Doing Life Out West
Living The Dream – Milking Cows and Baking Bread
Meet The Singing Milkmaid
A Life Rooted in Agriculture
Hi, my name is Jennifer Keeler, and I’m a wife, mother, grandmother, and a true Jack, or Jill-of-all-trades. My journey began on a farm and ranch in Southern Colorado, where I grew up as the youngest of five children in the 1980s. Those were tough times for families in agriculture, and my parents homesteaded out of necessity, growing food to sustain our family of seven. We raised cattle, chickens, rabbits, milk cows, and pigs, and we planted a garden every year—a tradition I’ve loved ever since.
During high school, I was an active member of FFA (Future Farmers of America), and my Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) project was a nurse cow operation. I raised calves with two Holstein/Gelbvieh cross cows, caring for them after school and serenading them with Disney songs—my favorite part of the day! FFA and 4-H shaped my future in profound ways. One pivotal experience was attending a youth conservation camp before my senior year, which led to competing in the Society for Range Management Youth Symposium. I earned fourth place nationally with my speech on the effects of urban sprawl on the agriculture industry. These moments inspired me to pursue a degree in Rangeland Ecosystem Science.
After starting my college journey at Lamar Community College (LCC), where I played volleyball and completed my basic courses, I transferred to Colorado State University (CSU) in Fort Collins. While studying, I joined the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Student Trainee program, working in various offices across Colorado during the summers. In 1997, I was sent to Wray, Colorado—a place that would change my life forever.
In Wray, I gained invaluable experience creating grazing rotations and wildlife diversity plans for ranchers. More importantly, I met Dave Keeler, who insisted I meet his nephew, Cam Keeler. God certainly works in mysterious ways, as matchmaking wasn’t Dave’s strong suit, but his nephew turned out to be a funny, ornery, and athletic cowboy. That summer, I got to know Cam and Dave’s family, and by fall, we decided we didn’t want to be apart. We got engaged and married the following summer.
Cam and I settled in Galeton, Colorado, where I finished my degree and Cam worked on a farm and feedlot. In September 1999, we welcomed our daughter, Katelyn, and three months later, I earned my Bachelor of Science in Rangeland Ecosystem Science. Soon after, I began a full-time role with NRCS in Walsenburg, Colorado, while Cam worked on a ranch near Trinidad.
As our family grew with the births of our sons Teagan and Bridger, we decided it was best for me to stay home with the kids while Cam pursued work closer to home. Over the years, we moved to various ranching and guiding jobs, eventually landing in the hills northwest of Trinidad. During this time, I worked as a mail carrier, managed a feed store, and later managed a café on Main Street—a job I loved because of my passion for creating delicious food and connecting with customers.
Eventually, we realized we longed to return to the country and raise our children closer to family. Cam took up fencing and ranch work while I pursued a teaching degree and became a social studies teacher in Kim, Colorado. This chapter reignited my love for gardening and homesteading.
About eight years ago, we moved closer to my parents, and everything began to fall into place. Cam launched his fencing business, and we leased land to start a ranching operation. Four years ago, we had the opportunity to buy milk cows, and that’s how Annabelle and Charlotte joined our family. Having a milk cow again had always been my dream, and seeing it come true felt like a blessing.
For years, I dreamed of turning my passion for baking into a business. I loved making bread and treats for family and friends but didn’t see a path forward—until recently. A verse from Esther resonates deeply with me: “Perhaps you were created for such a time as this.” Homesteading is making a comeback as people seek healthier, simpler lifestyles, and I believe this movement is about more than food—it’s about nourishing our bodies and minds by reconnecting with the basics of life.
Today, I’ve never been happier or healthier, balancing outdoor activities, creative projects, and running a small business. My hope for The Singing Milkmaid is to inspire others by sharing my journey, helping them start their own homesteading adventures or overcome challenges along the way.
Thank you for joining me on this journey! I pray that my story sparks inspiration and brings joy to your life.
