Single Cow Milking Machine? The 13 New Answer

There are approximately 270 million cows in the world that are used for their milk, and cow’s milk has long been a staple of the American diet. While cow’s milk is often seen as a ‘healthy’ product for the whole family, this could change as more people understand how the dairy industry works. Fortunately, consumers have an ever-increasing variety of dairy products to choose from as cow’s milk now faces some worthy competitors from the plant-based dairy industry.

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About dairy cows

Modern cows are descended from the wild aurochs that once grazed much of Asia, North Africa, and Europe. It is estimated that they were first domesticated between 8,000 and 10,000 years ago. Scientists believe that Neolithic farmers in northern Europe and Britain were probably among the first to take the milk from cows for human consumption. The ability to digest the milk of different species spread with a genetic mutation called “lactase persistence,” which allowed weaned humans to continue digesting milk. Over time, domesticated cattle became an integral part of how human societies tilled the earth and fed themselves, and dairy eventually became part of modern industrial agriculture when the first milk truck was introduced in 1914.

What types of cows are dairy cows?

In the US, the cows most commonly used for milk production are Holsteins with their famous black and white spots. Jersey, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Ayrshire, Melk Shorthorn, and Red and White Holsteins are other types of cattle used by dairy farms.

How much does a dairy cow cost?

A lactating female cow used for dairy typically costs between $1,500 and $2,100. It can cost $2,000 a year to feed lactating cows, and high-yielding cows can eat 110 to 120 pounds of wet feed or 50 to 55 pounds of dry feed per day.

Do dairy cows have to be pregnant to produce milk?

Just like human mothers, cows are not magical milking machines and must give birth in order to begin lactation. Cows produce mother’s milk to feed and nourish their young.

milk production statistics

The average Holstein cow produces around 23,000 pounds of milk during each lactation period and can give birth at just 23 months of age.

Global milk production

According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, around 150 million households around the world milk other species of animals for human consumption. Countries in the Global North rely heavily on large industrial companies – called Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) in the US. Low-income countries in the Global South are more likely to rely on smaller family farms. The milk produced annually by all these farms is about 850 million tons, which comes from cows, buffalo, goats, sheep and camels. Cow’s milk makes up more than 80 percent of the total.

Higher milk yield

Under natural circumstances, lactating cows typically produce about a gallon of milk per day, or three to four liters. However, due to genetic manipulation and artificial high protein diets, cows today produce 20 to 25 liters (~6-7 gallons) per day or 22,000 pounds of milk per year.

What problems can forced milk production cause?

Selective breeding and high levels of forced milk production cause numerous health problems for cows, including infertility, lameness and mastitis.

infertility

Infertility on a dairy farm can be a death sentence. Cows must give birth to produce milk. An infertile cow or even a cow with reduced fertility causes financial losses to the farm and is sent to slaughter.

lameness

Due to the unhealthy conditions in CAFOs, where thousands of cows are crammed together in unsanitary indoor spaces, cows can become lame. Lack of exercise and prolonged standing on concrete floors often lead to hoof ulcers. Lameness can also be triggered by infections like foot rot and digital dermatitis, which occur when cows are forced to stand in their own feces.

mastitis

Mastitis is an infection of the mammary glands that affects many animals in the dairy industry. It causes painful swelling or hardening of the udder. It is often attributed to the cramped, poorly ventilated and unsanitary living conditions of cows, but it can also be caused by milking machines damaging the cows’ teats. This is one of the most frequently cited reasons for dairy farms to send cows to slaughter.

However, dairy farms can sell milk from infected cows. As quoted on the Encyclopedia Britannica online site ProCon.org: “You may be shocked to learn that the USDA allows milk to contain between one and one and a half million white blood cells per milliliter (that’s only 1/30th of an ounce). If you don’t already know, I’m sorry to tell you that another way to describe white blood cells, where they don’t belong, is to call them pus cells.” And according to this website, “The FDA The Pasteurized Milk Regulations 2003 set the maximum level of somatic cells permitted in Grade A milk at 750,000 cells per. Milliliters – a value that has been valid since at least 1999.”

How many years can a cow produce milk?

Dairy cows are usually artificially inseminated and pregnant again within three months after birth. Cows used for high production are allowed to live less than three years on average, although some farms keep cows alive for four to ten years to produce milk. After their time on the dairy farm, they are slaughtered and their meat sold as inferior beef.

How long do dairy cows live?

It has been reported that cows can live up to 20 years. However, because their milk production decreases with age, the dairy industry typically only allows cows a total lifespan of 4.5 to 6 years.

welfare of the dairy cow

Cows used for milk production today often live in unsanitary, cramped and unnatural spaces. They live a life of forced procreation only to take their babies from them after birth. They are forced to repeat this process in order for people to continue consuming their milk.

Does it hurt when cows are milked?

When dairy cows suffer from mastitis, milking can be painful. Although there is no pain in milking a cow when it is healthy, the cows suffer from the conditions of confinement, repeated births and the slaughter process.

grazing and living

The majority of dairy cows in the US have no access to pasture for most of their lives and are often kept indoors. This is referred to as “zero pasture”.

How are dairy cows slaughtered?

Prior to slaughter, dairy cows are typically crammed into transport trucks where they can go for days without water, feed or rest. They also endure extreme temperatures and crowded conditions. By the time the cows reach the slaughterhouse, many of them are too injured or sick to walk. These cows are referred to by the industry as “downers” and are dragged off the truck with ropes and chains. The cows, which are healthy enough to walk but too afraid to leave the cart, are often shocked with electric prods.

After unloading, the cows are forced down a chute and hit by a captive bolt gun, which shoots them in the head, intended to stun them. Because the lines move so quickly, cows are not always desensitized. Cows are then tied and hung up by a hind leg, and large blood vessels are severed to induce bleeding.

A longtime slaughterhouse worker told the Washington Post in 2001 that he often had to cut off the legs of conscious cows. He also reported that many cows were alive and conscious seven minutes after their throats were cut.

What happens to the calf of a dairy cow?

The life of a calf born into the dairy industry is not a happy one. When a dairy cow has a male baby, they are often sold for veal or cheap beef. If she gives birth to a female, her baby will most likely be subjected to the same life of forced insemination as all female cows.

Are calves killed for milk?

Since cows are deprived of their mother’s milk for humans to consume, their baby calves, if they are male, are often slaughtered early in life.

castration

Calves are castrated by bandaging them to cut off the blood supply to the scrotum, by surgery, or by squeezing the spermatic cord. New Mexico State University says, “Pain is an inherent part of castration and cannot be avoided. The castration pain initially occurs as an acute, short-term pain in connection with the actual castration process. Chronic pain is the prolonged pain that occurs in the days following spaying until the injury has healed.”

debudding

Debudding or “dehorning” is done with either a burning tool, caustic paste, gouging, or keystone. Hot iron dehorning is the most popular method of removing calves.

tail docking

Although some countries have banned tail docking, countries like Canada and the United States still allow it. Tail docking is the cutting off of part of a cow’s tail to make the milking process easier for farmers.

how can you help

The best way to help cows suffering in the dairy industry is not to buy cow milk. There are many delicious plant-based milks from around the world that are growing in popularity. Have you ever thought about trying oat, soy, potato, almond, coconut or rice milk? What about cashew, hemp or pea milk?

New varieties of non-dairy milk hit the shelves every day. It’s easy to figure out which plant-based milk is healthiest for you and which is best for the environment. There are even tons of recipes online that can show you how to make your own plant-based milk at home on a budget.

Conclusion

Don’t forget that yogurt, butter, ice cream, and cheese are also typically made from cow’s milk. There are so many wonderful and tasty alternatives to all your favorite dairy products and free plant-based and dairy-free food buyers guides to help you find them.

Not only can you say goodbye to animal dairy, you can also stand up for cows in the dairy industry by voting animal-friendly laws and candidates, campaigning to end dairy subsidies, talking to friends and family about the issues, protesting, leafleting Distribute, join demonstrations, write, testify, and educate others about standard dairy industry practices that cause cows harm.

Affiliate Disclaimer Dairyfarminghut.com is an associate member of several affiliate programs including the Amazon affiliate program. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through links on our site.

Whether you have a commercial dairy farm or just a few cows, a best milking machine can make your life a lot easier. These machines can often cut your milking time in half and come in all shapes and sizes including portable versions, multi-animal setups and more.

