Dairy Facilities?

[lkmartin1230]

Is their anybody that runs a dairy that would mine sharing their set-up with me. Pictures and why you chose the way you designed it? I'm in planning stages and I'd really appreciate any input on things you wish you had done/reccomend doing! TIA!!

 

[animalmom]

Have you read through the thread "Jumping the Moon Dairy - the next chapter" ? It is in the "Everything Else Goats" section. It could be helpful for you.

 

[lkmartin1230]

I have. I'm having a hard time skimming throu gf h to find just I need though.

 

[Mini Horses]

I'm sure you realize all states have their own "rules & regs" with hoops to jump through. But, there was a lot of detail & some good finished pics of inside if you scan her thread. Right now she is in a heavy work time & probably won't get any reply for a while.

I would suggest you first talk with licensure to get the regs that will control what you will be required to have & where you will be allowed have your dairy. These things may well affect any questions you have, rather than spinning with what another did and won't affect you. Then we can try to help you with more specific "where to get & how to do" questions. For several others who have discussed such a business, the expense was greater than they felt acceptable, considering the market.

Wishing you luck. Let us know what comes of it.

 

[Ridgetop]

I would suggest you first talk with licensure to get the regs that will control what you will be required to have & where you will be allowed have your dairy.

State, County and city requirements are different for every location. Before you even attempt to sell any milk, let alone go to the expense and work involved in building your dairy, you need to be aware of the regulations.

In some states it is illegal to sell any milk to anyone for any reason without a licensed dairy. There are major fines and you could face legal prosecution, let alone being sued by someone. Once you have looked into the requirements for a licensed dairy in your state, then you can decide if it is worth it.

On the other hand, if you are asking about setting up a milking parlor for your own use, to produce milk for your own household consumption, home cheese making, feeding calves, etc. then that is a completely different set up operation and can be accomplished much more economically depending in the number of goats, sheep, or cows you plan to milk.

Which is it?

 

[lkmartin1230]

I am very aware of the regulations. I know them well. I will be in the process of getting licensed not long from now, and I would just like ideas such as, set up of parlors for ease of getting the goats in and out. My original idea I never ended up doing because it was not very functional. Also, just the inside of the cheese room, how you set up your equipment and why.

 

[Mini Horses]

Watching for suggestions from those who have a commercial dairy or have visited, checked it out, etc.

For me, I have a milk area in my barn and work one at a time. Then into my home kitchen for making delicious product for self and friends.

Of course...that's of little help to you.

Have you considered looking on line for any dairies on the East Coast and possibly arranging a visit? Most would be happy to make that happen with an appointment. Most goat people are pretty willing to share. There isn't a huge amount of competition.

 

[Mini Horses]

http://www.uvm.edu/newfarmer/production/livestock/Goat-Dairy.pdf

This has all kinds of info...space, land, feed, milking, etc.

Here's some Utube…

 

[lkmartin1230]

Thank you!

 

[lkmartin1230]

Yes I have considered it, but I haven't really found time at the moment to schedule a visit with any.