The Importance of Consistency in Calf Barn Cleaning Protocols
When you started raising calves, it might have been for your family’s dairy, on the neighbors farm, or you decide to take a risk and start a small herd of your own. When it was just you, there was no need to communicate much with anyone else, and having everything memorized might have worked for you, but as you have expanded and added employees onto your crew, only having protocols memorized can’t be the only place they are.
We have discussed protocols in great length over the last few months, but one thing we have not discussed is the importance of consistency.
Consistency is something that gets harder and harder to do as more and more people get added to the picture, but there are a few things that are essential to making that happen.
The first thing you need to do is write them all down. It might seem annoying, but it’s the first step to getting and keeping everyone on the same page. They need to be straightforward and well defined. There shouldn’t be anything in there along the lines of “as needed” because that translates to “whenever you feel like it”. Don’t leave room for interpretation.
Secondly, you need to make sure that they are available. Some people like to have protocols with them while they learn, and it’s also a great resource for referencing when protocol drift inevitably happens. Availability also includes being in English and Spanish! If they can’t read it, they can’t use it!
They need to be simple. If the protocol takes more than one page at 12 pt font, it needs to be further divided out.
Lastly, they need to be audited regularly. Like stated above, there will be protocol drift. The faster you are able to catch it the better. There is no set timeline on audits. Some farms require weekly audits to keep everyone on track, sometimes it’s monthly. The frequency might change based on the type of people you have working for you at the time. The most important thing is that the audit is measurable, it gets recorded, and it gets discussed, good or bad! Don’t forget to give GOOD feedback. If there’s nothing wrong, that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to talk about. Tell your employees when they’re doing a good job so they know what you want!
Below is an example of our bucket washing protocol. It should be laid out so clearly that someone that has never worked in your barn could pick it up, read it, and do the job correctly.
If you are needing some help designing protocols for your calf barn, send us a message and we will work with you to create a personalized plan that fits your farm and your people!
Washing Buckets
The buckets should be soaking before you wash them. If they are not soaking, start by putting them into the tote with warm water. They need to soak or they will take too long to clean.
Set up the washing stations. The sink bay on the left needs hot water with dish soap in it.
The sink bay on the right needs clean, warm water.
The gray tote needs water with 3 pumps of DK-ll, for 3 gallons of water. Do not use more than 3 pumps, it gets the water to the correct pH to clean the buckets, any more than that and it is getting wasted.
Turn the overhead light on so you can see.
Start by washing the inside of the bucket with a green scrubbie. Do not use a brush on the inside of any buckets that are for milk. It will scratch them and they will be junk. Pay special attention to the bottom corners, that is where the most built up milk and scum is.
Use the scrubbie for the flat side of the outside of the bucket also.
Switch to the white brush and flip the bucket upside down.
Clean the bottom of the bucket and the underside of the top rim.
Flip the bucket over and clean the top side of the top rim.
Double check that you got everything cleaned.
Rinse the bucket in the clean water and immediately transfer it to the gray tote to soak in the DK-ll and water.
Spin the bucket so that all sides of the bucket are covered and put it on the shelf to dry.
DO NOT stack buckets on top of each other to store until they have dried for at least 24 hours, or until when you tip them right side up, no water comes out of the little spot where the handle was attached.
If you run out of shelf space, make a pyramid on the ground over the grate drains so that air can get up under the bottom row.
When you have the buckets cleaned, check to make sure there is nothing else that can be washed if you have extra time. Grain buckets, scoopers, water cup buckets, etc.
If not, empty the sinks and container, put the gray container on the shelf to dry.
Wash down the sinks inside and outside, clean off the table, scrub the big tote inside and out, and rinse down the floor. Make sure to move the mats out of the way, grain gets stuck in them.
Put the big tote under the table upside down to dry.
Sweep up the area. Turn off the light.