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Barnyard Buddies:  How's the milking going?  |
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shepherdgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1008 Posts
Tracy
California
USA
1008 Posts |
 Posted - May 28 2008 : 11:42:34 AM
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I SO want to try making all those things!! My does will be kidding soon. The next two weeks I think. One of them is HUGE!!! She looks like a big beach ball with legs. The other girl due about the same time is not so big, and she's got a beautiful udder coming in. I'm SOOO happy about that! Unfortunately, she has horns, so her "show" career will never be (automatic disqualification), but it proves that my buck passes good udders on to his girls (except one. but HER mom has one of those udders that blows in the wind. Mom's going to live with a friend and won't be bred again.) The other 5 girls are staggard a few weeks behind for their kidding. Wish me luck in the milking department!
And Alee-- sorry if you felt ignored! Not my intention, but I already hog a lot of space on these forums. I have never seen the Oberhasli's, nor have I met anyone who has them. What are they like and where's a good place to look up more info about them?
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. ~~ George Carlin |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - May 28 2008 : 12:34:02 PM
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The girls I have milked have all been really great milkers, and while their coloring is all very similar, you get to know each goat. They are not a fiber animal, and that is really nice when it comes to milking! LOL Their coat is more like a Labrador's. And they are GREEDY so you can easily win goat love with grain and they train quickly to the milking stand- especially if you waft some sweet feed under their noses! LOL
The hardest thing is hold back the other 4 does while you try to let one slip out the gate to run to the milking shed! If I milk after dark I hold on to her collar and she knows to go directly back to the pen. The ranch girl that is the normal milker has them trained to milk in a certain order.
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
Please come visit Nora and me on our new blog:
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com |
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shepherdgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1008 Posts
Tracy
California
USA
1008 Posts |
Posted - May 28 2008 : 12:41:24 PM
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Milking order-- just like Holstiens!! It's funny to see the cows all lined up to milk. It's the same order, without fail. Usually the "Herd Queen" first, then each cow as she ranks in the herd.
The goats are beautiful. I have seen the other swiss breeds, but not these guys. Must not be too popular around here. What is their butter fat content in their milk? That might have something to do with why there are so few (if ANY) around my area. LOVE The pics! I will check out the site I guess for the answers to my questions. Thanks Alee! Hugs ~~~ Tracy
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. ~~ George Carlin |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - May 28 2008 : 12:48:17 PM
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Hi Tracey-
The Oberhasli goats are a bit low with about a 4-4.5% milkfat. However, each doe can produce anywhere from 1/2 gallon to 1 1/2 gallons per day!
They are still kind of rare here in the US, but are gaining popularity. The ranch people I know breed them here on the Palouse. In fact they have a bumper crop of little boys this year! LOL
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
Please come visit Nora and me on our new blog:
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com |
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shepherdgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1008 Posts
Tracy
California
USA
1008 Posts |
Posted - May 28 2008 : 1:18:21 PM
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Do they eat the buck kids? We have lots of Mexican families in our area and they LOVE goat meat!! I've had it, it's pretty tastey the way they make it, but I can't eat animals I've known personally. But with the prices of everything going up so sky high (especaially in Ca. our gas prices are $4+ a gallon and $5+ for diesel!!! It's KILLING our truckers and farmers!!!
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. ~~ George Carlin |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - May 28 2008 : 1:49:01 PM
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Tracy- The ranch doesn't because they bottle raise each baby (to make them more friendly) but they have sold the bucks for meat before to other families.
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
Please come visit Nora and me on our new blog:
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com |
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thegoatlady84
Farmgirl in Training
10 Posts
Robyn
Breton
Alberta
Canada
10 Posts |
Posted - Jun 02 2008 : 4:50:18 PM
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Hello form Canada! I am milking 6 does right know, 2 LaManchas, 2 Nubian's, 1 Ober, 1 Saan/Alpine. Plus my Jersey cow(two more are due to freshen in a month) we are drowning in milk!! We are hoping to get a few orphan foals to fee some of the milk to. I have made all kinds of cheese, yogurt, butter both goat and cow. We got our separator from a farm auction and it works great for both cow and goat milk. I have 15 Nubian does, 4 LaMancha does, 1 Saanen, 1 ober, 1 Saan/alpine, 1 LaMan/Nubian doe, and 1 Nigerian buck 4 Nubian bucks and a Alpine buck! plus 4 wether that we are training to pack/drive. I just love my goats and jerseys, When I call my goat they all come running! I have two VERY!! wild does that will come in for milking and never cause a problem on the stand but in the pasture they wont come near me! I find that the LaManchas are super sweet but shy of strangers, the Nubians love every one! I hope that every one has good luck at making cheese and butter!
Rock'n M Dairy stock |
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Brew Crew
True Blue Farmgirl
676 Posts
Molly
Arizona
676 Posts |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Jun 02 2008 : 6:28:22 PM
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Wow Robyn! You must have fingers-o-steel! Do you hand milk all of them or do you have milking machines?
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
Please come visit Nora and me on our new blog:
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com |
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shepherdgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1008 Posts
Tracy
California
USA
1008 Posts |
Posted - Jun 03 2008 : 09:45:27 AM
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Oh my, you certainly DO have your hands full Robyn! What do you use the Nigerian buck for? Are you "downsizing" some of your other breeds?
Got any good milk recipes? "easy" cheese and such? We'd all love to know your secrets --- if you care to share them. Hugs from a Ca farmgirl ~~~ Tracy
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. ~~ George Carlin |
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thegoatlady84
Farmgirl in Training
10 Posts
Robyn
Breton
Alberta
Canada
10 Posts |
Posted - Jun 03 2008 : 1:26:31 PM
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Yes I have the hand and arms of a lumber jack!! I milk only by hand, and next year hope to have about 12 does milking. I hope to usae the nigerian on my LaManchas and NUbians to get relly good milking minis. I will look up some of my recipes asap!! I wouldlove to share them with you!