The best portable milking machine for cows is the Popsport 110V electric milking machine because it has: A high turnover rate of 10-12 cows/hour due to its 64ppm pump

25L milk storage

A well-designed wagon with oversized wheels for rough terrain

We’ll cover these questions in more detail below, so read on for a list of some of the best milking machines on the market, as well as some information on how to choose the best milking machine for your farm.

The best milking machine for cows

There are many different types of milking machines. Some are battery powered while others run on gasoline. Some are large and stationary while others are much more portable and lighter. Some are made specifically for one type of animal, such as cows or goats, while others can be used to milk many different types of animals.

We’ve listed a few questions above for you to consider. Here we will narrow them down to the three most important ones:

How gentle is the milking machine? Milking machines must be gentle enough to work efficiently without damaging the cow’s teats.

How hygienic is the milking machine? You want to make sure that the machine you choose is easy to clean and can be disinfected effectively so bacteria don’t get into the milk.

Is the machine easy to use? Work faster and more efficiently with an easy-to-use machine.

So what are some of the best milking machines on the market? Let’s find out!

1) A pop sport is an excellent choice for all farmers When it comes to having it all, the pop sport tops the charts. It has an excellent pump that allows you to milk 10 – 12 cows per hour and store 25L of milk in the tank. The pump pulsates at 64 revolutions per minute, which is gentle on the cows and at the same time very powerful and efficient. Check out what you might like on Amazon One of the best things about pop sports is the attached cart. It has oversized wheels that allow you to take the cart into the rugged countryside and still get the job done. It sits on a slick set of bearings that make the weight feel like a breeze when pressed. Ease of movement is an unobtrusive advantage for any milking machine; Look for devices that are easy to transport. What you may not like A major downside to this machine is that the engine tends to use a little more oil than other models. You should always check the oil level and play it safe if you think the machine is low. If the device breaks down during milking, you will lose valuable time and make the cows restless and restless.

Pros and cons of the Popsport Pros Fast milking – the pump pulses 64 times per minute

Large milking bucket – holds 25 liters of milk

This machine milks one cow at a time but can milk 10-12 cows per hour Disadvantages The engine uses a lot of oil

The instruction manual is difficult to understand and follow the opinion. As long as you’re willing to top up the oil, the Popsmart milker is worth a spot in your barn. Check Popsport milking machine on Amazon

2) An Ecomilker is easy to use and transport The Ecomilker is a great model that comes with a heavy duty cart attached to the machine. The wagon has oversized wheels that make it ideal for field trips. Its reinforced frame means you can take it to the mud and still expect top-notch performance. Ecomilker strives to make its products useful and portable. Check what you might like on Amazon The best thing about this model is that you can milk two animals at the same time. When you have a larger herd, time is of the essence and being twice as fast is a godsend. It also has a powerful pulsator that makes milking easy and painless. When you combine power and portability, you get a good machine for any herd size and terrain. What you might not like Some people find fault with this machine for not having a ton of extra bells and whistles. For those interested in performance rather than looks, the Ecomilker is a durable device that’s always ready to hit the plate. Reliability trumps every day of the week, and you should buy the Ecomilker for durability, not style.

Pros and cons of the Ecomilker Pro It can run on petrol or electricity

It has a 60 Hz vacuum pump

Able to milk 20-24 cows in an hour Cons At 264 pounds the machine is bulky and difficult to move Opinion You get what you pay for and the Ecomilker is excellent for those who want something that will last forever and are willing to give it a go pay price for it. Check the Ecomilker portable machine on Amazon

3) The 4Mul8 Machinery Milker is a great hybrid machine The 4Mul8 folks thought outside the box when they designed their hybrid machine. It works great when connected to a power source and just as well when you use the gas engine. By using multiple types of energy, the farmer can do anything to milk the cows. Check what you might like on Amazon The versatility of the machine makes its shortcomings seem inconsequential. The fact that you can use the device anywhere and still get a safe and tasty product from the cows is the most important thing and the 4Mul8 fulfills that to the highest degree. With a bit of creative engineering, you can even use this model to milk two cows at the same time if needed. What you might not like When it comes to moving, this machine has a few flaws. Because of the way it’s set up, the outlet sits on the outside of the unit, making it difficult to move around while you’re working. As much as cows move, they might tip over the bucket and spill the collected milk if they start walking. It can also hold two buckets, meaning you have twice as much to attend to.

Pros and cons of 4Mul8 milking machine Pros It can run on petrol or electricity

It has a 60 Hz vacuum pump

Able to milk 20-24 cows in an hour Cons At 264 pounds, the machine is bulky and difficult to move Opinion If you have a routine and don’t plan on moving it often, the 4Mul8 can be a versatile powered tool. Check the 4Mul8 machine on Amazon

4) Dansha Farms makes a small and simple milking machine Dansha Farms has one of the simplest and most effective machines on the market. It is so easy to use that anyone can learn to use it and produce decent milk. People who own the machine rave about how easy it works and it is one of the most recommended products in the milking machine space. Check what you might like on Amazon The odd design hides a hidden feature that could make the machine even more attractive to some farmers. The staggered design allows you to have two containers for milk. The double storage means you can work much longer without having to stop and empty bulky containers or jugs. All you have to do is add a bit more tubing and you’re in business. What you might not like Often people will shy away from this machine because it doesn’t look like a traditional machine. In essence, this is not a machine, but rather a hopper device with tubes and a central cylinder. This is not a great setup for more than four or five animals and would be a headache to make a profit.

Pros and cons of Dansha Farms milking machine The milker has a sealed pump system to keep the milk clean

The simple pump design is easy to use

The small size is perfect for personal use with fewer than five animals. Disadvantages Too small for large or commercial dairy farms. Check out the Dansha Farms milking machine on Amazon

5) When you buy a Tulsan you get a hard working and reliable milker The Tulsan Mini Milker is a fun and easy to use machine. Fun because you can take it anywhere and expect the milk to stay safe and secure in the bulky cart and large storage container. It’s like having a mountain goat with a milker attached to it. It will go anywhere and do any job. Check Amazon What You May Like One of the most overlooked things about a Tulsan is its ease of use. It’s so easy to move you’ll forget it’s a powerful and fast machine, great for smaller herds. It works more like a pressure washer than a milker, as all you have to do is check the fluids and press start to get it up and running. What you might not like These machines are hard to find. Tulsan is a smaller company with a fan base as devoted as any boy band has ever imagined. Once they have a Tulsan milker they keep it and when it eventually dies they buy another one. Keep an eye on the internet and keep your ears open if you’re looking to buy a Tulsan.

Tulsan Milking Machine Pros and Cons The four teat milking feature gets the job done

The stainless steel bucket holds up to 8 gallons

The clear pulsator lets you see the machine working. Disadvantages This machine is not available everywhere. Opinion If you can find one, the Tulsan might just be the easiest to use milker on our list today. Check out the Tulsan milking machine on Amazon

6) An Enshey is a top name in the milking machine game One of the most notable names in the industry is Enshey. Their 25 liter machine is one of the most sought after and top rated machines on the internet. It features an easy-to-use pumping system that pulsates at that optimal point, which calms the cow’s nerves while also suctioning quickly and effectively. Check on Amazon what you might like The milking rate is one of the best on the market. This allows you to milk between ten and twelve cows per hour. It works without electricity and has one of the best pumps ever installed in a milking machine. Enshey is a brand name with a growing reputation and produces one of the best milkers on the market. What You May Not Like The cart for the machine isn’t as bulky as some of the others, making it great for stable work and a bit of a hamstring when used in rough pastures and fields. It’s a lighter machine which makes it a little easier to maneuver, but the smaller wheels make it a gamble in the mud and sand on the farm.

Pros and Cons of Enshey Milking Machine Pros Enshey is a well known and trusted brand

The stainless steel bucket holds 25 liters

Fast milking rate of 64 pulsations per minute Disadvantages The machine is not durable enough for grazing Opinion Keep it off rough terrain and the Enshey will be an absolute powerhouse. Check out the Enshey milking machine on Amazon

7) The CJWDZ milking machine is animal friendly If cow comfort is important to you, check out this offering from CJWDZ. This machine comes with different suction heads made specifically for cows or goats so you can choose the most comfortable fit. The suction heads are made of food-safe silicone, so the cows hardly feel them. They might even enjoy the milking process! Check on Amazon what you might like One of the best things about this milking machine is that the pulsation process mimics how a calf suckles. The gentle, natural process stimulates the cows’ udders to produce the most milk while making the machine more comfortable to work with. What you might not like The main downside to this vacuum pump is that it doesn’t have a quick release valve – you just have to disconnect the vacuum hose when it’s time to release the suction. There is also no vacuum gauge and no way to adjust the vacuum. Those minor flaws aside, however, this milking machine is an excellent choice for keeping your cows happy and getting the job done efficiently.

