Dairy-tech

[Tim G]

Been offered a ride along to Dairy tech, what's it like and is it worth it for such a small scale producer? Like the idea of going but will take a lot of effort if I'm not at home for a day.

 

[Sid]

Everydays a school day.

Make the effort. Sometimes it's not what you go to see that catches your eye and gives you inspiration and ideas.

 

[buffalo_soldier]

There will be small scale stuff there for sure.

Ice cream machine is probably of most interest to you I guess.

 

[buffalo_soldier]

Actually im just in the office and I have this picture on my wall. Don't let it be you @Tim G

 

[Tim G]

Actually im just in the office and I have this picture on my wall. Don't let it be you @Tim G

I like that, and no, I don't want that to be me!
If I go, I suspect Mrs G will have to do the milking which with 2 small children to get to school as well, is a mission. I will get reminded of it plenty of times because I will be 'on a jolly'. Hence why I want to be sure it's worthwhile. Do they have ice cream machines and other small processing type stuff there then?

 

[Tarw Coch]

Just a thought @TimG but would it be better/easier to go to the uk dairy day in Telford in September. Yes I know it’s further for you but it’s at a better time of year with livestock out and longer daylight hours.

When the dairy event was in September I never missed it even if it did mean a very early start. The move to July was even better, coinciding pretty much with the longest days meant any work needing to be done before/after could be done in daylight.
I haven’t bothered since the move to February, if the organisers are going to organise an event at a time of peak workload for dairy farmers I can’t be bothered to make the effort, it’s akin to holding Cereals in August.

 

[Bald Rick]

Stoneleigh is annoying as it means you have to drive.
Would like to go but can I be arsed? Easier to summon them here if there’s something that takes the eye

 

[Princess Pooper]

I don't manage to get to any other specialist dairy event now so I made a point of going last year and was very impressed, well worth attending. Some interesting talks and seminars lined up and even though we are never going to afford a lot of high-tech stuff there were still stands relevant to us. Plenty of the 'normal' ones eg Kiwikit, Abbeydale. Seem to remember last year I bought a pair of specialist foot trimming gloves. Have you looked at the website?

 

[Tim G]

Just a thought @TimG but would it be better/easier to go to the uk dairy day in Telford in September. Yes I know it’s further for you but it’s at a better time of year with livestock out and longer daylight hours.

When the dairy event was in September I never missed it even if it did mean a very early start. The move to July was even better, coinciding pretty much with the longest days meant any work needing to be done before/after could be done in daylight.
I haven’t bothered since the move to February, if the organisers are going to organise an event at a time of peak workload for dairy farmers I can’t be bothered to make the effort, it’s akin to holding Cereals in August.

There is never a good time to be honest!

 

[Tim G]

Easier to summon them here if there’s something that takes the eye

That might work when you are the king of Jersey cows like you, I'm just a lowly serf!
Plus I'm still new to this dairy game so need to get some ideas first.

 

[Tim G]

Have you looked at the website?

Yes I have, it looks like everyone with a stand there thinks they can add value to milk. I would like to look at some processing equipment, is there much of that sort of thing there?

 

[Princess Pooper]

Yes I have, it looks like everyone with a stand there thinks they can add value to milk. I would like to look at some processing equipment, is there much of that sort of thing there?

Seem to remember there were a couple of stands last year, but haven't the time to plough through the exhibitor list to look for this year.

 

[upnortheast]

I would like to look at some processing equipment, is there much of that sort of thing there?

Maybe your best bet is to have a look round some small milk processors plants. Advantage - no bulls**t salesmen.
Most folk, (as long as your not on their doorstep ) happy to show their kit & tell the story, warts & all.
Bit of a hike to come here, but if you are ever on tour happy to show you round

 

[Bald Rick]

That might work when you are the king of Jersey cows like you, I'm just a lowly serf!
Plus I'm still new to this dairy game so need to get some ideas first.

Ah, it was a bit tongue in cheek. Just seems a lot of effort to drive to Stoneleigh and back in the dark both ways. If it was at the NEC I would let the train take the strain.
Always learning.

 

[Tim G]

Ah, it was a bit tongue in cheek. Just seems a lot of effort to drive to Stoneleigh and back in the dark both ways. If it was at the NEC I would let the train take the strain.
Always learning.

Don't worry, my tongue was firmly in cheek too!
The beauty of this potential trip is that someone has offered to drive me.

 

[upnortheast]

To continue, I would suggest on your scale you would be better talking to the SH stainless steel dealers. We set up on all SH kit. Just put a new milk pump on the pastueriser. Old pump was stamped 1982. Seperator is 1970`s we think.. Change all the bearings every 3 years, Engineers vibration meter gives better readings than a new machine, he says.
Might take a bit of time to find the right kit but huge savings on new. (As you proved with your parlour )

 

[Milkcow365]

Nearly 6 hour drive for me puts me off

 

[Cows 'n grass]

Nearly 6 hour drive for me puts me off

Aren't you on the pointy bit of Scotland down from Stranraer? There can't be many trips out that aren't a 6 hour drive..

 

[Milkcow365]

Aren't you on the pointy bit of Scotland down from Stranraer? There can't be many trips out that aren't a 6 hour drive..

I’ve never driven past Manchester airport haha

 

[Tim G]

I’ve never driven past Manchester airport haha

That's because they've had your wheels off at the first set of lights!