Annabelle, our beloved Jersey cow, is the heart and soul of our little herd. With her gentle nature and endless affection, she’s a true queen of the pasture. Annabelle adores calves and generously shares her nurturing gifts with anyone in need. Mellow and content, she’s perfectly happy with a simple life of hay, pastures, and the occasional snack—but she does have a peculiar love for onions and chives that keeps us laughing.
Her love of company is just as endearing. If the gate is open, you might find her wandering up to the front porch, bellowing softly for Jen to come out and keep her company. Despite her advanced years, this remarkable lady still produces an impressive 6–7 gallons of milk a day, making her an invaluable part of our homestead. Annabelle isn’t just a cow; she’s family, and her gentle presence brings so much joy to our lives.
Charlotte holds a special place in our barnyard, standing next in line to the throne—unless, of course, Pansy is fresh and claiming the spotlight. This 4-year-old Jersey/Ayrshire cross has a personality all her own. Sweet and affectionate with Jen, Charlotte’s trust is a treasure she doesn’t give away easily. To everyone else, she’s a little more reserved, keeping her distance and observing with a careful eye.
Her gentle, shy demeanor makes her all the more endearing, and she’s a true gem in our herd. Though she may not demand attention, Charlotte quietly contributes to the rhythm of the farm, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. This barnyard princess has a heart of gold—especially for those lucky enough to earn her trust.
Betty has a heart as big as her appetite for fresh pasture! Last summer, she proved her incredible nurturing spirit by raising not just her own calf but also two orphaned calves. She took them under her wing, showering them with love and nourishment like the devoted mama she is.
Betty is an absolute joy to have in the herd. Her easygoing nature and willingness to care for others make her truly special. Whether she’s doting on babies or simply enjoying a sunny day, Betty’s presence brings a sense of warmth and harmony to the barnyard. We couldn’t be more grateful for this sweet, selfless gal!
Pansy, Annabelle’s 4-year-old daughter, carries herself like royalty—and with good reason. As a Jersey/Ayrshire cross, she’s inherited both beauty and promise. With her charming crown-like horns, Pansy seems to believe she’s the queen of the barnyard. But her momma, Annabelle, is quick to remind her who truly holds the highest rank.
Despite her playful attitude, Pansy is wonderfully good-natured and full of potential. Her milk production has already shown great promise, and we’re eagerly awaiting the arrival of her second calf this spring. This rising star in the herd has a bright future, and we can’t wait to see her continue to shine!
Punky Brewster, Pansy’s lively 2-year-old calf, has all the charm and energy her name suggests. This spirited Jersey/Red Angus cross is about to reach a big milestone—she’s expecting her first calf next month!
Punky has spent the past year out in the pasture with other heifers her age, but now it’s time for her to rejoin the family. We’re thrilled to welcome this fun-loving gal back into the fold and can’t wait to see her take on motherhood with her signature sass and spunk. Stay tuned for updates on her exciting new adventure!
Baby Belle, Annabelle’s spirited daughter, was born just a year and a half ago, and she’s been keeping us on our toes ever since! This lively girl is the perfect blend of energy and charm. She adores her human friends, often seeking their company and affection. But don’t let her calm moments fool you—she knows how to command attention with a well-timed head butt if you dare stop petting her too soon.
When it’s mealtime, Baby Belle doesn’t mess around. If you’re not moving fast enough with her hay, she’s quick to show her displeasure with a playful but firm nudge. Despite her sass, she’s full of love and brings endless fun to the barnyard. Baby Belle is proof that life is a little brighter with a dash of personality and a whole lot of spunk!
Ginger is the quiet observer of the barnyard, steadily learning the routines and getting the hang of life here. While she’s catching on quickly, she’s still a little hesitant when it comes to human attention. She prefers to hang back, taking her time to assess everything and everyone around her.
We’re confident that with patience and kindness, Ginger will come to trust us fully. There’s something so endearing about her gentle spirit and cautious nature—it’s a reminder that trust takes time, and every small step is worth celebrating. We can’t wait to see Ginger blossom as she grows more comfortable in her new home.
Forever thankful for the many blessings in life. I’m excited to share my journey of joyously serving The Lord, my family, and the surrounding communities!
