Press Kit
ABOUT US
In the far North Woods of Idaho you'll find a cozy little homestead raising Registered Miniature and Midsize trained Jersey family milk cows. We're grain-free, GMO-free, pasture based, and strive for beyond Organic practices on our homestead. We pride ourselves on caring for our animals as well as we would our children, seeing to their health and comfort before our own. We're excited to share our little Jersey cows and rare breed chickens with you.
Lance was raised next door to his grandpa's small dairy farm of mixed breed cows. He remembers the old fridge on the porch full of milk and the neighbors paying by honor system.
While Lance was still serving in the Army, in the Fall of 2012, we bought two bred Jersey cows and dreamt of Spring calves and fresh Raw Milk for our family. Before Sweet Cream and Buttermilk calved, Lorinda had never milked anything. Ever. And, to really add to the steep learning curve, they hadn't been handled much and had never been milked. She learned a lot VERY quickly, mostly about being patient and observant. Both cows went on to be family milk cows and she was praised for their wonderful manners during milking.
Despite her initial fear, and occasional tears, Lorinda was in love with her Jersey cows and our herd hasn't stopped growing since!
Lance was raised next door to his grandpa's small dairy farm of mixed breed cows. He remembers the old fridge on the porch full of milk and the neighbors paying by honor system.
While Lance was still serving in the Army, in the Fall of 2012, we bought two bred Jersey cows and dreamt of Spring calves and fresh Raw Milk for our family. Before Sweet Cream and Buttermilk calved, Lorinda had never milked anything. Ever. And, to really add to the steep learning curve, they hadn't been handled much and had never been milked. She learned a lot VERY quickly, mostly about being patient and observant. Both cows went on to be family milk cows and she was praised for their wonderful manners during milking.
Despite her initial fear, and occasional tears, Lorinda was in love with her Jersey cows and our herd hasn't stopped growing since!
FARM HANDS
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Lance grew up next door to his grandparents small farm. Part of his daily chores from an early age were to look after fences and livestock.
He joined the Army as a Senior in High School. After serving 27 years, he Retired as a First Sergeant. His favorite livestock are his Polled Mini Highland heifers and the six sweetest barn cats you'll ever meet. |
Lorinda has fond memories of her time exploring the woods behind their house and the ponies they owned when she was in elementary school.
She dedicated her life to her children and homeschooled them both from an early age through High School. She's obsessed with her Mini Jersey cows. Recently, she's made room in her heart for Faverolles chickens. |
Amber spent her early years as an Army Brat, traveling the USA from Washington State to Alaska, New Jersey, Georgia, and Kansas. She eagerly joined her parents in Idaho and lives on the family farm.
She loves all the animals and takes most of the photographs featured on the website and Facebook pages. If pressed to choose a favorite she'll say the Livestock Guardian Dogs. |
ACHIEVEMENTS
Purebred Mini Jersey Society Herd Book
President, Lifetime Charter Member
Aug 1 - Present
President, Lifetime Charter Member
Aug 1 - Present
Resilience for Land and Livestock Conference, with Gabe Brown and Dr Temple Grandin
March 27 & 28, 2019
March 27 & 28, 2019
Lorinda; National Ladies Homestead Gathering
Western US Regional Director
Aug 1, 2018 - Present
Western US Regional Director
Aug 1, 2018 - Present
National Poultry Improvement Plan Participant
March 5, 2018 - Present
March 5, 2018 - Present
American Poultry Association Membership
Feb. 5, 2018 - Present
Feb. 5, 2018 - Present
Armed to Farm Sustainable Agricultural Training for Military Veterans
October 9-13, 2017
October 9-13, 2017
Lorinda; Ladies Homestead Gathering of West Bonner County, ID
Member and Chapter President
Sept 23, 2017 - Present
Member and Chapter President
Sept 23, 2017 - Present
The Livestock Conservancy Membership
July 29, 2017 - July 30, 2019
July 29, 2017 - July 30, 2019
Lance, Farmer Veteran Coalition Homegrown By Heroes 2017 Certification
March 08, 2017 - Present
http://www.farmvetco.org/stories/lance-barnes/
March 08, 2017 - Present
http://www.farmvetco.org/stories/lance-barnes/
PRESS RELEASES
Q-Fever Added to the Extensive List of Testing for Mini Jersey Herd
- November 20, 2019
The following cows and heifer were tested for Q-Fever/TB/Brucellosis/BLV/BVD/Johne’s by WADDL on 11/20/2019. Brook and Meadow were born on North Woods Homestead in Idaho, into their herd. They have tested clean every time, for every health test they've undergone.
