As with our Jacob Springs Farm Meat CSA, we are committed to Organic production, but that’s just the beginning - we seek to benefit people, planet, pastures and our livestock. We are entirely grass-based and we use rotational grazing as a tool for regenerating pastures, building soil and sequestering carbon. We would love to fill you in on the details - ask us!	+
−	The quality of our food matters! That’s why we focus on grass - the foundation of milk that’s rich in Omega-3’s, CLA’s, Vitamins, Beta Carotene and many other important nutrients. That’s also why we choose to milk Jersey cows (whose milk is rich in components) and why we test our cows to be sure that they only carry the A2 Beta Casein gene (see “'''Devil in the Milk'''” for more information).	+
−	We love building community! We are looking to expand the milking team by adding some “work shares” ask us if you feel you might be a good fit to take on some milking responsibilities to offset costs.	+
−	'''Devil In The Milk:''' [http://www.amazon.com/Devil-Milk-Illness-Health-Politics/dp/1603581022]	+	[[File:VeronicaInSpring.jpg|thumb|Veronica, the matriarch of our best maternal line of cows]]
−	'''A2 Beta Casein Reference Article:''' [https://thebovine.wordpress.com/2009/03/20/the-devil-in-the-milk-dr-thomas-cowan-on-how-a2-milk-is-the-answer-to-the-mystery-of-why-even-raw-milk-sometimes-does-not-seem-to-be-enough-of-an-improvement-over-store-bought/]	+	===Milk Shares from Jacob Springs Farm===
−	===Milk Shares from Jacob Springs Farm===	+	What: Premium, raw, grass-based milk from happy [[A2 Milk | A2 Beta Casein]] cows at [[Jacob Springs Farm|Jacob Springs]], your own local farm!
−	Last year was the first year of the Milk Share program. This year we are milking four cows and inviting you to join in!	+
−	What: Premium, raw, grass-based milk from happy cows at your own local farm!	+	Why: Because milk, the way it is supposed to be, is so marvelous! Healthy [[Jersey cows]] - that graze on organic grass and are tested to carry the A2 beta casein gene (and not the A1 gene) - make the richest, most healthful milk for you to enjoy.
−	Why: because milk, the way it is supposed to be, is so marvelous! Healthy Jersey cows - that graze on organic grass and carry only the unmutated A2 beta casein gene - make the richest, most healthful milk for you to enjoy.	+	How: It’s a herd share - you will have to fill out the contracts - then we provide you milk from your own cow! We will care for her, feed and milk her, and the milk is yours! We don't pasteurize it, but you can if you want to!
−	How: It’s a herd share - we provide you milk from your own cow! We will care for her, feed and milk her, and the milk is yours! We don't pasteurize it, but you can if you want to! The share costs $50 plus $52 per month boarding for a gallon per week share (about $12/gal).	+	The share costs $50 plus $68 per month boarding for a gallon per week share ($25 and $34 for a half share).
	Where: Pick up weekly at the farm: Jacob Springs Farm		Where: Pick up weekly at the farm: Jacob Springs Farm
−	7602 Arapahoe Road	+	7602 Arapahoe Road
−	Boulder, CO 80303 farmteam@jacobsprings.com	+	Boulder, CO 80303
		+	farmteam @ jacobsprings.com
−	===Butter Brigade (discontinued program)===	+	==Elements of quality raw milk==
−	Join the Butter Brigade!	+	[[File:Milk.jpg|thumb]]
−	An elite group of 8 members are invited to join the butter brigade. These heroic volunteers, working in pairs, come to the farm each week - one day per month for each individual - and prepare value added dairy products like butter, cheese, yoghurt, cream, ice cream and other goodies using the farm’s equipment and facility, we then split the goods between us.	+
−	For cheese, justice and the American whey!	+
−	(program terminated because of scheduling complexity and high demand for regular shares)	+	*Breeding
