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No Longer With the Herd
The loss of an animal is extremely hard for any person- even dairy farmers. Dairy farmers deal with life and death more often than the rest of us because of the number or animals involved in operating a dairy. When a farmer loses or sells an animal off the farm, either because of her health, production or other causes, they are losing a valued member of their herd, and a working partner in their economic survival.
Death is a difficult, yet a natural aspect of farm life. Since our goal is to help everyone better understand life on the family farm, we feel it is important to discuss the loss of cows. If you would like to write to your cow’s owner, we would be happy to pass the letter along.
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Priscilla of Greenwind Farm
Priscilla was culled from the herd the 3rd week of March. Julie and Steve were faced with a very difficult decision; they needed more stall space for two heifers entering the milking string. They reviewed health records, production and udder health. Priscilla was suffering from an infection (Staph Auris) in one of her milking quarters (remember there are 4 milking quarters on a cow). Linda and Steve did not want to risk the infection transmitting to the other cows. Sometimes farmers have to make tough business decisions to keep their farm economically viable.
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November Luv of Greenwind Farm
Luv was culled from the herd in late November. On November 10 she gave birth to twin bull calves. Shortly there after, Luv went off feed and was not milking well. After reviewing her past health history, Julie and Steve decided it was time to remove Luv from the herd to make room for some new heifers. It was a hard decision but unfortunately Julie and Steve cannot afford to keep everyone, and they only have room for 27 cows.
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Feline of Greenwind Farm
Feline was culled for the herd on December 4, 2006 after losing another milking quarter. She was producing milk in only two of her four milking quarters. She leaves behind a daughter, Flora, who will be 2 years old in March.
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