4 REASONS WHY CHOOSING JERSEY DAIRY IS CHOOSING SUSTAINABILITY

As the world becomes increasingly aware of the need for sustainability, farmers and consumers are looking for ways to make their practices more environmentally friendly. One way that Aussie farmers can lower their environmental footprint is by choosing to milk Jersey’s instead of other breeds of cows like Friesians, the black and white ones you see so often! Friesians are a large cow, producing a large amount of milk, but at a higher environmental cost due to their consumption and weight. Here are a few reasons why Jersey cows are a more sustainable choice.

1. Jersey cows are known for their high milk production. This means that farmers can get more milk from fewer cows, which reduces the overall environmental impact of the farm. That means not only less land is needed to produce the same amount of milk, but less fodder inputs as well. According to a study by the University of California,  Jersey cows produce more milk per kilo of body weight than other breeds, which means that they require fewer resources to produce the same amount of milk as other cows - they require less feed, water, and land than other breeds.

2. Jersey cows are smaller in size than other breeds, which means that they require less space and fewer resources to raise. Most cows are several years old by the time they join the herd, and up until that point spend their time grazing, growing and relaxing in the paddock. According to the Australian Jersey Cattle Society, Jersey cows are the smallest of the dairy breeds, which means that they require less land, feed, and water than larger breeds as calves. 

3. Jersey cows are better suited to grazing than other breeds. Grazing is a more sustainable way of raising cows than feeding them grain and other inputs - think grass fed over grain fed. According to the Australian Jersey Cattle Society, Jersey cows are known for their grazing ability and can thrive on pastures that might not support other breeds. This means that farmers can raise Jersey cows on marginal land that might not be suitable for other types of farming. It also lends the breed to grazing more sustainable pasture choices. Just like there are millions of plants species in the world, there are millions of grass species, and farmers are constantly experimenting with different species looking for more sustainable varieties.

4. Jersey cows produce milk with a higher butterfat content than other breeds. This makes their milk more valuable to farmers, as they can get a higher price for it. According to the Australian Jersey Cattle Society, the butterfat content of Jersey milk is typically around 5%, compared to around 3.5% for Holstein milk. This means that farmers can get a higher return on their investment by raising Jersey cows, which makes them more sustainable as a business.

Jerseys are more sustainable as they are more efficient at converting feed into milk, produce more milk per kilo of body weight, require less space and fewer resources to raise, are better suited to grazing, and produce milk with a higher butterfat content. These factors make Jersey cows an attractive option for Aussie farmers who are looking to reduce the environmental impact of their operations while still maintaining profitability. By raising Jersey cows, farmers can reduce their carbon footprint, conserve natural resources, and support a more sustainable food system.

We love Jersey’s for their friendly, docile temperaments and kind nature. You’ll see them regularly featured in our social media videos often - they can’t help themselves but get involved in the action, and perhaps get a head scratch as well!