It's just as important to stay current with changes involving dairy equipment and supplies as it is with any other type of industry. With advances in technology, purchasing the latest and greatest dairy machines can save you time milking and essentially make your money back on your purchase.

But how do you know about the latest trends involving dairy farm equipment? Utilize technology, and check out many informative sites online when starting your research. Consider the following when staying alert to changes with dairy equipment and supplies news and trends:

1. Research online any new information available on dairy equipment and supplies news and trends.

2. Locate publications based on dairy machinery, and stay current.

3. Read opinions from published columnists based on dairy milking supplies and equipment.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Stay current on changes to dairy farm machinery via online sites

Although it may be difficult to digest all the information out there on dairy farm equipment, you should try your best to stay informed about any changes in the industry. Check out industry leaders for daily updates if possible.

I recommend: Look to Technology for Agriculture, which can help you become more productive with better dairy farm machinery. Search through Meredith's Agriculture Online and the comprehensive machinery news links on its site.

Read publications based on changes in dairy machines

Farm publications are the number one source of information for the nation's farmers. This is one of the most effective ways to be informed about any changes to dairy machinery. Take responsibility and familiarize yourself with changes to any sort of dairy milking equipment. This can be new and improved machinery, or changes in the state or national requirements. Locate dairy equipment-based publications that can keep you updated on important changes.

I recommend: Look into Agribusiness Dairyman, which is a magazine published monthly by Agribusiness Publications. Find product updates on dairy equipment and supplies at the website for Lessiter Publications' Farm Equipment subscription. Learn more about new products to be released as well as the industry's top dealer organizations.

Check out columnists who specialize in featuring dairy processing equipment

Along the lines of researching dairy-based publications, these magazines or online sites occasionally feature columnists who can give their opinion on changes in dairy supplies and other equipment. These columns are oftentimes unbiased, giving you the best advice about the machines.

I recommend: Cheese Reporter Publishing creates its weekly dairy trade publication based in an area that specializes in all things dairy: Wisconsin. Read through its columns posted online for discussion of dairy machinery trends and news. You can also subscribe to the publication, which has been in business for 130 years. Oklahoma State University's Department of Animal Science publishes a dairy newsletter featuring several columns. Check it out for helpful dairy supply and machinery suggestions.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Some online sites have a place to post comments or have an online feed where you can carry on conversations. This is ideal if you're seeking an answer to a particular question regarding dairy farm equipment.

Dairy equipment and supplies include, but are not limited to, dairy machinery, dairy machines and dairy supplies that control heat and flow of the milk. Dairy equipment and supplies are sold new and used, but there are online catalogues that make your search faster and easier.

Along with the actual dairy milking equipment, you must be able to find the dairy equipment suppliers that can help you maintain the equipment that you buy. These include rubber pipes that help to clean and isolate ducts in your dairy production machines and lubricants that help keep your dairy processing equipment in proper working order.

1. Inspect the equipment before you buy it, by searching for dairy equipment manufacturers near you. Otherwise, you are dealing with equipment being delivered to you sight unseen.

2. Consider used equipment over new, as many companies offer resale values.

3. Search through the sites that look interesting, and call the companies to ensure that you have all of your questions answered before you buy.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Look for used dairy equipment and supplies

Most resale companies sell their used equipment with no warranties. Keep this in mind when you peruse the used equipment that you need. As long as you have the knowledge that it takes to maintain the equipment, and keep it in working order, used products should not be a problem.

I recommend: Heritage Equipment Co. is recommended. They have a wide array of used stainless steel equipment for sale, and they have listing of their new equipment updated regularly. They have regular promotions for their new and used equipment, and they are part of the Better Business Bureau. Located in Ohio, they are well equipped to ship the equipment to you in a timely manner, and they have a full catalogue of their equipment on their website. Also, check out Carrier Vibrating Equipment, Inc.

Purchase new dairy machinery

Most dairy equipment suppliers sell their used dairy equipment with all faults and no return policy. If this is not your cup of tea, then search through a supplier that deals with only new dairy farm supplies and equipment.

I recommend: Visit the website of M & M Control in Illinois. They have dairy supplies and equipment that are always new and ready to deliver. They use top brand names, like Danaher, LFE, Partlow, Rustrak, and West.

Find the right dairy equipment manufacturers by comparing their stats

You may find you need to compare and contrast the services and equipment from many different suppliers at once, and there are sites available that can help you make the right decision. From dairy milking supplies to dairy processing equipment, you can compare anything and everything you re looking for.

I recommend: ThomasNet allows you to compare, email and rate some of the dairy equipment suppliers near you. You can search through the companies by name and location, and the site also allows you to go to the company's site. At Dairy Train you can type in your specific criteria for any dairy farm equipment or supplies and find a dealer that works for you.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Email or call every company you are interested in doing business with before you place an order for dairy farm equipment. They may have information that does not appear on their site, especially regarding their used merchandise.

