Choosing whether to milk by hand or by machine is a decision that depends on several factors, including the size of the herd being milked, the number and experience of farm personnel, the individual cows, and personal preference. In general, machine milking is faster and easier than hand milking, but hand milking allows for greater adjustment to the needs of individual cows.

If the milking herd consists of more than a handful of cows, a milking machine is a huge advantage. Milking a cow by hand takes a long time and (more…)

No tags

Due to concerns about artificial growth hormones and dangerous sweeteners like aspartame, organic milk is taking the country by storm. Even consumers who do not typically care about where their purchases come from are turning to organic milk. Consumers who desire to live an environmentally friendly lifestyle always prefer organic products that are easy on the planet’s resources. Entrepreneurial farmers who provide organic milk to their communities are taking this opportunity to increase milk production to satisfy the growing demand.

The electricity companies Texas residents can trust encourage consumers to use green power when available. When green power is not an option, finding other ways to conserve electricity is often just as beneficial to the planet. Because most organic dairy farms are environmentally conscious, you know you are doing the planet a favor by purchasing organic milk.

There are several major differences between organic milk and regular milk. Organic milk is more expensive than regular milk, but that is because the dairy cows are not given growth hormones to artificially boost their milk production. These hormones increase the risk of breast cancer, colon cancer, and prostate cancer in human consumers. However, growth hormones are not the only artificial ingredient that ends up in regular milk. Dangerous pesticides and antibiotics also find their way into the milk supply.

Organic milk also benefits the dairy cows. Due to USDA regulations enacted in 2010, all organic dairy cattle must spend most of their lives grazing in open pastures. Outdoor pastures are a humane alternative to the indoor pens and feed lots common in the regular milk industry.

Dairy cows are not the only ones who benefit from this humane lifestyle. Some research suggests that grazing cows have a higher level of conjugated linoleic acids in their milk, a healthy fat believed to have many health benefits.

The entire planet benefits from organic dairy farming. Many organic dairy farms utilize green power options such as solar panels and machines that convert manure into fertilizer. Some pioneering farms use manure to generate electricity. Others use windmills and wind turbines alongside regular electricity to keep their farms running.

Because purchasing land in Texas is less expensive than it is in other states, many entrepreneurial spirits are starting their own organic dairy farms. Texan consumers that have concerns about pollution can rest assured that their organic milk did not require a long trip on a truck to reach store shelves.

Unfortunately, organic dairy farms face one serious problem. Organic milk is more expensive to produce than regular milk, and many consumers choose to purchase the most inexpensive milk on the shelf. However, this is changing rapidly as more consumers understand the benefits of organic dairy farming.

No tags

While in many respects the future for the dairy industry is somewhat uncertain, there is no doubt that consumers will continue to provide a large demand for dairy products. The amount of American’s alone consuming dairy products every day represents a tremendous market with an even greater potential to expand. With this in mind, the efforts of many major agricultural and biotech companies to aid dairy farmers in producing better products should prompt substantial optimism for the industry.
An issue of particular interest for the future of dairy farming, which these companies (more…)

No tags

If you are looking for truly organic milk, you need to find farmers who feed their cows products that are not mass produced or store bought. Many famers do this because it is less expensive and they can feed more cows for the same price. However, often times some of the chemicals from the food can find its way into the milk, and although it is pasteurized later, it is best to never have the chemicals in the milk to begin with. This is why it (more…)

No tags

Dairy farming is a bit more diverse than most people realize. Cows are not the only source of milk for the public. Goats and sheep also can provide an excellent source of milk to those looking for something different. Actually, goat and sheep milk is not only different. It is frequently considered healthier. This is doubly true when you purchase your goat and sheep milk from organic stores. The organic version of goat and sheep milk is free of additives and other unwanted ingredients. This is why so many health conscious (more…)

No tags

To be a successful dairy farmer in the 21st century requires that you not only have knowledge of the latest farming techniques, but also that you are an entrepreneur. You need hard work, perseverance, and set long term goals. Most likely, if you own a smaller farm you will have to contract with large businesses, called agribusinesses which will purchase your product. It is wise to do business this way because it minimizes your risk giving you a guaranteed buyer (more…)

No tags

There are few vocations so demanding or rewarding as being a dairy farmer. Milk and milk-based foods comprise one of the most fundamental nutritional building blocks in our diet. Dairy production is a critical industry in agri-business and generates billions in revenue from its subsidiary industries and in farm related employment.

Considering a career in dairy farming is no light matter. “Labor intensive” is the most gentle term to describe the life of a dairy farmer. The (more…)

No tags