Model Milking Shed

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 289, 7 December 1936, Page 2

Model Milking Shed

DAISY FARMERS’ “DREAM” Taranaki- offieors connected with the Departments of Health and Agriculture, are keenly interested in the design of a now milking, shed reoently erected by Mr A. Wood, an Omata farmer, on his Waireka road property. The design and internal arrangements of the shed are considered to offer facilities for milking that would satisfy the most stringent health authority in the world. Milk produced under such conditions is as free from contamination as is humanly possible.

The shed is constructed of concrete throughout and contains eight bails. It is a modification of tho “walk through” type, and instead of the usual outlet door at the head of the bail thero is a passageway, entrance to which is gained by a rising door with balance weight. The cow's pass out of the shed near a drinking trough. Specially graded floors permit the highest possible standard of hygiene Any spillage is immediately drained away and, after milking, the shed can be washed thoroughly and quickly by releasing tho contents of two watertroughs. All interior woodwork is painted and the walls are plastered to a smooth finish so that dirt is immediately detectable.

Milk is received in a room to the left of tho bails which also houses the plant. The milk vat is housed on a staging beneath which is the separator and cream cans. Skim milk is automatically pumped clear of the shed and delivered to the piggery for feeding. An electric hot w r ater apparatus is attached to concrete tubs, where all milking appliances are washed, and tho floor drainage is completely removed from the vicinity of the shed by an efficient out-fall system.

The holding yards are concreted and closed with a concrete wall, pillars and iron railing. These, too, may bo completely cleaned with a minimum of time and labour.

“The shed is one of tho most efficient I have seen,” said an officer of the Health Department, who had inspected tho building, “and it is a model that might' generally bo followed by farmers when building. Although financial and other considerations might make it imposible for the full layout to be followed, even an adaptation would do much to improve the conditions under which milk and cream are produced In Taranaki. In many cases those conditions are far from the ideal.”

The design of the model shed is entirely the work of Mr Wood, who had planned for many years and put his plans into effect when the* time was opportune.