Labor Requirements of Dairy Farms as Influenced by Milking Machines

It is the object of this bulletin to present the results of studies of the organization of dairy farms, made with special reference to the economic status of the milking machine. The use of the mechanical milker directly affects farm organization through its bearing upon the amount and distribution of labor required by the farms. In general farming labor efficiency is secured by the production of crops in combination with such other farm enterprises as will provide a nearly uniform amount of work throughout the year. There is no constant determining factor as to labor requirements. On the farm which receives the major part of its income from dairy products, however, the dairy alone is generally the determining factor. Any marked saving of labor effected on such a farm must be made in the production or handling of milk, hence the significance of the milking machine as a factor in the organization of the dairy farm.