Best Milking Practices
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
Registration
Registration fee: $35 per person. To register, mail in this form and a personal check, or register online with your Mastercard or VISA.
50% Off Discount Available: Pennsylvania dairy producers and their dairy employees may attend this workshop for the discounted fee of $17.50, thanks to a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. To receive this discount, recipients must be willing to provide their Social Security Number to the Department of Labor and Industry at the workshop. Those unwilling to provide SSN will be charged the full rate of $35. Pennsylvania agribusiness employees are not eligible for this reduced registration fee. Online registration is not available for WIB discount.
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
