Leading dairy states
Getting Started with Beef and Dairy Cattle by
Heather Smith Thomas, a lifelong cattle rancher and author of several previous books for more experienced farmers, offers a succinct layperson's guide to the basics of raising a small herd of cattle, whether for meat or dairy products. She outlines organic and natural farming methods and covers all the information needed to get started and be successful. Getting Started with Beef & Dairy Cattle encourages new and beginning farmers to start small and start right. Thomas explains the basics of selecting and raising a calf, along with feeding, shelter, and care guidelines. She covers breeding and calving, as well as tips for managing a herd through the seasons. There is basic health care information for preventing disease and addressing common ailments. For those raising beef cattle, Thomas offers guidelines for butchering; for those raising dairy cattle, there are step-by-step guidelines on milking.
The Family Cow by
This is the essential guide for anyone who wants to keep a cow. Fully illustrated chapters provide comprehensive information on buying, handling, feeding, milking, calving, nutrition, health care, breeds, growing feed crops, and more.
The Family Cow Handbook by
Milking your family cow and experiencing the simple joys that comes with it are explained in this guidebook by veteran dairy farmer and cheesemaker Phil Hasheider.This book leads you through all the steps needed to make your dream a reality and the processes involved to make your own dairy products. You will learn the practical do's and don'ts of buying a cow, milking, feeding, and assisting her when she gives birth to a calf. You may not have the experience yet, but time will take care of that as you learn. Your adventure starts here and this book will guide you along your journey with your family cow.
Cow Tails and Trails by
Frank Lloyd Wright once asked, "Has anyone sung the song of the patient, calf-bearing, milk-flowing, cud-chewing, tail-twitching cow?" Not until Cow Tails & Trails, Frank. This lighthearted but informative book is packed with North American cow facts, lore, and trivia. Both dairy and beef cows are thoroughly discussed and illustrated in large format color photographs and charming period painting. Classic cow stories, historic cattle drives and trails, the development of cows, cheese and other cow porducts are artfuly herded together in a celebration of everything bovine.