Published 24 July 2025
Jersey milk has long been celebrated for its rich flavour, natural golden hue and creamy texture. These unique qualities come from our Jersey cows’ higher butterfat and protein levels, meaning that the milk truly stands out from other varieties.
At the heart of the story is the doe-eyed Jersey cow, a breed originating from the island. Over centuries, these cows have been bred to be efficient producers of nutrient-rich milk, loved both locally and around the world.
From small family farms to larger operations, Jersey cows help to produce high-quality milk as well as a range of premium Jersey Dairy products, such as butter and ice cream, now growing internationally.
Jersey milk
Milking the facts: Your Jersey milk Q&A
What’s so good about Jersey milk?
Milk produced by Jersey cows is known for its high fat and protein content, creamy golden colour and rich flavour. Quite simply, it is delicious and incredibly good for you! It also offers more calcium, vitamins A & D, omega‑3s, and often A2 β‑casein protein versus standard breeds.
When do Jersey cows start making milk?
Like all dairy cows, Jersey cows only produce milk after giving birth. Their first production begins after they have birthed their first calf, usually around two years old.
What else is made using Jersey milk?
Jersey milk is not only great for pouring on your cereal or into your coffee. It is used to produce a delicious range of dairy products, including our delicious Jersey Dairy ice cream and other tasty treats like:
- Premium butter
- Cream
- Yogurt
- Thick shakes
- Iced coffee
Jersey cows
Heritage, quality and tradition
Jersey cows, native to our island, are renowned for their rich heritage and exceptional milk quality. This iconic breed produces milk that is notably high in butterfat and protein, making their milk creamy and thick. Their legacy continues to thrive, combining tradition with top-quality dairy products.
Jersey cows are more than just a breed: they are a living symbol of the island’s heritage. This deep-rooted tradition comes to life at the Royal Jersey Agricultural & Horticultural Society (RJA&HS), twice a year, where generations of dairy farmers come together to display the best of the breed. These events are a proud celebration of island farming, with expert judges assessing cows on their quality, conformation and condition. Held each spring and autumn, the shows are a highlight in the rural calendar and a reminder of the community, care and artistry that go into breeding and raising Jersey cows. For many local families, it is a tradition passed down through generations, connecting past, present and future through one of the island’s most iconic animals.
@blancpignondairyfarm | @jersey_dairy
Jersey cows uncovered: Your top questions answered
How long are Jersey cows pregnant for?
Jersey cows are typically pregnant for approximately 279 days (9 months). The same as humans!
What are Jersey cows known for?
Jersey cows are well known not only for their rich, creamy milk, but also for their light brown coats, expressive eyes and gentle nature.
Where do Jersey Cows originate from?
Jersey cows originate from Jersey, one of the Channel Islands between England and France. The breed dates back to the 1800s. Our lush, green countryside offers the perfect environment for them to graze and roam.
Life on a Jersey dairy farm
A Jersey dairy farm’s daily routine begins just before 05.00, as farmers head to the milking parlour where the island’s iconic Jersey cows are ready for their first milking of the day. Each cow is milked two to three times daily, producing rich, golden milk. Not long before noon, the raw milk is taken to Jersey Dairy, where it undergoes pasteurisation and is processed into different milk types through separation and standardisation. It is also transformed into butter, cheese, yogurt and more – enjoyed locally and around the world.
After milking, the cows are turned out to graze on lush pastures. Jersey’s mild climate means cows can be outdoors for much of the year, contributing to both their wellbeing and the quality of their milk.
The rest of the day is packed with essential tasks – feeding calves, checking equipment, maintaining fields and preparing for the next milking session. Many farms are family-run and passed down through the generations, blending tradition with care.
By evening, the last milking is complete, and the cows settle in for the night.
@jersey_dairy | @clairvalshenandoahcows | @patigol9
Meet the moo crew: The legends of the field
La Ferme Farm
Calf
Say hello to the smallest member of the moo crew. She may be little now, but do not be fooled! Her wide eyes are full of big dreams (and milk cravings). Whether she is napping in the straw, this calf is already winning hearts and perfecting the art of charm.
Her favourite hobbies include taste-testing hay, mooing for snacks and trying to lick everything in sight.
La Ferme Farm
Milking cow
Meet the CMO (Chief Milk Officer). This hardworking lady is at the heart of the dairy operation. Milked two to three times a day, she produces the rich, golden milk that makes Jersey cows world-famous. With her calm nature and steady routine, she knows exactly when it is time to head to the parlour. Her milk is packed with butterfat and protein, perfect for turning into creamy butter, cheese and yogurt. She spends her days grazing, relaxing and delivering the goods.
Bull
As the boss of the farm, a Jersey bull plays a crucial role in preserving the strength, quality and genetic heritage of the island’s world-famous breed. While he does not produce milk himself, his influence is found in the next generation of high-performing Jersey cows.
If you’re out exploring the island, keep an eye out for our beautiful Jersey girls grazing in fields.
You can also indulge in a delicious range of our dairy products, from ice cream kiosks and coffee shops to the island’s restaurants and farm shops. It’s easy to sample Jersey dairy during your visit.