Rock'n M Dairy stock |
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shepherdgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1008 Posts
Tracy
California
USA
1008 Posts |
Posted - Jun 03 2008 : 11:54:17 PM
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Thanks Robyn! We'll be looking forward to them! Will they be posted HERE, or in the "Kitchen" forum? ~~~Tracy
PS A LUMBER JACK? That's TOO FUNNY!!! I picture a woman with Pop-eye arms. If you are married I hope your significant other doesn't make you mad!!! You could pop their head off with one SQUEEEEZE!!! (HA! HA! HA!)
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. ~~ George Carlin |
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thegoatlady84
Farmgirl in Training
10 Posts
Robyn
Breton
Alberta
Canada
10 Posts |
Posted - Jun 07 2008 : 10:17:59 AM
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Here are a few cheeses recipes, that I love!
Colander
Cheesecloth
Goat milk
Fresh lemon juice or vinegar
A large pot
Ladle
Salt and pepper to taste
Buttermilk (optional)
Additional seasonings (optional)
Step1Make a grocery list and obtain the basic materials needed to make the cheese. The list includes goat milk (about 1/2 gallon), lemons, kosher salt and cheese cloth. Also, you may also add buttermilk for an extra creamy flavor, if desired.
Step2Heat the milk in a stainless steel/non-reactive pot to at least 185 degrees (or low heat). Allow to simmer, watching carefully to avoid boiling or burning.
Step3Remove the milk from heat and allow to sit. Add lemon (or vinegar), stirring until the curds separate from the whey. The mixture should look like large clumps of cottage cheese when properly separated.
Step4Line a colander with several layers of the cheesecloth. Ladle curds into a strainer, discarding the whey.
Step5Allow curds to cool, squeezing as much moisture out of them as possible. Put curds in a bowl and season with sea salt. You can also add other seasonings of your choice, such as Herbs de Provence or whatever else you desire.
Step6Press curds into the bowl to make a block, or wrap in cheesecloth. Place curds in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 days before removing and tasting.
#22 gallons whole cow's milk (or goat's milk)
2 tablespoons white vinegar
pinch of salt
chives, green onions, parsley, toasted sesame seeds, or choice of flavors
Directions:
1. Heat milk in large pot on stove until it almost boils.
2. Turn it off and add vinegar.
3. Stir as the curds separate from the whey. The curds will look like large lumps of cottage cheese, and the whey will be like a yellow tinted water.
4. In your sink, line a colander with a thin towel or cheesecloth and pour the curds and whey into the strainer.
5. Let all the whey drain away (note: if you have pets they might like this as a treat, the whey is very good for them, and high in protein).
6. Let the curds cool, then squeeze as much moisture out as possible.
7. Put in a large bowl and stir in salt and your choice of seasonings to flavor the cheese.
8. Press into a medium sized bowl, or roll into a tube inside of saran wrap.
9. Place in refrigerator and let it sit there for 2 days before tasting.
This makes a soft cheese that can be carefully sliced but is almost spreadable as well. Unlike hard cheese, however, it does not melt. We like it especially well with chives added to it. Also good with pimiento, toasted sesame seeds, garlic, many things.
I will get some more. Theses two are supper easy.
I do have to be careful about hugging my nephews as to not break their ribs!!! I also have to be careful when shaking hands! I don't know how many times I have shaken someones hand and they ask how I get such a firm shake, They alway look at me like I am CRAZY! when I tell them I milk cows and goats! I love going out and milking its so quiet. I grew up on a dairy and would love to work on one again. I really miss all the cows, But I really love my farm now as well.
Robyn
Rock'n M Dairy stock |
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wooliespinner
True Blue Farmgirl
1311 Posts
Linda
Manchester
Ohio
1311 Posts |
Posted - Jun 07 2008 : 3:43:49 PM
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Hi Robyn
I just started milking 3 does last night. I sold the kids and they went to their new homes so I am finally getting some milk. I have made the cheese recipes you have posted. I was wondering if you have ever made mild feta cheese?
I have not tempted this one yet. I have a book called goats produce too. It seems to have a good recipe in it and I think I am going to give it a try. I really love feta cheese and hope it will taste as good as the store bought.
I know what you mean about strong hands. I have milk muscles in my hands......they don't look very feminine if you know what I mean......lol. When I have alot of does to milk I sometimes get out the milking machine. But prefer to do it by hand. Its funny I would have never guess that a persons hands could get muscular just from milking but I know that they can. I have been milking goats for 16 years now. I guess I won't be doing any hand commercials in the future unless its for Brawny towels. HEHE.
Linda
Raspberry Run Farm
Nubian Dairy Goats |
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thegoatlady84
Farmgirl in Training
10 Posts
Robyn
Breton
Alberta
Canada
10 Posts |
Posted - Jun 08 2008 : 09:06:21 AM
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HI there Linda, I have made feta, cheddar, Monterey jack, and Gouda Chever, Cottage Cheese, Cotswold, Parmesan, Romano, Mozzarella, Ricotta, Muenster, Cup cheese, and Crock cheese. I find that my Nubian's milk makes really creamy Gouda. I do not own a milker(not counting me!) I may have to go have a operation on my knee so my brother that has autism will do the milking for me. I have two orphan foals coming in a few day so I will need all my milk for them. I have a few cheese books that are just awesome!
#1 Home Cheese Making by Ricki Carroll(really good with lots of recipes)
#2 Making Artisan Cheese By Tim Smith(really neat recipes)
Both are just great I have another but I can find it!!
Rock'n M Dairy stock |
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Barnyard Buddies: How's the milking going? |
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How's the milking going?
