Slideshow presentation from Permaculture Voices 2 conference of Adam Klaus, discussing holistically managed grass-fed dairy cows. Drawing from Adam's decade of experience at Bella Farm, this slideshow illustrates many of the principles explained in his book "Dairy Farming: The Beautiful Way".
2. How Do We Manage our Cows
at Bella Farm?
• Natural Feeding
• Permaculture Cow Genetics
• Seasonal Management
2
Right farm, right animals, right management
3. Spectrum of Animal Types versus Pasture Quality
•Yaks are lowest nutrient need animals
•Sheep can thrive on relatively poor pasture
•Bulls and heifers have more moderate needs
•Finishing beef requires good to excellent pasture
•Lactating dairy cows need the absolute best
9. •Not all hay is created equal-
•Buy the best quality hay
•Alfalfa is ‘the best fodder’
10. 50 pounds per cow per day, feeding excellent quality hay
Gets real expensive real fast!
Number of days per year on hay will determine your profitability
Our local ranchers average 150 days/year-
We have gotten down to 60 days/year!
11. A small amount of alfalfa hay as a supplement can allow you to
keep grazing for significantly longer into the fall and winter.
8 pounds per cow per day can extend your grazing season by
several months!
12. The Breed Spectrum
•On one end are the extreme dairy types, notably Jersey and Holstein.
•At the other end, the extreme beef types, like Simmental and Hereford
•The sweet spot is in the middle, “Dual Purpose” cows, such as
•Brown Swiss
•Milking Shorthorn
•Ayrshire
•Devons
30. Meat Hogs make Excellent Use of Seasonal Milk Surplus
Cow Manure is complete Pig Multi-Vitamin
Joel Salatin’s ‘Pigerator’ System in Hayshed is Great!