		+	Good milk must come from good cows - this includes genetics for A2 beta-casein but also preferably cows that produce plenty of micronutrients (flavor) cream and protein (not watery milk) - that are resistant to mastitis, and are bred to dedicate some of their metabolic resources to their own health - and not just to maximize milk production. this means that the best milk does NOT come from the highest producing cows.
−	==Cows==	+	*Feeding
−	As of February 2015, our herd consists of three [[A2 Beta Casein|A2A2]] tested [[first-calf heifer]]s, Daisy and Belle are purebred registered Jerseys purchased in July 2014 from a commercial dairy in Utah, Veronica is a 7/8 Jersey 1/8 Shorthorn cross, she came from a family of [[nurse cows]] from a ranch in Larkspur, Colorado.	+	Good milk must come from good grass - good grass comes from good soils that are not depleted by use of synthetic fertilizers - grass grown with synthetic fertilizers are watery and lack minerals. A VERY small amount of grass seeds (grain) is acceptable SEASONALLY (only in the fall and early winter) as in nature, herbivores will seek out seed heads in the pasture - excessive grains cause acidosis (an acidic rumin) which is not healthy in cows and causes inflammation. Access to a variety of different wild herbs in biodiverse pastures is a bonus as cows are able to use their "specific appetite" [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Specific_appetite] to seek out plants which help them to regulate their nutritional needs.
−	==Raw milk shares contract==	+	*Seeding
		+	Good milk is not sterile. Pasteurization does not only destroy vital nutritional components of milk such as vitamins A and D and enzymes such as phosphatase, it also kills good bacteria as well as any bad that might be present. Instead of sterilization, good milk contains probiotics if they have been "seeded" into the environment around the cow. Good quality milk that has been seeded will not become foul if left at room temperature. Instead it will undergo a yogurt-like "clabbering" if the appropriate bacteria are seeded there.
−	Since the program is structured as a herd share program, legal agreements are required to transfer shares in the herd and provide a structure for care of the animals. These documents are included here for reference.	+	==From the flier==
		+	The [[Jacob Springs Farm]] herd share is designed to provide our community with great milk.
		+	In May of 2005 the Colorado state legislature recognized that people should have the freedom to consume raw milk. Despite the fact that it is now legal to drink fresh milk from a cow that you own, there are still relatively few raw milk dairies in operation in our area. As with our [[Jacob Springs Farm Meat CSA]], we are committed to [[Organic]] production, but that’s just the beginning - we seek to go [[beyond organic]] and benefit people, planet, pastures and our livestock. We are entirely grass-based and we use rotational grazing as a tool for regenerating pastures, building soil and sequestering carbon. We would love to fill you in on the details - ask us!
−	==Documents and records==	+	The quality of our food matters! That’s why we focus on grass - the foundation of milk that’s rich in [[Omega-3’s|Omega-3 Fatty Acids]], [[CLA’s|Conjugated Linoleaic Acid]], Vitamins, [[Beta Carotene]] and many other important nutrients. That’s also why we choose to milk Jersey cows (whose milk is rich in components) and why we test our cows to be sure that they only carry the A2 [[Beta Casein]] gene (see “'''[http://www.amazon.com/Devil-Milk-Illness-Health-Politics/dp/1603581022 Devil in the Milk]'''” for more information).
		+	We love building community! We are looking to expand the milking team by adding some “work shares” ask us if you feel you might be a good fit to take on some milking responsibilities to offset costs.
−	===Milking procedures===	+	==From the Ad==
−	#Assemble claw and lid; affix to milking bucket. (x2.) [[File:20150907 072040.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Milking can, fully assembled]]	+	We have 4 of the sweetest and most beautiful Jersey cows and we are offering you a share in their wonderful milk!
