By Andi Anderson
A recent study has found that regular training for dairy farm workers significantly reduces mastitis, a common udder infection in cows, leading to better milk quality, cow health, and employee satisfaction.
Mastitis is caused by bacteria from the environment or poor milking practices. It costs U.S. farmers $1 billion annually, as infected milk must be discarded. Treating cases can cost between $50 and $500 per cow, depending on severity.
Proper milking routines, like cleaning the udder before and after milking, are key to preventing infection. “It’s the last line of defense,” said Christy Dinsmoore of the Michigan Milk Producers Association.
Despite its importance, many dairy workers don’t fully understand these steps. The study, conducted in Michigan and Ohio, found that while workers could identify mastitis, they lacked proper training in disinfection methods.
High turnover is a major issue. Around 70% of workers had less than one year of experience, and one farm had a 125% turnover rate. Often, new hires are trained by other workers who may not be fully trained themselves, leading to skipped steps.
Zelmar Rodriguez, the study’s lead author, noted that long shifts and repetitive tasks lead workers to find shortcuts, often unknowingly reducing milk safety. Teaching the purpose behind each step helps prevent this. Training also speeds up milking by improving teat stimulation and milk flow.
After proper training, workers reported increased satisfaction and efficiency. They understood how correct techniques saved time and improved results.
Training also improves teamwork and communication. Workers appreciated learning from outside trainers who explained the benefits clearly.
Though scheduling training is difficult, many free resources are available from veterinary clinics, companies, and MSU Extension.
Rodriguez encourages farmers to take advantage of these programs. “The important thing is to use the resources,” he said.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-vm
Categories: Michigan, Education