FAMILY MILK COWS

Our Morning milking routine and some of the ways we use the milk we get.
Chocolate milk:
3-4 quarts of milk
mix together:
1/2 cup very hot water
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 tsp vanilla
pinch- 1/4 tsp salt
Pour chocolate mixture into milk and enjoy.
Stirring Pitcher 2 quart: amzn.to/3IOrfdv
The stirring pitcher I have is a Pampered Chef discontinued model but I saw them available on eBay!!

[@carmalitayanock9584]

I don't know why I find all your videos so relaxing, but I do. I've learned so much from you all. Thank you for sharing your amazing life with us.

[@Ruthannzimm]

You are so welcome

[@leigh2e200]

I totally agree! And I go about my own housework with so much more energy and satisfaction.

[@joannekimball6273]

I agree very relaxing!😊❤

[@belindareitz9873]

Did I see sheep in the barnyard?

[@stephaniemarley2193]

Agreed. I can see myself homesteading. Catching the hens, what brave souls, that is the one thing I don’t know if I could do.

[@francelanoue1292]

So cute to see the cat receiving their shot of milk directly from de cow! They are lucky cats! ❤

[@rebeccadavis6812]

Thank you for the video showing what you do with some of the milk. It is fun to get to see the sights and sounds in the barn early mornings, especially the kittens getting their milk.

[@Ruthannzimm]

Glad you enjoyed it. The barn gets really noisy these days with 8 piglets!!

[@weikelmd]

I love seeing your boys help, but most of all I enjoy Maxwell's expressions. He seems like such a sweetheart!

[@zinnia3684]

I love your music. It is a signature for your channel. It’s peaceful and distinctive. Never overpowering.

[@cathykernen4909]

So awesome and relaxing just watching you do your routine chores with the children. You're such a good teacher. Thank you for sharing your life with us. One city girl loving country life

[@diannerabon3524]

I would love the fresh milk in the mug with syrup just once in my life!! The morning barn is so loud and busy! Love seeing your kids helping and all the animals together.

[@EmilyGOODEN0UGH]

The boys with their mugs of hot milk looking like old men drinking that first cup of coffee. LOL And the cats getting a drink right out of the air. Priceless.

[@heymomma]

I’m so glad I found your channel, I love watching your informative and relaxing videos. I especially love how you include your children in all that you do!

[@lindapotter5750]

My brother's barn cat Big Daddy used to catch that stream of milk perfectly. He was invaluable as a ratter too, more than earned his milk.In the foster home I was in we had 5 cows milking. It does take awhile for your hands to quit spasming. It is soothing at the same time...we always had country music and hot coffee with fresh cream to keep everyone happy.😊🙃❤

[@belieftransformation]

So great to see how well you handle your animals. The children do so well helping with everything! Great family!

[@marlys7426]

Those boys make me laugh out loud!! Their eagerness churning butter is so neat. The older kids are busy with other duties. Love watching you make everything from scratch!!

[@lotofhankins1]

This video was so refreshing. Your children joyfully helping with the chores. My two oldest girls (we have 4 girls and 7 boys) get the opportunity to help a local family do their barn chores when they’re out of town and when our family does thankful night for our devotionals if it’s during their time of helping our friends they always say “I’m thankful we get to milk the cow again” and this mama is thankful for free raw milk! 🥛 we’re praying the Lord will make a way for us to get a milk cow because my family isn’t keen on the goat milk. 😅

[@stephencameron1709]

I love those milk mustaches! So cute! Val C

[@valeriehufnagle883]

Just saw this video. My Grammy would send us to the barn with a cup and nestles quick for “hot chocolate” when my Pappy and Uncle were milking. All the cats knew when it was milking time and got milk the same way. Miss that.

[@wendypeckinpaugh1078]

The side eye Norma gave you while you were milking Gwen was priceless! Lol😊

[@charlenequinilty7252]

Brings back memories of my childhood. Thank you.

[@Famcke]

Ah man, the video ended tooooooo soon. 😆🤣 Love your videos. Thank you for sharing. The children are adorable 😍 💐🙏🏻🇺🇸

[@Ruthannzimm]

I’m so glad you enjoyed it!!!

[@beckypelletier8494]

I love seeing Norma adjusting to hand milking. We are hand still trying to train our jersey to hand milking. She is getting better by the day. I milk with a bucket between my legs for all the same reasons.

[@Ruthannzimm]

It’s a challenge that I’ve learned to really enjoy!

[@marlenepopos12]

Boy do I enjoy your videos. Keep them coming. Your living the life the good Lord would want all of us to live. Out of the rat race and into the self sufficient life. I am enjoying gardening in my little garden and living in my old house too.