−	#: Make sure there are clean jars, lids and rings available for later pouring.	+
−	#Prepare cleaning supplies to take into the milking parlour:	+
−	#: Fill Udder Wash bucket with hot water and add a capful of FC-98 Sanitizing Udder Wash.	+
−	#: Swish cap in hot water to clean it before putting back on container.	+
−	#: Get 2 dairy rags. One goes into the udder wash and one will be used for drying.	+
−	#Take milking bucket and udder wash bucket to milking parlour. Carry large bucket on round, red barrel dolly.	+
−	#Check manger for chicken eggs and place any found in a basket from the barn.	+
−	#Set milking bucket and stool between first two stalls on the left. Attach air hose to bucket.	+
−	#Put a flake of alfalfa hay in manger for each cow.	+
−	Get cows	+	We now have a limited number of shares available in their rich and lovely milk.
−	-Get leads from back room of milking parlor	+	Jacob Springs Farm is a local, beyond organic farm very close to Boulder at 75th and Arapahoe. We have a meat CSA (sold out) eggs and Raw Milk shares.
−	-Turn off electric fence on their pasture	+	Sign up soon to reserve the pickup day of your choice!
−	-Put halters and leads on Daisy, Belle, and Henna. Just a lead goes around Veronica’s horns	+	===References===
−	-Open fence (untie/unhook and set out of the way so cows don’t step on the tape)	+	'''Devil In The Milk:''' [http://www.amazon.com/Devil-Milk-Illness-Health-Politics/dp/1603581022]
−	Put Veronica in 1st stanchion (the stall closet to the door), Belle in 2nd, Daisy in 3rd, Henna in 4th.	+	'''A2 Beta Casein Reference Article:''' [https://thebovine.wordpress.com/2009/03/20/the-devil-in-the-milk-dr-thomas-cowan-on-how-a2-milk-is-the-answer-to-the-mystery-of-why-even-raw-milk-sometimes-does-not-seem-to-be-enough-of-an-improvement-over-store-bought/]
−	Give a scoop of grain with a quarter cup raw apple cider vinegar to each cow.	+	===Butter Brigade (discontinued program)===
		+	Join the Butter Brigade!
		+	An elite group of 8 members are invited to join the butter brigade. These heroic volunteers, working in pairs, come to the farm each week - one day per month for each individual - and prepare value added dairy products like butter, cheese, yoghurt, cream, ice cream and other goodies using the farm’s equipment and facility, we then split the goods between us.
		+	For cheese, justice and the American whey!
		+	(program terminated because of scheduling complexity and high demand for regular shares)
		+	==How to Sign Up==
		+	#Decide how much milk you want each week: 1 share equals two (half gallon) jars per week, you may select any number of half shares that are available
		+	#Sign the "Milk Herd Bill of Sale"
		+	#Sign the "Dairy Cow Share Agistment" Cow Boarding Agreement
		+	# Remit payment for 3 things
		+	##Milk Share ($25 per 1/2 share, $50 for 1 share etc...)
		+	##$12 Bottle fee (regardless of the number of shares)
		+	##First month's boarding fee ($26 per half share, $52 per whole share, etc...)
		+	#Coordinate with us which day you would like us to pour your milk, subject to availability (you have three days to pickup beginning with your pour day)
		+	#Coordinate with us to have a brief orientation about picking up milk and returning jars
		+	Instructions for digital signatures using Google Docs:
		+	#Docs menu bar > Insert.
		+	#Drawing > + New.
		+	#Click > > choose Scribble.
		+	#Write your signature just how you normally would.
		+	#Adjust the size, colour, line weight and more if necessary.
		+	#Once you're happy > Save and close.
		+	#Move your signature to the right location.
		+	#Share the Doc with us
−	'''Milking'''
−	Teat Cleaning: WDS	+	'''If you are signing up for a new milk share - please digitally sign and send us the two forms below'''
