How to milk a cow by donah1007

It took me

2 years

It made me

so happy

"This was the funnest goal I've complete!"

How I did it: I told everyone I know about this goal.  I asked several people if they knew where I could do it.  Nothing ever worked out.... until today!

I asked me aunt if she could ask around again.  We had plans for me and my daughter to spend 2 days with her.  She asked a friend.  That friend has a son who works with a man who owns a dairy farm with his brothers.  Their father started the farm in 1950 with 20 cows.  Kyle and his brothers Keith and Kirk took over in 1980.  At one point they had 120 cows.  They have 40 now.

Kyle said they milk at 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.  I chose the evening shift.

When we got there, Keith showed me around the farm.  He took me to "meet" the cows before I began milking.  He took the time to explain how the entire process works, including how they filter the milk and how they cool it.  It was fascinating.

He asked if I would like to try milking by hand or if I wanted to hook up the milking machine.  I said I'd like to try both.

He picked out a very even tempered Jersey for me milk by hand.  We started by getting the cow into the stall.  After securing her, and she started eating, Kyle showed me how to clean the teats and how to get the milk.  It took me a few tries to get any milk but then I did it!!!!  After a few squirts of milk I hooked up the machinery.  He showed me how they know when she's given all the milk she's going to give.

He showed me how to unhook the milker and then I put iodine on her teats to prevent bacteria and chapping.  She was led out and then we got ready for the next cow.  We had to clean the milker to prevent any contamination from cow to cow.

I was amazed at how much one cow can produce.

I helped milk 3 cows before we left.  I loved every minute!

Lessons & tips: Don't be afraid to have silly goals for pure enjoyment

Resources: Aunt Kathy

Kyle

Keith

Kirk

3 Jersey cows :)

 

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Mar 25, 2012, 08:40PM PDT | 0 comments | 6 cheers

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