Bella (7/17, 11/18, 11/19)
Brook (2/18, 3/19, 11/19)
Meadow (11/19)
North Woods Homestead testing history for BLV/BVD/Johne’s as of 8/13/2019:
Cows currently in the herd that have tested clean:
Emerald (4/16, 11/18)
Ruby (4/16, 2/18, 8/19)
Fern (8/19)
All untested cattle were born into the herd to tested dams:
(birth date & dam shown):
Willow 4/15/2018 (Ruby)
Autumn 11/23/2018 (Brook)
Lilac 5/31/2019 (Fern)
Star Garnet 11/13/2019 (Brook)
Aurora Borealis 11/16/2019 (Bella)
Evergreen 11/16/2019 (Emerald)
The cows placed in the past 7 years that tested clean, most by third party Veterinarians:
Buttermilk (5/13)
Creme Brulee (12/14)
Creme Caramel (2/16)
Munchkin (4/16, 3/17)
Buttercup (4/16, 4/17)
Snowflake (4/16)
Betsy (5/16, 4/17)
Bebin (4/17)
Lileas (4/17) & 1 month old bull calf, Fearghas
Bella (7/17, 11/18, 11/19)
Brook (2/18, 3/19, 11/19)
Meadow (11/19)
North Woods Homestead closed the herd with the arrival of the last purchased cow, Kloppe Formidable Bella, Aug of 2017. There has never been a positive disease test on any of their cattle.
- November 20, 2019
The following cows and heifer were tested for Q-Fever/TB/Brucellosis/BLV/BVD/Johne’s by WADDL on 11/20/2019. Brook and Meadow were born on North Woods Homestead in Idaho, into their herd. They have tested clean every time, for every health test they've undergone.
Bella (7/17, 11/18, 11/19)
Brook (2/18, 3/19, 11/19)
Meadow (11/19)
North Woods Homestead testing history for BLV/BVD/Johne’s as of 8/13/2019:
Cows currently in the herd that have tested clean:
Emerald (4/16, 11/18)
Ruby (4/16, 2/18, 8/19)
Fern (8/19)
All untested cattle were born into the herd to tested dams:
(birth date & dam shown):
Willow 4/15/2018 (Ruby)
Autumn 11/23/2018 (Brook)
Lilac 5/31/2019 (Fern)
Star Garnet 11/13/2019 (Brook)
Aurora Borealis 11/16/2019 (Bella)
Evergreen 11/16/2019 (Emerald)
The cows placed in the past 7 years that tested clean, most by third party Veterinarians:
Buttermilk (5/13)
Creme Brulee (12/14)
Creme Caramel (2/16)
Munchkin (4/16, 3/17)
Buttercup (4/16, 4/17)
Snowflake (4/16)
Betsy (5/16, 4/17)
Bebin (4/17)
Lileas (4/17) & 1 month old bull calf, Fearghas
Bella (7/17, 11/18, 11/19)
Brook (2/18, 3/19, 11/19)
Meadow (11/19)
North Woods Homestead closed the herd with the arrival of the last purchased cow, Kloppe Formidable Bella, Aug of 2017. There has never been a positive disease test on any of their cattle.
