Willmar Tribune

It is now the time when the dairy cow, the foster mother of mankind, is to be given a chance under natural conditions. New information which has recently been discovered at some of the state agricultural colleges indicates that green feed and sunlight combined make it possible for a cow to build up her system by storing minerals and other body reserves, provided she receives a sufficient supply of good feed.
A heavy milking cow, however, will need feed in addition to pasture if the milk flow is to be maintained. Milking heavily with pasture as the sole source of feed causes the cow to lose weight. This loss of weight should be watched and extra feed given to prevent the cow from becoming thin, which will result in reduced milk production later.
With the coming of the summer season, new and interesting problems present themselves which concern the care of milk. The first warm nights are apt to cause milk to sour unless summer care is practiced. It is important to take precautions which will keep down the number of bacteria and prevent their growth. To do this milk must be produced under clean conditions, be kept in thoroughly cleaned utensils, and be cooled as soon as possible after it comes from the cow.
Summer is one of the easiest seasons in which to produce clean milk. There will be times, however, when a considerable amount of mud and dirt will collect on the udder and flanks of cows, and if a portion of this material drops into the milk it will injure its keeping quality. The dirt which collects on the flanks and udder should be removed before milking time by wiping with a damp cloth. If the hair on the udder and underline is clipped short the cleaning can be done effectively and quickly. Incidentally, the practice of clipping the cow all over before turning to pasture not only makes it easier to keep her clean, but it relieves the itchy condition that develops during the stabling months.
Much of the milk produced in the country is hauled long distances in large trucks. In summer if the cans of milk are not protected from the sun before leaving the farm, and again en route, it will be difficult to keep the milk sweet until it is used. Every time a day's milk is returned to the farm, for whatever reason, there is a distinct financial loss. Only by producing a sanitary milk and then taking care of it can satisfactory results be obtained to all concerned.