Cows Despise Hot Weather

Our cows are on a staggered birthing and milking schedule. The summer is when we produce theleast amount of milk. Let me explain.

Cows despise hot weather. In the hot summer months, we do not want our cows to have any discomfort related to late pregnancy or freshening (what the farmer calls “birthing”). Cows have a 40-week gestation period, just like humans. That’s why our cows never spend time with the bull in the fall.

We don’t want our cows to literally be milked until death. Cows typically lactate for about a year after giving birth, give or take a few months depending on the cow. Then, we let them stay dry for a few months before getting pregnant again. Once they show a heat, they are put with the bull in winter, spring, or summer. If a new baby takes, great! If not, we let them rest.

Right now, it’s the middle of the summer. We don’t have any cows freshening, and we have a good number of cows that are dry. This is why at this time of year the farm produces the least amount of milk. You may be itching for our A2 ice cream or A2 colostrum. Sorry folks, you will have to wait until mid-September, when our freshening season begins.

We do all of this because it is the right thing to do; it is simply good farming practice. For the cows, this is a win. They are happy and healthy and have a low-stress life. For the farm, this is a win. It means more milk and virtually no medical bills. For our members, this is also a win. It means great quality milk naturally packed with nutrients.

In the summer, I like to enjoy my milk in the morning with some granola and fresh fruit. In the afternoon, I enjoy my milk in some iced chai tea lightly sweetened with raw honey. In the evening, I may treat my family to some chocolate milk made with milk, cocoa powder, and maple syrup.