Updated Mini Jersey Herd Testing
- August 12, 2019
- August 12, 2019
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North Woods Homestead testing history for BLV/BVD/Johne’s as of 8/13/2019:
Cows and heifers currently in our herd that have tested clean:
Emerald (4/16, 11/18)
Bella (7/17, 11/18)
Brook (2/18, 3/19)
Ruby (4/16, 2/18, 8/19)
Fern (8/19)
All untested cattle were born here to tested dams:
(birth date & dam shown):
Meadow 5/11/2017 (Emerald)
Willow 4/15/2018 (Ruby)
Meatloaf 5/21/2018 (Emerald)
Autumn 11/23/2018 (Brook)
Lilac 5/31/2019 (Fern)
Porterhouse 7/5/2019 (Ruby)
The cow placed in the past 6 years that tested clean, most by third party Veterinarians:
Buttermilk (5/13)
Creme Brulee (12/14)
Creme Caramel (2/16)
Munchkin (4/16, 3/17)
Buttercup (4/16, 4/17)
Snowflake (4/16)
Betsy (5/16, 4/17)
Bebin (4/17)
Lileas (4/17) & 1 month old bull calf, Fearghas
North Woods Homestead closed the herd with the arrival of the last purchased cow, Kloppe Formidable Bella, Aug of 2017. There has never been a positive disease test on any of their cattle.
Cows and heifers currently in our herd that have tested clean:
Emerald (4/16, 11/18)
Bella (7/17, 11/18)
Brook (2/18, 3/19)
Ruby (4/16, 2/18, 8/19)
Fern (8/19)
All untested cattle were born here to tested dams:
(birth date & dam shown):
Meadow 5/11/2017 (Emerald)
Willow 4/15/2018 (Ruby)
Meatloaf 5/21/2018 (Emerald)
Autumn 11/23/2018 (Brook)
Lilac 5/31/2019 (Fern)
Porterhouse 7/5/2019 (Ruby)
The cow placed in the past 6 years that tested clean, most by third party Veterinarians:
Buttermilk (5/13)
Creme Brulee (12/14)
Creme Caramel (2/16)
Munchkin (4/16, 3/17)
Buttercup (4/16, 4/17)
Snowflake (4/16)
Betsy (5/16, 4/17)
Bebin (4/17)
Lileas (4/17) & 1 month old bull calf, Fearghas
North Woods Homestead closed the herd with the arrival of the last purchased cow, Kloppe Formidable Bella, Aug of 2017. There has never been a positive disease test on any of their cattle.
Updated Testing for Disease-Free Mini Jersey Herd
- March 14, 2019
- March 14, 2019
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North Woods Homestead testing history for BLV/BVD/Johne’s as of 3/14/2019:
Cows and heifers currently in our herd that have tested clean:
Emerald (4/16, 11/18)
Lileas (4/17)
Bella (7/17, 11/18)
Brook (2/18, 3/19)
Ruby (4/16, 2/18)
All untested cattle were born here to tested dams and are 24 months or under currently:
(birth date & dam shown):
Meadow 5/11/2017 (Emerald)
Fern 5/17/2017 (Ruby)
Willow 4/15/2018 (Ruby)
Meatloaf 5/21/2018 (Emerald)
Autumn 11/23/2018 (Brook)
The cow placed in the past 5 years that tested clean, most by third party Veterinarians:
Buttermilk (5/13)
Creme Brulee (12/14)
Creme Caramel (2/16)
Munchkin (4/16, 3/17)
Buttercup (4/16, 4/17)
Snowflake (4/16)
Betsy (5/16, 4/17)
Bebin (4/17)
North Woods Homestead closed the herd with the arrival of the last purchased cow, Kloppe Formidable Bella, Aug of 2017. There has never been a positive disease test on any of their cattle.
Cows and heifers currently in our herd that have tested clean:
Emerald (4/16, 11/18)
Lileas (4/17)
Bella (7/17, 11/18)
Brook (2/18, 3/19)
Ruby (4/16, 2/18)
All untested cattle were born here to tested dams and are 24 months or under currently:
(birth date & dam shown):
Meadow 5/11/2017 (Emerald)
Fern 5/17/2017 (Ruby)
Willow 4/15/2018 (Ruby)
Meatloaf 5/21/2018 (Emerald)
Autumn 11/23/2018 (Brook)
The cow placed in the past 5 years that tested clean, most by third party Veterinarians:
Buttermilk (5/13)
Creme Brulee (12/14)
Creme Caramel (2/16)
Munchkin (4/16, 3/17)
Buttercup (4/16, 4/17)
Snowflake (4/16)
Betsy (5/16, 4/17)
Bebin (4/17)
North Woods Homestead closed the herd with the arrival of the last purchased cow, Kloppe Formidable Bella, Aug of 2017. There has never been a positive disease test on any of their cattle.
