Correctly setting up your milking plant will minimise the chance of teat and udder damage, and the risk of grades caused by poor plant performance.

Milking is the largest labour requirement on a dairy farm and the timing of milking defines the whole structure of the day. Changing milking intervals is one way to reduce work hours and/or increase flexibility to improve workplace attractiveness.

In this episode we wrap up our three-part series on contract milking. You’ll find out what a farm owner needs to know when it comes to employing a contract milker.

How do you figure out if a contract milking position is the right one for you? What things should you be asking the farm owner, what do you look for on the farm, and what are some common mistakes to avoid?

How do you prepare to go from being a farm worker to a contract milker? What are some things to be aware of, what are the foundations for success, and how do you avoid the common mistakes?

What prompted the Lincoln University Demonstration Dairy Farm’s move to full-season 10-in-7 milking? And what impact has it had on animal health, fertility, production and staff wellbeing?

Could reducing the number of milkings in a week help the dairy sector attract new staff and improve work-life balance?

What's the difference between contract milking and variable order sharemilking? Are they still a viable progression pathway? And how do you make it work in your first season?