Pros and Cons of CJWDZ Milking Machine Pros The machine is very portable and small enough to be carried around in a backpack

It is gentle with cows and goats and works like a suckling calf

Stainless steel buckets are available in 3L, 7L and 14L sizes. Cons It doesn’t have a quick release valve or vacuum adjustment Opinion While it’s a bit crude and handy, we can’t dispute the CJWDZ’s results. Check out the CJWDZ milking machine on Amazon

8) A Hantop milking machine is easy to set up and use The Hantop milking machine is a simple, helpful milker for cows and goats. It requires very little assembly – Hantop even claims the machine can be assembled in just 15 seconds! The whole machine is made of non-toxic and eco-friendly materials for your milking peace of mind. Check what you might like on Amazon The two teat system is great for cows and goats used to milking machines, but it’s unexpectedly strong, which can cause some animals to struggle. It’s light, just over 2 pounds, so you can easily carry it from cow to cow if needed. It comes with an aluminum alloy body that helps dissipate heat, which in turn helps the machine last longer. What you may not like The main disadvantage of this machine is that it is not suitable for larger herds and should only be used with a few animals at a time. It is not particularly fast acting, so it would take a long time to use on larger herds. However, if you have fewer than four or five animals, this milker will suit your needs well.

Pros and Cons of Hantop Milking Machine Pros It can be assembled in just 15 seconds

It weighs around 2 pounds and is easy to carry Cons It is only recommended for small herds and animals used to milking machines Opinion The Hantop is best if you have dairy cows that are already desensitized to milking machines but is a lightweight and portable one option in their toolbox. Check the Hantop milking machine on Amazon

Data table for milking machines

For easier orientation, we have collected all available data for each machine on our list and put it together for you in a quick comparison.

Milking machine pulsation times/min engine speed/rpm cattle milked/h bucket volume Popsport 64 1440 10-12 25 liters Ecomilker Cell Cell Cell 30 liters 4Mul8 60-80 1440 20-24 25 liters Dansha Farms Cell Cell Cell 1/2 gallon Tulsan Cell 1450 Cell 30 liters Enshey 64 1440 10-12 25 liters CJWDZ 40-46 Cell Cell 3/7/ 14 liters Hantop 40-46 Cell Cell 7/14 liters

How to choose the best milking machine

The hardest part about buying a milking machine for your dairy farm is knowing which machine is best for you. High-end equipment can be great for a barn environment, but moving around in the pasture can be a pain. Also, there are things you might not consider such as: B. the storage that make the decision a fingernail.

Look for a machine that works fast

When it comes to bringing fresh, whole milk to the public, you’ve got to be quick. As milk ages, its quality and taste decrease. You must have a machine that will extract the milk as quickly as possible and make it available for storage and transportation.

You should look for a machine that has a strong vacuum pump. The pump creates the suction and allows the milk to flow from the receptors into the container. It should be noted that a pump that is too aggressive will injure the animals and force them to produce less or run when it is time to milk.

Choose a pump that is kind to the animals

Nothing is madder than a cow with sore teats; When choosing a pump, look for something that is easy on the livestock. If they develop a fear of being milked, it will change the taste of the product and could even force them to flee when it’s time for milking. Herding together should not interfere with the milking process due to a stiff pump.

The pumping intensity further increases when the cups are made of much denser materials that create a stronger vacuum. These materials can be gentler on the cows, but it’s a good idea to do some calculations and see which pump fits your production schedule. Buying a pump for your home is very different than buying it for a dairy farm.

Easy to clean makes a milking machine more desirable

Cleanliness is essential when handling liquids that are consumed. Look for a machine that has no traces of spills or clogged equipment. Blockages cause the machine to spit out milk, which can contaminate the area and make it smelly.

Ensure attachment areas are clean and free of debris after each use. The cleanliness of the machine affects everything related to milk. If the machine isn’t sterile, you can tell by the way milk looks, tastes, and feels. All of this is important for the consumer who considers these factors when purchasing the product.

Safe machines produce great milk for consumers

When working with farm animals, safety is the number one priority. Injuries to the animals lead to a deterioration in their production and possibly a deterioration in their overall health. When a disease enters the herd, the damage to the cows and the ranch hands can be severe. Choose safety over efficiency or storage capacity to ensure your pack is well cared for and healthy.

Choose a machine that is easy to use and transport

The best thing about milking machines is that they are often very uncomplicated. Some hoses are attached to the teat cups and feed the storage tank inside the machine. The pump is located on top of the unit and can be powered by either gas or electricity. Stay away from milking machines with tons of buttons and gauges as they are more difficult to transport.

Some people choose to build carts or use handcarts to move their machinery across the pasture and milk their cows rather than corralling them. If you have a bulky milking machine, this can be a hassle.

The number of milkers will affect some farmers

Having a milker or two will be a deciding factor for some buyers. If you have a large herd with a few attachments, you’ll be done twice as fast. Timing is key when dealing with perishable products like milk. The ability to get milk out quickly and safely means everything to farmers and consumers

Parts of a milking machine you should know

There are several parts and gauges on a milking machine that might intimidate some people. The machine looks complicated, but it’s actually a simple filter that moves the milk from the teat to the storage container. The parts in between make the machine work and if they are not checked for wear and tear they could cause problems for the herd.

The vacuum system makes the milking machine efficient and gentle on the cows

Perhaps the most important part of the machine is the vacuum. It provides the power to suck the milk out of the teat and send it through the tube into the container. An efficient vacuum system does not harm the livestock while producing a product with excellent taste. The cups and claws all rely on a solid system to perform at the highest level.

The cluster is what connects the cow to the machine

The cluster is the second most important part of the machine. It has hoses attached to the teat cup assembly that holds the udders during the milking process. The hoses are then routed to the tank where they drain the milk and redistribute the pressure back to the animal, creating a seamless process.

The separation of milk and air is important to the process

Once the milk has surfaced in the container, the final part of the process, separation, begins. Milk must be strained for residue, and air trapped during milking accounts for a large part of lumpy milk. Air pockets can form inside the product, making it chunky or creamy in consistency.

Measuring performance is vital to the milking process

Somewhere on the milking machine is a meter that allows you to measure and record the amount of milk produced. By recording performance you will know how much work needs to be done or how many of the herd have been milked. Keeping records ensures no milk is wasted and all cows are drained.

Conclusion

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milking machines

Since the 1950s, Dutch dairy farmers have embraced mechanical aids to reduce manual effort during the milking process. This started with the use of vacuum milk pails. The use of vacuum is still the basic technical principle of today’s milking systems, even for the computer-controlled milking robots of the 21st century.

While milk robots may be a future promise, they are currently proving too expensive and not trustworthy enough to dominate the market. It is seriously doubtful whether they will ever make the breakthrough.

Several types of milking parlors are in use today. The most popular are the “herringbone type”, the “tandem type”, the “rotary type” and the hybrid “rapid exit type”. Choosing the right type of milking parlor depends mainly on the size of the herd.

How do milking machines work?

A milking system takes milk from a cow’s udder and transports it to the cooling tank. It has to be fast, cow-friendly, reliable, accurate, hygienic and user-friendly.

One can distinguish several subsystems within a milking system.

The claw and teat cups are the basic elements of any milking system. During the milking process, the 4 teats of a cow’s udder are surrounded by the 4 teat cups of the cluster. The cow gives off her milk through the periodic squeezing and sucking movements of the hoof piece.

The squeezing and sucking movements are made possible by the so-called pulsator, a sophisticated device that uses the low air pressure provided by the vacuum system to simulate the sucking of a calf’s teat. Over the years, the pulsating system has undergone many changes (not always improvements). Modern pulsators are electronically controlled instead of mechanically.

A farmer is always curious how much a cow will produce. If a cow is not doing well, this is immediately reflected in the milk yield. A popular way to measure a cow’s performance is with the glass milk container. The milk that flows from the claw is collected in the frosted glass, which has a maximum measuring index of 28 or 32 liters.

