Winter prep: essential tips for dairy farms in chilly conditions
Source: The DairyNews
As colder temperatures sweep across the country, dairy farmers need to gear up for potential challenges brought on by freezing weather. Frozen water pipes, milking machines, and slurry scrapers can disrupt farm operations if not addressed adequately.
To safeguard against adverse weather conditions, consider the following measures:
Milking Machine Maintenance:
Water System Management:
General Farm Readiness:
Livestock Water Access:
By implementing these precautions, dairy farmers can mitigate the impact of freezing conditions and maintain smooth farm operations during the winter months.
Milking Machine Maintenance:
- Keep the parlour door closed.
- Install a thermostatically-controlled heater in the plant room.
- Circulate a saline solution through the milking machine to prevent ice formation.
Water System Management:
- Disconnect and drain loose pipes used for filling troughs daily to prevent freezing.
- Empty unused water troughs to avoid cracking due to freezing.
General Farm Readiness:
- Check and ensure the generator is in working order for potential power cuts.
- Repair any damaged lights for a safe working environment during dark hours.
- Address leaks in pipes or hose connections to prevent freezing and ice formation.
Livestock Water Access:
- Regularly check water pipes for freezing, especially exposed sections.
- Ensure submersible pumps in deep wells are protected against freezing.
By implementing these precautions, dairy farmers can mitigate the impact of freezing conditions and maintain smooth farm operations during the winter months.
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