08/30/2026
Does the Milking parlor now need a deep clean? Yes. Did we all survive the first night of heifer training for fall calving also yes đ
We have three first calf heifers due so getting them used to coming into the milking area on their own, learning which stall will be theirs and what group theyâre in makes a big difference in reducing stress on them when they calve in.
Cows are creatures of habit so it doesnât take them long to get into a routine. Starting training before they calve gives us the opportunity to get them desensitized to the sounds of the milking machine and us working around their udder.
One thing that should never be done when working with heifers is stripping them before they calve đ
đťââď¸ During pregnancy their body forms a natural keratin plug in the teat canal that helps keep it sealed preventing any unwanted bacteria from entering. Removing that before calving causes them to be vulnerable for mastitis.
Unpopular opinion, but I actually love getting to work with first calf heifers! Especially ones we raised from the start.