Modern milking systems have a flow meter that can read production electronically, eliminating the need for a glass container.

When a cow has emptied her udder, the foot piece should be removed as soon as possible. If milking is systematically prolonged after the udder is empty, the udder will eventually be damaged. To ensure that this never happens, modern milking machines are equipped with automatic release systems. When the milk flow decreases, the milk claw with the teat cups is automatically released and lifted off the udder.

The actual milking process takes place in the ‘milking pit’, a separate section in the barn where the farmer stands in a lower pit and the cows stand at a normal height, raising the udder to a comfortable working height for the farmer. Once the milk comes from the cows, it needs to be transported to the more hygienic environment of the milk room. This is done through a system of stainless steel tubes, a collection glass and a breast pump. The flow of milk from cows is not a continuous flow. Therefore, it must be collected in batches before it can be pumped into the cooling tank. For reasons of hygiene, it is imperative to avoid foam formation due to the mixing of air and milk. Due to the short residence time in the glass collection container, air and milk are separated and the subsequent pumping of pure milk in batches also reduces the likelihood of foam formation.

Vacuum (or rather low-pressure air) is an essential element of milk production. A constant low pressure is of great importance for an excellent milking process. The vacuum system consists of a vacuum pump, a vacuum reservoir and a vacuum regulator. It is important that the capacity of the pump and the size of the reservoir are large enough to ensure a constant level of pressure.

After the entire herd has been milked, the milking system must be thoroughly cleaned. The cleaning system uses hot and cold water and an acidic or alkaline cleaning liquid to flush all lines, hoses and tanks of the milking machine.

Modern milking machines are connected to a farm computer that monitors the production, behavior and welfare of the herd. It warns the farmer and regulates the feed supply to each individual cow.

Different types of milking machines

The essence of each milking system is the same, but there are many variations in the way cattle move through the milking pit. The most popular are the “herringbone type”, the “tandem type”, the “rotary type” and the hybrid “rapid exit type”. The choice of the appropriate type depends mainly on the size of the herd.

The Herringbone milking parlor is the most common and popular type of milking system. It is recommended for all herd sizes. The cows are given access to the milking parlor in batches. The herringbone milking parlor guarantees good throughput. The angle at which the cows are lined up can vary.

In the 32° milking parlour, the teat cups can be placed on the side or between the hind legs of the cow. The 50° herringbone pattern was specially developed for hind leg milking. The cows stand closer to the operator and the increased standing angle of the cow improves udder presentation and allows for quick foot attachment.

The tandem milking parlor consists of individual boxes placed along the milker’s milking pit. The cows come and go in groups or individually. As soon as milking is finished, the cow immediately leaves the parlor and the next cow comes in. It is the only modern milking system that can treat the cow individually. The tandem milking parlors are recommended for 40 to 110 cow herds.

The rotary milking system is recommended for large herd sizes (<150). It can be thought of as a continuous herringbone milking parlour. The rotating milking parlor has an enormous throughput. It allows slow milking cows to remain in the milking parlor for two cycles if needed. In the Rapid-Exit milking parlour, the cows are positioned side by side (perpendicular to the pit) and milked from behind. The cows are dying in batches. This system reduces the length of the milking parlor and therefore the operator's walking time. At the front of the quick exit milking parlour, a pivoting yoke allows the cows to be released quickly in one operation. This system is particularly recommended for large herds.

Depending on where and when you grew up, the thought of milking a cow can conjure up images of a farmer sitting on a short stool hand-milking the cow into a bucket.

Most dairy farmers have buildings called milking parlors where their cows are milked two to three times a day, depending on the farm. With these milking machines, or “milkers,” the farmer’s employees milk the cow, which takes an average of just five to seven minutes per cow. Depending on the type of farm, the farmer may have milking robots that allow the cows to be milked whenever they want. See how farmers take care of their cows before and during this milking process.

While you’ll certainly find instances of farmers hand-milking here and there, most dairy farmers in the US haven’t been hand-milking in a while—a long time, actually. Milking machines were developed more than 100 years ago for a number of reasons. First, they allow a cow to be milked the same way every time, which is more comfortable for her. It is also more efficient than milking by hand. The first milking machine was patented in 1907 and this is how most of the world milks their cows today.

Cow milking process with milkers

1. Before a cow is milked, the cow’s udder and teats are cleaned to keep the cow happy and healthy and to ensure milk quality.2. Then the milking machine is attached to each cow. The milker may have a tough stainless steel exterior, but the interior – which attaches to the cow – is anything but. It consists of a soft rubber insert that removes milk naturally with gentle suction.3. At this point, the milk travels through sanitized pipes directly to a tank where the milk is quickly chilled to at least 45 degrees or cooler to keep it fresh.

Find out more about milk’s journey from farm to table here.

Most farmers haven’t milked cows by hand for a long time. Learn how they milk cows!

introduction

1. Do robots work in a pasture-based system?

Robotic milking and pasture-based systems have proven successful over and over again. Lely pioneered the ABC grazing system more than 10 years ago. Depending on your needs and management style, our systems will help you adhere to organic or grazing protocols, allowing cows to either go outside freely for certain hours of the day – just to give the cows some play and lungeing space – or to be fully efficient Grazing where the main objective is to take full advantage of the growing season and use the pasture as efficiently as possible.

2. How many cows per robot?

A Lely milking robot can milk 60 cows or more per robot, with an average of 2.6 milkings per cow per day. These numbers depend on factors such as milking speed and output. Typically a robot can achieve 180 milkings per day with a goal of harvesting 5000 pounds of milk per day.

3. When was the first robot installed?

On a global scale, the very first Lely milking robot was installed in the Netherlands in 1992. The first milking robot installed in the US on a pasture-based system was installed in upstate New York in 2007. This paved the way for acceptance by dozens of pasture-based systems in the US and Canada.

4. What information do the robots provide?

Fat and protein display per cow

Lactose information per cow

fat to protein ratio

conductivity per quarter

Automatic heat detection

Rumination monitoring

Live weight measurement of cows

milk temperature

Color of milk per quarter

milk speed

milk quality

udder health report

Precise lactation-based feeding

total amount of milk

Daily amount of milk

ketosis indication

indication of acidosis

Number of milkings per cow

location of the cow

And much more

5. Are milking robots water and energy efficient?

Yes, studies have shown that it consumes less than a traditional milking system. Click here to view an exam conducted by the Iowa Dairy Center & Northeast Iowa Community College

6. Can robots be installed in my existing facility?

Yes, we have very successfully converted existing facilities from tie stalls to multi-stall systems, as long as there is sufficient space to install the milking robot and allow cows to enter and exit the milking robot. Often the only change in the cow’s world is how she is milked. She eats, sleeps and entertains in the same environment.

7. Can you achieve labor savings or more flexible schedules with a robotic milking system?

Robots offer a lot of freedom and flexibility in lifestyle and work. Labor requirements vary based on management style, herd size and needs. Lely’s aim is to help you organize your work and your time more efficiently and flexibly.

8. Can I convert my existing cows to a robotic milking system?

Experience shows that cows in robotic milking systems are more relaxed and easier to manage, even with the happiest herds. This is due to free cow traffic systems and cows being able to choose their own milking times. 24-hour milking allows anxious cows to avoid higher-ranking cows, which cause a lot of stress in a herd. This system allows all cows to reach their full potential and provides a stress-free and more natural environment for a cow.

9. How do you deal with the treatment or separation of dairy cows?

Colostrum cows or lactating cows can remain in the main herd. When such a cow is milked in the robot, the milk is diverted to a second milk tank or collection bucket and the robot is rinsed after milking to ensure there is no contamination between the cows. After the blocking period has expired, the cow’s milk is then automatically returned to the main consumption milk tank.

10. Do cows produce more milk in a robotic milking system?

A recent study by CRV Netherlands with 13,800 dairy farms and 1.3 million cows shows that Lely milking robots produce on average 10% more milk per year than conventional milking systems and 4% more compared to other milking robot manufacturers.

11. How do I know if my existing facility can be retrofitted for robotic milking or if I should build a new facility?

In most cases, your current farm layout is suitable for Lely robotic milking systems. Your local Lely Center will visit your farm to determine suitability and provide a personalized design and layout to suit your farm and its needs.

12. As an organic producer, can I divert organic milk from the milking robot to feed my calves?

Yes, depending on your needs, you can direct the milk from the milking robot via a pasteurizer to your calf transporter or automatic feeder.