−	-Wash: Using wet rag out of Udder Wash, thoroughly clean each teat. Check orifice on bottom of teat for any dirt.	+	Since the program is structured as a herd share program, legal agreements are required to transfer shares in the herd and provide a structure for care of the animals.
−	-Dry: each teat with the dry cloth.
−	-Strip: milk from each teat into your hand (one at a time) and check for good color and any indication of a problem, i.e. crystals in the milk. This also clears the teat orifice.	+	These documents are included here for reference.
−	Remove claw from the hook on the bucket. Be sure the air and milk tubes are facing toward the bucket. Listen for clicking from the pulsator.
−	Kink 3 of the inflations to block air flow, and open the valve.	+	*[[Milk Share Bill of Sale]]
−	Kink the 4th inflation and release it on to the corresponding teat. If you have proper suction, it will draw up the teat on its own.	+	*[[Cow Boarding (Agistment) Agreement]]
−	Repeat this with remaining inflations/teats.	+	==Documents and records==
−	Note: if you hear a sucking or slurping noise, the inflation is not on the teat correctly, or the teat is empty. The friction from the inflation will cause chafing and chapping, or could precede the claw coming off the teats completely, so tend to this quickly.	+	*[[Jacob Springs Farm:Milking procedures]]
		+	*[[Jacob Springs Farm:Supplies list]]
		+	*[[JacobSpringsFarm:Breeding_records#Cattle]]
		+	*[[Jacob Springs Farm:calf handling procedures]]
		+	*[[Dairy Share Pick Up Schedule]]
		+	*[[Jacob Springs Farm:Value Added Dairy Info]]
−	Watch the flow of milk in the tube.  When it slows down, manually compress udder from top down to help drain. Squeeze firmly at the top by placing your hands on opposite sides of the udder and pull down toward teats (be careful to not squeeze and send milk back up into udder).  Repeat as necessary.	+	==Cows==
−	Once no more milk is flowing, close valve and remove from teats. Raise tubing and open valve to drain milk into bucket, then hang claw on hook.	+	===2019===
		+	We are milking 8:
−	While first cow is being milked, wash and start milking cow in third stanchion using same procedures.	+	Sweet Pea, great nurse cow from Nebraska
−	Remove air hose and weigh the can on the scale in the back room.	+	Henna, our old faithful
−	Return bucket and reattach air hose. Repeat cleaning, milking, and weighing for next cow.	+	Darby, an aged cow from Slit Colorado
−	After milking and weighing milk from first two cows, give each cow a second scoop of grain.	+	Lilly Born on the farm, duughter of Veronica and New Zealand semen
−	Repeat process until all cows have been milked and cans have been weighed.	+	Hershey (green pastures)
−	Once finished, turn off pump and return cows to pasture.	+	Clover (behavioral problems but getting better)
−	Take the milk bucket and udder wash back to the farm kitchen. Pour milk into half gallon bottles, wipe clean, put lids and rings on and put bottles in sink with running cold water to cool. Make note of the time bottles start cooling. Keep water running for 10 minutes, then shut off water and add as many ice packs as will fit.	+	Elsa (very friendly but stubborn)
−	Rinse claw and lid with hot water to prevent milk drying inside.	+	Zippy (Zipporah)
−		+
−	'''Equipment Cleaning Procedures'''	+	Heifers to calve in 2020:
−	-Put on cleaning gloves (marked for dairy use)	+	Ginger (out of Belle Dad:Moonpie (out of Veronica))
		+	Rose - Walker cross jersey
		+	CoralBelle - Walker cross jersey
−	-Fill a sink with 2-3 gallons of hot water. Place ¼ cup FC509 In the sink as it fills and swish around with water to dissolve.	+	Heifers to calve in 2021:
		+	4 (+ 4 bull calves)
−	-Dismantle the lid, set pulsator aside.	+	===2017===
		+	In February 2017, our herd consisted of four [[A2 Beta-casein|A2A2]] tested cows: Daisy and Belle are [[File:20150913 080802-1-.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Belle, a purebred Jersey]]purebred registered Jerseys purchased in July 2014 from a commercial dairy in Utah. Veronica is a 7/8 Jersey 1/8 Shorthorn cross; she came from a family of old-fashioned Jersey [[nurse cows]] from a ranch in Larkspur, Colorado. Henna is a Jersey-cross cow who was culled from a commercial dairy herd just after she was born.
