starting a micro dairy

If you want to start a micro dairy you will need land. The specific amount of land needed varies significantly by state and region depending on several environmental factors, so you must consult local agricultural extension services for a precise estimate.  . 

Contact your local county's extension office:

 Milking cows are better for those who want higher milk yields, potential for beef, and the ability to separate cream for butter, though they require more land, feed, and cost more upfront. Goats are ideal for smaller homesteads due to their lower feed and land needs, more manageable milk quantities, and slightly different milk composition, but they produce less milk per animal, require more individual health attention, and their milk can require a cream separator for butter-making.   

A milking parlor can be super fancy or super simple. The key with milking cows or goats, is cleanliness, proper milk handling, and quick cooling.

We personally milked between 5 and 25 cows, one at a time, with a double Melasty cow milker. We started with a Vevor priced under $500, and after a year upgraded to a Melasty.

If you're looking for a good and economical milker, we highly recommend the Vevor. Link Below.

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