# E59: The Family Milk Cow Revival | Shawn & Beth Dougherty

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/homesteaders-of-america-468890/e59-the-family-milk-cow-revival-shawn-beth-dougherty
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/homesteaders-of-america-468890/e59-the-family-milk-cow-revival-shawn-beth-dougherty.md
Podcast: [Homesteaders of America](https://stenobird.com/podcast/homesteaders-of-america-468890)
Published: 2026-05-13T08:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/homesteaders-of-america/episodes/E59-The-Family-Milk-Cow-Revival--Shawn--Beth-Dougherty-e3j7k2t
Audio file: https://anchor.fm/s/22cde408/podcast/play/119836189/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2026-4-11%2F423946234-44100-2-fb918b494a397.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/homesteaders-of-america-468890/episodes/e59-the-family-milk-cow-revival-shawn-beth-dougherty
Duration seconds: 3071

## Resource

The family milk cow has been making its comeback… for good reason! In this episode, Shawn and Beth Dougherty share practical wisdom every beginner needs to hear on choosing the right homestead dairy cow, managing excess milk,, and building a low-input farm that works with nature instead of against it. We also dive into dual-purpose dairy genetics, the value of multi-generational homesteading, and why home-centered living is about far more than simply producing food. In this episode, we cover: - Why the family milk cow has long been considered the heart of every homestead - Honest questions to ask before bringing home a milk cow for your family - The reality of managing excess milk and why many new cow owners feel overwhelmed - Unexpected ways surplus milk can fuel the rest of the homestead instead of going to waste - What experienced homesteaders are looking for now in practical, low-input dairy genetics - Why multi-generational and community-centered homesteading makes dairy ownership far more sustainable - Encouragement to stop overthinking the good work in front of you and simply begin - The deeper cultural and spiritual restoration happening through home-centered living View full show notes and transcript on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. Thank you to our sponsors! KubotaUSA.com | Providing the right equipment to keep us moving, shaping, and growing America's farms, fields, and construction McMurrayHatchery.com | A wide selection of poultry breeds and supplies to assist you with raising your flock NewCountryOrganics.com | A trusted source for certified organic, soy-free animal feed and minerals designed to support your entire farm ecosystem ShareHealthcare.com | A Christian-based, health-sharing community where members come together to cover medical need…

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## Transcript

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