Baby Boom on the Farm
If you’ve ever stopped to chat with me out by the cow pasture, you know how much I love talking about Jerseys. I’d tell you right away that I am not just raising cows for milk — I’m raising them with the land in mind. My goal is to have a herd that fits our farm, not the other way around. That’s why I breed for shorter legs and smaller, more compact animals. A lighter cow is gentler on the ground, and over time that means stronger, healthier pastures. Healthier pastures, in turn, mean we can keep more cows on the same land without overworking the soil and still keep everything in balance the way it should be. Every time a calf is born here, I get this little spark in my eye because I know it’s one more step toward the Jersey herd I’ve been dreaming of for years. It’s not just about efficiency or milk yield, but about leaving the land better than I found it, so the next generation can keep farming it too. Most Frequently Asked Question…What Happens to Male Dairy Calves???Something that often surprises people about the dairy world is what happens to the male calves. Since they can’t produce milk, many farms see them as by-products. The outcome is usually heartbreaking: some are sold into the veal industry at just a few days old, while others are euthanized shortly after birth. It’s one of the hardest truths about modern dairying, and it’s a reality most people never hear about. At Little Captain Creek Farm, we believe every calf’s life matters. Our male calves are never discarded. Instead, we partner with another local farm that raises them for beef, giving them the chance to grow, and have a good life. This way, their lives are honored, and they are treated with respect from beginning to end. Looking ahead, our long-term dream is to keep that process right here at home by raising our male dairy calves ourselves for beef, so their entire story unfolds on the same land where they were born. It’s a vision rooted in dignity, stewardship, and doing right by the animals entrusted to our care. Future Plans – Breeding for Better Beef CalvesOne of the challenges we face right now is with our Jersey boys. As much as we love them, pure Jersey male calves just aren’t ideal for beef. They take a long time to grow and mature, and on a small family farm like ours, that makes things pretty tricky to manage. Looking ahead, my plan is that we’ll be bringing in a new bull to cross with our Jersey dairy cows. This crossbreeding will give us sturdier male calves that are better suited for beef, while still keeping all the gentle Jersey traits we value so much. The hope is that in time, we’ll be able to keep those boys right here on the farm, raising them ourselves and adding them into our beef herd. It’s another step toward a more sustainable, full-circle approach, where every calf born here has a meaningful place in the bigger picture. A Little Farm FunWith so many calves arriving this season, the farm is buzzing with energy! There’s nothing quite like watching those little legs wobbly at first, then bounding around the pasture like they own the place. We may even have some to spare — seriously, if you’ve ever wanted a calf as a pet, reach out, we’ll have a few for sale! We might have a lucky one with your name on it. From all of us here at Little Captain Creek Farm, thank you for following along with our adventures. Your support means the world, and we can’t wait to share more stories, updates, and a peek into life here on the farm with you. Stay Connected with the FarmKeep an eye out — we’ll be sharing plenty of photos and updates as the calves grow! If you want to see more behind-the-scenes moments, follow us on social media or just reply to this newsletter with your questions. We love hearing from you. And a gentle reminder: every purchase, farm visit, or share helps support our family farm and makes this sustainable way of farming possible. Your support truly keeps the cycle going, and we’re so grateful to have you along for the ride.
