traditional / heritage type Guernsey

We are looking for a Guernsey cow or heifer, but would like to find a farm that breeds for the old school or heritage traits of the breed... raised on grass, longevity, good legs, etc.
Can anyone point me in the right direction? We are in Colorado, but willing to travel for the right cow!

Back when I was establishing my herd, I searched for Guernseys in or near Colorado. No luck whatsoever. Guernseys are considered a rare breed at this point, so there are a lot fewer animals to choose from. Tragically, as your post alludes to, there are even fewer quality Guernseys that have been bred and selected for production traits and ruggedness. Most of the breeders are focused on breed standards, which is really shorthand for show cows.

If I had found good Guernseys, I would have happily bought them. I ended up with Brown Swiss, a much more common breed that is used much more for production than show, and couldn't be happier.

good luck!

Guernseys are concentrated in very few areas and farmers are not willing to give them up very easily. Trust me, I have searched all over N. America with very little success. I transported 2 across the country to start my dairy and lost one from shipping fever/respiratory issues. Like Adam mentioned, you may want to search for a more available breed in your area. Where are you located Christy?

Kris, we are in Colorado.

Sorry I just realized that you already wrote that. I can tell you that the majority of Guernseys are in the Pacific NW, Virginia and Ontario, Canada(where i got mine). I have been searching for over a year.

Christy,

If you pm me your phone number or email address I can get you in contact with a possible lead.

This spring I received two guernsey scottish-highland crosses from my pig guy who gets them from another party so I don't know all the details but I could find out.

Hi Christy
We are along the front range (south) and havent been able to find many Guernseys either. Most of what we have seen hasnt been worth what they are asking. seems the premium for the a2/a2 and Guernsey name really drive the prices up.
we always wonder how much of the cows condition is management and how much is genetic - but i dont have a good enough eye to tell the difference.

also, remember no one will sell you their best cow
we have taken to only keeping cows that were born on our farm, even if they are not purebred this or that.

Good luck