13. Does Lely have a solution to bring my cows back to and from the barn to pasture and milking?

Yes, the Lely Grazeway selection box is used to control the grazing system. Proper allocation of feed in the robot, grass per day and the promise of fresh grass every 8-12 hours motivates the cows to return to the robot for milking.

14. Can Lely supply me with bio-friendly teat dips and cleaning products?

Yes, Lely supplies chemicals that are suitable for biological use. Click here to find the right product for your needs.

15. Where is the nearest Lely Center?

Lely NA has a dedicated, fully trained network of technicians and farm management specialists across the United States and Canada, all 100% focused on robotic milking systems. Click here to find a retailer near you.

Whether you’re looking for a fresh take on an old favorite or something more…

According to Teagasc’s John Shorthall, a milking robot will demonstrate a 36% labor saving on a dairy farm year-round compared to a traditional parlor.

According to Shorthall, however, this labor saving does not necessarily lead to an improvement in profitability.

On a recent farm walk by the Irish Grassland Association in Nenagh, Co. Tipperary, Teagasc Walsh Fellow said the system’s viability depended on the cost of the conventional parlor.

Shorthall presented the results of his research showing the impact of different milking technologies on the profitability of a herd of 140 cows, starting from a cow producing 5,500 liters per year.

The three types of milking equipment involved included a dual robotic system, a conventional 20-unit high specification parlor and a medium specification 20-unit parlor.

Installation and infrastructure costs

According to the Teagasc Walsh Fellow, the robots cost about 60% more to install than the mid-range parlor.

But he added that there is little difference in the cost of the dual robot system and a quality milking parlour.

The cost of housing the milking equipment is relatively cheap for the dual robot system, Shorthall said.

According to the Teagasc student, once the calculation was completed, the infrastructure costs for the dual robotic system were 40% cheaper than the 20-unit herringbone parlor.

These infrastructure costs relate to the physical building that houses the milking equipment.

Three parlor options considered

Two milking robots cost €200,000

Medium specification 20 unit salon, cost €60,000

20 high-quality milking parlors, costs €120,000

Parlor maintenance and energy costs

Annual maintenance costs were also taken into account in this study.

According to Shorthall, the maintenance of the double robot unit costs around 5,000 euros annually.

This is almost double the cost of the mid-spec parlor, but he added that the cost of the dual robotic system and the high-spec parlor are quite similar.

The research also revealed that farms using a dual robot use on average 68% more electricity than a traditional milking parlour.

This increase in energy consumption occurred because the air compressor of the AMS or robotic system used in the drafting units consumed 25% of this additional energy.

work

According to Shorthall, farmers using the dual robotic system spend significantly less time on the job each day, working an average of 3-3.5 hours less than the traditional farmer.

On average, he added, conventional farmers spend three hours a day milking/herding cows, while farmers using the robots spend about 40 minutes a day on this task.

The results also show that farmers who operate a robotic milking system spend significantly more time tending grass.

According to Teagasc research, the farmers operating this robotic milking system spend 40 minutes every day allocating grass.

Farmers who operate a conventional milking parlor spend significantly less time on this task, dedicating five minutes each day to the activity, he said.

“Overall there is a labor saving of 36% all year round with a robotic milking system,” said Shorthall.

profitability

One of the main benefits of robotic milking is the labor savings, but according to the Teagasc Walsh Fellow, this labor simplification doesn’t necessarily translate to an increase in operating profits.

The research results show that the automated milking system (AMS) is 10% less profitable than milking cows in a medium equipped parlor.

This equates to a €9,000 difference in pre-tax profit when considering the initial investment over a 10-year period at a 5% interest rate.

However, the reduced labor input impacts profitability when comparing the highly specialized milking parlor and the dual robotic system.

According to Teagasc research, this reduction in labor has a positive impact on the profitability of the dual-robot system.

When the AMS is compared to the high specification milking parlour, there is a significant profit difference due to the labor saving, the robotic system now becomes 10% more profitable.

“If farmers want the technology, milking cows in an automated milking parlor (AMS) is 10% more profitable than in a high specification parlor,” said Shorthall.

Dairy farms are an integral part of agriculture in the United States. They produce more than just milk, as many dairy farmers use their cow’s milk to produce and sell cheese, yoghurt and butter, and eventually even meat from the retired cows.

Dairy farmers can earn anywhere from $15,000 to over $120,000 per year, with an average of about $43,000 per year. In order to understand how much dairy farmers earn in a year, it is important to compare the cost of running the dairy farm with the profit from the sale of products. This allows for a broad income for dairy farmers.

There are many factors to consider when determining income for dairy farms. Read on to find out exactly how much dairy farmers make in a year.

How much do dairy farmers actually earn?

The amount of money a dairy farmer makes depends on several factors. The industry average for a dairy farm in the United States is about $43,000 per year. This equates to just over $21 an hour.

However, according to ZipRecruiter, most dairy farmers (59%) make between $24,500 and $43,000 per year.

As a first-time farmer, you may not make the median. Mistakes can set you back and you may not be prepared for everything. You can easily suffer natural disasters or other mishaps that set you back both in production and financially.

Some dairy farmers can earn around fifty thousand dollars or a little more. It can be less depending on your investments and the cost of living wherever your operation is located.

This number can vary based on many factors, some of which include:

quality of the milk produced

Type of cows used

size of the yard

As with all businesses, income is what’s left of your product after you’ve paid overhead and other related costs.

Money is made from the dairy product and also from the cows themselves. Expenses range from feed and transportation to veterinary care and equipment maintenance, while workers are paid.

How Much Do Dairy Farms Earn Per Cow?

Larger dairies with more cows produce more milk and therefore generate a larger income. Conversely, even the smallest dairies bring better income. Wisconsin State Farmer explains how that can be the case.

In dairies with 500 cows, the average annual net profit per cow is $275.

In dairies with herds of well over 500 cows, this number remains the same.

For dairy herds of 200 to 500 cows, the profit per cow is much less, about $84 per cow per year.

Herds of cows under 200 rise to around $160 per cow.

This discrepancy is because companies in the 200-500 range need to start mechanizing more and hiring more workers, which eats away at their profits. The smaller herds require less labor and remain profitable, while the large herds produce enough to offset the cost of more labor and other overheads.

The ‘intermediate size’ dairy farms are generally struggling more than large or small farms.

Best states for dairy farmers to make money

Delaware tops the list of states where dairy farmers earn the highest income, around $50,000 per year, based on our research. Ohio is a close second and has been the number one paying state for the past several years. It still averages about fifty thousand dollars, but it’s still a few dollars compared to Delaware.

Here are the 5 states where dairy farmers earn the most, ranging from $45,000 to $54,000:

Delaware

Ohio

new York

Connecticut

North Carolina

There are a few things to consider when comparing income. How high are the costs? Are the living costs higher than in other federal states? This can make a difference in what a dairy farmer earns in the end.

how much is milk

Most of the money made on a dairy farm comes from milk, but you might be surprised at how much milk is actually sold.

The actual milk price is relatively low. Generally, milk is sold in hundredweight units (100 lbs.) and classified as cwt. These prices vary according to the class and type of milk sold. Below is a table with some examples.

Milk Classification Price per hundredweight Class 1 – Base Price $18.29 Skim Milk – Base Price $11.82 Class 2 – Skim Milk $10.12 Advanced Class 3 – Skim Milk $12.73 Class 4 – Skim Milk $9.42

As you can see, the highest dollar amount is made from Class 1 base milk, and skim milk tends to bring less income. Advanced classes are usually used for crafting various products and can bring more revenue.

The low price per 100 pounds of milk means a lot of milk has to be produced to make a profit. Dairy farmers have adapted their production practices over the years to maintain their business’ profitability, and breeds have been specifically selected for their milk production capacities.

Luckily cows give a lot of milk. The average dairy cow can produce about 70 pounds of milk per day, which is about 8 gallons. A dairy cow will produce about 2,500 gallons of milk in a year, which is about 23,000 pounds of milk.

Dairy farmers can make money with other dairy products

When they think of a dairy farm, most people think of milk first. There are many other products that come from their dairies and many products in addition to milk that are sold for a profit.

