01 Dec Jersey Cows – Hard Working, Smart, and Willing to Learn
Farming can be a job where you may not see anyone else for the whole day. Those small farm chores seem to multiply and pretty soon it’s getting dark and you still have a list of things that need conquering. On a small farm, everyone has a list of chores and it is nice to tackle those ‘have to’ chores with a buddy or faithful companion. Someone to help shoulder the load so that you can get more done. You might immediately think of a dog — dogs being man’s best friend and all. Certainly there are chores around the farm that a dog can do, like herd sheep and other livestock, but what about the heavy work like moving things, plowing, and taking care of weeds? As it turns out, dogs aren’t good at those chores. A good alternative for someone carry the burdens of a small farm is a Jersey cow. They are much like a big dog. They are social, docile, and strong. Plus, a Jersey is a breed filled with curiosity and warmth. Once acclimated to humans, they seek out their affection and admiration and quite frankly seem very interested in companionship. Man’s best friend is great, but can he help you pull that wagon/cart full of hay, or help spread manure?
The New Beasts of Burden
On the small farm, a movement is growing. People are turning away from the cost of big equipment and back towards the old methods of farming. They just hook up the family cow to the cart/wagon and get to work. Even the most dreaded solo farm project become a whole lot easier and more fun when you split the labor with your faithful stock. Plus they don’t mind if you talk to them or yourself. They enjoy the work and the company. Jersey cows stand patiently waiting and curiously watching as you carry out your day’s work. You’ve seen all those cartoons in the Far Side Comics. Jerseys are that smart. Ever so eager to hear your command ‘Get Up’ and her chance to pull that load for you. As it turns out, doing chores is good for the Jersey. If you treat them well, and remember that they are your buddy, they will happily work beside you all day long. They are smart enough to understand vocal commands, and they will sometimes intuitively do what you want before you ask, putting them one step ahead of the grandkids.
Why Jersey Cows Bring Home the Bacon
That is not to say that help from the family is not nice or appreciated, but a Jersey is with you every day. Since they don’t use smartphones, you only have to contend with dandelions as potential distractions. Plus, they work for a handful (or two, or three, or four) of grass or alfalfa. Working on a farm requires a certain mindset and the reward is that feeling you get when you do a job really well. The Jersey cows have that same mindset. Instead of standing around all day watching you, they’d prefer to be at your side keeping company with you. They are truly amazing creatures that are willing to learn. The can be like a big dog — loyal and affectionate. Like a good dog, it takes some time to train Jersey cows. They pick up the old-world cart commands. Think of the halter rope as a yoke of sorts. Though she may not understand the significance of the work being performed, she does understand that together you are a team working toward the same common goal. Even if that is just walking down a dirt lane pulling a loaded skid. It is you and her getting the job done. Plus, while you are at your work destination, tie her up where you want some grasses/weeds taken down. What could be better than having your working help mate eat some weeds or grass that you’ll need to be trimming or mowing in the coming days? Not going to find a dog or a spouse that is very interested in that job. All kidding aside, a Jersey cow does a day’s work and hardly complains. They lighten your load and improve your day. If you have a small farm and are interested in the prospect of putting a work-mate on site, consider the benefits of working with a Jersey.