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Project Discussions:  Wildflower porch  |
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PrairiePearl
True Blue Farmgirl
181 Posts
Jeanette
Nanton
AB
Canada
181 Posts |
 Posted - Sep 17 2025 : 3:54:13 PM
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| Christine-please share info and pics when you do your cheese badges. |
Jeanette
Farmgirl Sister #8699
~Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God. ~ Corrie Ten Boom
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nndairy
True Blue Farmgirl
1861 Posts
Heather
Wapakoneta
Ohio
USA
1861 Posts |
Posted - Sep 17 2025 : 7:47:01 PM
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LOL! I'm glad you all enjoyed the lecture :)
Jeanette - don't be embarrassed! Most people don't know how the milk gets to the shelf. True story - at our annual co-op meeting one of the speakers was telling how they were going to the processing facilities and talking with the employees to help make a connection between the farmers and the processors. Most of the people processing the milk had no idea about farm life or cows. Do you know if you can get raw milk in Canada? In the US it's a state thing. I know that Canada has a quota system but I'm not sure how their haulers and processors fit into the system. I do know that it's crazy expensive to buy a farm and the quota. We looked into it. Didn't happen LOL!
Chris - I am really surprised Maple Hill is all the way out there! With all the diary farms in CA I figured there would be someone much closer. I thought you could get raw milk at the store in CA. Has that changed? Or is it that they're not the organic grass fed ones in the store? I'm glad you found a herd share. Just out of curiosity how much milk will you get? My husband and I drink about a gallon a day between the 2 of us. More during hot cocoa season :)
Let me know if there's any more questions I can answer. Hopefully there will be some pictures soon. One cow was due today (but no baby yet). One is due Friday, and then another on Monday. |
~Heather
“I would rather be on my farm than be emperor of the world.” — George Washington |
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PrairiePearl
True Blue Farmgirl
181 Posts
Jeanette
Nanton
AB
Canada
181 Posts |
Posted - Sep 17 2025 : 10:03:04 PM
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| Heather- There web states that it is illegal to sell raw milk in the country but I know there are places......I am certainly going to have to do some research, now! Thank-you for the spark! |
Jeanette
Farmgirl Sister #8699
~Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God. ~ Corrie Ten Boom
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levisgrammy
Scattered Prairie Hen Honcho
10604 Posts
Denise
Ohio
USA
10604 Posts |
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Bellepic
True Blue Farmgirl
281 Posts
Christine
Santa Ana
CA
USA
281 Posts |
Posted - Sep 18 2025 : 08:58:05 AM
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Heather-- what do you think of raw milk vs. pasteurized? Yes, we have limited quantities of it in grocery stores (they are not labeled grass or organic, but that could have to do with what you said about sometimes "best for the cows" is not technically by the books organic or because I have heard it takes a lot of documentation to get organic certified and that might not be feasible on a small scale). Every once in a while, I scroll by something alarming on FB/social media about raw being dangerous and irresponsible to offer to your children, but then am not sure if I am looking at pasteurization propaganda masquerading as a health related public service announcement. Wow! A gallon of milk a day! I've got my work cut out for me, but I *do* love hot chocolate and lattes...
Jeanette- I absolutely will. So far I've only done the beginner badge of cheese where I made yogurt in an instant pot. At the time, I concluded it wasn't a cost savings over buying in the store, but after experimenting with 24 hour yogurts that come out much thicker with less whey, I'm a convert to DIY. https://steamstead.blogspot.com/2025/07/experimental-yogurt.html
The terms on the herdshare I found start at 1 gallon/week at $18 (unclear whether there is also shipping/delivery fee on top) plus a $50 fee. Grocery Alexandre organic/grass/regen would run $18.45 for the same quantity. Alexandre also tries to differentiate itself by saying its milk is from A2/A2 cows but since I don't have a lactose sensitivity, I wasn't in a hurry to pick that type over the others. |
Farmgirl#8680
www.steamstead.blogspot.com
Oct 2025 FGOTM |
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nndairy
True Blue Farmgirl
1861 Posts
Heather
Wapakoneta
Ohio
USA
1861 Posts |
Posted - Sep 19 2025 : 12:46:51 PM
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Denise - I know that you can freeze it as I've made icemilk before, but it was consumed frozen (kind of like ice cream but not as smooth). I have no idea if freezing and thawing changes the taste and/or texture of the milk or not. I also have no idea what the effect of freezing is on the raw part. I know that people freeze raw apple cider (I have done it myself). When I get a little free time I'll look into. You've got me curious!
