Be prepared for some frosty conditions

A MINORITY of dairy farmers have always milked during the winter, and are reasonably well prepared for frosty conditions.

Many farmers who have sufficient quota are milking their later calvers this winter, taking advantage of the high price of milk, and availability of autumn grass and above average quality silage. This is very profitable milk production.

However, milking facilities must be prepared for frosty weather. Having a supply of salt ready, drain the milking machine, rinse it with a salt solution which can be rinsed out before milking, insulate everything and keep up the temperature with lights etc.