🤔 What’s the Best Dairy Cow for Your Homestead? Find Out Here! + The 80/20 Rule

IN TODAY'S EDITION

1. Homestead Tip 🌱

2. Poll Results From Last Sunday 📊

3. All Things Homestead: Best Dairy Cow Breeds for Your Homestead 🐄

4. Personal Development: The 80/20 Rule ⌛

5. The Homesteader’s Choice 🛍️

6. Let’s Keep It Reel 🤣

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POLL RESULTS FROM LAST TUESDAY

What was your biggest homesteading win in 2024?

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Growing an abundant crop

🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Raising healthy animals

🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ Mastering a new skill

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Simply keeping it all together!

via @beehiiv polls

Also, follow us on our social media accounts for daily homesteading inspiration and updates.

ALL THINGS HOMESTEAD

Best Dairy Cow Breeds for Your Homestead 🐄

Choosing the right dairy cow for your homestead is a big decision. The breed you pick can affect everything from how much milk you get to how much work you’ll put into caring for them. Don’t worry, though, I’m here to help you get started with the basics!

Top Dairy Cow Breeds and Their Characteristics

1. Holstein: The Milk Machine

• Milk Production: Up to 9 gallons a day (perfect if you want a surplus to sell or share).

• Size: Large, weighing about 1,500 pounds.

• Temperament: Friendly and gentle, though their size can be intimidating.

• Fun Fact: Holsteins are the most common dairy breed in the U.S., but their milk has lower butterfat content—great for drinking but not ideal for butter or cheese-making.

2. Jersey: The Cream Queen

• Milk Quality: High butterfat (over 5%), making it ideal for butter, cheese, and ice cream.

• Size: Smaller and easier to handle, weighing between 800–1,200 pounds.

• Temperament: Gentle, though they can have a little sass.

• Efficiency: Thrive on grass and require less feed than larger breeds.

3. Guernsey: Golden Goodness

• Milk Quality: Distinctive golden hue due to high beta-carotene (great for Vitamin A).

• Temperament: Docile and easy to handle.

• Size: Medium-sized, weighing 1,000–1,200 pounds.

• Milk Composition: Balanced butterfat (about 4.5%) and protein (around 3.6%).

4. Dexter: The Multi-Purpose Marvel

• Purpose: Dual-purpose (milk and meat).

• Size: Small, around 600–1,000 pounds, making them easy to manage.

• Milk Quality: About 4% butterfat, suitable for household dairy needs.

• Temperament: Hardy and friendly.

5. Brown Swiss: The Gentle Giant

• Milk Quality: High in both butterfat (about 4%) and protein (around 3.5%).

• Size: Large, often weighing up to 1,500 pounds.

• Temperament: Calm and gentle.

• Longevity: Known for their productivity and lifespan.

Caring for Dairy Cows on Your Homestead

No matter which breed you choose, proper care is needed to keeping your cows healthy and productive. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Diet: All breeds need a mix of good pasture, hay, and supplemental grains. Jerseys and Dexters can thrive on just grass, while Holsteins might need extra calories to maintain their production levels.

• Shelter: Provide a clean, dry space with good ventilation to prevent infections like mastitis.

• Health Checks: Regular vet visits and watching for signs like changes in milk yield or appetite can catch issues early.

• Water: Fresh, clean water should always be available, especially during hot weather.

• Exercise: Allow space for your cows to roam and graze. It’s better for their health and your milk production.

Market Trends to Watch

• A2A2 Genetics: Many people are seeking milk that contains only A2 beta-casein protein, which some find easier to digest. Breeds like Jersey and Guernsey often carry this trait, and investing in A2A2 cows can open up niche markets.

• Smaller Breeds: Compact breeds like Jerseys and Dexters are growing in popularity for small farms. They’re efficient, require less feed, and fit well into homesteads with limited space.

How to Choose the Right Breed

When picking your dairy cow, think about:

• Your Space: Jerseys and Dexters are great for small homesteads, while larger breeds like Holsteins need more room.

• Milk Needs: For large families or those wanting to sell milk, Holsteins or Brown Swiss are excellent. For creamier milk, go for Jerseys or Guernseys.

• Time Commitment: Larger cows like Holsteins need more feed and care, while smaller breeds are often less demanding.

• Your Goals: If you want dual-purpose cows for milk and meat, Dexters are a great choice. For purely dairy, focus on breeds with high butterfat like Jerseys or Guernseys.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

The 80/20 Rule ⌛

Life on the homestead can get busy, fast. Between tending to the garden, caring for animals, and keeping up with daily chores, it can feel like there’s never enough time. But here’s a secret: not every task needs your full attention. That’s where the 80/20 Rule, also called the Pareto Principle, comes in.

What Is the 80/20 Rule?

The 80/20 Rule is based on a simple idea: most outcomes come from a small portion of your efforts. For example:

• 20% of your crops might produce 80% of your harvest.

• 20% of your time may solve 80% of your daily homestead problems.

The trick is figuring out which tasks fall into that magic 20% so you can prioritize them. This doesn’t mean ignoring everything else, but it helps you focus on what brings the biggest benefits.

Why the 80/20 Rule Matters for Homesteaders

Homesteaders juggle endless responsibilities, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Applying the 80/20 Rule simplifies your workflow by highlighting what’s worth your energy.

Here’s why it’s helpful:

• Maximizes Results: You get the most out of your time and effort by focusing on high-impact tasks.

• Reduces Stress: It frees you from feeling like you need to do it all.

• Boosts Productivity: You’ll notice progress faster by working on what matters most.

For example, instead of trying to maintain every single crop in your garden, focus on the ones that thrive in your climate and provide the highest yield. That way, you’re not spending time on plants that struggle year after year.

How to Apply the 80/20 Rule

To make the 80/20 Rule work, follow these steps:

1. Identify Your 20%

Start by asking yourself:

• What tasks or projects make the biggest difference?

• Which efforts bring the greatest returns, like income, food production, or personal satisfaction?

For instance, if your chickens consistently provide fresh eggs, giving them extra care might be more impactful than fussing over a vegetable crop that rarely succeeds.

2. Let Go of the 80%

Once you know what’s most important, let go of low-impact tasks. This might mean:

• Delegating: Can someone else help with smaller tasks?

• Simplifying: Are there chores you can streamline or skip altogether?

• Saying no: Not every project needs to happen this season.

Example: If weeding every inch of your garden takes hours but makes little difference to your harvest, consider mulching instead to reduce weeds and save time.

3. Simplify Your Workflows

Make your 20% tasks even easier:

• Batch similar chores: Handle all animal feeding at once instead of breaking it up throughout the day.

• Use tools or systems: Automate tasks like watering your garden with a drip irrigation system.

• Focus on quality over quantity: Do fewer things, but do them well.

THE STEADY HOME’S GIGGLE CHAMBER

Why did the farmer have so much energy in January?

He made sure to root for himself.

THE HOMESTEADER'S CHOICE

LET’S KEEP IT REEL!

I've put together some fantastic farm videos that are sure to make you laugh. Take a look and enjoy the fun!

1. When you’re so done with winter and can’t wait to get back to backyard planting:

@auyannaplants

Patiently waiting on spring to garden again #MemeCut #funnymemes #gardening #gardentok #fyp #gardentiktok #raisedbedgardening

2. Time to get creative with our planting game this winter season!

@gardenwithnani

cold weather as a summer baby <<<<<<<< #containergardening #urbangardening #indoorgarden #gardentour #gardenhumor #fallgarden

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