Christmas Dinner

I've had a word with Sarah, she's going to save the posh frock for her next TV appearance.

Now she's got to go shopping,
Elaine.

This time next week, I'll probably be milking the cows wishing I hadn't stayed at the Christmas party until so damn late....!


Elaine.

And we will be just waking up and thinking about breakfast!

I think all that milking has gone to your head Elaine -life is not all about work you know enjoy your self a bit

Oooh believe me Martin, we have lots of fun.... at work, and at play.


Not long now,
Elaine&Reg.

One day they will produce a self milking cow,but until then it's twice a day 365 days a year,that's right isn't it Elaine?

A HERD of cows on a Taunton farm are now milking themselves. The robotic milking system installed by James Read at Pyrland Farm also means the animals can choose when they are milked rather than being rounded up at specific times. They are trained to enter a bay, where a transponder recognises individual data and a robotic arm senses where the teats are and attaches the milking cups. On completion, the robotic arm then cleans the teats and cups and returns to its stall, leaving Mr Read with detailed data on milk yields, quality and signs of ill health. The 180 cows at Pyrland Farm use the three purpose-built bays instead of the 30-year-old conventional milking parlour. The passageways between the stalls are continuously traversed by a robot mobile barn cleaner, which keep the cows’ feet clean, while they even enjoy using a back scratcher. Mr Read said: “A healthy cow is a happy cow. “This equipment allows them to milk when they choose 24/7 and delivers around 10 litres each visit over three visits each day. “They aren’t kept hanging round in collecting yards and aren’t stressed or stretched from holding too much milk. “It’s a considerable investment but the evidence is that the cows live longer, milk yields increase, they lactate more often, fertility improves, the herd is easier to manage, the farm is a cleaner place and we reduce the risk of serious infections.”

Yeah, Robotic Milking has been around for a while, but it's not quite as good as it sounds. When we milk the cows we get to see them close up twice a day, every day. This means we're able to check for illnesses, or changes in behaviour that might suggest illness, or stress within the herd.

The robotics can't detect that, and it costs helluva lot to buy & install (alongside the regular servicing costs) and when it goes wrong you have to pay a computer whizz to put it right... Trust me, it's bad enough when the computerised feeders in the parlour go down, and we can still get on with the milking then!

The Lubcloud cows are quite (some very) tame and trusting with us, because they're used to humans, but they wouldn't be if a robot milked them! So when you need to trim her tail hair, or her feet, you're dealing with 600-750kg of 'wild' cow, erm no thanks!!!

Robotics is really aimed at intensive (not organic) farming where the cows are fed growth & milk production potions every day, alongside their anti-biotics (Mmm, I wonder why humans are becoming immune to them....) and all of the other supplements they have them eat. Herd health could soon suffer on an organic farm, where they are only fed a natural diet... Unless you're going to pay someone to get the cows in for inspection twice a day, then it sort of defeats the object!
As for the cows 'living longer', intensive farms usually send their dairy cows off to become pies at around 5-6yrs old, organic farming would never dream of doing such a thing so early.... Some of the Lubcloud cows are 12 & 13yrs old, still calving, and going strong.

Some reasons why it hasn't taken off,
Elaine.

Whats self milking cows got to do with Scamps or Scamping??????????

RICK wrote:Whats self milking cows got to do with Scamps or Scamping??????????

Loads when you work on a farm, and own a Scamp!

Hoping to invite the club along to one of our events in the summer.
Elaine.

P.S Is it me, or do you only bother to come on here when you're in a bad mood?

RICK wrote:Whats self milking cows got to do with Scamps or Scamping??????????

This is a forum where people come to chat with 'friends' about anythig that they like ! It's the common interest in Scamps that bring people into this forum but once they are here there are NO rules as to what they can chat about !


Please take a chill pill and leave the members of the forum to chat about whatever they like and keep this place alive !!!!!!!!!

I think 'get a life' springs to mind. If this is the way you are trying to bring in more members to the SOC then you're going about it the wrong way.

Such a shame you won't be gracing us with your presence at the christmas do at the weekend. Was looking forward to telling you to your face what I think of you. Especially after the personal attacks I've had on here in the past year!!!!!!!!

So when's the voting open for the presidency???????????

Oooops perhaps we shouldn't have gone off on a tangent and made our milking related comments in the General section, but the milk has been split now (sorry for the pun).

I remember saying the same thing as Rick when I was Pres but life's too short and we are a happy go lucky club, you don't have to be a member of the Scamp Club but it would be nice to have new members - eveyone has the opportunity to vote at the AGM for whoever offers themselves up as a club official.

It is the season of goodwill to all men (and women), Nettie and I are looking forward to having a drink with all those coming to Kegworth this coming Saturday (snow permitting) - Happy Christmas to you all

Here, here Chaz.

I've been sick of this for a while and even i am wondering why i should bother renewing my membership next year.

It was the negativity that stopped Reg from renewing his membership for the 16th year. You just don't need it, you certainly don't get it from other car clubs...


Wishing that the club would just go back to being the happy friendly place that it used to be,
Elaine.

Right, back on track.

Is everybody ready to paaaaaaaaarty?!


E&R.

It's the common interest in Scamps that bring people into this forum but once they are here there are NO rules as to what they can chat about !

There are limits…and we’re reaching them !

common interest in Scamps

Surely that's what its all about……!

I, for one, just want this to be a forum were people can exchange views, advise and have a bit of a craic at the same time.

Again, Surely that's what its all about……!

It is the season of goodwill to all men (and women), Nettie and I are looking forward to having a drink with all those coming to Kegworth this coming Saturday (snow permitting) - Happy Christmas to you all

IMHO, Martin, your comments were very well put……and totally agree with the above.

Now lets get on with the party !

Colette and I WILL be there. Even if I have to go and borrow a 4WD tractor from my stepdad

We will be there....by hook or by crook !!!!!

Looks like i might have to get my S&M's back on my Scamp

Mk3rob wrote:
Looks like i might have to get my S&M's back on my Scamp

Please tell me you mean M&S's, or are you coming in a gimp mask?!

Myself, Reg, and Sarah will also be there.
Elaine.

Wot its not fancy dress

Its the way that i tell 'em

Accidently knocked the knob that puts the Sorento in low box this morning, wondered why I was going very slow backwards, then noticed the low box light was on - still good to know its working ok - might need it to get get to the Christmas party or the journey home at the weekend