Miniature Jerseys
Miniature Jerseys are classified by height. They should be 44 inches or less at the hook bone at 3 years of age. Mid Size Jerseys are greater than 42 inches but less than 48 inches at 3 years of age. Additionally, miniature jerseys should be proportionally smaller than a standard jersey. They should not have stubby legs or large heads as may be seen in animals carrying dwarf genes. The original jerseys from the Isle of Jersey were small cows similar to miniature jerseys being breed in relatively recent years. As times changed and people moved away from family milk cows, large scale dairies selectively breed for larger cows that could produce larger milk quantity. The small jerseys of the past became very rare with the exception of a few herds maintained by families. These small family owned herds became the foundation for reviving the small jerseys of the past, which had made such wonderful little family milk cows. These small jerseys would come to be known as miniature jerseys.
Why own a miniature Jersey?
Perhaps, the real question is why not?
Speaking from experience, miniature jerseys are absolutely fantastic little milk cows! Our girls are very gentle and are trained to hand milk or machine milk. They are like big pets! Mini Jersey cows form strong bonds with the people who milk and feed them.
Miniature Jerseys, like standard jerseys are first and foremost milk cows. They will give, on average, between 1.5 and 3 gallons of milk daily. This is considerably less than a standard jersey and usually much more manageable for a single family. Additionally, due to the smaller size of a miniature, they can be maintained on a smaller amount of acreage with a lower feed bill. The miniatures are also easier to handle than a full size cow. All of this makes a miniature Jersey very attractive as a beloved family milk cow!
For those interested in a less than traditional pet, miniature Jersey steers make fantastic pets.
Jersey Meat
Jersey meat is some of the most flavorful beef you will ever eat! Hands down, this is my favorite meat to have in the freezer!
We will occasionally have grown out, grass fed miniature Jersey steers available for meat. Pricing is the same as what is listed on our Beef Cattle page in reference to our grass fed beef.
Mini Jersey Milk
Jerseys produce the richest milk of all the dairy breeds. Their milk is sought after due to its high protein and high milk fat content (almost 4%). It is excellent for making cheese and butter! It can also be a wonderful addition to homemade soap.
Many consumers are becoming more interested in making informed decisions on where their food comes from. With regards to dairy products, this could not be more important! A family milk cow that has been disease tested is a great opportunity to improve the health of your family.
What's A2 milk?
A2 is a specific genotype that references the type of beta casein protein in a cows milk. A cow receives one gene, that codes for their beta casein protein, from their sire and one from their dam. You will see cows referred to as A1/A1, A1/A2 or A2/A2. Most milk in the US comes from A1/A1 cows.
A2/A2 milk is reported to be easier to digest and usually poses no problem for people with allergies to regular milk. Additionally, other health benefits have been reported. Research is somewhat lacking and we advise that everyone do their research before making a decision for their family,
If you are considering a family milk cow, we believe the obvious choice is a miniature jersey!
MF Gwendolyn pictured - 12/2022
MF Gwendolyn pictured - 12/2022
MF Gwendolyn pictured - 12/2022
Gwen was sold in April 2022. Her new owners were unable to keep her and she will be returning to our farm in December 2022. We will plan to breed her to River in early 2023. They are both A2/A2, so offspring will be A2/A2. Based on birth height, Gwen is expected to mature as a midsize.
Reference Bulls and Cows
Click on the tab for information on previous calves, cows and bulls we have owned or produced which are no longer in our current herd.
Health Testing
We health test our miniature jerseys annually.
BLV is of utmost importance to test for if you plan to drink milk from your cows. An estimated 83% of commercial dairy herds have at least one infected cow. BLV has been associated with multiple cancers in cows and possibly linked to breast cancer in humans.