One of the biggest considerations when determining pricing and costs of dairy equipment and supplies for your business is your budget. If you find the ideal machinery but cannot afford it, what good is it going to do you? You want to stand out from the rest of the competition, but you don't want to go broke in the process.

Sit down and determine your dairy farm equipment budget. Don't be embarrassed if you cannot afford the highest-end machinery; there are still options available. After you crunch the numbers, it's almost time to start shopping. Consider some of these options when sorting through the pricing and costs of dairy equipment and supplies:

1. Purchase new, reliable dairy machines from manufacturers and distributors.

2. Cut costs, and consider buying used dairy equipment.

3. Rent or lease dairy farm equipment, as it's a cost-effective way to free up funds.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Select new dairy farm machinery to outfit your business

Buying new dairy farm equipment can be a perfect choice for any business, as it offers reliability and dependability that you may not find in used equipment. Most manufacturers or distributors offer a warranty to back up those claims or can provide replacements for little cost to you as a consumer.

I recommend: Look to The Coburn Company, a manufacturer and distributor of livestock supplies and dairy milking equipment for the last 75 years. BouMatic allows you to start with its most basic dairy equipment and then upgrade whenever you are ready.

Buy used dairy equipment to free up funds

If money is tight for your company, then consider purchasing used dairy equipment. As long as you know how to properly operate the equipment, buying used equipment would work fine. Again, make sure you receive some sort of warranty before you make the purchase.

I recommend: Search through the list of dairy machinery and equipment provided by the Schier Company; it specializes in buying and selling used dairy processing equipment. Dairy Heritage guarantees its used dairy machinery to pass state and local regulations. All its used items are accompanied by pictures on the site.

Lease dairy supplies if you're getting started in the dairy business

Leasing dairy machinery offers a short-term commitment if you're starting out in the business or if you aren't sure if this market is for you. It's also ideal for those who need to free up some money, perhaps to offer up more money to employ extra workers. Leasing also provides a chance to own dairy farm machinery that you might not have been able to afford otherwise.

I recommend: Technology For Agriculture offers a lease option for dairy farm equipment and parlors. If you decide to use dairy machines from Ag Lease, then know that it can work with you to secure a lease cycle to fit your cash flow and tax requirements.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Find dairy equipment for sale at an auction. If you live in an industrial area, you might be able to find one nearby; otherwise check government-run auctions online.

In addition to locating energy and cost-efficient dairy equipment and supplies, note the many machine styles and features that can be installed for your business. Identify your production needs according to your specialization, whether it is cheese, milk or milk-based products that you want to create for distribution. Several types of dairy equipment and supplies are manufactured for various applications. The processes usually involve separating, sterilizing, blending and finishing of dairy related ingredients. Dairy equipment and supplies key terms help to determine which machinery is appropriate for transforming milk into cheese or ice cream.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Separator

A dairy separator used at a processing plant separates the fat from milk. These centrifugal devices also remove bacteria from milk and whey.

I recommend: GEA Westfalia Separator highlights the many applications of separators. Articles on dairy separators, their features and innovations can be found at the Dairy Foods website.

Homogenizer

Homogenizers are mechanical devices that operate at high temperatures to unify milk and cream into one mixture. Homogenizers come in single-stage and two-stage settings.

I recommend: Get additional information and photos of homogenizers at the Genemco website.

Pasteurization

Pasteurizers heat dairy and other liquids and foods at high temperatures. The machines use a heat exchanger system to kill bacteria and other harmful microorganisms that destroy foods and beverages.

I recommend: Goodnature provides resources relating to dairy pasteurization processes. Read about the benefits of having pasteurization equipment at A&B Process Systems.

Finishing table

A cheese finishing table handles mixtures of curds and whey during the cheese making process. The finishing table drains the whey and allows the curds to form together so that cheese makers can cut and shape them into rectangular loaves.

I recommend: View how the Washington State University Creamery makes cheese using several types of equipment, including a finishing table. Kusel Equipment also defines the features and specifications of cheese finishing tables.

Batch freezer

A batch freezer, sometimes called a freezing cylinder, features a chamber, a cylindrical device and rotating blades that operate to make large quantities of ice cream.

I recommend: Look for models and descriptions of batch freezers at Technogel America. Stoelting publishes owner’s manuals and brochures on batch freezers for research.

Aseptic technology

Aseptic technology procedures sterilize dairy equipment and supplies so that dairy products can be safely processed, packaged and bottled without the threat of contamination. Aseptic technology also extends the shelf life of some foods and beverages.

I recommend: Statco Engineering presents the basics of aseptic technology, including the supplies used during the procedures, the heating and cooling processes, and operating temperature requirements.