Chris - I'm a firm believer that you (anyone, not just you personally) need to do what's right for you and your family. So I'll tell you what I think, but also do your own research and don't just take my word for it. I personally believe raw milk is best and the benefits far outweigh the risks. I have drank raw milk almost all of my life. I don't know when my parents first gave it to me but I know that I had it as a kid. It came from a pitcher dad brought up from the barn, not the store. When I went off to college I didn't drink much milk because I can't stand the taste of store bought milk. I was so happy to have fresh from the cow milk when Nathan and I started milking cows! Pasteurization does kill bad bugs, but it also kills the good ones. Some people that can't drink milk are actually having a reaction to all the "dead" stuff in the milk from pasteurizing rather than a reaction to the lactose. Pasteurization also allows for the milk from NY to make it to your grocery store in CA so as you can imagine the "industry" does everything it can to promote it. I have to go milk the cows now, but I want to post some figures for you about the industry when I get a chance. I think you'll find it interesting! And it's just about $ not pasteurization. |
~Heather
“I would rather be on my farm than be emperor of the world.” — George Washington |
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PrairiePearl
True Blue Farmgirl
181 Posts
Jeanette
Nanton
AB
Canada
181 Posts |
Posted - Sep 19 2025 : 1:50:19 PM
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Chris-Oh! Wonderful! Yes, the cost can be a factor, sometimes! I look forward to doing that badge, as well.
Happy Friday, Wildflowers!
Off, I go, |
Jeanette
Farmgirl Sister #8699
~Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God. ~ Corrie Ten Boom
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Blessed in Colorado
True Blue Farmgirl
5317 Posts
Debbie Fischer
Coos Bay
OR
5317 Posts |
Posted - Sep 19 2025 : 1:59:42 PM
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I love Starbucks!
The doggie is so cute. Have fun. |
Big Hugs,
Debbie
Farmgirl if the Month for:
September 2012, February 2018, September 2022 and August 2025.
“My altars are My Mountains and the Ocean.” Lord Bryon
When I am old I am wearing Purple. I am Old!!
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Bellepic
True Blue Farmgirl
281 Posts
Christine
Santa Ana
CA
USA
281 Posts |
Posted - Sep 20 2025 : 07:20:09 AM
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| Thank you, Heather! I'll be on the lookout for industry figures. In the meantime I can try a milk taste test of the raw vs. pasteurized brands from the store. Kiddo isn't contributing that much with our 1/2 gal a week consumption rate, but it might be that she's like you and would change her mind if we switched from store to farm-flavored milk! |
Farmgirl#8680
www.steamstead.blogspot.com
Oct 2025 FGOTM |
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nndairy
True Blue Farmgirl
1861 Posts
Heather
Wapakoneta
Ohio
USA
1861 Posts |
Posted - Sep 21 2025 : 7:14:20 PM
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Jeanette - hope you had a wonderful weekend. It looks like it was off to a great start :)
I'm curious if Fallon will like raw milk better or if she's just one of those kids that's not a big milk drinker. How much is a gallon of milk that's not organic in the store in CA?
