Milking Goats - Bottling Process?

[SarahMilkingParlour]

We are just having a milking parlour installed, to an old milking parlour that hasn’t been used for 30 years - can anyone tell me the easiest way to start bottling our milk?
How do I sterilise bottles? We want to use glass. And best way to get milk from pasteuriser to bottle?

Many thanks - from a milking novice!

 

[spin cycle]

try and visit someone doing it....location might be a good idea and welcome to the forum

 

[Exfarmer]

First rule is check your market.
Are you re using bottles, or using new each time, in which case I would have thought supplier would guaranttee sterile.
If re using, how are you sure to get them returned, than washed etc?
Speak to firms such as prometica they should be able to give guidance

 

[honeyend]

You need to join,
https://www.rawmilkproducers.co.uk/about
If you follow the links there are resources of keeping the dairy clean and testing. Depending where you are in the country there will be someone who milks on a small scale.
https://www.rawmilkproducers.co.uk/about
https://www.gnltd.co.uk/, sell cartons plus other milking sundries

 

[upnortheast]

Putting it in a bottle is the easy bit
1st question is who is going to buy it.
How big is the local demand ?
How far are you prepared to travel to sell it.
Do some robust market reseach before you commit yourself
Goats milk is a small niche.
are you making that smaller by using only glass ?
How much do you need to sell to make it worthwhile
4 bottles a week
40 a week
400 a week
The answer makes a big difference to how you get the milk into bottles

 

[upnortheast]

Glass bottles
For glass to be economical each bottle needs to make 10 or more trips
Milk in glass is ideal for the "doorstep " trade as there is a good chance you are going to collect most of the empties.
Shops. Many don`t want the hassle of handling empties
Internet sales. Extra cost of returning empties.
Farmers market. "Oh dear, I`ve forgotten to bring the empties"

Just some thoughts fo you to ponder
You need to speak to your local council EHO if you intend bottling milk

 

[Tim G]

We bottle out of one of these.

Really depends on how much you're bottling, we do about 30 litres each milking at the moment. If you are doing more then one of those semi auto machines that you fill a few bottles at a time maybe better.

 

[Greenbeast]

We bottle out of one of these. View attachment 710344
Really depends on how much you're bottling, we do about 30 litres each milking at the moment. If you are doing more then one of those semi auto machines that you fill a few bottles at a time maybe better.

It is possible we will be milking two dairy breed cows next year, mostly for our own use (well one would do for that but she'll need a friend soon when the veal calves go).

Are you bottling to sell? Small volumes it seems? I'm after information on how we could sell milk/dairy products ourselves

 

[Tim G]

It is possible we will be milking two dairy breed cows next year, mostly for our own use (well one would do for that but she'll need a friend soon when the veal calves go).

Are you bottling to sell? Small volumes it seems? I'm after information on how we could sell milk/dairy products ourselves

Yes, milking 3 at the moment but have six Jerseys in all and bottling to sell. There are lots of hoops to jump through (we are selling raw/unpasteurised) but it isn't too difficult if sensible about it. Lots of registering and inspections, firstly with the fsa but everything is on their website.

 

[The Business Barn]

Hi there,

Here's a free guide that includes a list of helpful research links to resources within this niche industry: www.thebusinessbarn.co.uk/resources-for-alternative-farming-enterprises%20?search=goat. There are also links to a couple of farms that provide specialist dairy products. You just need to scroll down to the 'GOATS' section.

Best wishes,
The Business Barn