[@lrfox49]

You are so calm I’ve never milked a cow or goat! I love watching your life on the homestead!

[@lindapotter5750]

As a child, I made butter with the same type of churn. We washed the butter with ice cold water with wooden paddles, Dad loved the buttermilk in a glass with pepper and broken up bread. We had a mold that was exactly 1 pound. If we had excess, we sold it locally. We added a bit of canning salt for flavor.🙃🤗

[@pauletterichards4755]

Children having so much fun

[@Lkristina65]

This is My favorite video! Can you please show us more of the animals ! God Bless

[@arlabiron4207]

LOVE love love the maple syrup in the cups. Ironically my husband just brought home one for each of my family members and we will definitely be doing that with our littles now. What a neat idea. :)

[@user-wj3ix6nz9j]

What a fantastic life .... farm life. A lot of work; but the outcome is so worth it !!!

[@edithofr.i.emeraldisle5042]

Love this video. I love all those sounds that I would never hear where I live. So nice to hear your voice and those sounds....even the wind....especially without music in the background ( unless it is your daughter playing piano or the boys singing). Love the sounds of the pigs...the turkey....you telling the boys to move the cows and let them know who is boss. I have a friend who worked on a big milk farm and a mean cow would try to catch her against the stall. But your Gwen and the others seem loved and not stressed at all. I love that the boys get maple syrup and fresh milk on a cold stormy day. Your channel calms me and informs me and you are great at videoing and editing.

[@kariekelley6847]

I love everybody including the cat is just getting the milk right there!

[@greenmouseguard]

Your videos are so entertaining., thank you. Your such an amazing person. Thanks for sharing your family & chores. Those boys are so cute and helpful. What a great fanily. God bless you all 💋🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@Ruthannzimm]

Thank you so much!

[@user-wj3ix6nz9j]

This video reminds me of my own childhood when we would go to visit my aunt and uncle on the farm. I would go with my cousin to help him with the chores: keeping the calves away while mamas were being milked, feeding the chickens, and other animals. How i miss those days.

[@lindapotter5750]

Our 5 cows were stanchion trained.. in winter, I would push between two cows and they would sandwich me between them. I'd be warmed up in no time. We had to put the milk in a milkcan and haul it two miles to the house. After separating it we went to school while my foster mother started making bread and churning the butter. She had a special 1 pound form made for the butter. It was one piece then, no four quarters with markings. We had to eat margarine so she could sell the butter. We had to drink goat milk so the cow's milk could be used for butter making. I still don't like goat milk unless it's super fresh and ice cold! I also didn't like to eat duck eggs...lol. Good for ya you say....then you eat them...lol.😊

[@Ruthannzimm]

Yes. I had a very similar childhood!! We had a butter mold like that too and was m cows in the winter are a core memory of mine!!! Thanks for sharing and making me smile.

[@johnfarmer1691]

someone buy this wonderful lady a milking machine god bless her and her family

[@dr.allisongunneph.d.6494]

What a blessing that you live a natural life! I grew up living much the same way & now I bring as many practices to our lives as possible. We have an empty nest & no grandchildren so a milk cow provides more than we need. Fortunately, we have an Amish community to buy essential items we no longer make ourselves. We have chicken, honey bees, orchard, grape & berry, main vegetable garden, corn field, kitchen garden w herbs & perennial crops, & plenty of wild game for meat. We sold our beef cattle business. We lease two of our farms & live on one. We love our lives!! Blessings , Allison 🍁

[@lindaleach7954]

You have such a nice family! I greatly enjoy watching the interaction between all of you. This is proof of the great mother and homemaker you are! These things don't happen by chance but take a great deal of dedication, love, persistence, and modeling. Thanks for sharing things in your daily life with us!!

[@Dianah1952]

I have been watching your chsnnell for a few days now and i am so impressed with you! You are the proverbs 31 woman for sure. I admire you and all the work you do every day. I just watched your making yogurt video and yesterday your cleanig one plus a lot more. Your children are adorable too. I also follow you on Instagram. Thank you for sharing your life with us.❤

[@anitaculp683]

I love Gwen!!! Such a sweet girl with the kids!!!!

[@rockytaub7028]

You have such a beautiful family. I could just hug them. I love the milk mustache

[@shannonrising9024]

Your boys are so cute with their mugs of fresh milk.

