Inspection of dairy farms helps to assure a safe and healthy supply of milk to processors, and ultimately consumers. Many factors influence the quality and quantity of milk produced by a dairy farm. Bacteriological counts produced through testing of milk samples helps determine the quality of milk. When the counts exceed regulatory standards, a dairy farmer is required to return to compliance within a timely fashion. The Dairy Program also assists dairy farmers to comply with Appendix N requirements of the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance.
Hauler-Sampler Program
The Hauler-Sampler Program establishes a training and registration program for milk hauler-samplers. Milk haulers are required to take milk samples. These milk samples are tested for milk component contents (i.e., butterfat, protein, and other milk solids) as well as to gather quality information such as bacterial counts and to determine the presence of antibiotics.
The Division maintains a hauler-sampler program to inform and train haulers on proper sampling techniques and the importance of sampling in the quality and profitability of a dairy farm.
Tanker Inspection
Milk is hauled from the dairy farm to processors in tanker trucks. A high quality milk product requires these tankers to be properly maintained. To assure this proper maintenance, all milk tankers must be inspected, and the Division performs these inspections.
Mastitis Program
The Mastitis Program offers assistance to dairy farmers by offering laboratory analysis of milk samples to identify problem areas in their herds to reduce the overall impact of mastitis on their herds and ultimately, on the quality of milk they produce.