A key factor in this success is the heightened commitment to milk quality excellence by Co-op farms, which has led to a noticeable drop in somatic cell count (SCC) levels across the board. Grant Rudman, Farm Source’s General Manager for On-farm Excellence – Milk, highlights that farmers are increasingly adopting a proactive approach to infection control and on-farm milk quality practices. This vigilance in the cow shed, coupled with improved mastitis management and prevention, is proving crucial in enhancing overall milk quality.

Rudman emphasizes that lowering SCC is a cumulative process, requiring consistent effort rather than overnight fixes. Farmers are actively mitigating animal health risks, which directly contributes to superior milk quality. As calving season approaches, the Farm Source team is offering essential support to help farmers streamline their processes for the upcoming milking period, stressing that implementing simple practices early can profoundly impact SCC levels later in the season.

Veterinary Programme Manager Mike Shallcrass reinforces the importance of staying ahead of potential issues like mastitis and high somatic cell counts. He notes that farms consistently achieving low SCC levels are those meticulously adhering to fundamental best practices every single day. This includes ensuring milking machines are well-calibrated, avoiding overmilking cows, and maintaining excellent teat spray coverage, all of which minimize risks and provide operational flexibility.