Best Milking Practices
Upcoming Events
There are currently no events scheduled for this course.
Course Details
These workshops educate farm managers and milkers about proper milking techniques and practices necessary to produce a high-quality product that will increase productivity and profitability.
Taught in English, this program will educate English-speaking farm managers and milkers about the proper milking techniques and practices necessary to produce a high-quality product that will increase productivity and profitability.
Producing the highest quality milk is one of the most important jobs on the farm. Reducing somatic cell count can be done by implementing standard operating procedures and having a consistent milking routine. Use of consistent milking practices that emphasize teat cleanliness, udder massage and rapid milking is very important to udder health. In addition, developing standard operating procedures such as pre-dipping, fore-stripping, and rapid unit attachment and detachment are essential for producing quality milk.
This hands-on workshop will reinforce best milking practices, including proper stimulation, teat-end health and the essentials of milk let-down. Participants will learn:
- How to milk for speed and teat health
- Best prepping procedure to reduce mastitis
- Tools and tips for monitoring milking performance
- The importance of early detection of clinical mastitis
Instructors
Instructors are Amber Yutzy, Greg Strait, and Andrea Tholen, Penn State Extension educators.
Biosecurity Note
A portion of this workshop will be on farm. Bring footwear that can be sanitized, as well as warm and clean clothing. We will provide plastic boots.
SmartStart Credit
This program is eligible for 1 SmartStart credit from AgChoice Farm Credit.
Contact
For more information, call toll-free 888-373-7232 or contact:
- Amber Yutzy, Extension educator: anl113@psu.edu
- Greg Strait, Extension educator: gls10@psu.edu
- Andrea Tholen, Extension educator: aut16@psu.edu