Here's some more fun facts mixed with my personal opinion: Milk is standardized when it's processed so all the fat is removed, then added back in to make the various milks (whole, 2%, etc.) Whole milk is only 3.25% fat. Most dairy farms sell milk to the processor that is around 4% fat. Jersey cows can get up to 5 and sometimes even 6% fat. The extra fat (cream) is then sold or used for other products (depending on the products being made at the processor - most of them are specialized and only make one thing.) We (the dairy farmer) are paid by the hundred weight - meaning we get a price for every 100 pounds of milk sold. There's approximately 8.6 pounds in a gallon of milk. Currently (the prices are constantly changing) I am getting paid $1.72 for a gallon of milk. I pay for the milk to be delivered to the processor, and there's a fee on my milk check that pays for the extra cream to be delivered to the processor that's going to use it. I also pay for advertising and promoting, and there are market adjustments and price differentials that allow the co-op to make sure their operating expenses are covered before I get paid. I'm not sure what a regular (not organic or grass fed or A2A2) gallon of milk goes for in the store or how much the extra cream sells for, but I'm guessing that the processors are making a profit. And that's just fluid milk. Cheese, cottage cheese, butter, sour cream, etc. And don't forget the powders! Can you see why it's my belief that the industry wants you to be afraid of drinking raw milk from the farm vs. pasteurized milk that they conveniently put on the grocery store shelf for you? And can you see why some farmers are willing to deal with the stress of selling direct to consumers ($1.72 vs $18)? |
~Heather
“I would rather be on my farm than be emperor of the world.” — George Washington |
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nndairy
True Blue Farmgirl
1861 Posts
Heather
Wapakoneta
Ohio
USA
1861 Posts |
Posted - Sep 22 2025 : 07:27:13 AM
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| Denise - I don't know why I didn't think of this earlier! Freezing raw milk must keep at least some of the good bugs alive because "they" say we should freeze colostrum to give calves, if needed. We have to be careful not to heat it too much when we thaw it out so it must have something live in it still. I'm not sure what the texture or taste is though. |
~Heather
“I would rather be on my farm than be emperor of the world.” — George Washington |
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Bellepic
True Blue Farmgirl
281 Posts
Christine
Santa Ana
CA
USA
281 Posts |
Posted - Sep 22 2025 : 07:59:14 AM
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| Wow, a 10x markup! I think you're right that even accounting for their costs, they are getting a healthy margin to process and package it. Generic whole milk is $4.49/gallon here. "Local" is $5.99 (and is still coming from 365 miles away in AZ... there should be more honest labeling about "local"). |
Farmgirl#8680
www.steamstead.blogspot.com
Oct 2025 FGOTM |
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levisgrammy
Scattered Prairie Hen Honcho
10604 Posts
Denise
Ohio
USA
10604 Posts |
Posted - Sep 22 2025 : 09:41:15 AM
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| Wow that is a ridiculously low price for the farmers to be getting. And I don't understand why farmers pay for the processing and advertising, etc. Something seems backwards about that. Organic whole milk here is 3.39 a gallon. |
Denise~~
Sister #43
"I am a bookaholic with no desire to be cured."
"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path"
Psalm 119:105
www.ladybugsandlilacs.blogspot.com
www.torisgram.etsy.com |
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nndairy
True Blue Farmgirl
1861 Posts
Heather
Wapakoneta
Ohio
USA
1861 Posts |
Posted - Sep 22 2025 : 12:42:10 PM
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Chris - I think there needs to be more honest labeling about everything!
Denise - there's a lot of things that are backwards in the farming sector (not just dairy)!
Another random tid bit: I read an article years ago that in Europe they have raw milk vending machines at places like malls or the end of farmers driveways. If you want a drink of milk it's a little bit of money (I can't remember the prices and I'm sure it's different now anyway) and if you want a jug of milk for supper just put in more money. |
~Heather
“I would rather be on my farm than be emperor of the world.” — George Washington |
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levisgrammy
Scattered Prairie Hen Honcho
10604 Posts
Denise
Ohio
USA
10604 Posts |
Posted - Sep 22 2025 : 1:51:56 PM
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| Yeah Europe does a lot of things differently when it comes to food. They ban so much of the stuff that here they allow in our foods. |
Denise~~
Sister #43
"I am a bookaholic with no desire to be cured."
"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path"
Psalm 119:105
www.ladybugsandlilacs.blogspot.com
www.torisgram.etsy.com |
Edited by - levisgrammy on Sep 22 2025 2:23:29 PM |
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PrairiePearl
True Blue Farmgirl
181 Posts
Jeanette
Nanton
AB
Canada
181 Posts |
Posted - Sep 22 2025 : 2:07:48 PM
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Debbie-Our sweet mini Labradoodle Jubilee Chesapeake of Chakola-Chessie for short. She is 16 and sadly, I think this may have been her last camping trip. Yes, Starbuck's just feels like a special treat and I had a gift card :0)
Heather-it was a fabulous weekend! Very warm and great challenges to the races when the speedboats kept buzzing by all of us paddlers and leaving their roller coaster waves to contend with. You have just BLOWN my mind regarding the milk math! Oh, my goodness! I wish we would have a label that tells the consumer what the farmer made off of the product. Would that make consumers say, "Hey, that seems like highway robbery!"? LOVE the idea of raw milk vending machines! It is so 'European' to buy what they need, fresh on the day. Thank-you for all of this amazing information.
Christine-Oh boy! That is a far-off 'local.'
