Homestead Dairy Animals: The Pros and Cons of Cows and Goats

By Jeannette Beranger
Published on July 9, 2015
1 / 3

Goats will respect a fence if they enjoy what they find inside. Forage pasture should be diverse, and shelter should be dry and clean.
Goats will respect a fence if they enjoy what they find inside. Forage pasture should be diverse, and shelter should be dry and clean.
2 / 3

For mothers milked only once a day, expect 2 quarts from a goat and 3 gallons from a cow, daily.
For mothers milked only once a day, expect 2 quarts from a goat and 3 gallons from a cow, daily.
3 / 3

A simple milking stand helps nervous animals (and milkers) feel at ease, and is easy to keep clean.
A simple milking stand helps nervous animals (and milkers) feel at ease, and is easy to keep clean.

Many people dream of having fresh milk from their own homestead dairy animal. Their reasons range from the desire for self-sufficiency to the health benefits of the resulting dairy products to the pleasure of working with animals. But how can you determine whether dairying is an achievable goal for you? And whether a cow or a small goat herd would be a better fit for your farmstead? Let’s find out.

Pasture Management for Dairy Cows and Dairy Goats

The best-quality milk comes from animals raised on pasture, with supplemental feed to boost production. Both cows and goats need space to roam and won’t be content in small enclosed areas. Be aware that your pasture may not provide sufficient forage year-round, and you’ll need to feed your dairy animal hay during lean times.

For a cow and growing calf, a minimum of 2 to 5 acres of diverse, well-managed pasture is a must. If your available space is closer to 2 acres, select a smaller breed. Goats require much less space. Depending on the breed, four to five goats can thrive on 1 acre of land. They are mixed foragers and will happily browse on shrubs and trees in addition to pasture.

Housing and Fencing for Dairy Cows and Dairy Goats

A cow needs minimal cover in warm climates, but requires shade in extreme heat. A two-sided run-in shed with fabric cover is adequate and costs about $600. In areas with harsh winters, a 10-by-10-foot loafing shed with three enclosed sides is sufficient to protect a cow from prevailing winds and extreme temperatures. The cost to build this kind of three-sided shed with new materials will start at about $700. Farm auctions frequently sell — or even give away — small outbuildings and reclaimed lumber for just a fraction of that. You’ll also need a separate, sheltered space for milking that you can easily sanitize.

Comments (0) Join others in the discussion!
    Online Store Logo
    Need Help? Call 1-800-234-3368