Mini-Jerseys are our favorite homestead friends. They provide for the family with their rich milk and keep a smile on our faces with their sweet personalities. Read more about all of the ways they are awesome below.

The Jersey

Mini

about the breed

breed traits

border collie

At Homestead Harvest Herd, we embrace the timeless values of small farming and homesteading. We believe one of life’s greatest blessings is the freedom to live closely with nature, growing and enjoying what we produce with hard work and God’s grace. As more families return to this way of life, we’re proud to be part of that movement.

Over the years, modern practices have altered livestock for efficiency. The Jersey cow, once a smaller, efficient producer of 2-4 gallons of milk per day, has been bred larger for mass production, requiring more feed and resources.

At HHH, we aim to restore the heritage of the smaller Jersey, known today as the Miniature Jersey. These cows reflect the traits of the original Jerseys, bred for small size, moderate milk production, and resource efficiency. Our registered, DNA-tested stock ensures the purity and quality of these remarkable animals for today’s homestead.

the history of the mini Jersey

Miniature Jerseys may be polled or not.

average lifespan: 12 - 15 years

40 – 44” are considered to be “miniature “ by classification

The average size of the miniature Jersey cow is 40" to 46", and they are categorized as mini which refers to animals between 40 and 44 inches, and mid-size which refers to animals from 44 to 46 inches. They deliver 2-4 gallons of milk depending on the quality of their food and forage”
Today, the mini Jersey enjoys much more color variation than her larger counterpart as selective breeding has not eliminated these original lovely colors.

Size & Color

Mini Jersey raw milk is prized for its rich, creamy texture and high butterfat content. This makes it perfect for producing homemade butter, cheese, and yogurt. The milk is naturally nutrient-dense, providing essential vitamins and minerals while being easier to digest for some people compared to regular cow’s milk. Many homesteaders appreciate its fresh, wholesome taste and the small yet abundant daily supply, making it ideal for family use without excess.

Raw Milk

Miniature Jerseys are known for their gentle and friendly temperament, making them ideal for small farms and homesteads. They are naturally curious, easy to handle, and form strong bonds with their caregivers. Their calm nature makes them great for families, including those with children, as they tend to be more docile than larger dairy breeds. Mini Jerseys are also adaptable, thriving in small environments while remaining content in a routine. Their manageable size and sweet disposition make them perfect companions for the homestead.

Temperament // Personality

Breed Traits

Although Mini Jerseys consume less feed and resources than larger cows, they still require regular care and attention. Daily handling, proper nutrition, and regular veterinary checkups are necessary to ensure they stay healthy and productive.

04:Maintenance

Mini Jerseys are known for their docile, friendly nature. They are easy to handle, even for families with children, and their calm temperament makes them a great fit for first-time homesteaders.

03: Temperament

Mini Jerseys produce 2-4 gallons of rich, creamy milk per day, which is perfect for small families. Their output is manageable for home use, without the excess production and waste of larger dairy breeds.

02: Milk Production

Mini Jerseys require less pasture space than standard cows, making them ideal for homesteads with limited acreage. Their smaller size allows you to maximize land usage while still raising a healthy dairy cow.

01: Space Requirements

THINGS TO CONSIDER

On Jersey Island, natural selection played a key role in shaping the breed. Limited grazing space and resources favored smaller, more efficient cows that could thrive on less, resulting in the development of the smaller Jerseys we recognize today as Miniature Jerseys. Their size allowed for resourceful milk production on smaller plots of land.

03: Natural Selection

In the 1800s, smaller Jersey cows were imported to America. These early imports retained their compact size, producing rich milk in smaller quantities, ideal for family farms before modern breeding increased their size.

02: Early Imports

The Jersey breed hails from the Isle of Jersey, a small island in the English Channel, where these cows were selectively bred for their exceptional dairy quality. Their smaller size made them well-suited to the island’s limited grazing land, which naturally encouraged efficient, hardy animals.

01: Island Origins

About the Mini Jerseys

Fun Facts

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