A new milking system is being installed during the summer of 2008.  Browse the images below for a picture diary of the exciting progress!

On 5th June alterations to the existing sheds that will house the milking machines had commenced.

There is still a long, long way to go!

19 June.  A little more progress as the floors are being prepared.  Channels for drainage and pipework are dug.

The walls are erected for the plant room, chiller room and stores.

1 July.  The first of the milking machines is delivered.  The shed is still undergoing preparations for the installation, as new flooring is laid over the new drainage sytems.

14 July.  Work to the existing cattle sheds is well underway, with the manufacturing and installation of new gates.  Cubicles are removed to make space in the new milking areas.   All work to the sheds is being carried out by local tradesmen.  Fullwood start the insallation of the milking machines next week.

29 July.  Here is David Robinson on his Manitou moving one of the milking machines into position.

1 August.  A view of 2 of the milking machines that are now in place.    Whilst the farmers are busy silaging this week, work will continue on the machines to connect the pipework and wiring.  Although slightly behind schedule, we are aiming for the first cows to be milked on the new system by the end of the month.

26 September.  Progress has been steady over the last few weeks and we have faced a few delays.

This is the new 15500 litre bulk tank for milk storage.  This will work in conjunction with the existing 6300 litre tank already in use.

External cladding to the shed has commenced

A cows eye view of the milking machine.  Rubber matting has been laid to give greater cow comfort as they enter and exit the machine.

The 'clean area' floor has been painted with a special finish to seal the concrete and maintain good hygiene standards.  Wiring and pipe work to the machines is nearing completion.

A picture of some of the electrics on each of the milking machines

Feed from the new silo will drop in front of each cow as she is milked.  The feed is lifted automatically by an auger and goes along the white pipe just visible in the photograph.  The computer system linked to the milking machines and each cow will get a measured amount of feed.  This will be in addition to the ad-lib feed she will get in the sheds.