MJF Etta Jane Butters joined our herd twice – once as a favor to my friend and mentor, Tim O’Donnell, to keep for him and finally as an official herd member about one year later! In the meantime, Etta calved a most lovely heifer calf, DC Lilibet Luv, who we were also able to add to our herd, thanks to Tim! Etta was bred by MaryJane Butters and was even featured on her cookbook: Milk Cow Kitchen.

Etta is no spring chicken… in fact, most might consider our decision to a 10 year old cow to our herd foolish. But just one long look at Etta and you’ll understand why we took the chance: she looks phenomenal for her age. Her udder is still well attached, her topline is strong and straight and she stays fat on air! We are so excited to add more of those genetics to our herd through Etta and her heifer, Lilibet.

Etta was bred to our new herdsire, Hilltops Rango, for a January 2025 calf – and, thankfully, she settled on her first heat with him! It will be his first calf and we are so excited to see just what the combination of such wonderful genes produces!

Etta is a true miniature and measures barely 40″ at the hip at maturity. She is an excellent producer for her small size, gives about 3.5-4 gallons a day at peak and requires relatively little input for that kind of production. She has not had any post-calving metabolic issues either, just an all around wonderful cow!

You can see more of Etta on our Instagram here.

Beta Casein: A1/A1

Polled Status: Dehorned

DOB: 1/25/2012

Color: Fawn

Sire: Riverview Milky Way (Riverview Elvis x Riverview A Granny Girl)

Dam: MJF Maizy (unknown)