By Dean E. Falk, Extension Dairy Specialist University of Idaho

I. Identify the problem:

  1. Unhealthy, uncomfortable environment for cows?
  2. Undesirable working conditions for the operators
  3. Poor integration of all systems - milking, feeding, housing, replacements, and wastes?
  4. Does not comply with applicable sanitary codes?
  5. Poor labor efficiency in terms of cows handled per hour and milk produced per man?
  6. Not Economical?

II. Identify the weak areas in facility management:

Review the Dairy Facility Checklist (PDF)

III. Develop a proposal for resolving the problem:

  1. Summarize the identified opportunity areas for change from the review checklist.
  2. Seek help to economically evaluate opportunity areas.

References: