Hi, we’re looking for a farm that sells older dairy cows. Our spring flush of grass is hard to handle with our current flock size and we’d like to avoid mechanical trimming. Ideally we would purchase them sometime in May.
Any leads would be appreciated!
Hey Jefferson! Hope you’re well 
No leads on this yet, but I’m looking for the same… let’s keep in touch about it? Would be happy to go in on hauling/etc together if it works out.
Hi Charlotte!
Definitely, I’ll keep you in the loop, I hope all is well!
Best,
Jefferson
Hi @jeffersonchicken and @CharlotteSenders!
I can try and help to connect you with a local farm. How many cows were you thinking? Were you thinking like older cows, that you will retire/dry off and just use for grazing?
We use plenty of ground beef and have a flush of grass in the spring we have a hard time grazing with our flock. The goal would be to retire them for a few months then send them off to slaughter later in the summer. We are looking for 2 cows for this season, probably 4-5 next year. Thanks!
Pretty much in exactly the same boat as Jefferson! Trying to provide enormous amounts of ground beef for a college dining hall, and could use a couple extra mouths for added grazing power. I’m looking for one or two this season and up to 8 or 9 over the coming years. Thank you!
That is helpful to know. @jeffersonchicken I see you’re located in Columbia, CT and @CharlotteSenders where are you located? That way I can at least start looking at dairy farms closer to you both
Thanks, Mackenzie, that’s so helpful! I’m in Amherst, MA. Happy to haul for a while though! Probably also worth clarifying that I’m mostly looking for grass-fed dairy cows, as they’d need to maintain body condition on pasture without added grain rations.
A few farms that come to mind that could possibly match what you’re looking for include the following;
Their farms are on the smaller size so they may not have enough older cows they are willing to part with but they are all a good starting point. They are all pasture/grass based as well. I will keep you posted if I think of some others
Thanks Mackenzie! I’ve reached out to Baldwin Brook (they’re closest) and am awaiting a reply. Will report back whenever I figure things out!
Do you have too much forage or are you just trying to prevent seed head formation? I should also ask, what does you forage/grass consist of? (species). If you are just trying to keep the seed heads at bay, you can try spending less time in each pasture. If there is too much forage, possibly consider stockpiling or grow your herd size, or even have someone custom bale it for you.
Hi Mark,
We have too much forage in the spring. We already stockpile forage for the winter and are in the process of growing our herd size. Unfortunately our parcel isn’t ideal for custom baling and we’re trying to avoid further soil compaction after the property was hayed for 2 decades and exhibits deep hardpan.
Thanks!
Jefferson
A couple things to consider. Think about the CRP (Conservation Reserve Program) through FSA. But, there might be a requirement there of cropping history that the ground might not meet. The other thing, consider planting alfalfa or daikon/forage radish. Either or both of these will break up the hardpan. Make sure your pH is good with a soil test before planting either, but especially the alfalfa.