1000-milkers in one unit is aim
1000-milkers in one unit is aim
MANAGING 1000 milking cows in one unit is the aim of milk producer David Harden, whose Nanhoron herd on the Lleyn Peninsula, north Wales, has expanded from 40 cows in 1989 to 600 cows in-milk and 500 heifers.
Passing on his experiences to delegates at the Semex conference, Mr Harden admitted that labour had caused difficulties when he expanded to 250 cows. Then he devised a plan based on what resources the local area did and did not have.
"One of the main disadvantages is our distance from milk markets. But we have a low-income population and little employment in our area, so there is demand for part-time work from both men and women
"We realised we could get people to do certain jobs on a casual, part-time basis. That was enough to persuade us to expand to 400 cows, which rapidly became 600 cows."
The solution is milking 200 cows an hour through a 36-point rapid exit parlour, three times a day, using 19 casual workers – including butchers, farmers and housewives, who work on a rota. "It is a fully automated system and all they are doing is hanging clusters.
"Herdsmen look after the hospital wing, calving, insemination, dealing with vets and so on. That is where real skill is required." *