−	-Take apart all other apparatus and place in sink.
−	-Scrub each part with a brush and run plenty of water through tubing.	+	===Milking records===
−	-Put a scoop of water (use large yogurt container) into milking bucket and scrub the bucket inside and out.	+	Daily milk production records for each cow for 2017 can be entered using google forms [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdOi3Sz1PKwrN5uZdmoJJAD9czkfAqJk2Mxylv3nC12U-FEvw/viewform?usp=send_form here]
−	-Drain sink, then refill with 2-3 gallons lukewarm water.	+	The Google sheets spreadsheet linked to the google form which stores production data and generates the charts can be found
−	-Place the measuring cup with 8ml FC350 (acid) into the water and gently swish. Avoid splashing the acid anywhere.	+	[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13N1dU6zVPXR_BFDMPTXc80WMMHf5io9_OvjTORxLhzM/edit#gid=1478530230 here (2017)]
		+	and
		+	[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1mwnsrk7UGAEjEdhlku1Hk-W_h5cFSUW-6bNJQXsIdV8/edit#gid=101982867 here (2016)]
−	-Repeat scrubbing and washing procedure on all equipment.	+	A cow's milk production undergoes a long decline after the birth of her calf. A standard lactation of 305 days is typical which allows 2 "dry" months for the cow before the new calf comes.
−	-Drain sink and rinse everything with hot water.	+	==2017 Milking Data==
		+	We begin 2017 feeding an exceptional alfalfa hay with a RFV of 275 - the highest we've ever heard of (it was regrowth after late season hail - very leafy)
		+	<htmltag tagname="iframe" src="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13N1dU6zVPXR_BFDMPTXc80WMMHf5io9_OvjTORxLhzM/pubchart?oid=287136182&amp;format=interactive" width="660" height="450"></htmltag>
−	-Set or hang all pieces to air dry.	+	==2015-2016 data==
−		+	You can see a big leap in production around the first of December - this is when we began feeding hay purchased by [[RFV]] - Relative Feed Value - Beginning with an alfalfa hay around 215 RFV
−	'''Customer Prep'''	+
−		+	<htmltag tagname="iframe" src="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1mwnsrk7UGAEjEdhlku1Hk-W_h5cFSUW-6bNJQXsIdV8/pubchart?oid=1338547768&amp;format=interactive" width="660" height="450"></htmltag>
−	-After milk has cooled 1½ to 2 hours, remove from sink and wipe dry.	+
−		+
−	-Look up that day’s orders. Prep jars by placing name magnets on lids.	+
−		+
−	-Move any bottles from the cooling tray in the refrigerator to top shelf for customer pick up.	+
−		+
−	-If there is extra milk after filling orders, label jars with day of the week.	+
−		+
−	-Put thawed ice packs in the freezer after wiping dry.	+
−		+
−	-Put fresh ice packs in between bottles in the cooling tray to continue cooling process.	+
−		+
−		+
−	'''Clean Milking Parlour:'''	+
−		+
−	-Clean up floor as needed (broom is in back half of the parlour.)	+
−		+
−	-If there is urine on the floor, sweep to drain with broom.	+
−		+
−	-If there is fecal matter, use a small amount of soapy water on the floor, brush thoroughly, and sweep to drain.	+
−		+
−	-If there is a large amount of water pooling outside the barn door, sweep away to disperse for better drying.	+
−		+
−	-If water was used, leave barn door open for air circulation.	+
−		+
−	-Turn off light.	+
−		+
−		+
−	'''WEEKLY:'''	+
−		+
−	Pull windows from claws and use bottle brushes to clean thoroughly.	+
−		+
−	Refrigerated Cooling Tray:	+
−		+
−	-Empty all water from tray	+
−		+
−	-Wipe down inside	+
−		+
−	-Refill with cold water	+
−		+
−	-Return to refrigerator	+
−		+
−		+
−	Change out milking lid and claw	+
−		+
−	Power Wash Kitchen Floor	+
−		+
−	Power Wash Milking Parlor	+
−		+
−		+
−	'''MONTHLY:'''	+
−		+
−	Clean all milk tubing with scraper and brush.	+
−		+
−	===Breeding records===	+
−	===Milking records===	+

