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Caring for Cows

Treating animals with respect and compassion to maintain a healthy and comfortable herd of cows is top priority for our dairy farmers.

“Our farm has been operating for generations because we treat our cows with the same care and respect that we would give our own family. We take pride in the way we operate and we believe that we’ll be farming for many generations to come.” 

Meet Our Cows

Nevada farmers milk two breeds of cow:

Jerseys

The class clowns of the milking world, Jerseys are very curious and usually cause mischief on the dairy. Their milk produces the highest butterfat and protein which makes their milk great for making cheese.

Holsteins

Considered the high-performance athletes of the milking world, Holsteins are the most popular dairy breed worldwide.

Nourished Noshing

To ensure optimal milk quality, professional cow nutritionists work with farmers to develop balanced diets that contain good sources of protein, fat,  fiber, vitamins and minerals from feed mixtures that include grasses, alfalfa, cottonseed, corn, and almond hulls. Nutrient ratios and amounts are formulated for cows based on where they are in their lifecycle. Equally important is hydration. Cows can drink anywhere from 25-50 gallons a day, so access to clean water is available 24 hours a day.

Comfort and Joy!

To keep cows cool and comfortable in the Nevada heat, farms are equipped with large fans, misters and plenty of shade. Corrals are groomed 2-3 times a day to remove any existing damp bedding, while pulling in soft, dry bedding, which cows love to lay on! Speaking of grooming, farmers make sure to keep their cows’ hooves trimmed, known on the farm as a “cow pedicure.”

Herd Health

Regular veterinarian check-ups ensure a healthy herd. Just like us, cows sometimes get sick and occasionally need antibiotics to restore their health. While a cow is being treated with antibiotics, she is isolated in a separate pen and her milk is disposed of. Strict systems are in place, including rigorous testing both on the farm and at the processing plant, to ensure that milk is antibiotic-free and never enters the food supply. 

National Dairy FARM Program

Nevada dairy farmers actively participate in the National Dairy FARM® program and are FARM® certified. The National Dairy FARM Program™ is a nationwide, verifiable animal well-being program that brings consistency and uniformity to on-farm animal care and production practices.

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