Can You Have Just One Cow? (Myths + Our Experience!)
Have you ever found yourself wondering, “Can I really keep just one cow? ” I know I’ve wrestled with that question myself. ESPECIALLY when we first started thinking about adding a dairy cow to our homestead. It’s a question that comes up often, and it makes sense—after all, cows are big animals. It’s easy to assume one might do just fine on its own. But as you’ll see, there is actually a lot more to consider than just space and feed.
(Psssst… did you know I was recently on a podcast talking about homestead dairy cows? Click here to listen!)
Cows are herd animals at heart, and their need for companionship runs deeper than many people realize.
In this post, we’ll walk through:
- what it really means for a cow to live solo
- how their social nature impacts their health and well-being
- what options you have if you’re only able (or wanting) to keep one cow.
We’ll also touch on practical things like grazing habits, dairy and beef cow care, and how to approach this with a mindset that honors both sustainability and the wellbeing of your animal.
So let’s dive into what it truly means to care for cattle, and how you can make the best decision for your own homestead or farm.
Our Personal Experience With Having One Cow
After the pandemic of 2020 hit, my husband and I set out to purchase a dairy cow. We wanted to help our family become more self-reliant in terms of food, and we also wanted a new commodity to barter with our homesteading community.
(By the way, you can watch the entire process we went through on my YouTube channel)
The kicker was, we had less than one acre of land to use for grazing. So a smaller, single cow was the only way we could make it happen. Yes, some people thought we were crazy. (Maybe we were, in some way!)
And although we went through quite a few hardships (including losing her to a bad case of bloat) with our first mini jersey cow, Beulah, I can honestly say that none of them were related to her being the only cow on our property. She was in such close proximity to our house, and she saw and interacted with us multiple times a day. I believe this allowed her to really bond with us.
We even gave her a foster calf to love on for a little while, after her own calf was stillborn.
Just because this was our experience though, doesn’t mean it will be the same for you. Knowing what I know now, I always advise new single cow owners to proceed with caution. Your experience may vary greatly from ours, depending on your situation and the temperament of your cow.
Understanding A Cow’s Social Structure
Taking the time to understand a cow’s natural social structure will guide you toward more thoughtful, humane ways of managing your livestock—ways that respect how these beautiful creatures were designed to live.
Cows are incredibly social animals, and living in a herd matches their design. Just like people, their well-being is tied to the connections they form with those around them.
In a herd, cows tend to be calmer, help groom one another, and generally stay healthier. It’s a powerful reminder of how important companionship is, not just for us, but for our animals too.
I know some homesteaders who have had positive experiences keeping a single cow alongside other species of animals, like goats, horses, or donkeys. It is possible for cattle to find a sense of herdship in a situation like this. But again, not every cow and situation is created equal. It’s a good idea to be mindful that you may have to change your plans a little, depending on how your cow seems to respond.
The Downside of a Solo Cow Life
In spite of the successes some have with keeping just one cow, it also has the potential to be tough on the animal. Because cows are wired to live in a herd, when they don’t have other cows around, it can lead to some real challenges.
Sometimes a solo cow can become stressed or anxious because it’s missing a natural sense of safety and belonging. This sense typically comes from being with others of its kind. You might notice signs like pacing, calling out, or seeming restless when this happens. Over time, this stress can even affect their health, making them more prone to illness or poor weight gain.
Stress from isolation can affect growth, milk production, and overall productivity, whether you’re raising beef cattle or keeping a family milk cow.
There’s no denying that being part of a herd helps cows feel secure. It gives them a way to bond through grooming or resting together, and allows them to follow natural behaviors that are hard to express alone.
Understanding this as caretakers helps us make choices that honor the way cows were created to live. Whether that means adding a companion or finding another solution, it’s worth thinking through how to meet these social needs for the good of the animal.
Practical Solutions for Keeping a Single Cow
If you’re still wondering whether it’s possible to keep just one cow, the short answer is—it can be done, it just takes some extra thought and care. Since cows are herd animals at heart, they naturally crave the comfort and security of companionship. But if adding a second cow isn’t an option, there are other practical ways to meet those social needs.
One of the best things you can do is consider getting some kind of buddy for your cow. It can be an animal of another species, perhaps more low-maintenance animals like sheep, a goat, or even a calm horse or large dog. Any of these options could help fill that gap.
Creating an enriching space for your cow is also important. Think plenty of room to graze, objects they can nudge or interact with, and offering a variety of pasture so they don’t get bored.
Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of your own presence. Spending time with your cow each day—whether that’s brushing, talking, or just hanging out—can go a long way in easing loneliness. Good nutrition and care will also set your cow up for a healthy, happy life.
With a little creativity and intention, it’s absolutely possible to care for a single cow in a way that honors its needs and supports your farm’s goals!
A Compassionate Approach to Cattle Care
What I’ve come to realize over the years is that caring for cows is so much more than just managing a farm or producing food—it’s also about showing respect for the animals we’re blessed by God to care for.
Whether a cow is living as part of a herd or happens to be on its own, their need for companionship and connection is something we can’t overlook. When we take the time to understand what makes cows feel safe, content, and healthy, we’re equipping ourselves to give them the kind of care they truly deserve.
It’s important to think more deeply about what sustainable farming and good animal husbandry really look like. My hope is that we will be inspired to choose practices that honor the natural instincts and well-being of these creatures.
Whether you’re raising cattle for milk, beef, or simply because you love them, let’s all commit to thoughtful, holistic care. Choosing this method of care supports both the animals and the future of our farms.
In the end, it’s this kind of mindful stewardship that helps keep our farming heritage strong—and full of heart.
