Sponsor Simi

Simi, a seven year old Jersey milk cow, along with her six year old sister, Lypse, both came from a local, organic dairy farm. Both were no longer considered viable and were slated to be sent to slaughter as dairy cows are once they can no longer produce milk. Simi struggled in each of her births, with the last one risking her life, and Lypse  had contracted a protozoan called neospora from eating coyote dung in the field which causes abortion in cattle, or, if not aborted, will infect 90% of calves born to infected moms. Obviously, this rendered them both useless as milk cows, as a cow must go through pregnancy to produce milk. Previous to being infected, however, Simi had birthed 4 babies who were all taken from her at birth. Only because of a plea from the farmer’s compassionate granddaughter were Simi and Lypse spared, and they became the first two dairy cows to EVER retire from this dairy and NOT go to slaughter! They are truly very lucky ladies, and we are so blessed to be able to love and care for them for the remainder of their natural lives.

All that said, keeping cows is very expensive. These girls eat a $55 round bale of hay and several bags of grain EACH per month. Additionally, they require daily bedding changes, with lots of straw needed in winter months, and other things many might not consider when thinking of cows. Because they are very heavy, they can do a lot of damage to paddock areas creating a muddy mess. This requires bi-annual gravel deliveries. Add to that vet visits, minerals, and treats, and they are the most costly individual residents here. Your monthly sponsorship not only helps to defer some of these costs, it also allows us to continue to grow and offer a forever home to other rescues in need of a safe landing.