Depending on the cattle breed, production volume and nutrient content of the milk, some dairy farmers offer other products in addition to class 1 drinking milk. These include:

Class 1 Liquids, eggnog, etc. Class 2 Soft products such as ice cream, sour cream, puddings and puddings Class 3 Cheese; Spreadable like cream cheese and other hard cheeses for crumble or grating Class 4 powdered milk, butter, condensed or condensed milk

The Federal Milk Marketing Orders (FMMO) set the prices of dairy products with the USDA. These are based on region and offer different prices for each of the classes. By law, milk producers must pay the minimum amount set by the FMMO.

There are many other ways for dairy farmers to make a profit besides pure milk, and many dairies sell multiple products to increase their income.

Is it worth selling cows for dairy farmers?

Dairy farmers can also see a profit in selling their producing dairy cows. Lactating dairy cows can sell for between $300 and $2,000 per cow, depending on several factors. These may vary due to:

Age

production history

calf production

Breed

Calves born in a dairy can also bring additional income. Many of the males are sold for veal or beef. The females are either used to continue milk production, increase the herd, or sold to other dairies for $450 to $600 per calf. They can also be sold by weight.

Many of these dairy calves are also purchased to create a beef cattle herd for farmers who raise their animals for meat rather than milk.

Depending on the size of their herd, farmers receive income from the sale of their calves. Dairy cows must become pregnant in order to produce milk. Often the cows are artificially inseminated annually and the calves are then quickly removed so that the farmers can continue to milk the cows. The average dairy cow produces one calf each year and has a lactation cycle (milk production) of 305 days.

How do dairy farmers earn when their cows stop producing milk?

When dairy cows “retire” after several years (7 on average), there are different ways to go. The lucky ones are taken to pasture to live out the rest of their lives, while some are rescued or go to smaller family farms. Other retired dairy cows are sold for meat. You can become one of the following:

Hamburger stew dog food leather goods

This is the most economically viable option as many dairy cows can live to be over 20 years old. Feeding and caring for cows up to 13 years old past their “best time” doesn’t make financial sense. So when they’ve started a drop in milk production, they’ll be replaced by a younger, higher-performing cow.

It may seem cruel, but dairy farming is a business like any other and profitability depends on decisions like these.

How much does it cost to run dairy farms?

Dairy farms can be expensive to run compared to the low selling price of the milk. Lots of things cost dairy farmers money. Dairy farmers do their best to reduce or mitigate these costs, but herd size directly impacts these costs to the dairy farm.

These factors include:

Dairy farmers need to feed their cows In the current dairy climate, dairy farmers are primarily interested in producing a lot of milk at a low price and thus increasing their income. To achieve this, many have turned to supplementing with grain-fed cows. They don’t want to save and buy cheap groceries. Unhealthy forage can make cows sick and even disrupt milk production. Growing or buying quality feed will do wonders to keep your cattle healthy. You get better products by paying for more natural (and more expensive) feed, such as: Hay The most economical way to feed dairy cows is to add grain to the hay. Holstein cows, the most popular dairy cow, process grain quickly and effectively. This lowers the price of forage by doing several things: eliminating the need for large pastures; Cows can stay indoors and be fed from a container Reducing the need for fresh feed when supplemented with grain Bulk grain can be purchased at a much lower price Adjusting the feeding process allows dairy farmers to increase their bottom line and increase their income. Alfalfa Farmers also grow their own alfalfa and hay to feed their cows. This can be cheaper with a good system. Cultivating and tending the fields add to the dairy’s workload, but some prefer to feed their cows from the farm itself. Grass Family Farm Livestock breaks down the cost of annual forage. Dairy cows can eat about 100 pounds a day while producing milk. If hay is purchased, it costs about $1,000 per year per cow. If the cattle are grazing in fields, the additional cost of grain should only be about $200-$300 per cow per year. It is recommended to have 1.5 to 2 acres per cow to maintain suitable forage for pasture.

The start-up costs for a dairy farm are high

As with most businesses, the initial investment is high. Dairy farmers need to provide their cows with several things immediately, including:

feed

country

Protection

Care

Buying dairy cows to start a dairy depends on the size of the herd needed. Dairy cows that are already producing an average amount of milk can be purchased for $900 to $3,000.

When you add in the costs of feed, veterinary care, buildings, utilities, employees and leased land, starting a dairy can be expensive. ProfitableVenture breaks down the expenses.

Small, family-run dairy farms with a few cows can start for around $30,000. In contrast, larger, mass-produced dairy farms can easily run over $1 million and will likely be closer to $3 million

The initial investment for dairy cows can be hundreds of thousands of dollars. When you buy or lease land for cows, expect to allocate 1.5 to 2 acres per cow, which can add up quickly with a large herd.

With the high start-up costs for a dairy, it can take longer before a profit becomes visible.

Dairy farmers have to pay workers

When the dairy is bigger, you need farmhands to help you with the daily chores. As in any industry, the farmers have to pay for the workers on their farms. These vary by US region where dairies are located, but in general, ranch dairies are paid between $9.35 and $22.20, with the average wage being $14.93, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. dollars.

How much do farmers spend on cows?

The breed of cows that a farmer selects for his dairy herd determines the performance of the farm. The acquisition costs of these races vary, as does their production level and advantages over other races.

There are currently seven common breeds used on US dairy farms. Each of these cows has its advantages and disadvantages. Below is a table comparing the most common dairy breeds.

Breed Initial Cost ($) Production/Cycle per Year (gallons) Breed Advantage Holstein 1,000-1,200 2,674 High Performance Jersey 1,400-1,800 2,190 High Quality Fat and Protein Red & White Holstein 1,000-1,100 2,900 Good Immune System, Hardy Breed Guernsey 900-3,000 1,580 Rich high in vitamin A, very nutritious milk Brown Swiss 800-1,500 2,000 Ideal for most cheeses Ayrshire 2,800-3,200 3,000 Efficient producers, low feed/high volume Shorthorn 1,200-1,800 2,700 Can be used for milk or beef both

There are many different types of dairy cows and depending on the goals of the dairy farm, the breed of cattle selected for the herd will vary.

High-performing cattle such as Holsteins are suitable for larger dairies because of their high production. Their milk is less nutritious so it is sold for a lower classification. This is the most common breed in the US, with over 90% of dairy cows being Holsteins.

Breeds such as the Guernsey, Brown Swiss or Ayrshire are more expensive to purchase, but the milk they produce has a denser nutritional value and can fetch more money per hundredweight.

Changes in the dairy farming community

Recently there has been a shift in dairy farming from huge dairy farms back to smaller farms. With the drastic changes in dairy farming since the 1990s, this was done out of necessity.

Dairy farmers have had to adapt

While most dairy farms remain large scale operations, the field has seen a significant shift towards smaller organic dairy farms. Reducing the number of dairy cows reduces overheads and increasing product prices generates more income for dairies.

To charge more for their product, dairy farmers are moving to supply high-quality, organic milk from free-range, grass-fed cows and are finding this to be more financially viable, more sustainable, and better accepted by the general public.

This higher quality milk can be sold at the grocery store for almost double the price. Regular milk costs about $3.30 a gallon for shoppers. Those seeking milk from dairies with stricter treatment standards and better living conditions for the herds are paying upwards of $6.50 a gallon.

What is required to become a certified organic dairy farmer?

To be certified organic by the USDA, farmers must meet certain requirements, including:

Cows must be grazing and not crammed into a small space with a milking machine for most of the day, with at least 30% of their diet coming from natural sources

Their milk should have varying degrees of acidity testing due to the grass-fed enzymes and minerals present in grazing cattle

The cows were never given any antibiotics

No hormones are given to the cows to increase production or reproduction

100% organic feed including hay, alfalfa and grains

No poultry by-products, faeces or urine used in the feed

No additives or dietary supplements may be given beyond the nutritional needs of the cows

When farmers meet all of the requirements for USDA certified organic milk, their profits will increase dramatically. This requires a lot of planning and more upfront investment than a regular large-scale dairy, but has become a growing niche for dairy farmers to turn a profit.

Final Thoughts

Dairy farmers are innovative and flexible, constantly adapting their business methods to keep making profits. Dairy farming has changed a lot in recent years and seems to be continuing to do so. Dairy farmers are holding steady at an average profit of $43,000 a year for now, but those numbers could change drastically in the coming years. Dairy farmers are an integral part of today’s economy and a widely underestimated profession.

Remember that dairy farming is not a set recipe that you need to stick to without changing course. You will find that some things that work for a dairy farmer may not work well for you. Treat your dairy animals with respect. Never skimp on the health of your cattle. Your health is the most important factor for the yield of your dairy farm.

