This is Nina 🐮

She came to us nearly 9 months ago as a cull cow from a dairy.

They couldn't get her in calf so she was going to be removed from production.

They tried several rounds of artificial insemination and had her in with a bull at each cycle but had no success. The day before we picked her up she was seen to be serviced by a bull but they were certain it wouldn't take.

We got her really cheap with a couple of days old calves thrown in for free (these calves are removed from their mothers to ensure milk production for the dairy and were to be destroyed along with Nina)

She was putting out 20L of milk a day when we got her and at that point and the calves were a great help in sharing the milk as we started learning all about milking, care of a house cow and dairy production on the homestead.

We were told she's a moody cow at times and that she's not a particular friendly girl.

Well nostr:nprofile1qqs8v3q3nvvwc444kfmeurgrtem392wkd8dlhedjch693j6kftake9gpzamhxue69uhhyetvv9ujuurjd9kkzmpwdejhgtcq36ppy spent hours with her every day. Milking, giving her treats and lots of pats and care. Her condition improved rapidly after she arrived at our farm. She has become my favourite cow. She's sweet, loves pats, is gentle, stands calm and compliant when milking.

Well Nina did get in calf from that bull and has maintained the pregnancy really well. She's started showing early signs of calving soon so we are eagerly awaiting our first calf on the homestead.

And this will be the first calf that Nina gets to keep and mother herself.

There is lots to be excited about here at the moment.