When it comes to the dairy sector, relief milkers are critical, perhaps more critical than what a lot of people give them credit for. Dairy farming can be a strenuous occupation that involves long hours. If there weren’t any relief milkers, farmers and their staff would invariably burn themselves out, both physically and psychologically. It’s paramount that they have regular respite from their labours, even if it’s just a few quiet days pottering around the house. Relief milkers allow farmers and farm staff to have much-needed rest and recovery so they are able to recharge their batteries, refresh their minds, resharpen their focus, and get right away from the milking shed to spend quality time with family and friends for beach holidays, weddings, overseas trips, Christmas gatherings, fishing excursions, and more besides.
During the 2020 and 2021 Covid lockdowns, when the majority of New Zealand’s workforce were stuck (some might say imprisoned) in their homes, relief milkers were still travelling to farms and working on relief milking jobs, because they were an essential service. They were an integral part of the food chain, and the all-important agricultural industry which kept the supermarkets stocked and the nation fed.
This post will touch upon some of the key roles that quality relief milkers play in the sector.
1. Alleviating Pressure On Farm Personnel
Relief milkers provide dairy farmers and their full-time staff with much-needed respite from the demanding tasks associated with daily milking routines. By allowing farmers and their staff to take breaks for rest, recuperation, and other farm management duties, relief milkers contribute to the overall well-being of farm operations. This alleviation of pressure helps prevent burnout among the farm’s full-time personnel, ensuring that they can sustainably manage their duties over the long term.
2. Consistent Milking Schedule
Maintaining a consistent milking schedule is essential for the health and productivity of dairy herds. Relief milkers play a crucial role in upholding this schedule, ensuring that cows are milked at regular intervals without disruptions. Consistency in milking promotes udder health, prevents discomfort for the cows, and optimises milk production. By adhering to a structured milking routine, relief milkers contribute to the overall efficiency of dairy farm operations.
3. Expertise In Animal Care
Relief milkers can often possess specialised knowledge and skills in animal care and welfare. Their experience allows them to handle dairy cows with care and proficiency, ensuring that milking procedures are conducted smoothly and efficiently. From identifying signs of illness to implementing proper hygiene practices, relief milkers play a vital role in safeguarding the health and well-being of dairy herds. Their expertise contributes to the overall health and productivity of the animals under their care.
4. Flexibility In Farm Management
New Zealand’s dairy industry is subject to various factors, including weather fluctuations, market demands, and seasonal changes. Relief milkers offer flexibility in farm management by adapting to evolving circumstances and adjusting milking schedules accordingly. Whether it’s covering for absentee farmers, farm staff, or accommodating changes in workload, relief milkers provide farmers with the flexibility they need to navigate the complexities of dairy farming effectively.
5. Enhanced Work-Life Balance
The demanding nature of dairy farming can often encroach upon the personal lives of farmers and their full-time staff, leading to imbalance and stress. Relief milkers play a crucial role in promoting a work-life balance for dairy farmers and their staff by allowing them to delegate milking responsibilities and take much-needed time off. By ensuring that farmers and their staff have opportunities for rest and relaxation, relief milkers contribute to their overall quality of life and well-being.
In conclusion, relief milking serves as a cornerstone of New Zealand’s dairy industry, offering indispensable support to farmers and contributing to the health and productivity of dairy herds. From alleviating pressure on farmers to maintaining consistent milking schedules and promoting animal welfare, relief milkers play a multifaceted role in the success of dairy farm operations. As the dairy industry continues to evolve, the importance of relief milking in ensuring herd health and productivity remains undeniably essential.