---

Latest revision as of 14:43, 31 March 2022

Jacob Springs Farm has a raw milk program practicing Once a day milking with Grass fed Jersey Cows.

Milk Shares from Jacob Springs Farm

What: Premium, raw, grass-based milk from happy A2 Beta Casein cows at Jacob Springs, your own local farm!

Why: Because milk, the way it is supposed to be, is so marvelous! Healthy Jersey cows - that graze on organic grass and are tested to carry the A2 beta casein gene (and not the A1 gene) - make the richest, most healthful milk for you to enjoy.

How: It’s a herd share - you will have to fill out the contracts - then we provide you milk from your own cow! We will care for her, feed and milk her, and the milk is yours! We don't pasteurize it, but you can if you want to!

The share costs $50 plus $68 per month boarding for a gallon per week share ($25 and $34 for a half share).

Where: Pick up weekly at the farm: Jacob Springs Farm

 7602 Arapahoe Road
 Boulder, CO 80303 
 farmteam @ jacobsprings.com

Elements of quality raw milk

• Breeding

Good milk must come from good cows - this includes genetics for A2 beta-casein but also preferably cows that produce plenty of micronutrients (flavor) cream and protein (not watery milk) - that are resistant to mastitis, and are bred to dedicate some of their metabolic resources to their own health - and not just to maximize milk production. this means that the best milk does NOT come from the highest producing cows.

• Feeding

Good milk must come from good grass - good grass comes from good soils that are not depleted by use of synthetic fertilizers - grass grown with synthetic fertilizers are watery and lack minerals. A VERY small amount of grass seeds (grain) is acceptable SEASONALLY (only in the fall and early winter) as in nature, herbivores will seek out seed heads in the pasture - excessive grains cause acidosis (an acidic rumin) which is not healthy in cows and causes inflammation. Access to a variety of different wild herbs in biodiverse pastures is a bonus as cows are able to use their "specific appetite" [1] to seek out plants which help them to regulate their nutritional needs.

• Seeding

Good milk is not sterile. Pasteurization does not only destroy vital nutritional components of milk such as vitamins A and D and enzymes such as phosphatase, it also kills good bacteria as well as any bad that might be present. Instead of sterilization, good milk contains probiotics if they have been "seeded" into the environment around the cow. Good quality milk that has been seeded will not become foul if left at room temperature. Instead it will undergo a yogurt-like "clabbering" if the appropriate bacteria are seeded there.

From the flier

The Jacob Springs Farm herd share is designed to provide our community with great milk.

In May of 2005 the Colorado state legislature recognized that people should have the freedom to consume raw milk. Despite the fact that it is now legal to drink fresh milk from a cow that you own, there are still relatively few raw milk dairies in operation in our area. As with our Jacob Springs Farm Meat CSA, we are committed to Organic production, but that’s just the beginning - we seek to go beyond organic and benefit people, planet, pastures and our livestock. We are entirely grass-based and we use rotational grazing as a tool for regenerating pastures, building soil and sequestering carbon. We would love to fill you in on the details - ask us!

The quality of our food matters! That’s why we focus on grass - the foundation of milk that’s rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Conjugated Linoleaic Acid, Vitamins, Beta Carotene and many other important nutrients. That’s also why we choose to milk Jersey cows (whose milk is rich in components) and why we test our cows to be sure that they only carry the A2 Beta Casein gene (see “Devil in the Milk” for more information). We love building community! We are looking to expand the milking team by adding some “work shares” ask us if you feel you might be a good fit to take on some milking responsibilities to offset costs.

From the Ad

We have 4 of the sweetest and most beautiful Jersey cows and we are offering you a share in their wonderful milk!

We now have a limited number of shares available in their rich and lovely milk.

Jacob Springs Farm is a local, beyond organic farm very close to Boulder at 75th and Arapahoe. We have a meat CSA (sold out) eggs and Raw Milk shares.

