MILK Counts
What is MILK Counts?
MILK Counts was created as a joint effort between the Kentucky Dairy Development Council and University of Kentucky Dairy Extension. It was as an extension of the KDDC Market Incentive Leadership for Kentucky (M.I.L.K) program. While our flagship program has changed focus and is now MILK 4.0, MILK Counts remains the same. The intent of the program is to provide technical assistance to producers participating in the MILK 4.0 program who are missing out on the opportunity to obtain the milk quality incentive.
How Can You Benefit?
A KDDC consultant will visit your dairy farm for a comprehensive milk quality evaluation. Your county extension agent, veterinarian, or other consultants may be involved in this evaluation also. Prior to the initial farm visit, we will examine your DHI and on-farm records to identify specific milk quality issues. During the initial farm visit, we will evaluate your milking procedures, management protocols, animal hygiene, dry cow treatment protocols and housing, and other factors impacting milk quality on your farm. After the initial farm visit, we will provide a written report summarizing our observations and suggestions for improvements. Additionally, we will provide an estimate of the economic impact of improving milk quality on your farm. If desired, we will also help you develop a plan for improvement and monitoring of implemented changes. Follow-up visits are encouraged and will be scheduled based upon your interest.
Who Can Participate?
Any Kentucky dairy producer can participate in the program, though first priority will be given to MILK 4.0 participants. Contact your KDDC consultant or county agriculture agent if you are interested in participating.
Contact local KDDC consultant if you have any questions or would like to participate.
Resources and on the Blog:
Milk Quality in July
Using an On-Farm Culturing System to Identify Mastitis Causing Pathogens
Minnesota Easy Culture System User's Guide
MILK Counts was created as a joint effort between the Kentucky Dairy Development Council and University of Kentucky Dairy Extension. It was as an extension of the KDDC Market Incentive Leadership for Kentucky (M.I.L.K) program. While our flagship program has changed focus and is now MILK 4.0, MILK Counts remains the same. The intent of the program is to provide technical assistance to producers participating in the MILK 4.0 program who are missing out on the opportunity to obtain the milk quality incentive.
How Can You Benefit?
A KDDC consultant will visit your dairy farm for a comprehensive milk quality evaluation. Your county extension agent, veterinarian, or other consultants may be involved in this evaluation also. Prior to the initial farm visit, we will examine your DHI and on-farm records to identify specific milk quality issues. During the initial farm visit, we will evaluate your milking procedures, management protocols, animal hygiene, dry cow treatment protocols and housing, and other factors impacting milk quality on your farm. After the initial farm visit, we will provide a written report summarizing our observations and suggestions for improvements. Additionally, we will provide an estimate of the economic impact of improving milk quality on your farm. If desired, we will also help you develop a plan for improvement and monitoring of implemented changes. Follow-up visits are encouraged and will be scheduled based upon your interest.
Who Can Participate?
Any Kentucky dairy producer can participate in the program, though first priority will be given to MILK 4.0 participants. Contact your KDDC consultant or county agriculture agent if you are interested in participating.
Contact local KDDC consultant if you have any questions or would like to participate.
Resources and on the Blog:
Milk Quality in July
Using an On-Farm Culturing System to Identify Mastitis Causing Pathogens
Minnesota Easy Culture System User's Guide
