As temperatures start to drop, now is the perfect time to get your parlour ready for the winter months.

Cold weather can put extra strain on equipment, pipes, and vacuum systems — so a little preparation goes a long way. Follow our easy guide on minimising your business risk this winter.

Essential checks now:

• Check rubber ware and liners for cracks or stiffness
• Inspect pulsation and vacuum settings to ensure consistent milk flow
• Insulate exposed pipework to prevent frost damage
• Clear out filters and airline traps

Why a winter service is important:

• Prevent emergency call outs
• Extend equipment life
• Improve milking performance and teat health
• Slow milkings in cold weather
• To stay compliant with red tractor

Save yourself money:

Frozen pipes and valves can disrupt milking within minutes. A few simple steps help keep things running.

• Insulate pipework, taps, and wash lines
• We recommend testing your generators during one lot of milking to test it works, once a month.
• Keep the plant room above 5°C if possible
• Drain lines properly after each wash if frost is forecast
• Ensure hot water systems are performing at full capacity, we can carry out a quick check.

Winter Cow Comfort: Small Changes, Big Gains

Cow comfort doesn’t stop when the weather turns colder — in fact, it becomes even more important.

Here are a few simple ways to keep cows comfortable this winter:

• Invest in a swinging cow brush, this improves cow health and hygiene, reduces stress, increases milk production, promotes cow activity.
• Keep collecting yards and walkways as dry and grippy as possible, we recommend using DeLaval rubber matting.
• Make sure lighting is bright enough for safe cow flow
• Ensure teats are fully dry before cows step outside in cold or windy conditions

Winter Hygiene Reminder:

Cold weather often means less natural drying time, which can affect hygiene.

Winter hygiene essentials:

✔️ Check chemical dosing levels are accurate

✔️ Make sure wash temperatures are being achieved

✔️ Keep clusters clean and dry between milkings

✔️ Use emollient-rich teat dips during cold spells to protect skin

On routine parlour service check liners, pulsation, vacuum systems, milk meters, milk pumps, chemical dosing, rubber ware, and all major wear-points to make sure your parlour is performance ready.

Call our friendly service team HERE to help prepare your parlour for winter.