The dairy crisis is hitting farmers around the world as production far outstrips any rising demand.

Farmers Weekly looks at producer prices and milk production around the world and examines how milk producers in different countries are faring.

See a snapshot of farm gate prices in the chart and read the details for each country below.

See also: How British dairy farmers can compete globally

United Kingdom

Britain’s strength is a large liquid market – but that means dairy farmers are divided.

Behind the average milk price of 23.13 pence/litre in January lies a major split.

Liquid pools in supermarkets may be paying upwards of 30p/litre, but some growers’ ‘A’ prices have dropped to 17-18p/litre, with ‘B’ prices even lower.

Less than a fifth of dairy farmers have contracts based on production costs. Producer containment mechanisms, such as “A” and “B” contracts, have not pushed production below last year’s levels.

But a long streak under 20p/litre could force many to cut back drastically – or stop.

United States of America

Global market weakness is causing US milk prices to fall even as domestic conditions are improving.

Milk production is growing at less than 1% a year, and consumption of cheese and butter is increasing, says the National Milk Producers Federation.

But exports are struggling, and low global electricity prices are also hurting.

Most states have a federal marketing regulation that sets prices based on supply and demand and pays farmers based on how the milk is used.

The US price of Class I milk (liquid) was $16.04/hundred weight (24 pence/litre) in January, down 13.7% year-on-year. Class IV (butter and powder) increased slightly to $13.31/quintal (20 pence/litre).

New Zealand

Only 5% of New Zealand milk stays in the country after processing.

This export focus means farmers have full exposure to the world market and the Global Dairy Trade (GDT) auction, owned by top New Zealand processor Fonterra.

The Co-op has just updated its forecast farmgate price for the 2015-16 season to NZ$3.90/kg milk solids (13-14 pence/litre).

After share gains and retentions, farmers could receive up to NZ$4.45/kg (15-16 pence/litre).

Almost all farmers will lose money with their worst yields since 2006-7, even with their low production costs.

Dairy is New Zealand’s second largest industry and the country’s central bank is conducting stress tests to see what would happen if billions of dollars in loans had to be written off.

Also Read: New Zealand dairy Fonterra is pumping profits to struggling farmers

Australia

Australian farmers were partially sheltered from the global storms. Processors have been scrambling for milk, chasing value-added products like UHT and infant formula.

Australian domestic demand was good and the country’s currency weakened. The largest processor, the Murray Goulborn Cooperative, kept its milk price at A$5.60/kg milk solids (22-23 pence/litre) in February.

This was down from AUD 6/kg (23-24 pence/litre) in 2015. But farmers’ margins are still under pressure from higher grain and hay costs. This is one of the reasons why milk production is expected to fall by 1-2% throughout the current season (July-June).

Netherlands

Dutch milk production has skyrocketed since the end of EU milk quotas last spring.

New records are set as annual growth has exceeded 9% every month since June.

This expansion comes despite milk prices continuing to fall, as they have done across Europe.

The average farmgate price in January was 22.68p/litre, down more than 5% year-on-year.

The FrieslandCampina cooperative has a guaranteed milk price of €28.50/100 kg (22-23 pence/litre) for March, compared to €34/100 kg (26-27 pence/litre) 12 months earlier.

This could be related to an optimistic attitude: FrieslandCampina’s last annual report expected pressure on the markets for “some time” – but enthused about the positive long-term prospects.

Ireland

Ireland’s dairy industry has also gotten off to a quick start after quotas ended.

Irish dairies bought 19.5% more milk in January than a year earlier.

But farm milk prices in Ireland fell more than any other country during 2015.

Initial estimates put farmers receiving 22.82 pence/litre in January, down 13.9% from a year earlier. There isn’t the price spread of the UK, with companies like Kerry, Glanbia, Lakeland and Dairygold paying similar prices.

Like the Dutch, Irish ambition could help farmers get through this difficult time: the country is on track to increase milk production by 50% by 2020.

Germany

The EU’s largest milk producer is expanding – but not as fast as the other northern European nations.

Production in 2015 was almost 32 billion liters, 1.6% more than the previous year.

Milk yield in December was 6.2% higher. Germany is hooked to European pricing, with the presence of multinational cooperatives Arla and FrieslandCampina keeping domestic processors competitive with their rates.

The average farm gate price in January was 22.28p/litre, down 8.4% from 2015. German farmers are divided on how to deal with the crisis.

The main union, the DBV, said the industry’s problems could be solved with more reliable, long-term pricing.

The radical European Milk Board, whose president is a German, wants a new supply management system to replace quotas.

Canada

Canada’s dairy farmers have long been protected.

A national commission implements a quota regime, sets provincial farm gate prices and limits imports.

This has kept prices fairly stable even as the world market collapsed.

The country’s minimum milk prices rose in December to reflect higher farm costs.

But those shields are starting to break because of Canada’s trade deals with the Pacific States and the EU. Farmers are hoping a promised CAD4.3bn (£2.3bn) compensation package will reach them.

Farmers in Quebec, the largest dairy producing province, received CAD$68.58/hectoliter (37 pence/liter) in February, compared to CAD$73.27/hl (39 pence/liter) in 2015.

India

India’s dairy industry is difficult to compare to the rest of the world – despite being the largest in the world. The country is self-sufficient in dairy farming and produces 140 billion liters of milk every year.

It’s also protected from foreign imports, and most “farms” have a cow or two. But there are still links to the world market, notably through the co-op brand Amul, which is traded at the GDT auction.

Co-ops, which focus on cash trading where retail prices have risen, have cushioned farmers. But others have suffered.

Farmers in Maharastra who sell cow’s milk to private dairies are now getting around INR 16/litre (16-17 pence/litre) down from INR 26 (27-28 pence/litre) in mid-2014.

Higher production has also put pressure on prices, with co-op dairies buying 14% more milk between April and December 2015 than a year earlier.

China

We often talk about China’s dwindling demand for milk, which has contributed to the crash in world prices. But some farmers in the People’s Republic have also suffered.

Earlier last year, the state news agency Xinhua lamented the end of the “milk boom” as farms were closed, cows were culled and milk was fed to pigs.

Farm gate milk prices fell from 426 CNY/100 kg (45-46 pence/litre) in February 2014 to 340 CNY/100 kg (36-37 pence/litre) in spring 2015.

Since then, however, prices have risen to around 356 CNY/100 kg (38-39 pence/litre).

It’s hard to get a solid picture of what’s happening.

China Modern Dairy, which owns 200,000 cows on 24 farms, boasts booming growth. Plans for a 100,000-cow farm were unveiled last year.

Fast Facts Robots are good at milking and can consistently harvest high quality milk.

Robots improve lifestyles, reduce labor and enable family chores to milk more cows.

Proper management is key to robot success.

Using our comparison tool can help you decide whether investing in robots or milking parlors is better for you.

Common reasons for installing robots

Producers do not install robots because it is the most cost-effective milk harvesting option. Surveys show they install robots for three reasons.

To improve lifestyle Flexible daily schedule to participate in children’s activities or family events

To reduce work

Milking more cows just with family labor

Robots allow producers to free up labor previously expended on milking jobs. As a result, manufacturers may need to hire fewer workers that could be used for robot loan payments.

A producer can expect labor savings within the family labor. In this case, the grower needs to use it for something more productive than milking to improve the farm’s overall income. The most common option is expanding herd size. Other options may include:

reproduction

Crop management to increase yield and forage quality

Young cattle quality through better care

Unless producers choose something more productive than milking, that money will come from family life.

Key Factors for Robotic Milking

“Management makes milk—robots just harvest it,” says Doug Kastenschmidt, a Wisconsin dairy farmer whose cows with robots weigh over 100 pounds a day.

The following points are the key to successfully managing robots.

Monitor cow behavior and make changes to improve performance.

Have skills and interest in the robotic system. Robots require more technical skill than other milking systems. Managers should enjoy using software to the maximum benefit. Robots require a higher level of repair skills. If someone on the farm develops the ability to do simple repairs, maintenance costs can be reduced.

Manage the feed for an even flow of cows to the robots and for good performance.

Plan for future growth. Box robots available on the market can milk around 50 to 70 cows per box. As you expand, you must do so in increments of 60 cows and increase your investment in robots.

Have someone on the farm willing to take calls from the robot 24/7. If you are not prepared for this, it can be frustrating.