Rare Herd of Mini Jerseys is Rarer Still for Being Disease-Free
- November 15, 2018
- November 15, 2018
Several diseases, Bovine Leukosis Virus, Bovine Viral Diarrhea and Johne's Disease are rampant in the US among beef and dairy herds. It's estimated that 84% of dairy herds in the United States are infected with BLV. Sub-clinically infected animals shed the virus in milk, blood, saliva, and nasal secretions. Research is being conducted currently on BLV replication found in some humans. Johne's has been detected in humans with Crohn's disease, though if there's a connection it's unclear. Ranchers and farmers experience economic losses from reduced production and deaths related to these diseases and BVD.
Due to the highly contagious nature of these diseases testing and a minimum 30 day quarantine of new animals prior to joining the herd is strongly recommended. North Woods Homestead maintains a closed herd. No new cattle are being added to limit the risk of disease introduction to the clean herd.
North Woods Homestead testing history for BLV/BVD/Johne’s as of 11/16/2018:
Cows and heifers currently in our herd that have tested clean:
Emerald (4/16, 11/18)
Lileas (4/17)
Bella (7/17, 11/18)
Brook (2/18)
Ruby (4/16, 2/18)
All untested cattle were born here to tested dams and are 18 months or under currently:
(birth date & dam shown):
Meadow 5/11/2017 (Emerald)
Fern 5/17/2017 (Ruby)
Willow 4/15/2018 (Ruby)
Meatloaf 5/21/2018 (Emerald)
Autumn 11/23/2018 (Brook)
The cow placed in the past 5 years that tested clean, most by third party Veterinarians:
Buttermilk (5/13)
Creme Brulee (12/14)
Creme Caramel (2/16)
Munchkin (4/16, 3/17)
Buttercup (4/16, 4/17)
Snowflake (4/16)
Betsy (5/16, 4/17)
Bebin (4/17)
North Woods Homestead closed the herd with the arrival of the last purchased cow, Kloppe Formidable Bella, Aug of 2017. There has never been a positive disease test on any of their cattle.
Due to the highly contagious nature of these diseases testing and a minimum 30 day quarantine of new animals prior to joining the herd is strongly recommended. North Woods Homestead maintains a closed herd. No new cattle are being added to limit the risk of disease introduction to the clean herd.
North Woods Homestead testing history for BLV/BVD/Johne’s as of 11/16/2018:
Cows and heifers currently in our herd that have tested clean:
Emerald (4/16, 11/18)
Lileas (4/17)
Bella (7/17, 11/18)
Brook (2/18)
Ruby (4/16, 2/18)
All untested cattle were born here to tested dams and are 18 months or under currently:
(birth date & dam shown):
Meadow 5/11/2017 (Emerald)
Fern 5/17/2017 (Ruby)
Willow 4/15/2018 (Ruby)
Meatloaf 5/21/2018 (Emerald)
Autumn 11/23/2018 (Brook)
The cow placed in the past 5 years that tested clean, most by third party Veterinarians:
Buttermilk (5/13)
Creme Brulee (12/14)
Creme Caramel (2/16)
Munchkin (4/16, 3/17)
Buttercup (4/16, 4/17)
Snowflake (4/16)
Betsy (5/16, 4/17)
Bebin (4/17)
North Woods Homestead closed the herd with the arrival of the last purchased cow, Kloppe Formidable Bella, Aug of 2017. There has never been a positive disease test on any of their cattle.
North Woods Homestead Receives NPIP Certification
- March 5, 2018
The purpose of the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) is to ensure the health of avian flocks. The NPIP is a state and federal program that was established with the intent of eliminating Pullorum disease. The program now includes the testing and monitoring of Salmonella typhoid, Salmonella enteritidis, Mycoplasma gallisepticum, Mycoplasma synoviae, Mycoplasma meleagridis and Avian Influenza. Commercial poultry production, backyard breeders, show birds, domesticated waterfowl and game birds are included.