[@bonniehayes5481]

Thank you for sharing your tip about sterilizing your milking equipment with hydrogen peroxide! I bought a quart bottle and starting using it this week. I only have 2 Nigerian Dwarf goats so the quart should last me a very long time. When I had Jerseys I used bleach (many years ago) but like this alternative MUCH better. I understand why you use the dropper to measure the extra strength peroxide. I was moving the bottle to get to some fruit trees to take back outside (indoors for the winter) and didn't realize it had leaked a little around the lid. Couldn't understand why two fingers were burning. No cuts or thorns or anything. Didn't realize what caused it until my skin started turning white. Copious water, rubbing down with alcohol and more water finally got things back to normal, but it took quite a while. Still like this better than bleach - will just be more careful. Thanks again - love your videos. Want to try to clabber some milk sometime soon. 🙂

[@Livingangelerin]

God IS Good! Amen! Love to you sister! You’re doing a beautiful job in so many ways. God bless you 🙏

[@RabittsGal]

Seeing the boys milking the cow for their milk..brought tears to my eyes. 😊❤

[@debbieboatner3261]

This video has been so helpful to me!!! Love watching and following you!!!!

[@johnfarmer1691]

your very lucky to live there with lovely cows i learn so much from you thanks from durham england

[@hermanbishop5275]

Thanks for sharing

[@Decorment]

You give me a calmness about these new things I'm learning, and make them feel totally doable! Oh, and a question: What type of fabric do you use to strain the milk? Thx!

[@rebeccabodmer5498]

Always look forward to your videos 😊

[@Ruthannzimm]

Yay! Thank you!

[@williamkrise2583]

The best way to have milk

[@helenafrozze]

So cute with all the boys drinking milk, i hope to have this one day :)

[@patriciaharlen4823]

I really enjoyed this video. The chocolate milk sounds scrumptious. And boys, your fort is so cool! I'm 61, but I grew up playing on my grandparents' farm way back in the days. We built forts and tree houses and played in the woods, too. Your fort brings back many good memories.

[@alisonwestermann1875]

I'm getting a milk cow next month, thank you for sharing!

[@Ruthannzimm]

Wonderful! I’m so happy for you!!!

[@MarfaPavlovna]

That's really great! We got ours a year and half ago. I love drinking raw milk! I was overwhelmed with milk and we've got pigs since, so they can benefit from the excess.

[@janamerican]

Your little boys are so buzy and having FUN! Love to see it!

[@angiechapman9816]

To think she had twins. I'm watching some videos back to front. It was great seeing the boys having mugs of her milk and also the cats, they made me laugh. Thanks for sharing all what you do. From 🇬🇧 x

[@joannekimball6273]

7:55 pm watching your video on milking cows you do a great job very relaxing special lady thank you for sharing your family secrets you are so kind and easy to understand! God bless you and your family!❤

[@cookiemorgan9824]

lol this reminds me of us 7 kids when we were little. Milk cow feeding the boys & even the cats know to come and get it. Lol

[@lleestimer2547]

Thank you so much for the wonderful video!

[@jenniferlopezs741]

I love how you teach your children ❤❤

[@jacquijames7585]

Fantastic video x

[@WillowsGarden]

God is Good, have a blessed weekend!

[@Ruthannzimm]

Always

[@ernestcampbell8965]

That is so interesting to me I never lived on a farm but I would like to experience this live once there are so many things you all do I would love to be part of a wedding a funeral a barn raising just invite me up there also a quilting bee I'll work for free!! Your so sweet

[@Ruthannzimm]

Ohhh quilting bees are so fun!!!!!

[@lindanelson8969]

Love your videos ❣️❣️

[@johnfarmer1691]

good breakfast for children god bless u all

[@ElementalDexters]

Great video!

[@Ruthannzimm]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@eileenkillen1481]

This done my heart the world of good. ❤

[@SquirrelRun]

I love these videos and I'm learning so much! What kind of fabric (the sheer fabric) do you use to strain the milk? Is that fabric also good for straining the milk solids out of butter to make ghee? Is the fabric washable after that process! Thank you!!

[@marilynweber7957]

I wish I lived by you - those boys are so sweet - we are now borrowing our Pastor's cow . . . they had to go on vacation and we have her thru the end of June - we are making all the cheeses we can - our cow died - so sad - don't know where to get another.

[@ritabjerstedt7386]

Lot of snow

[@oldnanz]

Have a great weekend stay warm

[@Ruthannzimm]

Thank you, I will

[@virginiamurrell1409]

You are such a sweet lady I watch all your videos thanks for sharing

[@OhiominkCoates]

Thank you have a nice day

[@user-fd3wl1pr7s]

You should try Maple Syrup Milk as another natural alternative. IT'S SOOOOOOOOO GOOD

[@Lacrym92]

you can use Xylitol instead of sugar. healthy and sweet like standard sugar. amazing what you do.

[@rebeccadees2300]

Your knowledge base is amazing! Do you refer to the recipes you learned from your parents and grandparents?memory? I really am enjoying your channel unfortunately I don’t have access to fresh milk. Thank you for sharing your homestead life.