Sign up soon to reserve the pickup day of your choice!

References

Devil In The Milk: [2]

A2 Beta Casein Reference Article: [3]

Butter Brigade (discontinued program)

Join the Butter Brigade! An elite group of 8 members are invited to join the butter brigade. These heroic volunteers, working in pairs, come to the farm each week - one day per month for each individual - and prepare value added dairy products like butter, cheese, yoghurt, cream, ice cream and other goodies using the farm’s equipment and facility, we then split the goods between us. For cheese, justice and the American whey!

(program terminated because of scheduling complexity and high demand for regular shares)

How to Sign Up

1. Decide how much milk you want each week: 1 share equals two (half gallon) jars per week, you may select any number of half shares that are available
2. Sign the "Milk Herd Bill of Sale"
3. Sign the "Dairy Cow Share Agistment" Cow Boarding Agreement
4. Remit payment for 3 things
   1. Milk Share ($25 per 1/2 share, $50 for 1 share etc...)
   2. $12 Bottle fee (regardless of the number of shares)
   3. First month's boarding fee ($26 per half share, $52 per whole share, etc...)
5. Coordinate with us which day you would like us to pour your milk, subject to availability (you have three days to pickup beginning with your pour day)
6. Coordinate with us to have a brief orientation about picking up milk and returning jars

Instructions for digital signatures using Google Docs:

1. Docs menu bar > Insert.
2. Drawing > + New.
3. Click > > choose Scribble.
4. Write your signature just how you normally would.
5. Adjust the size, colour, line weight and more if necessary.
6. Once you're happy > Save and close.
7. Move your signature to the right location.
8. Share the Doc with us

If you are signing up for a new milk share - please digitally sign and send us the two forms below

Since the program is structured as a herd share program, legal agreements are required to transfer shares in the herd and provide a structure for care of the animals.

These documents are included here for reference.

• Milk Share Bill of Sale

• Cow Boarding (Agistment) Agreement

Documents and records

• Jacob Springs Farm:Milking procedures
• Jacob Springs Farm:Supplies list
• JacobSpringsFarm:Breeding_records#Cattle
• Jacob Springs Farm:calf handling procedures
• Dairy Share Pick Up Schedule
• Jacob Springs Farm:Value Added Dairy Info

Cows

2019

We are milking 8:

Sweet Pea, great nurse cow from Nebraska

Henna, our old faithful

Darby, an aged cow from Slit Colorado

Lilly Born on the farm, duughter of Veronica and New Zealand semen

Hershey (green pastures)

Clover (behavioral problems but getting better)

Elsa (very friendly but stubborn)

Zippy (Zipporah)

Heifers to calve in 2020:

Ginger (out of Belle Dad:Moonpie (out of Veronica)) Rose - Walker cross jersey CoralBelle - Walker cross jersey

Heifers to calve in 2021: 4 (+ 4 bull calves)

2017

In February 2017, our herd consisted of four A2A2 tested cows: Daisy and Belle are purebred registered Jerseys purchased in July 2014 from a commercial dairy in Utah. Veronica is a 7/8 Jersey 1/8 Shorthorn cross; she came from a family of old-fashioned Jersey nurse cows from a ranch in Larkspur, Colorado. Henna is a Jersey-cross cow who was culled from a commercial dairy herd just after she was born.

Milking records

Daily milk production records for each cow for 2017 can be entered using google forms here

The Google sheets spreadsheet linked to the google form which stores production data and generates the charts can be found

here (2017) and here (2016)

A cow's milk production undergoes a long decline after the birth of her calf. A standard lactation of 305 days is typical which allows 2 "dry" months for the cow before the new calf comes.

2017 Milking Data

We begin 2017 feeding an exceptional alfalfa hay with a RFV of 275 - the highest we've ever heard of (it was regrowth after late season hail - very leafy)

2015-2016 data

You can see a big leap in production around the first of December - this is when we began feeding hay purchased by RFV - Relative Feed Value - Beginning with an alfalfa hay around 215 RFV