......if you are here, you must have followed Ellie over from the Sage Patch!
Since the Farm Gal, (owner of the diary I am blogging about) has written so often about their cows (in 1951)....I'd like to incorporate 'farm knowledge' into my blog to enhance her daily diary entries and help provide you (my readers) with some visuals that I hope you all will enjoy!
Cont'd.....
Both Ellie and Bella were on their way to enter the milk barn...after leaving the back three acres on the river. It was after all, milking time at 6:30.
With tails a-swishin', they politely found their place with no pushing or fighting over who gets the better stall...they don't really mind it much and know that it will only take a few minutes of their time!
Because Ellie's with calf, Bella was the only one milking last night.
First the girls are carefully wiped down with some medicated water; not only does this clean the teat, it helps stimulate the milk to drop. (Boy, we'll never forget that feeling, right ladies?!)
The vacuum system is turned on and in just a few seconds all four teats are pulled into the milkers cups and the the heart of the machine is pumping away...giving Farmer Fritz 2 gallons of fresh milk in only THREE minutes!
The milking vacuum system is put into the sink, so the milk can be tended to first; it is immediately strained off into another sterilized milk can.
...which is then immediately divided up into the gallon jars.
Mmmmm.....M I L K ! ! !
The jars are topped off with some waxed paper, so as none of the milk comes in contact with the metal lids.
With the utmost of care, and following strict sanitation and sterilization procedures; everything is rinsed out, washed, rinsed again, sterilized and hung to dry.
The filled jars of milk are put in the farm sink, that is filled with cool water to help bring the temp down.
They will stay here for approx 1 to 1.5 hour before refrigeration.
What temp is the milk when it comes out of the cow? Why, the same temp as the cow, of course! 101 degrees!
Ellie was doing so well and boy was her baby moving! ....and I snuck in there to give special ear rubs that she loves so much, but as much as I love to rub her ears, she in turn loves to give me 'snarfles' and slobbery kisses on my hair.
In no time at all, we were all leaving the milking barn, lolly-gagging our way through the farm yard and heading back down the run to the river to enjoy the lovely cool evening.
The hens all got excited and wanted to join in the parade...
I hope you enjoyed following us through the process of milking and seeing how your local small scale farmer provides you with fresh milk.Ellie will come fresh in three weeks time, so stay tuned for more happenings on The Farm.
Enjoy your day!
L
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