[@johnreginahenderson7032]

This was an awesome video! Thansk😊Regina

[@JustHomestead]

Oh my gosh, I love that butter churn! Is it an antique?

[@debbiehayes1804]

How do you get the pickle smell out of your jar lids? I have never been able to do that. Thank you for your awesome videos!

[@HolyFamilyHomesteadWV]

I’m a little sensory sensitive. I would need some noise canceling earbuds in there in the morning. 🤣

[@sandraburke1258]

BEAUTIFUL, MY DEAR, Sincerely a Granny

[@hermanbishop5275]

I need a strainer like yours

[@clairewerthman2467]

You do such a great job making cheese from the cows. Have you ever thought of trying goat cheese? You could use some of your garden herbs ion making different flavors???

[@shan684wins4]

Just a question. You get at least three gallons a day? So are you making butter, cheese and other dairy items daily? How long does the milk last? How wonderful it is to have that much milk. God Bless. I enjoy your videos so much.

[@marthasundquist5761]

It's getting harder to find the churn paddles, i see many of the older square jars that originally came as a butter churn like that. Might need to visit the amish and see if they still sell them.

[@gwenienelson2535]

Well I have never had a cow by my name before Sincerely Gwen

[@Ruthannzimm]

🥰🥰

[@hesketthavenfarm1012]

I enjoy watching all your videos. I’ve been learning so much from you thank you. But I have one question. What is you ratio for the sanitizing solution you use? I don’t want to keep using bleach and this looks so much safer. I too have dairy goats and just got a Jersey heifer.

[@LisaB_at_Pine_Ridge]

Would love to know where you found that funnel that fits your jar❤

[@Ruthannzimm]

Bought it at a local farm store 15+ years ago when we had milk goats

[@hy1ib]

Such a cool video! :) Do your cows produce A2 milk protein? How do you prevent the cats from attacking the chickens?

[@Ruthannzimm]

Yes our cows are both A2/A2. And our cats don’t bother the grown chickens. The chickens will even chase the cats away from their cat food dish.

[@chasingmoonlightfarm]

@homesteadingwiththezimmermansWhat is the ratio for peroxide to water for cleaning the pails?

[@Ruthannzimm]

You can use the 3% peroxide from the pharmacy straight. If using 35% peroxide you need 11 parts water to 1 part peroxide

[@heidimichaelis3091]

I would like your recipe for chocolate milk. Have you shared it anywhere?

[@carrolinenewtonisaac3234]

Winter here -35 lol

[@gwenreed8605]

Where did you get the picture with the plunger on it you made chocolate milk with and what size is it?

[@AmazingGrace945]

Where do you get your large jars?

[@shelbyboschult2206]

Looking at getting our first milk cow soon(ish)! Are there any other items you guys use regularly that you would recommend such as udder balm, mastitis tester etc? Also a question about butter - how do you store it/does it last long on the counter?

[@Ruthannzimm]

We don’t keep those things on hand. If needed we use tallow balm that we use on our own skin. We’ve not used a mastitis tester. We have had very little issues with mastitis and usually catch it in the beginning and are able to nip it in the bud by milking her out completely.

[@MarfaPavlovna]

We use bag balm mostly. If we run out, we'll often use coconut oil.

[@SheilaD7]

…and that’s why I live in the south!!

[@bethmitchell6981]

how far into the pregnancy do you start to dry them off before calving? Love the video

[@Decorment]

Definitely would like to know more about how you juggle the timing of the 2 cows' pregnancies, milking, letting them dry up, etc. This info is very hard to find. 2 dairy cows sounds like the perfect way to go to always have milk, but details please, if you can.

[@lauraandrade7909]

Where do you get your milk pails?

[@seraiahdoyle8741]

How long does your butter last in the fridge? Do you typically freeze it?

[@Ruthannzimm]

It lasts for a couple months in the refrigerator. We also freeze it when we have excess

[@orlenapotter8391]

Do you just drink the milk that still has the cream in it? And do you use the full milk for chocolate milk or do you remove the cream first?

[@Ruthannzimm]

We remove most of the cream for making butter.

[@marilynweber7957]

How do you keep her from kicking when there are flies from the heat???

[@sanot8443]

You only need to milk once a day? I’ve always thought you had to milk twice a day or have a calf that takes care of the second milking?

[@Ruthannzimm]

A couple months after they calve you can wean down to once a day even without a calf.

[@smos1430]

Could you explain your peroxide/water mixture??

[@mckaylaaldridge6083]

What is your sanitizing mixture ratio? I remember you explaining it at some point in another video or story but I can’t remember where!

[@Ruthannzimm]

In this video!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2PQfoilobabjKs