Premium A2 Raw Milk Dairy

Our cows are Guernsey cows; this rare and special breed is known worldwide for it's spectacular milk quality, vibrantly golden butter, and an almost melted vanilla ice cream flavor and smoothness. Guernsey cows are also very special due to their old genetics that haven't been bred out of them like modern Holstein and even Jersey cows. Old genetics, before the dairy industry began breeding for maximum production, carried the A2 milk protein gene. This gene, officially called the A2 Beta-casein gene was the type of milk humanity had consumed since the dawn of milk consumption. However, in recent decades, a mutated gene arose when the dairy industry began to breed for more and more milk production, breeding for cows that milk 12-16 gallons of milk per day instead of 4-6 gallons a day, this new gene was called the A1 gene. This new gene to cows and man produces inflammation in the human body, making it much more difficult to digest and can cause other problems within the body due to the inflammation it can cause.

What We Feed:

Our cows are fed hay, and are on a rotational/mob grazing pasture system that allows them to fill their bellies on fresh forage most of the year. The mob grazing technique we use is designed after wild herds of ruminant animals which dramatically improves the health of the soil, allowing for root systems to reach 8-20 feet deep, which enables rain water to penetrate the soil instead of running off and taking the topsoil with it. We also utilize a "no-till" way of planting our pastures, to maximize soil health; planting many varieties of grasses and even vegetable plants throughout the year to ensure fresh foraging for our cows up to 11 months out of the year. Some of the plants within our mob grazing pastures include: Alfalfa, Millet grass, Wheat grass, Sorghum Sudangass, Legumes, and Clover. Our girls also enjoy Chaffhaye, a fermented alfalfa grass packed full of probiotics and helpful enzymes. During milking time, they receive small amounts of grain depending on each individual cow's needs that help with energy, body condition and milk production. 

Not All Milk is Created Equal:

Not all milk is created equal, including raw milk. If the cow is lacking nutritionally in certain areas, her body will take from itself all it needs to create nourishing milk. But how long can that go on for? In order for a cow (or human or any mammal) to make the best, most nutritious milk possible, they must eat the most nutritious, high quality diet possible to ensure her body has all it needs to do the best work it can do without stress or infection and to ensure her milk will be a wholesome, living, nutritious, high quality food. You will be able to see the difference in our cows and taste the difference in their premium quality milk. You cannot have a thriving world without an intentional labor of love and that's what you will experience when you come and visit Wholesome Living Dairy.