Cows Despise Hot Weather
posted on
July 27, 2017
Our cows are on a staggered birthing and milking schedule. The summer is when we produce the least amount of milk. Let me explain.
Cows despise hot weather. In the hot summer months, we do not want our cows to have any discomfort related to late pregnancy or freshening (what the farmer calls “birthing”). Cows have a 40-week gestation period, just like humans. That’s why our cows never spend time with the bull in the fall.
We don’t want our cows to literally be milked until death. Cows typically lactate for about a year after giving birth, give or take a few months depending on the cow. Then, we let them stay dry for a few months before getting pregnant again. Once they show a heat, they are put with the bull in winter, spring, or summer. If a new baby takes, great! If not, we let them rest.
Right now, it’s the middle of the summer. We don’t have any cows freshening, and we have a good number of cows that are dry. This is why at this time of year the farm produces the least amount of milk. You may be itching for our A2/A2 ice cream or A2/A2 colostrum. Sorry folks, you will have to wait until mid-September, when our freshening season begins.
We do all of this because it is the right thing to do; it is simply good farming practice. For the cows, this is a win. They are happy and healthy and have a low-stress life. For the farm, this is a win. It means more milk and virtually no medical bills. For our customers, this is also a win. It means great quality milk naturally packed with nutrients.
In the summer, I like to enjoy my milk in the morning with some granola and fresh fruit. In the afternoon, I enjoy my milk in some iced chai tea lightly sweetened with raw honey. In the evening, I may treat my family to some chocolate milk made with milk, cocoa powder, and maple syrup.
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*9/4/25 Update: Since this blog post was written, the farm has expanded some. There are currently 4 small herds (each with 50 cows or less) providing milk for Miller's. They all operate with similar humane milking standards.
Cows may be milked when they are pregnant. But, each farmer gives a cow a few months of being dry (AKA milking rest) before giving birth and being milked again. All of our farmers value the health and wellbeing of every cow. Because of our small herds, they're really able to keep an eye on each cow.
