Blog 76

Louis and Jenny Averbeck milk 160 cows near Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. The Averbecks began making A2 cheese in 2020 after Jenny discovered she had a sensitivity to dairy products. PHOTO BY STACEY SMART

My sister sent me a very precious picture the other night that got me thinking. How old are kids — those that are around cows — when they start milking cows?

I didn’t grow up around cows, and I got my first job milking cows when I was 15. But my niece is 5 and has been around in the barn since she’s been a couple weeks old. She can tell you the ins and outs of the farm and about all of the cows. They milk in a tie-stall barn, and she knows which are the “nice” cows, because those are the ones she gets to milk — the cows that seem to know the next generation is learning and to be extra patient and gentle. 

And sometimes, it’s hard to slow down and be patient, but it’s so important. Because those little eyes and ears are watching every move and taking it all in. It’s a lifestyle like no other that not too many people get to experience. One generation learning from the next and hoping to hang onto it to get to pass it on down one day.

And I can tell you that my niece sure seems to have the passion and sense for cows thanks to her grandpa and mom and dad for being patient and letting her learn. It also helps to have those extra special cows that sense the loving care of the little ones in the barn.