Denise-so true! |
Jeanette
Farmgirl Sister #8699
~Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God. ~ Corrie Ten Boom
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PrairiePearl
True Blue Farmgirl
181 Posts
Jeanette
Nanton
AB
Canada
181 Posts |
Posted - Sep 27 2025 : 09:28:31 AM
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Happy Saturday, all from the Nanton Balloon Festival.  |
Jeanette
Farmgirl Sister #8699
~Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God. ~ Corrie Ten Boom
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debbieklann
True Blue Farmgirl
3154 Posts
Debbie
Madras
OR
USA
3154 Posts |
Posted - Sep 27 2025 : 09:43:18 AM
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| Wow!!! How many balloons are at the festival? |
Debbie Klann
Farmgirl Sister #770
2018 Farmgirl Sister of the Year
January 2020 FGOTM
"Well behaved women seldom make history"...
Laurel Thatcher Ulrich |
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PrairiePearl
True Blue Farmgirl
181 Posts
Jeanette
Nanton
AB
Canada
181 Posts |
Posted - Sep 27 2025 : 8:39:29 PM
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Debbie,
There were 19 or 20. The annual balloon festival started on Wednesday. The balloons from all over come and compete; they lift off at 7:30am and 5:30pm each day until Sunday. Unfortunately, they have only launched once due to wind conditions. |
Jeanette
Farmgirl Sister #8699
~Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God. ~ Corrie Ten Boom
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Bellepic
True Blue Farmgirl
281 Posts
Christine
Santa Ana
CA
USA
281 Posts |
Posted - Sep 28 2025 : 09:20:56 AM
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| What a fun idea! Sending you fair weather wishes, Jeanette. |
Farmgirl#8680
www.steamstead.blogspot.com
Oct 2025 FGOTM |
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nndairy
True Blue Farmgirl
1861 Posts
Heather
Wapakoneta
Ohio
USA
1861 Posts |
Posted - Sep 28 2025 : 12:02:54 PM
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| How fun! There was a hot air balloon festival about an hour or so from us a few years ago (probably closer to 10 years now LOL!) and we milked early to go check it out. It was at a little airport and once the sun set they played music over the speakers and the balloons would make their fires bigger at different times to put on a show with the music. It would have been something to see them all lift off. There were not any fun shaped ones though! I'm guessing by the number of jackets I see, fall has arrived in AB! |
~Heather
“I would rather be on my farm than be emperor of the world.” — George Washington |
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Blessed in Colorado
True Blue Farmgirl
5317 Posts
Debbie Fischer
Coos Bay
OR
5317 Posts |
Posted - Sep 28 2025 : 12:47:01 PM
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| Lucky you Jeanette. I love all the different balloons. I hope the weather stays nice for the last day. Have fun. |
Big Hugs,
Debbie
Farmgirl if the Month for:
September 2012, February 2018, September 2022 and August 2025.
“My altars are My Mountains and the Ocean.” Lord Bryon
When I am old I am wearing Purple. I am Old!!
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PrairiePearl
True Blue Farmgirl
181 Posts
Jeanette
Nanton
AB
Canada
181 Posts |
Posted - Sep 29 2025 : 8:58:29 PM
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Christine-Thank you for the fair-weather wishes!
Heather- Putting it all to music would be wonderful! Maybe I should suggest this? LOL You are very observant. It was a little fresh that eve. We are definitely into fall. Quite fresh evenings and all through the night until mid-morning, now. We are expecting frost next week......herre we go!
Debbie-It was lucky to be able to go to the event and have it only 15 mins away from us! The weather was nice enough for a last lift off! |
Jeanette
Farmgirl Sister #8699
~Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God. ~ Corrie Ten Boom
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nndairy
True Blue Farmgirl
1861 Posts
Heather
Wapakoneta
Ohio
USA
1861 Posts |
Posted - Oct 01 2025 : 11:29:48 AM
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| You should suggest it! It was very fun to watch. At least it isn't snowing yet. I saw that parts of Alaska were already getting snow. ( I LOVE snow though, so I'd be excited LOL!) |
~Heather
“I would rather be on my farm than be emperor of the world.” — George Washington |
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nndairy
True Blue Farmgirl
1861 Posts
Heather
Wapakoneta
Ohio
USA
1861 Posts |
Posted - Oct 02 2025 : 5:51:49 PM
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| The last cow that was due in September finally had her baby this evening - a bull. His picture didn't turn out very well. It's getting darker earlier and the barn lights aren't very bright. I'll get a better one tomorrow. The cow that's due today is getting close! I think she'll have her baby by this weekend. |
~Heather
“I would rather be on my farm than be emperor of the world.” — George Washington |
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Project Discussions: Wildflower porch |
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Wildflower porch
