Most people don’t know what goes on in order to keep a dairy farm running; and one as small as Witter takes a whole team to be successful. Cows are milked twice a day- 4:30am and 4:30pm and are checked on twice a day-12 at noon check and 10pm at night check. I’m going to walk through an average milking session to show just how much effort goes into keeping the cows comfortable and healthy, but will not include every key detail (there’s quite a few).
Mornings start by arriving at the farm at 3:50am and beginning chores at 4am. The system is to be sanitized at 4am. We start the system and add sanitizer as the sink fills up. While its filling we add detergent and acid that is used during the wash cycle as well. While the system completes the process, we scrape the grates push up and redistribute feed to the dairy cows. We also do the same for the dry cows and heifers outside in the livestock barn. The babies are also fed during this time. The process runs smoothly with 3 people. Milking begins roughly at 4:30am. The total time it takes to milk varies day to day depending on cow temper and milk letdown per cow. After milking is complete the cows are let out for heat watch and the system is cleaned again. While the cows are outside for heat watch their beds are cleaned and new shavings are put down. The cows are returned inside. We also have chores around the dairy and livestock barns that need to be done and those vary day to day. Milking ends once all chores are done! Usually by 7:00AM or so.
We repeat the whole process in the afternoon!
I know that was a lot to read. And trust me, it’s a lot of work. But it’s worth it because it makes the cows happy, and happy cows produce milk! I know after taking this class that farmers work very hard and this job is not for everyone. Included below are some pictures from the farm that show our work environment and equipment we use!