On a typical dairy farm the value, and duration, of a cow’s life is determined by their “profitability” and they are routinely injected with anti-biotics and fed an unnatural grain-based diet simply to keep a healthy profit. When the cow is unable to meet the predetermined $magic number she, who has supplied both her milk and her babies to the milk industry for years, is “culled”.

But not here at Ahimsa Dairy. Not ever.

All of our milking cows have been rescued from such dairies. Once she is safe at our dairy, her ear tag marked with her number is removed and she is given a name. We continue to milk her until she naturally stops giving milk.  All of our cows, milking or not, are free to live out their natural lives on organic pastures supplemented with protein-rich alfalfa and delicious well water.

Our herd is comprised of 8 Jersey cows, 4 milking, 3 retired, and 1 heifer who was born here at Saragrahi. We sell our organic raw pet milk locally and deliver weekly to Hendersonville and Asheville. This milk is not for human consumption. It is not legal to sell raw milk for human consumption in NC.

 

 

Memory Lane – A Newsletter from 2014: Meet your Milk

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November 6, 2014

Ahimsa means non-violence, so here at Ahimsa Dairy all of the cows and calves that come under our care will be able to happily live out their natural lives.

All Moved In.
The cows' new home, cozily tucked against the hill with a great view.
Ujjvala warming up in her new bed with the morning sun.
Mangala also seeming quite content.
One of Mangala's first milkings in the new barn. This milking room has a one way entrance and exit which is great so the cows do not block each other when it is time to take turns.
Barn Warming Party!
The cows got to move to their new home October 22nd, which was just in time for our annual Fall festival, part of which is a celebration of the cows (go-puja). It is a time when we can show our appreciation and respect for cows, honoring them as our mothers, since they provide us with their milk out of love.
Ujjvala and Mangala enjoying one of their new pastures before the festivities.
First Ujjvala and Mangala were given sweets (molasses, grain, and bananas) along with their favorite poplar leaves by all of the guests. Here Ujjvala is pictured standing next to Swami Tripurari whose vision inspired our dairy.
The girls standing peacefully as they are circumambulated and celebrated with traditional Indian instruments and song (kirtan).
Meet your Milk.
Nirmala ( spotless/ pure)

Our newest arrival, Nirmala, has come from the same dairy in Tennessee as Ujjvala and Mangala. She just arrived yesterday so she is still settling in. She is a bit skittish but very peaceful when milking.

Ujjvala and Mangala are anxious to meet the new friend we brought home. They greeted her nicely and gave her a tour around their field.
After the meet and greet it was time to get Nirmala cleaned up and the tags cut off of her ears.
Ujjvala (Brilliant)

Ujjvala has definitely come in to her own now that she has been with us for over a year. Seeing her able to run through grass with her tail up is a great improvement from the slow drudging cow when we first brought her home. She is still as sweet as ever.

Mangala (Auspicious)

Mangala is the youngest and full of mischief. She is enjoying having a new cow around who she can now boss around.

Bimala (Pure)
Joined the herd February 2013

Bimala is still skittish around strangers but loves little children. She has no problem walking right up to them and giving them slobbery kisses. This skinny shy girl is doing great and has certainly put on some good weight being at the garden and not milking at the moment.

Kamala (Lotus)
Started the herd October 2012.

Kamala is still very strongly of the opinion that she is boss. Definitely the fatty of the group our veterinarian has asked on several occasions if we are sure she is not pregnant. Needless to say, she is going on a diet. She is also not milking at the moment.