Caring for milk starts on the farm. Federal, state and local inspectors ensure that the farm meets strict standards for the production of milk. The facilities, the animals, management practices and proper handling procedures are stressed. Dairy cows are bred for their ability to produce large amounts of high quality milk. The health of each cow is carefully monitored.
Cows are vaccinated and constantly monitored for disease.
An ill dairy cow does not produce high quality milk. Fieldmen from the company which buys the milk help train the farmer and monitor proper management and handling practices. Before the milk is picked up by specially trained and certified haulers, it must be inspected. The hauler checks the milk temperature, the surface of the milk and the odor. He then takes a sample for chemical and microbial analyses which will be performed at the plant.