The size of his herd, and the physical shape and dimensions of his barn affects the decision to employ the proper milking machinery. Sanitation is very important to the production of good quality milk and to the health of the herd. Consequently, it rates and receives a very high priority on the dairy farm. It calls for highly specialized equipment and careful handling. The dairy farmer must be a good businessman with an understanding of the marketplace which allows him to adjust his production practices to meet the needs of consumers.
Good bookkeeping is essential.
It is very difficult for the dairy farmer to obtain an adequate return on his large investment, and compensation for the long hours he works. Without well-kept records his business would be chaotic. The dairy farmer must continually upgrade his knowledge to keep it consistent with all of the new developments which effect the efficiency of milk production. He does this through consultation with the field staff of government and producer organizations, by the reading of specialized publications and by attendance at meetings called to discuss such matters. Although there may be several structures on the modern dairy farm such as machinery sheds and feed storage units, the principal building is the dairy barn.