Hi bunny,dairy cows usually calve their first calf at an average age of 2and half.Depending on breeds some last thecourse longer than others.My cows have been averaging 7/8 lactations as they call them.The ideal is a cow calving every 12 months milking for 305 days then dry for 60 to rest before calving again.At present all cattle over 30 months when they die or are slaughtered go to me burned and not in the food chain.My cows are milked in a herringbone parlour with 12 cows coming in at a time on each side.They run in with another farmers.There are apprx 160 plus milking at the moment sending over 5000litres away a day.It would be impossible to milk this many cows by hand these days.Years ago i only milked 4 and did milk by hand with only a tilly lamp as there was no electric in the cattle sheds.Does this answer your questions? JUSTIN[E] X

Hi Justin

Please confirm this for me.
Am I right in my assertion that a cow only produces milk after having a calf?

I told someone recently that a cow has to first produce a calf before there is milk.Please tell me I was right.

Hi Justin[E], thanks so much for such an in-depth answer - I'm really interested in this and so, yes, that does answer my questions! I'm quite fascinated by the facts - I had no idea, for example, that they were milked continuously on, then off for 60 days - shows how much I knew! I practically live on milk and cheese (oh, and dairy milk chocolate, too! ), you see, so was interested when it was announced that you were a dairy farmer. It's nice to know how my milk and cheese is produced, I love cows!

- bunny xxx

Hi Justin(e), what a great appreciation forum you have. I hope it goes from strength to strength. I shall be watching with great interest. Its great to see so much support coming from all over the place. Keep it up!

Has anyone seen the Northern Echo (today's, Friday) It shows Justin(e) with his short horns, and just goes to show that Justin(e)'s talents are very wide and diverse.

Hi again.
For those interested, this is the hyperlink (if it works) for the interview in the Northern Echo by Joe Willis.

www.thisisthenortheast.co.uk/the_north_east/news

Unfortunately, it does not show the brilliant picture of Justin(e) standing in the cattle trough being chewed by the short horns (ooh that sounds painful)

lol

its is 99% right that a cow will come into milk on calving,occasionally if there is an hormone imbalance or when young heifers cross suckle each other small amounts of milk can be produced with out calving, through in that case constant stimulation.Also a heifer becomes a cow the day it has its second calf. Ishould be on questions and answes in the 'FARMERS WEEKLY' LOL LOL.
JUSTIN[E] XX

Thanks for answering.

Thank you Rosy Posy for putting the link to the 'Northern Echo' article .The calves were biting my back and bum while the photographer was taking the pics. I was squatting in the cattle trough in front of the calves.
Many thanks and you seem to be a new contributer have fun on this site and welcome.
All the best JUSTIN[E] X

Hi Justin(e)

Have just found this great thread, thanks to Jo2ie and yourself. You made the X-Factor show for me - smashing performances and lots of fun.

Love reading your info about the cows, didn't know I was going to get educated as well as entertained!

HELLO PEOPLE, I thank you all who like me for your lovely comments and support.As any one does in life ive had people with varying degrees of negativity.Ive tried to write to these people privately just a few words to explain where im going to.Im very glad to say in virtually every case so far they have replied and warmed to me.At least they all said i make them laugh.Thats primarily what im trying to do.One person who has not yet replied is 'Garry Bushell' perhaps he will in the Sunday People' tomorrow.After watching last weeks X FACTOR I enjoyed watching the other extreme characters as well as the singers.I couldnt watch weeks of just people singing unacompanied it would drive me mad.Obviously the nutters as we are called are added to put humour and sometimes tears in the show.It all makes good tv and strengthens SIMONS bank balance lol lol.
All the best JUSTIN[E] XX

PS .Ive got to do the milking earlier this afternoon to get sat down for tonights episode.

Ignore that nasty bitch Gary Bushell, he makes me sick with his sexist views.

Just saw you again on repeats had me and my other half laughing again, loving the X factor and cant wait until tonight, espesh the 'Lottys at it again, Lottys at it again' woman.

He/she is from Burnley isn't he/she?!

So am I!

I forgot i was on 'Graham Norton' .A group of us went from my acting school when i was training.I made what i thought i looked like in the nude out of vegetables,with a large radish in a prominent position lol.My mate ANDY COPE was painted in gold paint and appeared completely nude.He won a miserable radio.Graham talked about the vegatable man and showed it to LIZA MINNELLI and her then husband David Gest who were on the show.'ERAZURE' sang ,i met them in the green room afterwards .Andy Bell was particularly pleasant.On reflection i think thats where you have probably seen me before.Id forgotten about it actually ,thats a bit of an insult to our Graham.

JUSTIN[E] XX

sorry Reggiebabe i dont live in Burnley.I live just outside LEYBURN in Wensleydale nth YORKS

I remember the veggie man..................was it really you who created it?? lol

Ive put a little info about me on Dorothys thread seeing as we now are being clubbed together in comments from some persons on here.Just thought id let you know
JUSTIN[E] XX

Aww I read that you lived in Burnley..

i think the press office leaked this article if you read
burn ley is ley burn Leyburn is where i live in north yorks. They where caling me JUSTIN WHITE in articles to and said i came from Preston and various other places.After all this ill never believe any thing i read in the press again.
JUSTIN[E] XXXXX

I never believe anything I read in the papers unless I get it verified. Hows things going. Hope you are getting on well with the planning of your next venture. I forgot to tell you that I worked for 6 months caring for calves and would love to come and see your short horns.

Best wishes

Rosy

i never miss graham norton
you'll be in his best 'bits' then?

hi ROSY nice to talk about something else instead of the mania of X FACTOR.Yes you can come and see the Shorthorns .Ive had 4 calves this week 2 bulls and 2 heifers ,one of which was born today.She is from the ;LADY HERMIONE family this is where i got part of my equity surname from HERMES.Thank s a lot.
JUSTIN[E] XX

Hi there Justin(e)
Thanks for your reply, perhaps I can give you a buzz when you are not too busy, and arrange a good time to come and see the calves?

Hows the preparation going for new pilot? Any recruits yet? You know I am willing to help out if you need me.
Rosy

I thank all the people on here for your support even the neg people.Your all individuals with the right to speak your thoughts.The thing is please stop sending me private messages to find out what went on at boot camp etc .I cant and wont answer youll have to wait and see.I can understand some of you want to know but i think there are a few of the press trying to find out too who are on here. Naughty people, JUSTIN[E] X

I'd suggest you get yourself verified just so we can be sure-that we talking to the real deal.