BARNES
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The spacious layout of the dairy fosters good cow flow.
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Visitors watching milking from the Cow Classroom viewing gallery.
“Harry found the system to be very efficient and simple to operate and so we decided to replicate that format with three key technology options – Swing Arm Automatic Cup Removers (ACRs), automatic wash system and variable speed pump. “We had ACRs in the previous parlour so were accustomed to them and it’s especially handy to have with 24 units on the new parlour, not 12 as in the previous one.”
Improvements beneficial The swing-over arms improves cluster alignment and reduces pull on the cups during milking, which has a beneficial impact on production and udder health. The Waikato Milking Systems SmartDrive variable speed vacuum pump controls the delivery of milk through to the bulk tank. Using digital sensors, the milking system vacuum is continually monitored and the vacuum pump speed adjusted according to airflow demand. “The variable speed pump keeps energy costs to a minimum, so that is a no-brainer,” says Jane.
Waikato Milking System’s SmartWASH is a completely programmable automated wash system for the milking machine. A modern touch-screen provides the operator with a comprehensive menu from which a range of wash scenarios can be selected. SmartWASH uses a Hurricane Slugwash system which incorporates a unique transition cone that enables the wash water to be precisely controlled, ensuring the milk line is thoroughly cleaned every time. Activating the auto wash is achieved by the touch of a button and Jane says the hygiene levels they are achieving are consistently good with low BactoScan scores.
Happy chappy Jane says Harry is also happy with the swing down cluster wash system, which lowers the cluster washer so it is easy to access and manage. Waikato Milking Systems installed the new dairy parlour for the Barnes family in the summer of 2018, when the new farm was being developed. “We moved the cows into the new set up on
Jane Barnes hosts up to 100 tours a year, providing the public with an overview of modern UK dairying and the quality standards behind the milk which goes into Long Clawson Blue Stilton Cheese. October 31, 2018 and they took to the new parlour like ducks to water,” says Jane. “We feed a small ration of feed in the parlour to entice the cows but the whole milking process has – from day one – been easy and efficient both in time, labour and running costs. “We have four people milking for us. The simplicity and ease of operation of the parlour is a huge advantage as it ensures consistency across all operators.”
The Supa4’s 100mm single milk pipeline, mid mounted swing-over milking system, is capable of high throughput with less labour and minimum effort.
The cows took to the new parlour “like ducks to water”. Jane, Mark and Harry Barnes say the new milking parlour, will allow them to increase cow numbers in the future from the current 250 to around 300. More than two years on from the first milking in the new parlour Jane says the family is “thoroughly happy with this simple, efficient parlour, which has made the milking process the easiest job on the farm. Everyone wants to milk in it!”
