Managing Personnel for Milking Parlors on Large Herds

As today's dairy consolidates, cows are being milked more rapidly through larger milking parlors on larger dairies than ever before. Because milk is the primary commodity and source of income for producers, the harvesting of milk is the single most important job on any dairy. Producing high-quality milk to maximize yields and economic value requires effective parlor management, an enormous challenge for producers. Managing large parlors includes managing labor, milking equipment, as well as monitoring and evaluating parlor performance. The goal of parlor management for large herds is to enhance profits by maximizing milk yield, udder health, and overall efficiency. This may be accomplished by adequately training and motivating employees to efficiently milking clean, dry, stimulated teats using proper milking hygiene.