Similar to other cows, a Jersey cow will be first mated when she is around 16 – 18 months old. This will be followed by a 9 month gestation period after which she has her first calf.

A cow’s milking life begins once she has calved. At approximately 65 days she will be mated again. Cows will typically milk for around 9 – 10 months of the year, with 2-3 months being a restful (dry) period. Most cows will continue this life cycle for many years.

At Bannister Downs our oldest Jersey cow, Mrs Grey, is 18 years old  and we have just retired her on the farm.