By Andi Anderson
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is launching the Urban Cow program on Dec. 12 at its Woodbury County office in Sioux City.
This five-part educational series aims to equip urban residents with the skills and knowledge needed to raise dairy animals, including cattle, goats, and sheep, to produce their own food.
The program, designed for urban producers, will cover essential topics, from setting up goals and understanding resource needs to handling the legal aspects of dairy production.
Fred Hall, a dairy specialist with ISU Extension, emphasized the importance of preparation. “To grow your own food source, work and research are essential. Understanding your goals, the animals you’ll care for, and the systems required are key factors.” Participants can choose to attend any or all of the five sessions, each from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
The schedule includes:
Dec. 12 – Goals and Resources: This session will help participants identify goals and assess resources, covering legal aspects of selling raw milk and the benefits of a homesteading lifestyle.
Jan. 23 – Asset Needs: Participants will learn about choosing the right animals, including breed selection, land and facility requirements, and equipment needs for milking.
Feb. 13 – Animal Husbandry: This session covers animal care, nutrition, and health, essential for ensuring the well-being of dairy animals.
March 6 – Sanitation: Emphasizing the importance of cleanliness in dairy production, this session will discuss sanitation protocols for safe milking.
April 3 – Cheese Making: Participants will enjoy a hands-on demonstration of cheese making, exploring best practices for dairy production.
Interested participants can register online at https://go.iastate.edu/URBANCOW or by calling the Woodbury County office at 712-276-2157. The registration fee is $10 per session or $20 for the entire series. Registration is recommended at least one day before each session.
The Urban Cow program is a valuable resource for those in urban settings looking to learn self-sufficient food production through dairy farming, providing practical guidance on dairy animal care, sanitation, and even cheese making.
Photo Credit: istock-simplycreativephotography
Categories: Iowa, Education