Deciding between robots and milking parlors Installing milking robots requires a large capital investment. Calculating the capital cost depends largely on what you assume about the following: Expected decrease in work.

Anticipated increase in milk production.

The financial terms of the investment.

Future prices for milk, feed and labor. Most research shows that robots and increased milking frequency from twice a day to 2.5 to 3.0 times a day result in 3 to 5 pounds of milk per cow per day. Any further increases must result from improved cow comfort or care. Figure 1. Net annual impact of a robotic system versus a milking parlor system Source: eXtension.org/pages/73995 Robots are changing the nature of the labor force needed and making working hours more flexible. However, most farms do not have large reductions in total labor. Figure 2. Net annual impact of a 1,500 cow dairy with 25 robots compared to a dual parlor with 24 parlors which is three times higher, with different increases in daily milk production and wage inflation Producers with a herd of 120 to 240 dairy cows may find robotic milking more profitable than investing in new milking parlors. But in a dairy with 1,500 cows, robots would need 4 to 5 pounds more milk per cow per day than parlors to be just as profitable. The main reason for this is that robots tend to yield: Higher milk production compared to milking twice under milking

Less milk production compared to milking three times in parlors Such a comparison may change as technology advances and labor shortages put increasing pressure on wages. Authors: Jim Salfer, Extension Educator and Kota Minegishi, Extension Dairy Research – Dairy Production Decision Analytics

Many of the Kentucky dairy farmers who have sold their milk to Dean Foods have yet to find anyone to buy it instead — and like Coombs, they may soon have to sell their cows. They are just the latest of more than 42,000 dairy farmers who have gone out of business since 2000, victims of an outdated business model, expensive farm credit and pressure from corporate farming.

In 1970 there were nearly 650,000 dairy farms in the US, but by the end of 2017 there were only 40,219, according to the US Department of Agriculture. Cows are producing more milk than ever before, but they are being merged into larger, more efficient farms. In 1987, half of American dairy farms had 80 cows or fewer; In 2012, that number had risen to 900 cows.

Small dairy farms are disappearing fast. (The dotted line shows years with missing data for US dairy farms.)

Small dairy farmers, an aging population, were some of America’s last rebels against agricultural pressures to grow or die – but it’s unclear how much longer they can last. Hope grew when President Donald Trump tweeted his support for the dairy industry at the G-7 meeting in Canada in early June, but pundits and farmers say Trump mistakenly focused his anger on trade and tariffs, rather than an American industry that is growing hostile to small-time operators.

Each month, Joe Schroeder takes calls from dozens of struggling farmers at Farm Aid, an organization founded by musician Willie Nelson to keep family farmers on their land. Small dairy farmers account for a third to half of those calls, Schroeder said. The farmers, who often milk themselves or with family members and work 12 to 16 hour days, tell him the electricity is off and there is no money for food. They are asking for advice on declaring Chapter 12 – bankruptcy for farmers.

“I currently see nothing that would give them hope,” said Schröder. “The best advice I can give to these people, dairy farmers, is to sell as soon as possible.”

Holstein calves Luke Sharrett / for NBC News

The dairy industry in crisis

At Walmart, shoppers in Kentucky can buy milk for as little as 78 cents a gallon, but that’s far less than what the company paid for it or even what it cost the farmer to produce. Stores often sell milk at a loss as it is a staple and customers may also buy more profitable items.

On average, farmers spend $1.92 to produce a gallon of milk and earn $1.32 selling it to processors. This is the fourth consecutive year that farmers’ milk prices have fallen below production costs.

“We could buy all the gallons of milk from the grocery store, take it home to our bulk tank, put it in there and sell it back to them and make more money,” said Carlynn Coombs, Curtis’ wife.

Farmer Bob Klingenfus carries milk bottles at Harvest Home Dairy in Crestwood, Kentucky. Luke Sharrett / for NBC News

Low milk prices start a cycle in which farmers produce more milk to ensure they are bringing in enough money to run the farm, causing dairy products to flood the market and prices to fall even further. But even if the price of milk goes up, the cycle doesn’t end – farmers milk as much as they can to make money before the price falls again. It’s a never-ending Catch-22 competition that’s driving dairy farmers to the bottom.

Walmart’s decision to build its own milk processing facility highlights another problem for farmers. In a trend that dates back to the 1970s but has intensified over the past decade, farm farming is increasingly taking control of all stages of milk production, which can result in small farmers having fewer places to sell their milk, he said Maury Cox, executive director of the Kentucky Dairy Development Council, an advocacy group. Companies opening dairy processing plants would rather work with fewer large dairy farms than thousands of smaller ones, Cox added.

“What do you do in this situation if you don’t have a market for your milk?”

That, Cox said, has farmers asking, “What do you do in this situation when you don’t have a market for your milk?”

The question is of particular relevance to dairy farmers in the Southeast, where a certain regional irony pervades the industry.

While there is a milk surplus statewide, Kentucky and the Southeast face a net deficit of 41 billion pounds of milk a year, according to Mark Stephenson, a dairy economist at the University of Wisconsin. That means grocery stores there are importing milk in refrigerated trucks from the Midwest, even as dairy farmers in those states struggle.

Why are Kentucky dairy farmers locked out of the local market? Part of the answer lies with powerful dairy cooperatives, groups of farmers working together to sell their milk. Dairy Farmers of America, the nation’s largest dairy cooperative, has an incentive to perpetuate the Southeast’s dairy deficit because it provides a market for the group’s members in the Midwest.

Fourteen Kentucky farmers recently tried to join the cooperative, but were turned down because the group viewed them as competition, the farmers told NBC News.

John Wilson, the group’s senior vice president and chief fluid marketing officer, said the cooperative recognizes that “displaced dairy farmers in Kentucky face a difficult situation,” but gave no clear reason for denying their membership.

“Membership decisions are made on a regional basis and are evaluated based on a number of factors,” Wilson said, “including farms in the region, milk volumes, supply and demand conditions and milk quality.”

How Canada milks differently

The struggles of American dairy farmers have not spread to their counterparts north of the border. The Canadian government operates a supply management system that controls the country’s milk, egg and poultry production. Canada uses the system to enforce domestic production quotas and cap its imports and exports of dairy products, which keeps prices stable and guarantees farmers a stable income – although it has a bigger impact on consumers’ wallets.

However, Canadian dairy farmers have enough extra money to repair buildings, buy new equipment and even take vacations, said John Kalmey, 66, a small-scale dairy farmer in Shelbyville, Kentucky, who is about to end his family’s 80 years of dairy farming and who has spoken to and visited farmers in Canada.

Small US dairy farmers like Kalmey, who average just over $20,000 a year, if they can afford it at all, marvel at the luxury.

“I think it’s a shame we don’t have the same [system] here,” Kalmey said.

The Kalmey family has been in the dairy industry for 80 years. Mariana Keller / NBC News

Inequality has also caught the attention of Trump, who laid the blame for Canada’s faltering American dairy industry during the G-7 conference in Quebec. Trump attacked Prime Minister Justin Trudeau – calling him “dishonest and weak” – over Canada’s milk tariffs that keep its farmers afloat. “Our rates match his 270% on dairy!” Trump tweeted.

However, Kalmey and other dairy farmers do not believe that ending milk tariffs is a solution. If anything, removing Canadian protections would leave dairy farmers there in the same boat as those in the US. Some farmers fear Trump is more likely to cause a trade war than give them a new market – they fear losing the limited export market the US currently has, which could cause milk prices to fall further.

And trade isn’t the main cause of the industry’s troubles: Dairy exports grew 2 percent between 2016 and 2017, according to the USDA. For 2018, the USDA forecasts growth of 7 percent.

The loss of historic farms is causing economic ripples

Gary Rock, 59, lives in Hodgenville, Kentucky, an area of ​​rolling hills and loose stone fences, on a farm passed down by his family for 300 years. After terminating his contract amid Walmart’s expansion, Dean Foods expects to be the last generation to ever milk a cow on this land.

The last few years have not been easy. In 2012, Rock rebuilt his farm after it was hit by a tornado that destroyed all buildings except the one where he milks his cows. The following year he lost his legs in a tractor accident but continued to farm. Then his only employee left after the Dean Foods announcement, so Rock started milking the cows himself. Now he must consider selling parts of his farm to make ends meet.

“That’s not what America is about, I’ll tell you right now,” Rock said.