Spanish-speaking dairy employees can learn standardized milking procedures at the upcoming Best Milking Practices: Hispanic Education workshops offered at multiple sites by the Penn State Extension Dairy Team. The workshops will be taught in Spanish, and are aimed at Spanish-speaking employees with parlor responsibilities.

“Milking is one of the most important jobs on your dairy farm,” notes Amber Yutzy, Penn State Extension educator and one of the instructors for the workshop. “Consistency of milking affects cow well-being, mastitis risk and milking speed. Consistent use of standardized milking practices, such as predipping, forestripping, drying teats with a single-use towel, unit alignment, and rapid unit attaching and detaching at the right time, are essential to quality milk production.”

A portion of each workshop will be held on-farm so participants receive the hands-on training necessary to reinforce best-milking practices, including proper stimulation, the essentials of milk let-down, and best prepping procedures to reduce mastitis.

Workshop instructors will include Yutzy, as well as Penn State Extension educators Miguel Saviroff and Greg Strait. Each workshop will be offered from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on these dates, at the following sites:

• Clinton County: Nov. 1, Penn State Cooperative Extension Office in Clinton County, 47 Cooperation Lane, Mill Hall, Pennsylvania

• Somerset County: Nov. 9, New Centerville Rural Volunteer Fire Company, 3054 Kingwood Road, Rockwood, Pennsylvania

• Bradford County: Nov. 15, Edgewood Restaurant, 565 Elmira St, Troy, Pennsylvania

Advance registration is required. Class size is limited. The registration fee is $20 per person. To register by phone or for more information, call the Penn State Extension Dairy Team office at (888) 373-7232. Because a portion of this workshop will be held on-farm, participants must bring footwear that can be sanitized for biosecurity reasons, as well as warm and clean clothing. Plastic boots for additional protection on-farm will be provided.

This workshop qualifies for 1 SmartStart credit through AgChoice Farm Credit. PD

—From Penn State Extension Dairy Team news release