Milking and the expense of equipment.

[kstaven]

I run synthetic in a vacuum pump that needs oil and it doesn't get thick like standard oil. That will solve the problem with the cold and slowing down.

Personally I prefer oiless rotary vane pumps.

 

[herfrds]

It was only 12 below zero. our high was 3 above. Just a little bit cold so the block heater on the oil pan really helps. Also it needs a 30 amp breaker and the one we are running it on is a 25 amp.

Couldn't be too choosy, not too many milkers out here.

 

[Queen Mum]

One of the reasons I have goats is because I can't use all the milk one cow produces. But if I did, I would still hand milk because of the cost of a milking machine. Other than that, hand milking in the long run is not more time consuming with on cow, but a lot more time consuming with several.

It takes me 10 minutes hand milk either two goats or one cow including prep time. Clean up of equipment is about 10 minutes.

 

[herfrds]

I have friends and family who get their milk from me. I traded our vet a set of cordless clippers for his counter top pastuerizer. So my milk does not get wasted. I also only milk once a day. I get 3 gallons a day.

QM I used to hand milk but it got a little rough when my milk cow was licking the back of my neck.

 

[Citylife]

You may want to look into a Mini jersey or a dexter cow. They will give you less milk, are smaller so eat way less food.