Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1919-03-26
Clean Milk Utensils Thoroughly

Clean Milk Utensils Thoroughly
Need for thoroughly washing and
sterilizing milk utensils is shown in a
striking manner by investigation con-
Quoted by the U. s. Department of Ag-
riculture on the principal sources of
impurities in milk
Among the results announced by the
Federal dairy experts in Farmers
Bulletin 1919, "Straining Milk" are
the following:
Strainer cloths containing 35,000,-
900 bacteria per square inch have
been in use on dairy farms.
The average strainer cloth, of which
about S6 square inches is in contact
with the milk, is likely to contain
fully billion bacteria if it is not
: washed and sterlized after each milk
ing.
If the cloth is folded, the number
of bacteria is likely to be still greater.
Milk produced under conditions
where utensils were not sterlized was
found to contain more than $4,000
bacteria per cubic centimeter.
When all utensils were sterlized,
the average bacteria count was only
about $1,000 per cubic centimeter or
less than one-twentieth as many.
Bacteria in milk are not necessar-
ily Injurious to health but they reduce
its keeping quality. Cetain kinds Of
bacteria, if too numerous, also affect
its palatability. For the production
OF clean milk the Department of Agri-
culture urges strict sanitation inevery
dairy operation.
Utensils and strainer cloths should
be thoroughly washed with warm
water and washing powder, then rins-
ed in clean water and sterlized by
boiling or steaming for five minutes.
After sterilization, the utensils, in
Guiding pals, cans, strainers, and
strainer cloths, should be hung in
clean place where they will be pro-
tected from flies and dust. Milk as
it leaves the udder of healthy cows is
clean and pure and may be kept so by
following the methods outlined.
Editorial
Since the work Of the Farm Blu
reau is as broad and far reaching as
the agricultural activities of the
County it is expedient that it's work
be brought to the attention OF every
citizen in the County.
Delaware County is an agricultural
section pure and simple, and 1t be-
hooves every person whether he be
farmer, merchant or professional man
to render aid and assistance to any
movement that has for its purpose
the development Of the agricultural
resources of this County.
In order that we may all become ac-
quainted with the progress and work
of the Farm Bureau it seems exped-
lent to do this through the news
papers of the County. During the
past the County newspapers have rem
dered valuable service in co-operat-
ing with the Farm Bureau and this
has been much appreciated. Had 1t
not been for this close cooperation
during the period Of the war, Del
aware County stands out with a re-
cord for war production which no one
need be ashamed of. 1t is hoped from
time to time that the farmers of the
County may receive some inspiration
from the articles which they may
read and we trust that they will rem
der us free cooperation and advice.
Who is the County Agent?
The County Agent is not the person
that some farmers thing he is. Some
people believe he is person estab-
lished in the Couty to tell them how
to farm.
His work as manager Of the Farm
Bureau work is to play the part of the
good Samaritan and to render assist
ance where it is needed He is an
advisor who is always glad to assist
in solving various farm problems IN
so far as his ability will permit and
in cases where this is insufficient he
can secure outside assistance.
We, as farmers, are too busy to
keep posted on all the progressive
movements which are evident. You
are not the only ones who find it ex-
pedient to hire manager to work