Frequent review of parlor protocols can refine processes and improve productivity. Experts Andy Austin and Michelle Vannewkirk share advice on how and when to perform these reviews, as well as additional milk quality tips.

The milking parlor is the heart of any dairy. But like any hardworking system, it needs the right care at the right time to deliver peak performance over the long haul. When you skip maintenance or use low-quality replacement parts, problems build up fast.

I am so proud of the great improvement in milk quality I have seen in nearly 50 years. Who knows where it will be in another five to 10 years?

Let’s be very clear – we do not use vacuum to “suck” the milk out of the cow. She must give it to us voluntarily. If we want to milk cows more gently, quickly and completely, the goal must be to improve milk flow rates through better stimulation and milk letdowns.

Udder health is impacted by multiple factors but can be grouped into three general categories: milkers, cows and equipment. Of these three, the equipment is by far the easiest to control.