Nationwide sales and interstate transport of adult birds, chicks and hatching eggs requires NPIP certification. Shipments are documented with a VS Form 9-3. Annual Pullorum Typhoid (PT) testing completed for purposes of the NPIP program also fulfills poultry show and county/state fairs exhibition requirements. The standardized certification is recognized nationwide.
The North Woods Homestead flock of rare Salmon Faverolles is recognized as a participating member of the NPIP, #110. Participants can also have their flock tested for H5/H7 Avian Influenza (AI). This testing is completed by an ISDA field representative. The flock at North Woods Homestead is tested for Avian Influenza and “AI Clean”.
The National NPIP website lists all hatcheries, dealers, and independent flocks in the United States for those who wish to purchase poultry from an NPIP source.
- March 5, 2018
The purpose of the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) is to ensure the health of avian flocks. The NPIP is a state and federal program that was established with the intent of eliminating Pullorum disease. The program now includes the testing and monitoring of Salmonella typhoid, Salmonella enteritidis, Mycoplasma gallisepticum, Mycoplasma synoviae, Mycoplasma meleagridis and Avian Influenza. Commercial poultry production, backyard breeders, show birds, domesticated waterfowl and game birds are included.
Nationwide sales and interstate transport of adult birds, chicks and hatching eggs requires NPIP certification. Shipments are documented with a VS Form 9-3. Annual Pullorum Typhoid (PT) testing completed for purposes of the NPIP program also fulfills poultry show and county/state fairs exhibition requirements. The standardized certification is recognized nationwide.
The North Woods Homestead flock of rare Salmon Faverolles is recognized as a participating member of the NPIP, #110. Participants can also have their flock tested for H5/H7 Avian Influenza (AI). This testing is completed by an ISDA field representative. The flock at North Woods Homestead is tested for Avian Influenza and “AI Clean”.
The National NPIP website lists all hatcheries, dealers, and independent flocks in the United States for those who wish to purchase poultry from an NPIP source.
North Woods Homestead Joins the APA
- Feb 5, 2018
The American Poultry Association is the authority on breed Standard characteristics. They promote and protect standard bred poultry at all levels and publish the book, American Standard of Perfection, with the breed and variety descriptions for all the recognized purebred fowl. They assist, encourage, support, and sanction poultry shows all over the USA and Canada as a means of sharing purebred poultry with the public and interest future breeders. The Association licenses poultry show Judges.
North Woods Homestead, LLC, believes in and supports the efforts of the APA as Members in good standing. Our Salmon Faverolles are being bred to the APA Standard of Perfection. An APA Hall of Fame Exhibitor, Judge, and Breeder helped us cull our foundation stock and was hands-on in the selection of our breeding flock.
- Feb 5, 2018
The American Poultry Association is the authority on breed Standard characteristics. They promote and protect standard bred poultry at all levels and publish the book, American Standard of Perfection, with the breed and variety descriptions for all the recognized purebred fowl. They assist, encourage, support, and sanction poultry shows all over the USA and Canada as a means of sharing purebred poultry with the public and interest future breeders. The Association licenses poultry show Judges.
North Woods Homestead, LLC, believes in and supports the efforts of the APA as Members in good standing. Our Salmon Faverolles are being bred to the APA Standard of Perfection. An APA Hall of Fame Exhibitor, Judge, and Breeder helped us cull our foundation stock and was hands-on in the selection of our breeding flock.
Herd Has Proven Purity
- Nov 14, 2017
- Nov 14, 2017
Our herd has tested 100 percent genetically pure, Breed Based Representation, BBR 100. Two Midsize cows, NW Emerald and NW Ruby, and Midsize heifer, NW Snowflake Flurry, have tested as 100 percent pure when their DNA was compared to a database of known purebred Jerseys using the 9K Ultra Low Density chip. The 45K chip was used for heifers NW Fern, NW Joe Brook Shoun, and Kloppe Formidable, and cow Goodsell Andy Betsy. The American Jersey Cattle Association offers genotyping through GeneSeek to recover genetics of unr