Why Calf Sharing with Jersey Cows Just Feels Right (and Honors God, Too)

For those new to the term, calf sharing is the practice of letting the calf stay with its mama while still taking some milk for yourself. Instead of separating them at birth (which is a common in conventional dairying), you give them time and space to bond—as we believe nature and God intended.

🐄 It’s Kinder—for Both Mama and Baby

Anyone who’s raised animals knows they have emotions, instincts, and relationships. When a calf is taken away too soon, both mother and baby can experience real stress.

Jersey cows especially tend to be very maternal. Calf sharing gives them the chance to nurse, nuzzle, and bond with their calves naturally. The calf grows strong, and the cow stays emotionally and physically healthier, too. And with a bit of planning, there’s still plenty of milk to go around.

Ethically, it just feels better. You’re honoring the animal for what she gives and respecting her role as a mother. It’s a slower, more thoughtful way to farm—and honestly, it’s more rewarding.

📖 It’s Biblical—True Stewardship in Action

When God gave us the earth and its creatures, He didn’t say, “Take what you want and don’t look back.” He said to care for it.

Genesis 2:15 says, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” That’s stewardship—working with creation, not against it.

Psalm 24:1 reminds us, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” That includes our cows and their calves. They don’t belong to us—they’re gifts we’re called to care for with gentleness and wisdom.

And Proverbs 12:10 couldn’t be clearer: “The righteous care for the needs of their animals.” That means giving them more than just food and shelter. It means treating them with the kind of compassion God shows us every day.

🌾 It Feeds More Than Just Our Bodies

There’s something deeply spiritual about walking out to the barn and seeing a calf nestled beside its mama. Watching them move together, nurse, and rest—it reminds you of the slow, sacred rhythm God wove into creation.

Calf sharing invites you to slow down. It’s not about extracting as much as you can—it’s about participating in the process with gratitude. It turns milking from a chore into a relationship. A partnership.

And let’s be real—there’s a special kind of joy in pouring a jar of creamy Jersey milk into your coffee, knowing it came from a cow who’s cared for, respected, and still raising her baby by her side.

So if you’re thinking about calf sharing—or you’re already doing it—just know: you’re walking a path that lines up with both conscience and calling. It’s gentle. It’s thoughtful. And it’s exactly the kind of stewardship God smiles on.

Here is a list of Pros/Cons to Calf sharing

Pros	Cons
🧡 Preserves the Mother-Calf Bond    Calves stay with their moms, which supports emotional well-being and natural development.	🍼 Less Milk for You    The calf takes a good portion of the milk, especially in the early months.
📖 Biblical Stewardship    Aligns with Scriptures about caring for God’s creation (Genesis 2:15, Proverbs 12:10).	🐮 Protective Mama Behavior    Some cows may become harder to milk or defensive around their calves.
🌾 Supports Animal Welfare    Allows cows to raise their young the way God designed, reducing stress and separation trauma.	⏰ Requires a Daily Routine    Often involves separating calf overnight and milking in the morning—consistency is key.
🧘‍♀️ More Natural & Gentle    Encourages a slower, more relational farming lifestyle rooted in respect and rhythm.	💧 Udder Hygiene Can Be Trickier    Calves can leave udders messy or sore, increasing the need for extra attention and care.
🌟 Spiritually Fulfilling    Invites you to slow down and engage more deeply with your animals and the land.	😢 Weaning Is Emotional    Later separation can be harder after a strong bond has formed between cow and calf.
🧒 Great for Homestead Families    Once established, it’s a gentle, flexible way to get enough milk for family use.	⚖️ Unpredictable Milk Supply    Daily milk yield can fluctuate depending on how much the calf nurses.