Dairy is a popular food group worldwide, and whether you love cream in your coffee or butter on your bread, it all begins with milk. In the next two blogs, we will discuss how milk travels from the dairy farm to the grocery store and how the processing plant plays a vital role in ensuring product quality and safety.
Milk is packed with nutrients, providing calcium, protein, Vitamins D and B12, riboflavin, potassium, and selenium, as well as vitamin A, magnesium, zinc, and thiamine (B1). Milk also delivers beneficial fatty acids and omega-3s, which are associated with a lower risk of diabetes and heart disease. Milk supports normal growth, brain development, and immune function. It is often associated with bone health because it is an excellent way to consume calcium, which is needed for strong teeth and bones. The nutrients in milk also help to release energy from foods, therefore reducing fatigue.
How Does Automated Milking Work?
Automatic milking involves the milking of dairy animals, especially dairy cattle, without the need for labor. Automatic milking systems (AMS), also called voluntary milking systems (VMS), are “agricultural robots” that allow complete automation of the milking process. Systems rely on computer technology and herd management software, which can also monitor the health status of animals.
Maintaining optimal milk yield requires adherence to a strict schedule, typically twice daily, and with consistent spacing between milkings. Every other activity on the dairy farm revolves around this schedule.
To reduce the labor involved in milking, much of the milking process has been automated: many farmers have implemented semi-automatic or automatic cow traffic control such as powered gates, and the milking machine has entirely completely milk extraction. Vacuum pressure is utilized to extract milk from cows and maintain proper blood circulation.
On most dairy farms, this specialized equipment pumps milk directly from the dairy cows to a refrigerated storage tank, where it is rapidly cooled to retain freshness, quality, and safety. The milk never comes in contact with the farmer’s hands, the first of a long list of safety measures. Fresh milk is transported to the dairy processing plant using an insulated and sealed tanker truck. Because freshness is paramount, the processing plant is typically a short drive from the dairy farm.
Every tanker load of milk is screened for antibiotics both on the farm (before shipment) and at the processing plant (before being unloaded off the tanker truck). On the rare occasion that milk tests positive for antibiotics, it will be disposed of immediately. This milk is not processed or treated and will not ever sit on a store shelf.
Maintaining Quality from Farm to Processing Plant
Proper storage is necessary on the farm, over the road, and once the milk reaches the plant. Stainless steel equipment is most often utilized for dairy production for many reasons. These include:
Hygienic Integrity: The smooth stainless-steel surface prevents oils and natural sugar buildup, maintaining cleanliness and resulting in better overall product quality.
Chemical Neutrality: Stainless steel is chemically neutral, meaning that there is nothing on the surface that will react with the dairy products by releasing chemicals and tainting its purity.
Corrosion Resistance: Stainless steel resists corrosion, ensuring its durability and reliability. Stainless steel can ensure the harsh conditions associated with dairy processing without sacrificing its integrity.
Longevity: Stainless steel lasts longer, delivering an affordable option to dairy farmers and processors. Because the material will not deteriorate over time, product safety and quality are guaranteed.
In our next blog, we will discuss how milk is actually processed and turned into the products you know and love.
Zwirner Equipment is a trusted leader in this space, providing high-quality used and reconditioned stainless-steel equipment to the dairy industry at an affordable price.
