I'm sure there are as many answers to this question as members here, but out of curiosity how many ND milkers (milking average amounts) would be good for a family of 5 who like to drink milk, eat yogurt cheese and make soap? We're starting with two (one recently freshened and the other at the end of her lactation that we hope to breed soon) and then hope to retain some doelings from future breedings to increase the herd.
When we were buying raw cows milk we'd go through several gallons a week and that's not with making cheese or soap and only occasionally yogurt. My kids can put away a quart of yogurt in one sitting.
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Well, our family doesn't drink as much as yours... but last year, when I had two does in milk, I could get 1/2 gal every couple days, and that was with First Fresheners. (they'll produce more this year)