Jason Myers stands in the spotless parlor where the cows are milked twice a day. The milking machines gently squeeze high-quality milk from the cow’s udder.

Donna Myers inspects the video camera that is focused on the farm’s “maternity ward.” The video feeds into a television located in the Myers’ house so they can keep a close eye on cows giving birth.

Calves at Windsor Manor are given the royal treatment. They have their own individual “rooms” and 24-hour access to fresh water and feed.

In his spare time, Jason Myers likes to collect antique milk bottles. He and Donna are also involved in several industry organizations. Additionally, Donna serves as director of the Maryland State Fair.

Ruby is the matriarch to a very special cow family at Windsor Manor.

Granddaughter Kelsey Zepp pets her calf, Raindrop, the great-granddaughter of Ruby. Kelsey will be showing Raindrop at the county fair this year for the first time.

The Windsor Manor homestead in Carroll County, Md.

The Three ‘Rs’ are the Foundation of Care at Windsor Manor

Name: Jason and Donna Myers

Farm Name: Windsor Manor Farm

Family: Daughter, Kristin Myers; daughter and son-in-law, Kelly and Gabe Zepp, and grandchildren, Bryce and Kelsey Zepp.

Location: Carroll County, Md.

We all remember the “three Rs” from our school days and at Windsor Manor Farm those “Rs” are even more important to Jason and Donna Myers. Instead of reading, writing and ’rithmetic, it’s Ruby, Rosebud, Raisin…and Raindrop!

The Three Rs

In this case, the “Rs” are the names for the standout cow family on the Myers’ farm, located in Carroll County, Md. Starting with great-grandmother Ruby and following through to her great-granddaughter Raindrop, these beautiful Red and White Holstein cows represent the philosophy of Windsor Manor – taking above-average care of above-average cows.

Just like their cows, the Myerses have several generations on the farm, making theirs a true family tradition. Jason and Donna are proud to have their daughter, Kelly, helping each day with the many chores involved in providing top-notch care for the cows. Kelly’s children, Bryce and Kelsey, while young, are already the owners of their own cows – Rosebud and Raindrop. Both children are eagerly awaiting the county fair where they will join another family tradition, showing their dairy cattle. The prospect of a blue ribbon brings excitement to each family member because only the very best cows and showmen receive a blue. As evidenced by the many ribbons and trophies already won by the Myers family, they are certainly fine dairymen and cow caretakers.

Above Average Care

The cows at Windsor Manor are all friendly and curious. They are pampered by the Myerses every step of the way, from their entrance into the world to the spotless, comfortable parlor where they are milked twice a day.

On nice days, the cows have access to the farm’s pasture. Just as important, they also have a barn that offers shelter during rain and snow and fans to cool them on hot days. The Windsor Manor barn also features cow beds that have soft, dry mattresses where the animals can rest between milkings. Clean water and fresh feed is a short walk away. The Myerses work with a nutritionist to provide balanced and nutritious meals to the cows. They also use the expertise of a veterinarian to keep their cows healthy. Just like people, the cows receive preventive vaccinations on a regular schedule to protect them from diseases, starting when they are calves.

The Maternity Ward

Before each calf can become a cow, it must have a calf of its own. This is how cows give milk. One unique aspect of Windsor Manor is its “maternity ward,” the pen where cows give birth to their calves. A video camera is mounted over the straw-bedded pens, and the video signal transmits onto a television located in the Myerses’ bedroom. From here, Donna can keep a close eye on cows during the night, making sure their deliveries are smooth and without incident. The video camera allows her to see if a cow needs extra help giving birth. If so, she and Jason can go into “doctor” mode, assisting the animal with a safe delivery.

“I don’t sleep well when one of my cows is about to give birth,” Donna confessed. “The video camera helps – being able to so easily check on the cow during her labor eases my worry. I know if there is a problem that I can respond immediately.”

Calf Care is Royal

Once born, Windsor Manor calves are housed in individual hutches to prevent diseases and to help ensure optimal health and growth. The calves are fed milk twice daily and always have access to fresh water and grain. Each hutch is bedded with soft, clean straw and features an outside portion where each calf can enjoy fresh air. When the calves reach 3 months of age, they “graduate” to their new home, a large and lush pasture with several other calves. As a group, the calves will stay together as they reach maturity and begin to produce milk.

The Myerses name each calf at birth. The name not only helps the Myerses keep track of the calf’s health and age but it shows the more than 60 cows on the farm the respect and fondness the family has for each animal as an individual.

“We wouldn’t farm if we didn’t love the cows. Farming for us is more than a way of life, it is a part of who you are,” Donna said.

It’s evident to even a bystander that the Myers family truly loves this way of life. With each new calf born, the passion for cows and the dairy industry is also re-born. A new pupil is ready for its education in the unique Windsor Manor “three Rs” – Respect, first-Rate care and a Reverence for a fine way of life.