I have had one ultimate dream since I started farming: bring Ayrshire dairy cows back to Maplebrook Farm.
Our family has lived and farmed here since 1935. In that time, we’ve always had a herd of dairy cows. Until 1998, that is, when my uncle sold his herd because of low milk prices. I was 2 at the time, and have few memories of the cows being here.
1998
We always say that dairy farming is in our blood, and it has been my biggest dream since realizing that I wanted to carry on the family’s agrarian heritage to bring dairy cows back to the farm.
And not just any dairy cows! My family has always owned Ayrshires, which are a less-common breed of cows that originate from Scotland and have red and white markings. They are hardy, perfect for New England weather, and are known for their dominant personalities.
Ayrshire milk is unique from other breeds, too. It is naturally homogenized, meaning that the cream doesn’t separate from the liquid as with most other milk. The fat-to-protein combination of Ayrshire milk make it particularly good for making cheese, butter, and ice cream. It is easy to digest and known as the “ideal drinking milk.”
So when I set about to bring cows back to the farm, I was only going to be bringing home Ayrshires. Not only because of their wonderful breed characteristics that make them the perfect fit for our farm, but also to honor the family tradition of raising Ayrshires here for many decades.
This week, my biggest dream came true!
The countless hours of hard work, stress, tears, and lessons learned over the last four years culminated to the point of finally being ready to bring dairy cows back to the farm.
On Sunday night I picked up my first two Ayrshire cows from Upinngil Farm in Gill, MA and brought them home to settle into our new life together at Maplebrook Farm.
Polly and Indigo are simply amazing. They have adapted to their new routine here incredibly well. They are both producing milk, and have figured out the transition from barn, to milk parlor, to pasture right away. They contently hang out, grazing and resting, on pasture throughout the day and night, and they are gentle, patient milkers.
Polly is the leader, but still has a very passive, timid personality. Wherever she goes, Indigo follows. She is 5 years old and expecting a calf in October.
Indigo is the follower, but has more of an inquisitive personality. She is 3 years old and took a bit more coaxing to learn the milking routine.
I will have raw milk from these ladies for sale within the next couple of weeks once my milk samples pass testing.
Do you have any questions about raw milk or Ayshire cows? Leave them in the comments below!