Union County courier. [volume] (Elk Point, Union County, D.T. [S.D.]) 187?-1913, 1878-06-26
~Cal,fornia's Migratory Dairymen.

The migratory dairymen are busy just
now in preparing to start for their sum-
mer homes in the Sierras. Their cows
have all had calves and butchers have
made away with them for veal. These
migratory dairymon, though the name
We have applied to them does not indi-
cate it, are the most prosperous of Cali
fornia dairymen. Their winter homes
are located in the foot hills at about the
altitude of Folsom, Latrobe, Shingle
Springs, Jackson and Oroville, and their
summer homes and really active dairy
farms, are high up on the summit of the
Sierras, on the elevated plains watered
by living springs, gushing out of the
surrounding elevation in the secluded
wales and gulches, and on the shores of
the numerous lakes that abound in those
regions. Their foot-hill homes are the
real homes of the family. Here and
there comfortable family residences,
nestled in some of the numerous cosy and
picturesque localities SO frequent in
these sections. The first experiments in
this new enterprise were made but a few
years since. These experiments proved
SO successful and profitable that they
were followed up by the enterprising
pioneers in the business, and others fol-
lowed suit, until to-day the migratory
dairies of the foothills and Sierra sum-
mits are not only nemerous but extern
sive, and their owners are among the
most successful and wealthy dairymen
in the state. The business is conducted
about as follows: The COWS have their
calves from February 70 the middle OF
April. Such of the heifer calves as are
desirable on account of their promising
dairy qualities to keep, are raised, all
others are turned off for veal. From the
time the cows begin to come in, till
about the 1st to the 18th of May, some
of the dairymen make butter while some
make cheese. At about this time, all
things being in readiness, the dairy, in.
Guiding the cows, herders, mixers,
butter-makers and all the necessary
dairy tools and furniture are started fol
the mountains. The owner and such oil
his family as intend to spend the sum.
mer with the dairy accompany them
Arrived at the place of destination, the
spring is just opening and the grasses are
tender and luxuriant, and in great
variety. Red clover, white clover and
various California wild c~lovers, also
nearly all the natural grasses of recog
nized value as forage plants, such a.
timothy, red-top, wild rye grass, orchard
grass, bunch grass, are found in grea'
abundance. Water for stock is plentiful
everywhere, and Of the best quality
The weather is cool and delightful, ant
the climate healthful and invigorating
The summer residence and butter-hous
is put in order, and the business of tn
season is commenced at once in earnest
With such feed, and such water, and il
such a climate, the yield Of milk come
up to the utmost capacity OF the COW
tho cream rises rapidly and fully, ant
the butter comes readily. The location
is a most fortunate one, not only nat
urally, but in a business point of view
Being on the divide between Nevada an
California, the very best market for but
teris at hand on either side.-San Fran
cisco Call. yF.