Guinea/MiniJersey Information They've been around for years and years. Hidden up in the hills, most of us never even seeing one. Cherished by those of us who have been fortunate enough to own one. These little animals were once near extinction, but thanks to a few old farmers who kept them around just to look at and use we still have them today. Their numbers are growing thanks to efforts being made by some breeders today to increase the population. They are warm hearted, naturally loving and docile by nature. I should hope to never again be without one. This increacabley hardy little animal has been refered to as guinea jersey, mini jersey, lessor jersey and barnyard or rabbit eyed jersey. They have proven worthy through the years as quality producers and wonderful pets. These small animals are natural forigers living on what can be found, often on some of the roughest terrain around, and still making a productive, healthy good go at life. These little cattle do very well in harsh dry heats like my own Arizona and some of the toughest winters back east that nature can provide. This is a very versitile breed. Nature is awesome in its ability to weed out the poor genes making an animal efficient. Most of us have only recently been acquianted with the qualities of the guinea jersey. The guinea jersey is a rare and very hardy wonderful little animimal in deed. Through natures proven methods of gene reduction and selective propagation of quality breeders the wonderfully strong little milk cow is coming back from near extiction. Over the past 50 years there have been many dedicated breeders who have kept them in existance. Thanks to Ralph Martins, Nathan Harris and the Annette Hesters and many other folks who have seen into the future enough to know we would eventually all see and appreciate what they always knew, BIGGER IS NOT BETTER. The guinea/ mini jersey is everything you could ever want in a cow. Wonderful suppliers of Dairy, milk, cream, butter, cheeses and Ice cream all of superior quality. With very large percentages of cream, they are sweet enough to use as the best nursecows. I use my cows to raise standard jersy veal calves for us and friends every year. They will raise several calves with ease. While still allowing me to milk and supply enough milk for our family of six. People ask me all the time, I like jerseys but I dont always want the responsibiliies of milking . I always tell them Its easy enought to work out . The trick is figuring out what it is you want or need. I hate to milk in the summer here. Arizona, remember ! I raise calves usually until October when I start to use the dairy products here. Calves go for a premuim price as they always look great on that wonderful jersey milk. Then I milk and store the wonderful butter and dairy products for the rest of the year. I usually milk my girls for a month or two to get enough butter for the year to sell and keep for us. I will freeze cream for ice cream and other great treats, like cheeses, soups, and soap, the list goes on. The rest of the milk I raise pork with and boy do they ever gain on left over milk, even with out any cream . They gain approximately two pounds a day. This makes a beautiful animal at the end of a growing season. We have a waiting list for our beef and pork. My prices are usually about $5.00-$6.50 per pound. I am telling you it is the best and my customers are very loyal and spoiled. We are very pleased with the production to our family. I have visitors all year long that just want to come and visit the cows that are so sweet. Families that drive by often stop and ask if they can bring over their children . I love to share my expierences with people. Every one wants a picture with the adorable little cows. It makes me very proud to be able to show off these little guys. I started out wanting one for milk and I am now addicted to them, with seven babies due this year. I know these cattle will steal your heart away too. If you wish to contact us or have any questions about the mini jersey, feel free to get in touch with us, we look forward to hearing from you. Rocking Robin Ranch Robyn and John Hutchison www.minijersey.org , e-mail rockingrobin @minijersey.org or feel free to call : (928-925-6886)