So Long Mucca the Milk Cow

Our primary milk producing cow has been for the last year, a lovely bovine named Liz. We brought her up from our old farm last July. Her companion for some time was a heifer (young cow who has never calved) named Mucca.

Mucca is simply Italian for cow. Una bella mucca!

Several months ago she became impregnated by our bull (God rest his soul, he died very suddenly shortly after the encounter. Insert rude jokes here) . She calved and consequently began to produce milk. It took a few days for her to catch on to us stealing milk from her, it's a loud machine, but she learned her new job well and for the last two months we've had an abundance of milk.

But, we knew this could not last as we did not need that much milk, and feeding two cows was not in our feed budget, plus Liz produces enough to sustain us and Mucca's calf who was separated from her mother weeks ago. It wasn't an easy decision since both cows are gentle, healthy and good producers. I  left it mostly up to Keith says he milks more than I do.  He's the dairy guy whereas I specialize in the bacon side of our tiny operation.

I do like our Red Wattle pigs.

He finally decided to sell Mucca as we've owned Liz much longer and feel especially loyal to her. In addition Mucca's calf is female and if we need to replace Liz in a couple years (she is nearly 8) we'll have a ready replacement. If Liz stays strong and healthy, Mucca's calf gets in line at the locker.

So Mucca was listed on Craigs list and the local Facebook pages.  Within a couple days a gentleman with nine children came to see her. He liked her. He bought her and off she went to her new home but not without a few shenanigans.

While loading her into  the livestock trailer she suddenly decided it would be easier to eat the hay placed in there for her,  in the prone position.

No, she did not fall or slip and she certainly wasn't pushed. She just decided to rest while eating. Gives all new meaning to the phrase, "You Lazy Cow!"

Eventually she righted herself , with Keith's help, and arrived at her destination. Her new family fell in love with her and reports she is doing well.