STATE

Spanish milking workshop offered

Now Media Group

MADISON

Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin is offering a one-day Milking Science workshop taught exclusively in Spanish.

The workshops will demonstrate proper training that protects dairy operations, milk quality and ensures worker safety. Training will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on three dates at three locations: June 9, Clay View Dairy, 35694 215th Ave., Goodhue, MN; June 16, Lake Breeze Dairy, W2651 Kiel Rd., Malone; and Junction View Dairy, 29404 County Highway OO, Richland Center.

Workshop overview

Master the Milking Parlor — Dr. Oscar Duarte will provide employees with the information and tools to optimize the team's milking skills and boost the dairy's bottom line. Training includes: milking techniques; correct use of equipment and tools during milking; procedures to lessen incidences of mastitis — detecting and recording; and safety.

Handling Techniques for the Down Cow — Down cows require special handling. A positive difference can be made when a proper plan is in place. Dr. Robert Leder will review basic principles to improve a down cow's outcome and reduce potential unpleasant experiences that can affect pre-fresh, post-fresh and compromised cows who need special handling.Workers will learn proper protocols for handling special-needs cows which improve the outcome for everyone involved — cows, farm employees and farm management — and keep the parlor successfully moving along.

Registration fee covers the workshop, training materials and lunch. Fees are $125 per person for PDPW members and $75 for each additional member from the same dairy. Fees for non-members is $250 per person and $75 for each additional member from the same dairy.