Dairy Links
Dairy - Our Cows
We are currently milking cows of two breeds—Normandes, a French breed prized for cheesemaking, and Canadiennes, a Quebecois breed classified as critically rare by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy. These cows thrive on a grass-based diet; their milk is rich in both butterfat and protein; they are hardy and live long, productive lives.
Canadiennes were originally brought to Quebec from their native Normandy and Brittany in the early 1600s, and are one of the only historic breeds of livestock developed in North America. They are extremely rare, with a population of fewer than 400 animals, most of them in Quebec. Canadiennes are small cows with beautiful black-tipped white horns.The standard color is black, but the genetic line here at Sidehill Farm is a glossy russet red. They are noted for producing rich milk on rough pasture and under challenging conditions, a trait that is unique among dairy breeds. They also have a deep distinctive moo, which helps us find them when they occasionally decide to take a walk into town.
Blanche |
Evie |
Sabine |
Normandes are a larger breed, also from France. They range in color from red and white spotted, to a red/white/black brindle pattern with light colored horns. Normandes are a dual-purpose breed, meaning they a suitable for both milk and beef, and therefore are heavier and less bony than the Canadiennes. They are very docile and friendly, like to have their tails scratched, and when the Canadiennes walk into town, the Normandes come and tell on them.
Rosie |
Titi |
Thea |
We also have one charcoal grey Jersey/Holstein named Flossie, who can open gates and do a few card tricks.
We try to speak French to our cows, but we suspect our accents are so bad that they ignore us.
Flossie |
Segolene |
Belle |